Preparation, characterization and properties of ZnO nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Jiaolian; Zhang, Xiaoming; Chen, Ruxue; Wang, Xiaohui; Zhu, Ji; Wang, Xiaomin

2017-06-01

In this paper, using the hydrothermal synthesis method, NaOH, Zn(NO3)2, anhydrous ethanol, deionized water as raw material to prepare ZnO nanomaterial, and by X ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) on the synthesis of nano materials, surface morphology and phase luminescence characterization. The results show that the nano materials synthesized for single-phase ZnO, belonging to the six wurtzite structure; material surface shaped, arranged evenly distributed, and were the top six party structure; ZnO nano materials synthesized with strong emission spectra, emission peak is located at 394nm.

Indium doped ZnO nano-powders prepared by RF thermal plasma treatment of In2O3 and ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Mi-Yeon; Song, Min-Kyung; Seo, Jun-Ho; Kim, Min-Ho

2015-06-01

Indium doped ZnO nano-powders were synthesized by the RF thermal plasma treatment of In2O3 and ZnO. For this purpose, micron-sized ZnO powder was mixed with In2O3 powder at the In/Zn ratios of 0.0, 1.2, and 2.4 at. % by ball milling for 1 h, after which the mixtures were injected into RF thermal plasma generated at the plate power level of ˜140 kV A. As observed from the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images of the RF plasma-treated powders, hexagonal prism-shaped nano-crystals were mainly obtained along with multi-pod type nano-particles, where the number of multi-pods decreased with increasing In/Zn ratios. In addition, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data for the as-treated nano-powders showed the diffraction peaks for the In2O3 present in the precursor mixture to disappear, while the crystalline peaks for the single phase of ZnO structure shifted toward lower Bragg angles. In the UV-vis absorption spectra of the as-treated powders, redshifts were also observed with increases of the In/Zn ratios. Together with the FE-SEM images and the XRD data, the redshifts were indicative of the doping process of ZnO with indium, which took place during the RF thermal plasma treatment of In2O3 and ZnO.

Nano ZnO embedded in Chitosan matrix for vibration sensor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Praveen, E.; Murugan, S.; Jayakumar, K.

2015-06-01

Biopolymer Chitosan is embedded with various concentration of ZnO nano particle and such a bio-nano composite electret has been fabricated by casting method. The morphological, structural, optical and electrical characterization of the bio-nano composite electret film have been carried out. Isolation and piezoelectric measurements of bio-nano composite have also been carried out indicating the possibility of using it as a mechanical sensor element.

ZnO Nano-Rod Devices for Intradermal Delivery and Immunization

PubMed Central

Nayak, Tapas R.; Wang, Hao; Pant, Aakansha; Zheng, Minrui; Junginger, Hans; Goh, Wei Jiang; Lee, Choon Keong; Zou, Shui; Alonso, Sylvie; Czarny, Bertrand; Storm, Gert; Sow, Chorng Haur; Lee, Chengkuo; Pastorin, Giorgia

2017-01-01

Intradermal delivery of antigens for vaccination is a very attractive approach since the skin provides a rich network of antigen presenting cells, which aid in stimulating an immune response. Numerous intradermal techniques have been developed to enhance penetration across the skin. However, these methods are invasive and/or affect the skin integrity. Hence, our group has devised zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-rods for non-destructive drug delivery. Chemical vapour deposition was used to fabricate aligned nano-rods on ZnO pre-coated silicon chips. The nano-rods’ length and diameter were found to depend on the temperature, time, quality of sputtered silicon chips, etc. Vertically aligned ZnO nano-rods with lengths of 30–35 µm and diameters of 200–300 nm were selected for in vitro human skin permeation studies using Franz cells with Albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) absorbed on the nano-rods. Fluorescence and confocal studies on the skin samples showed FITC penetration through the skin along the channels formed by the nano-rods. Bradford protein assay on the collected fluid samples indicated a significant quantity of Albumin-FITC in the first 12 h. Low antibody titres were observed with immunisation on Balb/c mice with ovalbumin (OVA) antigen coated on the nano-rod chips. Nonetheless, due to the reduced dimensions of the nano-rods, our device offers the additional advantage of excluding the simultaneous entrance of microbial pathogens. Taken together, these results showed that ZnO nano-rods hold the potential for a safe, non-invasive, and painless intradermal drug delivery. PMID:28617335

ZnO Nano-Rod Devices for Intradermal Delivery and Immunization.

PubMed

Nayak, Tapas R; Wang, Hao; Pant, Aakansha; Zheng, Minrui; Junginger, Hans; Goh, Wei Jiang; Lee, Choon Keong; Zou, Shui; Alonso, Sylvie; Czarny, Bertrand; Storm, Gert; Sow, Chorng Haur; Lee, Chengkuo; Pastorin, Giorgia

2017-06-15

Intradermal delivery of antigens for vaccination is a very attractive approach since the skin provides a rich network of antigen presenting cells, which aid in stimulating an immune response. Numerous intradermal techniques have been developed to enhance penetration across the skin. However, these methods are invasive and/or affect the skin integrity. Hence, our group has devised zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-rods for non-destructive drug delivery. Chemical vapour deposition was used to fabricate aligned nano-rods on ZnO pre-coated silicon chips. The nano-rods' length and diameter were found to depend on the temperature, time, quality of sputtered silicon chips, etc. Vertically aligned ZnO nano-rods with lengths of 30-35 µm and diameters of 200-300 nm were selected for in vitro human skin permeation studies using Franz cells with Albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) absorbed on the nano-rods. Fluorescence and confocal studies on the skin samples showed FITC penetration through the skin along the channels formed by the nano-rods. Bradford protein assay on the collected fluid samples indicated a significant quantity of Albumin-FITC in the first 12 h. Low antibody titres were observed with immunisation on Balb/c mice with ovalbumin (OVA) antigen coated on the nano-rod chips. Nonetheless, due to the reduced dimensions of the nano-rods, our device offers the additional advantage of excluding the simultaneous entrance of microbial pathogens. Taken together, these results showed that ZnO nano-rods hold the potential for a safe, non-invasive, and painless intradermal drug delivery.

Comparison of Benzene & Toluene removal from synthetic polluted air with use of Nano photocatalyticTiO2/ ZNO process.

PubMed

Gholami, Mitra; Nassehinia, Hamid Reza; Jonidi-Jafari, Ahmad; Nasseri, Simin; Esrafili, Ali

2014-02-05

Mono aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) are a group of hazardous pollutants which originate from sources such as refineries, gas, and oil extraction fields, petrochemicals and paint and glue industries.Conventional methods, including incineration, condensation, adsorption and absorption have been used for removal of VOCs. None of these methods is economical for removal of pollutants of polluted air with low to moderate concentrations. The heterogeneous photocatalytic processes involve the chemical reactions to convert pollutant to carbon dioxide and water. The aim of this paper is a comparison of Benzene & Toluene removal from synthetic polluted air using a Nano photocatalytic TiO2/ ZNO process. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that Nano crystals of TiO2 and ZNO were in anatase and rutile phases. Toluene & benzene were decomposed by TiO2/ ZNO Nano photocatalyst and UV radiation. Kruskal-wallis Test demonstrated that there are significant differences (pvalue < 0.05) between pollutant concentrations in different operational conditions. Degradation of toluene & benzene increases with increasing UV intensity and decreasing initial concentrations. Effect of TiO2/ZNO Nano photocatalyst on benzene is less than that on toluene. In this research, Toluene & benzene removal by TiO2/ZNO and UV followed first-order reactions.

Comparison of Benzene & Toluene removal from synthetic polluted air with use of Nano photocatalyticTiO2/ ZNO process

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Mono aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) are a group of hazardous pollutants which originate from sources such as refineries, gas, and oil extraction fields, petrochemicals and paint and glue industries. Conventional methods, including incineration, condensation, adsorption and absorption have been used for removal of VOCs. None of these methods is economical for removal of pollutants of polluted air with low to moderate concentrations. The heterogeneous photocatalytic processes involve the chemical reactions to convert pollutant to carbon dioxide and water. The aim of this paper is a comparison of Benzene & Toluene removal from synthetic polluted air using a Nano photocatalytic TiO2/ ZNO process. Results The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that Nano crystals of TiO2 and ZNO were in anatase and rutile phases. Toluene & benzene were decomposed by TiO2/ ZNO Nano photocatalyst and UV radiation. Kruskal-wallis Test demonstrated that there are significant differences (pvalue < 0.05) between pollutant concentrations in different operational conditions. Conclusions Degradation of toluene & benzene increases with increasing UV intensity and decreasing initial concentrations. Effect of TiO2/ZNO Nano photocatalyst on benzene is less than that on toluene. In this research, Toluene & benzene removal by TiO2/ZNO and UV followed first-order reactions. PMID:24499601

Synthesis of Nano-Zinc Oxide Loaded on Mesoporous Silica by Coordination Effect and Its Photocatalytic Degradation Property of Methyl Orange.

PubMed

Shen, Zhichuan; Zhou, Hongjun; Chen, Huayao; Xu, Hua; Feng, Chunhua; Zhou, Xinhua

2018-05-09

Salicylaldimine-modified mesoporous silica (Sal-MCM-3 and Sal-MCM-9) was prepared through a co-condensation method with different amounts of added salicylaldimine. With the coordination from the salicylaldimine, zinc ions were impregnated on Sal-MCM-3 and Sal-MCM-9. Then, Zn-Sal-MCM-3 and Zn-Sal-MCM-9 were calcined to obtain nano-zinc oxide loaded on mesoporous silica (ZnO-MCM-3 and ZnO-MCM-9). The material structures were systematically studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N₂ adsorption/desorption measurements, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet diffused reflectance spectrum (UV-vis DRS), and thermogravimetry (TGA). Methyl orange (MO) was used to investigate the photocatalysis behavior of ZnO-MCM-3 and ZnO-MCM-9. The results confirmed that nano ZnO was loaded in the channels as well as the outside surface of mesoporous silica (MCM-41). The modification of salicylaldimine helped MCM-41 to load more nano ZnO on MCM-41. When the modification amount of salicylaldimine was one-ninth and one-third of the mass of the silicon source, respectively, the load of nano ZnO on ZnO-MCM-9 and ZnO-MCM-3 had atomic concentrations of 1.27 and 2.03, respectively. ZnO loaded on ZnO-MCM-9 had a wurtzite structure, while ZnO loaded on ZnO-MCM-3 was not in the same crystalline group. The blocking effect caused by nano ZnO in the channels reduced the orderliness of MCM-41. The photodegradation of MO can be divided in two processes, which are mainly controlled by the surface areas of ZnO-MCM and the loading amount of nano ZnO, respectively. The pseudo-first-order model was more suitable for the photodegradation process.

Self-assembled Ag nanoparticle network passivated by a nano-sized ZnO layer for transparent and flexible film heaters

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

Seo, Ki-Won; Kim, Han-Ki, E-mail: imdlhkkim@khu.ac.kr; Kim, Min-Yi

2015-12-15

We investigated a self-assembled Ag nanoparticle network electrode passivated by a nano-sized ZnO layer for use in high-performance transparent and flexible film heaters (TFFHs). The low temperature atomic layer deposition of a nano-sized ZnO layer effectively filled the uncovered area of Ag network and improved the current spreading in the self-assembled Ag network without a change in the sheet resistance and optical transmittance as well as mechanical flexibility. The time-temperature profiles and heat distribution analysis demonstrate that the performance of the TFTH with the ZnO/Ag network is superior to that of a TFFH with Ag nanowire electrodes. In addition, themore » TFTHs with ZnO/Ag network exhibited better stability than the TFFH with a bare Ag network due to the effective current spreading through the nano-sized ZnO layer.« less

[Chemical modification on the surface of nano-particles of ZnO and its characterization].

PubMed

Yu, Hai-yin; Du, Jun; Gu, Jia-shan; Guan, Ming-yun; Wu, Zheng-cui; Ling, Qing; Sun, Yi-min

2004-02-01

After nano-particles (ZnO) had been encapsulated by a kind of water-soluble cellulose Hydoxyl-Propyl-Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), then methyl methacrylate was grafted onto the surface of them. Thus the surface of nano-ZnO had been successfully modified. FTIR, DTA and TEM were utilized to confirm the results. FTIR shows that HPMC was adsorbed onto the surface of ZnO, and PMMA was also grafted onto its surface, DTA says that the heat stability of HPMC, HPMC-g-PMMA and ZnO/HPMC-g-PMMA increased greatly, TEM photo demonstrates that polymer adhered onto the surface of nano-ZnO which was encapsulated by a layer of film-like polymer.

Theory and Device Modeling for Nano-Structured Transistor Channels

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

zinc oxide ( ZnO ) thin film transistors ( TFTs ) that contain nanocrystalline grains on the order of ~20nm. The authors of ref. 1 present results...problem in order to determine the threshold voltage. 15. SUBJECT TERMS nano-structured transistor , mesoscopic, zinc oxide , ZnO , field-effect...and R. Neidhard, “Microwave ZnO Thin - Film Transistors ”, IEEE Electron Dev. Lett. 29, 1024 (2008); doi: 10.1109/LED.2008.2001635.

Toxicity of nanoparticles of CuO, ZnO and TiO2 to microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.

PubMed

Aruoja, Villem; Dubourguier, Henri-Charles; Kasemets, Kaja; Kahru, Anne

2009-02-01

Toxicities of ZnO, TiO2 and CuO nanoparticles to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata were determined using OECD 201 algal growth inhibition test taking in account potential shading of light. The results showed that the shading effect by nanoparticles was negligible. ZnO nanoparticles were most toxic followed by nano CuO and nano TiO2. The toxicities of bulk and nano ZnO particles were both similar to that of ZnSO4 (72 h EC50 approximately 0.04 mg Zn/l). Thus, in this low concentration range the toxicity was attributed solely to solubilized Zn2+ ions. Bulk TiO2 (EC50=35.9 mg Ti/l) and bulk CuO (EC50=11.55 mg Cu/l) were less toxic than their nano formulations (EC50=5.83 mg Ti/l and 0.71 mg Cu/l). NOEC (no-observed-effect-concentrations) that may be used for risk assessment purposes for bulk and nano ZnO did not differ (approximately 0.02 mg Zn/l). NOEC for nano CuO was 0.42 mg Cu/l and for bulk CuO 8.03 mg Cu/l. For nano TiO2 the NOEC was 0.98 mg Ti/l and for bulk TiO2 10.1 mg Ti/l. Nano TiO2 formed characteristic aggregates entrapping algal cells that may contribute to the toxic effect of nano TiO2 to algae. At 72 h EC50 values of nano CuO and CuO, 25% of copper from nano CuO was bioavailable and only 0.18% of copper from bulk CuO. Thus, according to recombinant bacterial and yeast Cu-sensors, copper from nano CuO was 141-fold more bioavailable than from bulk CuO. Also, toxic effects of Cu oxides to algae were due to bioavailable copper ions. To our knowledge, this is one of the first systematic studies on effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on algal growth and the first describing toxic effects of nano CuO towards algae.

Electroluminescence dependence on the organic thickness in ZnO nano rods/Alq3 heterostructure devices.

PubMed

Kan, Pengzhi; Wang, Yongsheng; Zhao, Suling; Xu, Zheng; Wang, Dawei

2011-04-01

ZnO nanorods are synthesised by a hydrothermal method on ITO glass. Their crystallization and morphology are detected by XRD and SEM, respectively. The results show that the ZnO nanorod array has grown primarily along a direction aligned perpendicular to the ITO substrate. The average height and diameter of the nanorods is about 130 nm and 30 nm, respectively. Then ZnO nano rods/Alq3 heterostructure LEDs are prepared by thermal evaporation of Alq3 molecules. The thicknesses of the Alq3 layers are 130 nm, 150 nm, 170 nm and 190 nm, respectively. The electroluminescence of the devices is detected under different DC bias voltages. The exciton emission of Alq3 is detected in all devices. When the thickness of Alq3 is 130 nm, the UV electroluminescence of ZnO is around 382 nm, and defect emissions around 670 nm and 740 nm are detected. Defect emissions of ZnO nanorods are prominent. When the thickness of Alq3 increases to over 170 nm, it is difficult to observe defect emissions from the ZnO nano rods. In such devices, the exciton emission of Alq3 is more prominent than other emissions under different bias voltage.

Physicochemical and photocatalytic studies of Ln3+- ZnO for water disinfection and wastewater treatment applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Marwa M.; Asal, Saad

2017-12-01

In the present work, x mol Ln3+ modified ZnO Nano-particles (Ln = Sm3+, Eu3+ and Gd3+ ions; x = 0.008, 0.015, 0.025, 0.03 and 0.05) were synthesized by precipitation method. These Nano-particles are characterized by different advanced techniques; such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDX), UV-Visible diffuse reflectance, and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy. Doping by lanthanides improves the crystal, surface area, porosity, morphology, as well as the optical adsorption and emission of UV light properties of the prepared photo-catalysts. Photo-catalytic activity for the prepared Nano-materials was determined using both, fluorescent probe and dye methods. Results showed that the highly active Nano-particle is 0.025 Gd3+-ZnO. The highly active sample (0.025 mol Gd3+- ZnO) successfully mineralized textile dye and real refractory wastewater samples under sunlight illumination using CPC photo-reactor. Prepared photo-catalysts were also applied for water disinfection.

Nano-sized ZnO powders prepared by co-precipitation method with various pH

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

Purwaningsih, S. Y., E-mail: sriyanisaputri@gmail.com; Pratapa, S.; Triwikantoro,

2016-04-19

In this work, nano-sized ZnO powders have been synthesized by the co-precipitation method with Zn(CH3COOH)2.2H2O, HCl, and NH3.H2O as raw materials in various pH ranging from 8 to 10. The purity, microstructure, chemical group analysis, morphology of the prepared ZnO powders were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. Rietveld refinement of XRD data showed that ZnO crystallizes in the wurtzite structure with high purity. The obtained powders were nano-sized particles with the average crystallite size about 17.9 ± 2.1 nm synthesized with pH of 9.5, atmore » 85°C, and stirring time of 6 h. The SEM results have visualied the morphology of ZnO nanoparticles with spherical-like shape. The effect of processing conditions on morphology of ZnO was also discussed.« less

Hydroquinone-ZnO nano-laminate deposited by molecular-atomic layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jie; Lucero, Antonio T.; Cheng, Lanxia; Hwang, Hyeon Jun; Ha, Min-Woo; Kim, Jiyoung

2015-03-01

In this study, we have deposited organic-inorganic hybrid semiconducting hydroquinone (HQ)/zinc oxide (ZnO) superlattices using molecular-atomic layer deposition, which enables accurate control of film thickness, excellent uniformity, and sharp interfaces at a low deposition temperature (150 °C). Self-limiting growth of organic layers is observed for the HQ precursor on ZnO surface. Nano-laminates were prepared by varying the number of HQ to ZnO cycles in order to investigate the physical and electrical effects of different HQ to ZnO ratios. It is indicated that the addition of HQ layer results in enhanced mobility and reduced carrier concentration. The highest Hall mobility of approximately 2.3 cm2/V.s and the lowest n-type carrier concentration of approximately 1.0 × 1018/cm3 were achieved with the organic-inorganic superlattice deposited with a ratio of 10 ZnO cycles to 1 HQ cycle. This study offers an approach to tune the electrical transport characteristics of ALD ZnO matrix thin films using an organic dopant. Moreover, with organic embedment, this nano-laminate material may be useful for flexible electronics.

Novel nano coordination polymer based synthesis of porous ZnO hexagonal nanodisk for higher gas sorption and photocatalytic activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakibuddin, M.; Ananthakrishnan, Rajakumar

2016-01-01

Zinc(II)-based nano co-ordination polymers (NCPs) are first prepared at room temperature from three different isomers of dihydroxysalophen (DHS) ligand with Zn(OAc)2·2H2O and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (BDC) in DMF solvent. Facile calcinations of [Zn (DHS) (BDC)]·nH2O (shortly denoted as Zn(II)-based NCP) at ambient conditions produces porous ZnO hexagonal nanodisks. Moreover, a novel approach has been introduced to observe the effect of ligand of the NCP on the physico-chemical properties of the as-synthesized ZnO. The porous ZnO nanodisks are characterized by FT-IR, PXRD, TEM, FESEM, EDX and BET analysis, and the results exhibit that they possess different sizes, surface areas and porosities. Nitrogen gas sorption capacity and photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared ZnO nanodisks are also checked, and it is noticed that they differ in these physico-chemical properties due to having different porosities and surface areas. A comparative study is also done with commercially available ZnO; interestingly, the commercial ZnO exhibited lower surface area, gas sorption and photocatalytic activity compared to the ZnO nanodisks. Hence, preparation of the ZnO through the NCP route and tuning their physico-chemical properties would offer new directions in synthesis of various nano metal oxides of unique properties.

In-situ sonosynthesis of nano N-doped ZnO on wool producing fabric with photo and bio activities, cell viability and enhanced mechanical properties.

PubMed

Behzadnia, Amir; Montazer, Majid; Rad, Mahnaz Mahmoudi

2015-08-01

Here, a simple processing route is introduced for preparation of N-doped nano structure ZnO at 75-80°C using in-situ sonosynthesis method through hydrolysis of zinc acetate at pH≈9-10 adjusting with ammonia. Synthesis and fabrication of nano N-doped ZnO were carried out on the wool fabric through impregnation of the fabric in ultrasound bath using different concentrations of zinc acetate followed by curing. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the treated fabrics were assessed against two common pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and the diploid fungus namely Candida albicans. The photo-catalytic activity of nano N-doped ZnO particles on the wool fabric was determined by degradation of Methylene Blue under daylight irradiation. Increasing zinc acetate and prolonged sonication time led to higher photo-catalytic activity as more dye stain degraded from the stained treated fabric under daylight. Higher photo-catalytic activity was observed on the nano N-doped ZnO sonotreated wool fabric having more hydrophilicity. Finally, the treatment indicated no negative effect on the fabric safety while reduced alkaline solubility and yellowness even enhanced the fabric tensile strength. The response surface methodology was also utilized to optimize the wool fabric treatment conditions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dietary ZnO nanoparticles alters intestinal microbiota and inflammation response in weaned piglets

PubMed Central

Xia, Tian; Lai, Wenqing; Han, Miaomiao; Han, Meng; Ma, Xi; Zhang, Liying

2017-01-01

The present study was carried out to determine whether low dose of zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nano-ZnO) could serve as a potential substitute of pharmacological dose of traditional ZnO in weaned piglets. 180 crossbred weaning piglets were randomly assigned to 3 treatments. Experimental animals were fed basal diet supplemented with 0 mg Zn/kg (Control), 600 mg Zn/kg (Nano-ZnO) and 2000 mg Zn/kg (ZnO) for 14 days. On day 14 after weaning, the piglets fed Nano-ZnO did not differ from those fed traditional ZnO in growth performance and jejunal morphology, while Nano-ZnO treatment could significantly alleviate the incidence of diarrhea (P < 0.05). In jejunum, the mRNA expressions of intestinal antioxidant enzymes and tight junction proteins were increased (P < 0.05) in Nano-ZnO treatment. In ileum, the expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α and NF-κB were decreased (P < 0.05). Gene sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA revealed that dietary Nano-ZnO increased the bacterial richness and diversity in ileum, while decreased both of them in cecum and colon. Specifically, the relative abundances of Streptococcus in ileum, Lactobacillus in colon were increased, while the relative abundances of Lactobacillus in ileum, Oscillospira and Prevotella in colon were decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data reveal that low dose of Nano-ZnO (600 mg Zn/kg) can effectively reduce piglet diarrhea incidence, similar to high dose of traditional ZnO (2000 mg Zn/kg), which may be mediated by improving intestinal microbiota and inflammation response in piglets, and help to reduce zinc environmental pollution. PMID:29029398

On the possibility of room temperature ferromagnetism on chunk-shape BaSnO3/ZnO core/shell nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajamanickam, N.; Jayakumar, K.; Ramachandran, K.

2018-04-01

Core/shell BaSnO3/ZnO (BS-ZO) nanostructures were prepared by oxalate precipitation method and wet-chemical method. BaSnO3 (BSO) cubic perovskite structure and ZnO hexagonal wurtzite structure were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystallite sizes is 23 nm, 29 nm and 27 nm for BSO, ZnO and BS-ZO, respectively. Chunk-shape and cuboids morphology observed from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The magnetic properties were studied by VSM for bare and core-shell nano systems and the room temperature ferromagnetism observed for core-shell nanostructures. The BSO/ZnO shows enhanced coercivity and saturated magnetization as compared with BSO and ZnO nanostructures.

Diffusion, swelling, cross linkage study and mechanical properties of ZnO doped PVA/NaAlg blend polymer nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guruswamy, B.; Ravindrachary, V.; Shruthi, C.; Hegde, Shreedatta; Sagar, Rohan N.

2018-04-01

ZnO nano particles were synthesized using a chemical precipitation method. Pure and ZnO nano particle doped PVA-NaAlg blend composite films were prepared using solution casing method. Structural information of these composites was studied using FTIR. Diffusion kinetics of these polymer blend composite were studied using Flory-Huggins theory. Using these diffusion studies, cross-linking density and swelling properties of the films were analyzed. Mechanical properties of these composite are also studied.

Integrated ZnO nanoparticles on paper-based microfluidic: toward efficient analytical device for glucose detection based on impedance and FTIR measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuwono, Rio Akbar; Izdiharruddin, Mokhammad Fahmi; Wahyuono, Ruri Agung

2016-11-01

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices decorated with ZnO nanospherical (nanoSPs) aggregates (ZnO-μPAD) for glucose detection have been fabricated. ZnO nanoSPs were prepared by wet chemical synthesis and integrated on the optimized geometry of ZnO-μPAD has 0.2 and 0.4 mm of channel width and length, respectively. Glucose detection measurements were based on electrochemical and infrared transmission measurements. The glucose concentrations were adjusted as 5, 6.5, and 9 mmol, i.e. typical glucose level for normal, pre-diabetes and diabetes, in a mixture of ringer lactate as simulated biological fluid and red blood cells. ZnO nanoSPs in this study possess an average aggregate size of 160 nm formed by clustered 18 nm crystallite size and ordered porous matrix as well as a surface area of 15 m2·g-1.The separation process of the glucose sample on ZnO-μPAD requires approximately 45 s. The glucose detection results show that both electrochemical-based and FTIR-based measurements perform a linear measurement system (R2 of 0.81 to 0.99) with a relatively high sensitivity. A linearly decreasing impedance spanning from 2.2 - 0.6 Ohm and linearly increasing ΔIR transmission spanning from 3 - 19% are obtained for glucose level ranging from 5 - 9 mmol.

Sorption, dissolution and pH determine the long-term equilibration and toxicity of coated and uncoated ZnO nanoparticles in soil.

PubMed

Waalewijn-Kool, Pauline L; Diez Ortiz, Maria; van Straalen, Nico M; van Gestel, Cornelis A M

2013-07-01

To assess the effect of long-term dissolution on bioavailability and toxicity, triethoxyoctylsilane coated and uncoated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP), non-nano ZnO and ZnCl2 were equilibrated in natural soil for up to twelve months. Zn concentrations in pore water increased with time for all ZnO forms but peaked at intermediate concentrations of ZnO-NP and non-nano ZnO, while for coated ZnO-NP such a clear peak only was seen after 12 months. Dose-related increases in soil pH may explain decreased soluble Zn levels due to fixation of Zn released from ZnO at higher soil concentrations. At T = 0 uncoated ZnO-NP and non-nano ZnO were equally toxic to the springtail Folsomia candida, but not as toxic as coated ZnO-NP, and ZnCl2 being most toxic. After three months equilibration toxicity to F. candida was already reduced for all Zn forms, except for coated ZnO-NP which showed reduced toxicity only after 12 months equilibration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nanoscale strengthening mechanisms in metallic thin film systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schoeppner, Rachel Lynn

Nano-scale strengthening mechanisms for thin films were investigated for systems governed by two different strengthening techniques: nano-laminate strengthening and oxide dispersion strengthening. Films were tested under elevated temperature conditions to investigate changes in deformation mechanisms at different operating temperatures, and the structural stability. Both systems exhibit remarkable stability after annealing and thus long-term reliability. Nano-scale metallic multilayers with smaller layer thicknesses show a greater relative resistance to decreasing strength at higher temperature testing conditions than those with larger layer thicknesses. This is seen in both Cu/Ni/Nb multilayers as well as a similar tri-component bi-layer system (Cu-Ni/Nb), which removed the coherent interface from the film. Both nanoindentation and micro-pillar compression tests investigated the strain-hardening ability of these two systems to determine what role the coherent interface plays in this mechanism. Tri-layer films showed a higher strain-hardening ability as the layer thickness decreased and a higher strain-hardening exponent than the bi-layer system: verifying the presence of a coherent interface increases the strain-hardening ability of these multilayer systems. Both systems exhibited hardening of the room temperature strength after annealing, suggesting a change in microstructure has occurred, unlike that seen in other multilayer systems. Oxide dispersion strengthened Au films showed a marked increase in hardness and wear resistance with the addition of ZnO particles. The threshold for stress-induced grain-refinement as opposed to grain growth is seen at concentrations of at least 0.5 vol%. These systems exhibited stable microstructures during thermal cycling in films containing at least 1.0%ZnO. Nanoindentation experiments show the drop in hardness following annealing is almost completely attributed to the resulting grain growth. Four-point probe resistivity measurements on annealed films showed a significant drop in resistivity for the higher concentration ZnO films, which is proposed to be the result of a change in the particle-matrix interface structure. A model connecting the hardness and resistivity as a function of ZnO concentration has been developed based on the assumption that the impact of nm-scale ZnO precipitates on the mechanical and electrical behavior of Au films is likely dominated by a transition from semi-coherent to incoherent interfaces.

Efficiency enhancement of ZnO nanostructure assisted Si solar cell based on fill factor enlargement and UV-blue spectral down-shifting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholizadeh, A.; Reyhani, A.; Parvin, P.; Mortazavi, S. Z.

2017-05-01

ZnO nanostructures (including nano-plates and nano-rods (NRs)) are grown in various temperatures and Ar/O2 flow rates using thermal chemical vapor deposition, which affect the structure, nano-plate/NR population, and the quality of ZnO nanostructures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) attests that the peak intensity of the crystallographic plane (1 0 0) is correlated to nano-plate abundance. Moreover, optical properties elucidate that the population of nano-plates in samples strongly affect the band gap, binding energy of the exciton, and UV-visible (UV-vis) absorption and spectral luminescence emissions. In fact, the exciton binding energy reduces from ~100 to 80 meV when the population of nano-plates increases in samples. Photovoltaic characteristics based on the drop-casting on Si solar cells reveals three dominant factors, namely, the equivalent series resistance, decreasing reflectance, and down-shifting, in order to scale up the absolute efficiency by 3%. As a consequence, the oxygen vacancies in ZnO nanostructures give rise to the down-shifting and increase of free-carriers, leading to a reduction in the equivalent series resistance and an enlargement of fill factor. To obtain a larger I sc, reduction of spectral reflectance is essential; however, the down-shifting process is shown to be dominant by lessening the surface electron-hole recombination rate over the UV-blue spectral range.

Improved efficiency of ZnO hierarchical particle based dye sensitized solar cell by incorporating thin passivation layer in photo-anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Priyanka; Mondal, Biswanath; Mukherjee, Kalisadhan

2018-01-01

Present article describes the DSSC performances of photo-anodes prepared using hydrothermal route derived ZnO particles having dissimilar morphologies i.e. simple micro-rod and nano-tips decorated micro-rod. The surface of nano-tips decorated micro-rod is uneven and patterned which facilitate more dye adsorption and better scattering of the incident light resulting superior photo-conversion efficiency (PCE) ( η 1.09%) than micro-rod ZnO ( η 0.86%). To further improve the efficiency of nano-tips decorated micro-rod ZnO based DSSC, thin passivation layer of ZnO is introduced in the corresponding photo-anode and a higher PCE ( η 1.29%) is achieved. The compact thin passivation layer here expedites the transportation of photo-excited electrons, restricts the undesired recombination reactions and prevents the direct contact of electrolyte with conducting substrates. Attempt is made to understand the effect of passivation layer on the transportation kinetics of photo-excited electrons by analyzing the electrochemical impedance spectra of the developed cells.

Self-organized semiconductor nano-network on graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, Dabin; Kim, Sang Jin; Lee, Seungmin; Bae, Sukang; Kim, Tae-Wook; Kang, Jae-Wook; Lee, Sang Hyun

2017-04-01

A network structure consisting of nanomaterials with a stable structural support and charge path on a large area is desirable for various electronic and optoelectronic devices. Generally, network structures have been fabricated via two main strategies: (1) assembly of pre-grown nanostructures onto a desired substrate and (2) direct growth of nanomaterials onto a desired substrate. In this study, we utilized the surface defects of graphene to form a nano-network of ZnO via atomic layer deposition (ALD). The surface of pure and structurally perfect graphene is chemically inert. However, various types of point and line defects, including vacancies/adatoms, grain boundaries, and ripples in graphene are generated by growth, chemical or physical treatments. The defective sites enhance the chemical reactivity with foreign atoms. ZnO nanoparticles formed by ALD were predominantly deposited at the line defects and agglomerated with increasing ALD cycles. Due to the formation of the ZnO nano-network, the photocurrent between two electrodes was clearly changed under UV irradiation as a result of the charge transport between ZnO and graphene. The line patterned ZnO/graphene (ZnO/G) nano-network devices exhibit sensitivities greater than ten times those of non-patterned structures. We also confirmed the superior operation of a fabricated flexible photodetector based on the line patterned ZnO/G nano-network.

ZnO nanoparticles obtained by ball milling technique: Structural, micro-structure, optical and photo-catalytic properties

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

Balamurugan, S., E-mail: scandium.chemistry@gmail.com; Joy, Josny; Godwin, M. Anto

The ZnO nanoparticles were obtained by ball milling of commercial grade ZnO powder at 250 rpm for 20 h and studied their structural, micro-structure, optical and photo-catalytic properties. Due to ball milling significant decrease in lattice parameters and average crystalline size is noticed for the as-milled ZnO nano powder. The HRSEM images of the as-milled powder consist of agglomerated fine spherical nanoparticles in the range of ~10-20 nm. The room temperature PL spectrum of as-milled ZnO nano powder excited under 320 nm reveals two emission bands at ~406 nm (violet emission) and ~639 nm (green emission). Interestingly about 98 % of photo degradation of methylene (MB)more » by the ZnO catalyst is achieved at 100 minutes of solar light irradiation.« less

Synthesis of supported silver nano-spheres on zinc oxide nanorods for visible light photocatalytic applications

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

Saoud, Khaled; Alsoubaihi, Rola; Bensalah, Nasr

Highlights: • Synthesis of supported Ag NPs on ZnO nanorods using open vessel microwave reactor. • Use of the Ag/ZnO NPs as an efficient visible light photocatalyst. • Complete degradation of methylene blue in 1 h with 0.5 g/L Ag/ZnO NPs. - Abstract: We report the synthesis of silver (Ag) nano-spheres (NS) supported on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods through two step mechanism, using open vessel microwave reactor. Direct reduction of ZnO from zinc nitrates was followed by deposition precipitation of the silver on the ZnO nanorods. The supported Ag/ZnO nanoparticles were then characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, photoluminescencemore » and UV–vis spectroscopy. The visible light photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO system was investigated using a test contaminant, methylene blue (MB). Almost complete removal of MB in about 60 min for doses higher than 0.5 g/L of the Ag/ZnO photocatalyst was achieved. This significant improvement in the photocatalytic efficiency of Ag/ZnO photocatalyst under visible light irradiation can be attributed to the presence of Ag nanoparticles on the ZnO nanoparticles which greatly enhances absorption in the visible range of solar spectrum enabled by surface plasmon resonance effect from Ag nanoparticles.« less

Effect of Temperature, Precursor Type and Dripping Time on the Crystallite Size of Nano ZnO Obtained by One-Pot Synthesis: 2 k Full Factorial Design Analysis.

PubMed

Machado, Morgana de Medeiros; Savi, Bruna Martinello; Perucchi, Mariana Borges; Benedetti, Alessandro; Oliveira, Luis Felipe Silva; Bernardin, Adriano Michael

2018-06-01

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of temperature, precursor and dripping time on the crystallite size of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by controlled precipitation according a 2k full factorial design. ZnCl2, Zn(NO3)2 and NaOH were used as precursors. After synthesis, the nano crystalline powder was characterized by XRD (Cu Kα), UV-Vis, and HR-TEM. The nano ZnO particles presented a crystallite size between 210 and 260 Å (HR-TEM and XRD). The results show that the crystallite size depends on the type of precursor and temperature of synthesis, but not on the dripping time.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles as a substitute for zinc oxide or colistin sulfate: Effects on growth, serum enzymes, zinc deposition, intestinal morphology and epithelial barrier in weaned piglets

PubMed Central

Zhang, Ligen; Su, Weipeng; Ying, Zhixiong; He, Jintian; Zhang, Lili; Zhong, Xiang; Wang, Tian

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnOs) as a substitute for colistin sulfate (CS) and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, serum enzymes, zinc deposition, intestinal morphology and epithelial barrier in weaned piglets. A total of 216 crossbred Duroc×(Landrace×Yorkshire) piglets weaned at 23 days were randomly assigned into 3 groups, which were fed with basal diets supplemented with 20 mg/kg CS (CS group), 20mg/kg CS+3000 mg/kg ZnO (CS+ZnO group), and 1200 mg/kg nano-ZnOs (nano-ZnO group) for 14 days. Results indicated that compared to CS group, supplementation of 1200 mg/kg nano-ZnOs (about 30 nm) significantly increased final body weight and average daily gain, and 3000 mg/kg ZnO plus colistin sulfate significantly increased average daily gain and decreased diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. There was no significant difference in growth performance and diarrhea rate between nano-ZnO and CS+ZnO groups. Supplementation of nano-ZnOs did not affect serum enzymes (glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase), but significantly increased plasma and tissue zinc concentrations (liver, tibia), improved intestinal morphology (increased duodenal and ileal villus length, crypt depth, and villus surface), enhanced mRNA expression of ZO-1 in ileal mucosa, and significantly decreased diamine oxidase activity in plasma, total aerobic bacterial population in MLN as compared to CS group. Effects of nano-ZnOs on serum enzymes, intestinal morphology, and mRNA expressions of tight junction were similar to those of high dietary ZnO plus colistin sulfate, while nano-ZnOs significantly reduced zinc concentrations of liver, tibia, and feces, and decreased total aerobic bacterial population in MLN as compared to CS+ZnO group. These results suggested that nano-ZnOs (1200 mg/kg) might be used as a substitute for colistin sulfate and high dietary ZnO in weaned piglets. PMID:28704517

Zinc oxide nanoparticles as a substitute for zinc oxide or colistin sulfate: Effects on growth, serum enzymes, zinc deposition, intestinal morphology and epithelial barrier in weaned piglets.

PubMed

Wang, Chao; Zhang, Ligen; Su, Weipeng; Ying, Zhixiong; He, Jintian; Zhang, Lili; Zhong, Xiang; Wang, Tian

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnOs) as a substitute for colistin sulfate (CS) and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, serum enzymes, zinc deposition, intestinal morphology and epithelial barrier in weaned piglets. A total of 216 crossbred Duroc×(Landrace×Yorkshire) piglets weaned at 23 days were randomly assigned into 3 groups, which were fed with basal diets supplemented with 20 mg/kg CS (CS group), 20mg/kg CS+3000 mg/kg ZnO (CS+ZnO group), and 1200 mg/kg nano-ZnOs (nano-ZnO group) for 14 days. Results indicated that compared to CS group, supplementation of 1200 mg/kg nano-ZnOs (about 30 nm) significantly increased final body weight and average daily gain, and 3000 mg/kg ZnO plus colistin sulfate significantly increased average daily gain and decreased diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. There was no significant difference in growth performance and diarrhea rate between nano-ZnO and CS+ZnO groups. Supplementation of nano-ZnOs did not affect serum enzymes (glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase), but significantly increased plasma and tissue zinc concentrations (liver, tibia), improved intestinal morphology (increased duodenal and ileal villus length, crypt depth, and villus surface), enhanced mRNA expression of ZO-1 in ileal mucosa, and significantly decreased diamine oxidase activity in plasma, total aerobic bacterial population in MLN as compared to CS group. Effects of nano-ZnOs on serum enzymes, intestinal morphology, and mRNA expressions of tight junction were similar to those of high dietary ZnO plus colistin sulfate, while nano-ZnOs significantly reduced zinc concentrations of liver, tibia, and feces, and decreased total aerobic bacterial population in MLN as compared to CS+ZnO group. These results suggested that nano-ZnOs (1200 mg/kg) might be used as a substitute for colistin sulfate and high dietary ZnO in weaned piglets.

REVIEW ARTICLE: Structure, microstructure and physical properties of ZnO based materials in various forms: bulk, thin film and nano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Shubra; Thiyagarajan, P.; Mohan Kant, K.; Anita, D.; Thirupathiah, S.; Rama, N.; Tiwari, Brajesh; Kottaisamy, M.; Ramachandra Rao, M. S.

2007-10-01

ZnO is a unique material that offers about a dozen different application possibilities. In spite of the fact that the ZnO lattice is amenable to metal ion doping (3d and 4f), the physics of doping in ZnO is not completely understood. This paper presents a review of previous research works on ZnO and also highlights results of our research activities on ZnO. The review pertains to the work on Al and Mg doping for conductivity and band gap tuning in ZnO followed by a report on transition metal (TM) ion doped ZnO. This review also highlights the work on the transport and optical studies of TM ion doped ZnO, nanostructured growth (ZnO polycrystalline and thin films) by different methods and the formation of unique nano- and microstructures obtained by pulsed laser deposition and chemical methods. This is followed by results on ZnO encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles that show promising trends suitable for various applications. We have also reviewed the non-linear characteristic studies of ZnO based heterostructures followed by an analysis on the work carried out on ZnO based phosphors, which include mainly the nanocrystalline ZnO encapsulated SiO2, a new class of phosphor that is suitable for white light emission.

Cd-doped ZnO nano crystalline thin films prepared at 723K by spray pyrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joishy, Sumanth; Rajendra B., V.

2018-04-01

Ternary Zn1-xCdxO(x=0.10, 0.40, 0.70 at.%) thin films of 0.025M precursor concentration have been successfully deposited on preheated (723K) glass substrates using spray pyrolysis route. The structure, morphology and optical properties of deposited films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and UV-Visible spectrophotometry. X-ray diffraction study shows that the prepared films are polycrystalline in nature. 10% Cd doped ZnO film belongs to the hexagonal wurtzite system and 70% Cd doped ZnO film belongs to the cubic system, although mixed phases were formed for 40% Cd doped ZnO film. The optical transmittance spectra has shown red shift with increasing cadmium content. Optical energy band gap has been reduced with cadmium dopant.

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.

Synthesis of nano-sized ZnO particles by co-precipitation method with variation of heating time

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

Purwaningsih, S. Y., E-mail: sriyanisaputri@gmail.com; Pratapa, S.; Triwikantoro

Zinc oxide powders have been synthesized by a co-precipitation method at low temperature (85 °C), using zinc acetate dihydrate, ammonia, hydrochloric acid solutions as the reactants. A number of process parameters such as reaction temperature, solution basicity or pH and heating time are the main factors affecting the morphology and physical properties of the ZnO nanostructures. In this work the effect of heating time on the morphology and particles size were studied. The as-synthesized ZnO powders were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The samples were also analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Rietveld refinementmore » of XRD data confirms that ZnO crystallizes in the hexagonal wurtzite structure with high degree of purity and the (101) plane predominant. The XRD results show that the average crystallite sizes were about 66, 27 and 12 nm for 3, 4 and 5 h of heating times, respectively. The XRD analysis indicated that a fraction of nano-sized ZnO powders were in the form of aggregates, which was also verified by TEM image. The TEM photograph demonstrated that the nano-sized ZnO particles were a pseudo-spherical shape.« less

Design Concepts, Fabrication and Advanced Characterization Methods of Innovative Piezoelectric Sensors Based on ZnO Nanowires.

PubMed

Araneo, Rodolfo; Rinaldi, Antonio; Notargiacomo, Andrea; Bini, Fabiano; Pea, Marialilia; Celozzi, Salvatore; Marinozzi, Franco; Lovat, Giampiero

2014-12-08

Micro- and nano-scale materials and systems based on zinc oxide are expected to explode in their applications in the electronics and photonics, including nano-arrays of addressable optoelectronic devices and sensors, due to their outstanding properties, including semiconductivity and the presence of a direct bandgap, piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity and biocompatibility. Most applications are based on the cooperative and average response of a large number of ZnO micro/nanostructures. However, in order to assess the quality of the materials and their performance, it is fundamental to characterize and then accurately model the specific electrical and piezoelectric properties of single ZnO structures. In this paper, we report on focused ion beam machined high aspect ratio nanowires and their mechanical and electrical (by means of conductive atomic force microscopy) characterization. Then, we investigate the suitability of new power-law design concepts to accurately model the relevant electrical and mechanical size-effects, whose existence has been emphasized in recent reviews.

Design Concepts, Fabrication and Advanced Characterization Methods of Innovative Piezoelectric Sensors Based on ZnO Nanowires

PubMed Central

Araneo, Rodolfo; Rinaldi, Antonio; Notargiacomo, Andrea; Bini, Fabiano; Pea, Marialilia; Celozzi, Salvatore; Marinozzi, Franco; Lovat, Giampiero

2014-01-01

Micro- and nano-scale materials and systems based on zinc oxide are expected to explode in their applications in the electronics and photonics, including nano-arrays of addressable optoelectronic devices and sensors, due to their outstanding properties, including semiconductivity and the presence of a direct bandgap, piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity and biocompatibility. Most applications are based on the cooperative and average response of a large number of ZnO micro/nanostructures. However, in order to assess the quality of the materials and their performance, it is fundamental to characterize and then accurately model the specific electrical and piezoelectric properties of single ZnO structures. In this paper, we report on focused ion beam machined high aspect ratio nanowires and their mechanical and electrical (by means of conductive atomic force microscopy) characterization. Then, we investigate the suitability of new power-law design concepts to accurately model the relevant electrical and mechanical size-effects, whose existence has been emphasized in recent reviews. PMID:25494351

Fabrication of 1-dimension nano-material-based device and its electrical characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xing; Zhou, Zhaoying; Zheng, Fuzhong; Zhang, Min

2008-12-01

In recent years, many kinds of 1-dimension nano-materials (Carbon nanotube, ZnO nanobelt and nanowire etc.) continue to emerge which exhibit distinct and unique electromechanical, piezoelectric, photoelectrical properties. In this paper, a 1-dimension nano-materials-based device was proposed. The bottom-up and top-down combined process were used for constructing CNT-array-based device and ZnO nanowire device. The electrical characteristics of the 1D nano-materials-based devices were also investigated. The measurement results of electrical characteristics demonstrate that it is ohm electrical contact behavior between the nano-material and micro-electrodes in the proposed device which also have the field effect. The proposed 1D nano-material-based device shows the application potential in the sensing fields.

Preparation and characterization of PVP-PVA–ZnO blend polymer nano composite films

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

Divya, S., E-mail: divi.fysics@gmail.com; Saipriya, G.; Hemalatha, J., E-mail: hemalatha@nitt.edu

Flexible self-standing films of PVP-PVA blend composites are prepared by using ZnO as a nano filler at different concentrations. The structural, compositional, morphological and optical studies made with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectra are presented in this paper. The results of XRD indicate that ZnO nanoparticles are formed with hexagonal phase in the polymeric matrix. SEM images show the dispersion of ZnO nano filler in the polymer matrix. UV–vis spectra reveal that the absorption peak is centered around 235more » nm and 370 nm for the nano composite films. The blue shift is observed with decrease in the concentration of the nano filler. PL spectra shows the excitation wavelength is given at 320 nm.The emission peaks were observed at 383 nm ascribing to the electronic transitions between valence band and conduction band and the peak at 430 nm.« less

Multi-tip nano-prisms: Controlled growth and emission enhancement properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ming; Meng, Cong; Xue, Zheng-Hong; Xiong, Xiang; Shu, Da-Jun; Peng, Ru-Wen; Wu, Qiang; Hu, Zheng; Wang, Mu

2013-10-01

We report here the experimental observations that the tip topography of ZnO nano-prisms sensitively depends on the percentage of oxygen in the flux of the carrying gas in vapor growth. At a relatively high oxygen concentration, a number of thin filaments can be nucleated atop nano-prisms, forming a unique fish-spear-like multi-tip morphology. The length and density of the “spear tines” depend on the flux of the carrying gas. The field emission properties of the nanorod array with different tip morphology are investigated. The structures with longer and denser spear tines possess lower turn-on electric field and higher electric current density. The cathodoluminescence properties of the ZnO nano-prisms have also been studied. The luminescence related to defects in multi-tip nano-prisms possesses the strongest intensity, and the nanorod without any tine structure possesses the lowest defect luminescence intensity. The intrinsic luminescence of ZnO around 385 nm, however, has the opposite tendency. We suggest that our observation is inspiring in optimizing the emission properties of the nanowire devices.

Nano-engineering of p-n CuFeO2-ZnO heterojunction photoanode with improved light absorption and charge collection for photoelectrochemical water oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karmakar, Keshab; Sarkar, Ayan; Mandal, Kalyan; Gopal Khan, Gobinda

2017-08-01

The effective utilization of abundant visible solar light for photoelectrochemical water splitting is a green approach for energy harvesting, to reduce the enormous rise of carbon content in the atmosphere. Here, a novel efficient design strategy for p-n type nano-heterojunction photoanodes is demonstrated, with the goal of improving water splitting efficiency by growing low band gap p-CuFeO2 nanolayers on n-ZnO nanorods by an easy and scalable electrochemical route. The photoconversion efficiency of p-n CuFeO2/ZnO photoanodes is found to be ˜450% higher than that of pristine ZnO nanorod electrodes under visible solar light illumination (λ > 420 nm, intensity 10 mW cm-2). The p-n CuFeO2/ZnO nano-engineering not only boosts the visible light absorption but also resolves limitations regarding effective charge carrier separation and transportation due to interfacial band alignment. This photoanode also shows remarkably enhanced stability, where the formation of p-n nano-heterojunction enhances the easy migration of holes to the electrode/electrolyte interface, and of electrons to the counter electrode (Pt) for hydrogen generation. Therefore, this work demonstrates that p-n nano-engineering is a potential strategy to design light-harvesting electrodes for water splitting and clean energy generation.

EFFECTS OF Au ON THE GROWTH OF ZnO NANOSTRUCTURES ON Si BY MOCVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cong, Chen; Fan, Lu Yang; Ping, He Hai; Wei, Wu Ke; Zhen, Ye Zhi

2013-06-01

The effects of Au on the growth of ZnO nanostructures on Si by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at a relatively low temperature (450°C) were investigated. The experimental results showed that Au nanoparticles played a critical role during the growth of the ZnO nanostructures and affected their morphology and optical properties. It was found that Au nanoparticles particularly affected the nucleation of ZnO nanostructures during the growth process and the Au-assisted growth mechanism of ZnO nanostructures should be ascribed to the vapor-solid (VS) mechanism. The formation of a nanoneedle may be attributed to a more reactive interface between Au and ZnO, which leads to more zinc gaseous species absorbed near the interface. Different nucleation sites on ZnO nuclei resulted in the disorder of ZnO nanoneedles. Moreover, the crystalline quality of nano-ZnO was improved due to the presence of Au, according to the smaller full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the low-temperature exciton emission. We confirmed that ZnO nanoneedles showed better crystalline quality than ZnO nanorods through the HRTEM images and the SAED patterns. The reason for the improvement of the crystalline quality of nano-ZnO may be due to the less lattice mismatch.

Experimental study of optical and electrical properties of ZnO nano composites electrodeposited on n-porous silicon substrate for photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selmane, Naceur; Cheknane, Ali; Gabouze, Nourddine; Maloufi, Nabila; Aillerie, Michel

2017-11-01

ZnO films deposited on silicon porous substrates (PS) were prepared by electro-deposition anodization on n type (100) silicon wafer. This ZnO/PS structure combines substrates having specific structural and optical properties (IR emission), with nano-composites of ZnO potentially interesting due to their functional properties (UV emission) to be integrated as constitutive elements of devices in various optoelectronic applications mainly in blue light emitters. With this combined structure, the blue shift in the PL peak is possible and easy to obtain (467nm). The vibration modes of PS and ZnO films on PS substrates (ZnO /PS) were investigated by infrared (FTIR) measurements and their behaviors were analyzed and discussed by considering the structural properties characterized by X-ray diffraction (DRX) and scanning electronic microscopy (MEB).

Effect of Ce doping on structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nano-structures.

PubMed

Selvam, N Clament Sagaya; Vijaya, J Judith; Kennedy, L John

2014-03-01

A novel self-assembled pure and Ce doped ZnO nano-particles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by a simple low temperature co-precipitation method. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), High resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The results indicated that the prepared photocatalysts shows a novel morphology, high crystallinity, uniform size distribution, and more defects. Photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of nonylphenol, a potent endocrine disrupting chemical in aqueous medium was investigated. Higher amount of oxygen defects exhibits enhanced PCD of nonylphenol. In addition, the influence of the Ce contents on the structure, morphology, absorption, emission and photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated systematically. The relative PCD efficiency of pure ZnO, Ce-doped ZnO NPs and commercial TiO2 (Degussa P-25) have also been discussed.

Piezo-phototronic effect enhanced photo-detector based on ZnO nano-arrays/NiO structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jingchang; Li, Peida; Gao, Ruixue; Lu, Xue; Li, Chengren; Lang, Yueyi; Zhang, Xiwen; Bian, Jiming

2018-01-01

A photo-detector with n-ZnO nano-arrays/p-NiO film structure was synthesized on flexible Ni foil substrate. In contrast to conventional detectors that detect only the photon energies greater than the band gap of working materials, the visible light with smaller photon energies (3.0 eV) than the band gap of both ZnO (3.3 eV) and NiO (3.7 eV) can be sensitively detected by this detector due to the spatially indirect type-II transition between ZnO nano-arrays and NiO film. The increase in output currents of the photo-detector with illumination density was observed at both forward and reverse bias, and it can be further enhanced by exerting external compressive strain along the c axis of ZnO nano-arrays by piezo-phototronic effect. A maximum enhancement of 1020% of the responsivity (R) was achieved under external compressive strain. The similar behaviors were demonstrated at four different excitation wavelengths (325, 365, 388 and 405 nm), providing compelling evidence that the responses performance of the photo-detector can be effectively enhanced using piezo-phototronic effect. Moreover, the piezo-phototronic effect enhanced performance can be well elucidated by the corresponding energy band diagram.

Carbon nanofibers wrapped with zinc oxide nano-flakes as promising electrode material for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Pant, Bishweshwar; Park, Mira; Ojha, Gunendra Prasad; Park, Juhyeong; Kuk, Yun-Su; Lee, Eun-Jung; Kim, Hak-Yong; Park, Soo-Jin

2018-07-15

A combination of electrospinning technique and hydrothermal process was carried out to fabricate zinc oxide nano-flakes wrapped carbon nanofibers (ZnO/CNFs) composite as an effective electrode material for supercapacitor. The morphology of the as-synthesized composite clearly revealed that the carbon nanofibers were successfully wrapped with ZnO nano-flakes. The electrochemical performance of the as-synthesized nanocomposite electrode was evaluated by the cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GDC), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and compared with the pristine ZnO nanofibers. It was found that the composite exhibited a higher specific capacitance (260 F/g) as compared to pristine ZnO NFs (118 F/g) at the scan rate of 5 mV/s. Furthermore, the ZnO/CNFs composite also exhibited good capacity retention (73.33%). The obtained results indicated great potential applications of ZnO/CNFs composite in developing energy storage devices with high energy and power densities. The present work might provide a new route for utilizing ZnO based composites for energy storage applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of dietary zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth performance and antioxidative status in broilers.

PubMed

Zhao, Cui-Yan; Tan, Shu-Xian; Xiao, Xi-Yu; Qiu, Xian-Shuai; Pan, Jia-Qiang; Tang, Zhao-Xin

2014-09-01

Broilers in four groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 60 mg/kg zinc oxide (60-ZnO; control), or 20, 60, or 100 mg/kg ZnO nanoparticles (20-, 60-, and 100-nano-ZnO, respectively). Compared with the controls, after 14 days, birds in the 20- and 60-nano-ZnO groups had significantly greater weight gains and better feed conversion ratios. However, the body weight of birds in the 100-nano-ZnO group was dramatically reduced after 28 days. Relative to the control group, the total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in serum and liver tissue was significantly higher in the 20-nano-ZnO group at all time points and also significantly higher in the 60- and 100-nano-ZnO groups in serum on days 28 and 35 and in liver tissues on days 21 and 28. Compared with the controls, the activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn-SOD) was significantly greater in the 60- and 100-nano-ZnO groups in serum on days 28 and 35 and in liver tissues after 21 days. Catalase activity in serum samples was significantly higher in the 20- and 60-nano-ZnO groups relative to the control and 100-nano-ZnO birds, but catalase activity in liver tissue was not affected by different nano-ZnO levels. Malondialdehyde content in serum and liver tissues was significantly reduced in the 20-, 60-, and 100-nano-ZnO groups compared with that in the control group at all time points except day 42. Taken together, our data indicate that appropriate concentration of dietary ZnO nanoparticles improves growth performance and antioxidative capabilities in broilers, and 20 mg/kg nano-ZnO is the optimal concentration.

The pH Response and Sensing Mechanism of n-Type ZnO/Electrolyte Interfaces

PubMed Central

Al-Hilli, Safaa; Willander, Magnus

2009-01-01

Ever since the discovery of the pH-sensing properties of ZnO crystals, researchers have been exploring their potential in electrochemical applications. The recent expansion and availability of chemical modification methods has made it possible to generate a new class of electrochemically active ZnO nanorods. This reduction in size of ZnO (to a nanocrystalline form) using new growth techniques is essentially an example of the nanotechnology fabrication principle. The availability of these ZnO nanorods opens up an entire new and exciting research direction in the field of electrochemical sensing. This review covers the latest advances and mechanism of pH-sensing using ZnO nanorods, with an emphasis on the nano-interface mechanism. We discuss methods for calculating the effect of surface states on pH-sensing at a ZnO/electrolyte interface. All of these current research topics aim to explain the mechanism of pH-sensing using a ZnO bulk- or nano-scale single crystal. An important goal of these investigations is the translation of these nanotechnology-modified nanorods into potential novel applications. PMID:22423211

The pH Response and Sensing Mechanism of n-Type ZnO/Electrolyte Interfaces.

PubMed

Al-Hilli, Safaa; Willander, Magnus

2009-01-01

Ever since the discovery of the pH-sensing properties of ZnO crystals, researchers have been exploring their potential in electrochemical applications. The recent expansion and availability of chemical modification methods has made it possible to generate a new class of electrochemically active ZnO nanorods. This reduction in size of ZnO (to a nanocrystalline form) using new growth techniques is essentially an example of the nanotechnology fabrication principle. The availability of these ZnO nanorods opens up an entire new and exciting research direction in the field of electrochemical sensing. This review covers the latest advances and mechanism of pH-sensing using ZnO nanorods, with an emphasis on the nano-interface mechanism. We discuss methods for calculating the effect of surface states on pH-sensing at a ZnO/electrolyte interface. All of these current research topics aim to explain the mechanism of pH-sensing using a ZnO bulk- or nano-scale single crystal. An important goal of these investigations is the translation of these nanotechnology-modified nanorods into potential novel applications.

Effects of serum on cytotoxicity of nano- and micro-sized ZnO particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiao, I.-Lun; Huang, Yuh-Jeen

2013-09-01

Although an increasing number of in vitro studies are being published regarding the cytotoxicity of nanomaterials, the components of the media for toxicity assays have often varied according to the needs of the scientists. Our aim for this study was to evaluate the influence of serum—in this case, fetal bovine serum—in a cell culture medium on the toxicity of nano-sized (50-70 nm) and micro-sized (<1 μm) ZnO on human lung epithelial cells (A549). The nano- and micro-sized ZnO both exhibited their highest toxicity when exposed to serum-free media, in contrast to exposure in media containing 5 or 10 % serum. This mainly comes not only from the fact that ZnO particles in the serum-free media have a higher dosage-per-cell ratio, which results from large aggregates of particles, rapid sedimentation, absence of protein protection, and lower cell growth rate, but also that extracellular Zn2+ release contributes to cytotoxicity. Although more extracellular Zn2+ release was observed in serum-containing media, it did not contribute to nano-ZnO cytotoxicity. Furthermore, non-dissolved particles underwent size-dependent particle agglomeration, resulting in size-dependent toxicity in both serum-containing and serum-free media. A low correlation between cytotoxicity and inflammation endpoints in the serum-free medium suggested that some signaling pathways were changed or induced. Since cell growth, transcription behavior for protein production, and physicochemical properties of ZnO particles all were altered in serum-free media, we recommend the use of a serum-containing medium when evaluating the cytotoxicity of NPs.

Experimental investigation, model development and sensitivity analysis of rheological behavior of ZnO/10W40 nano-lubricants for automotive applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hemmat Esfe, Mohammad; Saedodin, Seyfolah; Rejvani, Mousa; Shahram, Jalal

2017-06-01

In the present study, rheological behavior of ZnO/10W40 nano-lubricant is investigated by an experimental approach. Firstly, ZnO nanoparticles of 10-30 nm were dispersed in 10W40 engine oil with solid volume fractions of 0.25-2%, then the viscosity of the composed nano-lubricant was measured in temperature ranges of 5-55 °C and in various shear rates. From analyzing the results, it was revealed that both of the base oil and nano-lubricants are non-Newtonian fluids which exhibit shear thinning behavior. Sensitivity of viscosity to the solid volume fraction enhancement was calculated by a new correlation which was proposed in terms of solid volume fraction and temperature. In order to attain an accurate model by which experimental data are predicted, an artificial neural network (ANN) with a hidden layer and 5 neurons was designed. This model was considerably accurate in predicting experimental data of dynamic viscosity as R-squared and average absolute relative deviation (AARD %) were respectively 0.9999 and 0.0502.

Flexible, transparent and exceptionally high power output nanogenerators based on ultrathin ZnO nanoflakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Ngoc, Huynh; Kang, Dae Joon

2016-02-01

Novel nanogenerator structures composed of ZnO nanoflakes of less than 10 nm thickness were fabricated using a novel method involving a facile synthetic route and a rational design. The fabricated nanogenerators exhibited a short-circuit current density of 67 μA cm-2, a peak-to-peak open-circuit voltage of 110 V, and an overall output power density exceeding 1.2 mW cm-2, and to the best of our knowledge, these are the best values that have been reported so far in the literature on ZnO-based nanogenerators. We demonstrated that our nanogenerator design could instantaneously power 20 commercial green light-emitting diodes without any additional energy storage processes. Both the facile synthetic route for the ZnO nanoflakes and the straightforward device fabrication process present great scaling potential in order to power mobile and personal electronics that can be used in smart wearable systems, transparent and flexible devices, implantable telemetric energy receivers, electronic emergency equipment, and other self-powered nano/micro devices.Novel nanogenerator structures composed of ZnO nanoflakes of less than 10 nm thickness were fabricated using a novel method involving a facile synthetic route and a rational design. The fabricated nanogenerators exhibited a short-circuit current density of 67 μA cm-2, a peak-to-peak open-circuit voltage of 110 V, and an overall output power density exceeding 1.2 mW cm-2, and to the best of our knowledge, these are the best values that have been reported so far in the literature on ZnO-based nanogenerators. We demonstrated that our nanogenerator design could instantaneously power 20 commercial green light-emitting diodes without any additional energy storage processes. Both the facile synthetic route for the ZnO nanoflakes and the straightforward device fabrication process present great scaling potential in order to power mobile and personal electronics that can be used in smart wearable systems, transparent and flexible devices, implantable telemetric energy receivers, electronic emergency equipment, and other self-powered nano/micro devices. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: FE-SEM images of ZnO NFs grown on textile and FTO/glass substrates, XRD patterns of synthesized ZnO NFs, nitrogen adsorption isotherms for ZnO NWs and ZnO NFs, effect of different coating layers on ZnO NFNGs, P(VDF-TrFE) coating on ZnO NFs, output open-circuit voltages of a textile electrostatic NG based on P(VDF-TrFE) coated on ZnO NFs and a textile ZnO NFNG without an insulating layer generated by a sonic wave, NG-based triboelectric effects and PDMS-coated ZnO NF-based NGs grown on an ITO/PET substrate. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08324a

Engineering safer-by-design, transparent, silica-coated ZnO nanorods with reduced DNA damage potential

PubMed Central

Sotiriou, Georgios A.; Watson, Christa; Murdaugh, Kimberly M.; Darrah, Thomas H.; Pyrgiotakis, Georgios; Elder, Alison; Brain, Joseph D.; Demokritou, Philip

2014-01-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles absorb UV light efficiently while remaining transparent in the visible light spectrum rendering them attractive in cosmetics and polymer films. Their broad use, however, raises concerns regarding potential environmental health risks and it has been shown that ZnO nanoparticles can induce significant DNA damage and cytotoxicity. Even though research on ZnO nanoparticle synthesis has made great progress, efforts on developing safer ZnO nanoparticles that maintain their inherent optoelectronic properties while exhibiting minimal toxicity are limited. Here, a safer-by-design concept was pursued by hermetically encapsulating ZnO nanorods in a biologically inert, nanothin amorphous SiO2 coating during their gas-phase synthesis. It is demonstrated that the SiO2 nanothin layer hermetically encapsulates the core ZnO nanorods without altering their optoelectronic properties. Furthermore, the effect of SiO2 on the toxicological profile of the core ZnO nanorods was assessed using the Nano-Cometchip assay by monitoring DNA damage at a cellular level using human lymphoblastoid cells (TK6). Results indicate significantly lower DNA damage (>3 times) for the SiO2-coated ZnO nanorods compared to uncoated ones. Such an industry-relevant, scalable, safer-by-design formulation of nanostructured materials can liberate their employment in nano-enabled products and minimize risks to the environment and human health. PMID:24955241

Performance of ceramic disk filter coated with nano ZnO for removing Escherichia coli from water in small rural and remote communities of developing regions.

PubMed

Huang, Jing; Huang, Guohe; An, Chunjiang; He, Yuan; Yao, Yao; Zhang, Peng; Shen, Jian

2018-07-01

Global water safety is facing great challenges due to increased population and demand. There is an urgent need to develop suitable water treatment strategy for small rural and remote communities in low-income developing countries. In order to find a low-cost solution, the reduction of E. coli using ceramic water disk coated with nano ZnO was investigated in this study. The performance of modified ceramic disk filters was influenced by several factors in the filter production process. Based on the factorial analysis, the pore size of the disk filters was the most significant factor for influencing E. coli removal efficiency and the clay content was the most significant one for influencing flow rate of modified disk filters. The coating of nano ZnO led to the change of disk filter surface and porosity. The reduction of E. coli could be attributed to both filter retention and photocatalytic antibacterial activity of nano ZnO. The effects of filter operation factors including initial E. coli concentration, illumination time and lamp power on E. coli removal effectiveness were also revealed. The results can help find a safe and cost-effective approach to solve drinking water problems in small rural and remote communities of developing regions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photodynamic action of curcumin derived polymer modified ZnO nanocomposites

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

Hariharan, R.; Senthilkumar, S.; Suganthi, A., E-mail: suganthiphd09@gmail.com

2012-11-15

Highlights: ► ZnO/PVA nano sensitized with curcumin and its metal complex were synthesized by vacuum evaporation method. ► M/cur sensitized on ZnO/PVA nanocomposites were characterized. ► Generation of {sup 1}O{sub 2} and ROS were detected by optical and EPR-spin trapping method. ► It was found that photoinduced cleavage of DNA using Zn/cur–ZnO/PVA was superior. ► Photodegradation of MB in water catalyzed by ZnO/PVA–Zn/cur was also superior under visible light. -- Abstract: The photodynamic action of ZnO nano can be improved by modifying the surface by PVA and encapsulating the natural product, curcumin. The synthesized ZnO/PVA nanocomposites have been characterized usingmore » XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, TG–DTA, etc. Here we are reporting the photodynamic effect of ZnO nanocomposites on pUC18 DNA. Based on optical and EPR measurements, singlet oxygen and other ROS were responsible for photocleavage of DNA. Most importantly, derived curcumin modified ZnO/PVA nanocomposites were comparatively more effective than derived curcumin complex against HeLa cell lines under in vitro condition. In addition, photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) in water catalyzed by nano ZnO/PVA–curcumin derivative was investigated at room temperature. Under visible irradiation photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanomaterial sensitized curcumin was higher than those of curcumin and nano ZnO.« less

Thermal behaviour and corrosion resistance of nano-ZnO/polyurethane film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Virgawati, E.; Soegijono, B.

2018-03-01

Hybrid materials Nano-ZnO/polyurethane film was prepared with different zinc oxide (ZnO) content in polyurethane as a matrix. The film was deposited on low carbon steel plate using high volume low pressure (HVLP) method. To observe thermal behaviour of the film, the sample was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to see whether any chemical reaction of ZnO in polyurethane occured. TGA and FTIR results showed that the decomposition temperature shifted to a higher point and the chemical reaction of zinc oxide in polyurethane occurred. The surface morphology changed and the corrosion resistance increased with an increase of ZnO content

Fabrication and mechanical evaluation of hydroxyapatite/oxide nano-composite materials.

PubMed

Mohamed, Khaled R; Beherei, Hanan H; El Bassyouni, Gehan T; El Mahallawy, Nahed

2013-10-01

In the current study, the semiconducting metal oxides such as nano-ZnO and SiO2 powders were prepared via sol-gel technique and conducted on nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) which was synthesized by chemical precipitation. The properties of fabricated nano-structured composites containing different ratios of HA, ZnO and SiO2 were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. The effect of the variation of ratios between the three components on mechanical, microstructure and in-vitro properties was assessed to explore the possibility of enhancing these properties. The results proved that the mechanical properties exhibited an increment with increasing the ZnO content at the extent of HA. In-vitro study proved the formation and nucleation of apatite onto the surface of the fabricated composites after one week of immersion. It is concluded that HA composites containing SiO2 or SiO2/ZnO content had a suitable mechanical properties and ability to form apatite particles onto the composite surface. Based on bioactivity behavior, Si-HA is more bioactive than pure hydroxyapatite and nano-arrangements will provide an interface for better bone formation. Therefore, these nano-composites will be promising as bone substitutes especially in load bearing sites. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dermal absorption and short-term biological impact in hairless mice from sunscreens containing zinc oxide nano- or larger particles

PubMed Central

Oytam, Yalchin; Kirby, Jason K.; Gomez-Fernandez, Laura; Baxter, Brent; McCall, Maxine J.

2014-01-01

Previous studies have shown no, or very limited, skin penetration of metal oxide nanoparticles following topical application of sunscreens, yet concerns remain about their safety compared to larger particles. Here, we assessed the comparative dermal absorption of a traceable form of Zn (68Zn) from 68ZnO nano-sized and larger particles in sunscreens. Sunscreens were applied to the backs of virgin or pregnant hairless mice over four days. Control groups received topical applications of the sunscreen formulation containing no ZnO particles, or no treatment. Major organs were assessed for changes in 68Zn/64Zn ratios, 68Zn tracer and total Zn concentrations. Short-term biological impact was assessed by measuring levels of serum amyloid A in blood, and by performing whole-genome transcriptional profiling on livers from each group. Increased concentrations of 68Zn tracer were detected in internal organs of mice receiving topical applications of 68ZnO (nano-sized and larger particles), as well as in fetal livers from treated dams, compared with controls. Furthermore, concentrations of 68Zn in organs of virgin mice treated with sunscreen containing 68ZnO nanoparticles were found to be significantly higher than in mice treated with sunscreen containing larger 68ZnO particles. However, no ZnO-mediated change in total Zn concentration in any of the major organs was observed. Thus, despite 68Zn absorption, which may have been in the form of soluble 68Zn species or 68ZnO particles (not known), Zn homeostasis was largely maintained, and the presence of ZnO particles in sunscreen did not elicit an adverse biological response in the mice following short-term topical applications. PMID:24266363

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.

Acute toxicological impact of nano- and submicro-scaled zinc oxide powder on healthy adult mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bing; Feng, Weiyue; Wang, Meng; Wang, Tiancheng; Gu, Yiqun; Zhu, Motao; Ouyang, Hong; Shi, Junwen; Zhang, Fang; Zhao, Yuliang; Chai, Zhifang; Wang, Haifang; Wang, Jing

2008-02-01

In this work, the acute oral toxicity of 20- and 120-nm ZnO powder at doses of 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-g/kg body weight was evaluated referred to the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals. As the results, both 20- and 120-nm ZnO belong to non-toxic chemicals according to the Globally Harmonized Classification System (GHS) for the classification of chemicals. The distribution determination showed that Zn was mainly retained in the bone, kidney and pancreas after 20- and 120-nm ZnO administration. However, the results of blood measurement suggest that the increase in blood viscosity could be induced by low and median dose of 20-nm ZnO but high dose of 120-nm ZnO. The pathological examination showed that the 120-nm ZnO treated mice had dose-effect pathological damages in stomach, liver, heart and spleen, whereas, 20-nm ZnO displayed negative dose-effect damages in liver, spleen and pancreas. Therefore, we conclude that the liver, spleen, heart, pancreas and bone are the target organs for 20- and 120-nm ZnO oral exposure. More attention should be paid on the potential toxicity induced by low dose of 20-nm ZnO oral exposure.

Low cost, p-ZnO/n-Si, rectifying, nano heterojunction diode: Fabrication and electrical characterization.

PubMed

Kabra, Vinay; Aamir, Lubna; Malik, M M

2014-01-01

A low cost, highly rectifying, nano heterojunction (p-ZnO/n-Si) diode was fabricated using solution-processed, p-type, ZnO nanoparticles and an n-type Si substrate. p-type ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemical synthesis route and characterized by XRD and a Hall effect measurement system. The device was fabricated by forming thin film of synthesized p-ZnO nanoparticles on an n-Si substrate using a dip coating technique. The device was then characterized by current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. The effect of UV illumination on the I-V characteristics was also explored and indicated the formation of a highly rectifying, nano heterojunction with a rectification ratio of 101 at 3 V, which increased nearly 2.5 times (232 at 3 V) under UV illumination. However, the cut-in voltage decreases from 1.5 V to 0.9 V under UV illumination. The fabricated device could be used in switches, rectifiers, clipper and clamper circuits, BJTs, MOSFETs and other electronic circuitry.

Effect of morphology on the non-ohmic conduction in ZnO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Praveen, E.; Jayakumar, K.

2016-05-01

Nanostructures of ZnO is synthesized with nanoflower like morphology by simple wet chemical method. The structural, morphological and electrical characterization have been carried out. The temperature dependent electrical characterization of ZnO pellets of thickness 1150 µm is made by the application of 925MPa pressure. The morphological dependence of non-ohmic conduction beyond some arbitrary tunneling potential and grain boundary barrier thickness is compared with the commercially available bulk ZnO. Our results show the suitability of nano-flower like ZnO for the devices like sensors, rectifiers etc.

Micro-nano zinc oxide film fabricated by biomimetic mineralization: Designed architectures for SERS substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Fei; Guo, Yue; Wang, Yunxin; Song, Wei; Zhao, Bing

2018-05-01

In this study, we have investigated the effect of the surface morphologies of the zinc oxide (ZnO) substrates on surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). During synthetic process, the self-assembly monolayers (SAMs) with different terminal groups are used as templates to induce the nucleation and growth of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O crystals, then different morphologies micro-nano ZnO powders are obtained by annealing Zn(NO3)2·6H2O crystals at 450 °C. The products obtained at different conditions are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectra. The as-prepared ZnO micro-sized particles have been used the efficient Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates, and the SERS signals of 4-mercaptopyridine (Mpy) probe molecules are much influenced by the morphologies of the ZnO structures. Results indicated that the more (0001) facets appear in the of ZnO morphology, the greater degree of charge-transfer (PCT) for the SERS enhancement on the surface of semiconductors is achieved. The chemical interaction between ZnO structures and Mpy molecules plays a very important role in the SERS enhancement.

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

Huang, Jie; Lucero, Antonio T.; Cheng, Lanxia

In this study, we have deposited organic-inorganic hybrid semiconducting hydroquinone (HQ)/zinc oxide (ZnO) superlattices using molecular-atomic layer deposition, which enables accurate control of film thickness, excellent uniformity, and sharp interfaces at a low deposition temperature (150 °C). Self-limiting growth of organic layers is observed for the HQ precursor on ZnO surface. Nano-laminates were prepared by varying the number of HQ to ZnO cycles in order to investigate the physical and electrical effects of different HQ to ZnO ratios. It is indicated that the addition of HQ layer results in enhanced mobility and reduced carrier concentration. The highest Hall mobility of approximatelymore » 2.3 cm{sup 2}/V·s and the lowest n-type carrier concentration of approximately 1.0 × 10{sup 18}/cm{sup 3} were achieved with the organic-inorganic superlattice deposited with a ratio of 10 ZnO cycles to 1 HQ cycle. This study offers an approach to tune the electrical transport characteristics of ALD ZnO matrix thin films using an organic dopant. Moreover, with organic embedment, this nano-laminate material may be useful for flexible electronics.« less

Experimental study on electromagnetic-assisted ZnO nanofluid flooding for enhanced oil recovery (EOR)

PubMed Central

Ahmad Latiff, Noor Rasyada; Alnarabiji, Mohamad Sahban

2018-01-01

Recently, nano-EOR has emerged as a new frontier for improved and enhanced oil recovery (IOR & EOR). Despite their benefits, the nanoparticles tend to agglomerate at reservoir conditions which cause their detachment from the oil/water interface, and are consequently retained rather than transported through a porous medium. Dielectric nanoparticles including ZnO have been proposed to be a good replacement for EOR due to their high melting point and thermal properties. But more importantly, these particles can be polarized under electromagnetic (EM) irradiation, which provides an innovative smart Nano-EOR process denoted as EM-Assisted Nano-EOR. In this study, parameters involved in the oil recovery mechanism under EM waves, such as reducing mobility ratio, lowering interfacial tensions (IFT) and altering wettability were investigated. Two-phase displacement experiments were performed in sandpacks under the water-wet condition at 95°C, with permeability in the range of 265–300 mD. A crude oil from Tapis oil field was employed; while ZnO nanofluids of two different particle sizes (55.7 and 117.1 nm) were prepared using 0.1 wt. % nanoparticles that dispersed into brine (3 wt. % NaCl) along with SDBS as a dispersant. In each flooding scheme, three injection sequential scenarios have been conducted: (i) brine flooding as a secondary process, (ii) surfactant/nano/EM-assisted nano flooding, and (iii) second brine flooding to flush nanoparticles. Compare with surfactant flooding (2% original oil in place/OOIP) as tertiary recovery, nano flooding almost reaches 8.5–10.2% of OOIP. On the other hand, EM-assisted nano flooding provides an incremental oil recovery of approximately 9–10.4% of OOIP. By evaluating the contact angle and interfacial tension, it was established that the degree of IFT reduction plays a governing role in the oil displacement mechanism via nano-EOR, compare to mobility ratio. These results reveal a promising way to employ water-based ZnO nanofluid for enhanced oil recovery purposes at a relatively high reservoir temperature. PMID:29489897

Experimental study on electromagnetic-assisted ZnO nanofluid flooding for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

PubMed

Adil, Muhammad; Lee, Keanchuan; Mohd Zaid, Hasnah; Ahmad Latiff, Noor Rasyada; Alnarabiji, Mohamad Sahban

2018-01-01

Recently, nano-EOR has emerged as a new frontier for improved and enhanced oil recovery (IOR & EOR). Despite their benefits, the nanoparticles tend to agglomerate at reservoir conditions which cause their detachment from the oil/water interface, and are consequently retained rather than transported through a porous medium. Dielectric nanoparticles including ZnO have been proposed to be a good replacement for EOR due to their high melting point and thermal properties. But more importantly, these particles can be polarized under electromagnetic (EM) irradiation, which provides an innovative smart Nano-EOR process denoted as EM-Assisted Nano-EOR. In this study, parameters involved in the oil recovery mechanism under EM waves, such as reducing mobility ratio, lowering interfacial tensions (IFT) and altering wettability were investigated. Two-phase displacement experiments were performed in sandpacks under the water-wet condition at 95°C, with permeability in the range of 265-300 mD. A crude oil from Tapis oil field was employed; while ZnO nanofluids of two different particle sizes (55.7 and 117.1 nm) were prepared using 0.1 wt. % nanoparticles that dispersed into brine (3 wt. % NaCl) along with SDBS as a dispersant. In each flooding scheme, three injection sequential scenarios have been conducted: (i) brine flooding as a secondary process, (ii) surfactant/nano/EM-assisted nano flooding, and (iii) second brine flooding to flush nanoparticles. Compare with surfactant flooding (2% original oil in place/OOIP) as tertiary recovery, nano flooding almost reaches 8.5-10.2% of OOIP. On the other hand, EM-assisted nano flooding provides an incremental oil recovery of approximately 9-10.4% of OOIP. By evaluating the contact angle and interfacial tension, it was established that the degree of IFT reduction plays a governing role in the oil displacement mechanism via nano-EOR, compare to mobility ratio. These results reveal a promising way to employ water-based ZnO nanofluid for enhanced oil recovery purposes at a relatively high reservoir temperature.

Piezoelectric two-dimensional nanosheets/anionic layer heterojunction for efficient direct current power generation.

PubMed

Kim, Kwon-Ho; Kumar, Brijesh; Lee, Keun Young; Park, Hyun-Kyu; Lee, Ju-Hyuck; Lee, Hyun Hwi; Jun, Hoin; Lee, Dongyun; Kim, Sang-Woo

2013-01-01

Direct current (DC) piezoelectric power generator is promising for the miniaturization of a power package and self-powering of nanorobots and body-implanted devices. Hence, we report the first use of two-dimensional (2D) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure and an anionic nanoclay layer to generate piezoelectric DC output power. The device, made from 2D nanosheets and an anionic nanoclay layer heterojunction, has potential to be the smallest size power package, and could be used to charge wireless nano/micro scale systems without the use of rectifier circuits to convert alternating current into DC to store the generated power. The combined effect of buckling behaviour of the ZnO nanosheets, a self-formed anionic nanoclay layer, and coupled semiconducting and piezoelectric properties of ZnO nanosheets contributes to efficient DC power generation. The networked ZnO nanosheets proved to be structurally stable under huge external mechanical loads.

Functional behaviour of polypropylene/ZnO soluble starch nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandramouleeswaran, Subramani; Mhaske, S. T.; Kathe, A. A.; Varadarajan, P. V.; Prasad, Virendra; Vigneshwaran, Nadanathangam

2007-09-01

ZnO-polypropylene nanocomposites (nano-PP) were prepared using nanoparticles of ZnO stabilized by soluble starch (nano-ZnO) as filler in PP by the melt mixing process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and other spectroscopic analysis—ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and photoluminescence—revealed the presence and characteristics of nano-ZnO in the composites. The presence of ZnO imparts whiteness, while starch increased the yellowing of polymers. The nanocomposites were analyzed for changes in optical, mechanical, electrical and rheological properties, as influenced by the increasing concentration of nano-ZnO. The mechanical properties were marginally increased and the dielectric strength of the nano-PP increased to a notable level. By monitoring the evolution of the carbonyl absorption bands from FTIR analysis, the efficacy of nano-ZnO in the reduction of photo-degradation due to UV irradiation was demonstrated. The excellent antibacterial activity exhibited by nano-ZnO impregnated PP against two human pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, makes it a suitable candidate for food packaging applications.

Synthesis, Optical and Photoluminescence Properties of Cu-Doped Zno Nano-Fibers Thin Films: Nonlinear Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganesh, V.; Salem, G. F.; Yahia, I. S.; Yakuphanoglu, F.

2018-03-01

Different concentrations of copper-doped zinc oxide thin films were coated on a glass substrate by sol-gel/spin-coating technique. The structural properties of pure and Cu-doped ZnO films were characterized by different techniques, i.e., atomic force microscopy (AFM), photoluminescence and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The AFM study revealed that pure and doped ZnO films are formed as nano-fibers with a granular structure. The photoluminescence spectra of these films showed a strong ultraviolet emission peak centered at 392 nm and a strong blue emission peak cantered at 450 nm. The optical band gap of the pure and copper-doped ZnO thin films calculated from optical transmission spectra (3.29-3.23 eV) were found to be increasing with increasing copper doping concentration. The refractive index dispersion curve of pure and Cu-doped ZnO film obeyed the single-oscillator model. The optical dispersion parameters such as E o , E d , and n_{∞}2 were calculated. Further, the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear optical susceptibility were also calculated and interpreted.

Influence of ZnO nanorod on the luminescent and electrical properties of fluorescent dye-doped polymer nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, T.; Xu, Z.; Qian, L.; Tao, D. L.; Teng, F.; Xu, X. R.

2006-11-01

The luminescent properties of fluorescent dye-doped polymer dispersed with ZnO nanorods were investigated. Embedding ZnO nanorods in blend film results in a blue-shifted emission of fluorescent dye. It is accounted for in terms of the difference in permittivity between inorganic oxide nano-material and dye-doped polymer. Moreover, polymer light-emitting diodes with the addition of ZnO nanorods showed the lower threshold voltage and the higher charge current and electroluminescence efficiency.

The influence of chain rigidity and the degree of sulfonation on the morphology of block copolymers as nano reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, K.; Zhang, X.

2005-03-01

Polyelectrolyte block copolymer was used to form an ordered domain of ionic block as a ``nanoreactor'' due to its ability to bind oppositely charged metal ion, Zn^2+, Fe^2+ etc. The purpose of our research is to investigate the controllability of the size and morphology of domains (inorganic nano particles) by changing backbone stiffness, the charge density and the volume fraction of ionic block. Poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), which backbone is flexible, and poly(cyclohexadiene sulfonate) (PCHDS), which backbone is ``semiflexible'', were used as ionic blocks. We synthesized PtBS-PSS and PS-PCHDS with various degree of sulfonation and the volume fraction. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nano particles successfully formed in the ionic domain of microphase separated block copolymers. We used SANS to characterize the morphology of block copolymers and TEM for block copolymer containing ZnO nano particles. Our experimental results show that the chemistry of ``sulfonation'' of block copolymers can be successfully used to synthesize nano composite materials.

Origin of luminescence from ZnO/CdS core/shell nanowire arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhiqiang; Wang, Jian; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Yang, Shaoguang

2014-07-01

Chemical imaging, electronic structure and optical properties of ZnO/CdS nano-composites have been investigated using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM), X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) spectroscopy. STXM and XANES results confirm that the as-prepared product is ZnO/CdS core/shell nanowires (NWs), and further indicate that ZnS was formed on the surface of ZnO NWs as the interface between ZnO and CdS. The XEOL from ZnO/CdS NW arrays exhibits one weak ultraviolet (UV) emission at 375 nm, one strong green emission at 512 nm, and two broad infrared (IR) emissions at 750 and 900 nm. Combining XANES and XEOL, it is concluded that the UV luminescence is the near band gap emission (BGE) of ZnO; the green luminescence comes from both the BGE of CdS and defect emission (DE, zinc vacancies) of ZnO; the IR luminescence is attributed to the DE (bulk defect related to the S site) of CdS; ZnS contributes little to the luminescence of the ZnO/CdS NW arrays. Interestingly, the BGE and DE from oxygen vacancies of ZnO in the ZnO/CdS nano-composites are almost entirely quenched, while DE from zinc vacancies changes little.Chemical imaging, electronic structure and optical properties of ZnO/CdS nano-composites have been investigated using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM), X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) spectroscopy. STXM and XANES results confirm that the as-prepared product is ZnO/CdS core/shell nanowires (NWs), and further indicate that ZnS was formed on the surface of ZnO NWs as the interface between ZnO and CdS. The XEOL from ZnO/CdS NW arrays exhibits one weak ultraviolet (UV) emission at 375 nm, one strong green emission at 512 nm, and two broad infrared (IR) emissions at 750 and 900 nm. Combining XANES and XEOL, it is concluded that the UV luminescence is the near band gap emission (BGE) of ZnO; the green luminescence comes from both the BGE of CdS and defect emission (DE, zinc vacancies) of ZnO; the IR luminescence is attributed to the DE (bulk defect related to the S site) of CdS; ZnS contributes little to the luminescence of the ZnO/CdS NW arrays. Interestingly, the BGE and DE from oxygen vacancies of ZnO in the ZnO/CdS nano-composites are almost entirely quenched, while DE from zinc vacancies changes little. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: PL spectra of the ZnO NW arrays before/after CdS coating. S K-edge XANES spectra of the ZnO/CdS core/shell NW arrays. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02231a

Enhancement of Si solar cell efficiency using ZnO nanowires with various diameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholizadeh, A.; Reyhani, A.; Parvin, P.; Mortazavi, S. Z.; Mehrabi, M.

2018-01-01

Here, Zinc Oxide nanowires are synthesized using thermal chemical vapor deposition of a Zn granulate source and used to enhance a significant Si-solar cell efficiency with simple and low cost method. The nanowires are grown in various O2 flow rates. Those affect the shape, yield, structure and the quality of ZnO nanowires according to scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analyses. This delineates that the ZnO nanostructure is dependent on the synthesis conditions. The photoluminescence spectroscopy of ZnO indicates optical emission at the Ultra-Violet and blue-green regions whose intensity varies as a function of diameter of ZnO nano-wires. The optical property of ZnO layer is measured by UV-visible and diffuse reflection spectroscopy that demonstrate high absorbance at 280-550 nm. Furthermore, the photovoltaic characterization of ZnO nanowires is investigated based on the drop casting on Si-solar cell. The ZnO nanowires with various diameters demonstrate different effects on the efficiency of Si-solar cells. We have shown that the reduction of the spectral reflectance and down-shifting process as well as the reduction of photon trapping are essential parameters on the efficiency of Si-solar cells. However, the latter is dominated here. In fact, the trapped photons during the electron-hole generation are dominant due to lessening the absorption rate in ZnO nano-wires. The results indicate that the mean diameters reduction of ZnO nanowires is also essential to improve the fill factor. The external and internal quantum efficiency analyses attest the efficiency improvement over the blue region which is related to the key parameters above.

Complete transformation of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles in culture medium and lymphocyte cells during toxicity testing.

PubMed

Ivask, Angela; Scheckel, Kirk G; Kapruwan, Pankaj; Stone, Vicki; Yin, Hong; Voelcker, Nicolas H; Lombi, Enzo

2017-03-01

Here, we present evidence on complete transformation of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles, which are among the most heavily studied metal oxide particles, during 24 h in vitro toxicological testing with human T-lymphocytes. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy results revealed that Zn speciation profiles of 30 nm and 80 nm ZnO nanoparticles, and ZnSO 4 - exposed cells were almost identical with the prevailing species being Zn-cysteine. This suggests that ZnO nanoparticles are rapidly transformed during a standard in vitro toxicological assay, and are sequestered intracellularly, analogously to soluble Zn. Complete transformation of ZnO in the test conditions was further supported by almost identical Zn spectra in medium to which ZnO nanoparticles or ZnSO 4 was added. Likewise, Cu XANES spectra for CuO and CuSO 4 -exposed cells and cell culture media were similar. These results together with our observation on similar toxicological profiles of ZnO and soluble Zn, and CuO and soluble Cu, underline the importance of dissolution and subsequent transformation of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles during toxicological testing and provide evidence that the nano-specific effect of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles is negligible in this system. We strongly suggest to account for this aspect when interpreting the toxicological results of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles.

Complete transformation of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles in ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Here, we present evidence on complete transformation of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles, which are among the most heavily studied metal oxide particles, during 24 h in vitro toxicological testing with human T-lymphocytes. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy results revealed that Zn speciation profiles of 30 nm and 80 nm ZnO nanoparticles, and ZnSO4- exposed cells were almost identical with the prevailing species being Zn-cysteine. This suggests that ZnO nanoparticles are rapidly transformed during a standard in vitro toxicological assay, and are sequestered intracellularly, analogously to soluble Zn. Complete transformation of ZnO in the test conditions was further supported by almost identical Zn spectra in medium to which ZnO nanoparticles or ZnSO4 was added. Likewise, Cu XANES spectra for CuO and CuSO4-exposed cells and cell culture media were similar. These results together with our observation on similar toxicological profiles of ZnO and soluble Zn, and CuO and soluble Cu, underline the importance of dissolution and subsequent transformation of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles during toxicological testing and provide evidence that the nano-specific effect of ZnO and CuO nanoparticulates is negligible in this system. We strongly suggest to account for this aspect when interpreting the toxicological results of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles. Although a number of studies have discussed the transformation of nanoparticles during

Effect of morphology and solvent on two-photon absorption of nano zinc oxide

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

Kavitha, M.K.; Haripadmam, P.C.; Gopinath, Pramod

Highlights: ► ZnO nanospheres and triangular structures synthesis by novel precipitation technique. ► The effect of precursor concentration on the size and shape of nano ZnO. ► Open aperture Z-scan measurements of the ZnO nanoparticle dispersions. ► Nanospheres exhibit higher two photon absorption coefficient than triangular nanostructures. ► Nanospheres dispersed in water exhibit higher two photon absorption coefficient than its dispersion in 2-propanol. - Abstract: In this paper, we report the effect of morphology and solvent on the two-photon absorption of nano zinc oxide. Zinc oxide nanoparticles in two different morphologies like nanospheres and triangular nanostructures are synthesized by novelmore » precipitation technique and their two-photon absorption coefficient is measured using open aperture Z-scan technique. Experimental results show that the zinc oxide nanospheres exhibit higher two-photon absorption coefficient than the zinc oxide triangular nanostructures. The zinc oxide nanospheres dispersed in water exhibit higher two-photon absorption coefficient than that of its dispersion in 2-propanol. The zinc oxide nanospheres dispersed in water shows a decrease in two-photon absorption coefficient with an increase in on-axis irradiance. The result confirms the dependence of shape and solvent on the two-photon absorption of nano zinc oxide.« less

SILAR controlled CdSe nanoparticles sensitized ZnO nanorods photoanode for solar cell application: Electrolyte effect.

PubMed

Nikam, Pratibha R; Baviskar, Prashant K; Majumder, Sutripto; Sali, Jaydeep V; Sankapal, Babasaheb R

2018-08-15

Controlled growth of different sizes of cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles over well aligned ZnO nanorods have been performed using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique at room temperature (27 °C) in order to form nano heterostructure solar cells. Deposition of compact layer of zinc oxide (ZnO) by SILAR technique on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrate followed by growth of vertically aligned ZnO nanorods array using chemical bath deposition (CBD) at low temperature (<100 °C). Different characterization techniques viz. X-ray diffractometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been used to know the structural, optical, morphological and compositional properties of synthesized nano heterostructure. The photovoltaic performance of the cells with variation in SILAR cycles for CdSe and with use of different electrolytes have been recorded as J-V characteristics and the maximum conversion efficiency of 0.63% have been attained with ferro/ferri cyanide electrolyte for 12 cycles CdSe coating over 1-D ZnO nanorods. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The role of cellulosic chains of cotton in biosynthesis of ZnO nanorods producing multifunctional properties: Mechanism, characterizations and features.

PubMed

Aladpoosh, R; Montazer, M

2015-08-01

In situ synthesis of ZnO nanorods on cellulosic chains of cotton fabric was accomplished using natural plant source namely Keliab and zinc acetate. Hierarchical mechanism of nano ZnO generation and deposition on cellulosic chains of cotton fabric was discussed in details and several analytical techniques were used to characterize the formation of nano ZnO wurtzite structure. The morphology, crystal phase, and chemical structure of the fabric were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Further, interaction between ZnO and functional groups of cellulosic chains of cotton fabric was studied by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. The influence of zinc acetate and Keliab solution on the self-cleaning activity of the treated cellulosic fabric was investigated with a central composite design based on surface response methodology. The treated fabrics showed self-cleaning activity toward methylene blue degradation under day light irradiation. The optimized treated sample showed high antibacterial efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with enhanced tensile strength and higher crease recovery angle. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on dielectric behavior of nematic liquid crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Amit; Kumar, Pankaj; Malik, Praveen

2018-05-01

In this work, phase transition and dielectric behavior of nematic liquid crystal (NLC), E7 and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) doped nematic liquid crystals are investigated. Effect of nano-particles dispersion is analyzed and compared with the dielectric behavior of E7 and E7-ZnO. Frequency dependent dielectric permittivity at various temperatures in nematic phase for E7 and E7-ZnO sample is also studied.

Spectroscopic investigation on assisted sonocatalytic damage of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by metronidazole (MTZ) under ultrasonic irradiation combined with nano-sized ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Jingqun; Liu, Bin; Wang, Jun; Jin, Xudong; Jiang, Renzheng; Liu, Lijun; Wang, Baoxin; Xu, Yongnan

2010-11-01

The previous work proved that the bovine serum albumin (BSA) could be damaged under the combined action of ultrasonic irradiation and ZnO. In this work, the assisted sonocatalytic damage of BSA using metronidazole (MTZ) as a sensitizer was further investigated by means of UV-vis and fluorescence spectra. The results indicated that the adding of MTZ could obviously promote the sonocatalytic damage of BSA under ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of nano-sized ZnO powder. Furthermore, it was found that the damage degree of BSA was aggravated by some influencing factors except ionic kind and strength. In addition, the damage site of BSA was also studied with synchronous fluorescence technology. It was found that the damage site was mainly at tryptophan (Trp) residue.

Near band edge emission characteristics of sputtered nano-crystalline ZnO films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunj, Saurabh; Sreenivas, K.

2016-05-01

Sputtered zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films deposited on unheated glass substrate under different sputtering gas mixtures (Ar+O2) have been investigated using X-ray diffraction and photo luminescence spectroscopy. Earlier reported studies on ZnO films prepared by different techniques exhibit either a sharp/broad near band edge (NBE) emission peak depending on the crystalline quality of the film. In the present study zinc oxide films, grown on unheated substrates, are seen to possess a preferred (002) orientation with a microstructure consisting of clustered nano-sized crystallites. The splitting in the near band edge emission (NBE) into three characteristic peaks is attributed to quantum confinement effect, and is observed specifically under an excitation of 270 nm. Deep level emission (DLE) in the range 400 to 700 nm is not observed indicating absence of deep level radiative defects.

Nonlinear Optical Properties of ZnO for BioimagingCell and Cell Destruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urban, Ben; Chakki, Samudyatha; Senthilkumar, Os; Senthilkumar, Kasilingam; Fujita, Yasuhisa; Neogi, Arup

2011-03-01

As of recent years nanotechnology has been at the forefront of scientific research. It promises to have a broad range of applications from turning unhealthy foods into health foods, making computers faster and curing cancer. We present results on using nonlinear optical processes of ZnO nano-crystals to detect, track and destroy cells. By incorporating ZnO into a hydrophobic nano-hydrogel matrix with trace amounts of H2 O2 , we can attach antibodies or microRNA for specific cell targeting and, using the heat generating properties of the third order nonlinear process, release H2 O2 in the cell causing instant cell death. Theoretically, with the appropriate sequence for microRNA or the appropriate antibodies, we could target cancer cells in the body and destroy them. This presentation gives our results until now.

Ligand induced ferromagnetism in ZnO nanostructures.

PubMed

Wang, Qian; Sun, Qiang; Jena, P

2008-10-28

Complementary to the experimental finding that ZnO nanoparticles become ferromagnetic when coated with N and S containing ligands such as dodecylamine and dodecanethiol [Garcia et al., Nano Lett. 7, 1489 (2007)], we provide the first theoretical understanding of the origin of magnetism in ligated ZnO nanoparticles as well as the structural properties of the ligated systems by using density functional theory and generalized gradient approximation for exchange and correlation, and a cluster model for the nanoparticles. We show that N or S atoms of the ligand bind to the Zn sites. The accompanying changes in the Zn-O bond length, hybridization between Zn 4s orbitals with N 2p or S 3p orbitals, and consequently the redistribution of charges between Zn and O atoms result in a magnetic system where the 2p electrons in O and N, and 3p electrons in S sites are spin polarized. Furthermore, the sites nearest to the Zn atom attached to the ligand carry bulk of the magnetic moment. Studies, as a function of cluster size, also illustrate that magnetism resides only on the surface. Our results confirm that the use of ligands can pave a new way for introducing magnetism in ZnO nanostructures, which can be used to develop magnetic sensors to detect N and S containing molecules.

Effects of PLA Film Incorporated with ZnO Nanoparticle on the Quality Attributes of Fresh-Cut Apple.

PubMed

Li, Wenhui; Li, Lin; Cao, Yun; Lan, Tianqing; Chen, Haiyan; Qin, Yuyue

2017-07-31

A novel nanopackaging film was synthesized by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles into a poly-lactic acid (PLA) matrix, and its effect on the quality of fresh-cut apple during the period of preservation was investigated at 4 ± 1 °C for 14 days. Six wt % cinnamaldehyde was added into the nano-blend film. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed a rougher cross-section of the nano-blend films and an X-ray diffraction (XRD) was carried out to determine the structure of the ZnO nanoparticles. Compared to the pure PLA film, the nano-blend film had a higher water vapor permeability (WVP) and lower oxygen permeability. With the increase of the nanoparticles (NPs) in the PLA, the elongation at break (ε) and elastic modulus (EM) increased, while tensile strength (TS) decreased. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) presented a relatively good thermostability. Most importantly, the physical and biochemical properties of the fresh-cut apple were also measured, such as weight loss, firmness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), total phenolic content, browning index (BI), sensory quality, and microbiological level. The results indicated that nano-blend packaging films had the highest weight loss at the end of storage compared to the pure PLA film; however, nanopackaging provided a better retention of firmness, total phenolic countent, color, and sensory quality. It also had a remarkable inhibition on the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, Nano-ZnO active packaging could be used to improve the shelf-life of fresh-cut produce.

Effects of PLA Film Incorporated with ZnO Nanoparticle on the Quality Attributes of Fresh-Cut Apple

PubMed Central

Li, Lin; Cao, Yun; Lan, Tianqing; Chen, Haiyan

2017-01-01

A novel nanopackaging film was synthesized by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles into a poly-lactic acid (PLA) matrix, and its effect on the quality of fresh-cut apple during the period of preservation was investigated at 4 ± 1 °C for 14 days. Six wt % cinnamaldehyde was added into the nano-blend film. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed a rougher cross-section of the nano-blend films and an X-ray diffraction (XRD) was carried out to determine the structure of the ZnO nanoparticles. Compared to the pure PLA film, the nano-blend film had a higher water vapor permeability (WVP) and lower oxygen permeability. With the increase of the nanoparticles (NPs) in the PLA, the elongation at break (ε) and elastic modulus (EM) increased, while tensile strength (TS) decreased. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) presented a relatively good thermostability. Most importantly, the physical and biochemical properties of the fresh-cut apple were also measured, such as weight loss, firmness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), total phenolic content, browning index (BI), sensory quality, and microbiological level. The results indicated that nano-blend packaging films had the highest weight loss at the end of storage compared to the pure PLA film; however, nanopackaging provided a better retention of firmness, total phenolic countent, color, and sensory quality. It also had a remarkable inhibition on the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, Nano-ZnO active packaging could be used to improve the shelf-life of fresh-cut produce. PMID:28758980

Structure, morphology and optical properties of undoped and MN-doped ZnO(1-x)Sx nano-powders prepared by precipitation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dejene, F. B.; Onani, M. O.; Koao, L. F.; Wako, A. H.; Motloung, S. V.; Yihunie, M. T.

2016-01-01

The undoped and Mn-doped ZnO(1-x)Sx nano-powders were successfully synthesized by precipitation method without using any capping agent. Its structure, morphology, elemental analysis, optical and luminescence properties were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV-vis spectroscopy (UV) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). A typical SEM image of the un-doped ZnO(1-x)Sx nanoparticles exhibit flake like structures that changes to nearly spherical particles with Mn-doping. The XRD of undoped and Mn doped ZnO(1-x)Sx pattern reveals the formation of a product indexed to the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnS. The nanopowders have crystallite sizes estimated from XRD measurements were in the range of 10-20 nm. All the samples showed absorption maximum of ZnO(1-x)Sx at 271 nm and high transmittance in UV and visible region, respectively. The undoped ZnO(1-x)Sx nanoparticles show strong room-temperature photoluminescence with four emission bands centering at 338 nm, 384 nm, 448 nm and 705 nm that may originate to the impurity of ZnO(1-x)Sx, existence of oxide related defects. The calculated bandgap of the nanocrystalline ZnO(1-x)Sx showed a blue-shift with respect to the Mn-doping. The PL spectra of the Mn-doped samples exhibit a strong orange emission at around 594 nm attributed to the 4T1-6A1 transition of the Mn2+ ions.

Nanostructured ZnO - its challenging properties and potential for device applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimova-Malinovska, D.

2017-01-01

Nanostructured ZnO possessing interesting structural and optical properties offers challenging opportunities for innovative applications. In this lecture the review of the optical and structural properties of ZnO nanostructured layers is presented. It is shown that they have a direct impact on the parameters of devices involving ZnO. An analysis of current trends in the photovoltaic (PV) field shows that improved light harvesting and efficiency of solar cells can be obtained by implementing nanostructured ZnO layers to process advanced solar cell structures. Because of amenability to doping, high chemical stability, sensitivity to different adsorbed gases, nontoxicity and low cost ZnO attracted much attention for application as gas sensors. The sensitivity of nano-grain ZnO gas elements is comparatively high because of the grain-size effect. Application of nanostructured ZnO for gas sensors and for increasing of light harvesting in solar cells is demonstrated.

Annealing temperature dependent reversible wettability switching of micro/nano structured ZnO superhydrophobic surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velayi, Elmira; Norouzbeigi, Reza

2018-05-01

Superhydrophobic ZnO surfaces with reversibly tunable wettability were fabricated on stainless steel meshes via a facile chemical bath deposition method just by regulating the micro/nano structured ZnO needles without using chemical post modifications. The obtained surfaces can be easily and reversibly switched between superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic characteristics by altering the annealing temperatures. As-prepared sample exhibited long-term superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle (WCA) of 163.8° ± 1.8° and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) of 1.1° ± 0.8°. The SEM, XRD, XPS and Raman analyses were employed to characterize the morphological features and surface chemistry of the prepared samples. SEM images showed the formation of ZnO micro/nanoneedles with a diameter of ∼90 nm on the substrate. The superhydrophobic ZnO surface was switched to highly hydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic properties with an oil contact angle (OCA) of about 172.5° after being annealed at 400 °C in air for 30 min and restored to superhydrophobic state again by altering the annealing temperature to 150 °C. Mechanical durability of the ZnO superhydrophobic surface was tested by an abrasion test. Results confirmed that the prepared surface exhibited an excellent robustness after 20 abrasion cycles under the pressure of 4.7 kPa.

Influence of ZnO nanostructures in liquid crystal interfaces for bistable switching applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Kaushik; Zhan, Bihong; Madhu Mohan, M. L. N.; Schirhagl, Romana; Wang, Guoping

2015-12-01

The controlled fabrication of nanometer-scale objects is without doubt one of the central issues in current science and technology. In this article, we exhibit a simple, one-step bench top synthesis of zinc oxide nano-tetrapods and nano-spheres which were tailored by the facial growth of nano-wires (diameter ≈ 24 nm; length ≈ 118 nm) and nano-cubes (≈395 nm edge) to nano-sphere (diameter ≈ 585 nm) appeaded. The possibilities of inexpensive, simple solvo-chemical synthesis of nanostructures were considered. In this article, a successful attempt has been made that ZnO nano-structures dispersed on well aligned hydrogen bonded liquid crystals (HBLC) comprising azelaic acid (AC) with p-n-alkyloxy benzoic acid (nBAO) by varying the respective alkyloxy carbon number (n = 5). The dispersion of nanomaterials with HBLC is an effective route to enhance the existing functionalities. A series of these composite materials were analyzed by polarizing optical microscope's electro-optical switching. An interesting feature of AC + nBAO is the inducement of tilted smectic G phase with increasing carbon chain length. Phase diagrams of the above hybrid ZnO nanomaterial influenced LC complex and pure LC were constructed and compared. The switching times, the contrast ratio and spontaneous polarization of the nanostructures-HBLC composite film were carried out by systematic investigation. The sample preparation parameters, such as the curing time and curing intensity were optimized. The critical applied voltage to achieve the switching bi-stability of our device is only 4.5 V, which is approximately twice its threshold voltage for Freedericksz transition. This performance puts the hybrid structure at the top level in the state of the art in application oriented research in optics of liquid crystalline composite materials.

Study of the effect of ZnO film on some properties of clear and color window glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamead, Alaa A. Abdul; Ahmed, Sura S.; Khdheer, Mena F.

2018-05-01

In the current research, a samples of transparent color and colorless window glass were prepared, (includes metal transition oxides) for construction applications. A nano-film layer of zinc oxide ZnO was deposited by spray pyrolysis technique for use in sustainability applications prepared. Structural properties (x-ray diffraction XRD, scanning electron microscopy SEM and atomic force microscopy AFM), and thermal properties, as well as optical properties and the effect of weathering conditions on applied film on clear and colored glass were examined. The results showed that the deposition film had a thickness of less than 90nm and that it was crystallized with high optical transparently, that was not significantly affected after deposited the ZnO nano film. While thermal insulation decreased significantly after deposition, and the effect of the weather conditions was very low as the ZnO coating was not affected, as the thermal insulation did not change after exposure to accelerated air conditions. Make it suitable in glass applications for buildings in vertical construction.

Pure and Mg-doped self-assembled ZnO nano-particles for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol.

PubMed

Selvam, N Clament Sagaya; Narayanan, S; Kennedy, L John; Vijaya, J Judith

2013-10-01

A novel self-assembled pure and Mg doped ZnO nano-particles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by a simple low temperature co-precipitation method. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, high resolution scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The results indicated that the prepared photocatalysts showed high crystallinity with a uniform size distribution of the NPs. The degradation of cholorphenols is highly mandatory in today's scenario as they are affecting the environment adversely. Thus, the photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), a potent endocrine disrupting chemical in aqueous medium was investigated by both pure and Mg-doped ZnO NPs under UV-light irradiation in the present study. The influence of the Mg content on the structure, morphology, PL character and photocatalytic activity of ZnO NPs were investigated systematically. Furthermore,the effect of different parameters such as 4-CP concentration, photocatalyst amount, pH and UV-light wavelength on the resulting photocatalytic activity was investigated.

TiO2 nanoparticles alleviate toxicity by reducing free Zn2+ ion in human primary epidermal keratinocytes exposed to ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kathawala, Mustafa Hussain; Ng, Kee Woei; Loo, Say Chye Joachim

2015-06-01

Nanoparticles have been a subject of intense safety screenings due to their influx in various applications. Although recent studies have reported on the plausible cytotoxicity of nanoparticles, many of these focused only on single-material nanoparticles, while the cytotoxicity of dual-nanoparticle systems (e.g., ZnO with TiO2) has remained unexplored. For example, commercial products like sunscreens and cosmetics contain both nano-sized ZnO and TiO2, but cytotoxicity studies of such systems are meager. In this paper, the cytotoxicity of this dual-nanoparticle system comprising both ZnO and TiO2 was evaluated in vitro on skin-mimicking human primary epidermal keratinocytes (HPEKs). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy were used to investigate the uptake of nanoparticles and free ions. Results revealed that ZnO nanoparticles were partially soluble (up to 20 μg ml-1 after 1 day) and could induce strong cytotoxicity as compared to the insoluble TiO2 nanoparticles which remained non-toxic until very high concentrations. It was found that TiO2 nanoparticles could play "vigilante" by protecting keratinocytes from acute toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles. This is in agreement with the observation that TiO2 nanoparticles caused an attenuation of free intracellular Zn2+ ions concentration, by adsorbing and immobilizing free Zn2+ ions. This study reveals a unique dual-nanoparticle observation in vitro on HPEKs, and highlights the importance of dual-nanoparticulate toxicity studies, especially in applications where more than one nanoparticle material-type is present.

Aligned hierarchical Ag/ZnO nano-heterostructure arrays via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template for enhanced gas-sensing properties.

PubMed

Yin, Zhouping; Wang, Xiaomei; Sun, Fazhe; Tong, Xiaohu; Zhu, Chen; Lv, Qiying; Ye, Dong; Wang, Shuai; Luo, Wei; Huang, YongAn

2017-09-22

Gas sensing performance can be improved significantly by the increase in both the effective gas exposure area and the surface reactivitiy of ZnO nanorods. Here, we propose aligned hierarchical Ag/ZnO nano-heterostructure arrays (h-Ag/ZnO-NAs) via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template, together with a subsequent hydrothermal synthesis and photoreduction reaction. The h-Ag/ZnO-NAs scatter at top for higher specific surface areas with the air, simultaneously contact at root for the electrical conduction. Besides, the ZnO nanorods are uniformly coated with dispersed Ag nanoparticles, resulting in a tremendous enhancement of the surface reactivity. Compared with pure ZnO, such h-Ag/ZnO-NAs exhibit lower electrical resistance and faster responses. Moreover, they demonstrate enhanced NO 2 gas sensing properties. Self-assembly via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template paves a new way for the preparation of high performance gas sensors.

EGCG assisted green synthesis of ZnO nanopowders: Photodegradative, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh, D.; Udayabhanu; Nethravathi, P. C.; Lingaraju, K.; Rajanaika, H.; Sharma, S. C.; Nagabhushana, H.

2015-02-01

Zinc oxide nanopowders were synthesized by solution combustion method using Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) a tea catechin as fuel. The structure and morphology of the product was characterized by Powder X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, photoluminescence and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The nanopowders (Nps) were subjected to photocatalytic and biological activities such as antimicrobial and antioxidant studies. PXRD patterns demonstrate that the formed product belongs to hexagonal wurtzite system. SEM images show that the particles are agglomerated to form sponge like structure and the average crystallite sizes were found to be ∼10-20 nm. PL spectra exhibit broad and strong peak at 590 nm due to the Zn-vacancies, and O-vacancies. The prepared ZnO Nps exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of malachite green (MG) and methylene blue (MB) indicating that the ZnO NPs are potential photocatalytic semiconductor materials. ZnO NPs exhibit significant bactericidal activity against Klebsiella aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the agar well diffusion method. Furthermore, the ZnO nano powders show good antioxidant activity by potentially scavenging DPPH radicals. The study successfully demonstrates synthesis of ZnO NPs by simple ecofriendly route employing EGCG as fuel that exhibit superior photodegradative, antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Construction of Zinc Oxide into Different Morphological Structures to Be Utilized as Antimicrobial Agent against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria

PubMed Central

Elkady, M. F.; Shokry Hassan, H.; Hafez, Elsayed E.; Fouad, Ahmed

2015-01-01

Nano-ZnO has been successfully implemented in particles, rods, and tubes nanostructures via sol-gel and hydrothermal techniques. The variation of the different preparation parameters such as reaction temperature, time, and stabilizer agents was optimized to attain different morphological structures. The influence of the microwave annealing process on ZnO crystallinity, surface area, and morphological structure was monitored using XRD, BET, and SEM techniques, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide produced in nanotubes structure was examined against four different multidrug resistant bacteria: Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strains. The activity of produced nano-ZnO was determined by disc diffusion technique and the results revealed that ZnO nanotubes recorded high activity against the studied strains due to their high surface area equivalent to 17.8 m2/g. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO nanotubes showed that the low concentrations of ZnO nanotubes could be a substitution for the commercial antibiotics when approached in suitable formula. Although the annealing process of ZnO improves the degree of material crystallinity, however, it declines its surface area and consequently its antimicrobial activity. PMID:26451136

How the guest molecules in nanoporous Zn(II) metal-organic framework can prevent agglomeration of ZnO nanoparticles

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

Moeinian, Maryam; Akhbari, Kamran, E-mail: akhbari.k@khayam.ut.ac.ir

The host and the apohost framework of [Zn{sub 2}(BDC){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}·(DMF){sub 2}]{sub n} (1·2H{sub 2}O·2DMF), (BDC{sup 2−}=benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate and DMF=N,N-Dimethylformamide), were synthesized and subsequently used for preparation of ZnO nanomaterials. With calcination of the host framework of 1·2H{sub 2}O·2DMF, ZnO nanoparticles were obtained. By the same process on the apohost framework of 1, agglomerated nanoparticles of ZnO were formed. These nano-structures were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These results indicate that with removal of the guest DMF and coordinated H{sub 2}O molecules from the one-dimensional channels of 1·2H{sub 2}O·2DMF, the tendency of nanoparticles tomore » agglomerate increases and the role of this MOF in preparation of ZnO nanoparticles from this precursor was reduced. - Graphical abstract: Nano-porous zinc(II) MOF with guest DMF and coordinated H{sub 2}O molecules has been synthesized and characterized. The host and the apohost framework of it were used for preparation of ZnO nanomaterials. The role of these species in preparation of ZnO nanoparticles from the host framework is probably similar to the role of polymeric stabilizers in formation of nanoparticles. - Highlights: • Nanoparticles of ZnO were fabricated from nanoporous metal-organic framework. • The effect of guest DMF and coordinated H{sub 2}O molecules on this process was studied. • The effect of them in formation nanoparticle is similar to polymeric stabilizers.« less

Achieving Higher Strength and Sensitivity toward UV Light in Multifunctional Composites by Controlling the Thickness of Nano-Layer on the Surface of Glass Fiber.

PubMed

Sun, Chao; Zhang, Jie; Gao, Shanglin; Zhang, Nan; Zhang, Yijun; Zhuang, Jian; Liu, Ming; Zhang, Xiaohui; Ren, Wei; Wu, Hua; Ye, Zuo-Guang

2018-06-18

The interphase between fiber and matrix plays an essential role in the performance of composites. Therefore, the ability to design or modify the interphase is a key technology needed to manufacture stronger and smarter composite. Recently, depositing nano-materials onto the surface of the fiber has become a promising approach to optimize the interphase and composites. But, the modified composites have not reached the highest strength yet, because the determining parameters, such as thickness of the nano-layer, are hardly controlled by the mentioned methods in reported works. Here, we deposit conformal ZnO nano-layer with various thicknesses onto the surfaces of glass fibers via the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method and a tremendous enhancement of interfacial shear strength of composites is achieved. Importantly, a critical thickness of ZnO nano-layer is obtained for the first time, giving rise to a maximal relative enhancement in the interfacial strength, which is more than 200% of the control fiber. In addition, the single modified fiber exhibits a potential application as a flexible, transparent, in-situ UV detector in composites. And, we find the UV-sensitivity also shows a strong correlation with the thickness of ZnO. To reveal the dependence of UV-sensitivity on thickness, a depletion thickness is estimated by a proposed model which is an essential guide to design the detectors with higher sensitivity. Consequently, such precise tailoring of the interphase offers an advanced way to improve and to flexibly control various macroscopic properties of multifunctional composites of the next generation.

Citrus maxima (Pomelo) juice mediated eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles: Applications to photocatalytic, electrochemical sensor and antibacterial activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavithra, N. S.; Lingaraju, K.; Raghu, G. K.; Nagaraju, G.

2017-10-01

In the present work, Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) have been successfully prepared through a simple, effective and low cost solution combustion method using Zn (NO3)2·6H2O as an oxidizer, chakkota (Common name = Pomelo) fruit juice as novel fuel. X-ray diffraction pattern indicates the hexagonal wurtzite structure with average crystallite size of 22 nm. ZnO Nps were characterized with the aid of different spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Photoluminescence and UV-Visible spectroscopy. FTIR shows characteristic ZnO vibrational mode at 393 cm- 1. SEM images show that the particles are agglomerated. TEM image shows the size of the particles are about 10-20 nm. Further, in order to establish practical applicability of the synthesized ZnO Nps, photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye as a model system was studied in presence of UV (665 nm) light. In addition to this, the antibacterial activity was screen against 3 bacterial strains and electrochemical sensor performance towards the quantification of dopamine at nano molar concentrations was also explored.

Application of short-term inhalation studies to assess the inhalation toxicity of nanomaterials

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background A standard short-term inhalation study (STIS) was applied for hazard assessment of 13 metal oxide nanomaterials and micron-scale zinc oxide. Methods Rats were exposed to test material aerosols (ranging from 0.5 to 50 mg/m3) for five consecutive days with 14- or 21-day post-exposure observation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and histopathological sections of the entire respiratory tract were examined. Pulmonary deposition and clearance and test material translocation into extra-pulmonary organs were assessed. Results Inhaled nanomaterials were found in the lung, in alveolar macrophages, and in the draining lymph nodes. Polyacrylate-coated silica was also found in the spleen, and both zinc oxides elicited olfactory epithelium necrosis. None of the other nanomaterials was recorded in extra-pulmonary organs. Eight nanomaterials did not elicit pulmonary effects, and their no observed adverse effect concentrations (NOAECs) were at least 10 mg/m3. Five materials (coated nano-TiO2, both ZnO, both CeO2) evoked concentration-dependent transient pulmonary inflammation. Most effects were at least partially reversible during the post-exposure period. Based on the NOAECs that were derived from quantitative parameters, with BALF polymorphonuclear (PMN) neutrophil counts and total protein concentration being most sensitive, or from the severity of histopathological findings, the materials were ranked by increasing toxic potency into 3 grades: lower toxic potency: BaSO4; SiO2.acrylate (by local NOAEC); SiO2.PEG; SiO2.phosphate; SiO2.amino; nano-ZrO2; ZrO2.TODA; ZrO2.acrylate; medium toxic potency: SiO2.naked; higher toxic potency: coated nano-TiO2; nano-CeO2; Al-doped nano-CeO2; micron-scale ZnO; coated nano-ZnO (and SiO2.acrylate by systemic no observed effect concentration (NOEC)). Conclusion The STIS revealed the type of effects of 13 nanomaterials, and micron-scale ZnO, information on their toxic potency, and the location and reversibility of effects. Assessment of lung burden and material translocation provided preliminary biokinetic information. Based upon the study results, the STIS protocol was re-assessed and preliminary suggestions regarding the grouping of nanomaterials for safety assessment were spelled out. PMID:24708749

Taheri-Saramad x-ray detector (TSXD): a novel high spatial resolution x-ray imager based on ZnO nano scintillator wires in polycarbonate membrane.

PubMed

Taheri, A; Saramad, S; Ghalenoei, S; Setayeshi, S

2014-01-01

A novel x-ray imager based on ZnO nanowires is designed and fabricated. The proposed architecture is based on scintillation properties of ZnO nanostructures in a polycarbonate track-etched membrane. Because of higher refractive index of ZnO nanowire compared to the membrane, the nanowire acts as an optical fiber that prevents the generated optical photons to spread inside the detector. This effect improves the spatial resolution of the imager. The detection quantum efficiency and spatial resolution of the fabricated imager are 11% and <6.8 μm, respectively.

High-speed observation of ZnO microspherical crystals produced by laser ablation (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Daisuke; Tasaki, Ryohei; Fujiwara, Yuki; Nagasaki, Fumiaki; Higashihata, Mitsuhiro; Ikenoue, Hiroshi; Okada, Tatsuo

2017-03-01

ZnO nano/microstructures have attracted much attention as building blocks for optoelectronic devices because of their high crystalline quality and unique structures. We have succeeded in synthesizing ZnO microspherical crystals by a simple atmospheric laser ablation method, and demonstrated ultraviolet whispering-gallery-mode lasing from the spheres. In the microsphere synthesis process, molten droplets formed into spherical shapes by surface tension, and crystalized during ejection from the ablation spot. In this study, we observed the generation of ZnO microspheres by high-speed camera. Now we are trying to control and manipulate the microspheres using a vortex beam.

High-efficiency second harmonic generation from a single hybrid ZnO nanowire/Au plasmonic nano-oligomer.

PubMed

Grinblat, Gustavo; Rahmani, Mohsen; Cortés, Emiliano; Caldarola, Martín; Comedi, David; Maier, Stefan A; Bragas, Andrea V

2014-11-12

We introduce a plasmonic-semiconductor hybrid nanosystem, consisting of a ZnO nanowire coupled to a gold pentamer oligomer by crossing the hot-spot. It is demonstrated that the hybrid system exhibits a second harmonic (SH) conversion efficiency of ∼3 × 10(-5)%, which is among the highest values for a nanoscale object at optical frequencies reported so far. The SH intensity was found to be ∼1700 times larger than that from the same nanowire excited outside the hot-spot. Placing high nonlinear susceptibility materials precisely in plasmonic confined-field regions to enhance SH generation opens new perspectives for highly efficient light frequency up-conversion on the nanoscale.

Release and toxicity comparison between industrial- and sunscreen-derived nano-ZnO particles

EPA Science Inventory

Many consumer products containing ZnO have raised concern for safety in regards toenvironmental impact and the public health. Widely used sunscreens for protectingagainst UV and avoiding sunburns represent a great exposure to nano-ZnO, one of theingredients commonly applied in su...

Pre-patterned ZnO nanoribbons on soft substrates for stretchable energy harvesting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Teng; Wang, Yong; Tang, Rui; Yu, Hongyu; Jiang, Hanqing

2013-05-01

Three pre-patterned ZnO nanoribbons in different configurations were studied in this paper, including (a) straight ZnO nanoribbons uniformly bonded on soft substrates that form sinusoidal buckles, (b) straight ZnO nanoribbons selectively bonded on soft substrates that form pop-up buckles, and (c) serpentine ZnO nanoribbons bonded on soft substrates via anchors. The nonlinear dynamics and random analysis were conducted to obtain the fundamental frequencies and to evaluate their performance in energy harvesting applications. We found that pop-up buckles and overhanging serpentine structures are suitable for audio frequency energy harvesting applications. Remarkably, almost unchanged fundamental natural frequency upon strain is achieved by properly patterning ZnO nanoribbons, which initiates a new and exciting direction of stretchable energy harvesting using nano-scale materials in audio frequency range.

Toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles to Escherichia coli: mechanism and the influence of medium components.

PubMed

Li, Mei; Zhu, Lizhong; Lin, Daohui

2011-03-01

Water chemistry can be a major factor regulating the toxicity mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) in water. The effect of five commonly used aqueous media with various chemical properties on the toxicity of nano-ZnO to Escherichia coli O111 (E. coli) was investigated, including ultrapure water, 0.85% NaCl, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), minimal Davis (MD), and Luria-Bertani (LB). Combined results of physicochemical characterization and antibacterial tests of nano-ZnO in the five media suggest that the toxicity of nano-ZnO is mainly due to the free zinc ions and labile zinc complexes. The toxicity of nano-ZnO in the five media deceased as follows: ultrapure water > NaCl > MD > LB > PBS. The generation of precipitates (Zn(3)(PO(4))(2) in PBS) and zinc complexes (of zinc with citrate and amino acids in MD and LB, respectively) dramatically decreased the concentration of Zn(2+) ions, resulting in the lower toxicity in these media. Additionally, the isotonic and rich nutrient conditions improved the tolerance of E. coli to toxicants. Considering the dramatic difference of the toxicity of nano-ZnO in various aqueous media, the effect of water chemistry on the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles should be paid more attention in future nanotoxicity evaluations.

Zinc oxide piezoelectric nano-generators for low frequency applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nour, E. S.; Nur, O.; Willander, M.

2017-06-01

Piezoelectric Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanogenerators (NGs) have been fabricated for low frequency (<100 Hz) energy harvesting applications. Different types of NGs based on ZnO nanostructures have been carefully developed, and studied for testing under different kinds of low frequency mechanical deformations. Well aligned ZnO nanowires (NWs) possessing high piezoelectric coefficient were synthesized on flexible substrates using the low temperature hydrothermal route. These ZnO NWs were then used in different configurations to demonstrate different low frequency energy harvesting devices. Using piezoelectric ZnO NWs, we started with the fabrication of a sandwiched NG for a handwriting enabled energy harvesting device based on a thin silver layer coated paper substrate. Such device configurations can be used for the development of electronic programmable smart paper. Further, we developed this NG to work as a triggered sensor for a wireless system using footstep pressure. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of using a ZnO NWs piezoelectric NG as a low-frequency self- powered sensor, with potential applications in wireless sensor networks. After that, we investigated and fabricated a sensor on a PEDOT: PSS plastic substrate using a one-sided growth and double-sided growth technique. For the first growth technique, the fabricated NG has been used as a sensor for an acceleration system; while the fabricated NG by the second technique works as an anisotropic direction sensor. This fabricated configuration showed stability for sensing and can be used in surveillance, security, and auto-Mobil applications. In addition to that, we investigated the fabrication of a sandwiched NG on plastic substrates. Finally, we demonstrated that doping ZnO NWs with extrinsic elements (such as Ag) will lead to the reduction of the piezoelectric effect due to the loss of crystal symmetry. A brief summary into future opportunities and challenges is also presented.

Photocatalytic removal of doxycycline from aqueous solution using ZnO nano-particles: a comparison between UV-C and visible light.

PubMed

Pourmoslemi, Shabnam; Mohammadi, Ali; Kobarfard, Farzad; Amini, Mohsen

2016-10-01

Zinc oxide nano-particles were synthesized, characterized and used for photocatalytic degradation of doxycycline using UV-C and visible light. Effects of several operational factors including initial pH of antibiotic solution, initial antibiotic concentration and ZnO nano-particles loading amount were investigated. Comparing photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of doxycycline under UV-C and visible light showed successful application of the method under both light sources. However, reaction rate was higher under UV-C irradiation, which degraded doxycycline almost completely in 5 hours, and 68% mineralization was achieved. Synthesized ZnO nano-particles were successfully applied for photocatalytic degradation of doxycycline in a pharmaceutical wastewater sample. The process was fitted to the pseudo first order kinetic model with rate constants in the range of 6-22(×10 -3 ) mg L -1 min -1 with respect to initial concentration of doxycycline under UV-C irradiation. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was also employed for describing the photocatalytic reaction with surface reaction kinetic constant k c and equilibrium adsorption constant K LH values calculated as 0.12 mg L -1 min -1 and 2.2 L mg -1 , respectively. Degradation of doxycycline was followed by UV-visible spectroscopy and a validated stability indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method that was developed using stressed samples of doxycycline and could selectively determine doxycycline in the presence of its degradation products. Mass spectrometry was used for determining final degradation products.

ZnO nanostructures directly grown on paper and bacterial cellulose substrates without any surface modification layer.

PubMed

Costa, Saionara V; Gonçalves, Agnaldo S; Zaguete, Maria A; Mazon, Talita; Nogueira, Ana F

2013-09-21

In this report, hierarchical ZnO nano- and microstructures were directly grown for the first time on a bacterial cellulose substrate and on two additional different papers by hydrothermal synthesis without any surface modification layer. Compactness and smoothness of the substrates are two important parameters that allow the growth of oriented structures.

Local Structures Around Co Atoms in Wurtzite ZnO Nano-Composites Probed by Fluorescence XAFS

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

Shi Tongfei; National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230029; Liu Wenhan

2007-02-02

The local structures around Co ions in the Zn1-xCoxO nano-composites prepared by the sol-gel method have been investigated by fluorescence X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) technique. The results indicate that for dilute Co-doped ZnO (x=0.02, 0.05), the Co2+ ions are incorporated into the ZnO lattice, and are located at the position of the substitutional Zn2+ ions. As the Co content increases to 0.10 or higher, only part of the Co ions enter the lattice of the wurtzite and the others exist in the form of a Co3O4 phase whose content increases with the doped Co concentration. In the substitutional Zn0.98Co0.02Omore » sample, the bond length of the first shell RCo-O and the second shell RCo-Zn is smaller than the second shell Zn-Zn distance in ZnO by about 0.01{approx}0.02 A. These results imply that only small local lattice deformation is induced by dilute Co2+ substituting into the Zn2+ sites.« less

Improved compaction of ZnO nano-powder triggered by the presence of acetate and its effect on sintering.

PubMed

Dargatz, Benjamin; Gonzalez-Julian, Jesus; Guillon, Olivier

2015-04-01

The retention of nanocrystallinity in dense ceramic materials is still a challenge, even with the application of external pressure during sintering. The compaction behavior of high purity and acetate enriched zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-powders was investigated. It was found that acetate in combination with water plays a key role during the compaction into green bodies at moderate temperatures. Application of constant pressure resulted in a homogeneous green body with superior packing density (86% of theoretical value) at moderate temperature (85 °C) in the presence of water. In contrast, no improvement in density could be achieved if pure ZnO powder was used. This compaction behavior offers superior packing of the particles, resulting in a high relative density of the consolidated compact with negligible coarsening. Dissolution accompanying creep diffusion based matter transport is suggested to strongly support reorientation of ZnO particles towards densities beyond the theoretical limit for packing of ideal monosized spheres. Finally, the sintering trajectory reveals that grain growth is retarded compared to conventional processing up to 90% of theoretical density. Moreover, nearly no radial shrinkage was observed after sinter-forging for bodies performed with this advanced processing method.

Improved compaction of ZnO nano-powder triggered by the presence of acetate and its effect on sintering

PubMed Central

Gonzalez-Julian, Jesus; Guillon, Olivier

2015-01-01

The retention of nanocrystallinity in dense ceramic materials is still a challenge, even with the application of external pressure during sintering. The compaction behavior of high purity and acetate enriched zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-powders was investigated. It was found that acetate in combination with water plays a key role during the compaction into green bodies at moderate temperatures. Application of constant pressure resulted in a homogeneous green body with superior packing density (86% of theoretical value) at moderate temperature (85 °C) in the presence of water. In contrast, no improvement in density could be achieved if pure ZnO powder was used. This compaction behavior offers superior packing of the particles, resulting in a high relative density of the consolidated compact with negligible coarsening. Dissolution accompanying creep diffusion based matter transport is suggested to strongly support reorientation of ZnO particles towards densities beyond the theoretical limit for packing of ideal monosized spheres. Finally, the sintering trajectory reveals that grain growth is retarded compared to conventional processing up to 90% of theoretical density. Moreover, nearly no radial shrinkage was observed after sinter-forging for bodies performed with this advanced processing method. PMID:27877777

Micro-size antenna structure with vertical nanowires for wireless power transmission and communication.

PubMed

Kang, Jong-Gu; Jeong, Yeri; Shin, Jeong Hee; Choi, Ji-Woong; Sohn, Jung Inn; Cha, Seung Nam; Jang, Jae Eun

2014-11-01

For biomedical implanted devices, a wireless power or a signal transmission is essential to protect an infection and to enhance durability. In this study, we present a magnetic induction technique for a power transmission without any wire connection between transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) in a micro scale. Due to a micro size effect of a flat spiral coil, a magnetic inductance is not high. To enhance the magnetic inductance, a three dimensional magnetic core is added to an antenna structure, which is consisted of ZnO nano wires coated by a nickel (Ni) layer. ZnO nano wires easily supply a large effective surface area with a vertical structural effect to the magnetic core structure, which induces a higher magnetic inductance with a ferro-magnetic material Ni. The magnetic induction antenna with the magnetic core shows a high inductance value, a low reflection power and a strong power transmission. The power transmission efficiencies are tested under the air and the water medium are almost the same values, so that the magnetic induction technique is quite proper to body implanted systems.

Synthesis and Conductometric Property of Sol-Gel-Derived ZnO/PVP Nano Hybrid Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilegbusi, Olusegun J.; Trakhtenberg, Leonid

2013-03-01

ZnO nanoparticles immobilized in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were prepared using sol-gel dip-coating technique with varying Zn2+/PVP ratios. The films were characterized using atomic force microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The size and concentration of ZnO particles decreased as the Zn/PVP ratio decreased. Under low Zn2+/PVP molar ratios, ZnO particles were clearly well separated and capped in the PVP polymer matrix. Electrical resistivity of 108 Ω cm was achieved under these deposition conditions.

Electrosynthesis of ZnO nanorods and nanotowers: Morphology and X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sigircik, Gokmen; Erken, Ozge; Tuken, Tunc; Gumus, Cebrail; Ozkendir, Osman M.; Ufuktepe, Yuksel

2015-06-01

Deposition mechanism of nano-structured ZnO films has been investigated in the absence and presence of chloride ions from aqueous solution. The resulting opto-electronic properties were interpreted extensively, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy (XANES), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy and four probe techniques. The ZnO deposition is mass transport controlled process and the interaction of chloride ions with the surface has great influence on diffusion kinetics, considering the substantial species (Zn2+ and OH-) involved in the construction of ZnO film. This effect does not change major lattice parameters, as shown with detailed analysis of XRD data. However, the texture coefficient (Tc) (0 0 2) value is higher in presence of chloride ions containing synthesis solution which gave vertically aligned, well defined and uniformly dispersed nanorods structure. The calculated Eg values are in the range 3.28-3.41 eV and 3.22-3.31 eV for ZnO nanorods and nanotowers synthesized at different deposition periods, respectively. Furthermore, the charge mobility values regarding the deposition periods were measured to be in the ranges from 130.4 to 449.2 cm2 V-1 s-1 and 126.2 to 204.7 cm2 V-1 s-1 for nanorods and nanotowers, respectively. From XANES results, it was shown that the Zn K-edge spectrum is dominated by the transition of Zn 1s core electrons into the unoccupied Zn 4p states of the conduction band. Comparing the rod and tower nano-structured ZnO thin films, the excitation behavior of valence band electrons is different. Moreover, the density states of Zn 4p are higher for ZnO nanorods.

Optimized dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles and antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espitia, Paula Judith Perez; Soares, Nilda de Fátima Ferreira; Teófilo, Reinaldo F.; Vitor, Débora M.; Coimbra, Jane Sélia dos Reis; de Andrade, Nélio José; de Sousa, Frederico B.; Sinisterra, Rubén D.; Medeiros, Eber Antonio Alves

2013-01-01

Single primary nanoparticles of zinc oxide (nanoZnO) tend to form particle collectives, resulting in loss of antimicrobial activity. This work studied the effects of probe sonication conditions: power, time, and the presence of a dispersing agent (Na4P2O7), on the size of nanoZnO particles. NanoZnO dispersion was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) and characterized by the zeta potential (ZP) technique. NanoZnO antimicrobial activity was investigated at different concentrations (1, 5, and 10 % w/w) against four foodborne pathogens and four spoilage microorganisms. The presence of the dispersing agent had a significant effect on the size of dispersed nanoZnO. Minimum size after sonication was 238 nm. An optimal dispersion condition was achieved at 200 W for 45 min of sonication in the presence of the dispersing agent. ZP analysis indicated that the ZnO nanoparticle surface charge was altered by the addition of the dispersing agent and changes in pH. At tested concentrations and optimal dispersion, nanoZnO had no antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Listeria monocytogenes. However, it did have antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger. Based on the exhibited antimicrobial activity of optimized nanoZnO against some foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms, nanoZnO is a promising antimicrobial for food preservation with potential application for incorporation in polymers intended as food-contact surfaces.

Does seed size and surface anatomy play role in combating phytotoxicity of nanoparticles?

PubMed

Jain, Navin; Bhargava, Arpit; Pareek, Vikram; Sayeed Akhtar, Mohd; Panwar, Jitendra

2017-03-01

Rapid utilization of nano-based products will inevitably release nanoparticles into the environment with unidentified consequences. Plants, being an integral part of ecosystem play a vital role in the incorporation of nanoparticles in food chain and thus, need to be critically assessed. The present study assesses the comparative phytotoxicity of nanoparticle, bulk and ionic forms of zinc at different concentrations on selected plant species with varying seed size and surface anatomy. ZnO nanoparticles were chosen in view of their wide spread use in cosmetics and health care products, which allow their direct release in the environment. The impact on germination rate, shoot & root length and vigour index were evaluated. A concentration dependent inhibition of seed germination as well as seedling length was observed in all the tested plants. Due to the presence of thick cuticle on testa and root, pearl millet (xerophytic plant) was found to be relatively less sensitive to ZnO nanoparticles as compared to wheat and tomato (mesophytic plants) with normal cuticle layer. No correlation was observed between nanoparticles toxicity and seed size. The results indicated that variations in surface anatomy of seeds play a crucial role in determining the phytotoxicity of nanoparticles. The present findings significantly contribute to assess potential consequences of nanoparticle release in environment particularly with major emphasis on plant systems. It is the first report which suggests that variations observed in phytotoxicity of nanoparticles is mainly due to the predominant differences in size and surface anatomy of tested plant seeds and root architecture. Effect of various concentrations of nano ZnO, bulk ZnO and zinc sulphate on the growth of pearl millet (A), tomato (B) and wheat (C) seedlings.

One-pot green synthesis of zinc oxide nano rice and its application as sonocatalyst for degradation of organic dye and synthesis of 2-benzimidazole derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, Bappi; Vadivel, Sethumathavan; Dhar, Siddhartha Sankar; Debbarma, Shyama; Kumaravel, M.

2017-05-01

In this paper, we report novel and green approach for one-pot biosynthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). Highly stable and hexagonal phase ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using seeds extract from the tender pods of Parkia roxburghii and characterized by XRD, FT-IR, EDX, TEM, and N2 adsorption-desorption (BET) studies. The present method of synthesis of ZnO NPs is very efficient and cost effective. The powder XRD pattern furnished evidence for the formation of hexagonal close packing structure of ZnO NPs having average crystallite size 25.6 nm. The TEM image reveals rice shapes ZnO NPs are with an average diameter of 40-60 nm. The as-synthesized ZnO NPs has proved to be an excellent sonocatalysts for degradation of organic dye and synthesis of 2-benzimidazole derivatives.

Comparison of the in vitro and in vivo toxic effects of three sizes of zinc oxide (ZnO) particles using flounder gill (FG) cells and zebrafish embryos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Li; Zhai, Yanan; Liu, Yang; Hao, Linhua; Guo, Huarong

2017-02-01

Nano-sized zinc oxide (nZnO) particles are one kind of the most commonly used metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). This study compared the cytotoxic and embryotoxic effects of three increasing sized ZnO particles (ϕ 30 nm, 80-150 nm and 2 μm) in the flounder gill (FG) cells and zebrafish embryos, and analyzed the contribution of size, agglomeration and released Zn2+ to the toxic effects. All the tested ZnO particles were found to be highly toxic to both FG cells and zebrafish embryos. They induced growth inhibition, LDH release, morphological changes and apoptosis in FG cells in a concentration-, size- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, the release of LDH from the exposed FG cells into the medium occurred before the observable morphological changes happened. The ultrasonication treatment and addition of serum favored the dispersion of ZnO particles and alleviated the agglomeration, thus significantly increased the corresponding cytotoxicity. The released Zn2+ ions from ZnO particles into the extracellular medium only partially contributed to the cytotoxicity. All the three sizes of ZnO particles tested induced developmental malformations, decrease of hatching rates and lethality in zebrafish embryos, but size- and concentration- dependent toxic effects were not so obvious as in FG cells possibly due to the easy aggregation of ZnO particles in freshwater. In conclusion, both FG cells and zebrafish embryos are sensitive bioassay systems for safety assessment of ZnO particles and the environmental release of ZnO particles should be closely monitored as far as the safety of aquatic organisms is concerned.

Preparation of photocatalytic ZnO nanoparticles and application in photochemical degradation of betamethasone sodium phosphate using taguchi approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giahi, M.; Farajpour, G.; Taghavi, H.; Shokri, S.

2014-07-01

In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-gel method for the first time. Taguchi method was used to identify the several factors that may affect degradation percentage of betamethasone sodium phosphate in wastewater in UV/K2S2O8/nano-ZnO system. Our experimental design consisted of testing five factors, i.e., dosage of K2S2O8, concentration of betamethasone sodium phosphate, amount of ZnO, irradiation time and initial pH. With four levels of each factor tested. It was found that, optimum parameters are irradiation time, 180 min; pH 9.0; betamethasone sodium phosphate, 30 mg/L; amount of ZnO, 13 mg; K2S2O8, 1 mM. The percentage contribution of each factor was determined by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that irradiation time; pH; amount of ZnO; drug concentration and dosage of K2S2O8 contributed by 46.73, 28.56, 11.56, 6.70, and 6.44%, respectively. Finally, the kinetics process was studied and the photodegradation rate of betamethasone sodium phosphate was found to obey pseudo-first-order kinetics equation represented by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model.

Comparison of Antibacterial Effects of ZnO and CuO Nanoparticles Coated Brackets against Streptococcus Mutans.

PubMed

Ramazanzadeh, Baratali; Jahanbin, Arezoo; Yaghoubi, Masoud; Shahtahmassbi, Nasser; Ghazvini, Kiarash; Shakeri, Mohammadtaghi; Shafaee, Hooman

2015-09-01

During the orthodontic treatment, microbial plaques may accumulate around the brackets and cause caries, especially in high-risk patients. Finding ways to eliminate this microbial plaque seems to be essential. The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial effects of nano copper oxide (CuO) and nano zinc oxide (ZnO) coated brackets against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) in order to decrease the risk of caries around the orthodontic brackets during the treatment. Sixty brackets were coated with nanoparticles of ZnO (n=20), CuO (n=20) and CuO-ZnO (n=20). Twelve uncoated brackets constituted the control group. The brackets were bonded to the crowns of extracted premolars, sterilized and prepared for antimicrobial tests (S.mutans ATCC35668). The samples taken after 0, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours were cultured on agar plates. Colonies were counted 24 hours after incubation. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis. In CuO and CuO-ZnO coated brackets, no colony growth was seen after two hours. Between 0-6 hours, the mean colony counts were not significantly different between the ZnO and the control group (p>0.05). During 6-24 hours, the growth of S.mutans was significantly reduced by ZnO nanoparticles in comparison with the control group (p< 0.001). However, these bacteria were not totally eliminated. CuO and ZnO-CuO nanoparticles coated brackets have better antimicrobial effect on S.mutans than ZnO coated brackets.

Antagonistic effect of nano-ZnO and cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris: Dissolution and accumulation of nano-ZnO.

PubMed

Liu, Na; Wang, Yipeng; Ge, Fei; Liu, Shixiang; Xiao, Huaixian

2018-04-01

The interaction of nanoparticles with coexisting chemicals affects the fate and transport of nanoparticles, as well as their combined effects on aquatic organisms. Here, we evaluated the joint effect of ZnO nanoparticle (nano-ZnO) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC) on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and explored the possible mechanism. Results showed that an antagonistic effect of nano-ZnO and CTAC (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg L -1 ) was found because CTAC stop nano-ZnO being broken down into solution zinc ions (Zn 2+ ). In the presence of CTAC, the zinc (including nano-ZnO and released Zn 2+ ) showed a higher adsorption on bound extracellular polymeric substances (B-EPS) but lower accumulation in the algal cells. Moreover, we directly demonstrated that nano-ZnO was adsorbed on the algal B-EPS and entered into the algal cells by transmission electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (TEM-EDX). Hence, these results suggested that the combined system of nano-ZnO and CTAC exhibited an antagonistic effect due to the inhibition of CTAC on dissolution of nano-ZnO and accumulation of the zinc in the algal cells. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Development of zinc oxide nanoparticle by sonochemical method and study of their physical and optical properties

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

Khan, Samreen Heena, E-mail: samreen.heena.khan@gmail.com; Suriyaprabha, R.; Pathak, Bhawana, E-mail: bhawana.pathak@cug.ac.in

With the miniaturization of crystal size, the fraction of under-coordinated surface atoms becomes dominant, and hence, materials in the nano-regime behave very differently from the similar material in a bulk. Zinc oxide (ZnO), particularly, exhibits extraordinary properties such as a wide direct band gap (3.37 eV), large excitation binding energy (60 meV), low refractive index (1.9), stability to intense ultraviolet (UV) illumination, resistance to high-energy irradiation, and lower toxicity as compared to other semiconductors. This very property makes Zinc Oxide a potential candidate in many application fields, particularly as a prominent semiconductor. Zinc Oxide plays a significant role in manymore » technological advances with its application in semiconductor mediated photocatalytic processes and sensor, solar cells and others. In present study, Zinc Oxide (ZnO) has been synthesized using three different precursors by sonochemical method. Zinc Acetate Dihydrate, Zinc Nitrate Hexahydrate and Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate used as a precursor for the synthesis process. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticle has been found under the range of ∼50 nm. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterized using different characterizing tools. The as-synthesized ZnO was characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) for the determination of functional group; Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) for Morphology and elemental detection respectively, Transmission Electron Microscopy for Particle size distribution and morphology and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for the confirmation of crystal structure of the nanomaterial. The optical properties of the ZnO were examined by UV-VIS spectroscopy equipped with Diffuse Reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) confirmed the optical band gap of ZnO-3 around 3.23 eV resembles with the band gap of bulk ZnO (3.37eV). The TEM micrograph of the as-synthesized material showed perfectly spherical shaped nanoparticle under the size range of 50nm. The XRD data showed that the ZnO-3 which was synthesized using Zinc Nitrate Hexahydrate as precursor showed the hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. The XRD data obtained were compared with the JCPDS standard data. The precursor Zinc Nitrate Hexahydrate (ZnO-3) showed the good yield, monodispersity and size of nanoparticle under the range of 50 nm. The ZnO nanoparticles synthesize using different precursor was found effective in order of ZnO-3, followed by ZnO-1 & ZnO-2. The Synthesized ZnO has wider application in environmental remediation and clean-up as a potential nano-catalyst.« less

Enhanced antimicrobial activity in biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Niraj; Kumari, Priti; Jha, Anal K.; Prasad, K.

2018-05-01

Biological synthesis of different metallic and/or oxide nanoparticles and their applications especially in agriculture and biomedical sciences are gaining prominence nowadays due to their handy and reproducible synthetic protocols which are cost-effective and eco-friendly. In this work, green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the alcoholic extract of Azadirachta indica as a reducing and stabilizing agent has been presented. Formation of ZnO NPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The phytochemicals responsible for nano-transformation were principally alkaloids, flavanoids, terpenoids, tannins and organic acids present in the Azadirachta indica leaves. The synthesized ZnO NPs were used for antimicrobial assays by disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Results showed that ZnO NPs may act as antimicrobial agent especially against skin infections.

Study of ZnO and Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles by sol-gel process

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

Ansari, Mohd Meenhaz, E-mail: meenhazphysics@gmail.com; Arshad, Mohd; Tripathi, Pushpendra

Nano-crystalline undoped and Mg doped ZnO (Mg-ZnO) nanoparticles with compositional formula Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}O (x=0,1,3,5,7,10 and 12 %) were synthesized using sol-gel process. The XRD diffraction peaks match with the pattern of the standard hexagonal structure of ZnO that reveals the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure in all samples. SEM images demonstrates clearly the formation of spherical ZnO nanoparticles, and change of the morphology of the nanoparticles with the concentration of the magnesium, which is in close agreement with that estimated by Scherer formula based on the XRD pattern. To investigate the doping effect on optical properties, the UV–VIS absorptionmore » spectra was obtained and the band gap of the samples calculated.« less

Acute and Cumulative Effects of Unmodified 50-nm Nano-ZnO on Mice.

PubMed

Kong, Tao; Zhang, Shu-Hui; Zhang, Ji-Liang; Hao, Xue-Qin; Yang, Fan; Zhang, Cai; Yang, Zi-Jun; Zhang, Meng-Yu; Wang, Jie

2018-01-02

Nanometer zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) is widely used in diverse industrial and agricultural fields. Due to the extensive contact humans have with these particles, it is crucial to understand the potential effects that nano-ZnO have on human health. Currently, information related to the toxicity and mechanisms of nano-ZnO is limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate acute and cumulative toxic effects of 50-nm unmodified ZnO in mice. This investigation will seek to establish median lethal dose (LD50), a cumulative coefficient, and target organs. The acute and cumulative toxicity was investigated by Karber's method and via a dose-increasing method, respectively. During the experiment, clinical signs, mortality, body weights, hematology, serum biochemistry, gross pathology, organ weight, and histopathology were examined. The LD50 was 5177-mg/kg·bw; the 95% confidence limits for the LD50 were 5116-5238-mg/kg·bw. It could be concluded that the liver, kidney, lung, and gastrointestinal tract were target organs for the 50-nm nano-ZnO acute oral treatment. The cumulative coefficient (K) was 1.9 which indicated that the cumulative toxicity was apparent. The results also indicated that the liver, kidney, lung, and pancrea were target organs for 50-nm nano-ZnO cumulative oral exposure and might be target organs for subchronic and chronic toxicity of oral administered 50-nm ZnO.

Self-Healing Natural Rubber with Tailorable Mechanical Properties Based on Ionic Supramolecular Hybrid Network.

PubMed

Xu, Chuanhui; Cao, Liming; Huang, Xunhui; Chen, Yukun; Lin, Baofeng; Fu, Lihua

2017-08-30

In most cases, the strength of self-healing supramolecular rubber based on noncovalent bonds is in the order of KPa, which is a challenge for their further applications. Incorporation of conventional fillers can effectively enhance the strength of rubbers, but usually accompanied by a sacrifice of self-healing capability due to that the filler system is independent of the reversible supramolecular network. In the present work, in situ reaction of methacrylic acid (MAA) and excess zinc oxide (ZnO) was realized in natural rubber (NR). Ionic cross-links in NR matrix were obtained by limiting the covalent cross-linking of NR molecules and allowing the in situ polymerization of MAA/ZnO. Because of the natural affinity between Zn 2+ ion-rich domains and ZnO, the residual nano ZnO participated in formation of a reversible ionic supramolecular hybrid network, thus having little obstructions on the reconstruction of ionic cross-links. Meanwhile, the well dispersed residual ZnO could tailor the mechanical properties of NR by changing the MAA/ZnO molar ratios. The present study thus provides a simple method to fabricate a new self-healing NR with tailorable mechanical properties that may have more potential applications.

Color stability of pigmented maxillofacial silicone elastomer: effects of nano-oxides as opacifiers.

PubMed

Han, Ying; Zhao, Yimin; Xie, Chao; Powers, John M; Kiat-amnuay, Sudarat

2010-01-01

This study evaluated the effects of nano-oxides on the color stability of pigmented silicone A-2186 maxillofacial prosthetic elastomers before and after artificial aging. Each of three widely used UV-shielding nano-sized particle oxides (TiO(2), ZnO, CeO(2)), based on recent survey of the industry at 1%, 2%, 2.5% concentrations were combined with each of five intrinsic silicone pigment types (no pigments, red, yellow, blue, and a mixture of the three pigments). Silicone A-2186 without nano-oxides or pigments served as control, for a total of 46 experimental groups of elastomers. In each group of the study, all specimens were aged in an artificial aging chamber for an energy exposure of 450kJ/m(2). CIE L*a*b* values were measured by a spectrophotometer. The 50:50% perceptibility (ΔE*=1.1) and acceptability threshold (ΔE*=3.0) were used in interpretation of recorded color differences. Color differences after aging were subjected to three-way analysis of variance. Means were compared by Fisher's PLSD intervals at the 0.05 level of significance. Yellow pigments mixed with all three nano-oxides at all intervals increased ΔE* values significantly from 3.7 up to 8.4. When mixed pigment groups were considered, TiO(2) at 2%, and 2.5% exhibited the smallest color changes, followed by ZnO and CeO(2), respectively (p<0.001). At 1%, CeO(2) exhibited the smallest color changes, followed by TiO(2) and ZnO, respectively (p<0.001). The smallest color differences, observed for nano-oxides groups, were recorded for CeO(2) at 1%, and TiO(2) at 2% and 2.5%. When the nano-oxides were tested at all concentrations, CeO(2) groups overall had the most color changes, and TiO(2) groups had the least. All ΔE* values of the mixed pigment groups were below the 50:50% acceptability threshold (ΔE*=1.2-2.3, below 3.0) except 2% CeO(2) (ΔE*=4.2). 1% nano-CeO(2) and 2% and 2.5% nano-TiO(2) used as opacifiers for silicone A-2186 maxillofacial prostheses with mixed pigments exhibited the least color changes when subjected to artificial aging at 450kJ/m(2). Yellow silicone pigment mixed with all three nano-oxides significantly affected color stability of A-2186 silicone elastomer. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flexible chitosan-nano ZnO antimicrobial pouches as a new material for extending the shelf life of raw meat.

PubMed

Rahman, P Mujeeb; Mujeeb, V M Abdul; Muraleedharan, K

2017-04-01

As a breakthrough to open up the industrial use of novel environmentally benign packaging material, we propose the first report on portable chitosan-ZnO nano-composite pouches that will serve as elite entrants in smart packaging. A facile, one pot procedure was adopted for the preparation of the C-ZnC films. In order to tune the property of C-ZnC films, four different composite films were prepared by varying the concentration of ZnO. The prepared films were found to be much superior when compared to bare chitosan and other conventional films. Two bacterial strains that commonly contaminate in packed meat were selected as target microbes to elucidate the antimicrobial activity of the prepared C-ZnO film. Detailed investigations revealed that the antimicrobial efficiency is linearly related to the amount of ZnO nano-particles in the composite. The C-2 films exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity and was fabricated into packaging pouches for raw meat. The prepared pouches showed significant action against the microbes in raw meat owing to its complete inhibition of microbial growth on the sixth day of storage at 4°C. The C-2 pouches stand as a top-notch material when compared to polyethylene bag in extending the shelf life of raw meat. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of nano-structured Zinc(II)-based metal-organic frameworks as precursors for the synthesis of ZnO nano-structures.

PubMed

Bigdeli, Fahime; Ghasempour, Hosein; Azhdari Tehrani, Alireza; Morsali, Ali; Hosseini-Monfared, Hassan

2017-07-01

A 3D, porous Zn(II)-based metal-organic framework {[Zn 2 (oba) 2 (4-bpmn)]·(DMF) 1.5 } n (TMU-21), (4-bpmn=N,N'-Bis-pyridin-4-ylmethylene-naphtalene-1,5-diamine, H 2 oba=4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid)) with nano-rods morphology under ultrasonic irradiation at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure was prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Sonication time and concentration of initial reagents effects on the size and morphology of nano-structured MOFs were studied. Also {[Zn 2 (oba) 2 (4-bpmn)] (TMU-21) and {[Zn 2 (oba) 2 (4-bpmb)] (TMU-6), 4-bpmb=N,N'-(1,4-phenylene)bis(1-(pyridin-4-yl)methanimine) were easily prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Nanostructures of Zinc(II) oxide were obtained by calcination of these compounds and their de-solvated analogue as activated MOFs, at 550°C under air atmosphere. As a result of that, different Nanostructures of Zinc(II) oxide were obtained. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FT-IR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and characterization of nano-gas sensor arrays

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

Hassan, H. S., E-mail: hassan.shokry@gmail.com; Kashyout, A. B., E-mail: hady8@yahoo.com; Morsi, I., E-mail: drimanmorsi@yahoo.com

2015-03-30

A novel structures of Nanomaterials gas sensors array constructed using ZnO, and ZnO doped with Al via sol-gel technique. Two structure arrays are developed; the first one is a double sensor array based on doping with percentages of 1% and 5%. The second is a quadrature sensor array based on several doping ratios concentrations (0%, 1%, 5% and 10%). The morphological structures of prepared ZnO were revealed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal a highly crystallized wurtzite structure and used for identifying phase structure and chemical state of both ZnO and ZnO doped with Al undermore » different preparation conditions and different doping ratios. Chemical composition of Al-doped ZnO nanopowders was performed using energy dispersive x-ray (EDS) analysis. The electrical characteristics of the sensor are determined by measuring the two terminal sensor’s output resistance for O{sub 2}, H{sub 2} and CO{sub 2} gases as a function of temperature.« less

A novel approach reveals that zinc oxide nanoparticles are bioavailable and toxic after dietary exposures

USGS Publications Warehouse

Croteau, M.-N.; Dybowska, A.D.; Luoma, S.N.; Valsami-Jones, E.

2011-01-01

If engineered nanomaterials are released into the environment, some are likely to end up associated with the food of animals due to aggregation and sorption processes. However, few studies have considered dietary exposure of nanomaterials. Here we show that zinc (Zn) from isotopically modified 67ZnO particles is efficiently assimilated by freshwater snails when ingested with food. The 67Zn from nano-sized 67ZnO appears as bioavailable as 67Zn internalized by diatoms. Apparent agglomeration of the zinc oxide (ZnO) particles did not reduce bioavailability, nor preclude toxicity. In the diet, ZnO nanoparticles damage digestion: snails ate less, defecated less and inefficiently processed the ingested food when exposed to high concentrations of ZnO. It was not clear whether the toxicity was due to the high Zn dose achieved with nanoparticles or to the ZnO nanoparticles themselves. Further study of exposure from nanoparticles in food would greatly benefit assessment of ecological and human health risks. ?? 2011 Informa UK, Ltd.

Mango core inner shell membrane template-directed synthesis of porous ZnO films and their application for enzymatic glucose biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yu; Wang, Lei; Ye, Zhizhen; Zhao, Minggang; Cai, Hui; Huang, Jingyun

2013-11-01

Micro/nano-porous ZnO films were synthesized through a simple biotemplate-directed method using mango core inner shell membranes as templates. The achieved ZnO films with wrinkles on the surface are combined of large holes and small pores in the bulk. High specific surface area, numerous microspaces, and small channels for fluid circulation provided by this unique structure along with the good biocompatibility and electron communication features of ZnO material make the product an ideal platform for the immobilization of enzymes The fabricated glucose biosensor based on the porous ZnO films exhibits good selective detection ability of analyte with good stability, high sensitivity of 50.58 μA cm-2 mM-1 and a wide linear range of 0.2-5.6 mM along with a low detection limit of 10 μM.

Research on the Dielectric Properties of Nano-ZnO/Silicone Rubber Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fei-feng; Yan, Dan-dan; Su, Yi; Lu, Yu-feng; Xia, Xiao-fei; Huang, Hui-min

2017-09-01

The samples of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nano-composite silicone rubber were prepared by mechanical method. The dielectric properties of each sample were measured by dielectric spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that the dielectric constant of the silicone rubber composite increases with the increase of the content of nano-ZnO. The breakdown test results showed that with the increase of the content of nano-ZnO, the breakdown strength of silicone rubber composites increased first and then decreased. The breakdown test results indicate that the nano-ZnO can reduce the breakdown strength of silicone rubber. The hydrophobic test results showed that nano-ZnO will reduce the hydrophobic of silicone rubber.

Comparative studies on Indian traditional nanomedicine Yashadha Bhasma and zinc oxide nanoparticles for anti-diabetic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durgalakshmi, D.; Ajay Rakkesh, R.; Bhargavi Ram, T.; Balakumar, S.

2017-07-01

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder due to carbohydrate metabolism. Also, zinc and its supplements have been used in Indian traditional medicines for treating urinary tract infections. In this work, an attempt has been made to compare the properties of ‘Yashadha Bhasma’ a traditional ayurvedic ZnO supplement for diabetic treatment with the laboratory-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. The nano-sized ZnO particles are synthesized using co-precipitation method and calcined at 400 °C for further purification. Confirmation of ZnO and presence of Ca and K elements additional to Zn in Yashadha Bhasma is confirmed from XPS. The morphology of ZnO is found to be spherical with average diameter of 15 nm. TEM results show that ZnO rods of Yashadha Bhasma are porous and non-uniform. Glucose degradation studies revealed good performance with ZnO nanoparticles with 80% degradation occurring within 15 min itself. Antibacterial studies also performed well establishing efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, thereby establishing suitable material for treating diabetes mellitus and also curing bacterial wound infections arising due to diabetes mellitus.

Diffusion Mechanisms of Ag atom in ZnO crystal: A First Principles Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masoumi, Saeed; Noori, Amirreza; Nadimi, Ebrahim

2017-12-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is currently under intensive investigation, as a result of its various applications in micro, nano and optoelectronics. However, a stable and reproducible p-type doping of ZnO is still a main challenging issue. Group IB elements such as Au, Cu and Ag, are promising candidates for p-type doping. Particularly, Ag atoms has been shown to be able to easily diffuse through the crystal structure of ZnO and lead to the p-type doping of the host crystal. However, the current understanding of Ag defects and their mobility in the ZnO crystal is still not fully explored. In this work, we report the results of our first-principles calculations based on density functional theory for Ag defects, particularly the interstitial and substitutional defects in ZnO crystal. Defect formation energies are calculated in different charged states as a function of Fermi energy in order to clarify the p-type behaviour of Ag-doped ZnO. We also investigate the diffusion behaviour and migration paths of Ag in ZnO crystal in the framework of density functional theory applying climbing image (CI) nudged elastic band method (NEB).

Enhanced emission and photoconductivity due to photo-induced charge transfer from Au nanoislands to ZnO

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

Wu, Shang-Hsuan; Chan, Ching-Hsiang; Liang, Ching-Tarng

2016-01-25

We report systematic studies based on photoluminescence, Hall, and photoconductivity measurements together with theoretical modeling in order to identify mechanisms for the photo-induced charge transfer effects in ZnO thin film incorporated with the Au nano-islands (AuNIs). Significant enhancement of near band edge emission and improvement in conductivity of ZnO/AuNIs samples after illumination are observed, which are attributed to the photo-induced hot electrons in Au which are then transferred into the conduction band of ZnO as long as the excitation energy is higher than the offset between the ZnO conduction-band minimum and Au Fermi level. Our experimental results are consistent withmore » the general features predicted by first principles calculations.« less

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

Bissa, Shivangi; Naruka, Preeti; Bishnoi, Nidhi

In the present study the dielectric optical response of various nanostructures of ZnO deposited on silica substrate has been studied using Maxwell-Garnett Effective Medium Theory. Using the volume filling factors for different nanostructures of ZnO the effective dielectric constant has been evaluated. The variation of this effective dielectric constant with the frequency of applied signal has been investigated. Moreover, the reflectance of the film, power absorption and variation of refractive index with frequency has been studied. The results obtained show that the quantum confinement effects in ZnO nano-structural films deposited on silica substrate give rise to distinct optical properties makingmore » it an ideal choice for high power THz generation.« less

1-dimension nano-material-based flexible device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xing; Zhou, Zhaoying; Zheng, Fuzhong

2009-11-01

1D nano-material-based flexible devices has attracted considerable attention owing to the growing need of the high-sensitivity flexible sensor, portable consumer electronics etc.. In this paper, the 1D nano-materials-based flexible device on polyimide substrate was proposed. The bottom-up and top-down combined process were used for constructing the ZnO nanowire and the CNT-based flexible devices. Their electrical characteristics were also investigated. The measurement results demonstrate that the flexible device covered with a layer of Al2O3 has good ohm electrical contact behavior between the nano-material and micro-electrodes. The proposed 1D nano-material-based flexible device shows the application potential in the sensing fields.

A study of the mechanism of in vitro cytotoxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles using catfish primary hepatocytes and human HepG2 cells

PubMed Central

Wang, Yonggang; Aker, Winfred G.; Hwang, Huey-min; Yedjou, Clement G.; Yu, Hongtao; Tchounwou, Paul B.

2011-01-01

Nanoparticles (NPs), including nano metal oxides, are being used in diverse applications such as medicine, clothing, cosmetics and food. In order to promote the safe development of nanotechnology, it is essential to assess the potential adverse health consequences associated with human exposure. The liver is a target site for NP toxicity, due to NP accumulation within it after ingestion, inhalation or absorption. The toxicity of nano-ZnO, TiO2, CuO and Co3O4 was investigated using a primary culture of channel catfish hepatocytes and human HepG2 cells as in vitro model systems for assessing the impact of metal oxide NPs on human and environmental health. Some mechanisms of nanotoxicity were determined by using phase contrast inverted microscopy, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, and flow cytometric assays. Nano-CuO and ZnO showed significant toxicity in both HepG2 cells and catfish primary hepatocytes. The results demonstrate that HepG2 cells are more sensitive than catfish primary hepatocytes to the toxicity of metal oxide NPs. The overall ranking of the toxicity of metal oxides to the test cells is as follows: TiO2 < Co3O4< ZnO < CuO. The toxicity is due not only to ROS-induced cell death, but also damages to cell and mitochondrial membranes. PMID:21851965

NanoE-Tox: New and in-depth database concerning ecotoxicity of nanomaterials.

PubMed

Juganson, Katre; Ivask, Angela; Blinova, Irina; Mortimer, Monika; Kahru, Anne

2015-01-01

The increasing production and use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) inevitably results in their higher concentrations in the environment. This may lead to undesirable environmental effects and thus warrants risk assessment. The ecotoxicity testing of a wide variety of ENMs rapidly evolving in the market is costly but also ethically questionable when bioassays with vertebrates are conducted. Therefore, alternative methods, e.g., models for predicting toxicity mechanisms of ENMs based on their physico-chemical properties (e.g., quantitative (nano)structure-activity relationships, QSARs/QNARs), should be developed. While the development of such models relies on good-quality experimental toxicity data, most of the available data in the literature even for the same test species are highly variable. In order to map and analyse the state of the art of the existing nanoecotoxicological information suitable for QNARs, we created a database NanoE-Tox that is available as Supporting Information File 1. The database is based on existing literature on ecotoxicology of eight ENMs with different chemical composition: carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerenes, silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), cerium dioxide (CeO2), copper oxide (CuO), and iron oxide (FeO x ; Fe2O3, Fe3O4). Altogether, NanoE-Tox database consolidates data from 224 articles and lists altogether 1,518 toxicity values (EC50/LC50/NOEC) with corresponding test conditions and physico-chemical parameters of the ENMs as well as reported toxicity mechanisms and uptake of ENMs in the organisms. 35% of the data in NanoE-Tox concerns ecotoxicity of Ag NPs, followed by TiO2 (22%), CeO2 (13%), and ZnO (10%). Most of the data originates from studies with crustaceans (26%), bacteria (17%), fish (13%), and algae (11%). Based on the median toxicity values of the most sensitive organism (data derived from three or more articles) the toxicity order was as follows: Ag > ZnO > CuO > CeO2 > CNTs > TiO2 > FeO x . We believe NanoE-Tox database contains valuable information for ENM environmental hazard estimation and development of models for predicting toxic potential of ENMs.

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.

Controlling of ZnO nanostructures by solute concentration and its effect on growth, structural and optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Yogendra; Rana, Amit Kumar; Bhojane, Prateek; Pusty, Manojit; Bagwe, Vivas; Sen, Somaditya; Shirage, Parasharam M.

2015-10-01

ZnO nanostructured films were prepared by a chemical bath deposition method on glass substrates without any assistance of either microwave or high pressure autoclaves. The effect of solute concentration on the pure wurtzite ZnO nanostructure morphologies is studied. The control of the solute concentration helps to control the nanostructure to form nano-needles, and -rods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed highly c-axis oriented thin films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms the modification of the nanostructure dependent on the concentration. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results show the single crystalline electron diffraction pattern, indicating high quality nano-material. UV-vis results show the variation in the band gap from 3.20 eV to 3.14 eV with increasing concentration as the nanostructures change from needle- to rod-like. Photoluminescence (PL) data indicate the existence of defects in the nanomaterials emitting light in the yellow-green region, with broad UV and visible spectra. A sharp and strong peak is observed at ˜438 cm-1 by Raman spectroscopy, assigned to the {{{{E}}}2}{{high}} optical mode of ZnO, the characteristic peak for the highly-crystalline wurtzite hexagonal phase. The solute concentration significantly affects the formation of defect states in the nanostructured films, and as a result, it alters the structural and optical properties. Current-voltage characteristics alter with the measurement environment, indicating potential sensor applications.

Photoelectrochemical performance of NiO-coated ZnO-CdS core-shell photoanode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iyengar, Pranit; Das, Chandan; Balasubramaniam, K. R.

2017-03-01

A nano-structured core-shell ZnO-CdS photoanode device with a mesoporous NiO co-catalyst layer was fabricated using solution-processing methods. The growth of the sparse ZnO nano-rod film with a thickness of ca. 930 nm was achieved by optimizing parameters such as the thickness of the ZnO seed layer, choice of Zn precursor salt and the salt concentration. CdS was then coated by a combination of spin coating and spin SILAR (Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction) methods to completely fill the interspace of ZnO nano-rods. The uniform CdS surface facilitated the growth of a continuous mesoporous NiO layer. Upon illumination of 100 mW·cm-2 AM 1.5 G radiation the device exhibits stable photocurrents of 2.15 mA·cm-2 at 1.23 V and 0.92 mA·cm-2 at 0.00 V versus RHE, which are significantly higher as compared to the bare ZnO-CdS device. The excellent performance of the device can be ascribed to the higher visible region absorption by CdS, and effective separation of the photogenerated charge carriers due to the suitable band alignment and nanostructuring. Additionally, the mesoporous NiO overlayer offered a larger contact area with the electrolyte and promoted the kinetics enabling higher and stable photocurrent even till the 35th min. of testing.

The effect of operational parameters on the photocatalytic degradation of Congo red organic dye using ZnO-CdS core-shell nano-structure coated on glass by Doctor Blade method.

PubMed

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Rahmati, Mohammad Hossein

2015-02-25

Photocatalytic degradation of Congo red was investigated using ZnO-CdS core-shell nano-structure coated on glass by Doctor Blade method in aqueous solution under irradiation. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used for the morphological and structural characterization of ZnO-CdS core-shell nanostructures. XRD results showed diffractions of wurtzite zinc oxide core and wurtzite cadmium sulfide shell. FESEM results showed that nanoparticles are nearly hexagonal with an average diameter of about 50 nm. The effect of catalyst loading, UV-light irradiation time and solution pH on photocatalytic degradation of Congo red was studied and optimized values were obtained. Results showed that the employment of efficient photocatalyst and selection of optimal operational parameters may lead to complete decolorization of dye solutions. It was found that ZnO-CdS core-shell nano-structure is more favorable for the degradation of Congo red compare to pure ZnO or pure CdS due to lower electron hole recombination. The results showed that the photocatalytic degradation rate of Congo red is enhanced with increasing the content of ZnO up to ZnO(0.2 M)/CdS(0.075 M) which is reached 88.0% within 100 min irradiation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design of nanostructured-based glucose biosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komirisetty, Archana; Williams, Frances; Pradhan, Aswini; Konda, Rajini B.; Dondapati, Hareesh; Samantaray, Diptirani

2012-04-01

This paper presents the design of glucose sensors that will be integrated with advanced nano-materials, bio-coatings and electronics to create novel devices that are highly sensitive, inexpensive, accurate, and reliable. In the work presented, a glucose biosensor and its fabrication process flow have been designed. The device is based on electrochemical sensing using a working electrode with bio-functionalized zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-rods. Among all metal oxide nanostructures, ZnO nano-materials play a significant role as a sensing element in biosensors due to their properties such as high isoelectric point (IEP), fast electron transfer, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and chemical stability which are very crucial parameters to achieve high sensitivity. Amperometric enzyme electrodes based on glucose oxidase (GOx) are used due to their stability and high selectivity to glucose. The device also consists of silicon dioxide and titanium layers as well as platinum working and counter electrodes and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. Currently, the biosensors are being fabricated using the process flow developed. Once completed, the sensors will be bio-functionalized and tested to characterize their performance, including their sensitivity and stability.

Single crystalline ZnO radial homojunction light-emitting diodes fabricated by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition

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

Yoo, Jinkyoung; Ahmed, Towfiq; Tang, Wei

ZnO radial p–n junction architecture has the potential for forward-leap of light-emitting diode (LED) technology in terms of higher efficacy and economical production. Here, we report on ZnO radial p–n junction-based light emitting diodes prepared by full metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) with hydrogen-assisted p-type doping approach. The p-type ZnO(P) thin films were prepared by MOCVD with the precursors of dimethylzinc, tert-butanol, and tertiarybutylphosphine. Controlling the precursor flow for dopant results in the systematic change of doping concentration, Hall mobility, and electrical conductivity. Moreover, the approach of hydrogen-assisted phosphorous doping in ZnO expands the understanding of doping behaviour in ZnO.more » Ultraviolet and visible electroluminescence of ZnO radial p–n junction was demonstrated through a combination of position-controlled nano/microwire and crystalline p-type ZnO(P) radial shell growth on the wires. Lastly, the reported research opens a pathway of realisation of production-compatible ZnO p–n junction LEDs.« less

Single crystalline ZnO radial homojunction light-emitting diodes fabricated by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition

DOE PAGES

Yoo, Jinkyoung; Ahmed, Towfiq; Tang, Wei; ...

2017-09-05

ZnO radial p–n junction architecture has the potential for forward-leap of light-emitting diode (LED) technology in terms of higher efficacy and economical production. Here, we report on ZnO radial p–n junction-based light emitting diodes prepared by full metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) with hydrogen-assisted p-type doping approach. The p-type ZnO(P) thin films were prepared by MOCVD with the precursors of dimethylzinc, tert-butanol, and tertiarybutylphosphine. Controlling the precursor flow for dopant results in the systematic change of doping concentration, Hall mobility, and electrical conductivity. Moreover, the approach of hydrogen-assisted phosphorous doping in ZnO expands the understanding of doping behaviour in ZnO.more » Ultraviolet and visible electroluminescence of ZnO radial p–n junction was demonstrated through a combination of position-controlled nano/microwire and crystalline p-type ZnO(P) radial shell growth on the wires. Lastly, the reported research opens a pathway of realisation of production-compatible ZnO p–n junction LEDs.« less

Effects of subtoxic concentrations of TiO{sub 2} and ZnO nanoparticles on human lymphocytes, dendritic cells and exosome production

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

Andersson-Willman, Britta; Gehrmann, Ulf; Cansu, Zekiye

Metal oxide nanoparticles are widely used in the paint and coating industry as well as in cosmetics, but the knowledge of their possible interactions with the immune system is very limited. Our aims were to investigate if commercially available TiO{sub 2} and ZnO nanoparticles may affect different human immune cells and their production of exosomes, nano-sized vesicles that have a role in cell to cell communication. We found that the TiO{sub 2} or ZnO nanoparticles at concentrations from 1 to 100 μg/mL did not affect the viability of primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In contrast, monocyte-derived dendritic cellsmore » (MDDC) reacted with a dose dependent increase in cell death and caspase activity to ZnO but not to TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles. Non-toxic exposure, 10 μg/mL, to TiO{sub 2} and ZnO nanoparticles did not significantly alter the phenotype of MDDC. Interestingly, ZnO but not TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles induced a down regulation of FcγRIII (CD16) expression on NK-cells in the PBMC population, suggesting that subtoxic concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles might have an effect on FcγR-mediated immune responses. The phenotype and size of exosomes produced by PBMC or MDDC exposed to the nanoparticles were similar to that of exosomes harvested from control cultures. TiO{sub 2} or ZnO nanoparticles could not be detected within or associated to exosomes as analyzed with TEM. We conclude that TiO{sub 2} and ZnO nanoparticles differently affect immune cells and that evaluations of nanoparticles should be performed even at subtoxic concentrations on different primary human immune cells when investigating potential effects on immune functions. -- Highlights: ► ZnO nanoparticles induce cell death of MDDC but not of PBMC. ► ZnO nanoparticles induce caspase activation and DNA fragmentation in MDDC. ► TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles are taken up by MDDC but have no effect on their phenotype. ► ZnO nanoparticles induce a significant reduction of CD16 expression on NK cells. ► ZnO and TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles have no effect on exosomes produced by MDDC or PBMC.« less

Assessing the Risk of Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment: Development and Application of the nanoFate Model.

PubMed

Garner, Kendra L; Suh, Sangwon; Keller, Arturo A

2017-05-16

We developed a dynamic multimedia fate and transport model (nanoFate) to predict the time-dependent accumulation of metallic engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) across environmental media. nanoFate considers a wider range of processes and environmental subcompartments than most previous models and considers ENM releases to compartments (e.g., urban, agriculture) in a manner that reflects their different patterns of use and disposal. As an example, we simulated ten years of release of nano CeO 2 , CuO, TiO 2 , and ZnO in the San Francisco Bay area. Results show that even soluble metal oxide ENMs may accumulate as nanoparticles in the environment in sufficient concentrations to exceed the minimum toxic threshold in freshwater and some soils, though this is more likely with high-production ENMs such as TiO 2 and ZnO. Fluctuations in weather and release scenario may lead to circumstances where predicted ENM concentrations approach acute toxic concentrations. The fate of these ENMs is to mostly remain either aggregated or dissolved in agricultural lands receiving biosolids and in freshwater or marine sediments. Comparison to previous studies indicates the importance of some key model aspects including climatic and temporal variations, how ENMs may be released into the environment, and the effect of compartment composition on predicted concentrations.

Effect of nanocomposite packaging containing ZnO on growth of Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter aerogenes.

PubMed

Esmailzadeh, Hakimeh; Sangpour, Parvaneh; Shahraz, Farzaneh; Hejazi, Jalal; Khaksar, Ramin

2016-01-01

Recent advances in nanotechnology have opened new windows in active food packaging. Nano-sized ZnO is an inexpensive material with potential antimicrobial properties. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antibacterial effect of low density Polyethylene (LDPE) containing ZnO nanoparticles on Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter aerogenes. ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized by facil molten salt method and have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nanocomposite films containing 2 and 4 wt.% ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by melt mixing in a twin-screw extruder. The growth of both microorganisms has decreased in the presence of ZnO containing nanocomposites compared with controls. Nanocomposites with 4 wt.% ZnO nanoparticles had stronger antibacterial effect against both bacteria in comparison with the 2 wt.% ZnO containing nanocomposites. B. subtilis as Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to ZnO containing nanocomposite films compared with E. aerogenes as Gram-negative bacteria. There were no significant differences between the migration of Zn ions from 2 and 4 wt.% ZnO containing nanocomposites and the released Zn ions were not significantly increased in both groups after 14 days compared with the first. Regarding the considerable antibacterial effects of ZnO nanoparticles, their application in active food packaging can be a suitable solution for extending the shelf life of food. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Infiltration of CdTe nano crystals into a ZnO wire vertical matrix by using the isothermal closed space technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larramendi, S.; Vaillant Roca, Lidice; Saint-Gregoire, Pierre; Ferraz Dias, Johnny; Behar, Moni

2017-10-01

A ZnO nanorod structure was grown by the hydrothermal method and interpenetrated with CdTe using the isothermal closed space sublimation technique. The obtained structure was studied by using the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technique confirmed the presence of CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) of very small size formed on the surface and in the interspaces between the ZnO nanorods. The RBS observations together with the SEM observations give information on the obtained structure. Finally the photoluminescence studies show a strong energy confinement effect on the grown CdTe NCs.

The role of particle size of particulate nano-zinc oxide wood preservatives on termite mortality and leach resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clausen, Carol A.; Kartal, S. Nami; Arango, Rachel A.; Green, Frederick

2011-06-01

Historically most residential wood preservatives were aqueous soluble metal formulations, but recently metals ground to submicron size and dispersed in water to give particulate formulations have gained importance. In this study, the specific role nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) particle size and leach resistance plays in termite mortality resulting from exposure to particulate ZnO-treated wood was investigated. Southern yellow pine (SYP) sapwood impregnated with three concentrations of two particle sizes (30 and 70 nm) of ZnO were compared to wood treated with soluble zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) preservative for leach resistance and termite resistance. Less than four percent leached from the particulate nano-ZnO-treated specimens, while 13 to 25% of the zinc sulphate leached from the soluble treated wood. Nano-ZnO was essentially non-leachable from wood treated with 5% formulation for the 30-nm particle size. In a no-choice laboratory test, eastern subterranean termites ( Reticulitermes flavipes) consumed less than 10% of the leached nano-ZnO-treated wood with 93 to 100% mortality in all treatment concentrations. In contrast, termites consumed 10 to 12% of the leached ZnSO4-treated wood, but with lower mortality: 29% in the 1% treatment group and less than 10% (5 and 8%, respectively) in the group of wood blocks treated with 2.5 and 5.0% ZnSO4. We conclude that termites were repelled from consuming wood treated with nano-ZnO, but when consumed it was more toxic to eastern subterranean termites than wood treated with the soluble metal oxide formulation. There were no differences in leaching or termite mortality between the two particle sizes of nano-ZnO.

Tailoring the morphology of electrodeposited ZnO and its photoluminescence properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, H.; Mollar, M.; Marí, B.

2011-01-01

High density ZnO columnar films with well-aligned and well-perpendicular to the surface of film were electrodeposited on ITO substrates by using an electrolyte consisting of a mix of water and organic solvent namely dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The effect of mixing ratio of water and DMSO on the growth of film has been examined critically. SEM images have shown that well-oriented ZnO quasi-nano columns were formed perpendicular to the substrate. At the same time we found there are three kinds of competitions for growth of ZnO crystalmorphology i.e. column, rod and needle like. The needle like morphology has high density with well-aligned structure. The reasons for the growth of films of different morphology and their photoluminescence (PL) properties have been presented and discussed. It has been found that the three-dimensional (3D) ordered ZnO structure exhibits high intensity PL band which may shift their position and intensity with the varying conditions of depositions.

The Blue-Shift of Photoluminescence Spectra of Zinc Complexes of 8-Hydroxyquinoline by Addition of ZnO Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keshmiri, Laleh; Elahi, Seyed Mohammad; Jafari, Mohammad Reza; Jafari, Fatemeh; Parhizgar, Sara Sadat

2018-02-01

In this research, an organo-metallic complex based on zinc ions (Znq2), which can be used in organic light-emitting diodes, was investigated. Nanoparticles of ZnO were produced and added to the Znq2 complex. By means of x-ray diffraction, the structure of Znq2 complex and ZnO nanoparticles and the energy levels of them were determined from cyclic-voltammetry analysis. From thermal gravimetric studies, it was found that the complexes have a high thermal stability in the air atmosphere. The purity of samples was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The maximum intensity of the photoluminescence spectrum of Znq2 occurred at 565 nm and showed a blue shift to 511 nm by adding ZnO nanoparticles to the Znq2 complex. The optical and electrical properties of the Znq2 and the mixture of Znq2 and ZnO nano powders were studied in order to find any possible applications in organic light emitting devices.

Self-sensitization of tetracycline degradation with simulated solar light catalyzed by ZnO@montmorillonite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zyoud, Ahed; Jondi, Waheed; AlDaqqah, Najat; Asaad, Sara; Qamhieh, Naser; Hajamohideen, AbdulRazack; Helal, Muath H. S.; Kwon, Hansang; Hilal, Hikmat S.

2017-12-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-particles were chemically deposited onto montmorillonite (MONT) clay particles. The composite ZnO@MONT was then characterized and used as a catalyst for photo-degradation of aqueous tetracycline. Unlike earlier studies, solar simulated light can be effectively used in this work. The composite shows high efficiency as adsorbent and as a photo-degradation catalyst. Both adsorbed and dissolved tetracycline molecules undergo mineralization under the photo-catalytic conditions, and up to 94% of the contaminant gross amount is completely mineralized. Other forms of ZnO particles, commercial ZnO and synthetic ZnO particles were examined in separate experiments. The ZnO@MONT is superior to both pristine counterparts. The ability of tetracycline to sensitize the supported ZnO particles, to solar simulated light, before being photo-degraded itself, is discussed here for the first time. In addition to enhanced catalytic activity of the ZnO@MONT, the composite can be efficiently recovered and reused with no significant loss of efficiency.

Optical Field Confinement Enhanced Single ZnO Microrod UV Photodetector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Ming; Xu, Chun-Xiang; Qin, Fei-Fei; Gowri Manohari, Arumugam; Lu, Jun-Feng; Zhu, Qiu-Xiang

2017-07-01

ZnO microrods are synthesized using the vapor phase transport method, and the magnetron sputtering is used to decorate the Al nanoparticles (NPs) on a single ZnO microrod. The micro-PL and I-V responses are measured before and after the decoration of Al NPs. The FDTD stimulation is also carried out to demonstrate the optical field distribution around the decoration of Al NPs on the surface of a ZnO microrod. Due to an implementation of Al NPs, the ZnO microrod exhibits an improved photoresponse behavior. In addition, Al NPs induced localized surface plasmons (LSPs) as well as improved optical field confinement can be ascribed to an enhancement of ultraviolet (UV) response. This research provides a method for improving the responsivity of photodetectors. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 61475035 and 61275054, the Science and Technology Support Program of Jiangsu Province under Grant No BE2016177, and the Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology.

Robust superhydrophobic needle-like nanostructured ZnO surfaces prepared without post chemical-treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velayi, Elmira; Norouzbeigi, Reza

2017-12-01

Robust superhydrophobic ZnO surfaces with micro/nano hybrid hierarchical structures were synthesized on the stainless steel mesh by a facile single-step chemical bath deposition (CBD) method without using further low surface energy materials. The Taguchi L16 experimental design was applied to evaluate the effects of reaction time, type and concentration of the additive, type of the chelating agent, and the molar ratio of the chelating agent to the initial zinc (II) ions. The prepared sample at the optimal conditions exhibited a sustainable and time-independent superhydrophobic behavior with the water contact angle (WCA) of 162.8° ± 2.5° and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) of 1.8° ± 0.5°. The XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR analyses were used to characterize the prepared samples. Surface characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated accumulation of micro/nano branched ZnO needles on the substrate with the average diameters of ∼85 nm. After 20 abrasion cycles the optimum sample indicated an excellent mechanical robustness via exposure to the pressure of 4.7 kPa. A suitable chemical resistance to the acidic and basic droplets with the pH range of 4 and 9 was observed.

Effect of gamma radiation on the optical and structural properties of ZnO nanowires with various diameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyhani, A.; Gholizadeh, A.; vahedi, V.; Khanlary, M. R.

2018-01-01

The effects of gamma-irradiation are studied on the morphology and structural properties of ZnO nanowire with various diameters. The ZnO nanowires are grown using Zn thin films at various initial thicknesses including 125, 250 and 500 nm in air ambient. The results illustrate dramatic effects of Gamma-irradiation on the deformation of ZnO nanowires. Thus, radiation induce ripple ZnO surfaces instead ZnO nanowires. Gamma-irradiation has also been effective on the optical and crystalline properties of the nanowires. X-ray diffraction attests that size of the ZnO nano-structures has changed and (l00) crystalline direction related to Zn metal has been created after irradiation. UV-Visible spectra display two areas for transmittance of irradiated ZnO nanowires, one in the Visible-light and the other in IR sub-region. In the Visible-light area, the layer gets thicker from 125 to 500 nm; the difference between the layer transmittance spectra is reduced before and after gamma irradiation. In the IR-light region, with increasing of ZnO initial thickness, the difference between the layer transmittance spectra is increased before and after gamma irradiation. The photoluminescence spectroscopy displays that intensity of green-yellow band improves in compared to near-band-edge emission due to formation of Zn metal and oxygen vacancies after gamma irradiation.

Nano-ZnO/ZnO-HAPw prepared via sol-gel method and antibacterial activities of inorganic agents on six bacteria associated with oral infections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Jianfeng; Liu, Wenying; Zhang, Wenyun; Chen, Qinghua; Yuan, Yanbo; Yang, Lidou; Wang, Qintao

2014-10-01

The antibacterial activity of zinc oxide (ZnO) and the strengthening of hydroxylapatite whiskers (HAPws) have been widely studied and applied. However, the antibacterial properties of ZnO-HAPws have scarcely been researched. The aim of this study was to further investigate several types of nano-ZnO morphologies of ZnO-HAPws that were prepared using the sol-gel method at different pondus hydrogenii (pH) values and temperatures. The four morphologies of ZnO-HAPws that were investigated here were granule, triangle, short rod and disc type, and these morphologies were investigated at 70 °C at pH 6.4, 37 °C at pH 6.6, 70 °C at pH 6.6 and 70 °C at pH 6.6, respectively. Next, the antibacterial activity of ZnO-HAPw was compared to that of nano-ZnO, commercially available ZnO and tetrapod-like ZnO whiskers (T-ZnOw) with six bacteria that are associated with oral infections: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Candida albicans, Actinomyces viscosus, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results of examinations of the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) showed that the antibacterial activity of ZnO-HAPw exceeded that of the commercially available ZnO and T-ZnOw. Additionally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis of the MBCs revealed that the four tested antibacterial agents had significantly different effects on S. mutans ( F = 8.940; P = 0.006), S. aureus ( F = 6.924; P = 0.013) and E. coli ( F = 4.468; P = 0.04). ANOVA analyses of the MICs revealed that the four tested antibacterial agents had significantly different effects on S. mutans ( F = 6.183; P = 0.018), A. viscosus ( F = 4.531; P = 0.039) and S. aureus ( F = 18.976; P = 0.001).

Characterizing and simulation the scintillation properties of zinc oxide nanowires in AAO membrane for medical imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esfandi, F.; Saramad, S.; Rezaei Shahmirzadi, M.

2017-07-01

In this work, a new method is proposed for extracting some X-ray detection properties of ZnO nanowires electrodeposited on Anodized Aluminum Oxide (AAO) nanoporous template. The results show that the detection efficiency for 12μm thickness of zinc oxide nano scintillator at an energy of 9.8 keV, near the K-edge of ZnO (9.65 keV), is 24%. The X-rays that interact with AAO can also generate electrons that reach the nano scintillator. The scintillation events of these electrons are seen as a low energy tail in the spectrum. In addition, it is found that all the X-rays that are absorbed in 300 nm thickness of the gold layer on the top of the zinc oxide nanowires can participate in the scintillation process with an efficiency of 6%. Hence, the scintillation detection efficiency of the whole detector for 9.8 keV X-ray energy is 30%. The simulation results from Geant4 and the experimental detected photons per MeV energy deposition are also used to extract the light yield of the zinc oxide nano scintillator. The results show that the light yield of the zinc oxide nanowires deposited by the electrochemical method is approximately the same as for single crystal zinc oxide scintillator (9000). Much better spatial resolution of this nano scintillator in comparison to the bulk ones is an advantage which candidates this nano scintillator for medical imaging applications.

Homomorphic filtering textural analysis technique to reduce multiplicative noise in the 11Oba nano-doped liquid crystalline compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madhav, B. T. P.; Pardhasaradhi, P.; Manepalli, R. K. N. R.; Pisipati, V. G. K. M.

2015-07-01

The compound undecyloxy benzoic acid (11Oba) exhibits nematic and smectic-C phases while a nano-doped undecyloxy benzoic acid with ZnO exhibits the same nematic and smectic-C phases with reduced clearing temperature as expected. The doping is done with 0.5% and 1% ZnO molecules. The clearing temperatures are reduced by approximately 4 ° and 6 °, respectively (differential scanning calorimeter data). While collecting the images from a polarizing microscope connected with hot stage and camera, the illumination and reflectance combined multiplicatively and the image quality was reduced to identify the exact phase in the compound. A novel technique of homomorphic filtering is used in this manuscript through which multiplicative noise components of the image are separated linearly in the frequency domain. This technique provides a frequency domain procedure to improve the appearance of an image by gray level range compression and contrast enhancement.

Nano ZnO enhanced 3D porous reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for light-weight superior electromagnetic interference shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Xiaoqing

2017-02-01

Nano ZnO enhanced 3D porous reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with superior electromagnetic interferece (EMI) shielding efficiency (SE) was fabricated through a UV enhanced hydrothermal process. In this study, a composite with 10 wt% of 3D-RGO/ZnO was tested in a broadband frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz. Under the whole test conditions, the ratio of SEA/SET is higher than 50% and the maximum value can reach to 94%, indicating the shielding mechanism mainly attributes to absorption. The EMI SE showed that the thinnest thicknesses to shield different frequency range are 0.7 mm for 10 dB, 1.6 mm for 20 dB and 3.7 mm for 30 dB, which suggests 3D-RGO/ZnO could meet the requirement of new generate EMI shielding material.

Synthesis, Dielectric, Electrical and Optical characterization of ZnO synthesized by chemical route using polymer precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Raman; Bajpai, P. K.

2011-11-01

Nano-size ZnO (particle size 7.8 nm) have been prepared from a versatile, efficient and technically simple polymer matrix based precursor solution. The precursor solution constituted of zinc nitrates with polymer PVA in presence of mono-/disaccharides. Annealing the precursor mass at 900 °C single phase zinc oxide nano-particles are obtained. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms hexagonal crystal structure with lattice parameter a = b = 3.261 A0, c = 5.220 A0. The estimated average particle size obtained from XRD data is ≈7.8 nm. The impedance analysis reveals that the grain resistance decreases with increase in temperature as expected for a semi-conducting material. The relaxation is polydispersive and conduction is mainly through grains. Optical properties and AC/DC conduction activation energies are estimated from Arrhenius plots and conduction mechanism is discussed.

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

Wu Changle; Qiao Xueliang; Luo Langli

Flower-like ZnO nano/microstructures have been synthesized by thermal treatment of Zn(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}{sup 2+} precursor in aqueous solvent, using ammonia as the structure directing agent. A number of techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scan electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal analysis, and photoluminescence (PL) were used to characterize the obtained ZnO structures. The photoluminescence (PL) measurements indicated that the as-synthesized ZnO structures showed UV ({approx}375 nm), blue ({approx}465 nm), and yellow ({approx}585 nm) emission bands when they were excited by a He-Gd laser using 320 nm as the excitation source. Furthermore, it has been interestingly foundmore » that the intensity of light emission at {approx}585 nm remarkably decreased when the obtained ZnO nanocrystals were annealed at 600 deg. C for 3 h in air. The reason might be the possible oxygen vacancies and interstitials in the sample decreased at high temperature.« less

Study of morphology effects on magnetic interactions and band gap variations for 3d late transition metal bi-doped ZnO nanostructures by hybrid DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, Soumendu; Kaphle, Gopi Chandra; Baral, Sayan; Mookerjee, Abhijit

2015-08-01

Using density functional theory (DFT) based electronic structure calculations, the effects of morphology of semiconducting nanostructures on the magnetic interaction between two magnetic dopant atoms as well as a possibility of tuning band gaps have been studied in the case of the bi-doped (ZnO)24 nanostructures with the impurity dopant atoms of the 3d late transition metals—Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu. To explore the morphology effect, three different structures of the host (ZnO)24 nano-system, having different degrees of spatial confinement, have been considered: a two dimensional nanosheet, a one dimensional nanotube, and a finite cage-shaped nanocluster. The present study employs hybrid density functional theory to accurately describe the electronic structure of all the systems. It is shown here that the magnetic coupling between the two dopant atoms remains mostly anti-ferromagnetic in the course of changing the morphology from the sheet geometry to the cage-shaped geometry of the host systems, except for the case of energetically most stable bi-Mn doping, which shows a transition from ferromagnetic to anti-ferromagnetic coupling with decreasing aspect ratio of the host system. The effect of the shape change, however, has a significant effect on the overall band gap variations of both the pristine as well as all the bi-doped systems, irrespective of the nature of the dopant atoms and provides a means for easy tunability of their optoelectronic properties.

Eosin-Y sensitized core-shell TiO2-ZnO nano-structured photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cell applications.

PubMed

Manikandan, V S; Palai, Akshaya K; Mohanty, Smita; Nayak, Sanjay K

2018-06-01

In the current investigation, TiO 2 and TiO 2 -ZnO (core-shell) spherical nanoparticles were synthesized by simple combined hydrolysis and refluxing method. A TiO 2 core nanomaterial on the shell material of ZnO was synthesized by utilizing variable ratios of ZnO. The structural characterization of TiO 2 -ZnO core/shell nanoparticles were done by XRD analysis. The spherical structured morphology of the TiO 2 -ZnO has been confirmed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The UV-visible spectra of TiO 2 -ZnO nanostructures were also compared with the pristine TiO 2 to investigate the shift of wavelength. The TiO 2 -ZnO core/shell nanoparticles at the interface efficiently collect the photogenarated electrons from ZnO and also ZnO act a barrier for reduced charge recombination of electrolyte and dye-nanoparticles interface. This combination improved the light absorption which induced the charge transfer ability and dye loading capacity of core-shell nanoparticles. An enhancement in the short circuit current (J sc ) from 1.67 mA/cm 2 to 2.1 mA/cm 2 has been observed for TiO 2 -ZnObased photoanode (with platinum free counter electrode), promises an improvement in the energy conversion efficiency by 57% in comparison with that of the DSSCs based on the pristine TiO 2 . Henceforth, TiO 2 -ZnO photoelectrode in ZnO will effectively act as barrier at the interface of TiO 2 -ZnO and TiO 2 , ensuring the potential for DSSC application. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance and stability analysis of curcumin dye as a photo sensitizer used in nanostructured ZnO based DSSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, D.; De, D.; Ayaz, A.

2018-03-01

Environmental friendly natural dye curcumin extracted from low-cost Curcumina longa stem is used as a photo-sensitizer for the fabrication of ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Nanostructured ZnO is fabricated on a transparent conducting glass (TCO), using a cost-effective chemical bath deposition technique. Scanning electron microscopic images show hexagonal patterned ZnO nano-towers decorated with several nanosteps. The average length of ZnO nano-tower is 5 μm and diameter is 1.2 μm. The UV-Vis spectroscopic study of the curcumin dye is used to understand the light absorption behavior as well as band gap energy of the extracted natural dye. The dye shows wider absorption band-groups over 350-470 nm and 500-600 nm with two peaks positioned at 425 nm and 525 nm. The optical band gap energy and energy band position of the dye is derived which supports its stability and high electron affinity that makes it suitable for light harvesting and effortless electron transfer from dye to the semiconductor or interface between them. FTIR spectrum of curcumin dye-sensitized ZnO-based DSSC shows the presence of anchoring groups and colouring constitutes. The I-V and P-V curves of the fabricated DSSC are measured under simulated light (100 mW/cm2). The highest visible light to electric conversion efficiency of 0.266% (using ITO) and 0.33% (using FTO) is achieved from the curcumin dye-sensitized cell.

Optimization of headspace solid phase microextraction based on nano-structured ZnO combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for preconcentration and determination of ultra-traces of chlorobenzenes in environmental samples.

PubMed

Ghasemi, Ensieh; Sillanpää, Mika

2014-12-01

In this study, a simple, novel and efficient preconcentration method for the determination of some chlorobenzenes (monochlorobenzene (MCB), three isomeric forms of dichlorobenzene (diCB), 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene (triCB) and hexachlorobenze (hexaCB)) has been developed using a headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) based on nano-structured ZnO combined with capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ZnO nanorods have been grown on fused silica fibers using a hydrothermal process. The diameter of ZnO nanorods was in the range of 50-80 nm. The effect of different variables on the extraction efficiency was studied simultaneously using an experimental design. The variables of interest in the HS-SPME were stirring rate, desorption time and temperature, ionic strength, extraction time and temperature. For this purpose, a multivariate strategy was applied based on an experimental design using a Plackett-Burman design for screening and a Box-Behnken design for optimizing of the significant factors. The detection limit and relative standard deviation (RSD) (n=5) for the target analytes were in the range of 0.01-0.1 ng L(-1) and 4.3-7.6%, respectively. The developed technique was found to be successfully applicable to preconcentration and determination of the target analytes in environmental water and soil samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Static deflection analysis of non prismatic multilayer p-NEMS cantilevers under electrical load

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

Pavithra, M., E-mail: pavithramasi78@gmail.com; Muruganand, S.

2016-04-13

Deflection of Euler-Bernoulli non prismatic multilayer piezoelectric nano electromechanical (p-NEMS) cantilever beams have been studied theoretically for various profiles of p-NEMS cantilevers by applying the electrical load. This problem has been answered by applying the boundary conditions derived by simple polynomials. This method is applied for various profiles like rectangular and trapezoidal by varying the thickness of the piezoelectric layer as well as the material. The obtained results provide the better deflection for trapezoidal profile with ZnO piezo electric layer of suitable nano cantilevers for nano scale applications.

Evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth and soil bacterial community.

PubMed

Xu, Jiangbing; Luo, Xiaosan; Wang, Yanling; Feng, Youzhi

2018-02-01

The wide spread of nanoparticles (NPs) has caused tremendous concerns on agricultural ecosystem. Some metallic NPs, such as zinc oxide (ZnO), can be utilized as a nano-fertilizer when used at optimal doses. However, little is known about the responses of plant development and concomitant soil bacteria community to ZnO NPs. The present pot experiment studied the impacts of different doses of ZnO NPs and bulk ZnO (0, 1, 10, 100 mg ZnO/kg), on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and the associated rhizospheric soil bacterial community. Results showed that at a dose of 10 mg/kg, ZnO NPs and bulk ZnO, enhanced the lettuce biomass and the net photosynthetic rate; whereas, the Zn content in plant tissue was higher in NPs treatment than in their bulk counterpart at 10 mg/kg dose or higher. For the underground observations, 10 mg/kg treatment doses (NPs or bulk) significantly changed the soil bacterial community structure, despite the non-significant variations in alpha diversity. Taxonomic distribution revealed that some lineages within Cyanobacteria and other phyla individually demonstrated similar or different responses to ZnO NPs and bulk ZnO. Moreover, some lineages associated with plant growth promotion were also influenced to different extents by ZnO NPs and bulk ZnO, suggesting the distinct microbial processes occurring in soil. Collectively, this study expanded our understanding of the influence of ZnO NPs on plant performance and the associated soil microorganisms.

Topically applied ZnO nanoparticles suppress allergen induced skin inflammation but induce vigorous IgE production in the atopic dermatitis mouse model

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Metal oxide nanoparticles such as ZnO are used in sunscreens as they improve their optical properties against the UV-light that causes dermal damage and skin cancer. However, the hazardous properties of the particles used as UV-filters in the sunscreens and applied to the skin have remained uncharacterized. Methods Here we investigated whether different sized ZnO particles would be able to penetrate injured skin and injured allergic skin in the mouse atopic dermatitis model after repeated topical application of ZnO particles. Nano-sized ZnO (nZnO) and bulk-sized ZnO (bZnO) were applied to mechanically damaged mouse skin with or without allergen/superantigen sensitization. Allergen/superantigen sensitization evokes local inflammation and allergy in the skin and is used as a disease model of atopic dermatitis (AD). Results Our results demonstrate that only nZnO is able to reach into the deep layers of the allergic skin whereas bZnO stays in the upper layers of both damaged and allergic skin. In addition, both types of particles diminish the local skin inflammation induced in the mouse model of AD; however, nZnO has a higher potential to suppress the local effects. In addition, especially nZnO induces systemic production of IgE antibodies, evidence of allergy promoting adjuvant properties for topically applied nZnO. Conclusions These results provide new hazard characterization data about the metal oxide nanoparticles commonly used in cosmetic products and provide new insights into the dermal exposure and hazard assessment of these materials in injured skin. PMID:25123235

ZnO nanorods for electronic and photonic device applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Gyu-Chul; Yoo, Jinkyoung; Park, Won Il; Jung, Sug Woo; An, Sung Jin; Kim, H. J.; Kim, D. W.

2005-11-01

We report on catalyst-free growth of ZnO nanorods and their nano-scale electrical and optical device applications. Catalyst-free metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) enables fabrication of size-controlled high purity ZnO single crystal nanorods. Various high quality nanorod heterostructures and quantum structures based on ZnO nanorods were also prepared using the MOVPE method and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and optical spectroscopy. From the photoluminescence spectra of ZnO/Zn 0.8Mg 0.2O nanorod multi-quantum-well structures, in particular, we observed a systematic blue-shift in their PL peak position due to quantum confinement effect of carriers in nanorod quantum structures. For ZnO/ZnMgO coaxial nanorod heterostructures, photoluminescence intensity was significantly increased presumably due to surface passivation and carrier confinement. In addition to the growth and characterizations of ZnO nanorods and their quantum structures, we fabricated nanoscale electronic devices based on ZnO nanorods. We report on fabrication and device characteristics of metal-oxidesemiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), Schottky diodes, and metal-semiconductor field effect transistors (MESFETs) as examples of the nanodevices. In addition, electroluminescent devices were fabricated using vertically aligned ZnO nanorods grown p-type GaN substrates, exhibiting strong visible electroluminescence.

New Insights into Mechanism of Surface Reactions of ZnO Nanorods During Electrons Beam Irradiation.

PubMed

Cho, Youngseung; Ji, Hyunjin; Kim, Hyoungsub; Yoon, Jinsuop; Choi, Byoungdeog

2018-09-01

This study provides new insight into mechanisms of ionic reactions on the surface of ZnO nanorod networks, which could result in enhanced performance in optical or molecular sensors. The current- voltage characteristics of ZnO nanorod network devices exhibit typical nonlinear behavior in air, which implies the formation of a Schottky barrier when metals are used as contacts. The conductance of the device increased significantly in vacuum, which can be explained by the desorption of hydroxyl groups at very low pressure. While physisorbed water or oxygen-related ions can detach from the ZnO surface during evacuation, exposure to high energy in the electron beam is believed to detach the chemisorbed anions of O- and O-2 from the surface of ZnO nanorods, which releases more electrons into the channel. The increase in available electrons enhances the conductance of the ZnO nanorods. Slow initialization of the conductance under ambient conditions indicates that the ionic re-adsorption is inactive under these conditions. Thus, the electron irradiation process can be used to reset the surface ionic molecules on metal oxide nano-structures by tuning the surface potential prior to the passivation process.

Zinc impregnated cellulose nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Attarad; Ambreen, Sidra; Maqbool, Qaisar; Naz, Sania; Shams, Muhammad Fahad; Ahmad, Madiha; Phull, Abdul Rehman; Zia, Muhammad

2016-11-01

Nanocomposite materials have broad applicability due to synergistic effect of combined components. In present investigation, cellulose isolated from citrus peel waste is used as a supporting material; impregnation of zinc oxide nanoparticles via co-precipitation method. The characterization of nano composite is carried out through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) resulting less than 10 μm cellulose fiber and approx. 50 nm ZnO NPs. Zinc oxide impregnated cellulose (ZnO-Cel) exhibited significant bacterial devastation property when compared to ZnO NPs or Cellulose via disc diffusion and colony forming unit methods. In addition, the ZnO-Cel exhibited significant total antioxidant, and minor DPPH free radical scavenging and total reducing power activities. The nano composite also showed time dependent increase in photocatalytic by effectively degrading methylene blue dye up to 69.5% under sunlight irradiation within 90 min. The results suggest effective utilization of cellulose obtained from citrus waste and synthesis of pharmacologically important nano-composites that can be exploited in wound dressing; defence against microbial attack and healing due to antioxidative property, furthermore can also be used for waste water treatment.

Eco-friendly preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Tabernaemontana divaricata and its photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity.

PubMed

Raja, A; Ashokkumar, S; Pavithra Marthandam, R; Jayachandiran, J; Khatiwada, Chandra Prasad; Kaviyarasu, K; Ganapathi Raman, R; Swaminathan, M

2018-04-01

The present work reports the green synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using aqueous Tabernaemontana divaricata green leaf extract. ZnO NPs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultra Violet-Visible (UV-Vis) studies, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) analysis. XRD pattern analysis confirms the presence of pure hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure of ZnO. The TEM images reveal the formation of spherical shape ZnO NPs with the sizes ranging from 20 to 50 nm. The FT-IR analysis suggests that the obtained ZnO NPs have been stabilized through the interactions of steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenyl propanoids, phenolic acids and enzymes present in the leaf extract. Mechanism for the formation of ZnO NPs using Tabernaemontana divaricata as bioactive compound is proposed. As prepared ZnO NPs reveals antibacterial activity against three bacterial strains, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The ZnO NPs shows higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli and lesser antibacterial activity against S. paratyphi compared to the standard pharmaceutical formulation. Photocatalytic activity of synthesized ZnO NPs was analyzed for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation with sunlight. Almost complete degradation of dye occurred in 90 min. This nano-ZnO, prepared by eco-friendly method will be much useful for dye removal and bacterial decontamination. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Synthesis and characterization of porous metal oxides and desulfurization studies of sulfur containing compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garces Trujillo, Hector Fabian

This thesis contains two parts: 1) synthesis and characterization of porous metal oxides that include zinc oxide and a porous mixed-valent manganese oxide with an amorphous structure (AMO) 2) the desulfurization studies for the removal of sulfur compounds. Zinc oxide with different nano-scale morphologies may result in various porosities with different adsorption capabilities. A tunable shape microwave synthesis of ZnO nano-spheres in a co-solvent mixture is presented. The ZnO nano-sphere material is investigated as a desulfurizing sorbent in a fixed bed reactor in the temperature range 200 to 400 °C and compared with ZnO nanorods and platelet-like morphologies. Fresh and sulfided materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET specific surface area, pore volume, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The tunable shape microwave synthesis of ZnO presents a high sulfur sorption capacity at temperatures as low as 200 °C which accounts for a three and four fold enhancement over the other preparations presented in this work, and reached 76 % of the theoretical sulfur capacity (TSC) at 300 °C. Another ZnO material with a bimodal micro- and mesopore size distribution investigated as a desulfurizing sorbent presents a sorption capacity that reaches 87% of the theoretical value for desulfurization at 400 °C at breakthrough time. A deactivation model that considers the activity of the solid reactant was used to fit the experimental data. Good agreement between the experimental breakthrough curves and the model predictions are obtained. Manganese oxides are a type of metal oxide materials commonly used in catalytic applications. Little is known about the adsorption capabilities for the removal of sulfur compounds. One of these manganese oxides; amorphous manganese oxide (AMO) is highly promising material for low temperature sorption processes. Amorphous manganese oxide (AMO) has been used in catalytic processes such as for the catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol, the preferential oxidation of CO, and for the capture of formate species. This chapter explores the possibility of using AMO in sorption processes for the removal of two contaminants; H 2S and COS in the temperature range 200 - 400 °C.

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

Comparative study of ZnO nanorods and thin films for chemical and biosensing applications and the development of ZnO nanorods based potentiometric strontium ion sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khun, K.; Ibupoto, Z. H.; Chey, C. O.; Lu, Jun.; Nur, O.; Willander, M.

2013-03-01

In this study, the comparative study of ZnO nanorods and ZnO thin films were performed regarding the chemical and biosensing properties and also ZnO nanorods based strontium ion sensor is proposed. ZnO nanorods were grown on gold coated glass substrates by the hydrothermal growth method and the ZnO thin films were deposited by electro deposition technique. ZnO nanorods and thin films were characterised by field emission electron microscopy [FESEM] and X-ray diffraction [XRD] techniques and this study has shown that the grown nanostructures are highly dense, uniform and exhibited good crystal quality. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy [TEM] was used to investigate the quality of ZnO thin film and we observed that ZnO thin film was comprised of nano clusters. ZnO nanorods and thin films were functionalised with selective strontium ionophore salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone [ST] membrane, galactose oxidase, and lactate oxidase for the detection of strontium ion, galactose and L-lactic acid, respectively. The electrochemical response of both ZnO nanorods and thin films sensor devices was measured by using the potentiometric method. The strontium ion sensor has exhibited good characteristics with a sensitivity of 28.65 ± 0.52 mV/decade, for a wide range of concentrations from 1.00 × 10-6 to 5.00 × 10-2 M, selectivity, reproducibility, stability and fast response time of 10.00 s. The proposed strontium ion sensor was used as indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of strontium ion versus ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid [EDTA]. This comparative study has shown that ZnO nanorods possessed better performance with high sensitivity and low limit of detection due to high surface area to volume ratio as compared to the flat surface of ZnO thin films.

Understanding and Quantifying the Reactivity of Energetic NanoParticles and NanoComposites

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-05

Aerosol Synthesis and Reactivity of Thin Oxide Shell Aluminum Nanoparticles via Fluorocarboxylic Acid Functional Coating, Particle & Particle...Received Paper 3.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 X. Ma and M.R. Zachariah. " Oxidation Anisotropy and Size Dependent Reaction Kinetics of Zinc ...in the reaction. Experiments also conducted for neat Al, CuO, Fe2O3 and ZnO powders show that the oxygen are produced by decomposition of oxidizer

Correlated effects of preparation parameters and thickness on morphology and optical properties of ZnO very thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilliot, Mickaël; Hadjadj, Aomar

2015-08-01

Nano-granular ZnO layers have been grown using a sol-gel synthesis and spin-coating deposition process. Thin films with thicknesses ranging from 15 to 150 nm have been obtained by varying the number of deposition cycles and prepared with different synthesis conditions. Morphologies and optical properties have been carefully investigated by joint spectroscopic ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. A correlation between the evolution of optical properties and grains morphology has been observed. It is shown that both synthesis temperature and concentration similarly allow us to change the correlated growth and properties evolution rate. Thickness variation associated to choice of synthesis parameters could be a useful way to tune morphology and optical properties of the nanostructured ZnO layers.

Antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of three-dimensional nanostructured porous granules of hydroxyapatite and zinc oxide nanoparticles—an in vitro and in vivo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grenho, L.; Salgado, C. L.; Fernandes, M. H.; Monteiro, F. J.; Ferraz, M. P.

2015-08-01

Ceramic scaffolds are widely studied in the bone tissue engineering field due to their potential in regenerative medicine. However, adhesion of microorganisms on biomaterials with subsequent formation of antibiotic-resistant biofilms is a critical factor in implant-related infections. Therefore, new strategies are needed to address this problem. In the present study, three-dimensional and interconnected porous granules of nanostructured hydroxyapatite (nanoHA) incorporated with different amounts of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were produced using a simple polymer sponge replication method. As in vitro experiments, granules were exposed to Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis and, after 24 h, the planktonic and sessile populations were assessed. Cytocompatibility towards osteoblast-like cells (MG63 cell line) was also evaluated for a period of 1 and 3 days, through resazurin assay and imaging flow cytometry analysis. As in vivo experiments, nanoHA porous granules with and without ZnO nanoparticles were implanted into the subcutaneous tissue in rats and their inflammatory response after 3, 7 and 30 days was examined, as well as their antibacterial activity after 1 and 3 days of S. aureus inoculation. The developed composites proved to be especially effective at reducing bacterial activity in vitro and in vivo for a weight percentage of 2% ZnO, with a low cell growth inhibition in vitro and no differences in the connective tissue growth and inflammatory response in vivo. Altogether, these results suggest that nanoHA-ZnO porous granules have a great potential to be used in orthopaedic and dental applications as a template for bone regeneration and, simultaneously, to restrain biomaterial-associated infections.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO:TiO2 nano composites thin films deposited on glass substrate by sol-gel spray coating technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutanto, Heri; Nurhasanah, Iis; Hidayanto, Eko; Wibowo, Singgih; Hadiyanto

2015-12-01

In this work, (ZnO)x:(TiO2)1-x nano composites thin films, with x = 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25, and 0, have been prepared by sol-gel spray coating technique onto glass substrate. Pure TiO2 and ZnO thin films were synthesized from titanium isopropoxide-based and zinc acetate-based precursor solutions, respectively, whereas the composite films were obtained from the mixture of these solutions at the specific % vol ratios. The properties and performance of nano composite ZnO, TiO2 and ZnO:TiO2 thin films at different composition have been investigated. Ultraviolet - Visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometer and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed in order to get morphology and transmittance of thin films. Testing the ability of photocatalytic activity of obtained films was conducted on photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye and organic pollutants of wastewater under a 30 watt UV light irradiation, then testing BOD, COD and TPC were conducted. Using the Tauc model, the band-gap energy decreased from 3.12 eV to 3.02 eV for the sample with x = 1 and 0, respectively. This decrease occured along with the replacement of percentage of ZnO by TiO2 on the films. This decrease also reduced the minimum energy that required for electron excitation. Obtained thin films had nanoscale roughness level with range 3.64 to 17.30 nm. The film with x= 0 has the biggest removal percentage on BOD, COD and TPC mesurements with percentage 54.82%, 62.73% and 99.88%, respectively.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO:TiO{sub 2} nano composites thin films deposited on glass substrate by sol-gel spray coating technique

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

Sutanto, Heri, E-mail: herisutanto@undip.ac.id; Nurhasanah, Iis; Hidayanto, Eko

In this work, (ZnO){sub x}:(TiO{sub 2}){sub 1-x} nano composites thin films, with x = 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25, and 0, have been prepared by sol–gel spray coating technique onto glass substrate. Pure TiO{sub 2} and ZnO thin films were synthesized from titanium isopropoxide-based and zinc acetate-based precursor solutions, respectively, whereas the composite films were obtained from the mixture of these solutions at the specific % vol ratios. The properties and performance of nano composite ZnO, TiO{sub 2} and ZnO:TiO{sub 2} thin films at different composition have been investigated. Ultraviolet – Visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometer and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employedmore » in order to get morphology and transmittance of thin films. Testing the ability of photocatalytic activity of obtained films was conducted on photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye and organic pollutants of wastewater under a 30 watt UV light irradiation, then testing BOD, COD and TPC were conducted. Using the Tauc model, the band-gap energy decreased from 3.12 eV to 3.02 eV for the sample with x = 1 and 0, respectively. This decrease occured along with the replacement of percentage of ZnO by TiO{sub 2} on the films. This decrease also reduced the minimum energy that required for electron excitation. Obtained thin films had nanoscale roughness level with range 3.64 to 17.30 nm. The film with x= 0 has the biggest removal percentage on BOD, COD and TPC mesurements with percentage 54.82%, 62.73% and 99.88%, respectively.« less

Nano-Ceramic Coated Plastics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cho, Junghyun

2013-01-01

Plastic products, due to their durability, safety, and low manufacturing cost, are now rapidly replacing cookware items traditionally made of glass and ceramics. Despite this trend, some still prefer relatively expensive and more fragile ceramic/glassware because plastics can deteriorate over time after exposure to foods, which can generate odors, bad appearance, and/or color change. Nano-ceramic coatings can eliminate these drawbacks while still retaining the advantages of the plastic, since the coating only alters the surface of the plastic. The surface coating adds functionality to the plastics such as self-cleaning and disinfectant capabilities that result from a photocatalytic effect of certain ceramic systems. These ceramic coatings can also provide non-stick surfaces and higher temperature capabilities for the base plastics without resorting to ceramic or glass materials. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are the candidates for a nano-ceramic coating to deposit on the plastics or plastic films used in cookware and kitchenware. Both are wide-bandgap semiconductors (3.0 to 3.2 eV for TiO2 and 3.2 to 3.3 eV for ZnO), so they exhibit a photocatalytic property under ultraviolet (UV) light. This will lead to decomposition of organic compounds. Decomposed products can be easily washed off by water, so the use of detergents will be minimal. High-crystalline film with large surface area for the reaction is essential to guarantee good photocatalytic performance of these oxides. Low-temperature processing (<100 C) is also a key to generating these ceramic coatings on the plastics. One possible way of processing nanoceramic coatings at low temperatures (< 90 C) is to take advantage of in-situ precipitated nanoparticles and nanostructures grown from aqueous solution. These nanostructures can be tailored to ceramic film formation and the subsequent microstructure development. In addition, the process provides environment- friendly processing because of the aqueous solution. Low-temperature processing has also shown versatility to generate various nanostructures. The growth of low-dimensional nanostructures (0-D, 1-D) provides a means of enhancing the crystallinity of the solution-prepared films that is of importance for photocatalytic performance. This technology can generate durable, fully functional nano-ceramic coatings (TiO2, ZnO) on plastic materials (silicone, Teflon, PET, etc.) that can possess both photocatalytic oxide properties and flexible plastic properties. Processing cost is low and it does not require any expensive equipment investment. Processing can be scalable to current manufacturing infrastructure.

Effect of Variable Doses of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Male Albino Mice Behavior.

PubMed

Zahra, Javeria; Iqbal, Shahid; Zahra, Kiran; Javed, Zulha; Shad, Muhammad Aslam; Akbar, Atif; Ashiq, Muhammad Naeem; Iqbal, Furhan

2017-02-01

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have diverse utility these days ranging from being part of nanosensors to be ingredient of cosmetics. Present study was designed to report the effect of variable doses of ZnO NPs on selected aspects of male albino mice behavior. Nano particles were synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion method (Data not shown here). 10 week old male albino mice were divided into four experimental groups; group A, B and C were orally supplemented with 50 (low dose), 300 (medium dose) and 600 mg/ml solvent/kg body weight (high dose) of ZnO NPs for 4 days. Group D (control) orally received 0.2 M sodium phosphate buffer (solvent for ZnO NPs) for the same duration. A series of neurological tests (Rota rod, open field, novel object and light-dark box test) were conducted in all groups and performance was compared between ZnO NPs treated and control group. Muscular functioning during rota rod test was significantly improved in all ZnO NPs treated mice as compared to control group. While no significant differences in open field, novel object and light-dark box test performance were observed when data from studied parameters of specific ZnO NPs treatment were compared with the control group indicating that applied doses of ZnO NPs did not affect the exploratory, anxiolytic behavior and object recognition capability of adult male albino mice.

Efficacy of saccharides bio-template on structural, morphological, optical and antibacterial property of ZnO nanoparticles.

PubMed

Dhanalakshmi, A; Palanimurugan, A; Natarajan, B

2018-09-01

Mono, di and polysaccharides of glucose (C 6 H 12 O 6 ), sucrose (C 12 H 24 O 12 ) and starch (C 6 H 12 O 6 ) n bio-template ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) has prepared by chemical precipitation method. Saccharides bio-template ZnO (SBts-ZnO) NPs were efficiently prepared for their structural and optical properties were examined by using XRD, FE-SEM, AFM, FTIR, UV and PL techniques. All the samples are polycrystalline nature with a preferential orientation depending on the (1 0 1) plane. The reduction of crystalline size by utilizing glucose, sucrose and starch bio-template of ZnO NPs. FE-SEM images revealed that the spherical and nano-rods like morphologies for ZnO and SBts-ZnO NPs respectively. AFM recorded images shows spherical features that confirmed and also the morphological changes were noticed with the addition of polymers. Interaction of bio-templated saccharides (glucose G 1 , sucrose S 2 & starch S n ) molecules was proved by FTIR study. Optical absorbance and emission behaviours were investigated using UV-Vis and photoluminescence techniques. The antibacterial study revealed that SBts-ZnO have excellent antibacterial effect than ZnO. The S n -ZnO sample has potent antibacterial activity against the Proteus vulgaris followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photophysical study of the interaction between ZnO nanoparticles and globular protein bovine serum albumin in solution and in a layer-by-layer self-assembled film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansda, Chaitali; Maiti, Pradip; Singha, Tanmoy; Pal, Manisha; Hussain, Syed Arshad; Paul, Sharmistha; Paul, Pabitra Kumar

2018-10-01

In this study, we investigated the spectroscopic properties of the water-soluble globular protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) while interacting with zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) in aqueous medium and in a ZnO/BSA layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembled film fabricated on poly (acrylic acid) (PAA)-coated quartz or a Si substrate via electrostatic interactions. BSA formed a ground state complex due to its interaction with ZnO NPs, which was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible absorption, and steady state and time-resolved fluorescence emission spectroscopic techniques. However, due to its interaction with ZnO, the photophysical properties of BSA depend significantly on the concentration of ZnO NPs in the mixed solution. The quenching of the fluorescence intensity of BSA in the presence of ZnO NPs was due to the interaction between ZnO and BSA, and the formation of their stable ground state complex, as well as energy transfer from the excited BSA to ZnO NPs in the complex nano-bioconjugated species. Multilayer growth of the ZnO/BSA LbL self-assembled film on the quartz substrate was confirmed by monitoring the characteristic absorption band of BSA (280 nm), where the nature of the film growth depends on the number of bilayers deposited on the quartz substrate. BSA formed a well-ordered molecular network-type morphology due to its adsorption onto the surface of the ZnO nanostructure in the backbone of the PAA-coated Si substrate in the LbL film according to atomic force microscopic study. The as-synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and dynamic light scattering techniques.

Remarkably High Mobility Thin-Film Transistor on Flexible Substrate by Novel Passivation Material.

PubMed

Shih, Cheng Wei; Chin, Albert

2017-04-25

High mobility thin-film transistor (TFT) is crucial for future high resolution and fast response flexible display. Remarkably high performance TFT, made at room temperature on flexible substrate, is achieved with record high field-effect mobility (μ FE ) of 345 cm 2 /Vs, small sub-threshold slope (SS) of 103 mV/dec, high on-current/off-current (I ON /I OFF ) of 7 × 10 6 , and a low drain-voltage (V D ) of 2 V for low power operation. The achieved mobility is the best reported data among flexible electronic devices, which is reached by novel HfLaO passivation material on nano-crystalline zinc-oxide (ZnO) TFT to improve both I ON and I OFF . From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, the non-passivated device has high OH-bonding intensity in nano-crystalline ZnO, which damage the crystallinity, create charged scattering centers, and form potential barriers to degrade mobility.

Microbundles of zinc oxide nanorods: Assembly in ionic liquid [EMIM]{sup +}[BF{sub 4}]{sup -}, photoluminescence and photocatalytic properties

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

Wang Li; Xu Shenzhi; Li Huijun

2011-03-15

A simple, efficient and low-temperature approach for the assembly of hierarchical Zinc oxide (ZnO) microstructures in ionic liquid [EMIM]{sup +}[BF{sub 4}]{sup -} is reported. The as-obtained ZnO superstructures are composed of microbundles of nanorods from the center points, with the diameter and length in the range of 100-150 nm and 2-4 {mu}m, which have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The ZnO microstructures exhibit significant defect-related green-yellow emission and high photodegradation of dye Methyl Orange (5x10{sup -5} mol/L) under UV excitation within 80 min. -- Graphical abstract: Easy formation of microbundles of ZnOmore » nanorods were accomplished in low temperature with [EMIM]{sup +}[BF{sub 4}]{sup -} (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) ionic liquid, which exhibit significant green-yellow photoluminescence property and high photodegradation of Methyl Orange dye. Display Omitted Research highlights: {yields} Ionic liquid assisted solid-state route was introduced into synthesis of ZnO nanorods. {yields} The distinctive microbundles ZnO nanorod assembles was evidenced by SEM and TEM. {yields} ZnO nano-material exhibited high efficiency in photodegradation of Methyl Orange.« less

Optimization of Machining Parameters of Milling Operation by Application of Semi-synthetic oil based Nano cutting Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri Prasad, M. J.; Abhishek Raaj, A. S.; Rishi Kumar, R.; Gladson, Frank; M, Gautham

2016-09-01

The present study is concerned with resolving the problems pertaining to the conventional cutting fluids. Two samples of nano cutting fluids were prepared by dispersing 0.01 vol% of MWCNTs and a mixture of 0.01 vol% of MWCNTs and 0.01 vol% of nano ZnO in the soluble oil. The thermophysical properties such as the kinematic viscosity, density, flash point and the tribological properties of the prepared nano cutting fluid samples were experimentally investigated and were compared with those of plain soluble oil. In addition to this, a milling process was carried by varying the process parameters and by application of different samples of cutting fluids and an attempt was made to determine optimal cutting condition using the Taguchi optimization technique.

Lectin functionalized ZnO nanoarrays as a 3D nano-biointerface for bacterial detection.

PubMed

Zheng, Laibao; Wan, Yi; Qi, Peng; Sun, Yan; Zhang, Dun; Yu, Liangmin

2017-05-15

The detection of pathogenic bacteria is essential in various fields, such as food safety, water environmental analysis, or clinical diagnosis. Although rapid and selective techniques have been achieved based on the fast and specific binding of recognitions elements and target, the sensitive detection of bacterial pathogens was limited by their low targets-binding efficiency. The three-dimensional (3D) nano-biointerface, compared with the two-dimensional (2D) flat substrate, has a much higher binding capacity, which can offer more reactive sites to bind with bacterial targets, resulting in a great improvement of detection sensitivity. Herein, a lectin functionalized ZnO nanorod (ZnO-NR) array has been fabricated and employed as a 3D nano-biointerface for Escherichia coli (E. coli) capture and detection by multivalent binding of concanavalin A (ConA) with polysaccharides on the cellular surface of E. coli. The 3D lectin functionalized ZnO-NR array-based assay shows reasonable detection limit and efficiently expanded linear range (1.0×10 3 to 1.0×10 7 cfumL -1 ) for pathogen detection. The platform has a potential for further applications and provides an excellent sensitivity approach for detection of pathogenic bacteria. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of annealing temperature on optical properties of binary zinc tin oxide nano-composite prepared by sol-gel route using simple precursors: structural and optical studies by DRS, FT-IR, XRD, FESEM investigations.

PubMed

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Mardani, Maryam

2015-02-25

Binary zinc tin oxide nano-composite was synthesized by a facile sol-gel method using simple precursors from the solutions consisting of zinc acetate, tin(IV) chloride and ethanol. Effect of annealing temperature on optical and structural properties was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD results revealed the existence of the ZnO and SnO2 phases. FESEM results showed that binary zinc tin oxide nano-composites ranges from 56 to 60 nm in diameter at 400°C and 500°C annealing temperatures respectively. The optical band gap was increased from 2.72 eV to 3.11 eV with the increasing of the annealing temperature. FTIR results confirmed the presence of zinc oxide and tin oxide and the broad absorption peaks at 3426 and 1602 cm(-1) can be ascribed to the vibration of absorptive water, and the absorption peaks at 546, 1038 and 1410 cm(-1) are due to the vibration of Zn-O or Sn-O groups in binary zinc tin oxide. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Band alignment and optical response of facile grown NiO/ZnO nano-heterojunctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sultan, Muhammad; Mumtaz, Sundas; Ali, Asad; Khan, Muhammad Yaqoob; Iqbal, Tahir

2017-12-01

ZnO nanorods decorated by NiO nanostructures were fabricated using facile chemical route. The nanorods of ZnO were prepared by using chemical bath deposition technique and subsequently decorated by NiO using sol-gel spin coating. The density and orientation of the ZnO nanorods was controlled through the seed layer with preferential growth along c-axis and hexagonal face. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was used to confirm stoichiometry of the materials and band alignment study of the heterostructures. Type-II band alignment was observed from the experimental results. The IV characteristics of the device depicting rectifying behavior at different temperatures were observed with photocurrent generation in response to light excitation. The electrical properties reported in this study are in line with earlier work where heterojunctions were fabricated by physical deposition techniques.

Electrical characterization of dye sensitized nano solar cell using natural pomegranate juice as photosensitizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adithi, U.; Thomas, Sara; Uma, V.; Pradeep, N.

2013-02-01

This paper shows Electrical characterization of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell using natural dye, extracted from the pomegranate as a photo sensitizer and ZnO nanoparticles as semiconductor. The constituents of fabricated dye sensitized solar cell were working electrode, dye, electrolyte and counter electrode. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized and used as semiconductor in working electrode. Carbon soot was used as counter electrode. The resistance of ZnO film on ITO film was found out. There was an increase in the resistance of the film and film changes from conducting to semiconducting. Photovoltaic parameters of the fabricated cell like Short circuit current, open circuit voltage, Fill factor and Efficiency were found out. This paper shows that usage of natural dyes like pomegranate juice as sensitizer enables faster and simpler production of cheaper and environmental friendly solar cell.

A Comparison of the Effects of Packaging Containing Nano ZnO or Polylysine on the Microbial Purity and Texture of Cod (Gadus morhua) Fillets

PubMed Central

Mizielińska, Małgorzata; Kowalska, Urszula; Jarosz, Michał; Sumińska, Patrycja

2018-01-01

Portions of fresh Baltic cod fillets were packed into cellulose boxes (control samples), which were covered with Methyl Hydroxypropyl Celluloses (MHPC) coating with 2% polylysine. The cellulose boxes had square PE films and were enclosed in MHPC coating containing ZnO nanoparticles. The cod fillets were stored at 5 °C and examined after 72 h and 144 h storage times. Results obtained in this study showed that the textural parameters of the cod fillets increased, with both Springiness and Cohesiveness found greater after 144 h of storage for all analysed packaging materials. The Gumminess of fillets increased after storage, but the lowest increase was noted in cod samples that were stored in boxes containing PE films with ZnO nanoparticles. It was found that water loss from the cod fillets in these boxes was also lowest. The Adhesiveness of the fish samples stored in boxes devoid of active coatings also increased. In contrast to the packaging material devoid of active coatings, the storage of fillets in active coating boxes resulted in a decrease of adhesiveness. Microbial analysis showed that packaging material containing nano-ZnO was found to be more active against mesophilic and psychotropic bacterial cells than the coatings with polylysine after 72 h and 144 h of storage. PMID:29534544

A Comparison of the Effects of Packaging Containing Nano ZnO or Polylysine on the Microbial Purity and Texture of Cod (Gadus morhua) Fillets.

PubMed

Mizielińska, Małgorzata; Kowalska, Urszula; Jarosz, Michał; Sumińska, Patrycja

2018-03-12

Portions of fresh Baltic cod fillets were packed into cellulose boxes (control samples), which were covered with Methyl Hydroxypropyl Celluloses (MHPC) coating with 2% polylysine. The cellulose boxes had square PE films and were enclosed in MHPC coating containing ZnO nanoparticles. The cod fillets were stored at 5 °C and examined after 72 h and 144 h storage times. Results obtained in this study showed that the textural parameters of the cod fillets increased, with both Springiness and Cohesiveness found greater after 144 h of storage for all analysed packaging materials. The Gumminess of fillets increased after storage, but the lowest increase was noted in cod samples that were stored in boxes containing PE films with ZnO nanoparticles. It was found that water loss from the cod fillets in these boxes was also lowest. The Adhesiveness of the fish samples stored in boxes devoid of active coatings also increased. In contrast to the packaging material devoid of active coatings, the storage of fillets in active coating boxes resulted in a decrease of adhesiveness. Microbial analysis showed that packaging material containing nano-ZnO was found to be more active against mesophilic and psychotropic bacterial cells than the coatings with polylysine after 72 h and 144 h of storage.

Growth of transparent Zn1 - xSrxO (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) films by facile wet chemical method: Effect of Sr doping on the structural, optical and sensing properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rana, Amit Kumar; Das, Rajasree; Kumar, Yogendra; Sen, Somaditya; Shirage, Parasharam M.

2016-08-01

Zn1 - xSrxO (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) nano-rods thin films are prepared using simple wet chemical technique on transparent flexible substrate. Effect of Sr-doping on structural and optical properties of ZnO is systematically investigated. SEM and TEM confirm the nano-rods like morphology with single crystalline nature of all the samples. Rietveld refinement of XRD shows the samples belongs to P63mc space group, furthermore, a gradual increment in lattice parameters and change in Zn/oxygen occupancy ratio is observed with Sr doping. SIMS and XPS confirm the doping of Sr in the ZnO nanostructures. XPS measurements shows that increase in Sr doping creates more oxygen associated defects, which is further supported by the photoluminescence spectra indicating the gradual change in Zn vacancy (Vzn) and oxygen interstitial (Oin) point defect intensities in the films. Near band edge emission peak shows to shift toward higher wavelength in the doped films. Pure ZnO film shows Raman peaks around 99 (E2low), 333 (E2high - E2low) , 382 (A1 (TO)), 438 (E2high) and 582 (A1 (LO) +E1 (TO)) cm-1, whereas two additional defect driven vibrational modes (at 277 and 663 cm-1) are appeared in the Sr-doped films. The sensing property of the ZnO is enhanced by Sr doping and replicates as a promising material for future toxic and flammable gas sensor applications as well as for opto-electronic devices.

Sol-gel synthesis of thorn-like ZnO nanoparticles endorsing mechanical stirring effect and their antimicrobial activities: Potential role as nano-antibiotics

PubMed Central

Khan, Mohd Farhan; Ansari, Akhter H.; Hameedullah, M.; Ahmad, Ejaz; Husain, Fohad Mabood; Zia, Qamar; Baig, Umair; Zaheer, Mohd Rehan; Alam, Mohammad Mezbaul; Khan, Abu Mustafa; AlOthman, Zeid A.; Ahmad, Iqbal; Ashraf, Ghulam Md; Aliev, Gjumrakch

2016-01-01

The effect of mechanical stirring on sol-gel synthesis of thorn-like ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and antimicrobial activities is successfully reported in this study. The in-house synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, TGA, DSC and UV-visible spectroscopy. The X-Ray Diffraction analysis revealed the wurtzite crystal lattice for ZnO-NPs with no impurities present. The diametric measurements of the synthesized thorn-like ZnO-NPs (morphology assessed by SEM) were well accounted to be less than 50 nm with the help of TEM. Relative decrease in aspect ratio was observed on increasing the agitation speed. The UV-visible spectroscopy showed the absorption peaks of the ZnO-NPs existed in both UVA and UVB region. A hypsochromic shift in λmax was observed when stirring pace was increased from 500 rpm to 2000 rpm. The FTIR spectroscopy showed the absorption bands of the stretching modes of Zn-O between 500 cm−1 to 525 cm−1. The Thermal analysis studies revealed better stability for ZnO-NPs prepared at 2000 rpm (ZnO-2000 rpm). TGA revealed the weight loss between two main temperatures ranges viz. around (90 °C–120 °C) and (240 °C–280 °C). Finally, the effect of ZnO-NPs prepared at different stirring conditions on the growth of Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and a fungi (Candida albicans) were examined; which showed good antibacterial as well as antifungal properties. These findings introduce a simple, inexpensive process to synthesize ZnO-NPs using conventional methods without the use of sophisticated equipments and its application as a potent nano-antibiotic. PMID:27349836

Effect of different spiking procedures on the distribution and toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles in soil.

PubMed

Waalewijn-Kool, Pauline L; Diez Ortiz, Maria; van Gestel, Cornelis A M

2012-10-01

Due to the difficulty in dispersing some engineered nanomaterials in exposure media, realizing homogeneous distributions of nanoparticles (NP) in soil may pose major challenges. The present study investigated the distribution of zinc oxide (ZnO) NP (30 nm) and non-nano ZnO (200 nm) in natural soil using two different spiking procedures, i.e. as dry powder and as suspension in soil extract. Both spiking procedures showed a good recovery (>85 %) of zinc and based on total zinc concentrations no difference was found between the two spiking methods. Both spiking procedures resulted in a fairly homogeneous distribution of the ZnO particles in soil, as evidenced by the low variation in total zinc concentration between replicate samples (<12 % in most cases). Survival of Folsomia candida in soil spiked at concentrations up to 6,400 mg Zn kg(-1) d.w. was not affected for both compounds. Reproduction was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner with EC50 values of 3,159 and 2,914 mg Zn kg(-1) d.w. for 30 and 200 nm ZnO spiked as dry powder and 3,593 and 5,633 mg Zn kg(-1) d.w. introduced as suspension. Toxicity of ZnO at 30 and 200 nm did not differ. We conclude that the ZnO particle toxicity is not size related and that the spiking of the soil with ZnO as dry powder or as a suspension in soil extract does not affect its toxicity to F. candida.

Varistor piezotronics: Mechanically tuned conductivity in varistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baraki, Raschid; Novak, Nikola; Hofstätter, Michael; Supancic, Peter; Rödel, Jürgen; Frömling, Till

2015-08-01

The piezoelectric effect of ZnO has been investigated recently with the goal to modify metal/semiconductor Schottky-barriers and p-n-junctions by application of mechanical stress. This research area called "piezotronics" is so far focused on nano structured ZnO wires. At the same time, ZnO varistor materials are already widely utilized and may benefit from a piezotronic approach. In this instance, the grain boundary potential barriers in the ceramic can be tuned by mechanical stress. Polycrystalline varistors exhibit huge changes of resistivity upon applied electrical and mechanical fields and therefore offer descriptive model systems to study the piezotronic effect. If the influence of temperature is contemplated, our current mechanistic understanding can be interrogated and corroborated. In this paper, we present a physical model based on parallel conducting pathways. This affords qualitative and semi-quantitative rationalization of temperature dependent electrical properties. The investigations demonstrate that narrow conductive pathways contribute to the overall current, which becomes increasingly conductive with application of mechanical stress due to lowering of the barrier height. Rising temperature increases the thermionic current through the rest of the material with higher average potential barriers, which are hardly affected by the piezoelectric effect. Hence, relative changes in resistance due to application of stress are higher at low temperature.

Novel Magnetic Zinc Oxide Nanotubes for Phenol Adsorption: Mechanism Modeling

PubMed Central

Elkady, Marwa F.; Hassan, Hassan Shokry; Amer, Wael A.; Salama, Eslam; Algarni, Hamed; Shaaban, Essam Ramadan

2017-01-01

Considering the great impact of a material’s surface area on adsorption processes, hollow nanotube magnetic zinc oxide with a favorable surface area of 78.39 m2/g was fabricated with the assistance of microwave technology in the presence of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizing agent followed by sonic precipitation of magnetite nano-particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs identified the nanotubes’ morphology in the synthesized material with an average aspect ratio of 3. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the combination of magnetite material with the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO in the prepared material. The immobilization of magnetite nanoparticles on to ZnO was confirmed using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The sorption affinity of the synthesized magnetic ZnO nanotube for phenolic compounds from aqueous solutions was examined as a function of various processing factors. The degree of acidity of the phenolic solution has great influence on the phenol sorption process on to magnetic ZnO. The calculated value of ΔH0 designated the endothermic nature of the phenol uptake process on to the magnetic ZnO nanotubes. Mathematical modeling indicated a combination of physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms of phenolic compounds on to the fabricated magnetic ZnO nanotubes. The kinetic process correlated better with the second-order rate model compared to the first-order rate model. This result indicates the predominance of the chemical adsorption process of phenol on to magnetic ZnO nanotubes. PMID:29186853

Superhydrophobic Ag decorated ZnO nanostructured thin film as effective surface enhanced Raman scattering substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayram, Naidu Dhanpal; Sonia, S.; Poongodi, S.; Kumar, P. Suresh; Masuda, Yoshitake; Mangalaraj, D.; Ponpandian, N.; Viswanathan, C.

2015-11-01

The present work is an attempt to overcome the challenges in the fabrication of super hydrophobic silver decorated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure thin films via thermal evaporation process. The ZnO nanowire thin films are prepared without any surface modification and show super hydrophobic nature with a contact angle of 163°. Silver is further deposited onto the ZnO nanowire to obtain nanoworm morphology. Silver decorated ZnO (Ag@ZnO) thin films are used as substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) studies. The formation of randomly arranged nanowire and silver decorated nanoworm structure is confirmed using FESEM, HR-TEM and AFM analysis. Crystallinity and existence of Ag on ZnO are confirmed using XRD and XPS studies. A detailed growth mechanism is discussed for the formation of the nanowires from nanobeads based on various deposition times. The prepared SERS substrate reveals a reproducible enhancement of 3.082 × 107 M for Rhodamine 6G dye (R6G) for 10-10 molar concentration per liter. A higher order of SERS spectra is obtained for a contact angle of 155°. Thus the obtained thin films show the superhydrophobic nature with a highly enhanced Raman spectrum and act as SERS substrates. The present nanoworm morphology shows a new pathway for the construction of semiconductor thin films for plasmonic studies and challenges the orderly arranged ZnO nanorods, wires and other nano structure substrates used in SERS studies.

Comparative study on the physical properties of transition metal-doped (Co, Ni, Fe, and Mn) ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azab, A. A.; Ateia, Ebtesam E.; Esmail, S. A.

2018-07-01

Nano-crystalline of TM-doped ZnO with general formula Zn0.97TM0.03O (TM: Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) was prepared using sol-gel method. The dependence of crystal structure, morphology, and optical and magnetic properties on the type of transition metals was investigated. The XRD investigation of pure and TM-doped ZnO nanoparticles samples confirms the formation of single-phase hexagonal wurtzite structure. The estimated crystallite sizes are found in the range of 17 and 38 nm for the doped and pure samples, respectively. The obtained data suggest that the dopant type plays a vital role in the physical properties of the investigated samples. The optical band-gap energy Eg has been calculated from near infrared (NIR) and visible (VIS) reflectance spectra using the Kubelka-Munk function. Minimum value of 2.398 eV and maximum one of 3.29 eV were obtained for Manganese-doped ZnO and pure ZnO, respectively. The analysis of XRD and VSM of the samples confirms that the observed room-temperature (RT) ferromagnetism can be attributed to an intrinsic property of doped material sample and not due to formation of any secondary phase. The magnetic results show that Mn is the most effective dopant for producing ferromagnetism in nanoparticles of ZnO.

Toxicity of nano- and micro-sized ZnO particles in human lung epithelial cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Weisheng; Xu, Yi; Huang, Chuan-Chin; Ma, Yinfa; Shannon, Katie B.; Chen, Da-Ren; Huang, Yue-Wern

2009-01-01

This is the first comprehensive study to evaluate the cytotoxicity, biochemical mechanisms of toxicity, and oxidative DNA damage caused by exposing human bronchoalveolar carcinoma-derived cells (A549) to 70 and 420 nm ZnO particles. Particles of either size significantly reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner within a rather narrow dosage range. Particle mass-based dosimetry and particle-specific surface area-based dosimetry yielded two distinct patterns of cytotoxicity in both 70 and 420 nm ZnO particles. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulted in intracellular oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, cell membrane leakage, and oxidative DNA damage. The protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on ZnO-induced cytotoxicity further implicated oxidative stress in the cytotoxicity. Free Zn2+ and metal impurities were not major contributors of ROS induction as indicated by limited free Zn2+ cytotoxicity, extent of Zn2+ dissociation in the cell culture medium, and inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry metal analysis. We conclude that (1) exposure to both sizes of ZnO particles leads to dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity reflected in oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, cell membrane damage, and oxidative DNA damage, (2) ZnO particles exhibit a much steeper dose-response pattern unseen in other metal oxides, and (3) neither free Zn2+ nor metal impurity in the ZnO particle samples is the cause of cytotoxicity.

Solubility of nano-zinc oxide in environmentally and biologically important matrices

PubMed Central

Reed, Robert B.; Ladner, David A.; Higgins, Christopher P.; Westerhoff, Paul; Ranville, James F.

2011-01-01

Increasing manufacture and use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) is leading to a greater probability for release of ENPs into the environment and exposure to organisms. In particular, zinc oxide (ZnO) is toxic, although it is unclear whether this toxicity is due to the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO), dissolution to Zn2+, or some combination thereof. The goal of this study was to determine the relative solubilites of both commercially available and in-house synthesized ZnO in matrices used for environmental fate and transport or biological toxicity studies. Dissolution of ZnO was observed in nanopure water (7.18– 7.40 mg/L dissolved Zn, as measured by filtration) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI-1640) (~5 mg/L), but much more dissolution was observed in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM), where the dissolved Zn concentration exceeded 34 mg/L. Moderately hard water exhibited low zinc solubility, likely due to precipitation of a zinc carbonate solid phase. Precipitation of a zinc-containing solid phase in RPMI also appeared to limit zinc solubility. Equilibrium conditions with respect to ZnO solubility were not apparent in these matrices, even after more than 1,000 h of dissolution. These results suggest that solution chemistry exerts a strong influence on ZnO dissolution and can result in limits on zinc solubility due to precipitation of less soluble solid phases. PMID:21994124

Correlation between nano-scale microstructural behavior and the performance of ZnO thin-film transistors.

PubMed

Ahn, Cheol Hyoun; Lee, Ju Ho; Lee, Jeong Yong; Cho, Hyung Koun

2014-12-01

Binary ZnO active layers possessing a polycrystalline structure were deposited with various argon/oxygen flow ratios at 250 degrees C via sputtering. Then ZnO thin-film-transistors (TFTs) were fabricated without additional thermal treatments. As the oxygen content increased during the deposition, the preferred orientation along the (0002) was weakened and the rotation of the grains increased, and furthermore, less conducting films were observed. On the other hand, the reduced oxygen flow rate induced the formation of amorphous-like transition layers during the initial growth due to a high growth rate and high energetic bombardment of the adatoms. As a result, the amorphous phases at the gate dielectric/channel interface were responsible for the formation of a hump shape in the subthreshold region of the TFT transfer curve. In addition, the relationship between the crystal properties and the shift in the threshold voltage was experimentally confirmed by a hysteresis test.

Electroluminescence of ZnO nanocrystal in sputtered ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite light-emitting devices.

PubMed

Chen, Jiun-Ting; Lai, Wei-Chih; Chen, Chi-Heng; Yang, Ya-Yu; Sheu, Jinn-Kong; Lai, Li-Wen

2011-06-06

We have demonstrated the electroluminescence (EL) of Ga:ZnO/i-ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite/p-GaN n-i-p heterostructure light-emitting devices (LEDs). ZnO nano-clusters with sizes distributing from 2 to 7nm were found inside the co-sputtered i-ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite layer under the observation of high-resolution transparent electron microscope. A clear UV EL at 376 nm from i-ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite in these p-i-n heterostructure LEDs was observed under the forward current of 9 mA. The EL emission peak at 376 and 427nm of the Ga:ZnO/i-ZnO-SiO2 nanocomposite/p-GaN n-i-p heterostructure LEDs were attributed to the radiative recombination from the ZnO clusters and the Mg acceptor levels in the p-GaN layer, respectively.

Synthesis, self-assembly, and properties of Mn doped ZnO nanoparticles.

PubMed

Barick, K C; Bahadur, D

2007-06-01

We report here a novel process to prepare Mn doped ZnO nanoparticles by a soft chemical route at low temperature. The synthesis process is based on the hydrolysis of zinc acetate dihydrate and manganese acetate tetrahydrate heated under reflux to 160-175 degrees C using diethylene glycol as a solvent. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the Mn doped ZnO crystallizes in a wurtzite structure with crystal size of 15-25 nm. These nano size crystallites of Mn doped ZnO self-organize into polydisperse spheres in size ranging from 100-400 nm. Transmission Electron Microscopy image also shows that each sphere is made up of numerous nanocrystals of average diameter 15-25 nm. By means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron spin resonance spectroscopy, we determined the valence state of Mn ions as 2+. These nanoparticles were found to be ferromagnetic at room temperature. Monodisperse porous spheres (approximately 250 nm) were obtained by size selective separation technique and then self-assembled in a closed pack periodic array through sedimentation with slow solvent evaporation, which gives strong opalescence in visible region.

GaN and ZnO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fündling, Sönke; Sökmen, Ünsal; Behrends, Arne; Al-Suleiman, Mohamed Aid Mansur; Merzsch, Stephan; Li, Shunfeng; Bakin, Andrey; Wehmann, Hergo-Heinrich; Waag, Andreas; Lähnemann, Jonas; Jahn, Uwe; Trampert, Achim; Riechert, Henning

2010-07-01

GaN and ZnO are both wide band gap semiconductors with interesting properties concerning optoelectronic and sensor device applications. Due to the lack or the high costs of native substrates, alternatives like sapphire, silicon, or silicon carbide are taken, but the resulting lattice and thermal mismatches lead to increased defect densities which reduce the material quality. In contrast, nanostructures with high aspect ratio have lower defect densities as compared to layers. In this work, we give an overview on our results achieved on both ZnO as well as GaN based nanorods. ZnO nanostructures were grown by a wet chemical approach as well as by VPT on different substrates - even on flexible polymers. To compare the growth results we analyzed the structures by XRD and PL and show possible device applications. The GaN nano- and microstructures were grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy either in a self- organized process or by selective area growth for a better control of shape and material composition. Finally we take a look onto possible device applications, presenting our attempts, e.g., to build LEDs based on GaN nanostructures.

Effect of annealing on the spectral and optical characteristics of nano ZnO: Evaluation of adsorption of toxic metal ions from industrial waste water.

PubMed

Radhakrishnan, Asha; Rejani, P; Shanavas Khan, J; Beena, B

2016-11-01

The present work accentuates an unexploited and environmentally benign method of synthesizing ZnO nanomaterials using Sugar cane juice. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, EDS and FTIR. UV-visible and photoluminescence studies were also carried out to understand the absorption properties of synthesized nanomaterial. From the adsorption studies, it would be clear that synthesized ZnO should be used as an effective adsorbent for Pb(ll) and Cd(ll) removal. The kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium attained at 120min and isotherm follows the order Sips>Langmuir>Freundlich. The adsorption-desorption studies conducted over 6 cycles illustrate the viability and repeated use of the adsorbent for the removal of Pb(ll)and Cd(ll) from aqueous solutions. The practical efficiency and usefulness of the adsorbent was tested using real industrial wastewater also. Cytotoxicity result shows that, ZnO was biocompatible at lower concentrations, and it was used as an ecofriendly nanoadsorbent for industrial and environmental applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In situ formation of a ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array as a photoelectrode for enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Liyang; Tian, Guohui; Chen, Yajie; Xiao, Yuting; Fu, Honggang

2016-04-01

In this study, a ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array was prepared via a two-step sequential hydrothermal synthetic route. In this synthetic process, the ZnO nanorod array was first grown on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate using a seed-mediated growth approach via the hydrothermal process. Then, the ZnO nanonail array was obtained via in situ growth of ZnSe nano caps onto the ZnO nanorod array via a hydrothermal process in the presence of a Se source. The surface morphology and amount of ZnSe grown on the surface of the ZnO nanorods can be regulated by varying the reaction time and reactant concentration. Compared with pure ZnO nanorods, this unique nanonail array heterostructure exhibits enhanced visible light absorption. The transient photocurrent condition, in combination with steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, reveals that the ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array electrode has the highest charge separation rate, highest electron injection efficiency, and highest chemical stability. The photocurrent density of the ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array heterostructure reaches 1.01 mA cm-2 at an applied potential of 0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), which is much higher than that of the ZnO/ZnSe nanorod array (0.71 mA cm-2), the pristine ZnO nanorod array (0.39 mA cm-2), and the ZnSe electrode (0.21 mA cm-2), indicating its significant visible light driven activities for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. This unique morphology of nail-capped nanorods might be important for providing better insight into the correlation between heterostructure and photoelectrochemical activity.In this study, a ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array was prepared via a two-step sequential hydrothermal synthetic route. In this synthetic process, the ZnO nanorod array was first grown on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate using a seed-mediated growth approach via the hydrothermal process. Then, the ZnO nanonail array was obtained via in situ growth of ZnSe nano caps onto the ZnO nanorod array via a hydrothermal process in the presence of a Se source. The surface morphology and amount of ZnSe grown on the surface of the ZnO nanorods can be regulated by varying the reaction time and reactant concentration. Compared with pure ZnO nanorods, this unique nanonail array heterostructure exhibits enhanced visible light absorption. The transient photocurrent condition, in combination with steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, reveals that the ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array electrode has the highest charge separation rate, highest electron injection efficiency, and highest chemical stability. The photocurrent density of the ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array heterostructure reaches 1.01 mA cm-2 at an applied potential of 0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), which is much higher than that of the ZnO/ZnSe nanorod array (0.71 mA cm-2), the pristine ZnO nanorod array (0.39 mA cm-2), and the ZnSe electrode (0.21 mA cm-2), indicating its significant visible light driven activities for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. This unique morphology of nail-capped nanorods might be important for providing better insight into the correlation between heterostructure and photoelectrochemical activity. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: SEM, EDS, XPS and photocurrent test. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01969b

Entomotoxicity Assay of Silica, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Aluminium Oxide Nanoparticles on Lipaphis pseudobrassicae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debnath, Nitai; Das, Sumistha; Brahmachary, R. L.; Chandra, Ramesh; Sudan, Sandeep; Goswami, Arunava

2010-10-01

High volume uses of conventional pesticides end up contaminating ground water and soil with highly toxic pesticide residues. Nano-pesticides and nano-encapsulated pesticides are expected to reduce the volume of application and slow down the fast release kinetics. Nature inspired Diatomaceous Earth (DE) were used to design and fabricate a variety of 15-50 nm size range hydrophilic, hydrophobic and lipophilic SiO2, ZnO, TiO2 (anatase and rutile) and Al2O3 (α and γ) nanoparticles (Nanocides). Mustard aphid (Lipaphis pseudobrassicae) causes devastations on oil producing mustard crops every year in Asia. Due to several distinct adaptations present in insects, tools of Genetics, Plant breeding, Biochemistry and Transgenic technology have not been so far effective. Nano Al2O3 and amorphous nano SiO2 were found to be highly effective and nano TiO2 was moderately effective against L. pseudobrassicae. But nano Al2O3 has deleterious effects on plant growth, whereas non crystalline nano SiO2 has no such adverse effect on plants. Here we present the first report showing that nanocides, especially nano SiO2 can be effectively used to control insect pests.

Accelerated effects of nano-ZnO on phosphorus removal by Chlorella vulgaris: Formation of zinc phosphate crystallites.

PubMed

Xiao, Huaixian; Liu, Na; Tian, Ke; Liu, Shixiang; Ge, Fei

2018-09-01

Nanoparticles have been reported to induce toxicity to aquatic organisms, however, their potential impacts on phosphorus removal from wastewater by algae are unclear. In this study, the effects of nanoparticle ZnO (nano-ZnO) on phosphate (PO 4 3- ) removal by a green alga Chlorella vulgaris were investigated. We found that PO 4 3- removal efficiency was accelerated with high concentrations of nano-ZnO (0.04-0.15mM) but reduced with low concentrations of nano-ZnO (0.005-0.04mM) compared to the control (without nano-ZnO), suggesting that PO 4 3- removal efficiency by C. vulgaris was related to nano-ZnO concentrations. Moreover, we observed changes of nano-ZnO morphology and detected element P on the surface of nano-ZnO by using transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), indicating that PO 4 3- was interacted with nano-ZnO or the dissolved Zn 2+ from nano-ZnO. Furthermore, we confirmed this interaction induced the formation of Zn 3 (PO 4 ) 2 crystallites sedimentation by employing X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which finally accelerates the removal of PO 4 3- . Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of a Nano-ZnO/Polyethylene/Wood-Fiber Composite with Enhanced Microwave Absorption and Photocatalytic Activity via a Facile Hot-Press Method

PubMed Central

Dang, Baokang; Chen, Yipeng; Shen, Xiaoping; Chen, Bo; Sun, Qingfeng; Jin, Chunde

2017-01-01

A polyethylene/wood-fiber composite loaded with nano-ZnO was prepared by a facile hot-press method and was used for the photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds as well as for microwave absorption. ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 29 nm and polyethylene (PE) powders were dispersed on the wood fibers’ surface through a viscous cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) solution. The reflection loss (RL) value of the resulting composite was −21 dB, with a thickness of 3.5 mm in the frequency of 17.17 GHz. The PE/ZnO/wood-fiber (PZW) composite exhibited superior photocatalytic activity (84% methyl orange degradation within 300 min) under UV light irradiation. ZnO nanoparticels (NPs) increased the storage modulus of the PZW composite, and the damping factor was transferred to the higher temperature region. The PZW composite exhibited the maximum flexural strength of 58 MPa and a modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 9625 MPa. Meanwhile, it also displayed dimensional stability (thickness swelling value of 9%). PMID:29099777

TiO2 nanowire-templated hierarchical nanowire network as water-repelling coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hang, Tian; Chen, Hui-Jiuan; Xiao, Shuai; Yang, Chengduan; Chen, Meiwan; Tao, Jun; Shieh, Han-ping; Yang, Bo-ru; Liu, Chuan; Xie, Xi

2017-12-01

Extraordinary water-repelling properties of superhydrophobic surfaces make them novel candidates for a great variety of potential applications. A general approach to achieve superhydrophobicity requires low-energy coating on the surface and roughness on nano- and micrometre scale. However, typical construction of superhydrophobic surfaces with micro-nano structure through top-down fabrication is restricted by sophisticated fabrication techniques and limited choices of substrate materials. Micro-nanoscale topographies templated by conventional microparticles through surface coating may produce large variations in roughness and uncontrollable defects, resulting in poorly controlled surface morphology and wettability. In this work, micro-nanoscale hierarchical nanowire network was fabricated to construct self-cleaning coating using one-dimensional TiO2 nanowires as microscale templates. Hierarchical structure with homogeneous morphology was achieved by branching ZnO nanowires on the TiO2 nanowire backbones through hydrothermal reaction. The hierarchical nanowire network displayed homogeneous micro/nano-topography, in contrast to hierarchical structure templated by traditional microparticles. This hierarchical nanowire network film exhibited high repellency to both water and cell culture medium after functionalization with fluorinated organic molecules. The hierarchical structure templated by TiO2 nanowire coating significantly increased the surface superhydrophobicity compared to vertical ZnO nanowires with nanotopography alone. Our results demonstrated a promising strategy of using nanowires as microscale templates for the rational design of hierarchical coatings with desired superhydrophobicity that can also be applied to various substrate materials.

Selective removal of uranium ions from contaminated waters using modified-X nanozeolite.

PubMed

Shakur, H R; Rezaee Ebrahim Saraee, Kh; Abdi, M R; Azimi, G

2016-12-01

In order to efficiently remove of uranium anionic species (which are the most dominant species of uranium in natural water at neutral pH) from contaminated waters, nano-NaX zeolite was synthesized and then modified using various divalent cations (Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Mn 2+ ) and ZnO nanoparticles (from 1.7 to 10.3wt%). Different characterization techniques of XRF, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, FT-IR, and AAS were used to characterize the final synthesized absorbents. Sorption experiments by batch technique were done to study the effect of solid-liquid ratio, initial uranium concentration, contact time and temperature under neutral condition of pH and presence of all anions and cations which are available in the waters. Results showed that although nano-NaX zeolite due to its negative framework charge had a low sorption capacity for adsorption of uranium anionic species, but modification of parent nano-NaX zeolite with ZnO nanoparticles and various cations effectively improved its uranium adsorption capacity. Also, results showed that under optimum condition of pH=7.56, contact time of 60min at 27°C with solid-liquid ratio of 20g/L a maximum uranium removal efficiency of 99.7% can be obtained in the presence of all anions and cations which are available in the drinking waters by NaX/ZnO nanocomposite. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

TiO2 nanowire-templated hierarchical nanowire network as water-repelling coating

PubMed Central

Hang, Tian; Chen, Hui-Jiuan; Xiao, Shuai; Yang, Chengduan; Chen, Meiwan; Tao, Jun; Shieh, Han-ping; Yang, Bo-ru; Liu, Chuan

2017-01-01

Extraordinary water-repelling properties of superhydrophobic surfaces make them novel candidates for a great variety of potential applications. A general approach to achieve superhydrophobicity requires low-energy coating on the surface and roughness on nano- and micrometre scale. However, typical construction of superhydrophobic surfaces with micro-nano structure through top-down fabrication is restricted by sophisticated fabrication techniques and limited choices of substrate materials. Micro-nanoscale topographies templated by conventional microparticles through surface coating may produce large variations in roughness and uncontrollable defects, resulting in poorly controlled surface morphology and wettability. In this work, micro-nanoscale hierarchical nanowire network was fabricated to construct self-cleaning coating using one-dimensional TiO2 nanowires as microscale templates. Hierarchical structure with homogeneous morphology was achieved by branching ZnO nanowires on the TiO2 nanowire backbones through hydrothermal reaction. The hierarchical nanowire network displayed homogeneous micro/nano-topography, in contrast to hierarchical structure templated by traditional microparticles. This hierarchical nanowire network film exhibited high repellency to both water and cell culture medium after functionalization with fluorinated organic molecules. The hierarchical structure templated by TiO2 nanowire coating significantly increased the surface superhydrophobicity compared to vertical ZnO nanowires with nanotopography alone. Our results demonstrated a promising strategy of using nanowires as microscale templates for the rational design of hierarchical coatings with desired superhydrophobicity that can also be applied to various substrate materials. PMID:29308265

Effect of precursor solutions on ZnO film via solution precursor plasma spray and corresponding gas sensing performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Z. X.; Ma, Y. Z.; Zhao, Y. L.; Huang, J. B.; Wang, W. Z.; Moliere, M.; Liao, H. L.

2017-08-01

Solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS) as a novel thermal spray method was employed to deposit nano-structured ZnO thin film using different formulations of the precursor solution. This article focuses on the influence of the solution composition on the preferential orientation of crystal growth, on crystal size and surface morphology of the resulting ZnO films. The trend of preferential growth along (002) lattice plane of ZnO film was studied by slow scanning X-ray diffraction using a specific coefficient P(002). It appears that the thermal spray process promotes the buildup of ZnO films preferentially oriented along the c-axis. The shape of single particle tends to change from round shaped beads to hexagonal plates by increasing the volume ratio of ethanol in the solvent. Both cauliflower and honeycomb-like surface morphologies featuring high specific surface area and roughness were obtained through the SPPS process by varying solution composition. These ZnO films are hydrophobic with contact angle as high as 136°, which is seemingly associated with micro reliefs developing high surface specific area. Then the gas sensing performances of ZnO films preferentially oriented along (002) face were tentatively predicted using the "first principle calculation method" and were compared with those of conventional films that are mainly oriented along the (101) face. The (002) face displays better hydrogen adsorption capability than the (101) face with much larger resulting changes in electrical resistance. In conclusion, the c-axis oriented ZnO films obtained through SSPS have favorable performances to be used as sensitive layer in gas sensing applications.

Rapid green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using a hydroelectric cell without an electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Jyoti; Kumar Kotnala, Ravinder

2017-09-01

In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized using a novel environmentally friendly hydroelectric cell without an electrolyte or external current source. The hydroelectric cell comprised a nanoporous Li substituted magnesium ferrite pellet in contact with two electrodes, with zinc as the anode and silver as an inert cathode. The surface unsaturated cations and oxygen vacancies in the nanoporous ferrite dissociated water molecules into hydronium and hydroxide ions when the hydroelectric cell was dipped into deionized water. Hydroxide ions migrated toward the zinc electrode to form zinc hydroxide and the hydronium ions were evolved as H2 gas at the silver electrode. The zinc hydroxide collected as anode mud was converted into ZnO nanoparticles by heating at 250 °C. Structural analysis using Raman spectroscopy indicated the good crystallinity of the ZnO nanoparticles according to the presence of a high intensity E2-(high) mode. The nanoparticle size distribution was 5-20 nm according to high resolution transmission electron microscopy. An indirect band gap of 2.75 eV was determined based on the Tauc plot, which indicated the existence of an interstitial cation level in ZnO. Near band edge and blue emissions were detected in photoluminescence spectral studies. The blue emissions obtained from the ZnO nanoparticles could potentially have applications in blue lasers and LEDs. The ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using this method had a high dielectric constant value of 5 at a frequency of 1 MHz, which could be useful for fabricating nano-oscillators. This facile, clean, and cost-effective method obtained a significant yield of 0.017 g for ZnO nanoparticles without applying an external current source.

New insights into the adsorption of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate on hydroxylated ZnO nanopowders.

PubMed

Bressy, Christine; Ngo, Van Giang; Ziarelli, Fabio; Margaillan, André

2012-02-14

Functionalization of zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-objects by silane grafting is an attractive method to provide nanostructured materials with a variety of surface properties. Active hydroxyl groups on the oxide surface are one of the causes governing the interfacial bond strength in nanohybrid particles. Here, "as-prepared" and commercially available zinc oxide nanopowders with a wide range of surface hydroxyl density were functionalized by a well-known polymerizable silane coupling agent, i.e., 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate (MPS). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and solid-state (13)C and (29)Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic investigations demonstrated that the silane coupling agent was fully hydrolyzed and linked to the hydroxyl groups already present on the particle surface through covalent and hydrogen bonds. Due to a basic catalyzed condensation of MPS with water, a siloxane layer was shown to be anchored to the nanoparticles through mono- and tridentate structures. Quantitative investigations were performed by thermogravimetric (TGA) and elemental analyses. The amount of silane linked to ZnO particles was shown to be affected by the amount of isolated hydroxyl groups available to react on the particle surface. For as-prepared ZnO nanoparticles, the number of isolated and available hydroxyl groups per square nanometer was up to 3 times higher than the one found on commercially available ZnO nanoparticles, leading to higher amounts of polymerizable silane agent linked to the surface. The MPS molecules were shown to be mainly oriented perpendicular to the oxide surface for all the as-prepared ZnO nanoparticles, whereas a parallel orientation was found for the preheated commercially ZnO nanopowders. In addition, ZnO nanoparticles were shown to be hydrophobized by the MPS treatment with water contact angles higher than 60°.

The use of novel biodegradable, optically active and nanostructured poly(amide-ester-imide) as a polymer matrix for preparation of modified ZnO based bionanocomposites

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

Abdolmaleki, Amir, E-mail: abdolmaleki@cc.iut.ac.ir; Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Institute, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran; Mallakpour, Shadpour, E-mail: mallak@cc.iut.ac.ir

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A novel biodegradable and nanostructured PAEI based on two amino acids, was synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ZnO nanoparticles were modified via two different silane coupling agents. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PAEI/modified ZnO BNCs were synthesized through ultrasound irradiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ZnO particles were dispersed homogeneously in PAEI matrix on nanoscale. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The effect of ZnO nanoparticles on the properties of synthesized polymer was examined. -- Abstract: A novel biodegradable and nanostructured poly(amide-ester-imide) (PAEI) based on two different amino acids, was synthesized via direct polycondensation of biodegradable N,N Prime -bis[2-(methyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate)]isophthaldiamide and N,N Prime -(pyromellitoyl)-bis-L-phenylalanine diacid. The resulting polymer was characterized by FT-IR, {sup 1}H NMR,more » specific rotation, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis. The synthesized polymer showed good thermal stability with nano and sphere structure. Then PAEI/ZnO bionanocomposites (BNCs) were fabricated via interaction of pure PAEI and ZnO nanoparticles. The surface of ZnO was modified with two different silane coupling agents. PAEI/ZnO BNCs were studied and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, UV/vis, FE-SEM and TEM. The TEM and FE-SEM results indicated that the nanoparticles were dispersed homogeneously in PAEI matrix on nanoscale. Furthermore the effect of ZnO nanoparticle on the thermal stability of the polymer was investigated with TGA and DSC technique.« less

Physical and mechanical properties of hybrid montmorillonite/zinc oxide reinforced carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites.

PubMed

Zahedi, Younes; Fathi-Achachlouei, Bahram; Yousefi, Ali Reza

2018-03-01

In this research, a novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based nanocomposite films containing sodium montmorillonite (MMT) (5%wt) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (1, 2, 3 and 4%wt) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated via casting method. The results revealed that addition of NPs decreased water vapor permeability of the films by about 53%, while moisture content, density and glass transition temperature increased. The nanomaterials enhanced resistance of the nanocomposites against tensile stress at the expense of elongation at break. Nano-ZnO was very effective than nanoclay in UV-light blocking (99% vs. 60%) associated with sacrificing the films transparency. Formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of CMC and MMT was evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy. According to the XRD analysis, clay nanolayers formed an exfoliated structure in the nanocomposites, whereas ZnO NPs raised crystallinity. SEM micrographs showed well-dispersed MMT and ZnO NPs through the films surface. Antibacterial test showed that vulnerability of Gram-positive S. aureus toward ZnO NPs was more than that of Gram-negative E. Coli. In conclusion, simultaneous incorporation of MMT and ZnO NPs improved the functional characteristics of CMC film and extended the potential for food packaging applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ZnO nanorods/graphene/Ni/Au hybrid structures as transparent conductive layer in GaN LED for low work voltage and high light extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Kun; Xie, Yiyang; Ma, Huali; Du, Yinxiao; Zeng, Fanguang; Ding, Pei; Gao, Zhiyuan; Xu, Chen; Sun, Jie

2016-12-01

In this paper, by virtue of one-dimensional ZnO nanorods and two-dimensional graphene film hybrid structures, both the enhanced current spreading and enhanced light extraction were realized at the same time. A 1 nm/1 nm Ni/Au layer was used as an interlayer between graphene and pGaN to form ohmic contact, which makes the device have a good forward conduction properties. Through the comparison of the two groups of making ZnO nanorods or not, it was found that the 30% light extraction efficiency of the device was improved by using the ZnO nanorods. By analysis key parameters of two groups such as the turn-on voltage, work voltage and reverse leakage current, it was proved that the method for preparing surface nano structure by hydrothermal method self-organization growth ZnO nanorods applied in GaN LEDs has no influence to device's electrical properties. The hybrid structure application in GaN LED, make an achievement of a good ohmic contact, no use of ITO and enhancement of light extraction at the same time, meanwhile it does not change the device structure, introduce additional process, worsen the electrical properties.

Sensing based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering using self-forming ZnO nanoarrays coated with gold as substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Feng; Adam, Pierre-Michel; Rogers, David J.; Sandana, Vinod E.; Bove, Philippe; Teherani, Ferechteh H.

2018-03-01

Surface-Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a widely used technique adopted in both academia and industry for the detection of trace quantities of Raman active molecules. This is usually accomplished by functionalizing distributions of plasmonic metal nanoparticles with the analyte molecules. Recently metal-coated nanostructures have been investigated as alternatives to dispersions of metal nanoparticles in order to avoid clustering and homogeneity/reproducibility issues. In this paper, several samples of Au-coated ZnO nanoarrays are adopted as SERS substrates in order to investigate the molecular sensing capacity for methylene blue (MB) molecules. Self-forming ZnO nanoarrays were grown on both c-sapphire and silicon substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The nanoarrays were then coated with 30 nm of gold using thermal evaporation and the SERS signals of MB functionalized samples were obtained with a Raman microspectrometer. The ratio of SERS intensity to that of an MB functionalized glass substrate (ISERS/IRaman) was calculated based on the averaged SERS signals. A relatively good within-wafer homogeneity of the enhancement effect was found with ISERS/IRaman values as high as 64.2 for Au-coated nano ZnO grown on silicon substrates. The experimental results show that the Au-coated ZnO nanoarrays can be excellent SERS substrates for molecular/chemical analyte sensing.

Piezoelectric coupling in a field-effect transistor with a nanohybrid channel of ZnO nanorods grown vertically on graphene.

PubMed

Quang Dang, Vinh; Kim, Do-Il; Thai Duy, Le; Kim, Bo-Yeong; Hwang, Byeong-Ung; Jang, Mi; Shin, Kyung-Sik; Kim, Sang-Woo; Lee, Nae-Eung

2014-12-21

Piezoelectric coupling phenomena in a graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) with a nano-hybrid channel of chemical-vapor-deposited Gr (CVD Gr) and vertically aligned ZnO nanorods (NRs) under mechanical pressurization were investigated. Transfer characteristics of the hybrid channel GFET clearly indicated that the piezoelectric effect of ZnO NRs under static or dynamic pressure modulated the channel conductivity (σ) and caused a positive shift of 0.25% per kPa in the Dirac point. However, the GFET without ZnO NRs showed no change in either σ or the Dirac point. Analysis of the Dirac point shifts indicated transfer of electrons from the CVD Gr to ZnO NRs due to modulation of their interfacial barrier height under pressure. High responsiveness of the hybrid channel device with fast response and recovery times was evident in the time-dependent behavior at a small gate bias. In addition, the hybrid channel FET could be gated by mechanical pressurization only. Therefore, a piezoelectric-coupled hybrid channel GFET can be used as a pressure-sensing device with low power consumption and a fast response time. Hybridization of piezoelectric 1D nanomaterials with a 2D semiconducting channel in FETs enables a new design for future nanodevices.

Responses of human cells to ZnO nanoparticles: a gene transcription study†

PubMed Central

Moos, Philip J.; Olszewski, Kyle; Honeggar, Matthew; Cassidy, Pamela; Leachman, Sancy; Woessner, David; Cutler, N. Shane; Veranth, John M.

2013-01-01

The gene transcript profile responses to metal oxide nanoparticles was studied using human cell lines derived from the colon and skin tumors. Much of the research on nanoparticle toxicology has focused on models of inhalation and intact skin exposure, and effects of ingestion exposure and application to diseased skin are relatively unknown. Powders of nominally nanosized SiO2, TiO2, ZnO and Fe2O3 were chosen because these substances are widely used in consumer products. The four oxides were evaluated using colon-derived cell lines, RKO and CaCo-2, and ZnO and TiO2 were evaluated further using skin-derived cell lines HaCaT and SK Mel-28. ZnO induced the most notable gene transcription changes, even though this material was applied at the lowest concentration. Nano-sized and conventional ZnO induced similar responses suggesting common mechanisms of action. The results showed neither a non-specific response pattern common to all substances nor synergy of the particles with TNF-α cotreatment. The response to ZnO was not consistent with a pronounced proinflammatory signature, but involved changes in metal metabolism, chaperonin proteins, and protein folding genes. This response was observed in all cell lines when ZnO was in contact with the human cells. When the cells were exposed to soluble Zn, the genes involved in metal metabolism were induced but the genes involved in protein refoldling were unaffected. This provides some of the first data on the effects of commercial metal oxide nanoparticles on human colon-derived and skin-derived cells. PMID:21769377

Zinc oxide nano-rods based glucose biosensor devices fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahab, H. A.; Salama, A. A.; El Saeid, A. A.; Willander, M.; Nur, O.; Battisha, I. K.

2018-06-01

ZnO is distinguished multifunctional material that has wide applications in biochemical sensor devices. For extracellular measurements, Zinc oxide nano-rods will be deposited on conducting plastic substrate with annealing temperature 150 °C (ZNRP150) and silver wire with annealing temperature 250 °C (ZNRW250), for the extracellular glucose concentration determination with functionalized ZNR-coated biosensors. It was performed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) over the range from 1 μM to 10 mM and on human blood plasma. The prepared samples crystal structure and surface morphologies were characterized by XRD and field emission scanning electron microscope FESEM respectively.

The potential phototoxicity of nano-scale ZnO induced by visible light on freshwater ecosystems.

PubMed

Du, Jingjing; Qv, Mingxiang; Zhang, Yuyan; Yin, Xiaoyun; Wan, Ning; Zhang, Baozhong; Zhang, Hongzhong

2018-06-06

With the development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials have been widely applied in anti-bacterial coating, electronic device, and personal care products. NanoZnO is one of the most used materials and its ecotoxicity has been extensively studied. To explore the potential phototoxicity of nanoZnO induced by visible light, we conducted a long-term experiment on litter decomposition of Typha angustifolia leaves with assessment of fungal multifaceted natures. After 158 d exposure, the decomposition rate of leaf litter was decreased by nanoZnO but no additional effect by visible light. However, visible light enhanced the inhibitory effect of nanoZnO on fungal sporulation rate due to light-induced dissolution of nanoZnO. On the contrary, enzymes such as β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, and leucine-aminopeptidase were significantly increased by the interaction of nanoZnO and visible light, which led to high efficiency of leaf carbon decomposition. Furthermore, different treatments and exposure time separated fungal community associated with litter decomposition. Therefore, the study provided the evidence of the contribution of visible light to nanoparticle phototoxicity at the ecosystem level. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Size-dependent Young’s modulus in ZnO nanowires with strong surface atomic bonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Shiwen; Bi, Sheng; Li, Qikun; Guo, Qinglei; Liu, Junshan; Ouyang, Zhongliang; Jiang, Chengming; Song, Jinhui

2018-03-01

The mechanical properties of size-dependent nanowires are important in nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMSs), and have attracted much research interest. Characterization of the size effect of nanowires in atmosphere directly to broaden their practical application instead of just in high vacuum situations, as reported previously, is desperately needed. In this study, we systematically studied the Young’s modulus of vertical ZnO nanowires in atmosphere. The diameters ranged from 48 nm to 239 nm with a resonance method using non-contact atomic force microscopy. The values of Young’s modulus in atmosphere present extremely strong increasing tendency with decreasing diameter of nanowire due to stronger surface atomic bonds compared with that in vacuum. A core-shell model for nanowires is proposed to explore the Young’s modulus enhancement in atmosphere, which is correlated with atoms of oxygen occurring near the nanowire surface. The modified model is more accurate for analyzing the mechanical behavior of nanowires in atmosphere compared with the model in vacuum. Furthermore, it is possible to use this characterization method to measure the size-related elastic properties of similar wire-sharp nanomaterials in atmosphere and estimate the corresponding mechanical behavior. The study of the size-dependent Young’s modulus in ZnO nanowires in atmosphere will improve the understanding of the mechanical properties of nanomaterials as well as providing guidance for applications in NEMSs, nanogenerators, biosensors and other related areas.

Ultrafast Nonlinear Microscopy in III-V Semiconductor Nanostructures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-20

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: This project involved the investigation of the photoluminescence properties of individual ZnO nano-rods, characterization ...13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 12. DISTRIBUTION AVAILIBILITY STATEMENT 6. AUTHORS 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAMES AND ADDRESSES 15. SUBJECT TERMS b...Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 ultrafast imaging, strained nanomaterials , electron-hole plasma dynamics, microscopy

Oxidative Stress and Nano-Toxicity Induced by TiO2 and ZnO on WAG Cell Line

PubMed Central

Dubey, Akhilesh; Goswami, Mukunda; Yadav, Kamalendra; Chaudhary, Dharmendra

2015-01-01

Metallic nanoparticles are widely used in cosmetics, food products and textile industry. These particles are known to cause respiratory toxicity and epithelial inflammation. They are eventually released to aquatic environment necessitating toxicity studies in cells from respiratory organs of aquatic organisms. Hence, we have developed and characterized a new cell line, WAG, from gill tissue of Wallago attu for toxicity assessment of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. The efficacy of the cell line as an in vitro system for nanoparticles toxicity studies was established using electron microscopy, cytotoxicity assays, genotoxicity assays and oxidative stress biomarkers. Results obtained with MTT assay, neutral red uptake assay and lactate dehydrogenase assay showed acute toxicity to WAG cells with IC50 values of 25.29±0.12, 34.99±0.09 and 35.06±0.09 mg/l for TiO2 and 5.716±0.1, 3.160±0.1 and 5.57±0.12 mg/l for ZnO treatment respectively. The physicochemical properties and size distribution of nanoparticles were characterized using electron microscopy with integrated energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Zetasizer. Dose dependent increase in DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation along with a significant decrease in activity of Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, total Glutathione levels and total antioxidant capacity with increasing concentration of exposed nanoparticles indicated that the cells were under oxidative stress. The study established WAG cell line as an in vitro system to study toxicity mechanisms of nanoparticles on aquatic organisms. PMID:26011447

Ag-Modified In2O3/ZnO Nanobundles with High Formaldehyde Gas-Sensing Performance

PubMed Central

Fang, Fang; Bai, Lu; Song, Dongsheng; Yang, Hongping; Sun, Xiaoming; Sun, Hongyu; Zhu, Jing

2015-01-01

Ag-modified In2O3/ZnO bundles with micro/nano porous structures have been designed and synthesized with by hydrothermal method continuing with dehydration process. Each bundle consists of nanoparticles, where nanogaps of 10–30 nm are present between the nanoparticles, leading to a porous structure. This porous structure brings high surface area and fast gas diffusion, enhancing the gas sensitivity. Consequently, the HCHO gas-sensing performance of the Ag-modified In2O3/ZnO bundles have been tested, with the formaldehyde-detection limit of 100 ppb (parts per billion) and the response and recover times as short as 6 s and 3 s, respectively, at 300 °C and the detection limit of 100 ppb, response time of 12 s and recover times of 6 s at 100 °C. The HCHO sensing detect limitation matches the health standard limitation on the concentration of formaldehyde for indoor air. Moreover, the strategy to synthesize the nanobundles is just two-step heating and easy to scale up. Therefore, the Ag-modified In2O3/ZnO bundles are ready for industrialization and practical applications. PMID:26287205

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.

A dose-controlled system for air-liquid interface cell exposure and application to zinc oxide nanoparticles

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Engineered nanoparticles are becoming increasingly ubiquitous and their toxicological effects on human health, as well as on the ecosystem, have become a concern. Since initial contact with nanoparticles occurs at the epithelium in the lungs (or skin, or eyes), in vitro cell studies with nanoparticles require dose-controlled systems for delivery of nanoparticles to epithelial cells cultured at the air-liquid interface. Results A novel air-liquid interface cell exposure system (ALICE) for nanoparticles in liquids is presented and validated. The ALICE generates a dense cloud of droplets with a vibrating membrane nebulizer and utilizes combined cloud settling and single particle sedimentation for fast (~10 min; entire exposure), repeatable (<12%), low-stress and efficient delivery of nanoparticles, or dissolved substances, to cells cultured at the air-liquid interface. Validation with various types of nanoparticles (Au, ZnO and carbon black nanoparticles) and solutes (such as NaCl) showed that the ALICE provided spatially uniform deposition (<1.6% variability) and had no adverse effect on the viability of a widely used alveolar human epithelial-like cell line (A549). The cell deposited dose can be controlled with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) over a dynamic range of at least 0.02-200 μg/cm2. The cell-specific deposition efficiency is currently limited to 0.072 (7.2% for two commercially available 6-er transwell plates), but a deposition efficiency of up to 0.57 (57%) is possible for better cell coverage of the exposure chamber. Dose-response measurements with ZnO nanoparticles (0.3-8.5 μg/cm2) showed significant differences in mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-8) and oxidative stress (HO-1) markers when comparing submerged and air-liquid interface exposures. Both exposure methods showed no cellular response below 1 μg/cm2 ZnO, which indicates that ZnO nanoparticles are not toxic at occupationally allowed exposure levels. Conclusion The ALICE is a useful tool for dose-controlled nanoparticle (or solute) exposure of cells at the air-liquid interface. Significant differences between cellular response after ZnO nanoparticle exposure under submerged and air-liquid interface conditions suggest that pharmaceutical and toxicological studies with inhaled (nano-)particles should be performed under the more realistic air-liquid interface, rather than submerged cell conditions. PMID:20015351

The microstructure and photoluminescence of ZnO-MoS2 core shell nano-materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, H.; Liu, C. M.; Huang, X. Y.; Lei, M. Y.

2017-01-01

In this paper, ZnO-MoS2-FT (FT is the fabrication temperature of MoS2) core shell nano-material samples (with ZnO as a core and MoS2 as a shell material) were fabricated on ITO substrate using hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, morphology, optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) of samples were investigated. Compared with that of pure ZnO nanorods, ZnO-MoS2-FT samples show an enhanced light absorption. In addition, ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) PL intensity of ZnO-MoS2-FT samples excited by 325 nm laser are greatly weakened. The UV PL peak position is not changed obviously. However, the Vis PL peak position is changed visibly. The Vis PL of ZnO-MoS2-FT samples under UV excitation indicates that the ratio of oxygen interstitial to oxygen vacancy is decreased. The suppression of UV PL of ZnO-MoS2-FT samples may be related to the weakening of crystal quality of ZnO, easier separation of electron-hole pairs, enhancement of light absorption, and newly introduced defects in the interface between ZnO and MoS2. Under 514 nm laser excitation, the PL peak position of ZnO-MoS2-FT samples has a red shift with FT being increased from 80 to 160 °C. The influence of excitation power (EP) on the PL of ZnO-MoS2-FT samples was also investigated. The PL of ZnO-MoS2-FT samples have a red shift with EP being increased. This may be due to the sample temperature is increased with EP, resulting an enhancement of electron-phonon interaction. A schematic diagram of charge generation and transfer is presented to understand the mechanism of PL of ZnO-MoS2 under UV and Vis excitation.

The Effect of Different Coupling Agents on Nano-ZnO Materials Obtained via the Sol-Gel Process.

PubMed

Purcar, Violeta; Şomoghi, Raluca; Niţu, Sabina Georgiana; Nicolae, Cristian-Andi; Alexandrescu, Elvira; Gîfu, Ioana Cătălina; Gabor, Augusta Raluca; Stroescu, Hermine; Ianchiş, Raluca; Căprărescu, Simona; Cinteză, Ludmila Otilia

2017-12-12

Hybrid nanomaterials based on zinc oxide were synthesized via the sol-gel method, using different silane coupling agents: (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), phenyltriethoxysilane (PhTES), octyltriethoxysilane (OTES), and octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODTES). Morphological properties and the silane precursor type effect on the particle size were investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bonding characteristics of modified ZnO materials were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The final solutions were deposited on metallic substrate (aluminum) in order to realize coatings with various wettability and roughness. The morphological studies, obtained by ESEM and TEM analysis, showed that the sizes of the ZnO nanoparticles are changed as function of silane precursor used in synthesis. The thermal stability of modified ZnO materials showed that the degradation of the alkyl groups takes place in the 300-500 °C range. Water wettability study revealed a contact angle of 142 ± 5° for the surface covered with ZnO material modified with ODTES and showed that the water contact angle increases as the alkyl chain from the silica precursor increases. These modified ZnO materials, therefore, can be easily incorporated in coatings for various applications such as anti-corrosion and anti-icing.

ZnO nanoparticles via Moringa oleifera green synthesis: Physical properties & mechanism of formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matinise, N.; Fuku, X. G.; Kaviyarasu, K.; Mayedwa, N.; Maaza, M.

2017-06-01

The research work involves the development of better and reliable method for the bio-fabrication of Zinc oxide nanoparticles through green method using Moringa Oleifera extract as an effective chelating agent. The electrochemical activity, crystalline structure, morphology, isothermal behavior, chemical composition and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles were studied using various characterization techniques i.e. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Selected area electron diffraction (SEAD), Differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared analysis (FTIR) and Ultraviolet spectroscopy studies (UV-vis). The electrochemical analysis proved that the ZnO nano has high electrochemical activity without any modifications and therefore are considered as a potential candidate in electrochemical applications. The XRD pattern confirmed the crystallinity and pure phase of the sample. DSC/TGA analysis of ZnO sample (before anneal) revealed three endothermic peaks around 140.8 °C, 223.7 °C and 389.5 °C. These endothermic peaks are attributed to the loss of volatile surfactant, conversion of zinc hydroxide to zinc oxide nanoparticles and transformation of zinc oxide into zinc nanoparticles. Mechanisms of formation of the ZnO nanoparticles via the chemical reaction of the Zinc nitrate precursor with the bioactive compounds of the Moringa oleifera are proposed for each of the major family compounds: Vitamins, Flavonoids, and Phenolic acids.

Fabrication of thin ZnO films with wide-range tuned optical properties by reactive magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davydova, A.; Tselikov, G.; Dilone, D.; Rao, K. V.; Kabashin, A. V.; Belova, L.

2018-02-01

We report the manufacturing of thin zinc oxide films by reactive magnetron sputtering at room temperature, and examine their structural and optical properties. We show that the partial oxygen pressure in DC mode can have dramatic effect on absorption and refractive index (RI) of the films in a broad spectral range. In particular, the change of the oxygen pressure from 7% to 5% can lead to either conventional crystalline ZnO films having low absorption and characteristic descending dependence of RI from 2.4-2.7 RIU in the visible to 1.8-2 RIU in the near-infrared (1600 nm) range, or to untypical films, composed of ZnO nano-crystals embedded into amorphous matrix, exhibiting unexpectedly high absorption in the visible-infrared region and ascending dependence of RI with values varying from 1.5 RIU in the visible to 4 RIU in the IR (1600 nm), respectively. Untypical optical characteristics in the second case are explained by defects in ZnO structure arising due to under-oxidation of ZnO crystals. We also show that the observed defect-related film structure remains stable even after annealing of films under relatively high temperatures (30 min under 450 °C). We assume that both types of films can be of importance for photovoltaic (as contact or active layers, respectively), as well as for chemical or biological sensing, optoelectronics etc.

Fabrication and calibration of a piezoelectric nanocomposite paint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osho, Samuel; Wu, Nan; Aramfard, Mohammad; Deng, Chuang; Ojo, Olanrewaju

2018-03-01

A new liquid form piezoelectric nanocomposite paint material is fabricated with possible applications as dynamic strain sensors and/or piezoelectric transducers. The applied coating is in the form of low-cost paint, which is flexible and bonds strongly on a metallic surface after drying out via the solvent-casting method. The nanocomposite is produced by an ultrasonic mixture of varying percentages of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle water dispersion, poly vinyl acetate glue (PVA) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). ZnO nanoparticles are used as the piezoelectric sensing elements in a PVA matrix of the paint, while CNTs are introduced as robust bridge of ZnO particles enhancing the piezoelectricity and material properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed the linkages of ZnO nanoparticles in the composite by CNTs. Through piezoelectricity calibration, the optimum mixing ratio with the highest piezoelectricity is 78.1 wt% ZnO, 19.5 wt% PVA glue and 2.4 wt% multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Through nanoindentation tests for the characterization of the mechanical properties of the nano-composite paint, it is found that Young’s modulus and hardness reached a threshold point in the increment in the addition of CNTs to the paint before showing signs of decline. Detailed analysis and explanation of the calibration results and physical phenomenon are provided. The stable paint material is ready to be applied on rough area of engineering structures as sensor and transducer.

Transport properties of nanocomposite and its simulation with L-R-C circuit

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

Gangopadhyay, Arnab, E-mail: agangulyphysics@gmail.com; Sarkar, Aditi, E-mail: agangulyphysics@gmail.com; Sarkar, A., E-mail: agangulyphysics@gmail.com

2014-04-24

The nano particles are represented in this communication by L-R-C equivalent circuit. The dc current voltage characteristics (CVC) of the proposed circuit have simulated using Circuit-Maker ® 2000. Experimental investigation on ZnO nano-composite with capping material gum acacia shows similar CVC. NPs are represented by C-R combinations to manifest the Coulomb blockade effect of a quantum dot. The capping material is represented by an inductor along with a resistance in series. Nine NPs with capping matrix are simulated. The dc current voltage characteristics (CVC) and gross feature of polarization nature obtained by experiment and simulation study are consistent.

Mixed metal oxide nanoparticles inhibit growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into THP-1 cells.

PubMed

Jafari, A R; Mosavi, T; Mosavari, N; Majid, A; Movahedzade, F; Tebyaniyan, M; Kamalzadeh, M; Dehgan, M; Jafari, S; Arastoo, S

2016-12-01

Humans have been in a constant battle with tuberculosis (TB). Currently, overuse of antibiotics has resulted in the spread of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR), leading to antibiotic ineffectiveness at controlling the spread of TB infection in host cells and especially macrophages. Additionally, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has developed methods to evade the immune system and survive. With the discovery of nanoparticle (NP)-based drugs, it is necessary to research their anti-mycobacterial properties and bactericidal mechanisms. In this study, we synthesized mixed metal oxide NPs and tested their ability to inhibit Mtb growth into macrophages and investigated the cytotoxic effects of NPs in THP-1 cells. Silver (Ag) NPs and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs were synthesized by chemical reduction and chemical deposition in aqueous solution, and the diffraction light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible light-absorption spectra were used to identify NP properties. Ag and ZnO NPs were mixed together at a ratio of 8 ZnO /2 Ag and diluted into Löwenstein-Jensen medium followed by the addition of bacteria and incubation for 28days at 37°C. The toxicity of NPs to THP-1 cells was assessed by MTT test, and macrophages were infected with Mtb for 4h at 37°C under 5% CO 2 . Nano-sized particles were estimated at ∼30-80nm, and the initial concentration of Ag NPs and ZnO NPs were estimated at ∼20ppm and ∼60ppm. The minimal inhibitory concentration ratio of 8 ZnO /2 Ag NPs against Mtb was detected at ∼1/32 of the initial concentration. Ag NPs in the range of concentrations exhibited no anti-Mtb effects, whereas ZnO NPs showed potent antibacterial activity at ∼1/128 of the initial concentration. ZnO NPs at all concentrations showed cytotoxic activity, whereas 100% of THP-1 cells remained viable in the presence of Ag NPs at ∼1/32 and ∼1/64 of the initial concentrations. However, at ratios of 8 ZnO /2 Ag , ∼39.94% of the cells at ∼1/16 of the initial concentration remained viable, with 100% of THP-1 cells at ∼1/32 of the initial concentration remaining viable. Although Ag NPs exhibited low cytotoxicity, they were unable to inhibit Mtb growth in vitro. ZnO NPs exhibited strong anti-Mtb activity and inhibited bacterial growth, but exhibited high cytotoxicity to human macrophage cells. By mixing Ag and ZnO NPs at a ratio of 8 ZnO /2 Ag , we acquired a mixture that exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Mtb and no cytotoxic effects on THP-1 cells, resulting in inhibition of both in vitro and ex vivo Mtb growth Figs. 1-3, Tables 1-3. Copyright © 2016.

Bactericidal impact of Ag, ZnO and mixed AgZnO colloidal nanoparticles on H37Rv Mycobacterium tuberculosis phagocytized by THP-1 cell lines.

PubMed

Jafari, Alireza; Mosavari, Nader; Movahedzadeh, Farahnaz; Nodooshan, Saeedeh Jafari; Safarkar, Roya; Moro, Rossella; Kamalzadeh, Morteza; Majidpour, Ali; Boustanshenas, Mina; Mosavi, Tahereh

2017-09-01

The purpose of this research project was to infection of human macrophages (THP-1) cell lines by H 37 Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H 37 RvMTB) and find out the ratio/dilution of mixture silver (Ag NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) whose ability to eliminate phagocytized bacteria compared to rifampicin. The colloidal Ag NPs and ZnO NPs were synthesized and their characteristics were evaluated. The THP-1 cell lines were infected with different concentration of H 37 RvMTB. Next, the infected cells were treated with different ratios/dilutions of Ag NPs, ZnO NPs and rifampicin. The THP-1 were lysed and were cultured in Lowenstein-Jensen agar medium, for eight weeks. The TEM and AFM images of NPs and H 37 RvMTB were supplied. It is observed that Ag NPs, 2 Ag :8 ZnO and 8 Ag :2 ZnO did not have any anti-tubercular effects on phagocytized H 37 RvMTB. Conversely, ZnO NPs somehow eliminated 18.7 × 10 4  CFU ml -1 of H 37 RvMTB in concentration of ∼ 0.468 ppm. To compare with 40 ppm of rifampicin, ∼ 0.663 ppm of 5 Ag :5 ZnO had the ability to kill of H 37 RvMTB, too. Based on previous research, ZnO NPs had strong anti-tubercular impact against H 37 RvMTB to in-vitro condition, but it was toxic in concentration of ∼ 0.468 ppm to both of THP-1 and normal lung (MRC-5) cell lines. It also seems that 5 Ag :5 ZnO is justified because in concentration of ∼ 0.663 ppm of 5 Ag :5 ZnO , phagocytized H 37 RvMTB into the THP-1 had died without any toxicity effects against THP-1 and also MRC-5 cell lines. It is obvious that the mixture of colloidal silver and zinc oxide NPs with ratio of 5 Ag :5 ZnO would be trustworthy options as anti-tubercular nano-drugs in future researches. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Biocompatibility of designed MicNo-ZnO particles: Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and phototoxicity in human skin keratinocyte cells.

PubMed

Genç, Hatice; Barutca, Banu; Koparal, A Tansu; Özöğüt, Uğurcan; Şahin, Yücel; Suvacı, Ender

2018-03-01

Recently, designed platelet shaped micron particles that are composed of nano primary particles, called MicNo (=Micron+naNo) particles, have been developed to exploit the benefits of nano size, while removing the adverse effects of nanoparticles. It has been shown that MicNo-ZnO particles exhibit both micron and nanosized particle characteristics. Although physical and chemical properties of MicNo-ZnO particles have been studied, their biocompatibility has not yet been evaluated. Accordingly, the research objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and phototoxicity behaviors of designed MicNo-ZnO particles over human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. MicNo-ZnO particles exhibit much less cytotoxicity with IC 50 concentrations between 40 and 50μg/ml, genotoxicity above 40μg/ml and lower photo genotoxicity under UVA on HaCaT than the ZnO nanoparticles. Although their chemistries are the same, the source of this difference in toxicity values may be attributed to size differences between the particles that are probably due to their ability to penetrate into the cells. In the present study, the expansive and detailed in vitro toxicity tests show that the biocompatibility of MicNo-ZnO particles is much better than that of the ZnO nanoparticles. Consequently, MicNo-ZnO particles can be considered an important active ingredient alternative for sunscreen applications due to their safer characteristics with respect to ZnO nanoparticles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SEM-EDX, water absorption, and wetting capability studies on evaluation of the influence of nano-zinc oxide as additive to paraloid B72 solutions used for wooden artifacts consolidation.

PubMed

Tuduce Traistaru, Ana-Adriana; Crina Anca Sandu, Irina; Cristina Timar, Maria; Lucia Dumitrescu, Georgeta; Sandu, Ion

2013-02-01

Consolidation of frail, degraded wood is a key issue of wooden cultural heritage conservation. Paraloid B72 is one of the most often used consolidant in conservation practice. The present research aimed at formulating stable consolidation solutions of Paraloid B72 with ZnO nano-additives and at determining the influence of these additives on the penetration pathways, retention of the consolidation material into wood and on the water behavior of the treated wood. The experiments were performed on sound samples of aspen (Populus tremula). The addition of nano-ZnO slightly increased the uptake and retention of the consolidant within the wooden structure and led to hydrophobic surfaces. However, the influence of nano-ZnO additives to the water absorption was not conclusive. Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with an EDX Detector investigation proved vessels, fibers, and interconnecting pits as main pathways of consolidant penetration into the wooden structure as well as the presence and distribution of nano-ZnO. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

High Performance Transparent Transistor Memory Devices Using Nano-Floating Gate of Polymer/ZnO Nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shih, Chien-Chung; Lee, Wen-Ya; Chiu, Yu-Cheng; Hsu, Han-Wen; Chang, Hsuan-Chun; Liu, Cheng-Liang; Chen, Wen-Chang

2016-02-01

Nano-floating gate memory devices (NFGM) using metal nanoparticles (NPs) covered with an insulating polymer have been considered as a promising electronic device for the next-generation nonvolatile organic memory applications NPs. However, the transparency of the device with metal NPs is restricted to 60~70% due to the light absorption in the visible region caused by the surface plasmon resonance effects of metal NPs. To address this issue, we demonstrate a novel NFGM using the blends of hole-trapping poly (9-(4-vinylphenyl) carbazole) (PVPK) and electron-trapping ZnO NPs as the charge storage element. The memory devices exhibited a remarkably programmable memory window up to 60 V during the program/erase operations, which was attributed to the trapping/detrapping of charge carriers in ZnO NPs/PVPK composite. Furthermore, the devices showed the long-term retention time (>105 s) and WRER test (>200 cycles), indicating excellent electrical reliability and stability. Additionally, the fabricated transistor memory devices exhibited a relatively high transparency of 90% at the wavelength of 500 nm based on the spray-coated PEDOT:PSS as electrode, suggesting high potential for transparent organic electronic memory devices.

Photonics and nanophotonics and information and communication technologies in modern food packaging.

PubMed

Sarapulova, Olha; Sherstiuk, Valentyn; Shvalagin, Vitaliy; Kukhta, Aleksander

2015-01-01

The analysis of the problem of conjunction of information and communication technologies (ICT) with packaging industry and food production was made. The perspective of combining the latest advances of nanotechnology, including nanophotonics, and ICT for creating modern smart packaging was shown. There were investigated luminescent films with zinc oxide nanoparticles, which change luminescence intensity as nano-ZnO interacts with decay compounds of food products, for active and intelligent packaging. High luminescent transparent films were obtained from colloidal suspension of ZnO and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The influence of molecular mass, concentration of nano-ZnO, and film thickness on luminescent properties of films was studied in order to optimize the content of the compositions. The possibility of covering the obtained films with polyvinyl alcohol was considered for eliminating water soluble properties of PVP. The luminescent properties of films with different covers were studied. The insoluble in water composition based on ZnO stabilized with colloidal silicon dioxide and PVP in polymethylmethacrylate was developed, and the luminescent properties of films were investigated. The compositions are non-toxic, safe, and suitable for applying to the inner surface of active and intelligent packaging by printing techniques, such as screen printing, flexography, inkjet, and pad printing.

Photonics and Nanophotonics and Information and Communication Technologies in Modern Food Packaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarapulova, Olha; Sherstiuk, Valentyn; Shvalagin, Vitaliy; Kukhta, Aleksander

2015-05-01

The analysis of the problem of conjunction of information and communication technologies (ICT) with packaging industry and food production was made. The perspective of combining the latest advances of nanotechnology, including nanophotonics, and ICT for creating modern smart packaging was shown. There were investigated luminescent films with zinc oxide nanoparticles, which change luminescence intensity as nano-ZnO interacts with decay compounds of food products, for active and intelligent packaging. High luminescent transparent films were obtained from colloidal suspension of ZnO and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The influence of molecular mass, concentration of nano-ZnO, and film thickness on luminescent properties of films was studied in order to optimize the content of the compositions. The possibility of covering the obtained films with polyvinyl alcohol was considered for eliminating water soluble properties of PVP. The luminescent properties of films with different covers were studied. The insoluble in water composition based on ZnO stabilized with colloidal silicon dioxide and PVP in polymethylmethacrylate was developed, and the luminescent properties of films were investigated. The compositions are non-toxic, safe, and suitable for applying to the inner surface of active and intelligent packaging by printing techniques, such as screen printing, flexography, inkjet, and pad printing.

Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-15 mol% 3hydroxyhexanoate)/ZnO nanocomposites by solvent casting method: a study of optical, surface, and thermal properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vishnu Chandar, J.; Shanmugan, S.; Mutharasu, D.; Azlan, A. A.

2017-01-01

Biopolymer nanocomposites are gaining interest due to their biodegradable and biocompatible nature, with exceptional properties which are superior to those of pure polymer and that can be used as a replacement for petroleum-based plastics. Pure poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-15 mol% 3hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx)] and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) reinforced P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) composite films were prepared and their morphological, optical, and thermal analyses were carried out to study the effect of ZnO NPs on P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) copolymer. From optical analysis, a strong absorbance peak at ˜358 nm with high intensity for 5%ZnO NPs reinforced P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) composite sample was observed. Nano-sized particles and their increased trend with increased ZnO NPs concentration were confirmed by UV-Vis spectral analysis. In addition to that, ZnO NPs reduced the reflectance behaviour of P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) copolymer in the UV region. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis evidenced that the pore numbers and their size in the composite matrix was decreased with increased ZnO NPs concentration. Improved thermal stability and melting temperature of the copolymer matrix was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, respectively. ZnO NPs acted as a retarding agent and showed a low degree of crystallinity (X c ) and enthalpy of melting (ΔH M ). From these observations, ZnO NPs reinforced P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) composites can be integrated with suitable resin and can be used as an LED encapsulant to block UV rays. They can also be used as a UV blocking coating material in the glass, plastic, and textile industries, for NIR shielding and food packaging applications.

Release and toxicity comparison between industrial- and ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Many consumer products containing ZnO have raised concern for safety in regards toenvironmental impact and the public health. Widely used sunscreens for protectingagainst UV and avoiding sunburns represent a great exposure to nano-ZnO, one of theingredients commonly applied in sunscreens. Applying nano-products on beaches mayrelease nanoparticles unintentionally into the ocean. Despite the accumulation of suchnano-products in the ocean harming or being detrimental to critical marine organisms,few studies have investigated the release and potential toxicity of nanoparticlesextracted from products and compared them with those from industrial-typenanoparticles. Results show that the cytotoxicity of both industrial- and sunscreenderivednano-ZnO to the marine diatom algae, Thalassiosira pseudonana, increasedas exposure increases over time, as measured by growth inhibition (%) of the algae ata constant concentration of nano-ZnO (10 mg/L). The extent of toxicity appeared to behigher from industrial-type nano-ZnO compared to sunscreen-extracted nano-ZnO,though the extent becomes similar when concentrations increase to 50 mg/L. On theother hand, at a fixed exposure time of 48 hrs, the cytotoxicity increases asconcentrations increase with the higher toxicity shown from the industrial-typecompared to sunscreen-induced nano-ZnO. Results indicate that while industrial-typenano-ZnO shows higher toxicity than sunscreen-derived nano-ZnO, the release andextent of toxicity from n

Effects of Nano-zinc on Biochemical Parameters in Cadmium-Exposed Rats.

PubMed

Hejazy, Marzie; Koohi, Mohammad Kazem

2017-12-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic environmental and occupational pollutant with reported toxic effects on the kidneys, liver, lungs, bones, and the immunity system. Based on its physicochemical similarity to cadmium, zinc (Zn) shows protective effects against cadmium toxicity and cadmium accumulation in the body. Nano-zinc and nano-zinc oxide (ZnO), recently used in foods and pharmaceutical products, can release a great amount of Zn 2+ in their environment. This research was carried out to investigate the more potent properties of the metal zinc among sub-acute cadmium intoxicated rats. Seventy-five male Wistar rats were caged in 15 groups. Cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 ) was used in drinking water to induce cadmium toxicity. Different sizes (15, 20, and 30 nm) and doses of nano-zinc particles (3, 10, 100 mg/kg body weight [bw]) were administered solely and simultaneously with CdCl 2 (2-5 mg/kg bw) for 28 days. The experimental animals were decapitated, and the biochemical biomarkers (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) were determined in their serum after oral exposure to nano-zinc and cadmium. Statistical analysis was carried out with a one-way ANOVA and t test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The haematocrit (HCT) significantly increased and blood coagulation time significantly reduced in the nano-zinc-treated rats. AST, ALT, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, and free fatty acids increased significantly in the cadmium- and nano-zinc-treated rats compared with the controls. However, albumin, total protein, and HDLc significantly decreased in the cadmium- and nano-zinc-treated rats compared with the controls (P < 0.05). It seems that in the oral administration of nano-zinc, the smaller sizes with low doses and the larger sizes with high doses are more toxic than metallic zinc. In a few cases, an inverse dose-dependent relationship was seen as well. This research showed that in spite of larger sizes of zinc, smaller sizes of nano-zinc particles are not suitable for protection against cadmium intoxication.

Ultraporous Electron-Depleted ZnO Nanoparticle Networks for Highly Sensitive Portable Visible-Blind UV Photodetectors.

PubMed

Nasiri, Noushin; Bo, Renheng; Wang, Fan; Fu, Lan; Tricoli, Antonio

2015-08-05

A hierarchical nano- and microstructured morphology for visible-blind UV photo-detectors is developed, which provides record-high milliampere photocurrents, nanoampere dark currents, and excellent selectivity to ultralow UV light intensities. This is a significant step toward the integration of high-performance UV photodetectors in wearable devices. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Phase Relations in the In 2O 3-Al 2ZnO 4-ZnO System at 1350°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Masaki; Kimizuka, Noboru; Mohri, Takahiko; Isobe, Mitsumasa

1993-08-01

Phase relations in the In 2O 3-Al 2ZnO 4-ZnO system at 1350°C are determined by a classical quenching method. This system consists of In 2O 3, Al 2ZnO 4, ZnO, and homologous phases InAlO 3(ZnO) m ( m = 2, 3, …) having solid solutions with LuFeO 3(ZnO) m-type crystal structures. These solid solution ranges are as follows: In 1+ x1Al 1- x1O 3(ZnO) 2 ( x1 = 0.70)-In 1+ x2Al 1- x2O 3(ZnO) 2 ( x2 = 0.316-0.320), In 2O 3(ZnO) 3-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 3 ( x = 0.230), In 2O 3(ZnO) 4-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 4 ( x = 0.15-0.16), In 2O 3(ZnO) 5-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 5 ( x = 0.116-0.130), In 2O 3(ZnO) 6-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 6 ( x = 0.000-0.111), In 2O 3(ZnO) 7-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 7 ( x = 0.08), In 2O 3(ZnO) 8-In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) 8 ( x: undetermined), and In 2O 3(ZnO) m-InAlO 3(ZnO) m ( m = 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19). The space groups of these homologous phases belong to R3¯ m for m = odd or P6 3/ mmc for m = even. Their crystal structures, In 1+ xAl 1- xO 3(ZnO) m (0 < x < 1), consist of three kinds of layers: an InO 1.5 layer, an (In xAl 1- xZn)O 2.5 layer, and ZnO layers. A comparison of the phase relations in the In 2O 3- M2ZnO 4-ZnO systems ( M = Fe, Ga, or Al) is made and their characteristic features are discussed in terms of the ionic radii and site preferences of the M cations.

Controlled Defects of Fluorine-incorporated ZnO Nanorods for Photovoltaic Enhancement

PubMed Central

Lee, Hock Beng; Ginting, Riski Titian; Tan, Sin Tee; Tan, Chun Hui; Alshanableh, Abdelelah; Oleiwi, Hind Fadhil; Yap, Chi Chin; Jumali, Mohd Hafizuddin Hj.; Yahaya, Muhammad

2016-01-01

Anion passivation effect on metal-oxide nano-architecture offers a highly controllable platform for improving charge selectivity and extraction, with direct relevance to their implementation in hybrid solar cells. In current work, we demonstrated the incorporation of fluorine (F) as an anion dopant to address the defect-rich nature of ZnO nanorods (ZNR) and improve the feasibility of its role as electron acceptor. The detailed morphology evolution and defect engineering on ZNR were studied as a function of F-doping concentration (x). Specifically, the rod-shaped arrays of ZnO were transformed into taper-shaped arrays at high x. A hypsochromic shift was observed in optical energy band gap due to the Burstein-Moss effect. A substantial suppression on intrinsic defects in ZnO lattice directly epitomized the novel role of fluorine as an oxygen defect quencher. The results show that 10-FZNR/P3HT device exhibited two-fold higher power conversion efficiency than the pristine ZNR/P3HT device, primarily due to the reduced Schottky defects and charge transfer barrier. Essentially, the reported findings yielded insights on the functions of fluorine on (i) surface –OH passivation, (ii) oxygen vacancies (Vo) occupation and (iii) lattice oxygen substitution, thereby enhancing the photo-physical processes, carrier mobility and concentration of FZNR based device. PMID:27587295

Experimental study on structural, optoelectronic and room temperature sensing performance of Nickel doped ZnO based ethanol sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudha, M.; Radha, S.; Kirubaveni, S.; Kiruthika, R.; Govindaraj, R.; Santhosh, N.

2018-04-01

Nano crystalline undoped (1Z) Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and 5, 10 and 15 Wt. % (1ZN, 2ZN and 3ZN) of Nickel doped ZnO based sensors were fabricated using the hydrothermal approach on Fluorine doped Tin Oxide (FTO) glass substrates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis proved the hexagonal Wurtzite structure of ZnO. Parametric variations in terms of dislocation density, bond length, lattice parameters and micro strain with respect to dopant concentration were analysed. The prominent variations in the crystallite size, optical band gap and Photoluminescence peak ratio of devices fabricated was observed. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images showed a change in diameter and density of the nanorods. The effect of the operating temperature, concentration of ethanol and the different doping levels of sensitivity, response and recovery time were investigated. It was inferred that 376% of sensitivity with a very quick response and recovery time of <5 s and 10 s respectively at 150 °C of 3ZN sensor has better performance compared to other three sensors. Also 3ZN sensor showed improved sensitivity of 114%, even at room temperature with response and recovery time of 35 s and 45 s respectively.

Interfacial engineering of CuO nanorod/ZnO nanowire hybrid nanostructure photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kilic, Bayram; Turkdogan, Sunay; Astam, Aykut; Baran, Sümeyra Seniha; Asgin, Mansur; Gur, Emre; Kocak, Yusuf

2018-01-01

Developing efficient and cost-effective photoanode plays a vital role determining the photocurrent and photovoltage in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Here, we demonstrate DSSCs that achieve relatively high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) by using one-dimensional (1D) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires and copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanorods hybrid nanostructures. CuO nanorod-based thin films were prepared by hydrothermal method and used as a blocking layer on top of the ZnO nanowires' layer. The use of 1D ZnO nanowire/CuO nanorod hybrid nanostructures led to an exceptionally high photovoltaic performance of DSSCs with a remarkably high open-circuit voltage (0.764 V), short current density (14.76 mA/cm2 under AM1.5G conditions), and relatively high solar to power conversion efficiency (6.18%) . The enhancement of the solar to power conversion efficiency can be explained in terms of the lag effect of the interfacial recombination dynamics of CuO nanorod-blocking layer on ZnO nanowires. This work shows more economically feasible method to bring down the cost of the nano-hybrid cells and promises for the growth of other important materials to further enhance the solar to power conversion efficiency.

High-quality ZnO growth, doping, and polarization effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kun, Tang; Shulin, Gu; Jiandong, Ye; Shunming, Zhu; Rong, Zhang; Youdou, Zheng

2016-03-01

The authors have reported their recent progress in the research field of ZnO materials as well as the corresponding global advance. Recent results regarding (1) the development of high-quality epitaxy techniques, (2) the defect physics and the Te/N co-doping mechanism for p-type conduction, and (3) the design, realization, and properties of the ZnMgO/ZnO hetero-structures have been shown and discussed. A complete technology of the growth of high-quality ZnO epi-films and nano-crystals has been developed. The co-doping of N plus an iso-valent element to oxygen has been found to be the most hopeful path to overcome the notorious p-type hurdle. High mobility electrons have been observed in low-dimensional structures utilizing the polarization of ZnMgO and ZnO. Very different properties as well as new physics of the electrons in 2DEG and 3DES have been found as compared to the electrons in the bulk. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 61025020, 61274058, 61322403, 61504057, 61574075), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Nos. BK2011437, BK20130013, BK20150585), the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

Green synthesised zinc oxide nanostructures through Periploca aphylla extract shows tremendous antibacterial potential against multidrug resistant pathogens.

PubMed

Abbas, Fazal; Maqbool, Qaisar; Nazar, Mudassar; Jabeen, Nyla; Hussain, Syed Zaheer; Anwaar, Sadaf; Mehmood, Nasir; Sheikh, Muhammad Saleem; Hussain, Talib; Iftikhar, Sidra

2017-12-01

To grapple with multidrug resistant bacterial infections, implementations of antibacterial nanomedicines have gained prime attention of the researchers across the globe. Nowadays, zinc oxide (ZnO) at nano-scale has emerged as a promising antibacterial therapeutic agent. Keeping this in view, ZnO nanostructures (ZnO-NS) have been synthesised through reduction by P. aphylla aqueous extract without the utilisation of any acid or base. Structural examinations via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction have revealed pure phase morphology with highly homogenised average particle size of 18 nm. SEM findings were further supplemented by transmission electron microscopy examinations. The characteristic Zn-O peak has been observed around 363 nm using ultra-violet-visible spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy examination has also confirmed the formation of ZnO-NS through detection of Zn-O bond vibration frequencies. To check the superior antibacterial activity of ZnO-NS, the authors' team has performed disc diffusion assay and colony forming unit testing against multidrug resistant E. coli, S. marcescens and E. cloacae . Furthermore, protein kinase inhibition assay and cytotoxicity examinations have revealed that green fabricated ZnO-NS are non-hazardous, economical, environmental friendly and possess tremendous potential to treat lethal infections caused by multidrug resistant pathogens.

Enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cell using Bi2Te3 nanotube/ZnO nanoparticle composite photoanode by the synergistic effect of photovoltaic and thermoelectric conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dou, Yuanyao; Wu, Fang; Fang, Liang; Liu, Gaobin; Mao, Caiying; Wan, Kai; Zhou, Miao

2016-03-01

Ultralong and highly crystalline rhombohedral Bi2Te3 nanotubes were fabricated by a two-step solution phase reaction. A novel photoanode architecture has been fabricated by embedding 0-2.5 wt.% Bi2Te3 nanotubes into ZnO nanoparticles. The photocurrent density-voltage (J-V) characteristics reveal that the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with Bi2Te3/ZnO composite photoanode exhibit significantly enhanced photovoltaic performance. Notably, the DSSC incorporating 1.5 wt.% Bi2Te3 in the ZnO photoanode demonstrates an energy conversion efficiency (η) of 4.27%, which is 44.3% higher than that of the bare ZnO photoanode. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis shows that the Bi2Te3 nanotubes can provide a direct pathway for electron transportation, prolong the lifetime of electrons, suppress the charge recombination and improve the electron collection efficiency. The thermoelectric effect analysis indicates that with the increase of irradiation time, Bi2Te3/ZnO composite photoanode could convert both heat and photon energies to electrical energy simultaneously and slow down the decline of η. The calculated electron density (ns) further proves that the increment of short-circuit current density (Jsc) is attributed to Seebeck effect in the composite photoanode. These results suggest that compositing 1D thermoelectric nano-materials in photoanode is a promising route to improve the performance of DSSCs.

Superhydrophobic Surface Based on a Coral-Like Hierarchical Structure of ZnO

PubMed Central

Wu, Jun; Xia, Jun; Lei, Wei; Wang, Baoping

2010-01-01

Background Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces has attracted much interest in the past decade. The fabrication methods that have been studied are chemical vapour deposition, the sol-gel method, etching technique, electrochemical deposition, the layer-by-layer deposition, and so on. Simple and inexpensive methods for manufacturing environmentally stable superhydrophobic surfaces have also been proposed lately. However, work referring to the influence of special structures on the wettability, such as hierarchical ZnO nanostructures, is rare. Methodology This study presents a simple and reproducible method to fabricate a superhydrophobic surface with micro-scale roughness based on zinc oxide (ZnO) hierarchical structure, which is grown by the hydrothermal method with an alkaline aqueous solution. Coral-like structures of ZnO were fabricated on a glass substrate with a micro-scale roughness, while the antennas of the coral formed the nano-scale roughness. The fresh ZnO films exhibited excellent superhydrophilicity (the apparent contact angle for water droplet was about 0°), while the ability to be wet could be changed to superhydrophobicity after spin-coating Teflon (the apparent contact angle greater than 168°). The procedure reported here can be applied to substrates consisting of other materials and having various shapes. Results The new process is convenient and environmentally friendly compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the hierarchical structure generates the extraordinary solid/gas/liquid three-phase contact interface, which is the essential characteristic for a superhydrophobic surface. PMID:21209931

3-D matrix template-assisted growth of oriented oxide nanowire arrays using glancing angle pulsed laser deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, N.; Mateo-Feliciano, D.; Ostoski, A.; Mukherjee, P.; Witanachchi, S.

Nanosphere lithography is a combination of different methods to nanofabrication. In this work nanosphere lithography is used to study the growth of Zinc Oxide Nano-columns (ZnO NCs) on different diameter Silica Nanosphere (SNS) self-assembled templates. ZnO NCs are promising building blocks for many existing and emerging optical, electrical, and piezoelectric devices, specifically, the seeded growth of other oxide materials. Recently, reports have shown a ferroelectric phase of zinc stannate (ZnSnO3) and while lead zirconium titanate oxide (PZT) has been the main material of interest in ferroelectric and piezoelectric applications, the toxicity of lead has been of great concern. The possibility of developing lead free piezoelectric materials is of great interest in the ferroelectric community. Langmuir-Blodgett method was used to construct a self-assembled monolayer of SNSs on silicon substrates. Oriented ZnO NCs were grown on top of the spheres using the glancing angle pulsed laser deposition technique. Columns were formed in a spatially ordered closed-packed hexagonal configuration. Growth of ZnO NCs was studied as function of ambient Oxygen pressure with SNS size ranging from 250-1000 nm. Cross-sectional Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the template structure. Relative aspect ratios were studied and showed tunability of column dimensions with sphere size. XRD revealed ZnO NC arrays were c-axis oriented with hexagonal wurtzite structure.

Dual UV irradiation-based metal oxide nanoparticles for enhanced antimicrobial activity in Escherichia coli and M13 bacteriophage

PubMed Central

Jin, Su-Eon; Hwang, Woochul; Lee, Hyo Jung; Jin, Hyo-Eon

2017-01-01

Metal oxide (MO) nanoparticles have been studied as nano-antibiotics due to their antimicrobial activities even in antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. We hypothesized that a hybrid system of dual UV irradiation and MO nanoparticles would have enhanced antimicrobial activities compared with UV or MO nanoparticles alone. In this study, nanoparticles of ZnO, ZnTiO3, MgO, and CuO were selected as model nanoparticles. A dual UV collimated beam device of UV-A and UV-C was developed depending upon the lamp divided by coating. Physicochemical properties of MO nanoparticles were determined using powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and field emission-scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy with an electrostatic force microscopy mode was used to confirm the surface topology and electrostatic characteristics after dual UV irradiation. For antimicrobial activity test, MO nanoparticles under dual UV irradiation were applied to Escherichia coli and M13 bacteriophage (phage). The UV-A and UV-C showed differential intensities in the coated and uncoated areas (UV-A, coated = uncoated; UV-C, coated ≪ uncoated). MO nanoparticles showed sharp peaks in PXRD patterns, matched to pure materials. Their primary particle sizes were less than 100 nm with irregular shapes, which had an 8.6~25.6 m2/g of specific surface area with mesopores of 22~262 nm. The electrostatic properties of MO nanoparticles were modulated after UV irradiation. ZnO, MgO, and CuO nanoparticles, except ZnTiO3 nanoparticles, showed antibacterial effects on E. coli. Antimicrobial effects on E. coli and phages were also enhanced after cyclic exposure of dual UV and MO nanoparticle treatment using the uncoated area, except ZnO nanoparticles. Our results demonstrate that dual UV-MO nanoparticle hybrid system has a potential for disinfection. We anticipate that it can be developed as a next-generation disinfection system in pharmaceutical industries and water purification systems. PMID:29138562

Dual UV irradiation-based metal oxide nanoparticles for enhanced antimicrobial activity in Escherichia coli and M13 bacteriophage.

PubMed

Jin, Su-Eon; Hwang, Woochul; Lee, Hyo Jung; Jin, Hyo-Eon

2017-01-01

Metal oxide (MO) nanoparticles have been studied as nano-antibiotics due to their antimicrobial activities even in antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. We hypothesized that a hybrid system of dual UV irradiation and MO nanoparticles would have enhanced antimicrobial activities compared with UV or MO nanoparticles alone. In this study, nanoparticles of ZnO, ZnTiO 3 , MgO, and CuO were selected as model nanoparticles. A dual UV collimated beam device of UV-A and UV-C was developed depending upon the lamp divided by coating. Physicochemical properties of MO nanoparticles were determined using powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and field emission-scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy with an electrostatic force microscopy mode was used to confirm the surface topology and electrostatic characteristics after dual UV irradiation. For antimicrobial activity test, MO nanoparticles under dual UV irradiation were applied to Escherichia coli and M13 bacteriophage (phage). The UV-A and UV-C showed differential intensities in the coated and uncoated areas (UV-A, coated = uncoated; UV-C, coated ≪ uncoated). MO nanoparticles showed sharp peaks in PXRD patterns, matched to pure materials. Their primary particle sizes were less than 100 nm with irregular shapes, which had an 8.6~25.6 m 2 /g of specific surface area with mesopores of 22~262 nm. The electrostatic properties of MO nanoparticles were modulated after UV irradiation. ZnO, MgO, and CuO nanoparticles, except ZnTiO 3 nanoparticles, showed antibacterial effects on E. coli . Antimicrobial effects on E. coli and phages were also enhanced after cyclic exposure of dual UV and MO nanoparticle treatment using the uncoated area, except ZnO nanoparticles. Our results demonstrate that dual UV-MO nanoparticle hybrid system has a potential for disinfection. We anticipate that it can be developed as a next-generation disinfection system in pharmaceutical industries and water purification systems.

Gene transcription patterns and energy reserves in Daphnia magna show no nanoparticle specific toxicity when exposed to ZnO and CuO nanoparticles.

PubMed

Adam, Nathalie; Vergauwen, Lucia; Blust, Ronny; Knapen, Dries

2015-04-01

There is still a lot of contradiction on whether metal ions are solely responsible for the observed toxicity of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles to aquatic species. While most experiments have studied nanoparticle effects at organismal levels (e.g. mortality, reproduction), effects at lower levels of biological organization may clarify the role of metal ions, nanoparticles and nanoparticle aggregates. In this study, the effect of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles was tested at two lower levels: energy reserves and gene transcription and compared with zinc and copper salts. Daphnia magna was exposed during 96h to 10% immobilization concentrations of all chemicals, after which daphnids were sampled for determination of glycogen, lipid and protein concentration and for a differential gene transcription analysis using microarray. The dissolved, nanoparticle and aggregated fraction in the medium was characterized. The results showed that ZnO nanoparticles had largely dissolved directly after addition to the test medium. The CuO nanoparticles mostly formed aggregates, while only a small fraction dissolved. The exposure to zinc (both nano and metal salt) had no effect on the available energy reserves. However, in the copper exposure, the glycogen, lipid and protein concentration in the exposed daphnids was lower than in the unexposed ones. When comparing the nanoparticle (ZnO or CuO) exposed daphnids to the metal salt (zinc or copper salt) exposed daphnids, the microarray results showed no significantly differentially transcribed gene fragments. The results indicate that under the current exposure conditions the toxicity of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles to D. magna is solely caused by toxic metal ions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Direct hydrogenation and one-pot reductive amidation of nitro compounds over Pd/ZnO nanoparticles as a recyclable and heterogeneous catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini-Sarvari, Mona; Razmi, Zahra

2015-01-01

A novel Pd supported on ZnO nanoparticles was readily synthesized and characterized. The amount of palladium on ZnO is 9.84 wt% which was determined by ICP analysis and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Percentage of accessible Pd as active catalyst is also estimated to 2.72% based on the thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. This nano-sized Pd/ZnO with an average particle size of 20-25 nm and specific surface area 40.61 m2 g-1 was used as a new reusable heterogeneous catalyst for direct hydrogenation and one-pot reductive amidation of nitro compounds without the use of any ligands under atmospheric pressure. The catalyst can be recovered and recycled several times without marked loss of activity.

Temperature dependent dielectric and conductivity studies of polyvinyl alcohol-ZnO nanocomposite films by impedance spectroscopy

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

Hemalatha, K. S.; Damle, R.; Rukmani, K., E-mail: rukmani9909@yahoo.co.in

2015-10-21

Dielectric and conductivity behaviors of nano ZnO doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites for various concentrations of dopant were investigated using impedance spectroscopy for a wide range of temperatures (303 K–423 K) and frequencies (5 Hz–30 MHZ). The dielectric properties of host polymer matrix have been improved by the addition of nano ZnO and are found to be highly temperature dependent. Anomalous dielectric behavior was observed in the frequency range of 2.5 MHz–5 MHz. Increase in dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss was observed with respect to temperature. The Cole-Cole plot could be modeled by low resistance regions in a high resistance matrix and the lowest resistance wasmore » observed for the 10 mol. % films. The imaginary part of the electric modulus showed asymmetric peaks with the relaxation following Debye nature below and non-Debye nature above the peaks. The ac conductivity is found to obey Jonscher's power law, whereas the variation of dc conductivity with temperature was found to follow Arrhenius behavior. Two different activation energy values were obtained from Arrhenius plot indicating that two conduction mechanisms are involved in the composite films. Fitting the ac conductivity data to Jonscher's law indicates that large polaron assisted tunneling is the most likely conduction mechanism in the composites. Maximum conductivity is observed at 423 K for all the samples and it is optimum for 10 mol. % ZnO doped PVA composite film. Significant increase in dc and ac conductivities in these composite films makes them a potential candidate for application in electronic devices.« less

Toxicity of Functional Nano-Micro Zinc Oxide Tetrapods: Impact of Cell Culture Conditions, Cellular Age and Material Properties

PubMed Central

Papavlassopoulos, Heike; Mishra, Yogendra K.; Kaps, Sören; Paulowicz, Ingo; Abdelaziz, Ramzy; Elbahri, Mady; Maser, Edmund; Adelung, Rainer; Röhl, Claudia

2014-01-01

With increasing production and applications of nanostructured zinc oxide, e.g., for biomedical and consumer products, the question of safety is getting more and more important. Different morphologies of zinc oxide structures have been synthesized and accordingly investigated. In this study, we have particularly focused on nano-micro ZnO tetrapods (ZnO-T), because their large scale fabrication has been made possible by a newly introduced flame transport synthesis approach which will probably lead to several new applications. Moreover, ZnO-T provide a completely different morphology then classical spherical ZnO nanoparticles. To get a better understanding of parameters that affect the interactions between ZnO-T and mammalian cells, and thus their biocompatibility, we have examined the impact of cell culture conditions as well as of material properties on cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrate that the cell density of fibroblasts in culture along with their age, i.e., the number of preceding cell divisions, strongly affect the cytotoxic potency of ZnO-T. Concerning the material properties, the toxic potency of ZnO-T is found to be significantly lower than that of spherical ZnO nanoparticles. Furthermore, the morphology of the ZnO-T influenced cellular toxicity in contrast to surface charges modified by UV illumination or O2 treatment and to the material age. Finally, we have observed that direct contact between tetrapods and cells increases their toxicity compared to transwell culture models which allow only an indirect effect via released zinc ions. The results reveal several parameters that can be of importance for the assessment of ZnO-T toxicity in cell cultures and for particle development. PMID:24454775

Use of engineered nanomaterials in the construction industry with specific emphasis on paints and their flows in construction and demolition waste in Switzerland.

PubMed

Hincapié, Ingrid; Caballero-Guzman, Alejandro; Hiltbrunner, David; Nowack, Bernd

2015-09-01

One sector where the use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is supposed to offer novel or improved functionalities is the construction industry. During the renovation or demolition of buildings, ENMs contained in former construction materials will enter recycling systems or become construction waste. Currently, information about ENM flows in these processes is insufficient. The potential for the release of ENMs from this waste into the environment is unknown, as are the environmental impacts. To evaluate whether there is currently any nano-relevant construction and demolition waste (C&DW) originating from buildings, we evaluated the sources and flows of ENMs in C&DW and identified their potential exposure pathways. A survey of business representatives of Swiss companies in this sector found that ENMs are mainly used in paints and cement. The most frequently used ENMs in the Swiss housing construction industry are nano-TiO2, nano-SiO2, nano-ZnO, and nano-Ag. Using a bottom-up, semi-quantitative approach, we estimated the flows of ENMs contained in paints along the product's life cycle from buildings to recycling and landfill. The flows of ENMs are determined by their associated flows of building materials. We estimated an annual amount of ENMs used in paints of 14t of TiO2, 12t of SiO2, 5t of ZnO, and 0.2t of Ag. The majority of ENMs contained in paints in Switzerland enter recycling systems (23t/y), a smaller amount is disposed directly in landfills (7t/y), and a tiny fraction of ENM waste is incinerated (0.01t/y). Our results allow a qualitative determination of the potential release of ENMs into technical or environmental compartments, with the highest potential release expected during recycling. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of vanadium doped ZnO films prepared by dc reactive magnetron sputtering at different substrate temperatures.

PubMed

Meng, Lijian; Teixeira, Vasco; Dos Santos, M P

2013-02-01

ZnO films doped with vanadium (ZnO:V) have been prepared by dc reactive magnetron sputtering technique at different substrate temperatures (RT-500 degrees C). The effects of the substrate temperature on ZnO:V films properties have been studied. XRD measurements show that only ZnO polycrystalline structure has been obtained, no V2O5 or VO2 crystal phase can be observed. It has been found that the film prepared at low substrate temperature has a preferred orientation along the (002) direction. As the substrate temperature is increased, the (002) peak intensity decreases. When the substrate temperature reaches the 500 degrees C, the film shows a random orientation. SEM measurements show a clear formation of the nano-grains in the sample surface when the substrate temperature is higher than 400 degrees C. The optical properties of the films have been studied by measuring the specular transmittance. The refractive index has been calculated by fitting the transmittance spectra using OJL model combined with harmonic oscillator.

Structural and optical properties of chromium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

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

Naqvi, Syed Mohd. Adnan, E-mail: adiaks2004@yahoo.co.in; Irshad, Kashif, E-mail: alig.kashif@gmail.com; Soleimani, Hassan, E-mail: hassan.soleimani@petronas.com.my, E-mail: noorhana-yahya@petronas.com.my

2014-10-24

Nanosized Cr-doped ZnO nano particles were synthesized by facile sol-gel auto combustion method. The structural and optical properties of Cr-doped ZnO nanoparticles have been investigated by XRD and UV-Vis spectroscopy at room temperature for 0% to 8% concentration. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the Cr-doped ZnO crystallizes in a single phase polycrystalline nature with wurtzite lattice. With every % of doping, the peaks are shifting scarcely and doping of Cr is possible up to 7%. After that, the last peak vanishes, that signifies its structure is transmuted from 8% doping. The average crystallite size decreases with increase in Cr concentrationmore » (i.e. 28.9 nm for 0% to 25.8 nm for 8%). The UV-Vis spectra of the nanoparticles betoken an incrementation in the band gap energy from 3.401, 3.415, 3.431, 3.437,3.453, 3.514,3.521, 3.530 and 3.538 eV respectively, for 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 % doping concentration.« less

Visible light-induced OH radicals in Ga2O3: an EPR study.

PubMed

Tzitrinovich, Zeev; Lipovsky, Anat; Gedanken, Aharon; Lubart, Rachel

2013-08-21

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were found to exist in water suspensions of several metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), such as CuO, TiO2 and ZnO. Visible light irradiation enhanced the capability of TiO2 and ZnO NPs to generate ROS, thus increasing their antibacterial effects. Because of the possible toxic effects on the host tissue it is desired to find nano-metal oxides which do not produce ROS under room light, but only upon a strong external stimulus. Using the technique of electron-spin resonance (ESR) coupled with spin trapping, we examined the ability of Ga2O3 submicron-particle suspensions in water to produce reactive oxygen species with and without visible light irradiation. We found that in contrast to ZnO and TiO2 NPs, no ROS are produced by Ga2O3 under room light. Nevertheless blue light induced hydroxyl radical formation in Ga2O3. This finding might suggest that NPs of Ga2O3 could be used safely for infected skin sterilization.

Simultaneous sonochemical-enzymatic coating of medical textiles with antibacterial ZnO nanoparticles.

PubMed

Petkova, Petya; Francesko, Antonio; Perelshtein, Ilana; Gedanken, Aharon; Tzanov, Tzanko

2016-03-01

The antimicrobial finishing is a must for production of medical textiles, aiming at reducing the bioburden in clinical wards and consequently decreasing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. This work reports for the first time on a simultaneous sonochemical/enzymatic process for durable antibacterial coating of cotton with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The novel technology goes beyond the "stepwise" concept we proposed recently for enzymatic pre-activation of the fabrics and subsequent sonochemical nano-coating, and is designed to produce "ready-to-use" antibacterial medical textiles in a single step. A multilayer coating of uniformly dispersed NPs was obtained in the process. The enzymatic treatment provides better adhesion of the ZnO NPs and, as a consequence, enhanced coating stability during exploitation. The NPs-coated cotton fabrics inhibited the growth of the medically relevant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively by 67% and 100%. The antibacterial efficiency of these textile materials resisted the intensive laundry regimes used in hospitals, though only 33% of the initially deposited NPs remained firmly fixed onto the fabrics after multiple washings. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Co-precipitation synthesis of nano-composites consists of zinc and tin oxides coatings on glass with enhanced photocatalytic activity on degradation of Reactive Blue 160 KE2B.

PubMed

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Mardani, Maryam

2015-02-25

Nano-composite containing zinc oxide-tin oxide was obtained by a facile co-precipitation route using tin chloride tetrahydrate and zinc chloride as precursors and coated on glass by Doctor Blade deposition. The crystalline structure and morphology of composites were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The XRD results showed peaks relative to zinc oxide with hexagonal wurtzite structure and tin oxide with tetragonal structure. FESEM observations showed that the nano-composite consisted of aggregates of particles with an average particle size of 18 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the pure SnO2, pure ZnO, ZnSnO3-Zn2SnO4 and ZnO-SnO2 nano-structure thin films was examined using the degradation of a textile dye Reactive Blue 160 (KE2B). ZnO-SnO2 nano-composite showed enhanced photo-catalytic activity than the pure zinc oxide and tin oxide. The enhanced photo-catalytic activity of the nano-composite was ascribed to an improved charge separation of the photo-generated electron-hole pairs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The phase relations in the In 2O 3Fe 2ZnO 4ZnO system at 1350°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Masaki; Kimizuka, Noboru; Mohri, Takahiko

1990-05-01

The phase relations in the In 2O 3Fe 2ZnO 4ZnO system at 1350°C are determined by means of a classical quenching method. There are a series of homologous solid solutions, In 1.28Fe 0.72O 3(ZnO)InFeO 3(ZnO), In 1.69Fe 0.31O 3(ZnO) 2InFeO 3(ZnO) 2In 0.85Fe 1.15O 3(ZnO) 2, In 2O 3(ZnO) 3InFeO 3(ZnO) 3In 0.78Fe 1.22O 3(ZnO) 3, In 2O 3(ZnO) 4InFeO 3(ZnO) 4In 0.62Fe 1.38O 3(ZnO) 4, In 2O 3(ZnO) 5InFeO 3(ZnO) 5In 0.67Fe 1.33O 3(ZnO) 5, In 2O 3(ZnO) 6InFeO 3(ZnO) 6In 0.60Fe 1.40O 3(ZnO) 6, In 2O 3(ZnO) 7InFeO 3(ZnO) 7In 0.51Fe 1.49O 3(ZnO) 7, In 2O 3(ZnO) 8InFeO 3(ZnO) 8In 1- xFe 1+ xO 3(ZnO) 8 (0.44 ≦ x ≦ 0.64), In 2O 3(ZnO) 9InFeO 3(ZnO) 9In 0.20Fe 1.80O 3(ZnO) 9, In 2O 3(ZnO) 10InFeO 3(ZnO) 10In 1- xFe 1+ xO 3(ZnO) 10 (0.74 ≦ x ≦ 0.89), In 2O 3(ZnO) 11InFeO 3(ZnO) 11In 1- xFe 1+ xO 3(ZnO) 11 (0.60 ≦ x < 1.00), and In 2O 3(ZnO) 13InFeO 3(ZnO) 13Fe 2O 3(ZnO) 13 having the layered structures with space group R overline3m (m = odd) or {P6 3}/{mmc} (m = even) for m in the InFeO 3(ZnO) m. We conclude that there are a series of homologous phases, (Fe 2O 3)(ZnO) m (m ≧ 12) , in the binary ZnOFe 2O 3 system. The lattice constants for these solid solutions are presented as a hexagonal crystal system. It is also concluded that the crystal structures for each solid solution consist of three kinds of layers which are stacked perpendicular to the c-axis in the hexagonal crystal system. In 1+ xFe 1- xO 3(ZnO) m (0 ≦ x ≦ 1) is composed of the InO 1.5, (In xFe 1- xZn)O 2.5, and ZnO layers, and In 1- xFe 1+ xO 3(ZnO) m (0 ≦ x ≦ 1) is composed of (In 1- xFe x)O 1.5, (FeZn)O 2.5, and ZnO layers, respectively. The solid solution range between Fe 2ZnO 4 and In xFe 2- xZnO 4 ( x = 0.40 ± 0.02) with a spinel structure is observed.

Acceptors in bulk and nanoscale ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCluskey, M. D.

2012-02-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a semiconductor that emits bright UV light, with little wasted heat. This intrinsic feature makes it a promising material for energy-efficient white lighting, nano-lasers, and other optical applications. For devices to be competitive, however, it is necessary to develop reliable p-type doping. Although substitutional nitrogen has been considered as a potential p-type dopant for ZnO, theoretical and experimental work indicates that nitrogen is a deep acceptor and will not lead to p-type conductivity. This talk will highlight recent experiments on ZnO:N at low temperatures. A red/near-IR photoluminescence (PL) band is correlated with the presence of deep nitrogen acceptors. PL excitation (PLE) measurements show an absorption threshold of 2.26 eV, in good agreement with theory. Magnetic resonance experiments provide further evidence for this assignment. The results of these studies seem to rule out group-V elements as shallow acceptors in ZnO, contradicting numerous reports in the literature. If these acceptors do not work as advertised, is there a viable alternative? Optical studies on ZnO nanocrystals show some intriguing leads. At liquid-helium temperatures, a series of sharp IR absorption peaks arise from an unknown acceptor impurity. The data are consistent with a hydrogenic acceptor 0.46 eV above the valence band edge. While this binding energy is still too deep for many practical applications, it represents a significant improvement over the ˜ 1.3 eV binding energy for nitrogen acceptors. Nanocrystals present another twist. Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, surface states are especially important. Specifically, electron-hole recombination at the surface give rises to a red luminescence band. From our PL and IR experiments, we have developed a ``unified'' model that attempts to explain acceptor and surface states in ZnO nanocrystals. This model could provide a useful framework for designing future nanoscale ZnO devices.

Preparation and photo-catalytic activities of FeOOH/ZnO/MMT composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yao; Liu, Fusheng; Yu, Shitao

2015-11-01

Montmorillonite (MMT) was used as the carrier for synthesis of FeOOH and FeOOH/ZnO nano-material. FeOOH and FeOOH/ZnO were synthesized by the aqueous solutions of Fe(NO3)3-HNO3 and Zn(NO3)2-NaOH/Fe(NO3)3-HNO3 with the carrier of montmorillonite respectively. Transmission electron-microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the morphology form and structure of the nano-materials. TEM was also used to demonstrate that FeOOH/ZnO can be formed with the appropriate interface. According to UV-vis absorption spectra, FeOOH/ZnO has a better response to visible light than FeOOH and ZnO, which indicates there is some coupling effect between FeOOH and ZnO. Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was used as a representative organic pollutant to evaluate the photo-catalytic efficiency of the FeOOH/ZnO and FeOOH catalysts in visible light (λ > 400 nm). The photo-catalytic efficiency of FeOOH/ZnO/MMT is better than FeOOH/MMT. According to FTIR, changes of pH and TOC, the degradation mechanism was also discussed. PCP was degraded to aromatic ketone and chloro-hydrocarbon compounds and then to H2O, CO2 and HCl.

Rational design of hierarchical ZnO@Carbon nanoflower for high performance lithium ion battery anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

liu, Huichao; Shi, Ludi; Li, Dongzhi; Yu, Jiali; Zhang, Han-Ming; Ullah, Shahid; Yang, Bo; Li, Cuihua; Zhu, Caizhen; Xu, Jian

2018-05-01

The rational structure design and strong interfacial bonding are crucially desired for high performance zinc oxide (ZnO)/carbon composite electrodes. In this context, micro-nano secondary structure design and strong dopamine coating strategies are adopted for the fabrication of flower-like ZnO/carbon (ZnO@C nanoflowers) composite electrodes. The results show the ZnO@C nanoflowers (2-6 μm) are assembled by hierarchical ZnO nanosheets (∼27 nm) and continuous carbon framework. The micro-nano secondary architecture can facilitate the penetration of electrolyte, shorten lithium ions diffusion length, and hinder the aggregation of the nanosheets. Moreover, the strong chemical interaction between ZnO and coating carbon layer via C-Zn bond improves structure stability as well as the electronic conductivity. As a synergistic result, when evaluated as lithium ion batteries (LIBs) anode, the ZnO@C nanoflower electrodes show high reversible capacity of ca. 1200 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 after 80 cycles. As well as good long-cycling stability (638 and 420 mA h g-1 at 1 and 5 A g-1 after 500 cycles, respectively) and excellent rate capability. Therefore, this rational design of ZnO@C nanoflowers electrode is a promising anode for high-performance LIBs.

Experimental Investigation of Performance and emission characteristics of Various Nano Particles with Bio-Diesel blend on Di Diesel Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karthik, N.; Goldwin Xavier, X.; Rajasekar, R.; Ganesh Bairavan, P.; Dhanseelan, S.

2017-05-01

Present study provides the effect of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Cerium Oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles additives on the Performance and emission uniqueness of Jatropha. Jatropha blended fuel is prepared by the emulsification technique with assist of mechanical agitator. Nano particles (Zinc Oxide (ZnO)) and Cerium Oxide (CeO2)) mixed with Jatropha blended fuel in mass fraction (100 ppm) with assist of an ultrasonicator. Experiments were conducted in single cylinder constant speed direct injection diesel engine for various test fuels. Performance results revealed that Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) of Jatropha blended Cerium Oxide (B20CE) is 3% and 11% higher than Jatropha blended zinc oxide (B20ZO) and Jatropha blended fuel (B20) and 4% lower than diesel fuel (D100) at full load conditions. Emission result shows that HC and CO emissions of Jatropha blended Cerium Oxide (B20CE) are (6%, 22%, 11% and 6%, 15%, 12%) less compared with Jatropha blended Zinc Oxide (B20ZO), diesel (D100) and Jatropha blended fuel (B20) at full load conditions. NOx emissions of Jatropha blended Cerium Oxide is 1 % higher than diesel fuel (D100) and 2% and 5% lower than Jatropha blended Zinc Oxide, and jatropha blended fuel.

Characteristics of phase-change materials containing oxide nano-additives for thermal storage.

PubMed

Teng, Tun-Ping; Yu, Chao-Chieh

2012-11-06

In this study, the authors report the production of nanocomposite-enhanced phase-change materials (NEPCMs) using the direct-synthesis method by mixing paraffin with alumina (Al2O3), titania (TiO2), silica (SiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) as the experimental samples. Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2, and ZnO were dispersed into three concentrations of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 wt.%. Through heat conduction and differential scanning calorimeter experiments to evaluate the effects of varying concentrations of the nano-additives on the heat conduction performance and thermal storage characteristics of NEPCMs, their feasibility for use in thermal storage was determined. The experimental results demonstrate that TiO2 is more effective than the other additives in enhancing both the heat conduction and thermal storage performance of paraffin for most of the experimental parameters. Furthermore, TiO2 reduces the melting onset temperature and increases the solidification onset temperature of paraffin. This allows the phase-change heat to be applicable to a wider temperature range, and the highest decreased ratio of phase-change heat is only 0.46%, compared to that of paraffin. Therefore, this study demonstrates that TiO2, added to paraffin to form NEPCMs, has significant potential for enhancing the thermal storage characteristics of paraffin.

Electrochemistry of hemoglobin entrapped in a Nafion/nano-ZnO film on carbon ionic liquid electrode.

PubMed

Sun, Wei; Zhai, ZiQin; Wang, DanDan; Liu, ShuFeng; Jiao, Kui

2009-02-01

A stable composite film composed of the ionomer Nafion, the ZnO nanoparticle and the protein hemoglobin was cast on the surface of an ionic liquid modified carbon paste electrode (CILE) to establish a modified electrode denoted as Nafion/nano-ZnO/Hb/CILE. UV-vis and FT-IR spectrum showed that hemoglobin in the film retained its native conformation. The electrochemical behaviors of hemoglobin entrapped in the film were carefully investigated with cyclic voltammetry. A pair of well-defined and quasi-reversible redox voltammetric peaks for Hb Fe(III)/Fe(II) was obtained with the standard potential (E(0)') located at -0.344 V (vs. SCE) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.0), which was attributed to the direct electron transfer of Hb with electrode in the microenvironments of ZnO nanoparticle and ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF(6)). The electrochemical parameters of Hb in the composite film were further carefully calculated with the results of the electron-transfer rate constant (k(s)) as 0.139 s(-1), the charge transfer coefficient (alpha) as 0.413 and the number of electron transferred (n) as 0.95. The Hb modified electrode showed good electrocatalytic ability toward the reduction of trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

Inhalation exposure during spray application and subsequent sanding of a wood sealant containing zinc oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Cooper, Michael R; West, Gavin H; Burrelli, Leonard G; Dresser, Daniel; Griffin, Kelsey N; Segrave, Alan M; Perrenoud, Jon; Lippy, Bruce E

2017-07-01

Nano-enabled construction products have entered into commerce. There are concerns about the safety of manufactured nanomaterials, and exposure assessments are needed for a more complete understanding of risk. This study assessed potential inhalation exposure to ZnO nanoparticles during spray application and power sanding of a commercially available wood sealant and evaluated the effectiveness of local exhaust ventilation in reducing exposure. A tradesperson performed the spraying and sanding inside an environmentally-controlled chamber. Dust control methods during sanding were compared. Filter-based sampling, electron microscopy, and real-time particle counters provided measures of exposure. Airborne nanoparticles above background levels were detected by particle counters for all exposure scenarios. Nanoparticle number concentrations and particle size distributions were similar for sanding of treated versus untreated wood. Very few unbound nanoparticles were detected in aerosol samples via electron microscopy, rather nano-sized ZnO was contained within, or on the surface of larger airborne particles. Whether the presence of nanoscale ZnO in these aerosols affects toxicity merits further investigation. Mass-based exposure measurements were below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit for Zn, although there are no established exposure limits for nanoscale ZnO. Local exhaust ventilation was effective, reducing airborne nanoparticle number concentrations by up to 92% and reducing personal exposure to total dust by at least 80% in terms of mass. Given the discrepancies between the particle count data and electron microscopy observations, the chemical identity of the airborne nanoparticles detected by the particle counters remains uncertain. Prior studies attributed the main source of nanoparticle emissions during sanding to copper nanoparticles generated from electric sander motors. Potentially contrary results are presented suggesting the sander motor may not have been the primary source of nanoparticle emissions in this study. Further research is needed to understand potential risks faced by construction workers exposed to mixed aerosols containing manufactured nanomaterials. Until these risks are better understood, this study demonstrates that engineering controls can reduce exposure to manufactured nanomaterials; doing so may be prudent for protecting worker health.

A mechanically enhanced hybrid nano-stratified barrier with a defect suppression mechanism for highly reliable flexible OLEDs.

PubMed

Jeong, Eun Gyo; Kwon, Seonil; Han, Jun Hee; Im, Hyeon-Gyun; Bae, Byeong-Soo; Choi, Kyung Cheol

2017-05-18

Understanding the mechanical behaviors of encapsulation barriers under bending stress is important when fabricating flexible organic light-emitting diodes (FOLEDs). The enhanced mechanical characteristics of a nano-stratified barrier were analyzed based on a defect suppression mechanism, and then experimentally demonstrated. Following the Griffith model, naturally-occurring cracks, which were caused by Zn etching at the interface of the nano-stratified structure, can curb the propagation of defects. Cross-section images after bending tests provided remarkable evidence to support the existence of a defect suppression mechanism. Many visible cracks were found in a single Al 2 O 3 layer, but not in the nano-stratified structure, due to the mechanism. The nano-stratified structure also enhanced the barrier's physical properties by changing the crystalline phase of ZnO. In addition, experimental results demonstrated the effect of the mechanism in various ways. The nano-stratified barrier maintained a low water vapor transmission rate after 1000 iterations of a 1 cm bending radius test. Using this mechanically enhanced hybrid nano-stratified barrier, FOLEDs were successfully encapsulated without losing mechanical or electrical performance. Finally, comparative lifetime measurements were conducted to determine reliability. After 2000 hours of constant current driving and 1000 iterations with a 1 cm bending radius, the FOLEDs retained 52.37% of their initial luminance, which is comparable to glass-lid encapsulation, with 55.96% retention. Herein, we report a mechanically enhanced encapsulation technology for FOLEDs using a nano-stratified structure with a defect suppression mechanism.

Role of defects in one-step synthesis of Cu-doped ZnO nano-coatings by electrodeposition method with enhanced magnetic and electrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niranjan, K.; Dutta, Subhajit; Varghese, Soney; Ray, Ajoy Kumar; Barshilia, Harish C.

2017-04-01

We report the growth of flower-like ferromagnetic Cu-doped ZnO (CZO) nanostructures using electrochemical deposition on FTO-coated glass substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies affirmed the presence of Cu in ZnO with an oxidation state of 2+. In order to find the optimized dopant concentration, different Cu dopant concentrations of 0.28, 0.30, 0.32, 0.35, 0.38, and 0.40 mM are applied and their magnetic, optical, and electrical properties are studied. Magnetic moment increased with the increasing dopant concentration up to 0.35 mM and then decreased with further increase in the concentration. Diamagnetic pure ZnO showed ferromagnetic nature even with a low doping concentration of 0.28 mM. Band gap increased with the increasing Cu concentration until a value of 0.35 mM and then remained the same for the higher dopant concentrations. It is ascribed to the Burstein-Moss effect. Defect-related broad photoluminescence (PL) peak is observed for the pure ZnO in the visible range. In contrast, Cu-doped samples showed a sharp and intense PL peak at 426 nm due to increased Zn interstitials. Kelvin probe measurements revealed that the Fermi level shifts toward the conduction band for the Cu-doped samples with respect to pure material. Electron transport mechanism in the samples is observed to be dominated by space charge-limited current and Schottky behavior with improved ideality factor up to 0.38 mM Cu.

Fabrication of p-n heterostructure ZnO/Si moth-eye structures: Antireflection, enhanced charge separation and photocatalytic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Yu; Chen, XiFang; Yi, Zao; Yi, Yougen; Xu, Xibin

2018-05-01

The pyramidal silicon substrate is formed by wet etching, then ZnO nanorods are grown on the surface of the pyramidal microstructure by a hydrothermal method to form a moth-eye composite heterostructure. The composite heterostructure of this material determines its excellent anti-reflection properties and ability to absorb light from all angles. In addition, due to the effective heterojunction binding area, the composite micro/nano structure has excellent photoelectric conversion performance. Its surface structure and the large specific surface area gives the material super hydrophilicity, excellent gas sensing characteristic, and photocatalytic properties. Based on the above characteristics, the micro/nano heterostructure can be used in solar cells, sensors, light-emitting devices, and photocatalytic fields.

Immobilization of laccase on a novel ZnO/SiO2 nano-composited support for dye decolorization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei-Xun; Sun, Huai-Yan; Zhang, Rui-Feng

2015-07-01

ZnO nanowires were introduced into macroporous SiO2 by means of in situ hydrothermal growth. The obtained nano-composite was then used to immobilize laccase (secured from Trametes versicolor) through the process of static adsorption. The average loading amount was as high as 193.4 μmol-g-1. The immobilized laccase was proven to be an effective biocatalyst in the decolorization of two dyes: Remazol Brilliant Blue B, and Acid Blue 25. The decolorization percentage of Remazol Brilliant Blue B and Acid Blue 25 reached 93% and 82% respectively. The immobilized laccase exhibited enhanced thermal stability and pH adaptability compared to free laccase. After ten recycles, the immobilized laccase retained 42% decolorization catalytic activity.

High specificity ZnO quantum dots for diagnosis and treatment in bacterial infection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Min; Qian, Zhiyu; Gu, Yueqing

2016-03-01

Early diagnosis and effective treatment of bacterial infection has become increasingly important. Herein, we developed a fluorescent nano-probe MPA@ZnO-PEP by conjugating SiO2-stabilized ZnO quantum dot (ZnO@SiO2) with bacteria-targeting peptide PEP, which was encapsulated with MPA, a near infrared (NIR) dye. The nanoprobe MPA@ZnO-PEP showed excellent fluorescence property and could specifically distinguish bacterial infection from sterile inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. The favorable biocompatability of MPA@ZnO-PEP was verified by MTT assay. This probe was further modified with antibiotic methicillin to form the theranostic nanoparticle MPA/Met@ZnO-PEP with amplified antibacterial activity. These results promised the great potential of MPA@ZnO-PEP for efficient non-invasive early diagnosis of bacterial infections and effective bacterial-targeting therapy.

Simulation, optimization and testing of a novel high spatial resolution X-ray imager based on Zinc Oxide nanowires in Anodic Aluminium Oxide membrane using Geant4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esfandi, F.; Saramad, S.

2015-07-01

In this work, a new generation of scintillator based X-ray imagers based on ZnO nanowires in Anodized Aluminum Oxide (AAO) nanoporous template is characterized. The optical response of ordered ZnO nanowire arrays in porous AAO template under low energy X-ray illumination is simulated by the Geant4 Monte Carlo code and compared with experimental results. The results show that for 10 keV X-ray photons, by considering the light guiding properties of zinc oxide inside the AAO template and suitable selection of detector thickness and pore diameter, the spatial resolution less than one micrometer and the detector detection efficiency of 66% are accessible. This novel nano scintillator detector can have many advantages for medical applications in the future.

Electrical properties of solution processed highly transparent ZnO TFT with organic gate dielectric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandya, Nirav C.; Joshi, Nikhil G.; Trivedi, U. N.; Joshi, U. S.

2013-02-01

All oxide thin film transistors (TFT) with zinc oxide active layer were fabricated by chemical solution deposition (CSD) using aqueous solutions on glass substrate. Thin film transistors (TFTs) with amorphous zinc oxide as channel layers and poly-vinyl alcohol as dielectric layers were fabricated at low temperatures by chemical solution deposition (CSD). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed nano grain size with fairly smooth surface topography. Very small leakage currents were achieved in the transfer curves, while soft saturation was observed in the output current voltage (I-V) characteristics of the device. Optical transmission of better than 87% in the visible region was estimated, which is better than the organic gate insulator based ZnO TFTs reported so far. Our results offer lot of promise to TFT based display and optoelectronics.

Selective antibacterial effects of mixed ZnMgO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidic, Jasmina; Stankic, Slavica; Haque, Francia; Ciric, Danica; Le Goffic, Ronan; Vidy, Aurore; Jupille, Jacques; Delmas, Bernard

2013-05-01

Antibiotic resistance has impelled the research for new agents that can inhibit bacterial growth without showing cytotoxic effects on humans and other species. We describe the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of nanostructured ZnMgO whose antibacterial activity was compared to its pure nano-ZnO and nano-MgO counterparts. Among the three oxides, ZnO nanocrystals—with the length of tetrapod legs about 100 nm and the diameter about 10 nm—were found to be the most effective antibacterial agents since both Gram-positive ( B. subtilis) and Gram-negative ( E. coli) bacteria were completely eradicated at concentration of 1 mg/mL. MgO nanocubes (the mean cube size 50 nm) only partially inhibited bacterial growth, whereas ZnMgO nanoparticles (sizes corresponding to pure particles) revealed high specific antibacterial activity to Gram-positive bacteria at this concentration. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that B. subtilis cells were damaged after contact with nano-ZnMgO, causing cell contents to leak out. Our preliminary toxicological study pointed out that nano-ZnO is toxic when applied to human HeLa cells, while nano-MgO and the mixed oxide did not induce any cell damage. Overall, our results suggested that nanostructured ZnMgO, may reconcile efficient antibacterial efficiency while being a safe new therapeutic for bacterial infections.

Ultrathin (<1 μm) Substrate-Free Flexible Photodetector on Quantum Dot-Nanocellulose Paper

PubMed Central

Wu, Jingda; Lin, Lih Y.

2017-01-01

Conventional approaches to flexible optoelectronic devices typically require depositing the active materials on external substrates. This is mostly due to the weak bonding between individual molecules or nanocrystals in the active materials, which prevents sustaining a freestanding thin film. Herein we demonstrate an ultrathin freestanding ZnO quantum dot (QD) active layer with nanocellulose structuring, and its corresponding device fabrication method to achieve substrate-free flexible optoelectronic devices. The ultrathin ZnO QD-nanocellulose composite is obtained by hydrogel transfer printing and solvent-exchange processes to overcome the water capillary force which is detrimental to achieving freestanding thin films. We achieved an active nanocellulose paper with ~550 nm thickness, and >91% transparency in the visible wavelength range. The film retains the photoconductive and photoluminescent properties of ZnO QDs and is applied towards substrate-free Schottky photodetector applications. The device has an overall thickness of ~670 nm, which is the thinnest freestanding optoelectronic device to date, to the best of our knowledge, and functions as a self-powered visible-blind ultraviolet photodetector. This platform can be readily applied to other nano materials as well as other optoelectronic device applications. PMID:28266651

Qualitative and quantitative differentiation of gases using ZnO thin film gas sensors and pattern recognition analysis.

PubMed

Pati, Sumati; Maity, A; Banerji, P; Majumder, S B

2014-04-07

In the present work we have grown highly textured, ultra-thin, nano-crystalline zinc oxide thin films using a metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique and addressed their selectivity towards hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane gas sensing. Structural and microstructural characteristics of the synthesized films were investigated utilizing X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques respectively. Using a dynamic flow gas sensing measurement set up, the sensing characteristics of these films were investigated as a function of gas concentration (10-1660 ppm) and operating temperature (250-380 °C). ZnO thin film sensing elements were found to be sensitive to all of these gases. Thus at a sensor operating temperature of ~300 °C, the response% of the ZnO thin films were ~68, 59, and 52% for hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane gases respectively. The data matrices extracted from first Fourier transform analyses (FFT) of the conductance transients were used as input parameters in a linear unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) pattern recognition technique. We have demonstrated that FFT combined with PCA is an excellent tool for the differentiation of these reducing gases.

Formation of different micro-morphologies from VO2 and ZnO crystallization using macro-porous silicon substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salazar-Kuri, U.; Antúnez, E. E.; Estevez, J. O.; Olive-Méndez, Sion F.; Silva-González, N. R.; Agarwal, V.

2017-05-01

Square-shaped macropores produced by electrochemical anodization of n- and p-type Si wafers have been used as centers of nucleation to crystallize VO2 and ZnO. Substrate roughness dependent formation of different morphologies is revealed in the form of squared particles, spheres, bars and ribbons in the case of VO2 and hexagonal piles and spheres in the case of ZnO, have been observed.The presence of nano-/micro-metric crystals was studied through field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping. Crystal structure of metal oxides was confirmed by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The growth of the different morphologies has been explained in terms of the surface free energy of a bare Si/SiO2 substrate and its modification originated from the roughness of the surface and of the walls of the porous substrates. This energy plays a crucial role on the minimization of the required energy to induce heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth. Present work strengthens and provides an experimental evidence of roughness dependent metal oxide crystal growth with well-defined habits from pore corners and rough sides of the pore walls, similar to already reported protein crystals.

Toxic behavior of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles on environmental microorganisms.

PubMed

Dhas, Sindhu Priya; Shiny, Punalur John; Khan, Sudheer; Mukherjee, Amitava; Chandrasekaran, Natrajan

2014-09-01

Silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag and ZnO NPs) are widely used as antimicrobial agents. However, their potential toxicological impact on environmental microorganisms is largely unexplored. The aim of this work was to investigate the sensitivity and adaptability of five bacterial species isolated from sewage towards Ag and ZnO NPs. The bacterial species were exposed to increasing concentration of nanoparticles and the growth inhibitory effect, exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and extracellular proteins (ECPs) productions were determined. The involvement of surface charge in nanoparticles toxicity was also determined. The bacterial species were constantly exposed to nanoparticles to determine the adaptation behavior toward nanoparticles. The nanoparticles exhibited remarkable growth inhibitory effect on tested bacterial species. The toxicity of nanoparticles was found to be strongly dependent on surface charge effects. Though, these organisms are highly sensitive to Ag and ZnO NPs, the continuous exposure to these nanoparticles leads to moderate adaptation of bacterial species and the adapted bacterial species convert the highly toxic nano form to less toxic microform. Finally we predict that the continuing applications of nanoparticles in consumer products may lead to the development of nanoparticles resistant bacterial strains in future. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

On the synthesis, structural, optical and magnetic properties of nano-size Zn-MgO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varshney, Dinesh; Dwivedi, Sonam

2015-09-01

Chemical co-precipitation method is employed to synthesize ZnO, MgO and Zn0.5Mg0.5O nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern infers that the sample of ZnO is in single-phase wurtzite structure (hexagonal phase, P63mc), MgO crystallizes in cubic Fd3m space group and Zn0.5Mg0.5O represents mixed nature of ZnO and MgO lattices. MgO nanocrystals band around 1078 cm-1 is ascribed to the TO-LO surface phonon modes in MgO lattice. In case of Zn0.5Mg0.5O lattice illustrating two bands at 436 and 1087 cm-1. FTIR spectra clearly show the broad band within 450-600 cm-1 is associated with the special vibration of magnesium oxide. FT-IR spectrum of Zn0.5Mg0.5O represents the combined bands of both ZnO-MgO oxides. Further the optical study obtained value of MgO (4.08 eV) is much lower than the corresponding bulk value (7.08 eV). All samples show diamagnetic nature at room temperature.

Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli dual-species biofilms on nanohydroxyapatite loaded with CHX or ZnO nanoparticles.

PubMed

Barros, Joana; Grenho, Liliana; Fontenente, Sílvia; Manuel, Cândida M; Nunes, Olga C; Melo, Luís F; Monteiro, Fernando J; Ferraz, Maria P

2017-02-01

Implant-associated infections are caused by surface-adhering microorganisms persisting as biofilms, resistant to host defense and antimicrobial agents. Given the limited efficacy of traditional antibiotics, novel strategies may rely on the prevention of such infections through the design of new biomaterials. In this work, two antimicrobial agents applied to nanohydroxyapatite materials-namely, chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles-were compared concerning their ability to avoid single- or dual-species biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The resulting biofilms were quantified by the enumeration of colony-forming units and examined by confocal microscopy using both Live/Dead staining and bacterial-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization. The sessile population arrangement was also observed by scanning electron microscopy. Both biomaterials showed to be effective in impairing bacterial adhesion and proliferation for either single- or dual-species biofilms. Furthermore, a competitive interaction was observed for dual-species biofilms wherein E. coli exhibited higher proliferative capacity than S. aureus, an inverse behavior from the one observed in single-species biofilms. Therefore, either nanoHA-CHX or nanoHA-ZnO surfaces appear as promising alternatives to antibiotics for the prevention of devices-related infections avoiding the critical risk of antibiotic-resistant strains emergence. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 491-497, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characteristics of phase-change materials containing oxide nano-additives for thermal storage

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

In this study, the authors report the production of nanocomposite-enhanced phase-change materials (NEPCMs) using the direct-synthesis method by mixing paraffin with alumina (Al2O3), titania (TiO2), silica (SiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) as the experimental samples. Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2, and ZnO were dispersed into three concentrations of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 wt.%. Through heat conduction and differential scanning calorimeter experiments to evaluate the effects of varying concentrations of the nano-additives on the heat conduction performance and thermal storage characteristics of NEPCMs, their feasibility for use in thermal storage was determined. The experimental results demonstrate that TiO2 is more effective than the other additives in enhancing both the heat conduction and thermal storage performance of paraffin for most of the experimental parameters. Furthermore, TiO2 reduces the melting onset temperature and increases the solidification onset temperature of paraffin. This allows the phase-change heat to be applicable to a wider temperature range, and the highest decreased ratio of phase-change heat is only 0.46%, compared to that of paraffin. Therefore, this study demonstrates that TiO2, added to paraffin to form NEPCMs, has significant potential for enhancing the thermal storage characteristics of paraffin. PMID:23127224

Effects of Eu doping and O vacancy on the magnetic and optical properties of ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ling-Feng, Qu; Qing-Yu, Hou; Xiao-Fang, Jia; Zhen-Chao, Xu; Chun-Wang, Zhao

2018-02-01

We calculated the electronic structure and optical properties of Eu mono-doped ZnO systems with or without O vacancy. We also determined the relative energy of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic orders of Eu-double-doped ZnO systems. The double-doped systems possess high Curie temperature and achieve room temperature ferromagnetism. The magnetism in the Eu mono-doped system without O vacancy is caused by the -Eu3+-O2--Eu3+- bound magnetopolaron (BMP) model. The magnetism of Eu mono-doped ZnO systems with O vacancy is more stable than that without O vacancy, and such magnetism is attributed to the -Eu3+-VO++-Eu3+- BMP model. The absorption spectrum for mono-doped systems is red shifted, and this finding confirms that Eu-mono-doped ZnO is a candidate photocatalyst for various applications. Therefore, Eu-double-doped ZnO can be practically used as an unambiguous diluted magnetic semiconductor.

Influence of soil pH on the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles to the terrestrial isopod Porcellionides pruinosus.

PubMed

Tourinho, Paula S; van Gestel, Cornelis A M; Lofts, Stephen; Soares, Amadeu M V M; Loureiro, Susana

2013-12-01

The effects of soil pH on the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) to the terrestrial isopod Porcellionides pruinosus were evaluated. Isopods were exposed to a natural soil amended with CaCO3 to reach 3 different pH(CaCl2) levels (4.5, 6.2, and 7.3) and to standard LUFA 2.2 soil (pH 5.5) spiked with ZnO NPs (30 nm), non-nano ZnO (200 nm), and ionic Zn as ZnCl₂. Toxicity was expressed based on total Zn concentration in soil, as well as total Zn and free Zn²⁺ ion concentrations in porewater. Compared with ZnO-spiked soils, the ZnCl₂-spiked soils had lower pH and higher porewater Ca²⁺ and Zn levels. Isopod survival did not differ between Zn forms and soils, but survival was higher for isopods exposed to ZnO NPs at pH 4.5. Median effect concentrations (EC50s) for biomass change showed similar trends for all Zn forms in all soils, with higher values at intermediate pH. Median lethal concentration (LC50) and EC50 values based on porewater Zn or free Zn ion concentrations were much lower for ZnO than for ionic zinc. Zn body concentrations increased in a dose-related manner, but no effect of soil pH was found. It is suggested not only that dissolved or free Zn in porewater contributed to uptake and toxicity, but also that oral uptake (i.e., ingestion of soil particles) could be an important additional route of exposure. © 2013 SETAC.

UV response on dielectric properties of nano nematic liquid crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Kamal Kumar; Tripathi, Pankaj Kumar; Misra, Abhishek Kumar; Manohar, Rajiv

2018-03-01

In this work, we investigate the effect of UV light irradiation on the dielectric parameters of nematic liquid crystal (5CB) and ZnO nanoparticles dispersed liquid crystal. With addition of nanoparticles in nematic LC are promising new materials for a variety of application in energy harvesting, displays and photonics including the liquid crystal laser. To realize many applications, however we optimize the properties of liquid crystal and understand how the UV light irradiation interact the nanoparticles and LC molecules in dispersed/doped LC. The dielectric permittivity and loss factor have discussed the pure nematic LC and dispersed/doped system after, during and before UV light exposure. The dielectric relaxation spectroscopy was carried out in the frequency range 100 Hz-10 MHz in the nematic mesophase range.

Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor Composed of Carbon-Coated Nano-Zinc Oxide

PubMed Central

Chung, Ren-Jei; Wang, An-Ni; Liao, Qing-Liang; Chuang, Kai-Yu

2017-01-01

Nowadays glucose detection is of great importance in the fields of biological, environmental, and clinical analyzes. In this research, we report a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod powder surface-coated with carbon material for non-enzymatic glucose sensor applications through a hydrothermal process and chemical vapor deposition method. A series of tests, including crystallinity analysis, microstructure observation, and electrochemical property investigations were carried out. For the cyclic voltammetric (CV) glucose detection, the low detection limit of 1 mM with a linear range from 0.1 mM to 10 mM was attained. The sensitivity was 2.97 μA/cm2mM, which is the most optimized ever reported. With such good analytical performance from a simple process, it is believed that the nanocomposites composed of ZnO nanorod powder surface-coated with carbon material are promising for the development of cost-effective non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose biosensors with high sensitivity. PMID:28336869

The Kirkendall effect towards oxynitride nanotubes with improved visible light driven conversion of CO2 into CH4.

PubMed

Zhou, P; Gao, H L; Yan, S C; Zou, Z G

2016-02-28

Functional hollow nanomaterials are of great interest due to their unique physical-chemical properties. Oxynitride photocatalysts are a kind of promising material for solar energy conversion. However, nanoscale design of hollow oxynitrides was difficult to achieve due to the thermal instability of oxide precursors at high temperature. Here, single crystal zinc gallium oxynitride nanotubes were successfully synthesized via the Kirkendall effect with ZnO nanorods and Ga2O3 nanosheets as precursors, which can be attributed to the high diffusion rate of ZnO and the high melting point of oxynitride. Enhanced photocatalytic performance in CO2 reduction was achieved over the as-prepared ZnGaNO nanotubes, due to their higher specific surface area and less recombination of the photogenerated carriers. These results are expected to provide new guidance in the design and preparation of highly efficient nano-scaled oxynitride photocatalysts.

Studying the effect of graphene-ZnO nanocomposites on polymerase chain reaction

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

Sharma, Vinay, E-mail: winn201@gmail.com; Rajaura, Rajveer; Sharma, Preetam Kumar

An emerging area of research is improving the efficiency of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by using nanoparticles. With graphene nano-flakes showing promising results, in this paper we report the effect of Graphene-ZnO nanocomposites on Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) efficiency. G-ZnO nanocomposites were efficiently synthesized via in situ chemical method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image confirms the formation of nanocomposites. ZnO nanoparticles of size range ~20-30 nm are uniformly attached on the graphene sheets. No amplification during PCR indicates inhibitory activity of G-ZnO nanocomposites which points the fingers at ZnO moiety of the G-ZnO compositemore » for no amplification during our PCR reaction. Further work should concentrate on finding out the main inhibitory mechanism involved in inhibition of PCR using G-ZnO composites.« less

[Smart drug delivery systems based on nanoscale ZnO].

PubMed

Huang, Xiao; Chen, Chun; Yi, Caixia; Zheng, Xi

2018-04-01

In view of the excellent biocompatibility as well as the low cost, nanoscale ZnO shows great potential for drug delivery application. Moreover, The charming character enable nanoscale ZnO some excellent features (e.g. dissolution in acid, ultrasonic permeability, microwave absorbing, hydrophobic/hydrophilic transition). All of that make nanoscale ZnO reasonable choices for smart drug delivery. In the recent decade, more and more studies have focused on controlling the drug release behavior via smart drug delivery systems based on nanoscale ZnO responsive to some certain stimuli. Herein, we review the recent exciting progress on the pH-responsive, ultrasound-responsive, microwave-responsive and UV-responsive nanoscale ZnO-based drug delivery systems. A brief introduction of the drug controlled release behavior and its effect of the drug delivery systems is presented. The biocompatibility of nanoscale ZnO is also discussed. Moreover, its development prospect is looked forward.

Fe2 PO5 -Encapsulated Reverse Energetic ZnO/Fe2 O3 Heterojunction Nanowire for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Oxidation of Water.

PubMed

Qin, Dong-Dong; He, Cai-Hua; Li, Yang; Trammel, Antonio C; Gu, Jing; Chen, Jing; Yan, Yong; Shan, Duo-Liang; Wang, Qiu-Hong; Quan, Jing-Jing; Tao, Chun-Lan; Lu, Xiao-Quan

2017-07-10

Zinc oxide is regarded as a promising candidate for application in photoelectrochemical water oxidation due to its higher electron mobility. However, its instability under alkaline conditions limits its application in a practical setting. Herein, we demonstrate an easily achieved wet-chemical route to chemically stabilize ZnO nanowires (NWs) by protecting them with a thin layer Fe 2 O 3 shell. This shell, in which the thickness can be tuned by varying reaction times, forms an intact interface with ZnO NWs, thus protecting ZnO from corrosion in a basic solution. The reverse energetic heterojunction nanowires are subsequently activated by introducing an amorphous iron phosphate, which substantially suppressed surface recombination as a passivation layer and improved photoelectrochemical performance as a potential catalyst. Compared with pure ZnO NWs (0.4 mA cm -2 ), a maximal photocurrent of 1.0 mA cm -2 is achieved with ZnO/Fe 2 O 3 core-shell NWs and 2.3 mA cm -2 was achieved for the PH 3 -treated NWs at 1.23 V versus RHE. The PH 3 low-temperature treatment creates a dual function, passivation and catalyst layer (Fe 2 PO 5 ), examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TEM, photoelectrochemical characterization, and impedance measurements. Such a nano-composition design offers great promise to improve the overall performance of the photoanode material. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Insights into the proteomic response of soybean towards Al₂O₃, ZnO, and Ag nanoparticles stress.

PubMed

Hossain, Zahed; Mustafa, Ghazala; Sakata, Katsumi; Komatsu, Setsuko

2016-03-05

Understanding the complex mechanisms involved in plant response to nanoparticles is indispensable in assessing the impact of nano-pollutants on environment. The present study compares the phytotoxicity of three different metal-based nanoparticles (Al2O3, ZnO, and Ag) in soybean seedling at proteome level. Plant growth, rigidity of roots, and root cell viability were markedly affected by ZnO- and Ag-NPs stress; while, Al2O3-NPs challenged soybean maintained normal seedling growth like control. Moreover, severe oxidative burst was evident in ZnO-NPs and Ag-NPs treatments. Gel-free proteomic analysis of NPs stressed soybean roots revealed 104 commonly changed proteins primarily associated with secondary metabolism, cell organization, and hormone metabolism. Oxidation-reduction cascade related genes, such as GDSL motif lipase 5, SKU5 similar 4, galactose oxidase, and quinone reductase were up-regulated in Al2O3-NPs challenged roots and down-regulated in ZnO- and Ag-NPs treatments. In comparison to root, 16 common proteins were found to be significantly changed in leaves of NPs exposed soybean that were predominantly associated to photosystem and protein degradation. The proteomic findings suggest that high abundance of proteins involved in oxidation-reduction, stress signaling, hormonal pathways related to growth and development might be the principal key for optimum growth of soybean under Al2O3-NPs stress. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, growth and characterization of ZnO microtubes using a traveling-wave mode microwave system

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

Al-Naser, Qusay A.H.; Zhou, Jian, E-mail: jianzhou@whut.edu.cn; Wang, Han

Highlights: • ZnO microtubes were successfully synthesized within 15 min. • Introducing a design of a traveling-wave mode microwave system. • Growth temperature of ZnO microtubes becomes predominant between 1350 °C and 1400 °C. • ZnO microtube showed a strong ultraviolet and a weak and broad green emission. • ZnO microtube is composed only of ZnO with high crystallinity. - Abstract: Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) investigation reveals that zinc oxide (ZnO) microtubes have been successfully synthesized via a traveling-wave mode microwave system. These products are hexagonal tubular crystals with an average diameter of 60 μm and 250 μmmore » in length, having a well faceted end and side surfaces. The wall thickness of the ZnO tubes is about 3–5 μm. The influence of reaction temperature on the formation of crystalline ZnO hexagonal tubes is studied. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra have also been examined to explore the optical property which exhibits strong ultraviolet emission at 377.422 nm and a weak and broad green emission band at 587.548 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) show that the product is composed only of ZnO with high crystallinity. The presented synthesis method possesses several advantages, which would be significant to the deeper study and wide applications of ZnO tubes in the future.« less

Plasmonic Behavior of Ag/Dielectric Nanowires and the Effect of Geometry

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-01

in- cluding random Ga2O3 nanowires, ZnO nanowires, as well as Au lines produced by e-beam lithography. The growth of the Ga2O3 nanowires was achieved...PLASMONIC PROPERTIES As discussed above, we have developed a SERS substrate, consisting of Ga2O3 nanowire core/Ag metal sheath nano- structures, which have...signal. As is evident, the nanowire composites are about two orders of magnitude more sensitive than the Mesophotonics substrate. Since these Ga2O3 /Ag

Enhanced light absorption of silicon solar cells with dielectric nanostructured back reflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Rui; Zhong, Zheng

2018-06-01

This paper investigates the light absorption property of nanostructured dielectric reflectors in silicon thin film solar cells using numerical simulation. Flat thin film solar cell with ZnO nanostructured back reflector can produce comparable photocurrent to the control model with Ag nanostructured back reflector. Furthermore, when it is integrated with nano-pillar surface decoration, a photocurrent density of 29.5 mA/cm2 can be achieved, demonstrating a photocurrent enhancement of 5% as compared to the model with Ag nanostructured back reflector.

The antimicrobial sensitivity of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sangius to colloidal solutions of different nanoparticles applied as mouthwashes

PubMed Central

Ahrari, Farzaneh; Eslami, Neda; Rajabi, Omid; Ghazvini, Kiarash; Barati, Sahar

2015-01-01

Background: Metal nanoparticles have been recently applied in dentistry because of their antibacterial properties. This study aimed to evaluate antibacterial effects of colloidal solutions containing zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sangius and compare the results with those of chlorhexidine and sodium fluoride mouthrinses. Materials and Methods: After adding nanoparticles to a water-based solution, six groups were prepared. Groups I to IV included colloidal solutions containing nanoZnO, nanoCuO, nanoTiO2 and nanoAg, respectively. Groups V and VI consisted of 2.0% sodium fluoride and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes, respectively as controls. We used serial dilution method to find minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and with subcultures obtained minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the solutions against S. mutans and S. sangius. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Duncan test and P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The sodium fluoride mouthrinse did not show any antibacterial effect. The nanoTiO2-containing solution had the lowest MIC against both microorganisms and also displayed the lowest MBC against S. mutans (P < 0.05). The colloidal solutions containing nanoTiO2 and nanoZnO showed the lowest MBC against S. sangius (P < 0.05). On the other hand, chlorhexidine showed the highest MIC and MBC against both streptococci (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The nanoTiO2-containing mouthwash proved to be an effective antimicrobial agent and thus it can be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine or sodium fluoride mouthrinses in the oral cavity provided the lack of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on biologic tissues. PMID:25709674

Coatings with a Mole-hill Structure of Nanoparticle-Raspberry Containers for Surfaces with Abrasion-Refreshable Reservoir Functionality.

PubMed

Ballweg, Thomas; Gellermann, Carsten; Mandel, Karl

2015-11-11

Active silica nanoparticle-based raspberry-like container depots for agents such as antimicrobial substances are presented. The nano raspberry-containers are integrated into coatings in a way that they form a mole-hill structure; i.e., they are partly standing out of the coating. As an application example, it is demonstrated that the containers can be filled with antimicrobially active agents such as nano ZnO or Ag or organic molecules such as thymol. It is demonstrated that the containers can be partly chopped-off via abrasion by rubbing over the surface. This mechanism proves to be an attractive approach to render surfaces refreshable. A first proof of principle for antimicrobial activity of the intact containers in the coatings and the abrasion treated, chopped-off (and thereby reactivated) containers is demonstrated.

Unique temporal and spatial biomolecular emission profile on individual zinc oxide nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manpreet; Song, Sheng; Hahm, Jong-In

2013-12-01

Zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) have emerged in recent years as extremely useful, optical signal-enhancing platforms in DNA and protein detection. Although the use of ZnO NRs in biodetection has been demonstrated so far in systems involving many ZnO NRs per detection element, their future applications will likely take place in a miniaturized setting while exploiting single ZnO NRs in a low-volume, high-throughput bioanalysis. In this paper, we investigate temporal and spatial characteristics of the biomolecular fluorescence on individual ZnO NR systems. Quantitative and qualitative examinations of the biomolecular intensity and photostability are carried out as a function of two important criteria, the time and position along the long axis (length) of NRs. Photostability profiles are also measured with respect to the position on NRs and compared to those characteristics of biomolecules on polymeric control platforms. Unlike the uniformly distributed signal observed on the control platforms, both the fluorescence intensity and photostability are position-dependent on individual ZnO NRs. We have identified a unique phenomenon of highly localized, fluorescence intensification on the nanorod ends (FINE) of well-characterized, individual ZnO nanostructures. When compared to the polymeric controls, the biomolecular fluorescence intensity and photostability are determined to be higher on individual ZnO NRs regardless of the position on NRs. We have also carried out finite-difference time-domain simulations the results of which are in good agreement with the observed FINE. The outcomes of our investigation will offer a much needed basis for signal interpretation for biodetection devices and platforms consisting of single ZnO NRs and, at the same time, contribute significantly to provide insight in understanding the biomolecular fluorescence observed from ZnO NR ensemble-based systems.Zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) have emerged in recent years as extremely useful, optical signal-enhancing platforms in DNA and protein detection. Although the use of ZnO NRs in biodetection has been demonstrated so far in systems involving many ZnO NRs per detection element, their future applications will likely take place in a miniaturized setting while exploiting single ZnO NRs in a low-volume, high-throughput bioanalysis. In this paper, we investigate temporal and spatial characteristics of the biomolecular fluorescence on individual ZnO NR systems. Quantitative and qualitative examinations of the biomolecular intensity and photostability are carried out as a function of two important criteria, the time and position along the long axis (length) of NRs. Photostability profiles are also measured with respect to the position on NRs and compared to those characteristics of biomolecules on polymeric control platforms. Unlike the uniformly distributed signal observed on the control platforms, both the fluorescence intensity and photostability are position-dependent on individual ZnO NRs. We have identified a unique phenomenon of highly localized, fluorescence intensification on the nanorod ends (FINE) of well-characterized, individual ZnO nanostructures. When compared to the polymeric controls, the biomolecular fluorescence intensity and photostability are determined to be higher on individual ZnO NRs regardless of the position on NRs. We have also carried out finite-difference time-domain simulations the results of which are in good agreement with the observed FINE. The outcomes of our investigation will offer a much needed basis for signal interpretation for biodetection devices and platforms consisting of single ZnO NRs and, at the same time, contribute significantly to provide insight in understanding the biomolecular fluorescence observed from ZnO NR ensemble-based systems. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: ZnO NR size distributions, a FINE image from fluorophores on ZnO NR without protein coupling, and FDTD simulation movies. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05031a

Precursor-controlled synthesis of hierarchical ZnO nanostructures, using oligoaniline-coated Au nanoparticle seeds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnan, Deepti; Pradeep, T.

2009-07-01

Shape-selected synthesis of a large number of zinc oxide (ZnO) nano- and microstructures was achieved by the seed-mediated growth of oligoaniline-coated gold nanoparticle precursors. Distinctive ZnO structures such as nanoplates, nanospheres, microstars, microflowers, microthorns and micromultipods were synthesized by this method. Slightly different shapes were obtained in the absence of the seed solution. This is a fast, low temperature (60 °C) and biomimetic route to make a wide variety of structures. The structure and morphology of the nanostructures were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized for the characterization of the nanostructures. A growth mechanism for these nanostructures was proposed based on these results. The concentrations of the reacting species were the main parameter causing the changes in the morphologies. The variation in morphologies of these structures is believed to be due to the ability of the seed solution as well as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to selectively suppress/depress the growth of certain planes, allowing growth to occur only in certain specific directions. Changes in the amount of growth nuclei with varying sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration is also seen to affect the morphology of these structures.

Enhancement of ZnO based flexible nano generators via sol gel technique for sensing and energy harvesting applications.

PubMed

Rajagopalan, Pandey; Singh, Vipul; I A, Palani

2018-01-10

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a remarkable inorganic semiconductor with exceptional piezoelectric properties compared to other semiconductors. However, in comparison to lead-based hazardous piezoelectric materials, its features have undesired limitations. Here we report the 5~6 folds enhancement in the piezoelectric properties via chemical doping of copper matched to intrinsic ZnO. The flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (F-PENG) device was fabricated using an unpretentious solution process of spin coating with other advantages like robust, low weight, improved adhesion, and low cost. The devices were used to demonstrate energy harvesting from a Standard weight as low as 4 gm and can work as a self-powered mass sensor in a broad range of 4 to 100 gm. The device exhibited a novel energy harvesting technique from a wind source due to its inherent flexibility. At three different velocities (10~30 m/s) and five different angles of attack (0~180 degrees), the device validated the ability to discern different velocities and directions of flow. The device will be useful for mapping the flow of air apart from harvesting the energy. The simulation was done to verify the underlining mechanism of aerodynamics involved in it. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Zinc oxide nanostructures and its nano-compounds for efficient visible light photo-catalytic processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, Rania E.; Alnoor, Hatim; Elhag, Sami; Nur, Omer; Willander, Magnus

2017-02-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) in its nanostructure form is a promising material for visible light emission/absorption and utilization in different energy efficient photocatalytic processes. We will first present our recent results on the effect of varying the molar ratio of the synthesis nutrients on visible light emission. Further we will use the optimized conditions from the molar ration experiments to vary the synthesis processing parameters like stirring time etc. and the effect of all these parameters in order to optimize the efficiency and control the emission spectrum are investigated using different complementary techniques. Cathodoluminescence (CL) is combined with photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) as the techniques to investigate and optimizes visible light emission from ZnO/GaN light emitting diodes. We will then show and discuss our recent finding of the use of high quality ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) for efficient photo-degradation of toxic dyes using the visible spectra, namely with a wavelength up to 800 nm. In the end, we show how ZnO nanorods (NRs) are used as the first template to be transferred to bismuth zinc vanadate (BiZn2VO6). The BiZn2VO6 is then used to demonstrate efficient and cost effective hydrogen production through photoelectrochemical water splitting using solar radiation.

Solution processed ternary blend nano-composite charge regulation layer to enhance inverted OLED performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaçar, Rifat; Mucur, Selin Pıravadılı; Yıldız, Fikret; Dabak, Salih; Tekin, Emine

2018-04-01

Inverted bottom-emission organic light emitting diodes (IBOLEDs) have attracted increasing attention due to their exceptional air stability and applications in active-matrix displays. For gaining high IBOLED device efficiencies, it is crucial to develop an effective strategy to make the bottom electrode easy for charge injection and transport. Charge selectivity, blocking the carrier flow towards the unfavourable side, plays an important role in determining charge carrier balance and accordingly radiative recombination efficiency. It is therefore highly desirable to functionalize an interfacial layer which will perform many different tasks simultaneously. Here, we contribute to the hole-blocking ability of the zinc oxide/polyethyleneimine (ZnO:PEI) nano-composite (NC) interlayer with the intention of increasing the OLED device efficiency. With this purpose in mind, a small amount of 1,3,5-tris(N-phenylbenzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (TPBi) was added as a hole-blocking molecule into the binary blend of ZnO and PEI solution. The device with a ternary ZnO:PEI:TPBi NC interlayer achieved a maximum current efficiency of 38.20 cd A-1 and a power efficiency of 34.29 lm W-1 with a luminance of 123 200 cd m-2, which are high performance parameters for inverted device architecture. The direct comparisons of device performances incorporating ZnO only, ZnO/PEI bilayers, and ZnO:PEI binary NC counterparts were also performed, which shed light on the origin of device performance enhancement.

Energy Conversion: Nano Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yahaya, Muhammad; Yap, Chi Chin; Mat Salleh, Muhamad

2009-09-01

Problems of fossil-fuel-induced climate change have sparked a demand for sustainable energy supply for all sectors of economy. Most laboratories continue to search for new materials and new technique to generate clean energy at affordable cost. Nanotechnology can play a major role in solving the energy problem. The prospect for solar energy using Si-based technology is not encouraging. Si photovoltaics can produce electricity at 20-30 c//kWhr with about 25% efficiency. Nanoparticles have a strong capacity to absorb light and generate more electrons for current as discovered in the recent work of organic and dye-sensitized cell. Using cheap preparation technique such as screen-printing and self-assembly growth, organic cells shows a strong potential for commercialization. Thin Films research group at National University Malaysia has been actively involved in these areas, and in this seminar, we will present a review works on nanomaterials for solar cells and particularly on hybrid organic solar cell based on ZnO nanorod arrays. The organic layer consisting of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylenevinylene] (MEHPPV) and [6, 6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid 3-ethylthiophene ester (PCBE) was spin-coated on ZnO nanorod arrays. ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on FTO glass substrates which were pre-coated with ZnO nanoparticles using a low temperature chemical solution method. A gold electrode was used as the top contact. The device gave a short circuit current density of 2.49×10-4 mA/cm2 and an open circuit voltage of 0.45 V under illumination of a projector halogen light at 100 mW/cm2.

Studies of the 3D surface roughness height

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

Avisane, Anita; Rudzitis, Janis; Kumermanis, Maris

2013-12-16

Nowadays nano-coatings occupy more and more significant place in technology. Innovative, functional coatings acquire new aspects from the point of view of modern technologies, considering the aggregate of physical properties that can be achieved manipulating in the production process with the properties of coatings’ surfaces on micro- and nano-level. Nano-coatings are applied on machine parts, friction surfaces, contacting parts, corrosion surfaces, transparent conducting films (TCF), etc. The equipment available at present for the production of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coatings with highest quality is based on expensive indium tin oxide (ITO) material; therefore cheaper alternatives are being searched for. Onemore » such offered alternative is zink oxide (ZnO) nano-coatings. Evaluating the TCF physical and mechanical properties and in view of the new ISO standard (EN ISO 25178) on the introduction of surface texture (3D surface roughness) in the engineering calculations, it is necessary to examine the height of 3D surface roughness, which is one of the most significant roughness parameters. The given paper studies the average values of 3D surface roughness height and the most often applied distribution laws are as follows: the normal distribution and Rayleigh distribution. The 3D surface is simulated by a normal random field.« less

Characterization of green synthesized nano-formulation (ZnO-A. vera) and their antibacterial activity against pathogens.

PubMed

Qian, Yiguang; Yao, Jun; Russel, Mohammad; Chen, Ke; Wang, Xiaoyu

2015-03-01

The application of nanotechnology in medicine has recently been a breakthrough in therapeutic drugs formulation. This paper presents the structural and optical characterization of a new green nano-formulation (ZnO-Aloe vera) with considerable antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. Its particle structure, size and morphology were characterized by XRD, TEM and SEM. And optical absorption spectra and photoluminescence were measured synchronously. Their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also investigated using thermokinetic profiling and agar well diffusion method. The nano-formulation is spherical shape and hexagonal with a particle size ranging from 25 to 65 nm as well as an increased crystallite size of 49 nm. For antibacterial activity, the maximum inhibition zones of ZnO and ZnO+A. vera are 18.33 and 26.45 mm for E. coli, 22.11 and 28.12 mm for S. aureus (p<0.05). Considering Pmax, Qt and k, ZnO+A. vera nano-formulation has a significant (p < 0.05) antibacterial effect against S. aureus almost at all concentration and against E. coli at 15 and 25mg/L. ZnO+A. vera nano-formulation is much more toxic against S. aureus than E. coli, with an IC50 of 13.12 mg/L and 21.31 mg/L, respectively. The overall results reveal that the ZnO-A. vera nano-formulation has good surface energy, crystallinity, transmission, and enriched antibacterial activities. Their antibacterial properties are possibly relevant to particle size, microstructural ionization, the crystal formation and the Gram property of pathogens. This ZnO-A. vera nano-formulation could be utilized effectively as a spectral and significant antibacterial agent for pathogens in future medical and environmental concerns. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Atomic Layer Deposition for the Modification and Creation of Nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Needham, Erinn Christine

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a vapor-phase technique for the conformal deposition of material with sub-nanometer precision, making it an ideal process for modifying and even creating nanomaterials. The focus of this dissertation is the study of how ALD precursors interact with organic materials, namely polymers, to create selectively deposited nano-scale patterns and how ALD coatings modify biological responses to nanomaterials, namely carbon nanotubes (CNT), after inhalation. Nanoscale patterning is vital to the semiconductor industry. With features becoming smaller and more complex with each passing year, new techniques are required to meet the needs of the industry. The ability to selectively pattern a material onto a wafer is of particular interest for the replacement of costly etching steps. In the first half of this dissertation, a method for the selective deposition of nano-scale patterns is presented. Patterned polymers were used as sacrificial sponges to soak up ALD precursors for the creation of metal-oxide features. Meanwhile, deposition in areas without polymer was limited to the monolayer regime. Following infiltration, the saturated polymer was burned away and the precursor oxidized to form a metal oxide reproduction of the polymer pattern. Determining the reaction between the ALD precursor, trimethylaluminum, and polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate), helped to achieve patterning by informing the proper selection of reactor temperature as well as exposure and purge times. Using this technique, features from tens of nanometers to tens of microns were patterned uniformly and simultaneously across a 150 mm wafer. Finally, this technique was extended to pattern two different materials using only one patterned polymer layer. ALD was first used to deposit a metal oxide were there was no polymer. By selecting ALD precursors that do not react within or on top of the polymer, selective deposition of the first material was achieved. Following this, the polymer was infiltrated as before to selectively deposit the second material. By patterning two materials from one patterned polymer, no pattern alignment between materials is necessary. The reaction mechanism determined for this system can be applied and expanded to other vapor-phase metal-organic interactions with polymers. The ability to make and align nanoscale features is critically important for manufacturing improved semiconductor devices. The second half of this dissertation focuses on how modification of CNT affects biological response in a material-dependent manner. CNT have unique physical and chemical properties that lead to applications in many areas including: electronics, high-strength materials, filtration and drug delivery. By surface-modifying these materials, a whole new realm of applications appears. Despite the benefits these coatings may provide (e.g., photocatalytic properties and increased conductivity) they can also alter the toxicological response to MWCNT. In rodent models, the inhalation of MWCNT can lead to inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we observed that ZnO coatings on MWCNT led to an acute inflammatory response but did not change the fibrotic response in mice following inhalation. The contribution of ZnO coating dissolution was still unknown following the in vivo study with mice. Alumina, ZnO and aluminum-doped ZnO (AZO) coatings on MWCNT were studied in vitro using various cell lines to determine the contribution of ions to toxicity. AZO is less soluble than ZnO and composed only of previously-characterized materials. We discovered that the concentration of Zn2+ in solution correlated with levels of cytotoxicity in vitro and differences in dissolution between AZO and ZnO coatings led to differences in pro-inflammatory cytokine release. This knowledge can assist with the toxicological assessment of other pure and composite nanomaterials and lead to the creation of safer nanomaterials.

Polyaniline-ZnO nanocomposites as ethanol gas sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talegaonkar, Janhavi; Patil, Y. B.; Patil, D. R.

2018-05-01

Polyaniline and it`s nanocomposites with ZnO were successfully synthesized by photo-induced polymerization method with various concentrations of ZnO, followed by characterizations viz. SEM, EDAX, XRD, FTIR and UV-Vis. Thick films of synthesized powders were fabricated by screen printing technique for monitoring various gases at different operating temperatures and at various gas concentrations. CuO activated polyaniline-ZnO nano-composite exhibits maximum response of ethanol gas at room temperature. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity, highest selectivity, quick response, fast recovery, long term stability, etc. An exceptional sensitivity was found to low concentrations of ethanol gas at room temperature and no cross sensitivity was observed even to high concentrations of other hazardous and polluting gases. The efforts have been made to develop the ethanol sensor based on PANI and its nanocomposites. The effects of microstructure and surfactant concentration on the ethanol response, selectivity, response and recovery of the sensor in the presence of ethanol gas were studied and discussed.

Spontaneous polarization induced electric field in zinc oxide nanowires and nanostars

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

Farid, S., E-mail: sfarid3@uic.edu; Choi, M.; Datta, D.

We report on the detection mechanism of spontaneous polarization using electrostatic force microscopy in zinc oxide nanowires and nanostars grown by vapor-liquid-solid technique. Optical and structural properties are investigated in detail to understand the complex ZnO nanostructures comprehensively. Calculations are carried out to estimate the electric field from the change in interleave amplitude induced by the electrostatic force due to the spontaneous polarization effects. Attraction of the probe between the tip and the sample varies for different structures with a stronger attraction for nanostars as compared to nanowires. Strength of electric field is dependent on the orientation of nanowires andmore » nanostars c-axis with measured magnitude of electric field to be ∼10{sup 7 }V/m and 10{sup 8 }V/m respectively. This technique presents a unique detection mechanism of built-in spontaneous polarization and electric field from polar ZnO nanowires with applications in voltage gated ion channels, nano-bio interfaces, optoelectronic and photonic devices.« less

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Structure Metal Oxides and Peroxides Prepared by Laser Ablation in Liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drmosh, Qasem Ahmed Qasem

Pulsed laser ablation technique was applied for synthesize of ZnO, ZnO 2 and SnO2 nanostructure using metallic target in different liquids. For this purpose, a laser emitting pulsed UV radiations generated by the third harmonic of Nd:YAG (λ= 355 nm) was applied. For the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), a high-purity metallic plate of Zn was fixed at the bottom of a glass cell in the presence of deionized water and was irradiated at different laser energies (80- 100- 120) mJ per pulse. The average sizes and lattice parameters of ZnO produced by this method were estimated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). ZnO nanoparticles were also produced by ablation of zinc target in the presence of deionized water mixed with two types of surfactants: cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and octaethylene glycol monododecyl (OGM). The results showed that the average grain sizes decreased from 38 nm in the case of deionized water to 27 nm and 19 nm in CTAB and OGM respectively. The PL emission in CTAB and OGM showed two peaks: the sharp UV emission at 380 nm and a broad visible peak ranging from 450 nm to 600 nm. Zinc peroxide (ZnO2) nanoparticles having grain size less than 5 nm were also synthesized using pulsed laser ablation in aqueous solution in the presence of different surfactants and solid zinc target in 3 % hydrogen peroxide H2O2 for the first time. The effect of surfactants on the optical and structure of ZnO2 was studied by applying different spectroscopic techniques. The presence of the cubic phase of zinc peroxide in all samples was confirmed with XRD, and the grain sizes were 4.7 nm, 3.7 nm, 3.3 nm and 2.8 nm in pure H2O2; and H2O 2 mixed with SDS, CTAB and OGM respectively. For optical characterization, FTIR transmittance spectra of ZnO2 nanoparticles prepared with and without surfactants showed characteristic peaks of ZnO2 absorption at 435-445 cm-1. FTIR spectrum also revealed that the adsorbed surfactants on zinc peroxide disappeared in case of CTAB and OGM while it appears in case of SDS. Both FTIR and UV-Vis spectra showed a red shift in the presence of SDS and blue shift in presence of CTAB and OGM. The effect of post annealing temperature on dry ZnO2 nanoparticles prepared by PLA technique of solid zinc target in 3% H2O2 was studied by variation of the annealing temperatures from 100 to 600 °C for 8 hours under 1 atmospheric pressure. The XRD showed the phase transition from ZnO2 to ZnO at 200 °C. Based on XRD data, both the average grain size and lattice parameters of ZnO increased by post annealing of ZnO2 higher than 200 °C. In contrast, the band gap of ZnO nanoparticles decreased when the annealing temperature increased. The average sizes were 5, 6, 9, 15 and 19 nm at 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 °C respectively. The PL emission spectra for ZnO showed strong UV emission peaks in all samples. In addition, the UV emission peaks were shifted to longer wavelength (red shifting) as the annealing temperature increase from 200 to 600 °C. From the above findings, we concluded that the grain size, lattice parameters, PL and band gap were size dependent as predicted by theoretical studies. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

Band gap and conductivity variations of ZnO nano structured thin films annealed under Vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vattappalam, Sunil C.; Thomas, Deepu; T, Raju Mathew; Augustine, Simon; Mathew, Sunny

2015-02-01

Zinc Oxide thin films were prepared by Successive Ionic layer adsorption and reaction technique(SILAR). The samples were annealed under vacuum and conductivity of the samples were taken at different temperatures. UV Spectrograph of the samples were taken and the band gap of each sample was found from the data. All the results were compared with that of the sample annealed under air. It was observed that the band gap decreases and concequently conductivity of the samples increases when the samples are annealed under vacuum.

Structural and dielectric properties of Zn1-xAlxO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri, N.; Mondal, A.; Sarkar, S.; Ray, R.

2018-05-01

Aluminium doped ZnO (AZO) nano-crystalline sample has been synthesized using chemical precipitation method with different doping concentrations. Detailed structural and morphological investigations of Zn1-xAlxO have been carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FE-SEM, respectively. Dependence of grain size of AZO with dopant concentration has been studied. Ac conductivity, dielectric constant and dielectric loss of Zn1-xAlxO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) are investigated as a function of frequency (ω) and doping concentration (x) at room temperature.

Bacterial toxicity comparison between nano- and micro-scaled oxide particles.

PubMed

Jiang, Wei; Mashayekhi, Hamid; Xing, Baoshan

2009-05-01

Toxicity of nano-scaled aluminum, silicon, titanium and zinc oxides to bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens) was examined and compared to that of their respective bulk (micro-scaled) counterparts. All nanoparticles but titanium oxide showed higher toxicity (at 20 mg/L) than their bulk counterparts. Toxicity of released metal ions was differentiated from that of the oxide particles. ZnO was the most toxic among the three nanoparticles, causing 100% mortality to the three tested bacteria. Al(2)O(3) nanoparticles had a mortality rate of 57% to B. subtilis, 36% to E. coli, and 70% to P. fluorescens. SiO(2) nanoparticles killed 40% of B. subtilis, 58% of E. coli, and 70% of P. fluorescens. TEM images showed attachment of nanoparticles to the bacteria, suggesting that the toxicity was affected by bacterial attachment. Bacterial responses to nanoparticles were different from their bulk counterparts; hence nanoparticle toxicity mechanisms need to be studied thoroughly.

Engineered Nanomaterials for Energy Harvesting and Storage Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gullapalli, Hemtej

Energy harvesting and storage are independent mechanisms, each having their own significance in the energy cycle. Energy is generally harvested from temperature variations, mechanical vibrations and other phenomena which are inherently sporadic in nature, harvested energy stands a better chance of efficient utilization if it can be stored and used later, depending on the demand. In essence a comprehensive device that can harness power from surrounding environment and provide a steady and reliable source of energy would be ideal. Towards realizing such a system, for the harvesting component, a piezoelectric nano-composite material consisting of ZnO nanostructures embedded into the matrix of 'Paper' has been developed. Providing a flexible backbone to a brittle material makes it a robust architecture. Energy harvesting by scavenging both mechanical and thermal fluctuations using this flexible nano-composite is discussed in this thesis. On the energy storage front, Graphene based materials developed with a focus towards realizing ultra-thin lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors are introduced. Efforts for enhancing the energy storage performance of such graphitic carbon are detailed. Increasing the rate capability by direct CVD synthesis of graphene on current collectors, enhancing its electrochemical capacity through doping and engineering 3D metallic structures to increase the areal energy density have been studied.

Synthesis and properties of Ag/ZnO/g-C3N4 ternary micro/nano composites by microwave-assisted method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zijie; Li, Xuexue; Chen, Haitao; Shao, Gang; Zhang, Rui; Lu, Hongxia

2018-01-01

Ag/ZnO/g-C3N4 ternary micro/nanocomposites, as novel visible-light-driven photocatalysts, were prepared by a simple and convenient microwave-assisted method. The resulting ternary structure micro/nano composites were characterized by x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and infrared radiation techniques to examine its phase structure, valence state, morphological, thermal and optical properties. Well crystallized Ag/ZnO/g-C3N4 ternary micro/nano composites were synthesized under microwave-radiation for 15 min with the output of 240 W. Further experiments indicated Ag(5.0mol%)/ZnO/g-C3N4 photocatalyst in degradation of methylene blue exhibited an outstanding photocatalytic activity and its reaction rate constant (k, 0.0084 min-1) is 7.5, 2.4 2.9 and 3.5 times higher than that of monolithic ZnO (k, 0.0011 min-1), ZnO/g-C3N4(k, 0.0035 min-1), Ag(5 mol%)/ZnO(k, 0.0029 min-1) and Ag(5mol%)/g-C3N4 (k, 0.0024 min-1) respectively. Finally, a possible photocatalytic mechanism of Ag/ZnO/g-C3N4 photocatalyst in degradation process was proposed. This work provides a feasible strategy to synthesize an efficient ZnO-based photocatalyst which combines structure and properties of different dimensional components and made this ternary system an exciting candidate for sunlight-driven photocatalytic water treatment.

Electrochemical route to the synthesis of ZnO microstructures: its nestlike structure and holding of Ag particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Ling; Zhang, Ruixue; Fan, Louzhen

2013-02-01

A simple and facile electrochemical route was developed for the shape-selective synthesis of large-scaled series of ZnO microstructures, including petal, flower, sphere, nest and clew aggregates of ZnO laminas at room temperature. This route is based on sodium citrate-directed crystallization. In the system, sodium citrate can greatly promote ZnO to nucleate and directly grow by selectively capping the specific ZnO facets because of its excellent adsorption ability. The morphology of ZnO is tuned by readily adjusting the concentration of sodium citrate and the electrodeposition time. Among the series structures, the remarkable ZnO nestlike structure can be used as a container to hold not only the interlaced ZnO laminas but also Ag nanoparticles in the center. The special heterostructures of nestlike ZnO holding Ag nanoparticles were found to display the superior properties on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering. This work has signified an important methodology to produce a wide assortment of desired microstructures of ZnO.

Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/CuO/ZnO/Nano graphene platelets (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/CuO/ZnO/NGP) composites prepared by sol-gel method with enhanced sonocatalytic activity for the removal of dye

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

Hendry, Tju; Taufik, Ardiansyah; Saleh, Rosari, E-mail: rosari.saleh@gmail.com, E-mail: rosari.saleh@ui.ac.id

2016-04-19

In this study, an attempt has been made to synthesize nanographene platelets coupled with Fe3O4/CuO/ZnO (Fe3O4/CuO/ZnO/NGP) with various ZnO loadings using a two step methods, sol-gel followed by hydrothermal method. Characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The sonocatalytic performance was evaluated by degradation of methylene blue under ultrasonic irradiation.The Fe3O4/CuO/ZnO/NGP showed superior sonocatalytic activity than the Fe3O4/CuO/ZnO materials. They also showed high stability and can be easily separated from the reaction system for recycling process.

Evolution from MEMS-based Linear Drives to Bio-based Nano Drives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujita, Hiroyuki

The successful extension of semiconductor technology to fabricate mechanical parts of the sizes from 10 to 100 micrometers opened wide ranges of possibilities for micromechanical devices and systems. The fabrication technique is called micromachining. Micromachining processes are based on silicon integrated circuits (IC) technology and used to build three-dimensional structures and movable parts by the combination of lithography, etching, film deposition, and wafer bonding. Microactuators are the key devices allowing MEMS to perform physical functions. Some of them are driven by electric, magnetic, and fluidic forces. Some others utilize actuator materials including piezoelectric (PZT, ZnO, quartz) and magnetostrictive materials (TbFe), shape memory alloy (TiNi) and bio molecular motors. This paper deals with the development of MEMS based microactuators, especially linear drives, following my own research experience. They include an electrostatic actuator, a superconductive levitated actuator, arrayed actuators, and a bio-motor-driven actuator.

Effect of nano-oxide concentration on the mechanical properties of a maxillofacial silicone elastomer.

PubMed

Han, Ying; Kiat-amnuay, Sudarat; Powers, John M; Zhao, Yimin

2008-12-01

Contemporary silicone-based elastomeric prostheses tend to degrade over time because of the effect of mechanical loading. Little has been reported on how the mechanical properties of a maxillofacial prosthetic elastomer may be affected by the addition of nanosized oxide particles used as an opacifier. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of nanosized oxides of various composition on the mechanical properties of a commercially available silicone elastomer. Nanosized oxides (Ti, Zn, or Ce) were added in various concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, or 3.0% by weight) to a commercial silicone elastomer (A-2186), commonly used for fabricating extraoral maxillofacial prostheses. Silicone elastomer A-2186 without nanosized oxides served as a control group. Specimens (n=5) were polymerized according to manufacturer's recommendations and tested for tensile strength (ASTM D412) and tear strength (ASTM D624), and percent elongation in a universal testing machine. Uniformity of particle dispersion within the processed elastomer was assessed using scanning electron microscopic imaging. For each property, a 2-way ANOVA was performed evaluating the effect of oxide type and strength, and Fisher's PLSD test was used for pairwise comparisons (alpha=.05). SEM examination indicated that all 3 nanosized oxides distribute evenly throughout the silicone specimens, except for the 3.0% group, which are partly agglomerated. The 2.0% and 2.5% groups of all nanosized oxides demonstrated significantly higher tensile and tear strengths and percent elongation (P<.001) than the control group. CeO(2) had significantly lower tensile strength than TiO2 and ZnO (P<.05). The ZnO group had significantly higher tear strength than TiO(2) and CeO(2) (P <.05). Most of specimens became somewhat harder when compared with the control group. CeO(2) group had significantly higher Shore A hardness than TiO(2) and ZnO (P<.001). There was no significant difference of percent elongation among the type of nanosized oxides. Incorporation of Ti, Zn, or Ce nano-oxides at concentrations of 2.0% and 2.5% improved the overall mechanical properties of the silicone A-2186 maxillofacial elastomer.

Hierarchical porous ZnO microflowers with ultra-high ethanol gas-sensing at low concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Liming; Yue, He; Li, Haiying; Liu, Li; Li, Yu; Du, Liting; Duan, Haojie; Klyui, N. I.

2018-05-01

Hierarchical porous and non-porous ZnO microflowers have been successfully fabricated by hydrothermal method. Their crystal structure, morphology and gas-sensing properties were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemical gas sensing intelligent analysis system (CGS). Compared with hierarchical non-porous ZnO microflowers, hierarchical porous ZnO microflowers exhibited ultra-high sensitivity with 50 ppm ethanol at 260 °C and the response is 110, which is 1.8 times higher than that of non-porous ZnO microflowers. Moreover, the lowest concentration limit of hierarchical porous ZnO microflowers (non-porous ZnO microflowers) to ethanol is 0.1 (1) ppm, the response value is 1.6 (1).

A label-free photoelectrochemical aptasensor for bisphenol A based on surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticle-sensitized ZnO nanopencils.

PubMed

Qiao, Yunfei; Li, Jing; Li, Hongbo; Fang, Hailin; Fan, Dahe; Wang, Wei

2016-12-15

A simple and novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for selective detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was developed using surface plasmon resonance of Au nanoparticles activated ZnO nanopencils. With the irradiation of simulated light, the increased photocurrent of nano-Au/ZnO than that of pure ZnO nanopencil is induced by the hot electrons from excited Au nanoparticles. The perfect selectivity is attributed to the specific binding of BPA to its aptamer. With the addition of BPA, the conformation of aptamer changed to a G-quadruplex structure, which resulted in the blockages of photogenerated electron-transfer channels. Based on the above mechanisms and the optimized conditions, the assembled PEC aptasensor was linear with the concentration of BPA in the range of 1-1000nmolL(-1) with a detection limit of 0.5nmolL(-1). The presence of the same concentration and similar structure of other organics did not interfere in the detection of BPA and the recovery was between 96.2% and 108.4%. It has been successfully applied to the detection of BPA in drinking water and liquid milk samples. This PEC aptasensor has good performances in novelty, selectivity, sensitivity and low cost, and it provides an alternative approach to the detection of BPA. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Complex shaped ZnO nano- and microstructure based polymer composites: mechanically stable and environmentally friendly coatings for potential antifouling applications.

PubMed

Hölken, Iris; Hoppe, Mathias; Mishra, Yogendra K; Gorb, Stanislav N; Adelung, Rainer; Baum, Martina J

2016-03-14

Since the prohibition of tributyltin (TBT)-based antifouling paints in 2008, the development of environmentally compatible and commercially realizable alternatives is a crucial issue. Cost effective fabrication of antifouling paints with desired physical and biocompatible features is simultaneously required and recent developments in the direction of inorganic nanomaterials could play a major role. In the present work, a solvent free polymer/particle-composite coating based on two component polythiourethane (PTU) and tetrapodal shaped ZnO (t-ZnO) nano- and microstructures has been synthesized and studied with respect to mechanical, chemical and biocompatibility properties. Furthermore, antifouling tests have been carried out in artificial seawater tanks. Four different PTU/t-ZnO composites with various t-ZnO filling fractions (0 wt%, 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%) were prepared and the corresponding tensile, hardness, and pull-off test results revealed that the composite filled with 5 wt% t-ZnO exhibits the strongest mechanical properties. Surface free energy (SFE) studies using contact angle measurements showed that the SFE value decreases with an increase in t-ZnO filler amounts. The influence of t-ZnO on the polymerization reaction was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared-spectroscopy measurements and thermogravimetric analysis. The immersion tests demonstrated that fouling behavior of the PTU/t-ZnO composite with a 1 wt% t-ZnO filler has been decreased in comparison to pure PTU. The composite with a 5 wt% t-ZnO filler showed almost no biofouling.

Photocatalytic Nanocomposites for the Protection of European Architectural Heritage.

PubMed

Gherardi, Francesca; Roveri, Marco; Goidanich, Sara; Toniolo, Lucia

2018-01-03

In the field of stone protection, the introduction of inorganic nanoparticles, such as TiO₂, ZnO, and Ag in polymeric blends can enhance the protective action of pristine treatments, as well as confer additional properties (photocatalytic, antifouling, and antibacterial). In the framework of the "Nano-Cathedral" European project, nanostructured photocatalytic protective treatments were formulated by using different TiO₂ nanoparticles, solvents, and silane/siloxane systems in the blends. The results about the characterization and application of two promising nano-TiO₂ based products applied on Apuan marble and Ajarte limestone are here reported, aiming at investigating the complex system "treatment/stone-substrate". The nanocomposites show better performances when compared to a commercial reference siloxane based protective treatment, resulting in different performances once applied on different carbonatic substrates, with very low and high open porosity, confirming the necessity of correlating precisely the characteristics of the stone material to those of the protective formulations. In particular, the TiO₂ photocatalytic behavior is strictly linked to the amount of available nanoparticles and to the active surface area. The alkyl silane oligomers of the water-based formulation have a good penetration into the microstructure of Ajarte limestone, whereas the solvent-based and small size monomeric formulation shows better results for Apuan marble, granting a good coverage of the pores. The encouraging results obtained so far in lab will be confirmed by monitoring tests aiming at assessing the effectiveness of the treatments applied in pilot sites of historical Gothic Cathedrals.

Photocatalytic Nanocomposites for the Protection of European Architectural Heritage

PubMed Central

Roveri, Marco; Goidanich, Sara; Toniolo, Lucia

2018-01-01

In the field of stone protection, the introduction of inorganic nanoparticles, such as TiO2, ZnO, and Ag in polymeric blends can enhance the protective action of pristine treatments, as well as confer additional properties (photocatalytic, antifouling, and antibacterial). In the framework of the “Nano-Cathedral” European project, nanostructured photocatalytic protective treatments were formulated by using different TiO2 nanoparticles, solvents, and silane/siloxane systems in the blends. The results about the characterization and application of two promising nano-TiO2 based products applied on Apuan marble and Ajarte limestone are here reported, aiming at investigating the complex system “treatment/stone-substrate”. The nanocomposites show better performances when compared to a commercial reference siloxane based protective treatment, resulting in different performances once applied on different carbonatic substrates, with very low and high open porosity, confirming the necessity of correlating precisely the characteristics of the stone material to those of the protective formulations. In particular, the TiO2 photocatalytic behavior is strictly linked to the amount of available nanoparticles and to the active surface area. The alkyl silane oligomers of the water-based formulation have a good penetration into the microstructure of Ajarte limestone, whereas the solvent-based and small size monomeric formulation shows better results for Apuan marble, granting a good coverage of the pores. The encouraging results obtained so far in lab will be confirmed by monitoring tests aiming at assessing the effectiveness of the treatments applied in pilot sites of historical Gothic Cathedrals. PMID:29301338

Fabrication of nano-engineered transparent conducting oxides by pulsed laser deposition.

PubMed

Gondoni, Paolo; Ghidelli, Matteo; Di Fonzo, Fabio; Li Bassi, Andrea; Casari, Carlo S

2013-02-27

Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) in the presence of a background gas allows the deposition of metal oxides with tunable morphology, structure, density and stoichiometry by a proper control of the plasma plume expansion dynamics. Such versatility can be exploited to produce nanostructured films from compact and dense to nanoporous characterized by a hierarchical assembly of nano-sized clusters. In particular we describe the detailed methodology to fabricate two types of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films as transparent electrodes in photovoltaic devices: 1) at low O₂ pressure, compact films with electrical conductivity and optical transparency close to the state of the art transparent conducting oxides (TCO) can be deposited at room temperature, to be compatible with thermally sensitive materials such as polymers used in organic photovoltaics (OPVs); 2) highly light scattering hierarchical structures resembling a forest of nano-trees are produced at higher pressures. Such structures show high Haze factor (>80%) and may be exploited to enhance the light trapping capability. The method here described for AZO films can be applied to other metal oxides relevant for technological applications such as TiO₂, Al₂O₃, WO₃ and Ag₄O₄.

Fabrication of Nano-engineered Transparent Conducting Oxides by Pulsed Laser Deposition

PubMed Central

Gondoni, Paolo; Ghidelli, Matteo; Di Fonzo, Fabio; Li Bassi, Andrea; Casari, Carlo S.

2013-01-01

Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) in the presence of a background gas allows the deposition of metal oxides with tunable morphology, structure, density and stoichiometry by a proper control of the plasma plume expansion dynamics. Such versatility can be exploited to produce nanostructured films from compact and dense to nanoporous characterized by a hierarchical assembly of nano-sized clusters. In particular we describe the detailed methodology to fabricate two types of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films as transparent electrodes in photovoltaic devices: 1) at low O2 pressure, compact films with electrical conductivity and optical transparency close to the state of the art transparent conducting oxides (TCO) can be deposited at room temperature, to be compatible with thermally sensitive materials such as polymers used in organic photovoltaics (OPVs); 2) highly light scattering hierarchical structures resembling a forest of nano-trees are produced at higher pressures. Such structures show high Haze factor (>80%) and may be exploited to enhance the light trapping capability. The method here described for AZO films can be applied to other metal oxides relevant for technological applications such as TiO2, Al2O3, WO3 and Ag4O4. PMID:23486076

Nanostructured superhydrophobic polysiloxane coating for high barrier and anticorrosion applications in marine environment.

PubMed

Arukalam, Innocent O; Oguzie, Emeka E; Li, Ying

2018-02-15

The use of epoxy and polyurethane coatings as marine topcoats, have been influenced by their inherent high surface energy property which increases their affinity to water and microorganisms. Thus, their susceptibility to degradation is enhanced. Because of this defect, recently, nanostructured hydrophobic and superhydrophobic polysiloxane coatings are being preferred as topcoats. But the appropriate nanoparticle size and matrix:filler ratio which provide guide for the design of desired topcoats are scarcely available. In view of this, a series of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic coatings were prepared by sol-gel process based on perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (FDTS), different nanoZnO particles and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS):nanoZnO ratios. The liquid repellency, surface morphology and roughness of the coatings were conducted by use of contact angle goniometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Additionally, the electrochemical and salt spray corrosion tests were conducted. According to the results, modifications of the coatings showed that anticorrosion performance was considerably influenced by the surface properties which were dependent on nanoZnO size and PDMS:nanoZnO ratio. Remarkably, the optimum effect was observed on the superhydrophobic coating based on 30 nm ZnO and 1:1 ratio. This displayed highest anticorrosion performance, and is therefore recommended as a guide for the design of marine topcoats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Environmental and biological applications and implications of soft and condensed nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Pengyu

Recent innovations and growth of nanotechnology have spurred exciting technological and commercial developments of nanomaterails. Their appealing physical and physicochemical properties offer great opportunities in biological and environmental applications, while in the meantime may compromise human health and environmental sustainability through either unintentional exposure or intentional discharge. Accordingly, this dissertation exploits the physicochemical behavior of soft dendritic polymers for environmental remediation and condensed nano ZnO tetrapods for biological sensing (Chapter two-four), and further delineate the environmental implications of such nanomaterials using algae- the major constituent of the aquatic food chain-as a model system (Chapter five). This dissertation is presented as follows. Chapter one presents a general review of the characteristic properties, applications, forces dictating nanomaterials, and their biological and environmental implications of the most produced and studied soft and condensed nanomaterials. In addition, dendritic polymers and ZnO nanomaterials are thoroughly reviewed separately. Chapter two investigates the physicochemical properties of poly(amidoamine)-tris(hydroxymethyl)amidomethane- dendrimer for its potential applications in water purification. The binding mechanisms and capacities of this dendrimer in hosting major environmental pollutants including cationic copper, anionic nitrate, and polyaromatic phenanthrene are discussed. Chapter three exploits a promising use of dendrimers for removal of potentially harmful discharged nanoparticles (NPs). Specifically, fullerenols are used as a model nanomaterial, and their interactions with two different generations of dendrimers are studied using spectrophotometry and thermodynamics methods. Chapter four elucidates two novel optical schemes for sensing environmental pollutants and biological compounds using dendrimer-gold nanowire complex and gold-coated ZnO tetrapods, respectively. The surface plasmon resonance of gold nanowires and NPs are utilized for enhancing the detection limits of Cu(II) down to nanomolar level and protein/lipids down to picomolar level. Chapter five justifies the growing concern of the environmental implications of nanomaterials in light of the increasing environmental and biological applications of nanomaterials based on the previous chapters, using ZnO NPs and single-celled green algae, Chlorella sp. as a model system. Chapter six summarized the key findings in this dissertation and presents future work stimulated by this PhD research. In summary, the key scientific contributions of this dissertation are: 1). we have performed the first study on the versatility of a trifunctional dendrimer for hosting cationic, anionic, and polyaromatic chemical contaminants; 2). we have demonstrated for the first time the concept that a soft, biocompatible nanoparticle—a dendrimer, can be used for hosting discharged, harmful nanoparticles for environmental remediation; and 3). we have shown for the first time the impact of nanoparticles on aquatic organisms is bidirectional.

Enhanced bioactivity of ZnO nanoparticles—an antimicrobial study

PubMed Central

Padmavathy, Nagarajan; Vijayaraghavan, Rajagopalan

2008-01-01

In this study, we investigate the antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles with various particle sizes. ZnO was prepared by the base hydrolysis of zinc acetate in a 2-propanol medium and also by a precipitation method using Zn(NO3)2 and NaOH. The products were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Bacteriological tests such as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disk diffusion were performed in Luria-Bertani and nutrient agar media on solid agar plates and in liquid broth systems using different concentrations of ZnO by a standard microbial method for the first time. Our bacteriological study showed the enhanced biocidal activity of ZnO nanoparticles compared with bulk ZnO in repeated experiments. This demonstrated that the bactericidal efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles increases with decreasing particle size. It is proposed that both the abrasiveness and the surface oxygen species of ZnO nanoparticles promote the biocidal properties of ZnO nanoparticles. PMID:27878001

Enhanced bioactivity of ZnO nanoparticles—an antimicrobial study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padmavathy, Nagarajan; Vijayaraghavan, Rajagopalan

2008-07-01

In this study, we investigate the antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles with various particle sizes. ZnO was prepared by the base hydrolysis of zinc acetate in a 2-propanol medium and also by a precipitation method using Zn(NO3)2 and NaOH. The products were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Bacteriological tests such as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disk diffusion were performed in Luria-Bertani and nutrient agar media on solid agar plates and in liquid broth systems using different concentrations of ZnO by a standard microbial method for the first time. Our bacteriological study showed the enhanced biocidal activity of ZnO nanoparticles compared with bulk ZnO in repeated experiments. This demonstrated that the bactericidal efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles increases with decreasing particle size. It is proposed that both the abrasiveness and the surface oxygen species of ZnO nanoparticles promote the biocidal properties of ZnO nanoparticles.

Strong compensation hinders the p-type doping of ZnO: a glance over surface defect levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, B.

2016-07-01

We propose a surface doping model of ZnO to elucidate the p-type doping and compensations in ZnO nanomaterials. With an N-dopant, the effects of N on the ZnO surface demonstrate a relatively shallow acceptor level in the band gap. As the dimension of the ZnO materials decreases, the quantum confinement effects will increase and render the charge transfer on surface to influence the shifting of Fermi level, by evidence of transition level changes of the N-dopant. We report that this can overwhelm the intrinsic p-type conductivity and transport of the ZnO bulk system. This may provide a possible route of using surface doping to modify the electronic transport and conductivity of ZnO nanomaterials.

Bioanalytical system for detection of cancer cells with photoluminescent ZnO nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viter, R.; Jekabsons, K.; Kalnina, Z.; Poletaev, N.; Hsu, S. H.; Riekstina, U.

2016-11-01

Using photoluminescent ZnO nanorods and carbohydrate marker SSEA-4, a novel cancer cell recognition system was developed. Immobilization of SSEA-4 antibodies (αSSEA-4) on ZnO nanorods was performed in buffer solution (pH = 7.1) over 2 h. The cancer cell line probes were fixed on the glass slide. One hundred microliters of ZnO-αSSEA-4 conjugates were deposited on the cell probe and exposed for 30 min. After washing photoluminescence spectra were recorded. Based on the developed methodology, ZnO-αSSEA-4 probes were tested on patient-derived breast and colorectal carcinoma cells. Our data clearly show that the carbohydrate SSEA-4 molecule is expressed on cancer cell lines and patient-derived cancer cells. Moreover, SSEA-4 targeted ZnO nanorods bind to the patient-derived cancer cells with high selectivity and the photoluminescence signal increased tremendously compared to the signal from the control samples. Furthermore, the photoluminescence intensity increase correlated with the extent of malignancy in the target cell population. A novel portable bioanalytical system, based on optical ZnO nanorods and fiber optic detection system was developed. We propose that carbohydrate SSEA-4 specific ZnO nanorods could be used for the development of cancer diagnostic biosensors and for targeted therapy.

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

Mohammad, Sabah M., E-mail: Sabahaskari14@gmail.com; Ahmed, Naser M.; Abd-Alghafour, Nabeel M.

Vertically, well-aligned and high density ZnO nanorods were successfully hydrothermally grown on glass and silicon substrates using a simple and low cost system. The mechanism of synthesis of ZnO nanorods, generated with our system under hydrothermal conditions, is investigated in this report. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy indicated that the fabricated ZnO nanorods on both substrates have hexagonal shape with diameters ranging from 20 nm to 70 nm which grew vertically from the substrate. XRD analysis confirms the formation of wurtzite ZnO phase with a preferred orientation along (002) direction perpendicular on the substrate and enhanced crystallinity. The low value ofmore » the tensile strain (0.126 %) revealed that ZnO nanorods preferred to grow along the c-axis for both substrates. Photoluminescence spectra exhibited a strong, sharp UV near band edge emission peak with narrow FWHM values for both samples.« less

Study on the effects of Ga-2N high co-doping and preferred orientation on the stability, bandgap and absorption spectrum of ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Qing-Yu; Li, Wen-Cai; Qu, Ling-Feng; Zhao, Chun-Wang

2017-06-01

Currently, the stability and visible light properties of Ga-2N co-doped ZnO systems have been studied extensively by experimental analysis and theoretical calculations. However, previous theoretical calculations arbitrarily assigned Ga- and 2N-doped sites in ZnO. In addition, the most stable and possible doping orientations of doped systems have not been fully and systematically considered. Therefore, in this paper, the electron structure and absorption spectra of the unit cells of doped and pure systems were calculated by first-principles plane-wave ultrasoft pseudopotential with the GGA+U method. Calculations were performed for pure ZnO, Ga-2N supercells heavily co-doped with Zn1-xGaxO1-yNy (x = 0.03125 - 0.0625, y = 0.0625 - 0.125) under different co-doping orientations and conditions, and the Zn16GaN2O14 interstitial model. The results indicated that under different orientations and constant Ga-2N co-doping concentrations, the systems co-doped with Ga-N atoms vertically oriented to the c-axis and with another N atom located in the nearest-neighboring site exhibited higher stability over the others, thus lowering formation energy and facilitating doping. Moreover, Ga-interstitial- and 2N-co-doped ZnO systems easily formed chemical compounds. Increasing co-doping concentration while the co-doping method remained constant decreased doped system volume and lowered formation energies. Meantime, co-doped systems were more stable and doping was facilitated. The bandgap was also narrower and red shifting of the absorption spectrum was more significant. These results agreed with previously reported experimental results. In addition, the absorption spectra of Ga-interstitial- and 2N-co-doped ZnO both blue shifted in the UV region compared with that of the pure ZnO system.

Comparative Toxicity of Nanoparticulate CuO and ZnO to Soil Bacterial Communities

PubMed Central

Rousk, Johannes; Ackermann, Kathrin; Curling, Simon F.; Jones, Davey L.

2012-01-01

The increasing industrial application of metal oxide Engineered Nano-Particles (ENPs) is likely to increase their environmental release to soils. While the potential of metal oxide ENPs as environmental toxicants has been shown, lack of suitable control treatments have compromised the power of many previous assessments. We evaluated the ecotoxicity of ENP (nano) forms of Zn and Cu oxides in two different soils by measuring their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. We could show a direct acute toxicity of nano-CuO acting on soil bacteria while the macroparticulate (bulk) form of CuO was not toxic. In comparison, CuSO4 was more toxic than either oxide form. Unlike Cu, all forms of Zn were toxic to soil bacteria, and the bulk-ZnO was more toxic than the nano-ZnO. The ZnSO4 addition was not consistently more toxic than the oxide forms. Consistently, we found a tight link between the dissolved concentration of metal in solution and the inhibition of bacterial growth. The inconsistent toxicological response between soils could be explained by different resulting concentrations of metals in soil solution. Our findings suggested that the principal mechanism of toxicity was dissolution of metal oxides and sulphates into a metal ion form known to be highly toxic to bacteria, and not a direct effect of nano-sized particles acting on bacteria. We propose that integrated efforts toward directly assessing bioavailable metal concentrations are more valuable than spending resources to reassess ecotoxicology of ENPs separately from general metal toxicity. PMID:22479561

Low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanorods: Effects of zinc salt concentration, various solvents and alkaline mineralizers

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

Edalati, Khatereh, E-mail: kh_ed834@stu.um.ac.ir; Shakiba, Atefeh; Vahdati-Khaki, Jalil

2016-02-15

Highlights: • We synthesized ZnO nanorods by a simple hydrothermal process at 60 °C. • Effects of zinc salt concentration, solvent and alkaline mineralizer was studied. • Increasing concentration of zinc salt changed ZnO nucleation system. • NaOH yielded better results in the production of nanorods in both solvents. • Methanol performed better in the formation of nanorods using the two mineralizers. - Abstract: ZnO has been produced using various methods in the solid, gaseous, and liquid states, and the hydrothermal synthesis at low temperatures has been shown to be an environmentally-friendly one. The current work utilizes a low reactionmore » temperature (60 °C) for the simple hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanorod morphologies. Furthermore, the effects of zinc salt concentration, solvent type and alkaline mineralizer type on ZnO nanorods synthesis at a low reaction temperature by hydrothermal processing was studied. Obtained samples were analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increasing the concentration of the starting zinc salt from 0.02 to 0.2 M changed ZnO nucleation system from the homogeneous to the heterogeneous state. The XRD results confirmed the production hexagonal ZnO nanostructures of with a crystallite size of 40.4 nm. Varying the experimental parameters (mineralizer and solvent) yielded ZnO nanorods with diameters ranging from 90–250 nm and lengths of 1–2 μm.« less

Developmental Toxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to Zebrafish (Danio rerio): A Transcriptomic Analysis

PubMed Central

Choi, Jin Soo; Kim, Ryeo-Ok; Yoon, Seokjoo

2016-01-01

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are being utilized in an increasing number of fields and commercial applications. While their general toxicity and associated oxidative stress have been extensively studied, the toxicological pathways that they induce in developmental stages are still largely unknown. In this study, the developmental toxicity of ZnO NPs to embryonic/larval zebrafish was investigated. The transcriptional expression profiles induced by ZnO NPs were also investigated to ascertain novel genomic responses related to their specific toxicity pathway. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L ZnO NPs for 96 h post-fertilization. The toxicity of ZnO NPs, based on their Zn concentration, was quite similar to that in embryonic/larval zebrafish exposed to corresponding ZnSO4 concentrations. Pericardial edema and yolk-sac edema were the principal malformations induced by ZnO NPs. Gene-expression profiling using microarrays demonstrated 689 genes that were differentially regulated (fold change >1.5) following exposure to ZnO NPs (498 upregulated, 191 downregulated). Several genes that were differentially regulated following ZnO NP exposure shared similar biological pathways with those observed with ZnSO4 exposure, but six genes (aicda, cyb5d1, edar, intl2, ogfrl2 and tnfsf13b) associated with inflammation and the immune system responded specifically to ZnO NPs (either in the opposite direction or were unchanged in ZnSO4 exposure). Real-time reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the responses of these genes to ZnO NPs were significantly different from their response to ZnSO4 exposure. ZnO NPs may affect genes related to inflammation and the immune system, resulting in yolk-sac edema and pericardia edema in embryonic/larval developmental stages. These results will assist in elucidating the mechanisms of toxicity of ZnO NPs during development of zebrafish. PMID:27504894

Effect of annealing on the sub-bandgap, defects and trapping states of ZnO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuono, Ruri Agung; Hermann-Westendorf, Felix; Dellith, Andrea; Schmidt, Christa; Dellith, Jan; Plentz, Jonathan; Schulz, Martin; Presselt, Martin; Seyring, Martin; Rettenmeyer, Markus; Dietzek, Benjamin

2017-02-01

Annealing treatment was applied to different mesoporous ZnO nanostructures prepared by wet chemical synthesis, i.e. nanoflowers (NFs), spherical aggregates (SPs), and nanorods (NRs). The sub-bandgap, defect properties as well as the trapping state characteristics after annealing were characterized spectroscopically, including ultrasensitive photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS), photoluminescence and photo-electrochemical methods. The comprehensive experimental analysis reveals that annealing alters both the bandgap and the sub-bandgap. The defect concentration and the density of surface traps in the ZnO nanostructures are suppressed upon annealing as deduced from photoluminescence and open-circuit voltage decay analysis. The photo-electrochemical investigations reveal that the surface traps dominate the near conduction band edge of ZnO and, hence, lead to high recombination rates when used in DSSCs. The density of bulk traps in ZnO SPs is higher than that in ZnO NFs and ZnO NRs and promote lower recombination loss between photoinjected electrons with the electrolyte-oxidized species on the surface. The highest power conversion efficiency of ZnO NFs-, ZnO SPs-, and ZnO NRs-based DSSC obtained in our system is 2.0, 4.5, and 1.8%, respectively.

Electrochemical route to the synthesis of ZnO microstructures: its nestlike structure and holding of Ag particles

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Abstract A simple and facile electrochemical route was developed for the shape-selective synthesis of large-scaled series of ZnO microstructures, including petal, flower, sphere, nest and clew aggregates of ZnO laminas at room temperature. This route is based on sodium citrate-directed crystallization. In the system, sodium citrate can greatly promote ZnO to nucleate and directly grow by selectively capping the specific ZnO facets because of its excellent adsorption ability. The morphology of ZnO is tuned by readily adjusting the concentration of sodium citrate and the electrodeposition time. Among the series structures, the remarkable ZnO nestlike structure can be used as a container to hold not only the interlaced ZnO laminas but also Ag nanoparticles in the center. The special heterostructures of nestlike ZnO holding Ag nanoparticles were found to display the superior properties on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering. This work has signified an important methodology to produce a wide assortment of desired microstructures of ZnO. PACS 81 Materials science 81.07.-b nanoscale materials and structures Fabrication Characterization 81.15.-z Methods of deposition of films Coatings Film growth and epitaxy. PMID:23414592

Impact of biogenic nanoscale metals Fe, Cu, Zn and Se on reproductive LV chickens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khiem Nguyen, Quy; Dieu Nguyen, Duy; Kien Nguyen, Van; Thinh Nguyen, Khac; Chau Nguyen, Hoai; Tin Tran, Xuan; Nguyen, Huu Cuong; Tien Phung, Duc

2015-09-01

Using biogenic nanoscale metals (Fe, Cu, ZnO, Se) to supplement into diet premix of reproductive LV (a Vietnamese Luong Phuong chicken breed) chickens resulted in certain improvement of poultry farming. The experimental data obtained showed that the farming indices depend mainly on the quantity of nanocrystalline metals which replaced the inorganic mineral component in the feed premix. All four experimental groups with different quantities of the replacement nano component grew and developed normally with livability reaching 91 to 94%, hen’s bodyweight at 38 weeks of age and egg weight ranged from 2.53-2.60 kg/hen and 50.86-51.55 g/egg, respectively. All these farming indices together with laying rate, egg productivity and chick hatchability peaked at group 5 with 25% of nanoscale metals compared to the standard inorganic mineral supplement, while feed consumption was lowest. The results also confirmed that nanocrystalline metals Fe, Cu, ZnO and Se supplemented to chicken feed were able to decrease inorganic minerals in the diet premixes at least four times, allowing animals to more effectively absorb feed minerals, consequently decreasing environmental pollution risks.

Influence of carbon content on photocatalytic performance of C@ZnO hollow nanospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Changqing; Zhu, Kexin; Jian, Zengyun; Wei, Yongxing; Gao, Ling; Zhang, Zhihong; Zheng, Deshan

2018-02-01

Mesoporous C@ZnO hollow spheres were successfully synthesized through a carbon-sphere template combined hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activities of the samples to rhodamine B (RhB) were investigated, and the sample of 3 wt% carbon has the best photocatalytic activity to RhB. The excellent photocatalytic performance could come from both enhanced photogenerated electron-hole pair separation, and the larger specific surface area induced by mesoporous hollow nanostructure. The photocatalytic performance sensitively depends upon content of amorphous carbon. Too much or too little carbon content decreases sample performance. The changes in performance according to carbon content are probably a result of the competing mechanism: the increasing rate of separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and the decreasing contact area of ZnO with RhB according to the carbon content. This work would help us to better understand the important roles of carbon content in the fabricated nano-heterojunctions and also provide us with a feasible route to improve UV photocatalytic activities of ZnO and other metal oxides greatly.

Aminolysis of polyethylene terephthalate surface along with in situ synthesis and stabilizing ZnO nanoparticles using triethanolamine optimized with response surface methodology.

PubMed

Poortavasoly, Hajar; Montazer, Majid; Harifi, Tina

2016-01-01

This research concerned the simultaneous polyester surface modification and synthesis of zinc oxide nano-reactors to develop durable photo-bio-active fabric with variable hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity under sunlight. For this purpose, triethanolamine (TEA) was applied as a stabilizer and pH adjusting chemical for the aminolysis of polyester surface and enhancing the surface reactivity along with synthesis and deposition of ZnO nanoparticles on the fabric. Therefore, TEA played a crucial role in providing the alkaline condition for the preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticles and acting as stabilizer controlling the size of the prepared nanoparticles. The stain-photodegradability regarded as self-cleaning efficiency, wettability and weight change under the process was optimized based on zinc acetate and TEA concentrations, using central composite design (CCD). Findings also suggested the potential of the prepared fabric in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria growth with greater than 99.99% antibacterial efficiency. Besides, the proposed treatment had no detrimental effect on tensile strength and hand feeling of the polyester fabric. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanostructured ZnO films on stainless steel are highly safe and effective for antimicrobial applications.

PubMed

Shim, Kyudae; Abdellatif, Mohamed; Choi, Eunsoo; Kim, Dongkyun

2017-04-01

The safety and effectiveness of antimicrobial ZnO films must be established for general applications. In this study, the antimicrobial activity, skin irritation, elution behavior, and mechanical properties of nanostructured ZnO films on stainless steel were evaluated. ZnO nanoparticle (NP) and ZnO nanowall (NW) structures were prepared with different surface roughnesses, wettability, and concentrations using an RF magnetron sputtering system. The thicknesses of ZnO NP and ZnO NW were approximately 300 and 620 nm, respectively, and ZnO NW had two diffraction directions of [0002] and [01-10] based on high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The ZnO NW structure demonstrated 99.9% antimicrobial inhibition against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Penicillium funiculosum, and no skin irritation was detected using experimental rabbits. Approximately 27.2 ± 3.0 μg L -1 Zn ions were eluted from the ZnO NW film at 100 °C for 24 h, which satisfies the WHO guidelines for drinking water quality. Furthermore, the Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of ZnO NW films on stainless steel were enhanced by 11 and 14% compared to those of the parent stainless steel. Based on these results, ZnO NW films on STS316L sheets are useful for household supplies, such as water pipes, faucets, and stainless steel containers.

In situ detection of the Zn(2+) release process of ZnO NPs in tumour cells by confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy.

PubMed

Song, Wenshuang; Tang, Xiaoling; Li, Yong; Sun, Yang; Kong, Jilie; Qingguang, Ren

2016-08-01

The use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer is not yet clear for human clinical applications, which is primarily due to the lack of a better understanding of the action mechanisms and cellular consequences of the direct exposure of cells to these NPs. In this work, the authors have selected zinquin ethyl ester, a Zn(2+)-specific fluorescent molecular probe, to efficiently differentiate ZnO NPs and Zn(2+), and combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to in situ study the Zn(2+) release process of ZnO NPs in cancer cell system through detecting the change of Zn(2+) level over time. During the experiments, the authors have designed the test group ZnO-2 in addition to assess the influence of a long-term storage on the characteristics of ZnO NPs in aqueous solution, and the Zn(2+) release process of ZnO NPs in cancer cell system. After three-month storage at room temperature, the release process became earlier and faster, which was consistent with previous results of transmission electron microscope, UV-Vis and PL spectra. It is a good detection method that combination of Zn(2+)-specific fluorescent molecular probe and CLSM, which will be helpful for ZnO NPs using in clinical research.

A Multipurpose CMOS Platform for Nanosensing

PubMed Central

Bonanno, Alberto; Sanginario, Alessandro; Marasso, Simone L.; Miccoli, Beatrice; Bejtka, Katarzyna; Benetto, Simone; Demarchi, Danilo

2016-01-01

This paper presents a customizable sensing system based on functionalized nanowires (NWs) assembled onto complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The Micro-for-Nano (M4N) chip integrates on top of the electronics an array of aluminum microelectrodes covered with gold by means of a customized electroless plating process. The NW assembly process is driven by an array of on-chip dielectrophoresis (DEP) generators, enabling a custom layout of different nanosensors on the same microelectrode array. The electrical properties of each assembled NW are singularly sensed through an in situ CMOS read-out circuit (ROC) that guarantees a low noise and reliable measurement. The M4N chip is directly connected to an external microcontroller for configuration and data processing. The processed data are then redirected to a workstation for real-time data visualization and storage during sensing experiments. As proof of concept, ZnO nanowires have been integrated onto the M4N chip to validate the approach that enables different kind of sensing experiments. The device has been then irradiated by an external UV source with adjustable power to measure the ZnO sensitivity to UV-light exposure. A maximum variation of about 80% of the ZnO-NW resistance has been detected by the M4N system when the assembled 5 μm × 500 nm single ZnO-NW is exposed to an estimated incident radiant UV-light flux in the range of 1 nW–229 nW. The performed experiments prove the efficiency of the platform conceived for exploiting any kind of material that can change its capacitance and/or resistance due to an external stimulus. PMID:27916911

A Multipurpose CMOS Platform for Nanosensing.

PubMed

Bonanno, Alberto; Sanginario, Alessandro; Marasso, Simone L; Miccoli, Beatrice; Bejtka, Katarzyna; Benetto, Simone; Demarchi, Danilo

2016-11-30

This paper presents a customizable sensing system based on functionalized nanowires (NWs) assembled onto complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The Micro-for-Nano (M4N) chip integrates on top of the electronics an array of aluminum microelectrodes covered with gold by means of a customized electroless plating process. The NW assembly process is driven by an array of on-chip dielectrophoresis (DEP) generators, enabling a custom layout of different nanosensors on the same microelectrode array. The electrical properties of each assembled NW are singularly sensed through an in situ CMOS read-out circuit (ROC) that guarantees a low noise and reliable measurement. The M4N chip is directly connected to an external microcontroller for configuration and data processing. The processed data are then redirected to a workstation for real-time data visualization and storage during sensing experiments. As proof of concept, ZnO nanowires have been integrated onto the M4N chip to validate the approach that enables different kind of sensing experiments. The device has been then irradiated by an external UV source with adjustable power to measure the ZnO sensitivity to UV-light exposure. A maximum variation of about 80% of the ZnO-NW resistance has been detected by the M4N system when the assembled 5 μ m × 500 nm single ZnO-NW is exposed to an estimated incident radiant UV-light flux in the range of 1 nW-229 nW. The performed experiments prove the efficiency of the platform conceived for exploiting any kind of material that can change its capacitance and/or resistance due to an external stimulus.

Highly conductive and transparent thin ZnO films prepared in situ in a low pressure system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ataev, B. M.; Bagamadova, A. M.; Mamedov, V. V.; Omaev, A. K.; Rabadanov, M. R.

1999-03-01

Sucessful preparation of ZnO : M epitaxial thin films (ETF) in situ doped with donor impurity M=Ga, Sn by chemical vapor despsition in a low-pressure system is reported. Highly conductive (up to 10 -4 Ω cm) and transparent ( T>85%) ZnO : M ETF have been successfully produced on single crystal (1012) sapphire substrates. Electrical properties of the films as well as their excition luminescence were studied.

Luminescence studies of laser MBE grown GaN on ZnO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewan, Sheetal; Tomar, Monika; Kapoor, Ashok K.; Tandon, R. P.; Gupta, Vinay

2017-08-01

GaN films have been successfully fabricated using Laser Molecular Beam Epitaxy (LMBE) technique on bare c-plane sapphire substrate and ZnO nanostructures (NS) decorated Si (100) substrates. The ZnO nanostructures were grown on Si (100) substrate using high pressure assisted Pulsed laser deposition technique in inert gas ambience. Discrete nanostructured morphology of ZnO was obtained using the PLD growth on Si substrates. Photoluminescence studies performed on the prepared GaN/Sapphire and GaN/ZnO-NS/Si systems, revealed a significant PL enhancement in case of GaN/ZnO-NS/Si system compared to the former. The hexagonal nucleation sites provided by the ZnO nanostructures strategically enhanced the emission of GaN film grown by Laser MBE Technique at relatively lower temperature of 700°C. The obtained results are attractive for the realization of highly luminescent GaN films on Si substrate for photonic devices.

Fe-tannic acid complex dye as photo sensitizer for different morphological ZnO based DSSCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Çakar, Soner; Özacar, Mahmut

2016-06-01

In this paper we have synthesized different morphological ZnO nanostructures via microwave hydrothermal methods at low temperature within a short time. We described different morphologies of ZnO at different Zn(NO3)2/KOH mole ratio. The ZnO nanostructures were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and UV-vis spectrophotometry. All ZnO structures have hexagonal wurtzite type structures. The FESEM images showed various morphologies of ZnO such as plate, rod and nanoparticles. Dye sensitized solar cells have been assembled by these different morphological structures photo electrode and tannic acid or Fe-tannic acid complex dye as sensitizer. We have achieved at maximum efficiencies of photovoltaic cells prepared with ZnO plate in all dye systems. The conversion efficiencies of dye sensitized solar cells are 0.37% and 1.00% with tannic acid and Fe-tannic acid complex dye, respectively.

Microstructure, electronic structure and optical properties of combustion synthesized Co doped ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinatha, N.; Nair, K. G. M.; Angadi, Basavaraj

2015-10-01

We report on the microstructure, electronic structure and optical properties of nanocrystalline Zn1-xCoxO (x=0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.07) particles prepared by solution combustion technique using L-Valine as fuel. The detailed structural and micro-structural studies were carried out by XRD, HRTEM and TEM-SAED respectively, which confirms the formation of single phased, nano-sized particles. The electronic structure was determined through NEXAFS and atomic multiplet calculations/simulations performed for various symmetries and valence states of 'Co' to determine the valance state, symmetry and crystal field splitting. The correlations between the experimental NEXAFS spectra and atomic multiplet simulations, confirms that, 'Co' present is in the 2+ valence state and substituted at the 'Zn' site in tetrahedral symmetry with crystal field splitting, 10Dq =-0.6 eV. The optical properties and 'Co' induced defect formation of as-synthesized materials were examined by using diffuse reflectance and Photoluminescence spectroscopy, respectively. Red-shift of band gap energy (Eg) was observed in Zn1-xCoxO samples due to Co (0.58 Å) substitution at Zn (0.60 Å) site of the host ZnO. Also, in PL spectra, a prominent pre-edge peak corresponds to ultraviolet (UV) emission around 360-370 nm was observed with Co concentration along with near band edge emission (NBE) of the wide band gap ZnO and all samples show emission in the blue region.

Flower-Like CuO/ZnO Hybrid Hierarchical Nanostructures Grown on Copper Substrate: Glycothermal Synthesis, Characterization, Hydrophobic and Anticorrosion Properties

PubMed Central

Beshkar, Farshad; Khojasteh, Hossein; Salavati-Niasari, Masoud

2017-01-01

In this work we have demonstrated a facile formation of CuO nanostructures on copper substrates by the oxidation of copper foil in ethylene glycol (EG) at 80 °C. On immersing a prepared CuO film into a solution containing 0.1 g Zn(acac)2 in 20 mL EG for 8 h, ZnO flower-like microstructures composed of hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) aggregated nanoparticles and spherical architectures were spontaneously formed at 100 °C. The as-synthesized thin films and 3D microstructures were characterized using XRD, SEM, and EDS techniques. The effects of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 as surfactants and stabilizers on the morphology of the CuO and ZnO structures were discussed. Possible growth mechanisms for the controlled organization of primary building units into CuO nanostructures and 3D flower-like ZnO architectures were proposed. The hydrophobic property of the products was characterized by means of water contact angle measurement. After simple surface modification with stearic acid and PDMS, the resulting films showed hydrophobic and even superhydrophobic characteristics due to their special surface energy and nano-microstructure morphology. Importantly, stable superhydrophobicity with a contact angle of 153.5° was successfully observed for CuO-ZnO microflowers after modification with PDMS. The electrochemical impedance measurements proved that the anticorrosion efficiency for the CuO/ZnO/PDMS sample was about 99%. PMID:28773056

Flower-Like CuO/ZnO Hybrid Hierarchical Nanostructures Grown on Copper Substrate: Glycothermal Synthesis, Characterization, Hydrophobic and Anticorrosion Properties.

PubMed

Beshkar, Farshad; Khojasteh, Hossein; Salavati-Niasari, Masoud

2017-06-25

In this work we have demonstrated a facile formation of CuO nanostructures on copper substrates by the oxidation of copper foil in ethylene glycol (EG) at 80 °C. On immersing a prepared CuO film into a solution containing 0.1 g Zn(acac)₂ in 20 mL EG for 8 h, ZnO flower-like microstructures composed of hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) aggregated nanoparticles and spherical architectures were spontaneously formed at 100 °C. The as-synthesized thin films and 3D microstructures were characterized using XRD, SEM, and EDS techniques. The effects of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 as surfactants and stabilizers on the morphology of the CuO and ZnO structures were discussed. Possible growth mechanisms for the controlled organization of primary building units into CuO nanostructures and 3D flower-like ZnO architectures were proposed. The hydrophobic property of the products was characterized by means of water contact angle measurement. After simple surface modification with stearic acid and PDMS, the resulting films showed hydrophobic and even superhydrophobic characteristics due to their special surface energy and nano-microstructure morphology. Importantly, stable superhydrophobicity with a contact angle of 153.5° was successfully observed for CuO-ZnO microflowers after modification with PDMS. The electrochemical impedance measurements proved that the anticorrosion efficiency for the CuO/ZnO/PDMS sample was about 99%.

High-density two-dimensional electron system induced by oxygen vacancies in ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rödel, T. C.; Dai, J.; Fortuna, F.; Frantzeskakis, E.; Le Fèvre, P.; Bertran, F.; Kobayashi, M.; Yukawa, R.; Mitsuhashi, T.; Kitamura, M.; Horiba, K.; Kumigashira, H.; Santander-Syro, A. F.

2018-05-01

We realize a two-dimensional electron system (2DES) in ZnO by simply depositing pure aluminum on its surface in ultrahigh vacuum and characterize its electronic structure by using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The aluminum oxidizes into alumina by creating oxygen vacancies that dope the bulk conduction band of ZnO and confine the electrons near its surface. The electron density of the 2DES is up to two orders of magnitude higher than those obtained in ZnO heterostructures. The 2DES shows two s -type subbands, that we compare with the d -like 2DESs in titanates, with clear signatures of many-body interactions that we analyze through a self-consistent extraction of the system self-energy and a modeling as a coupling of a two-dimensional Fermi liquid with a Debye distribution of phonons.

Light-controlled resistive switching characteristics in ZnO/BiFeO3/ZnO thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Dandan; Li, Xiaoping; Wang, Junshuai; Wu, Liangchen; Chen, Peng

2018-07-01

ZnO/BiFeO3/ZnO multilayer was fabricated on silicon (Si) substrate by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering system. The resistive switching characteristics in ZnO/BiFeO3/ZnO devices are observed, and the resistive switching behavior can be modulated by white light.

Angle-dependent photodegradation over ZnO nanowire arrays on flexible paper substrates

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In this study, we grew zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire arrays on paper substrates using a two-step growth strategy. In the first step, we formed single-crystalline ZnO nanoparticles of uniform size distribution (ca. 4 nm) as seeds for the hydrothermal growth of the ZnO nanowire arrays. After spin-coating of these seeds onto paper, we grew ZnO nanowire arrays conformally on these substrates. The crystal structure of a ZnO nanowire revealed that the nanowires were single-crystalline and had grown along the c axis. Further visualization through annular bright field scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed that the hydrothermally grown ZnO nanowires possessed Zn polarity. From photocatalytic activity measurements of the ZnO nanowire (NW) arrays on paper substrate, we extracted rate constants of 0.415, 0.244, 0.195, and 0.08 s-1 for the degradation of methylene blue at incident angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, and 75°, respectively; that is, the photocatalytic activity of these ZnO nanowire arrays was related to the cosine of the incident angle of the UV light. Accordingly, these materials have promising applications in the design of sterilization systems and light-harvesting devices. PMID:25593556

Structural, mechanical and optical investigations in the TeO2-rich part of the TeO2-GeO2-ZnO ternary glass system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghribi, N.; Dutreilh-Colas, M.; Duclère, J.-R.; Gouraud, F.; Chotard, T.; Karray, R.; Kabadou, A.; Thomas, P.

2015-02-01

Stable glasses are successfully synthesized in the TeO2-GeO2-ZnO system at 850 °C by the melt-quenching method and the glass forming domain is determined in the TeO2-rich part of the diagram. The thermal study, carried out using differential scanning calorimetry, reveals that the glass transition temperature, as well as the thermal stability, increases with the addition of ZnO or GeO2. Bulk glass samples are elaborated within two series of compositions, corresponding to fixed concentrations in GeO2 (respectively 5 or 10 mol. %), and to various contents in ZnO. Structural changes caused by the ZnO addition are discussed based on Raman spectroscopy data. A progressive but very moderate network depolymerization is shown with increasing amount of ZnO. However, two different regimes can be identified, depending on the ZnO content. It is believed that ZnO acts as a network modifier for compositions below 20 mol. %, and starts to participate as a glass network former over such concentration. It is well evidenced that GeO2 contributes to the increase in Young's modulus E, evaluated from ultrasonic echography measurements. In addition, this oxide favors the network reticulation detected by the decrease of the Poisson ratio and the increase of the fractal bond connectivity. However, the role of ZnO is more complicated and will be extensively discussed. The decrease in the atomic packing density Cg probably explains the global evolution of E as a function of ZnO content. The refractive indices and optical band gap energies are extracted from UV-Visible-NIR optical transmission data. For the studied glasses, it is found that the transmission threshold decreases with larger ZnO contents, reflecting the increase in the optical band gap value. Refractive index is finally seen to decrease as a function of both ZnO and GeO2 contents. Such variation is explained by the decrease of the molar electronic polarizability, and by the lower optical basicity values known for TeO3 entities in comparison to TeO4 units.

Characterization of thermal destruction behavior of hybrid composites based on polyoxymethylene, ethylene-octene copolymer impact modifier and ZnO nanofiller

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

Meri, Remo Merijs; Zicans, Janis; Abele, Agnese

Hybrid polymer nanocomposites, composed of polyoxymethylene (POM), ethylene octene copolymer (EOC) and plasma synthesized tetrapod shaped zinc oxide (ZnO), were prepared by using melt compounding. The content of EOC in the POM based composites was varied between 10 and 50 mass %, while the content of ZnO was constant (2 mass %). Thermal behaviour of POM based systems was studied by using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of the elastomer content and/or ZnO addition on the thermal stability of POM based systems was evaluated. The influence of the α-octene content in the elastomer on themore » thermal decomposition behaviour of POM and its nanocomposites with ZnO was also evaluated. Results of thermogravimetric analysis showed that, by rising either the elastomer or ZnO content, thermal stability of the investigated POM composites was increased. The modifying effect of EOC17 in respect of thermal resistance was somewhat larger than that of EOC38 because of the smaller amount of tertiary carbon atoms in the macromolecular structure of the former elastomer. Improved thermal resistance of ZnO containing POM based composites was because of impermeable structure the inorganic nanofiller allowing decrease gas exchange rate and facilitating non-combustible gases, such as CO{sub 2}, stay in the zone of burning. Addition of ZnO have a potential to influence structure of the polymer blend matrix itself by improving its barrier characteristics.« less

Temperature dependent optical properties of (002) oriented ZnO thin film using surface plasmon resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Shibu; Mehan, Navina; Sreenivas, K.; Gupta, Vinay

2009-08-01

Temperature dependent optical properties of c-axis oriented ZnO thin film were investigated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. SPR data for double layer (prism-Au-ZnO-air) and single layer (prism-Au-air) systems were taken over a temperature range (300-525 K). Dielectric constant at optical frequency and real part of refractive index of the ZnO film shows an increase with temperature. The bandgap of the oriented ZnO film was found to decrease with rise in temperature. The work indicates a promising application of the system as a temperature sensor and highlights an efficient scientific tool to study optical properties of thin film under varying ambient conditions.

Efficient acetone sensor based on Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures prepared by spray pyrolysis technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darunkar, Swapnil S.; Acharya, Smita A.

2018-05-01

Ni-doped ZnO thin film was prepared by home-built spray pyrolysis unit for the detection of acetone at 300°C. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of as-developed thin film of undoped ZnO exhibits large quantity of spherical, non-agglomerated particles with uniform size while in Ni-doped ZnO, particles are quite non-uniform in nature. The particle size estimated by using image J are obtained to be around 20-200 nm. Ni-doping effect on band gaps are determined by UV-vis optical spectroscopy and band gap of Ni-doped ZnO is found to be 3.046 eV. Nickel doping exceptionally enhances the sensing response of ZnO as compared to undoped ZnO system. The major role of the Ni-doping is to create more active sites for chemisorbed oxygen on the surface of sensor and correspondingly, to improve the sensing response. The 6 at.% of Ni-doped ZnO exhibits the highest response (92%) for 100 ppm acetone at 300 °C.

IR-Spectroscopic Study on the Interface of Cu-Based Methanol Synthesis Catalysts: Evidence for the Formation of a ZnO Overlayer

DOE PAGES

Schumann, Julia; Kröhnert, Jutta; Frei, Elias; ...

2017-08-28

Carbon monoxide was applied as probe molecule to compare the surface of a ZnO-containing (Cu/ZnO:Al) and a ZnO-free (Cu/MgO) methanol synthesis catalyst (copper content 70 atomic %) after reduction in hydrogen at 523 K by DRIFT spectroscopy. Nano-structured, mainly metallic copper was detected on the surface of the Cu/MgO catalyst. In contrast, the high energy of the main peak in the spectrum of CO adsorbed on reduced Cu/ZnO:Al (2125 cm -1) proves that metallic copper is largely absent on the surface of this catalyst. The band is assigned to Zn δ+–CO. The presence of not completely reduced Cu δ+–CO speciesmore » cannot be excluded. The results are interpreted in terms of a partial coverage of the copper nano-particles in the Cu/ZnO:Al catalyst by a thin layer of metastable, defective zinc oxide. Minor contributions in the spectrum at 2090 and 2112 cm -1 due to nano-structured Cu 0–CO and CO adsorbed on highly defective Cu 0, respectively, indicate that the coverage of metallic copper is not complete.« less

IR-Spectroscopic Study on the Interface of Cu-Based Methanol Synthesis Catalysts: Evidence for the Formation of a ZnO Overlayer

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

Schumann, Julia; Kröhnert, Jutta; Frei, Elias

Carbon monoxide was applied as probe molecule to compare the surface of a ZnO-containing (Cu/ZnO:Al) and a ZnO-free (Cu/MgO) methanol synthesis catalyst (copper content 70 atomic %) after reduction in hydrogen at 523 K by DRIFT spectroscopy. Nano-structured, mainly metallic copper was detected on the surface of the Cu/MgO catalyst. In contrast, the high energy of the main peak in the spectrum of CO adsorbed on reduced Cu/ZnO:Al (2125 cm -1) proves that metallic copper is largely absent on the surface of this catalyst. The band is assigned to Zn δ+–CO. The presence of not completely reduced Cu δ+–CO speciesmore » cannot be excluded. The results are interpreted in terms of a partial coverage of the copper nano-particles in the Cu/ZnO:Al catalyst by a thin layer of metastable, defective zinc oxide. Minor contributions in the spectrum at 2090 and 2112 cm -1 due to nano-structured Cu 0–CO and CO adsorbed on highly defective Cu 0, respectively, indicate that the coverage of metallic copper is not complete.« less

Synthesis and electrochemical performances of LiNiCuZn oxides as anode and cathode catalyst for low temperature solid oxide fuel cell.

PubMed

Jing, Y; Qin, H; Liu, Q; Singh, M; Zhu, B

2012-06-01

Low temperature solid oxide fuel cell (LTSOFC, 300-600 degrees C) is developed with advantages compared to conventional SOFC (800-1000 degrees C). The electrodes with good catalytic activity, high electronic and ionic conductivity are required to achieve high power output. In this work, a LiNiCuZn oxides as anode and cathode catalyst is prepared by slurry method. The structure and morphology of the prepared LiNiCuZn oxides are characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The LiNiCuZn oxides prepared by slurry method are nano Li0.28Ni0.72O, ZnO and CuO compound. The nano-crystallites are congregated to form ball-shape particles with diameter of 800-1000 nm. The LiNiCuZn oxides electrodes exhibits high ion conductivity and low polarization resistance to hydrogen oxidation reaction and oxygen reduction reaction at low temperature. The LTSOFC using the LiNiCuZn oxides electrodes demonstrates good cell performance of 1000 mW cm(-2) when it operates at 470 degrees C. It is considered that nano-composite would be an effective way to develop catalyst for LTSOFC.

The role of ion irradiation in activating silent Raman modes via tuning in plasmonic behaviour and surface disorder of Au/ZnO/Pt NFG system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Udai B.; Gautam, Subodh K.; Kumar, Sunil; Ojha, Sunil; Ghosh, Santanu; Singh, Fouran

2017-09-01

The perceptible progression of Raman modes of zinc oxide (ZnO) is studied in nanostructures film gap (Au (10 nm)/ZnO (70 nm)/Pt (50 nm)) system with 1.2 MeV Xe ion irradiation. Unattainable silent Raman modes of ZnO turn out to be strongly visible after ion irradiation. The creation of ion-beam-induced lattice disorder, defects, and impurities in a ZnO layer leads to breakdown the translational crystal symmetry that results in the origin of silent modes. The formation of hot-spots in the ZnO layer of the NFG system also supports the enhancement of the intensity of Raman modes. Overall results are attributed to combined effects of lattice disorder, defects, and impurities along with plasmonic effect and explained in the framework of elastic-thermal-spike formation.

Highly sensitive H2 gas sensor of Co doped ZnO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhati, Vijendra Singh; Ranwa, Sapana; Kumar, Mahesh

2018-04-01

In this report, the hydrogen gas sensing properties based on Co doped ZnO nanostructures are explored. The undoped and Co doped nanostructures were grown by RF magnetron sputtering system, and its structural, morphological, and hydrogen sensing behavior are investigated. The maximum relative response was occurred by the 2.5% Co doped ZnO nanostructures among undoped and other doped sensors. The enhancement of relative response might be due to large chemisorbed sites formation on the ZnO surface for the reaction to hydrogen gas.

Residual stress and bending strength of ZnO films deposited on polyimide sheet by RF sputtering system

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

Kusaka, Kazuya, E-mail: kusaka@tokushima-u.ac.jp; Maruoka, Yutaka, E-mail: ymaruoka1116@gmail.com; Matsue, Tatsuya, E-mail: tmatsue@mat.niihama-nct.ac.jp

2016-05-15

Zinc oxide (ZnO) films were deposited on a soft polyimide sheet substrate by radio frequency sputtering with a ZnO powder target, and the films' crystal orientations and residual stress were investigated using x-ray diffraction as a function of substrate temperature. C-axis oriented ZnO films were achieved using this ZnO powder target method. The ZnO films exhibited high compressive residual stresses between −0.7 and −1.4 GPa. Finally, the authors examined the strength of the obtained film by applying tensile bending loads. No cracks were observed on the surfaces of the ZnO films after a bending test using cylinders with diameters >25 mm. Aftermore » a bending test using a cylinder with a diameter of 19 mm, large cracks were formed on the films. Therefore, the authors concluded that the tensile bending strength of the obtained films was greater than ∼420 MPa.« less

Seedless-grown of ZnO thin films for photoelectrochemical water splitting application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, Aidahani; Hamid, Muhammad Azmi Abdul; Chiu, W. S.

2018-04-01

We developed a seedless hydrothermal method to grow a flower like ZnO nanorods. Prior to the growth, a layer of Au thin film is sputtered onto the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate. The morphological, structural and optical properties of the ZnO nanostructures were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflection measurement to understand the growth process of the working thin film. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) results suggest that the deposition of ZnO nanorods on Au nanoparticles plays an important role in enhancing the photoelectrode activity. H2 evolution from photo-splitting of water over Au-incorporated ZnO in the 0.1M NaOH liquid system was enhanced, compared to that over bare ZnO; particularly, the production of 15.5 µL of H2 gas after twenty five minutes exposure of ZnO grown on Au-coated thin film.

Sol-gel synthesized ZnO for optoelectronics applications: a characterization review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harun, Kausar; Hussain, Fayaz; Purwanto, Agus; Sahraoui, Bouchta; Zawadzka, Anna; Azmin Mohamad, Ahmad

2017-12-01

The rapid growth in green technology has resulted in a marked increase in the incorporation of ZnO in energy and optoelectronic devices. Research involving ZnO is being given renewed attention in the quest to fully exploit its promising properties. The purity and state of defects in the ZnO system are optimized through several modifications to the synthesis conditions and the starting materials. These works have been verified through a series of characterizations. This review covers the essential characterization outcomes of pure ZnO nanoparticles. Emphasis is placed on recent techniques, examples and some issues concerning sol-gel synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. Thermal, phase, structural and morphological observations are combined to ascertain the level of purity of ZnO. The subsequent elemental and optical characterizations are also discussed. This review would be the collective information and suggestions at one place for investigators to focus on the best development of ZnO-based optical and energy devices.

Effect of CO on the field emission properties of tetrapod zinc oxide cathode.

PubMed

Wang, Jinchan; Zhang, Xiaobing; Lei, Wei; Mao, Fuming; Cui, Yunkang; Xiao, Mei

2012-08-01

Tetrapod zinc oxide (T-ZnO), being a kind of nano-material, has large specific surface area and surface binding energy, which will make it sensitive to the ambient gas condition. So the field emission properties will be influenced by the gas adsorption when being applied as the cathode materials of field emission devices. Carbon monoxide is the main residual gas in T-ZnO field emission devices. In this paper, carbon monoxide was introduced into a field emission device with T-ZnO emitters. The field emission currents of tetrapod ZnO were compared before and after exposure to CO.

Friction and wear behaviors and mechanisms of ZnO and graphite in Cu-based friction materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Tianhua

2018-03-01

Based on powder metallurgy method, nanometer graphite reinforced copper matrix friction materials were prepared. The nanometer zinc oxide were obtained by the hydro-thermal synthesis. Nanoparticles on friction performances of copper-based materials was studied. The wear morphology were investigated by metallographic microscopes. Tribological performance were use the inertia friction and wear testing machine. Experimental results show that the friction factor of the friction material added by nanometer zinc oxide and nano graphite are high and stable, which has no obvious recession phenomenon with the increase of number of joint compared with not add nanoparticles of friction materials.

Analysis of engineered nanomaterials in the environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, Robert Bruce

With increasing incorporation of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) into consumer products, there is concern that these materials will be released to the environment with unknown ecological effects. Methods for detection and characterization of these materials at environmentally relevant concentrations are crucial to understanding this potential risk. A relatively new method, single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICPMS), was applied to analysis of metal oxide NPs such as ZnO, CeO2, and TiO2, as well as silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes. A lack of nanoparticulate "pulses" in spICPMS analysis of nano-ZnO led to a study on ZnO NP solubility in a variety of matrices. Dissolution of nano-ZnO was observed in nanopure water (7.18 - 7.40 mg/L dissolved Zn, as measured by filtration) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI-1640) (~5 mg/L), but much more dissolution was observed in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), where the dissolved Zn concentration exceeded 34 mg/L. These results suggest that solution chemistry exerts a strong influence on ZnO NP dissolution and can result in limits on zinc solubility due to precipitation of less soluble solid phases. Detection and sizing of metal-containing NPs was achieved at concentrations predicted for environmental samples (part-per trillion levels) using spICPMS. Sizing of silver nanowires, titanium dioxide and cerium oxide NPs was done by correlating ICP-MS response (pulses) from NPs entering the plasma to mass of metal in dissolved standards. The ratio of NP pulse detections to the total number of readings during analysis was optimized at 2.5% or less to minimize coincident pulses while still allowing definition of a size distribution. Detection of single walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was performed using spICPMS. This study focuses on using trace catalytic metal nanoparticles intercalated in the CNT structure as proxies for the nanotubes. The small, variable, amount of trace metal in each CNT makes separation from instrumental background challenging, and multiple approaches to this problem were attempted. To highlight the potential of spICPMS in environmental studies the release of CNTs from polymer nanocomposites into solution was monitored, showcasing the technique's ability to detect changes in released CNT concentrations as a function of CNT loading.

Gold-Based Nanostructures for Ultrafast Dynamic Nanothermometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Hongtao

Nano-scale temperature measurements are of significance for fundamental understanding of functional applications and nanosystems, requiring ultimate miniaturization of thermometers with reduced size, maintained sensitivity, simplicity and accuracy of temperature reading. Particularly, grand challenges exist for scenarios of combustion or thermal shock where materials may be subjected to drastic temperature variations and extreme thermal flux, and dynamic thermal sensors with an ultrafast response (seconds to milliseconds) are yet to be developed. Targeting the developments of advanced nano-scale thermal sensors with a fast time response and rapid readout, this thesis reports innovative designs of high surface-to-volume ratio gold nanostructures including ultrathin gold island films on transparent quartz substrates and silica-gold core-shell (SiO2 Au) nanospheres as potential dynamic thermal sensors for accurate temperature determination. The sensing mechanism is based on strong temperature dependences of the thermally-dewetting-induced morphological self-reorganization and characteristic surface plasmon (SP) absorption of the gold nanostructures. The irreversible thermally-induced morphological and optical signatures behave as characteristic "fingerprints" for temperature recording, allowing the retrieval of thermal history ex-situ. The fundamental studies of thermal-induced dewetting process and its corresponding unique optical properties were extensively investigated by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, which illustrate temperature and time dependent variations. As compared with current nanothermometer technologies such as metal-filled nanotubes, our thermo-sensor offers positively synergistic advantages of ultrafast time response, permanent recording and fast readout of thermal history, and ex-situ capability for effective temperature measurements. In addition, SiO2 Au nanospheres display simultaneously enhanced near bandgap edge (NBE) emissions and suppress defect level emission (DLE) of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), significantly improving the UV emission of the ZnO. Maximum emission enhancement by nearly 4 times was observed using SiO2 Au nanospheres with SP band at 554 nm. The enhanced UV emission is ascribed to the transfer of the energetic electrons excited by SP from gold nanoshells to the conduction band of ZnO. As a result of their superior tunability of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), the SiO2 Au core/shell nanospheres may be very useful in tuning the photoluminescence for a wide range of optoelectronic applications.

Zinc Oxide-Based Schottky Diode Prepared Using Radio-Frequency Magnetron Cosputtering System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Bo-Ting; Lee, Ching-Ting; Hong, Jhen-Dong; Yao, Shiau-Lu; Liu, Day-Shan

2010-08-01

The rectifying property of a zinc oxide (ZnO)-based Schottky diode prepared using a radio-frequency (rf) magnetron cosputtering system was improved by enhancing the cosputtered ZnO crystal quality, thereby optimizing the ohmic contact resistance and compensating the Schottky contact surface states. An undoped ZnO layer with a high c-axis orientation and a low internal residual stress was achieved using a postannealing treatment. A homogeneous n-type ZnO-indium tin oxide (ITO) cosputtered film was deposited onto the undoped ZnO layer to optimize the ohmic contact behavior to the Al electrode. The Schottky contact surface of the undoped ZnO layer to the Ni/Au electrode was passivated using an oxygen plasma treatment. Owing to the compensation of the native oxygen vacancies (VO) on the undoped ZnO surface, the leakage current markedly decreased and subsequently led to a quality Schottky diode performance with an ideality factor of 1.23 and a Schottky barrier height of 0.82 eV.

Opto-mechano-electrical tripling in ZnO nanowires probed by photocurrent spectroscopy in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope

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

Zhang, C.; Golberg, D., E-mail: xuzhi@iphy.ac.cn, E-mail: golberg.dmitri@nims.go.jp; Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 3058577

2015-08-31

Photocurrent spectroscopy of individual free-standing ZnO nanowires inside a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) is reported. By using specially designed optical in situ TEM system capable of scanning tunneling microscopy probing paired with light illumination, opto-mechano-electrical tripling phenomenon in ZnO nanowires is demonstrated. Splitting of photocurrent spectra at around 3.3 eV under in situ TEM bending of ZnO nanowires directly corresponds to nanowire deformation and appearance of expanded and compressed nanowire sides. Theoretical simulation of a bent ZnO nanowire has an excellent agreement with the experimental data. The splitting effect could be explained by a change in the valence band structuremore » of ZnO nanowires due to a lattice strain. The strain-induced splitting provides important clues for future flexible piezo-phototronics.« less

Fabrication and Performance Study on Individual Zno Nanowires Based Bioelectrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yanguang; Yan, Xiaoqin; Kang, Zhuo; Lin, Pei

2012-08-01

One-dimensional zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) have unique advantages for use in biosensors as follows: oxide stable surface, excellent biosafety, high specific surface area, high isoelectric point (IEP = 9.5). In this work, we have prepared a kind of electrochemical bioelectrode based on individual ZnO NWs. Here, ZnO NWs with high quality were successfully synthesized by CVD method, which were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence. Then the Raman spectra and electrical characterization demonstrated the adsorption of uricase on ZnO wires. At last, a series of electrochemical measurements were carried out by using an electrochemical workstation with a conventional three-electrode system to obtain the cyclic voltammetry characteristics of the bioelectrodes. The excellent performance of the fabricated bioelectrode implies the potential application for single ZnO nanowire to construct electrochemical biosensor for the detection of uric acid.

Li diffusion in epitaxial (11 $bar 2$ 0) ZnO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, P.; Zhong, J.; Emanetoglu, N. W.; Chen, Y.; Muthukumar, S.; Lu, Y.

2004-06-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) possesses many interesting properties, such as a wide energy bandgap, large photoconductivity, and high excitonic binding energy. Chemical-vapor-deposition-grown ZnO films generally show n-type conductivity. A compensation doping process is needed to achieve piezoelectric ZnO, which is needed for surface acoustic wave (SAW), bulk acoustic wave, and micro-electromechanical system devices. In this work, a gas-phase diffusion process is developed to achieve piezoelectric (11bar 20) ZnO films. Comparative x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements confirmed that high crystal quality and good surface morphology were preserved after diffusion. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements show a broad band emission with a peak wavelength at ˜580 nm, which is associated with Li doping. The SAW, including both Rayleigh-wave and Love-wave modes, is achieved along different directions in piezoelectric (11bar 20) ZnO films grown on an r-plane sapphire substrate.

Zinc Alloys for the Fabrication of Semiconductor Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryu, Yungryel; Lee, Tae S.

2009-01-01

ZnBeO and ZnCdSeO alloys have been disclosed as materials for the improvement in performance, function, and capability of semiconductor devices. The alloys can be used alone or in combination to form active photonic layers that can emit over a range of wavelength values. Materials with both larger and smaller band gaps would allow for the fabrication of semiconductor heterostructures that have increased function in the ultraviolet (UV) region of the spectrum. ZnO is a wide band-gap material possessing good radiation-resistance properties. It is desirable to modify the energy band gap of ZnO to smaller values than that for ZnO and to larger values than that for ZnO for use in semiconductor devices. A material with band gap energy larger than that of ZnO would allow for the emission at shorter wavelengths for LED (light emitting diode) and LD (laser diode) devices, while a material with band gap energy smaller than that of ZnO would allow for emission at longer wavelengths for LED and LD devices. The amount of Be in the ZnBeO alloy system can be varied to increase the energy bandgap of ZnO to values larger than that of ZnO. The amount of Cd and Se in the ZnCdSeO alloy system can be varied to decrease the energy band gap of ZnO to values smaller than that of ZnO. Each alloy formed can be undoped or can be p-type doped using selected dopant elements, or can be n-type doped using selected dopant elements. The layers and structures formed with both the ZnBeO and ZnCdSeO semiconductor alloys - including undoped, p-type-doped, and n-type-doped types - can be used for fabricating photonic and electronic semiconductor devices for use in photonic and electronic applications. These devices can be used in LEDs, LDs, FETs (field effect transistors), PN junctions, PIN junctions, Schottky barrier diodes, UV detectors and transmitters, and transistors and transparent transistors. They also can be used in applications for lightemitting display, backlighting for displays, UV and visible transmitters and detectors, high-frequency radar, biomedical imaging, chemical compound identification, molecular identification and structure, gas sensors, imaging systems, and for the fundamental studies of atoms, molecules, gases, vapors, and solids.

Hydrothermal Growth of ZnO Nanowires on UV-Nanoimprinted Polymer Structures.

PubMed

Park, Sooyeon; Moore, Sean A; Lee, Jaejong; Song, In-Hyouk; Farshchian, Bahador; Kim, Namwon

2018-05-01

Integration of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires on miniaturized polymer structures can broaden its application in multi-functional polymer devices by taking advantages of unique physical properties of ZnO nanowires and recent development of polymer microstructures in analytical systems. In this paper, we demonstrate the hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanowires on polymer microstructures fabricated by UV nanoimprinting lithography (NIL) using a polyurethane acrylate (PUA). Since PUA is a siloxane-urethane-acrylate compound containing the alpha-hydroxyl ketone, UV-cured PUA include carboxyl groups, which inhibit and suppress the nucleation and growth of ZnO nanowires on polymer structures. The presence of carboxyl groups in UV-cured PUA was substantiated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a Ag thin film was deposited on the nanoimprinted polymer structures to limit their inhibitive influence on the growth of ZnO nanowires. Furthermore, the naturally oxidized Ag layer (Ag2O) reduced crystalline lattice mismatches at the interface between ZnO-Ag during the seed annealing process. The ZnO nanowires grown on the Ag-deposited PUA microstructures were found to have comparable morphological characteristics with ZnO nanowires grown on a Si wafer.

Evaluation of Vertical Integrated Nanogenerator Performances in Flexion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, R.; Hinchet, R.; Ardila, G.; Mouis, M.

2013-12-01

Piezoelectric nanowires have attracted great interest as new building blocks of mechanical energy harvesting systems. This paper presents the design improvements of mechanical energy harvesters integrating vertical ZnO piezoelectric nanowires onto a Silicon or plastic membrane. We have calculated the energy generation and conversion performance of ZnO nanowires based vertical integrated nanogenerators in flexion mode. We show that in flexion mode ZnO nanowires are superior to bulk ZnO layer. Both mechanical and electrical effects of matrix materials on the potential generation and energy conversion are discussed, in the aim of guiding further improvement of nanogenerator performance.

Theoretical study of electronic transfer current rate at dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AL-Agealy, Hadi J. M.; AlMaadhede, Taif Saad; Hassooni, Mohsin A.; Sadoon, Abbas K.; Ashweik, Ahmed M.; Mahdi, Hind Abdlmajeed; Ghadhban, Rawnaq Qays

2018-05-01

In this research, we present a theoretical study of electronic transfer kinetics rate in N719/TiO2 and N719/ZnO dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) systems using a simple model depending on the postulate of quantum mechanics theory. The evaluation of the electronic transition current rate in DSSC systems are function of many parameters such that; the reorientation transition energies ΛSe m D y e , the transition coupling parameter ℂT(0), potential exponential effect e-(E/C-EF ) kBT , unit cell volume VSem, and temperature T. Furthermore, the analysis of electronic transfer current rate in N719/TiO2 and N719/ZnO systems show that the rate upon dye-sensitization solar cell increases with increases of transition coupling parameter, decreasing potential that building at interface a results of different material in this devices and increasing with reorientation transition energy. On the other hand, we can find the electronic transfer behavior is dependent of the dye absorption spectrum and mainly depending on the reorientation of transition energy. The replacement of the solvents in both DSSC system caused increasing of current rates dramatically depending on polarity of solvent in subset devices. This change in current rate of electron transfer were attributed to much more available of recombination sites introduced by the solvents medium. The electronic transfer current dynamics are shown to occurs in N719/TiO2 system faster many time compare to ocuures at N719/ZnO system, this indicate that TiO2 a is a good and active material compare with ZnO to using in dye sensitized solar cell devices. In contrast, the large current rate in N719/TiO2 comparing to ZnO of N719/ZnO systems indicate that using TiO2 with N719 dye lead to increasing the efficiency of DSSC.

Enhancement of ZnO-based flexible nano generators via a sol-gel technique for sensing and energy harvesting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajagopalan, P.; Singh, Vipul; Palani, I. A.

2018-03-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a remarkable inorganic semiconductor with exceptional piezoelectric properties compared to other semiconductors. However, in comparison to lead-based hazardous piezoelectric materials, its properties have undesired limitations. Here we report a 5˜6 fold enhancement in piezoelectric features via chemical doping of copper matched to intrinsic ZnO. A flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (F-PENG) device was fabricated using an unpretentious solution process of spin coating, with other advantages such as robustness, low-weight, improved adhesion, and low cost. The device was used to demonstrate energy harvesting from a standard weight as low as 4 gm and can work as a self-powered mass sensor in a broad range of 4 to 100 gm. The device exhibited a novel energy harvesting technique from a wind source due to its inherent flexibility. At three different velocities (10˜30 m s-1) and five different angles of attack (0˜180 degrees), the device validated the ability to discern different velocities and directions of flow. The device will be useful for mapping the flow of air apart from harvesting the energy. The simulation was done to verify the underlining mechanism of aerodynamics involved.

Highly-sensitive cholesterol biosensor based on platinum-gold hybrid functionalized ZnO nanorods.

PubMed

Wang, Chengyan; Tan, Xingrong; Chen, Shihong; Yuan, Ruo; Hu, Fangxin; Yuan, Dehua; Xiang, Yun

2012-05-30

A novel scheme for the fabrication of gold/platinum hybrid functionalized ZnO nanorods (Pt-Au@ZnONRs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified electrode is presented and its application for cholesterol biosensor is investigated. Firstly, Pt-Au@ZnONRs was prepared by the method of chemical synthesis. Then, the Pt-Au@ZnONRs suspension was dropped on the MWCNTs modified glass carbon electrode, and followed with cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) immobilization by the adsorbing interaction between the nano-material and ChOx as well as the electrostatic interaction between ZnONRs and ChOx molecules. The combination of MWCNTs and Pt-Au@ZnONRs provided a favorable environment for ChOx and resulted in the enhanced analytical response of the biosensor. The resulted biosensor exhibited a linear response to cholesterol in the wide range of 0.1-759.3 μM with a low detection limit of 0.03 μM and a high sensitivity of 26.8 μA mM(-1). The calculated apparent Michaelis constant K(M)(app) was 1.84 mM, indicating a high affinity between ChOx and cholesterol. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effect of UV Aging on Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of PLA Films with Incorporated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Mizielińska, Małgorzata; Kowalska, Urszula; Jarosz, Michał; Sumińska, Patrycja; Landercy, Nicolas; Duquesne, Emmanuel

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of accelerated UV-aging on the activity against chosen microorganisms and the mechanical properties of poly-lactic acid (PLA) films enhanced with ZnO nanoparticles. The pure PLA films and tri-layered PLAZnO1%/PLA/PLAZnO1% films of 150 µm thickness were extruded. The samples were treated with UV-A and Q-SUN irradiation. After irradiation the antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of the films were analyzed. The results of the study demonstrated that PLA films did not inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus atrophaeus, and Candida albicans cells. PLA films with incorporated zinc oxide nanoparticles decreased the number of analyzed microorganisms. Accelerated UV aging had no negative effect on the activity of the film containing nano-ZnO against Gram-positive bacteria, but it influenced the activity against Gram-negative cells and C. albicans. Q-SUN irradiation decreased the antimicrobial effect of films with incorporated nanoparticles against B. cereus. UV-A and Q-UV irradiation did not influence the mechanical properties of PLA films containing incorporated ZnO nanoparticles. PMID:29670066

The Effect of UV Aging on Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of PLA Films with Incorporated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Mizielińska, Małgorzata; Kowalska, Urszula; Jarosz, Michał; Sumińska, Patrycja; Landercy, Nicolas; Duquesne, Emmanuel

2018-04-18

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of accelerated UV-aging on the activity against chosen microorganisms and the mechanical properties of poly-lactic acid (PLA) films enhanced with ZnO nanoparticles. The pure PLA films and tri-layered PLAZnO1%/PLA/PLAZnO1% films of 150 µm thickness were extruded. The samples were treated with UV-A and Q-SUN irradiation. After irradiation the antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of the films were analyzed. The results of the study demonstrated that PLA films did not inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus cereus , Escherichia coli , Bacillus atrophaeus , and Candida albicans cells. PLA films with incorporated zinc oxide nanoparticles decreased the number of analyzed microorganisms. Accelerated UV aging had no negative effect on the activity of the film containing nano-ZnO against Gram-positive bacteria, but it influenced the activity against Gram-negative cells and C. albicans . Q-SUN irradiation decreased the antimicrobial effect of films with incorporated nanoparticles against B. cereus . UV-A and Q-UV irradiation did not influence the mechanical properties of PLA films containing incorporated ZnO nanoparticles.

Kinetic Study on Mutagenic Chemical Degradation through Three Pot Synthesiszed Graphene@ZnO Nanocomposite

PubMed Central

Shoeb, Mohd; Singh, Braj Raj; Mobin, Mohammad; Afreen, Gul; Khan, Wasi; Naqvi, Alim H.

2015-01-01

The study was taken up with the objective to synthesize graphene-zinc oxide nano particles (NPs) nanocomposite (Gr@ZnO-Nc) via In-situ synthesis method. The structural, optical, thermal, electrical and photocatalytic properties of the synthesized Gr@ZnO-Nc were studied. The characterization data confirmed that the ZnO NPs were successfully incorporated into the graphene sheets. Further, TGA/DTA results exhibited an enhanced thermal stability of the Gr@ZnO-Nc compared with the graphene. The Gr@ZnO-Nc, graphene sheets were uniformly wrapped by ZnO NPs, which can protect graphene and delay their oxidation in air. The synthesized Gr@ZnO-Nc was used for the efficient photodegradation of a carcinogenic methyl orange (MO) dye. The results exhibited promising photodegradation of the MO dye under UV light irradiation through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The promising effect of Gr@ZnO-Nc on the photodegradation properties was conferred by the large surface area which increased adsorption capacity, and the strong electron transfer ability. Thus, it is encouraging to conclude that the synthesized Gr@ZnO-Nc has environmental significance with its utility in remediation in the hazardous MO dye. PMID:26287672

Antibacterial, physical and mechanical properties of flowable resin composites containing zinc oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tavassoli Hojati, Sara; Alaghemand, Homayoon; Hamze, Faeze; Ahmadian Babaki, Fateme; Rajab-Nia, Ramazan; Rezvani, Mohammad Bagher; Kaviani, Mehrnoosh; Atai, Mohammad

2013-05-01

The aim of this study is evaluating the antibacterial activity of resin composites containing ZnO nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans and examining their physical and mechanical properties. The properties of flowable resin composites containing 0-5wt.% nano-ZnO are investigated using different tests: Although the agar diffusion test reveals no significant difference between the groups, the direct contact test demonstrates that by increasing the nanoparticle content, the bacterial growth is significantly diminished (p<0.05). In the aging test, however, the antibacterial properties reduce significantly (p<0.05). The flexural strength and compressive modulus remains unchanged by incorporation of nanoparticles (p>0.05) while the compressive strength and flexural modulus significantly increase (p<0.05). The ZnO containing resins show significantly lower depth of cure (p<0.05), and higher bond strength (p<0.05). There is no significant difference between the degrees of conversion, measured by FTIR technique, of the groups (p>0.05). Production of a dental resin composite with antibacterial activity without significant sacrificing effect on the mechanical properties is desirable in dental material science. Copyright © 2013 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis Structural and Optical Properties Of (Co, Al) co-doped ZnO Nano Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swapna, P.; Venkatramana Reddy, S.

2018-02-01

We prepared (Co, Al) co-doped ZnO nanostructures using the method chemical co-precipitation successfully, at room temperature using PEG (Poly ethylene glycol) as stabilizing agent. Samples are prepared with different concentrations by keeping aluminium at 5 mol percent constant and varying the concentration of cobalt from 1 to 5 mol percent. After the preparation all the samples are carefully subjected to characterizations such as XRD, SEM with EDS, TEM, PL and UV-VIS-NIR. XRD pattern shows that all the samples possess hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure having no secondary phases pertaining to Al or cobalt, which shows successful dissolution of the dopents. TEM results shows the accurate size of particles and is confirmed the XRD data. SEM images of all the samples shows that particles are in nearly spherical shape, EDS spectrum reveals that incorporation of cobalt and aluminum in host lattice. PL spectrum shows that all the samples containing two prominent peaks centered at 420 nm and 446 nm. UV-VIS-NIR spectra has shown three absorptions peaks in the range of wavelength 550 nm to 700 nm, which are ascribed as typical d-d transitions of cobalt ions.

UVA radiation induced ultrafast electron transfer from a food carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene to organic molecules, biological macromolecules, and inorganic nano structures.

PubMed

Banerjee, Soma; Sarkar, Soumik; Lakshman, Karthik; Dutta, Joydeep; Pal, Samir Kumar

2013-04-11

Reactions involving electron transfer (ET) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis and cancer biochemistry. Our present study emphasizes UVA radiation induced ET reaction as one of the key aspects of a potential carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene (BP), in the presence of a wide variety of molecules covering organic p-benzoquinone (BQ), biological macromolecules like calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA), human serum albumin (HSA) protein, and inorganic zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs). Steady-state and picosecond-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy have been used to monitor such ET reactions. Physical consequences of BP association with CT-DNA have been investigated through temperature-dependent circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The temperature-dependent steady-state, picosecond-resolved fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy studies reveal the effect of temperature on the perturbation of such ET reactions from BP to biological macromolecules, highlighting their temperature-dependent association. Furthermore, the electron-donating property of BP has been corroborated by measuring wavelength-dependent photocurrent in a BP-anchored ZnO NR-based photodevice, offering new physical insights for the carcinogenic study of BP.

Enhancement of ZnO-based flexible nano generators via a sol-gel technique for sensing and energy harvesting applications.

PubMed

Rajagopalan, P; Singh, Vipul; Palani, I A

2018-02-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a remarkable inorganic semiconductor with exceptional piezoelectric properties compared to other semiconductors. However, in comparison to lead-based hazardous piezoelectric materials, its properties have undesired limitations. Here we report a 5∼6 fold enhancement in piezoelectric features via chemical doping of copper matched to intrinsic ZnO. A flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (F-PENG) device was fabricated using an unpretentious solution process of spin coating, with other advantages such as robustness, low-weight, improved adhesion, and low cost. The device was used to demonstrate energy harvesting from a standard weight as low as 4 gm and can work as a self-powered mass sensor in a broad range of 4 to 100 gm. The device exhibited a novel energy harvesting technique from a wind source due to its inherent flexibility. At three different velocities (10∼30 m s -1 ) and five different angles of attack (0∼180 degrees), the device validated the ability to discern different velocities and directions of flow. The device will be useful for mapping the flow of air apart from harvesting the energy. The simulation was done to verify the underlining mechanism of aerodynamics involved.

[Influence of different sol-gel system on the luminescence of nanocrystalline ZnO powder].

PubMed

Guo, Shu-xia; Zhang, Xing-tang; Zhang, Zhong-suo; Zhao, Hui-ling; Li, Yun-cai; Huang, Ya-bin; Du, Zu-liang

2005-08-01

ZnO nanopowders were prepared by the sol-gel techniques with two kinds of solvent. Microstructure of powder samples was examined by XRD and TEM. The results indicate that the two ZnO samples have the same crystal and energy band structure. Their photoluminescence (PL) spectra in ultraviolet region are analogous, but their photoluminescence (PL) spectra in visible region are different. The reason is that the two kinds of solvent with different polarity result in the difference in configuration and distribution of the sample surface states in the two systems.

[Influence of different sol-gel systems on the luminescence of nanocrystalline ZnO powders].

PubMed

Guo, Shu-xia; Zhang, Zhong-suo; Zhang, Xing-tang; Zhao, Hui-ling; Li, Yun-cai; Huang, Ya-bin; Du, Zu-liang

2005-11-01

ZnO nanopowders were prepared by the sol-gel techniques with two kinds of solvent. Microstructure of the powdersamples was examined by XRD and TEM. The results indicate that two ZnO samples have the same crystal and energy band structure. Their photolurminescence (PL) spectra in the ultraviolet region are analogous, but their photoluminescence (PL) spectra in the visible region are different. The reason is that two kinds of solvent with different polarity result in the difference in configuration and distribution of the sample surface states in the two systems.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles inhibit murine photoreceptor-derived cell proliferation and migration via reducing TGF-β and MMP-9 expression in vitro.

PubMed

Guo, Da Dong; Li, Qing Ning; Li, Chun Min; Bi, Hong Sheng

2015-04-01

To investigate behaviour and expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9) in murine photoreceptor-derived cells (661W) after incubation with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. We explored effects of ZnO nanoparticles on 661W cells using a real-time cell electronic sensing system, flow cytometry, multiple function microplate reading, real-time quantitative PCR detection system and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Our results indicate that ZnO nanoparticles induced overload of calcium and reactive oxygen species within cells, causing formation of apoptotic bodies, disruption of cell cycle distribution, and reduction in expression of TGF-β and MMP-9, to suppress cell proliferation and migration. Our findings show that disruption of intracellular calcium homoeostasis and overproduction of reactive oxygen species were closely associated with reduction of TGF-β and MMP-9 in 661W cells under ZnO nanoparticle treatment. Results of our study indicate that ZnO nanoparticles suppressed cell proliferation and migration, and reduced production of TGF-β and MMP-9 at both gene and protein levels. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that reduced TGF-β and MMP-9 levels inhibit cell proliferation and migration under ZnO nanoparticle influence. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Structure and morphology of magnetron sputter deposited ultrathin ZnO films on confined polymeric template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Ajaib; Schipmann, Susanne; Mathur, Aakash; Pal, Dipayan; Sengupta, Amartya; Klemradt, Uwe; Chattopadhyay, Sudeshna

2017-08-01

The structure and morphology of ultra-thin zinc oxide (ZnO) films with different film thicknesses on confined polymer template were studied through X-ray reflectivity (XRR) and grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). Using magnetron sputter deposition technique ZnO thin films with different film thicknesses (<10 nm) were grown on confined polystyrene with ∼2Rg film thickness, where Rg ∼ 20 nm (Rg is the unperturbed radius of gyration of polystyrene, defined by Rg = 0.272 √M0, and M0 is the molecular weight of polystyrene). The detailed internal structure, along the surface/interfaces and the growth direction of the system were explored in this study, which provides insight into the growth procedure of ZnO on confined polymer and reveals that a thin layer of ZnO, with very low surface and interface roughness, can be grown by DC magnetron sputtering technique, with approximately full coverage (with bulk like electron density) even in nm order of thickness, in 2-7 nm range on confined polymer template, without disturbing the structure of the underneath template. The resulting ZnO-polystyrene hybrid systems show strong ZnO near band edge (NBE) and deep-level (DLE) emissions in their room temperature photoluminescence spectra, where the contribution of DLE gets relatively stronger with decreasing ZnO film thickness, indicating a significant enhancement of surface defects because of the greater surface to volume ratio in thinner films.

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structures and thermal analyses of some new antimicrobial zinc complexes: New configurations and nano-size structures.

PubMed

Masoudiasl, A; Montazerozohori, M; Naghiha, R; Assoud, A; McArdle, P; Safi Shalamzari, M

2016-04-01

Some new five coordinated ZnLX2 complexes, where L is N3-Schiff base ligand obtained by condensation reaction between diethylenetriamine and (E)-3-(2-nitrophenyl)acrylaldehyde and X (Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), N3(-) and NCS(-)), were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, (1)H and (13)CNMR, UV-visible, ESI-mass spectra and molar conductivity measurements. The structures of zinc iodide and thiocyanate complexes were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The X-ray results showed that the Zn (II) center in these complexes is five-coordinated in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal configuration. Zinc iodide and thiocyanate complexes crystallize in the monoclinic and triclinic systems with space groups of C2/c and P1- with eight and two molecules per unit cell respectively. The crystal packing of the complexes consists of intermolecular interactions such as C-H(…)O and C-H(…)I, C-H(···)S, N(…)O, together with π-π stacking and some other unexpected interactions. The mentioned interactions cause three-dimensional supramolecular structure in the solid state. Zinc complexes were also prepared in nano-structure by sonochemical method confirmed by XRD, SEM and TEM analyses. Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by direct thermolysis of zinc iodide complex. Furthermore, antimicrobial and thermal properties of the compounds were completely investigated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanostructured surfaces using thermal nanoimprint lithography: Applications in thin membrane technology, piezoelectric energy harvesting and tactile pressure sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabar, Bhargav Pradip

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is emerging as a viable contender for fabrication of large-scale arrays of 5-500 nm features. The work presented in this dissertation aims to leverage the advantages of NIL for realization of novel Nano Electro Mechanical Systems (NEMS). The first application is a nanoporous membrane blood oxygenator system. A fabrication process for realization of thin nanoporous membranes using thermal nanoimprint lithography is presented. Suspended silicon nitride membranes were fabricated by Low-Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) in conjunction with a potassium hydroxide-based bulk micromachining process. Nanoscale features were imprinted into a commercially available thermoplastic polymer resist using a pre-fabricated silicon mold. The pattern was reversed and transferred to a thin aluminum oxide layer by means of a novel two stage lift-off technique. The patterned aluminum oxide was used as an etch mask in a CHF3/He based reactive ion etch process to transfer the pattern to silicon nitride. Highly directional etch profiles with near vertical sidewalls and excellent Si3N4/Al2O3 etch selectivity was observed. One-micrometer-thick porous membranes with varying dimensions of 250x250 microm2 to 450x450 microm 2 and pore diameter of 400 nm have been engineered and evaluated. Results indicate that the membranes have consistent nanopore dimensions and precisely defined porosity, which makes them ideal as gas exchange interfaces in blood oxygenation systems as well as other applications such as dialysis. Additionally, bulk -- micromachined microfluidic channels have been developed for uniform, laminar blood flow with minimal cell trauma. NIL has been used for ordered growth of crystalline nanostructures for sensing and energy harvesting. Highly ordered arrays of crystalline ZnO nanorods have been fabricated using a polymer template patterned by thermal nanoimprint lithography, in conjunction with a low temperature hydrothermal growth process. Zinc Oxide nanorods were characterized to determine their piezoelectric response to an applied force. An atomic force microscope operating in the force spectroscopy mode was used to apply forces in the nN range. In contrast to previously published reports using lateral tip motion (C-AFM), the action of the tip in our experiment was perpendicular to the plane of the nanorods, allowing a more defined tip -- nanorod interaction. Voltage pulses of a positive polarity with amplitude ranging from hundreds of microV to few mV were observed. The tip -- nanorod interaction was modeled using commercial solid modeling software and was simulated using finite element analysis. Comparison of the results yielded useful observations for design of piezoelectric energy harvesters/sensors using ZnO nanorods. A nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) piezoelectric energy harvester using crystalline ZnO nanowires is developed. The device converts ambient vibrations into usable electrical energy for low power sensor applications. This is accomplished by mechanical excitation of an ordered ZnO nanorod array using a suspended bulk micromachined proof mass. The device is capable of generating up to 14.2 mV single polarity voltage under an input vibration of amplitude 1 g (9.8 m/s2) at a frequency of 1.10 kHz. Finally, large area arrays of ordered ZnO piezoelectric nanorods are developed on flexible substrates towards self-powered sensing skin for robots. The sensor array is designed to measure tactile pressure in the 10 kPa-- 200 kPa range with 1 mm spatial resolution. A voltage signal in the range of few mV is observed in response to applied pressure. This work represents the first demonstration of perfectly ordered, vertically aligned, crystalline ZnO nanorod arrays, fabricated in polyimides to ensure conformity to non-planar surfaces such as a robot's. The sensors are self-packaged using a flexible substrate and a superstrate. In addition to the novelty of the sensor structure itself, the work includes an innovative low-temperature hydrothermal ZnO growth process compatible with the temperature restrictions imposed by the polyimide substrate/superstrate.

Zinc oxide as a new antimicrobial preservative of topical products: interactions with common formulation ingredients.

PubMed

Pasquet, Julia; Chevalier, Yves; Couval, Emmanuelle; Bouvier, Dominique; Bolzinger, Marie-Alexandrine

2015-02-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) appears as a promising preservative for pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations. The other ingredients of the formulations may have specific interactions with ZnO that alter its antimicrobial properties. The influence of common formulation excipients on the antimicrobial efficacy of ZnO has been investigated in simple model systems and in typical topical products containing a complex formulation. A wide variety of formulation excipients have been investigated for their interactions with ZnO: antioxidants, chelating agents, electrolytes, titanium dioxide pigment. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO against Escherichia coli was partially inhibited by NaCl and MgSO4 salts. A synergistic influence of uncoated titanium dioxide has been observed. The interference effects of antioxidants and chelating agents were quite specific. The interactions of these substances with ZnO particles and with the soluble species released by ZnO were discussed so as to reach scientific guidelines for the choice of the ingredients. The preservative efficacy of ZnO was assessed by challenge testing in three different formulations: an oil-in-water emulsion; a water-in-oil emulsion and a dry powder. The addition of ZnO in complex formulations significantly improved the microbiological quality of the products, in spite of the presence of other ingredients that modulate the antimicrobial activity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microstructure evolution of Al-doped zinc oxide films prepared by in-line reactive mid-frequency magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, R. J.; Jiang, X.

2006-07-01

Aluminium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al or AZO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by reactive mid-frequency (MF) magnetron sputtering from Zn/Al metallic targets. Strong (002) preferred orientation was detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was observed by plan-view transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that an AZO film deposited at low substrate temperature was composed of irregular large grains; but the film prepared at high temperature was composed of moderate sized grains with a regular shape. A secondary phase of ZnO2 was also observed for the film deposited at low substrate temperature. The cross-sectional TEM study of the AZO film showed that prior to the well-aligned columnar growth an initial interfacial zone with nano crystallites were formed. The nano crystallites formed initially with a large tilt angle normal to the substrate surface and during the growth of the transition zone, the tilt angle decreased until it vanished. The evolution of the film structure is discussed in terms of evolutionary selection model and the dynamic deposition process.

Scalable high-mobility MoS2 thin films fabricated by an atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition process at ambient temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chung-Che; Al-Saab, Feras; Wang, Yudong; Ou, Jun-Yu; Walker, John C.; Wang, Shuncai; Gholipour, Behrad; Simpson, Robert E.; Hewak, Daniel W.

2014-10-01

Nano-scale MoS2 thin films are successfully deposited on a variety of substrates by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) at ambient temperature, followed by a two-step annealing process. These annealed MoS2 thin films are characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), micro-Raman, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-VIS-NIR spectrometry, photoluminescence (PL) and Hall Effect measurement. Key optical and electronic properties of APCVD grown MoS2 thin films are determined. This APCVD process is scalable and can be easily incorporated with conventional lithography as the deposition is taking place at room temperature. We also find that the substrate material plays a significant role in the crystalline structure formation during the annealing process and single crystalline MoS2 thin films can be achieved by using both c-plane ZnO and c-plane sapphire substrates. These APCVD grown nano-scale MoS2 thin films show great promise for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic applications.

Room temperature enhanced red emission from novel Eu(3+) doped ZnO nanocrystals uniformly dispersed in nanofibers.

PubMed

Zhang, Yongzhe; Liu, Yanxia; Li, Xiaodong; Wang, Qi Jie; Xie, Erqing

2011-10-14

Achieving red emission from ZnO-based materials has long been a goal for researchers in order to realize, for instance, full-color display panels and solid-state light-emitting devices. However, the current technique using Eu(3+) doped ZnO for red emission generation has a significant drawback in that the energy transfer from ZnO to Eu(3+) is inefficient, resulting in a low intensity red emission. In this paper, we report an efficient energy transfer scheme for enhanced red emission from Eu(3+) doped ZnO nanocrystals by fabricating polymer nanofibers embedded with Eu(3+) doped ZnO nanocrystals to facilitate the energy transfer. In the fabrication, ZnO nanocrystals are uniformly dispersed in polymer nanofibers prepared by the high electrical field electrospinning technique. Enhanced red emission without defect radiation from the ZnO matrix is observed. Three physical mechanisms for this observation are provided and explained, namely a small ZnO crystal size, uniformity distribution of ZnO nanocrystals in polymers (PVA in this case), and strong bonding between ZnO and polymer through the -OH group bonding. These explanations are supported by high resolution transmission emission microscopy measurements, resonant Raman scattering characterizations, photoluminescence spectra and photoluminescence excitation spectra measurements. In addition, two models exploring the 'accumulation layer' and 'depletion layer' are developed to explain the reasons for the more efficient energy transfer in our ZnO nanocrystal system compared to that in the previous reports. This study provides an important approach to achieve enhanced energy transfer from nanocrystals to ions which could be widely adopted in rare earth ion doped materials. These discoveries also provide more insights into other energy transfer problems in, for example, dye-sensitized solar cells and quantum dot solar cells.

Characterization and device applications of ZnO films deposited by high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Partridge, J. G.; Mayes, E. L. H.; McDougall, N. L.; Bilek, M. M. M.; McCulloch, D. G.

2013-04-01

ZnO films have been reactively deposited on sapphire substrates at 300 °C using a high impulse power magnetron sputtering deposition system and characterized structurally, optically and electronically. The unintentionally doped n-type ZnO films exhibit high transparency, moderate carrier concentration (˜5 × 1018 cm-3) and a Hall mobility of 8.0 cm2 V-1 s-1, making them suitable for electronic device applications. Pt/ZnO Schottky diodes formed on the HiPIMS deposited ZnO exhibited rectification ratios up to 104 at ±2 V and sensitivity to UV light.

Dimensional-Hybrid Structures of 2D Materials with ZnO Nanostructures via pH-Mediated Hydrothermal Growth for Flexible UV Photodetectors.

PubMed

Lee, Young Bum; Kim, Seong Ku; Lim, Yi Rang; Jeon, In Su; Song, Wooseok; Myung, Sung; Lee, Sun Sook; Lim, Jongsun; An, Ki-Seok

2017-05-03

Complementary combination of heterostructures is a crucial factor for the development of 2D materials-based optoelectronic devices. Herein, an appropriate solution for fabricating complementary dimensional-hybrid nanostructures comprising structurally tailored ZnO nanostructures and 2D materials such as graphene and MoS 2 is suggested. Structural features of ZnO nanostructures hydrothermally grown on graphene and MoS 2 are deliberately manipulated by adjusting the pH value of the growing solution, which will result in the formation of ZnO nanowires, nanostars, and nanoflowers. The detailed growth mechanism is further explored for the structurally tailored ZnO nanostructures on the 2D materials. Furthermore, a UV photodetector based on the dimensional-hybrid nanostructures is fabricated, which demonstrates their excellent photocurrent and mechanical durability. This can be understood by the existence of oxygen vacancies and oxygen-vacancies-induced band narrowing in the ZnO nanostructures, which is a decisive factor for determining their photoelectrical properties in the hybrid system.

Investigation of the Structural, Electrical, and Optical Properties of the Nano-Scale GZO Thin Films on Glass and Flexible Polyimide Substrates

PubMed Central

Wang, Fang-Hsing; Chen, Kun-Neng; Hsu, Chao-Ming; Liu, Min-Chu; Yang, Cheng-Fu

2016-01-01

In this study, Ga2O3-doped ZnO (GZO) thin films were deposited on glass and flexible polyimide (PI) substrates at room temperature (300 K), 373 K, and 473 K by the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method. After finding the deposition rate, all the GZO thin films with a nano-scale thickness of about 150 ± 10 nm were controlled by the deposition time. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the GZO thin films were not amorphous and all exhibited the (002) peak, and field emission scanning electron microscopy showed that only nano-scale particles were observed. The dependences of the structural, electrical, and optical properties of the GZO thin films on different deposition temperatures and substrates were investigated. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) was used to measure the elemental composition at the chemical and electronic states of the GZO thin films deposited on different substrates, which could be used to clarify the mechanism of difference in electrical properties of the GZO thin films. In this study, the XPS binding energy spectra of Ga2p3/2 and Ga2p1/2 peaks, Zn2p3/2 and Zn2p1/2 peaks, the Ga3d peak, and O1s peaks for GZO thin films on glass and PI substrates were well compared. PMID:28335216

Electron transport in the two-dimensional channel material - zinc oxide nanoflake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Jian-Jhong; Jian, Dunliang; Lin, Yen-Fu; Ku, Ming-Ming; Jian, Wen-Bin

2018-03-01

ZnO nanoflakes of 3-5 μm in lateral size and 15-20 nm in thickness are synthesized. The nanoflakes are used to make back-gated transistor devices. Electron transport in the ZnO nanoflake channel between source and drain electrodes are investigated. In the beginning, we argue and determine that electrons are in a two-dimensional system. We then apply Mott's two-dimensional variable range hopping model to analyze temperature and electric field dependences of resistivity. The disorder parameter, localization length, hopping distance, and hopping energy of the electron system in ZnO nanoflakes are obtained and, additionally, their temperature behaviors and dependences on room-temperature resistivity are presented. On the other hand, the basic transfer characteristics of the channel material are carried out, as well, and the carrier concentration, the mobility, and the Fermi wavelength of two-dimensional ZnO nanoflakes are estimated.

3D highly oriented nanoparticulate and microparticulate array ofmetal oxide materials

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

Vayssieres, Lionel; Guo, Jinghua; Nordgren, Joseph

2006-09-15

Advanced nano and micro particulate thin films of 3d transition and post-transition metal oxides consisting of nanorods and microrods with parallel and perpendicular orientation with respect to the substrate normal, have been successfully grown onto various substrates by heteronucleation, without template and/or surfactant, from the aqueous condensation of solution of metal salts or metal complexes (aqueous chemical growth). Three-dimensional arrays of iron oxide nanorods and zinc oxide nanorods with parallel and perpendicular orientation are presented as well as the oxygen K-edge polarization dependent x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) study of anisotropic perpendicularly oriented microrod array of ZnO performed at synchrotron radiationmore » source facility.« less

Screening strategy to avoid toxicological hazards of inhaled nanoparticles for drug delivery: The use of a-quartz and nano zinc oxide particles as benchmark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beyerle, Andrea; Schulz, Holger; Kissel, Thomas; Stoeger, Tobias

2009-02-01

Nanotechnology is a broad, revolutionary field with promising advantages for new medicine. In this context the rapid development and improvement of so called nanocarriers is of high pharmaceutical interest and some devices are already on the market. In our project we aim to develop well characterized nanoscaled drug delivery systems for an inhalative application. To this end, we focus on the most adverse side-effects within the lung, the cytotoxic and the proinflammatory responses to these nanoparticles (NPs). Before performing any animal experiments, we start with an in vitro screening for analyzing the cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects of the investigated particles on two murine lung target cell lines, the alveolar epithelial like typ II cell line (LA4) and the alveolar macrophage cell line (MH-S). Three different endpoints were estimated, (i) cellular metabolic activity, determined by the WST-1 assay, (ii) membrane integrity, by detection of LDH release and hemolytic activity, and (iii) secretion of inflammatory mediators. To analyze the relative particle toxicity we choose two reference particles as benchmarks, (i) fine a-quartz, and (ii) ultrafine ZnO particles. The investigation of dose-response and kinetics of proinflammatory and toxic effects caused to the named cell lines provide an insight to a close evaluation of our cell based screening strategy. oc-quartz is well known for its inflammatory and toxic potential caused by inhalation, and nanosized ZnO particles - used in a broad field of nanotechnology like electronics, but also cosmetics and pharmaceuticals - is to a high degree cytotoxic and proinflammatory in vitro. Preliminary experiments indicated not only particle and cell specific inflammatory responses, but also different susceptibilities of the cell types being exposed to our benchmark particles regarding their size and surface activities. Exposure to the μm-sized a-quartz particles affected the viability of epithelia cells less than that of macrophages, pointing to the impact of particle uptake by phagocytosis. In contrast, the nanosized ZnO particles caused much stronger decrease in cell viability and higher levels of LDH in the macrophage cell line compared to epithelial cells, even though the hemolytic activity was much higher for the a-quartz particles than for the nanosized ZnO. For the proinflammatory effects, we observed a clear dose-dependent release of acute phase cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, G-CSF> CXCL10>CCL2) for both alveolar cell lines after Min-U-Sil exposure. After ZnO treatment the cytokine responses were negligible compare to control cells. In conclusion, our data attach value to the use of different cell types to detect different pathways of toxicity generated by different particle properties. Therefore, we will establish both lung target cell lines for an in vitro screening to analyze proinflammatory and cytotoxicity effects of nanocarriers. The implementation of the two reference particles facilitate the validated classification of the cytotoxic responses caused by the NPs investigated.

Effect of Silver Dopants on the ZnO Thin Films Prepared by a Radio Frequency Magnetron Co-Sputtering System

PubMed Central

Liu, Fang-Cheng; Li, Jyun-Yong; Chen, Tai-Hong; Chang, Chun-How; Lee, Ching-Ting; Hsiao, Wei-Hua; Liu, Day-Shan

2017-01-01

Ag-ZnO co-sputtered films at various atomic ratios of Ag (Ag/(Ag + Zn) at.%) were prepared by a radio frequency magnetron cosputtering system, using the co-sputtered targets of Ag and ZnO. The activation of the Ag acceptors (AgZn) and the formation of the Ag aggregations (Ag0) in the ZnO matrix were investigated from XRD, Raman scattering, and XPS measurements. The Ag-ZnO co-sputtered film behaving like a p-type conduction was achievable after annealing at 350 °C under air ambient for 1 h. PMID:28773159

Development and validation of TOF-SIMS and CLSM imaging method for cytotoxicity study of ZnO nanoparticles in HaCaT cells.

PubMed

Lee, Pei-Ling; Chen, Bo-Chia; Gollavelli, Ganesh; Shen, Sin-Yu; Yin, Yu-Sheng; Lei, Shiu-Ling; Jhang, Cian-Ling; Lee, Woan-Ruoh; Ling, Yong-Chien

2014-07-30

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) exhibit novel physiochemical properties and have found increasing use in sunscreen products and cosmetics. The potential toxicity is of increasing concern due to their close association with human skin. A time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) imaging method was developed and validated for rapid and sensitive cytotoxicity study of ZnO NPs using human skin equivalent HaCaT cells as a model system. Assorted material, chemical, and toxicological analysis methods were used to confirm their shape, size, crystalline structure, and aggregation properties as well as dissolution behavior and effect on HaCaT cell viability in the presence of various concentrations of ZnO NPs in aqueous media. Comparative and correlative analyses of aforementioned results with TOF-SIMS and CLSM imaging results exhibit reasonable and acceptable outcome. A marked drop in survival rate was observed with 50μg/ml ZnO NPs. The CLSM images reveal the absorption and localization of ZnO NPs in cytoplasm and nuclei. The TOF-SIMS images demonstrate elevated levels of intracellular ZnO concentration and associated Zn concentration-dependent (40)Ca/(39)K ratio, presumably caused by the dissolution behavior of ZnO NPs. Additional validation by using stable isotope-labeled (68)ZnO NPs as tracers under the same experimental conditions yields similar cytotoxicity effect. The imaging results demonstrate spatially-resolved cytotoxicity relationship between intracellular ZnO NPs, (40)Ca/(39)K ratio, phosphocholine fragments, and glutathione fragments. The trend of change in TOF-SIMS spectra and images of ZnO NPs treated HaCaT cells demonstrate the possible mode of actions by ZnO NP involves cell membrane disruption, cytotoxic response, and ROS mediated apoptosis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ZnO thin film piezoelectric MEMS vibration energy harvesters with two piezoelectric elements for higher output performance.

PubMed

Wang, Peihong; Du, Hejun

2015-07-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based vibration energy harvesters with two different designs are presented. These harvesters consist of a silicon cantilever, a silicon proof mass, and a ZnO piezoelectric layer. Design I has a large ZnO piezoelectric element and Design II has two smaller and equally sized ZnO piezoelectric elements; however, the total area of ZnO thin film in two designs is equal. The ZnO thin film is deposited by means of radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method and is characterized by means of XRD and SEM techniques. These ZnO energy harvesters are fabricated by using MEMS micromachining. The natural frequencies of the fabricated ZnO energy harvesters are simulated and tested. The test results show that these two energy harvesters with different designs have almost the same natural frequency. Then, the output performance of different ZnO energy harvesters is tested in detail. The effects of series connection and parallel connection of two ZnO elements on the load voltage and power are also analyzed. The experimental results show that the energy harvester with two ZnO piezoelectric elements in parallel connection in Design II has higher load voltage and higher load power than the fabricated energy harvesters with other designs. Its load voltage is 2.06 V under load resistance of 1 MΩ and its maximal load power is 1.25 μW under load resistance of 0.6 MΩ, when it is excited by an external vibration with frequency of 1300.1 Hz and acceleration of 10 m/s(2). By contrast, the load voltage of the energy harvester of Design I is 1.77 V under 1 MΩ resistance and its maximal load power is 0.98 μW under 0.38 MΩ load resistance when it is excited by the same vibration.

A facile green antisolvent approach to Cu2+-doped ZnO nanocrystals with visible-light-responsive photoactivities.

PubMed

Lu, Yi-Hsuan; Lin, Wei-Hao; Yang, Chao-Yao; Chiu, Yi-Hsuan; Pu, Ying-Chih; Lee, Min-Han; Tseng, Yuan-Chieh; Hsu, Yung-Jung

2014-08-07

An environmentally benign antisolvent method has been developed to prepare Cu(2+)-doped ZnO nanocrystals with controllable dopant concentrations. A room temperature ionic liquid, known as a deep eutectic solvent (DES), was used as the solvent to dissolve ZnO powders. Upon the introduction of the ZnO-containing DES into a bad solvent which shows no solvation to ZnO, ZnO was precipitated and grown due to the dramatic decrease of solubility. By adding Cu(2+) ions to the bad solvent, the growth of ZnO from the antisolvent process was accompanied by Cu(2+) introduction, resulting in the formation of Cu(2+)-doped ZnO nanocrystals. The as-prepared Cu(2+)-doped ZnO showed an additional absorption band in the visible range (400-800 nm), which conduced to an improvement in the overall photon harvesting efficiency. Time-resolved photoluminescence spectra, together with the photovoltage information, suggested that the doped Cu(2+) may otherwise trap photoexcited electrons during the charge transfer process, inevitably depressing the photoconversion efficiency. The photoactivity of Cu(2+)-doped ZnO nanocrystals for photoelectrochemical water oxidation was effectively enhanced in the visible region, which achieved the highest at 2.0 at% of Cu(2+). A further increase in the Cu(2+) concentration however led to a decrease in the photocatalytic performance, which was ascribed to the significant carrier trapping caused by the increased states given by excessive Cu(2+). The photocurrent action spectra illustrated that the enhanced photoactivity of the Cu(2+)-doped ZnO nanocrystals was mainly due to the improved visible photon harvesting achieved by Cu(2+) doping. These results may facilitate the use of transition metal ion-doped ZnO in other photoconversion applications, such as ZnO based dye-sensitized solar cells and magnetism-assisted photocatalytic systems.

Effects of humic acid on the interactions between zinc oxide nanoparticles and bacterial biofilms

DOE PAGES

Ouyang, Kai; Yu, Xiao-Ying; Zhu, Yunlin; ...

2017-08-26

The effects of humic acid (HA) on interactions between ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilms at different maturity stages were investigated. Three stages of biofilm development were identified according to bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity associated with biofilm development process. In the initial biofilm stage 1, the ATP content of bacteria was reduced by more than 90% when biofilms were exposed to ZnO NPs. But, in the mature biofilm stages 2 and 3, the ATP content was only slightly decreased. Biofilms at stage 3 exhibited less susceptibility to ZnO NPs than biofilms at stage 2. These resultsmore » suggest that more mature biofilms have a significantly higher tolerance to ZnO NPs compared to young biofilms. In addition, biofilms with intact extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) showed higher tolerance to ZnO NPs than those without EPS, indicating that EPS play a key role in alleviating the toxic effects of ZnO NPs. In both pure ZnO NPs and ZnO-HA mixtures, dissolved Zn 2+ originating from the NPs significantly contributed to the overall toxicity. The presence of HA dramatically decreased the toxicity of ZnO NPs due to the binding of Zn 2+ on HA. Furthermore, the combined results from this work suggest that the biofilm maturity stages and environmental constituents (such as humic acid) are important factors to consider when evaluating potential risks of NPs to ecological systems.« less

Effects of humic acid on the interactions between zinc oxide nanoparticles and bacterial biofilms

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

Ouyang, Kai; Yu, Xiao-Ying; Zhu, Yunlin

The effects of humic acid (HA) on interactions between ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilms at different maturity stages were investigated. Three stages of biofilm development were identified according to bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity associated with biofilm development process. In the initial biofilm stage 1, the ATP content of bacteria was reduced by more than 90% when biofilms were exposed to ZnO NPs. However, in the mature biofilm stages 2 and 3, the ATP content was only slightly decreased. Biofilms at stage 3 exhibited less susceptibility to ZnO NPs than biofilms at stage 2. These resultsmore » suggest that more mature biofilms have a significantly higher tolerance to ZnO NPs compared to young biofilms. In addition, biofilms with intact extracellular poly-meric substances (EPS) showed higher tolerance to ZnO NPs than those without EPS, indicating that EPS play a key role in alleviating the toxic effects of ZnO NPs. In both pure ZnO NPs and ZnO-HA mixtures, dissolved Zn 2+ originating from the NPs significantly contributed to the overall toxicity. The presence of HA dramatically decreased the toxicity of ZnO NPs due to the binding of Zn 2+ on HA. The combined results from this work suggest that the biofilm maturity stages and environmental constituents (such as humic acid) are important factors to consider when evaluating potential risks of NPs to ecological systems.« less

Effects of humic acid on the interactions between zinc oxide nanoparticles and bacterial biofilms

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

Ouyang, Kai; Yu, Xiao-Ying; Zhu, Yunlin

The effects of humic acid (HA) on interactions between ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilms at different maturity stages were investigated. Three stages of biofilm development were identified according to bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity associated with biofilm development process. In the initial biofilm stage 1, the ATP content of bacteria was reduced by more than 90% when biofilms were exposed to ZnO NPs. But, in the mature biofilm stages 2 and 3, the ATP content was only slightly decreased. Biofilms at stage 3 exhibited less susceptibility to ZnO NPs than biofilms at stage 2. These resultsmore » suggest that more mature biofilms have a significantly higher tolerance to ZnO NPs compared to young biofilms. In addition, biofilms with intact extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) showed higher tolerance to ZnO NPs than those without EPS, indicating that EPS play a key role in alleviating the toxic effects of ZnO NPs. In both pure ZnO NPs and ZnO-HA mixtures, dissolved Zn 2+ originating from the NPs significantly contributed to the overall toxicity. The presence of HA dramatically decreased the toxicity of ZnO NPs due to the binding of Zn 2+ on HA. Furthermore, the combined results from this work suggest that the biofilm maturity stages and environmental constituents (such as humic acid) are important factors to consider when evaluating potential risks of NPs to ecological systems.« less

Effects of humic acid on the interactions between zinc oxide nanoparticles and bacterial biofilms.

PubMed

Ouyang, Kai; Yu, Xiao-Ying; Zhu, Yunlin; Gao, Chunhui; Huang, Qiaoyun; Cai, Peng

2017-12-01

The effects of humic acid (HA) on interactions between ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilms at different maturity stages were investigated. Three stages of biofilm development were identified according to bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity associated with biofilm development process. In the initial biofilm stage 1, the ATP content of bacteria was reduced by more than 90% when biofilms were exposed to ZnO NPs. However, in the mature biofilm stages 2 and 3, the ATP content was only slightly decreased. Biofilms at stage 3 exhibited less susceptibility to ZnO NPs than biofilms at stage 2. These results suggest that more mature biofilms have a significantly higher tolerance to ZnO NPs compared to young biofilms. In addition, biofilms with intact extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) showed higher tolerance to ZnO NPs than those without EPS, indicating that EPS play a key role in alleviating the toxic effects of ZnO NPs. In both pure ZnO NPs and ZnO-HA mixtures, dissolved Zn 2+ originating from the NPs significantly contributed to the overall toxicity. The presence of HA dramatically decreased the toxicity of ZnO NPs due to the binding of Zn 2+ on HA. The combined results from this work suggest that the biofilm maturity stages and environmental constituents (such as humic acid) are important factors to consider when evaluating potential risks of NPs to ecological systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Ga doping and point defect on magnetism of ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Qingyu; Zhao, Chunwang; Jia, Xiaofang; Qu, Lingfeng

2017-02-01

The combined influence mechanism of Ga doping and Zn vacancy or O vacancy on magnetism of ZnO is studied using the first-principle calculation. The coexistence of Ga doping and Zn vacancy can achieve a Curie temperature higher than room temperature and the Ga doped ZnO system is a p-type diluted degenerate semiconductor with metalized ferromagnetism. The magnetism of the doping system of Ga doping and Zn vacancy is mainly contributed by double-exchange interaction through the holes of Zn vacancy taking carrier as medium. However, the system of Ga doping and O vacancy is non-magnetic. In the coexistence of Ga doping and Zn vacancy or O vacancy, a close relative distance between doping and vacancy will reduce the formation energy of the doping system but increase the easiness of doping and vacancy, as well as enhance the stability of the doping system.

A combined toxicity study of zinc oxide nanoparticles and vitamin C in food additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yanli; Yuan, Lulu; Yao, Chenjie; Ding, Lin; Li, Chenchen; Fang, Jie; Sui, Keke; Liu, Yuanfang; Wu, Minghong

2014-11-01

At present, safety evaluation standards for nanofood additives are made based on the toxic effects of a single additive. Since the size, surface properties and chemical nature influence the toxicity of nanomaterials, the toxicity may have dramatically changed when nanomaterials are used as food additives in a complex system. Herein, we investigated the combined toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and vitamin C (Vc, ascorbic acid). The results showed that Vc increased the cytotoxicity significantly compared with that of the ZnO only NPs. When the cells were exposed to ZnO NPs at a concentration less than 15 mg L-1, or to Vc at a concentration less than 300 mg L-1, there was no significant cytotoxicity, both in the case of gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) and neural stem cells (NSCs). However, when 15 mg L-1 of ZnO NPs and 300 mg L-1 of Vc were introduced to cells together, the cell viability decreased sharply indicating significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, the significant increase in toxicity was also shown in the in vivo experiments. The dose of the ZnO NPs and Vc used in the in vivo study was calculated according to the state of food and nutrition enhancer standard. After repeated oral exposure to ZnO NPs plus Vc, the injury of the liver and kidneys in mice has been indicated by the change of these indices. These findings demonstrate that the synergistic toxicity presented in a complex system is essential for the toxicological evaluation and safety assessment of nanofood.At present, safety evaluation standards for nanofood additives are made based on the toxic effects of a single additive. Since the size, surface properties and chemical nature influence the toxicity of nanomaterials, the toxicity may have dramatically changed when nanomaterials are used as food additives in a complex system. Herein, we investigated the combined toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and vitamin C (Vc, ascorbic acid). The results showed that Vc increased the cytotoxicity significantly compared with that of the ZnO only NPs. When the cells were exposed to ZnO NPs at a concentration less than 15 mg L-1, or to Vc at a concentration less than 300 mg L-1, there was no significant cytotoxicity, both in the case of gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) and neural stem cells (NSCs). However, when 15 mg L-1 of ZnO NPs and 300 mg L-1 of Vc were introduced to cells together, the cell viability decreased sharply indicating significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, the significant increase in toxicity was also shown in the in vivo experiments. The dose of the ZnO NPs and Vc used in the in vivo study was calculated according to the state of food and nutrition enhancer standard. After repeated oral exposure to ZnO NPs plus Vc, the injury of the liver and kidneys in mice has been indicated by the change of these indices. These findings demonstrate that the synergistic toxicity presented in a complex system is essential for the toxicological evaluation and safety assessment of nanofood. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05480f

Fabrication and characterization of thin-film phosphor combinatorial libraries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mordkovich, V. Z.; Jin, Zhengwu; Yamada, Y.; Fukumura, T.; Kawasaki, M.; Koinuma, H.

2002-05-01

The laser molecular beam epitaxy method was employed to fabricate thin-film combinatorial libraries of ZnO-based phosphors on different substrates. Fabrication of both pixel libraries, on the example of Fe-doped ZnO, and spread libraries, on the example of Eu-doped ZnO, has been demonstrated. Screening of the Fe-doped ZnO libraries led to the discovery of weak green cathodoluminescence with the maximum efficiency at the Fe content of 0.58 mol %. Screening of the Eu-doped ZnO libraries led to the discovery of unusual reddish-violet cathodoluminescence which is observed in a broad range of Eu concentration. No photoluminescence was registered in either system.

Power generation from base excitation of a Kevlar composite beam with ZnO nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malakooti, Mohammad H.; Hwang, Hyun-Sik; Sodano, Henry A.

2015-04-01

One-dimensional nanostructures such as nanowires, nanorods, and nanotubes with piezoelectric properties have gained interest in the fabrication of small scale power harvesting systems. However, the practical applications of the nanoscale materials in structures with true mechanical strengths have not yet been demonstrated. In this paper, piezoelectric ZnO nanowires are integrated into the fiber reinforced polymer composites serving as an active phase to convert the induced strain energy from ambient vibration into electrical energy. Arrays of ZnO nanowires are grown vertically aligned on aramid fibers through a low-cost hydrothermal process. The modified fabrics with ZnO nanowires whiskers are then placed between two carbon fabrics as the top and the bottom electrodes. Finally, vacuum resin transfer molding technique is utilized to fabricate these multiscale composites. The fabricated composites are subjected to a base excitation using a shaker to generate charge due to the direct piezoelectric effect of ZnO nanowires. Measuring the generated potential difference between the two electrodes showed the energy harvesting application of these multiscale composites in addition to their superior mechanical properties. These results propose a new generation of power harvesting systems with enhanced mechanical properties.

Design of hybrid nanoheterostructure systems for enhanced quantum and solar conversion efficiencies in dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kılıç, Bayram; Telli, Hakan; Tüzemen, Sebahattin; Başaran, Ali; Pirge, Gursev

2015-04-01

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with an innovative design involving controlled-morphology vertically aligned (VA) ZnO nanowires within mesoporous TiO2 structures with ultrahigh surface area for implementation as photoanodes are herein reported. Although TiO2 nanostructures exhibit excellent power conversion efficiency, the electron transport rate is low owing to low electron mobility. To overcome this, ZnO nanowires with high electron mobility have been investigated as potential candidates for photoanodes. However, the power conversion efficiency of ZnO nanowires is still lower than that of TiO2 owing to their low internal surface area. Consequently, in this work, vertical growth of ZnO nanowires within mesoporous TiO2 structures is carried out to increase their solar power conversion efficiency. The photovoltaic performance of solar cells using ZnO nanowires, mesoporous TiO2, and TiO2/ZnO hybrid structures are compared. The VA TiO2/ZnO hybrid structures are found to provide direct electron transfer compared with the tortuous pathway of zero-dimensional nanostructures, resulting in an increased conversion efficiency. It is demonstrated that the light scattering of the photoanode film is increased and electron recombination is decreased when an appropriate amount of mesoporous TiO2 is used as a substrate for ZnO nanowires. The DSSC fabricated with the TiO2/ZnO hybrid photoanode prepared with 15.8 wt. % TiO2 showed the highest conversion efficiency of 7.30%, approximately 5%, 18%, and 40% higher than that of DSSCs fabricated with 3.99 wt. % TiO2, pure TiO2, and pure ZnO photoanodes, respectively.

The low coherence Fabry-Pérot interferometer with diamond and ZnO layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majchrowicz, D.; Den, W.; Hirsch, M.

2016-09-01

The authors present a fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot interferometer built with the application of diamond and zinc oxide (ZnO) thin layers. Thin ZnO films were deposited on the tip of a standard telecommunication single-mode optical fiber (SMF- 28) while the diamond layer was grown on the plate of silicon substrate. Investigated ZnO layers were fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and the diamond films were deposited using Microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (μPE CVD) system. Different thickness of layers was examined. The measurements were performed for the fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot interferometer working in the reflective mode. Spectra were registered for various thicknesses of ZnO layer and various length of the air cavity. As a light source, two superluminescent diodes (SLD) with central wavelength of 1300 nm and 1550 nm were used in measurement set-up.

Characterization of structural and electrical properties of ZnO tetrapods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yu-Dong; Mai, Wen-Jie; Jiang, Peng

2011-12-01

ZnO tetrapods were synthesized by a typical thermal vapor-solid deposition method in a horizontal tube furnace. Structural characterization was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and select-area electron diffraction (SAED), which shows the presence of zinc blende nucleus in the center of tetrapods while the four branches taking hexagonal wurtzite structure. The electrical transport property of ZnO tetrapods was investigated through an in-situ nanoprobe system. The three branches of a tetrapod serve as source, drain, and "gate", respectively; while the fourth branch pointing upward works as the force trigger by vertically applying external force downward. The conductivity of each branch of ZnO-tetrapods increases 3-4 times under pressure. In such situation, the electrical current through the branches of ZnO tetrapods can be tuned by external force, and therefore a simple force sensor based on ZnO tetrapods has been demonstrated for the first time.

Semiconductor nanostructures for plasma energetic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mustafaev, Alexander; Smerdov, Rostislav; Klimenkov, Boris

2017-10-01

In this talk we discuss the research results of the three types of ultrasmall electrodes namely the nanoelectrode arrays based on composite nanostructured porous silicon (PS) layers, porous GaP and nanocrystals of ZnO. These semiconductor materials are of great interest to nano- and optoelectronic applications by virtue of their high specific surface area and extensive capability for surface functionalization. The use of semiconductor (GaN) cathodes in photon-enhanced thermionic emission systems has also proved to be effective although only a few (less than 1%) of the incident photons exceed the 3.3 eV GaN band gap. This significant drawback provided us with a solid foundation for our research in the field of nanostructured PS, and composite materials based on it exhibiting nearly optimal parameters in terms of the band gap (1.1 eV). The band gap modification for PS nanostructured layers is possible in the range of less than 1 eV and 3 eV due to the existence of quantum confinement effect and the remarkable possibilities of PS surface alteration thus providing us with a suitable material for both cathode and anode fabrication. The obtained results are applicable for solar concentration and thermionic energy conversion systems. Dr. Sci., Ph.D, Principal Scientist, Professor.

Effects on the magnetic and optical properties of Co-doped ZnO at different electronic states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Qingyu; Xu, Zhenchao; Qu, Linfeng

2017-12-01

Both blue and red shifts in the absorption spectrum of Co-doped ZnO have been reported at a similar concentration range of doped Co. Moreover, the sources of magnetism of Co-doped ZnO are controversial. To solve these problems, the geometry optimization and energy of different Co-doped ZnO systems were calculated at the states of electron spin polarization and nonspin polarization by adopting plane-wave ultra-soft pseudopotential technology based on density function theory. At the state of electron nonspin polarization, the total energies increased as the concentration of Co-doped increased. The doped systems also became unstable. The formation energies increased and doping became difficult. Furthermore, the band gaps widened and the absorption spectrum exhibited a blue shift. The band gaps were corrected by local-density approximation + U at the state of electron spin polarization. The magnetic moments of the doped systems weakened as the concentration of doped Co increased. The magnetic moments were derived from the coupling effects of sp-d. The band gaps narrowed and the absorption spectrum exhibited a red shift. The inconsistencies of the band gaps and absorption spectrum at the states of electron spin polarization and nonspin polarization were first discovered in this research, and the sources of Co-doped ZnO magnetism were also reinterpreted.

Microwave assisted facile hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide flower grown on graphene oxide sheets for enhanced photodegradation of dyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashinath, L.; Namratha, K.; Byrappa, K.

2015-12-01

Microwave assisted hydrothermal process of synthesis of ZnO-GO nanocomposite by using ZnCl2 and NaOH as precursors is being reported first time. In this investigation, a novel route to study on synthesis, interaction, kinetics and mechanism of hybrid zinc oxide-graphene oxide (ZnO-GO) nanocomposite using microwave assisted facile hydrothermal method has been reported. The results shows that the ZnO-GO nanocomposite exhibits an enhancement and acts as stable photo-response degradation performance of Brilliant Yellow under the UV light radiation better than pure GO and ZnO nanoparticles. The microwave exposure played a vital role in the synthesis process, it facilitates with well define crystalline structure, porosity and fine morphology of ZnO/GO nanocomposite. Different molar concentrations of ZnO precursors doped to GO sheets were been synthesized, characterized and their photodegradation performances were investigated. The optical studies by UV-vis and Photo Luminescence shows an increase in band gap of nanocomposite, which added an advantage in photodegradation performance. The in situ flower like ZnO nano particles are were densely decorated and anchored on the surfaces of graphene oxide sheets which aids in the enhancement of the surface area, adsorption, mass transfer of dyes and evolution of oxygen species. The nanocomposite having high surface area and micro/mesoporous in nature. This structure and morphology supports significantly in increasing photo catalytic performance legitimate to the efficient photosensitized electron injection and repressed electron recombination due to electron transfer process with GO as electron collector and transporter dependent on the proportion of GO in ZnO/GO composite.

Design and implementation of a versatile and variable-frequency piezoelectric coefficient measurement system.

PubMed

Wu, J S; Huang, Y K; Wu, F L; Lin, D Y

2012-08-01

We present a simple but versatile piezoelectric coefficient measurement system, which can measure the longitudinal and transverse piezoelectric coefficients in the pressing and bending modes, respectively, at different applied forces and a wide range of frequencies. The functionality of this measurement system has been demonstrated on three samples, including a PbZr(0.52)Ti(0.48)O(3) (PZT) piezoelectric ceramic bulk, a ZnO thin film, and a laminated piezoelectric film sensor. The static longitudinal piezoelectric coefficients of the PZT bulk and the ZnO film are estimated to be around 210 and 8.1 pC/N, respectively. The static transverse piezoelectric coefficients of the ZnO film and the piezoelectric film sensor are determined to be, respectively, -0.284 and -0.031 C/m(2).

Effect of thermal annealing on the structure and magnetism of Fe-doped ZnO nanocrystals synthesized by solid state reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dong; Chen, Z. Q.; Wang, D. D.; Gong, J.; Cao, C. Y.; Tang, Z.; Huang, L. R.

2010-11-01

High purity Fe 2O 3/ZnO nanocomposites were annealed in air at different temperatures between 100 and 1200 °C to get Fe-doped ZnO nanocrystals. The structure and grain size of the Fe 2O 3/ZnO nanocomposites were investigated by X-ray diffraction 2θ scans. Annealing induces an increase of the grain size from 25 to 195 nm and appearance of franklinite phase of ZnFe 2O 4. Positron annihilation measurements reveal large number of vacancy defects in the interface region of the Fe 2O 3/ZnO nanocomposites, and they are gradually recovered with increasing annealing temperature. After annealing at temperatures higher than 1000 °C, the number of vacancies decreases to the lower detection limit of positrons. Room temperature ferromagnetism can be observed in Fe-doped ZnO nanocrystals using physical properties measurement system. The ferromagnetism remains after annealing up to 1000 °C, suggesting that it is not related with the interfacial defects.

Impact of solar UV radiation on toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and photo-induced dissolution.

PubMed

Ma, Hongbo; Wallis, Lindsay K; Diamond, Steve; Li, Shibin; Canas-Carrell, Jaclyn; Parra, Amanda

2014-10-01

The present study investigated the impact of solar UV radiation on ZnO nanoparticle toxicity through photocatalytic ROS generation and photo-induced dissolution. Toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles to Daphnia magna was examined under laboratory light versus simulated solar UV radiation (SSR). Photocatalytic ROS generation and particle dissolution were measured on a time-course basis. Two toxicity mitigation assays using CaCl2 and N-acetylcysteine were performed to differentiate the relative importance of these two modes of action. Enhanced ZnO nanoparticle toxicity under SSR was in parallel with photocatalytic ROS generation and enhanced particle dissolution. Toxicity mitigation by CaCl2 to a less extent under SSR than under lab light demonstrates the role of ROS generation in ZnO toxicity. Toxicity mitigation by N-acetylcysteine under both irradiation conditions confirms the role of particle dissolution and ROS generation. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering environmental solar UV radiation when assessing ZnO nanoparticle toxicity and risk in aquatic systems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ZnO thin film piezoelectric micromachined microphone with symmetric composite vibrating diaphragm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junhong; Wang, Chenghao; Ren, Wei; Ma, Jun

2017-05-01

Residual stress is an important factor affecting the sensitivity of piezoelectric micromachined microphone. A symmetric composite vibrating diaphragm was adopted in the micro electro mechanical systems piezoelectric microphone to decrease the residual stress and improve the sensitivity of microphone in this paper. The ZnO film was selected as piezoelectric materials of microphone for its higher piezoelectric coefficient d 31 and lower relative dielectric constant. The thickness optimization of piezoelectric film on square diaphragm is difficult to be fulfilled by analytic method. To optimize the thickness of ZnO films, the stress distribution in ZnO film was analyzed by finite element method and the average stress in different thickness of ZnO films was given. The ZnO films deposited using dc magnetron sputtering exhibits a densely packed structure with columnar crystallites preferentially oriented along (002) plane. The diaphragm of microphone fabricated by micromachining techniques is flat and no wrinkling at corners, and the sensitivity of microphone is higher than 1 mV Pa-1. These results indicate the diaphragm has lower residual stress.

Soil pH effects on the interactions between dissolved zinc, non-nano- and nano-ZnO with soil bacterial communities.

PubMed

Read, Daniel S; Matzke, Marianne; Gweon, Hyun S; Newbold, Lindsay K; Heggelund, Laura; Ortiz, Maria Diez; Lahive, Elma; Spurgeon, David; Svendsen, Claus

2016-03-01

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in an array of products and processes, ranging from personal care products to antifouling paints, textiles, food additives, antibacterial agents and environmental remediation processes. Soils are an environment likely to be exposed to manmade nanoparticles due to the practice of applying sewage sludge as a fertiliser or as an organic soil improver. However, understanding on the interactions between soil properties, nanoparticles and the organisms that live within soil is lacking, especially with regards to soil bacterial communities. We studied the effects of nanoparticulate, non-nanoparticulate and ionic zinc (in the form of zinc chloride) on the composition of bacterial communities in soil with a modified pH range (from pH 4.5 to pH 7.2). We observed strong pH-dependent effects on the interaction between bacterial communities and all forms of zinc, with the largest changes in bacterial community composition occurring in soils with low and medium pH levels (pH 4.8 and 5.9). The high pH soil (pH 7.2) was less susceptible to the effects of zinc exposure. At the highest doses of zinc (2500 mg/kg dw soil), both nano and non-nano particulate zinc applications elicited a similar response in the soil bacterial community, and this differed significantly to the ionic zinc salt treatment. The results highlight the importance of considering soil pH in nanotoxicology studies, although further work is needed to determine the exact mechanisms controlling the toxicity and fate and interactions of nanoparticles with soil microbial communities.

Nanomaterials: biological effects and some aspects of applications in ecology and agriculture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starodub, Nickolaj F.; Shavanova, Kateryna E.; Taran, Marina V.; Katsev, Andrey M.; Safronyuk, Sergey L.; Son'ko, Roman V.; Bisio, Chiara; Guidotti, Matteo

2014-10-01

Nanosized materials have shown a relevant potential for practical application in a broad number of research fields, in industrial production and in everyday life. However, these substances acquire new properties and therefore may be biologically very active. This raise questions their potential toxic effects on living organisms. In some cases the nanosized materials or nano-composites possess distinct positive properties in enhancing the adaptation of plants in unfavorable conditions and in decreasing the negative effect of some chemical substances. The information about the positive and negative effects of nano-materials as well as the data concerned to the innovative approaches used by authors for the rapid assessment of the total toxicity with the exploitation of bacteria, Daphnia and plants are given. In last case a special attention is paid to the control of natural bioluminescence and chemoluminescence of living medium of organisms, the energy of the seed germination and the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus in growing plants by the estimation of chlorophyll fluorescence by the special "Floratest" biosensor. Three specific clases of nano-materials are analysed: a) nano-particles ZnO, Ag2O, FeOx, TiO2 and others, b) colloidal suspension of the same compounds, and c) nanostructured layered clay materials (acid saponites and Nb-containing saponite clays). The next features are analyzed: the biocidal activity (for nanoparticles), the improvement of the nutrition of plants on calcareous soils (for colloidal structures), the activity and performances as heterogeneous catalysts (for Nb-containing saponites, as selective oxidation catalysts for toxic organosulfur compounds into non-noxious products). The chemical and physical characterization of the nanosized materials described here was studied by different spectrophotometric and microscopic techniques, including AFM and SEM.

Morphology control, defect engineering and photoactivity tuning of ZnO crystals by graphene oxide--a unique 2D macromolecular surfactant.

PubMed

Pan, Xiaoyang; Yang, Min-Quan; Xu, Yi-Jun

2014-03-28

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructured materials have received significant attention because of their unique physicochemical and electronic properties. In particular, the functional properties of ZnO are strongly dependent on its morphology and defect structure, particularly for a semiconductor ZnO-based photocatalyst. Here, we demonstrate a simple strategy for simultaneous morphology control, defect engineering and photoactivity tuning of semiconductor ZnO by utilizing the unique surfactant properties of graphene oxide (GO) in a liquid phase. By varying the amount of GO added during the synthesis process, the morphology of ZnO gradually evolves from a one dimensional prismatic rod to a hexagonal tube-like architecture while GO is converted into reduced GO (RGO). In addition, the introduction of GO can create oxygen vacancies in the lattice of ZnO crystals. As a result, the absorption edge of the wide band gap semiconductor ZnO is effectively extended to the visible light region, which thus endows the RGO-ZnO nanocomposites with visible light photoactivity; in contrast, the bare ZnO nanorod is only UV light photoactive. The synergistic integration of the unique morphology and the presence of oxygen vacancies imparts the RGO-ZnO nanocomposite with remarkably enhanced visible light photoactivity as compared to bare ZnO and its counterpart featuring different structural morphologies and the absence of oxygen vacancies. Our promising results highlight the versatility of the 2D GO as a solution-processable macromolecular surfactant to fabricate RGO-semiconductor nanocomposites with tunable morphology, defect structure and photocatalytic performance in a system-materials-engineering way.

Photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethazine in aqueous solution using ZnO with different morphologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Zhigang; Wang, Juan; Jiang, Tao; Tang, Qiong; Cheng, Ying

2018-04-01

In this study, photocatalytic experiments of 20 mg l-1 sulfamethazine (SMN) in aqueous solution containing ZnO with different morphologies, tetra-needle-like ZnO (T-ZnO), flower-like ZnO (F-ZnO) and nanoparticles ZnO (P-ZnO), were performed. The results indicated that photocatalytic degradation of SMN was effective and followed the pseudo-first-order reaction, but the degree of SMN mineralization showed obvious differences using ZnO with different shapes. After 12 h irradiation, 86%, 71% and 50% of the initial total organic carbon was eliminated in SMN suspension containing T-ZnO, F-ZnO and P-ZnO, respectively. The release ratio of sulfur was close to 100% in the presence of T-ZnO, but reached to 86% and 67% in the presence of F-ZnO and P-ZnO, respectively. The release ratio of nitrogen was about 76%, 63% and 40% using T-ZnO, F-ZnO and P-ZnO as photocatalyst, respectively. The morphology of ZnO played an important role in determining its catalytic activity. Seven intermediates were observed and identified in the UV/T-ZnO reaction system by LC-MS/MS analysis, and a possible degradation pathway was proposed.

Photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethazine in aqueous solution using ZnO with different morphologies

PubMed Central

Wang, Juan; Jiang, Tao; Tang, Qiong; Cheng, Ying

2018-01-01

In this study, photocatalytic experiments of 20 mg l−1 sulfamethazine (SMN) in aqueous solution containing ZnO with different morphologies, tetra-needle-like ZnO (T-ZnO), flower-like ZnO (F-ZnO) and nanoparticles ZnO (P-ZnO), were performed. The results indicated that photocatalytic degradation of SMN was effective and followed the pseudo-first-order reaction, but the degree of SMN mineralization showed obvious differences using ZnO with different shapes. After 12 h irradiation, 86%, 71% and 50% of the initial total organic carbon was eliminated in SMN suspension containing T-ZnO, F-ZnO and P-ZnO, respectively. The release ratio of sulfur was close to 100% in the presence of T-ZnO, but reached to 86% and 67% in the presence of F-ZnO and P-ZnO, respectively. The release ratio of nitrogen was about 76%, 63% and 40% using T-ZnO, F-ZnO and P-ZnO as photocatalyst, respectively. The morphology of ZnO played an important role in determining its catalytic activity. Seven intermediates were observed and identified in the UV/T-ZnO reaction system by LC-MS/MS analysis, and a possible degradation pathway was proposed. PMID:29765630

Photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethazine in aqueous solution using ZnO with different morphologies.

PubMed

Yi, Zhigang; Wang, Juan; Jiang, Tao; Tang, Qiong; Cheng, Ying

2018-04-01

In this study, photocatalytic experiments of 20 mg l -1 sulfamethazine (SMN) in aqueous solution containing ZnO with different morphologies, tetra-needle-like ZnO (T-ZnO), flower-like ZnO (F-ZnO) and nanoparticles ZnO (P-ZnO), were performed. The results indicated that photocatalytic degradation of SMN was effective and followed the pseudo-first-order reaction, but the degree of SMN mineralization showed obvious differences using ZnO with different shapes. After 12 h irradiation, 86%, 71% and 50% of the initial total organic carbon was eliminated in SMN suspension containing T-ZnO, F-ZnO and P-ZnO, respectively. The release ratio of sulfur was close to 100% in the presence of T-ZnO, but reached to 86% and 67% in the presence of F-ZnO and P-ZnO, respectively. The release ratio of nitrogen was about 76%, 63% and 40% using T-ZnO, F-ZnO and P-ZnO as photocatalyst, respectively. The morphology of ZnO played an important role in determining its catalytic activity. Seven intermediates were observed and identified in the UV/T-ZnO reaction system by LC-MS/MS analysis, and a possible degradation pathway was proposed.

Regulation of neuroendocrine cells and neuron factors in the ovary by zinc oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Liu, Xin-Qi; Zhang, Hong-Fu; Zhang, Wei-Dong; Zhang, Peng-Fei; Hao, Ya-Nan; Song, Ran; Li, Lan; Feng, Yan-Ni; Hao, Zhi-Hui; Shen, Wei; Min, Ling-Jiang; Yang, Hong-Di; Zhao, Yong

2016-08-10

The pubertal period is an important window during the development of the female reproductive system. Development of the pubertal ovary, which supplies the oocytes intended for fertilization, requires growth factors, hormones, and neuronal factors. It has been reported that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) cause cytotoxicity of neuron cells. However, there have been no reports of the effects of ZnO NPs on neuronal factors and neuroendocrine cells in the ovary (in vivo). For the first time, this in vivo study investigated the effects of ZnO NPs on gene and protein expression of neuronal factors and the population of neuroendocrine cells in ovaries. Intact NPs were detected in ovarian tissue and although ZnO NPs did not alter body weight, they reduced the ovary organ index. Compared to the control or ZnSO4 treatments, ZnO NPs treatments differentially regulated neuronal factor protein and gene expression, and the population of neuroendocrine cells. ZnO NPs changed the contents of essential elements in the ovary; however, they did not alter levels of the steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone. These data together suggest that intact ZnO NPs might pose a toxic effect on neuron development in the ovary and eventually negatively affect ovarian developmental at puberty. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal and structural properties of zinc modified tellurite based glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundu, R. S.; Dhankhar, Sunil; Punia, R.; Dult, Meenakshi; Kishore, N.

2016-05-01

Glass system 60 TeO2 - 10 B2O3-(30-x) Bi2O3-x ZnO with mole fraction x = 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 were synthesized by conventional melt quenching technique under controlled atmospheric conditions. The glass transition temperature (Tg) has been determined using differential scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and its value is observed to increase with increase in ZnO content. This increase may be due to the increase in the concentration of the bridging oxygen (BO) atoms. IR and Raman spectra of the present glass system indicate that ZnO acts as network modifier and exists in ZnO4 units. TeO2 exists as TeO3, TeO4, and TeO3+1 structural units. Bismuth plays the role of network modifier with BiO6 octahedral structural units whereas B2O3 exists in the form of BO3 trigonal and BO4 tetrahedral structural units.

The effects of interfacial potential on antimicrobial propensity of ZnO nanoparticle

PubMed Central

Arakha, Manoranjan; Saleem, Mohammed; Mallick, Bairagi C.; Jha, Suman

2015-01-01

The work investigates the role of interfacial potential in defining antimicrobial propensity of ZnO nanoparticle (ZnONP) against different Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. ZnONPs with positive and negative surface potential are tested against different bacteria with varying surface potentials, ranging −14.7 to −23.6 mV. Chemically synthesized ZnONPs with positive surface potential show very high antimicrobial propensity with minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 and 100 μg/mL for Gram negative and positive bacterium, respectively. On other hand, ZnONPs of the same size but with negative surface potential show insignificant antimicrobial propensity against the studied bacteria. Unlike the positively charged nanoparticles, neither Zn2+ ion nor negatively charged ZnONP shows any significant inhibition in growth or morphology of the bacterium. Potential neutralization and colony forming unit studies together proved adverse effect of the resultant nano-bacterial interfacial potential on bacterial viability. Thus, ZnONP with positive surface potential upon interaction with negative surface potential of bacterial membrane enhances production of the reactive oxygen species and exerts mechanical stress on the membrane, resulting in the membrane depolarization. Our results show that the antimicrobial propensity of metal oxide nanoparticle mainly depends upon the interfacial potential, the potential resulting upon interaction of nanoparticle surface with bacterial membrane. PMID:25873247

Enhanced antibacterial performance of hybrid semiconductor nanomaterials: ZnO/SnO 2 nanocomposite thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talebian, Nasrin; Nilforoushan, Mohammad Reza; Zargar, Elahe Badri

2011-10-01

The nano-sized coupled oxides ZnO/SnO 2 thin films in a molar ratio of 2:1 (Z2S), 1:1 (ZS) and 1:2 (ZS2) were prepared using sol-gel dip coating method and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. Escherichia coli ( E. coli, ATCC 25922) was selected as a model for the Gram-negative bacteria to evaluate antibacterial property of composite samples compared with single ZnO (Z) and single SnO 2 (S) films. The antibacterial activity has been studied applying the so-called antibacterial drop test under UV illumination. The bactericidal activity was estimated by relative number of bacteria survived calculated from the number of viable cells which form colonies on the nutrient agar plates. The influence of the SnO 2-ZnO nanocomposite composition on the structural features and on the antibacterial properties of the thin films are reported and discussed. It is found that all coatings exhibited a high antibacterial activity. The coupled oxide photocatalyst Z2S has better photocatalytic activity to bacteria inactivation than ZS, ZS2, Z and S films. Furthermore, nanostructured films were active even in the absence of irradiation.

Enhancing the anti-gastric cancer activity of curcumin with biocompatible and pH sensitive PMMA-AA/ZnO nanoparticles.

PubMed

Dhivya, Raman; Ranjani, Jothi; Rajendhran, Jeyaprakash; Mayandi, Jeyanthinath; Annaraj, Jamespandi

2018-01-01

Curcumin loaded ZnO nanoparticles were successfully synthesised and encapsulated with co-polymer PMMA-AA (Cur/PMMA-AA/ZnO NPs). The ZnO nanoparticles have been converted as good cargo materials to carry the well-known hydrophobic drug curcumin by surface functionalization. Physical characteristics of these novel nanomaterials have been studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) in conjunction with spectral techniques. A narrow particle size distribution with an average value of 42nm was found via TEM. Most importantly, the pH-responsive release of curcumin from the nano-vehicle ensures safer, more controlled delivery of the drug at physiological pH. The drug entrapment efficiency and loading was evaluated and the in vitro efficacy as anticancer drug delivery vehicle was analyzed. The potential toxicity of Cur/PMMA-AA/ZnO NPs was studied by using AGS gastric cancer cell lines via MTT assay. These results revealed that the proposed nanomaterials induce a remarkable cell death in in-vitro models. The multifunctional properties of Cur/PMMA-AA/ZnO NPs may open up new avenues in cancer therapy through overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanomaterials in the environment: from materials to high-throughput screening to organisms.

PubMed

Thomas, Courtney R; George, Saji; Horst, Allison M; Ji, Zhaoxia; Miller, Robert J; Peralta-Videa, Jose R; Xia, Tian; Pokhrel, Suman; Mädler, Lutz; Gardea-Torresdey, Jorge L; Holden, Patricia A; Keller, Arturo A; Lenihan, Hunter S; Nel, Andre E; Zink, Jeffrey I

2011-01-25

One of the challenges in the field of nanotechnology is environmental health and safety (EHS), including consideration of the properties of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) that could pose dangers to the environment. Progress in the field of nanomaterial development and nanotoxicology was presented at the International Conference on the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology at the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) on the UCLA campus on May 11-14, 2010. This event was cohosted by the University of California Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN) and the Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT) based at Duke University. Participants included scientists and scholars from various backgrounds, including chemistry, biology, engineering, nanomaterial science, toxicology, ecology, mathematics, sociology, and policy makers. The topics of discussion included safety evaluation of ENMs from an environmental perspective, nanotoxicology, ecotoxicology, safe design of ENMs, environmental risk assessment, public perception of nanotechnology, application of ENMs in consumer products, and many more. The UC CEIN presented data on their predictive toxicological approach to the assessment of ENM libraries, which were designed and synthesized to develop an understanding of the material properties that could lead to hazard generation at the cellular and organismal levels in the environment. This article will focus on the first metal oxide ENM library that was introduced to harmonize research activities in the UC CEIN, with particular emphasis on the safety assessment of ZnO on cells and organisms. Methods of decreasing the observed toxic effects will also be discussed as an integral component of the UC CEIN's activity in developing safer nanomaterials to lessen their environmental impacts.

Synthesis and fabrication of porous activated carbon/nano ZnO composite electrode for supercapacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

P, Shabeeba; Thayyil, Mohammed Shahin; Pillai, M. P.

2017-05-01

Supercapacitors, also called as ultracapacitors, are electrochemical energy-storage devices that exploit the electrostatic interaction between high-surface-area nanoporous electrodes and electrolyte ions that combine properties of conventional batteries and conventional capacitors. A symmetrical ZnO-Activated Carbon (ZAC) electrode supercapacitor have been fabricated in a simple and inexpensive manner. The electrochemical characteristics of fabricated supercapacitor was analyzed using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge technique, and impedance spectroscopy methods. Capacitance of fabricated ZAC electrode were showed capacitance in the range of 60-70 F/g respectively. It has been found that the cells have excellent electro chemical reversibility, capacitive characteristics in electrolyte and stable in cyclings, which is promising for energy storage applications.

Hardness and adhesion performances of nanocoating on carbon steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasnidawani, J. N.; Azlina, H. N.; Norita, H.; Bonnia, N. N.

2018-01-01

Nanocoatings industry has been aggressive in searching for cost-effective alternatives and environmental friendly approaches to manufacture products. Nanocoatings represent an engineering solution to prevent corrosion of the structural parts of ships, insulation and pipelines industries. The adhesion and hardness properties of coating affect material properties. This paper reviews ZnO-SiO2 as nanopowder in nano coating formulation as the agent for new and improved coating performances. Carbon steel on type S50C used as common substrate in nanocoating industry. 3wt% ZnO and 2wt% SiO2 addition of nanoparticles into nanocoating showed the best formulation since hardness and adhesion of nanocoating was good on carbon steel substrate. Incorporation of nanoparticles into coating increased the performances of coating.

Nano-Array Integrated Structured Catalysts: A New Paradigm upon Conventional Wash-Coated Monolithic Catalysts?

DOE PAGES

Weng, Junfei; Lu, Xingxu; Gao, Pu-Xian

2017-08-28

The monolithic catalyst, namely the structured catalyst, is one of the important categories of catalysts used in various fields, especially in catalytic exhaust after-treatment. Despite its successful application in conventional wash-coated catalysts in both mobile and stationary catalytic converters, washcoat-based technologies are facing multi-fold challenges, including: (1) high Pt-group metals (PGM) material loading being required, driving the market prices; (2) less-than ideal distribution of washcoats in typically square-shaped channels associated with pressure drop sacrifice; and (3) far from clear correlations between macroscopic washcoat structures and their catalytic performance. To tackle these challenges, the well-defined nanostructure array (nano-array)-integrated structured catalysts whichmore » we invented and developed recently have been proven to be a promising class of cost-effective and efficient devices that may complement or substitute wash-coated catalysts. This new type of structured catalysts is composed of honeycomb-structured monoliths, whose channel surfaces are grown in situ with a nano-array forest made of traditional binary transition metal oxide support such as Al 2O 3, CeO 2, Co 3O 4, MnO 2, TiO 2, and ZnO, or newer support materials including perovskite-type ABO3 structures, for example LaMnO 3, LaCoO 3, LaNiO, and LaFeO 3. The integration strategy parts from the traditional washcoat technique. Instead, an in situ nanomaterial assembly method is utilized, such as a hydro (solva-) thermal synthesis approach, in order to create sound structure robustness, and increase ease and complex-shaped substrate adaptability. Specifically, the critical fabrication procedures for nano-array structured catalysts include deposition of seeding layer, in situ growth of nano-array, and loading of catalytic materials. The generic methodology utilization in both the magnetic stirring batch process and continuous flow reactor synthesis offers the nano-array catalysts with great potential to be scaled up readily and cost-effectively. The tunability of the structure and catalytic performance could be achieved through morphology and geometry adjustment and guest atoms and defect manipulation, as well as composite nano-array catalyst manufacture. Excellent stabilities under various conditions were also present compared to conventional wash-coated catalysts.« less

Nano-Array Integrated Structured Catalysts: A New Paradigm upon Conventional Wash-Coated Monolithic Catalysts?

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

Weng, Junfei; Lu, Xingxu; Gao, Pu-Xian

The monolithic catalyst, namely the structured catalyst, is one of the important categories of catalysts used in various fields, especially in catalytic exhaust after-treatment. Despite its successful application in conventional wash-coated catalysts in both mobile and stationary catalytic converters, washcoat-based technologies are facing multi-fold challenges, including: (1) high Pt-group metals (PGM) material loading being required, driving the market prices; (2) less-than ideal distribution of washcoats in typically square-shaped channels associated with pressure drop sacrifice; and (3) far from clear correlations between macroscopic washcoat structures and their catalytic performance. To tackle these challenges, the well-defined nanostructure array (nano-array)-integrated structured catalysts whichmore » we invented and developed recently have been proven to be a promising class of cost-effective and efficient devices that may complement or substitute wash-coated catalysts. This new type of structured catalysts is composed of honeycomb-structured monoliths, whose channel surfaces are grown in situ with a nano-array forest made of traditional binary transition metal oxide support such as Al 2O 3, CeO 2, Co 3O 4, MnO 2, TiO 2, and ZnO, or newer support materials including perovskite-type ABO3 structures, for example LaMnO 3, LaCoO 3, LaNiO, and LaFeO 3. The integration strategy parts from the traditional washcoat technique. Instead, an in situ nanomaterial assembly method is utilized, such as a hydro (solva-) thermal synthesis approach, in order to create sound structure robustness, and increase ease and complex-shaped substrate adaptability. Specifically, the critical fabrication procedures for nano-array structured catalysts include deposition of seeding layer, in situ growth of nano-array, and loading of catalytic materials. The generic methodology utilization in both the magnetic stirring batch process and continuous flow reactor synthesis offers the nano-array catalysts with great potential to be scaled up readily and cost-effectively. The tunability of the structure and catalytic performance could be achieved through morphology and geometry adjustment and guest atoms and defect manipulation, as well as composite nano-array catalyst manufacture. Excellent stabilities under various conditions were also present compared to conventional wash-coated catalysts.« less

Growth of hybrid carbon nanostructures on iron-decorated ZnO nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mbuyisa, Puleng N.; Rigoni, Federica; Sangaletti, Luigi; Ponzoni, Stefano; Pagliara, Stefania; Goldoni, Andrea; Ndwandwe, Muzi; Cepek, Cinzia

2016-04-01

A novel carbon-based nanostructured material, which includes carbon nanotubes (CNTs), porous carbon, nanostructured ZnO and Fe nanoparticles, has been synthetized using catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of acetylene on vertically aligned ZnO nanorods (NRs). The deposition of Fe before the CVD process induces the presence of dense CNTs in addition to the variety of nanostructures already observed on the process done on the bare NRs, which range from amorphous graphitic carbon up to nanostructured dendritic carbon films, where the NRs are partially or completely etched. The combination of scanning electron microscopy and in situ photoemission spectroscopy indicate that Fe enhances the ZnO etching, and that the CNT synthesis is favoured by the reduced Fe mobility due to the strong interaction between Fe and the NRs, and to the presence of many defects, formed during the CVD process. Our results demonstrate that the resulting new hybrid shows a higher sensitivity to ammonia gas at ambient conditions (∼60 ppb) than the carbon nanostructures obtained without the aid of Fe, the bare ZnO NRs, or other one-dimensional carbon nanostructures, making this system of potential interest for environmental ammonia monitoring. Finally, in view of the possible application in nanoscale optoelectronics, the photoexcited carrier behaviour in these hybrid systems has been characterized by time-resolved reflectivity measurements.

Tissue distribution of zinc and subtle oxidative stress effects after dietary administration of ZnO nanoparticles to rainbow trout.

PubMed

Connolly, Mona; Fernández, Marta; Conde, Estefanía; Torrent, Fernando; Navas, José M; Fernández-Cruz, María L

2016-05-01

The increasing use of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in different fields has raised concerns about the possible environmental risks associated with these NPs entering aquatic systems. In this study, using a dietary exposure route, we have analysed the tissue distribution and depuration pattern of Zn as well as any associated redox balance disturbances in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following exposure to ZnO NPs (20-30nm). Fish were fed a diet spiked with ZnO NPs prepared from a dispersion in sunflower oil at doses of 300 or 1000mg ZnO NPs/kg feed for 10days. This uptake phase was followed by a 28days depuration phase in which fish from all groups received untreated feed. While no overt signs of toxicity were observed and no important effects in fish growth (weight and length) or in the hepatosomatic index among groups were recorded, we observed high levels of Zn bioaccumulation in the gills and intestine of exposed fish following exposure to both dose levels. Zn levels were not eliminated during the depuration phase and we have evidenced oxidative stress responses in gills associated with such long term ZnO NPs bioaccumulation and lack of elimination. Furthermore, exposures to higher doses of ZnO NPs (1000mg/kg feed) resulted in Zn distribution to the liver of fish following 10days of exposure. Fish from this exposure group experienced biochemical disturbances associated with oxidative stress in the liver and ethoxy-resorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity which may point to the ability of ZnO NPs or its ions to interfere with cytochrome P450 metabolic processes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of cobalt effect on structural and optical properties of Dy doped ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Pawan; Pandey, Praveen C.

2018-05-01

The present study has been carried out to investigate the effect of Co doping on structural and optical properties of Dy doped ZnO nanoparticles. We have prepared pure Zinc oxide, Dy (1%) doped ZnO and Dy (1%) doped ZnO co-doped with Co(2%) with the help of simple sol-gel combustion method. The structural analysis carried out using X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD) indicates substitution of Dy and Co at Zn site of ZnO crystal structure and hexagonal crystal structure without any secondary phase formation in all the samples. The surface morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Absorption study indicates that Dy doping causes a small shift in band edge, while Co co-doping results significant change is absorption edge as well as introduce defect level absorption in the visible region. The band gap of samples decreases due to Dy and Co doping, which can be attributed to defect level formation below the conduction band in the system.

A dual-colored bio-marker made of doped ZnO nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Y. L.; Fu, S.; Tok, A. I. Y.; Zeng, X. T.; Lim, C. S.; Kwek, L. C.; Boey, F. C. Y.

2008-08-01

Bio-compatible ZnO nanocrystals doped with Co, Cu and Ni cations, surface capped with two types of aminosilanes and titania are synthesized by a soft chemical process. Due to the small particle size (2-5 nm), surface functional groups and the high photoluminescence emissions at the UV and blue-violet wavelength ranges, bio-imaging on human osteosarcoma (Mg-63) cells and histiocytic lymphoma U-937 monocyte cells showed blue emission at the nucleus and bright turquoise emission at the cytoplasm simultaneously. This is the first report on dual-color bio-images labeled by one semiconductor nanocrystal colloidal solution. Bright green emission was detected on mung bean seedlings labeled by all the synthesized ZnO nanocrystals. Cytotoxicity tests showed that the aminosilanes capped nanoparticles are non-toxic. Quantum yields of the nanocrystals varied from 79% to 95%. The results showed the potential of the pure ZnO and Co-doped ZnO nanocrystals for live imaging of both human cells and plant systems.

Investigation of a Photoelectrochemical Passivated ZnO-Based Glucose Biosensor

PubMed Central

Lee, Ching-Ting; Chiu, Ying-Shuo; Ho, Shu-Ching; Lee, Yao-Jung

2011-01-01

A vapor cooling condensation system was used to deposit high quality intrinsic ZnO thin films and intrinsic ZnO nanorods as the sensing membrane of extended-gate field-effect-transistor (EGFET) glucose biosensors. The sensing sensitivity of the resulting glucose biosensors operated in the linear range was 13.4 μA mM−1 cm−2. To improve the sensing sensitivity of the ZnO-based glucose biosensors, the photoelectrochemical method was utilized to passivate the sidewall surfaces of the ZnO nanorods. The sensing sensitivity of the ZnO-based glucose biosensors with passivated ZnO nanorods was significantly improved to 20.33 μA mM−1 cm−2 under the same measurement conditions. The experimental results verified that the sensing sensitivity improvement was the result of the mitigation of the Fermi level pinning effect caused by the dangling bonds and the surface states induced on the sidewall surface of the ZnO nanorods. PMID:22163867

Bio-sorbable, liquid electrolyte gated thin-film transistor based on a solution-processed zinc oxide layer.

PubMed

Singh, Mandeep; Palazzo, Gerardo; Romanazzi, Giuseppe; Suranna, Gian Paolo; Ditaranto, Nicoletta; Di Franco, Cinzia; Santacroce, Maria Vittoria; Mulla, Mohammad Yusuf; Magliulo, Maria; Manoli, Kyriaki; Torsi, Luisa

2014-01-01

Among the metal oxide semiconductors, ZnO has been widely investigated as a channel material in thin-film transistors (TFTs) due to its excellent electrical properties, optical transparency and simple fabrication via solution-processed techniques. Herein, we report a solution-processable ZnO-based thin-film transistor gated through a liquid electrolyte with an ionic strength comparable to that of a physiological fluid. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the ZnO films upon exposure to water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) are discussed in terms of the operation stability and electrical performance of the ZnO TFT devices. The improved device characteristics upon exposure to PBS are associated with the enhancement of the oxygen vacancies in the ZnO lattice due to Na(+) doping. Moreover, the dissolution kinetics of the ZnO thin film in a liquid electrolyte opens the possible applicability of these devices as an active element in "transient" implantable systems.

Candida tropicalis biofilm inhibition by ZnO nanoparticles and EDTA.

PubMed

Jothiprakasam, Vinoth; Sambantham, Murugan; Chinnathambi, Stalin; Vijayaboopathi, Singaravel

2017-01-01

Biofilm of Candida tropicalis denote as a complex cellular congregation with major implication in pathogenesis. This lifestyle of fungus as a biofilm can inhibit immune system and antifungal therapy in treatment of infectious disease especially medical device associated chronic disease. In this study effects of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and EDTA were evaluated on C. tropicalis biofilm by using different techniques. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized from Egg albumin. To assay the formation of biofilm of yeast cells like Fluconazole-susceptible C. tropicalis (ATCC 13,803) and fluconazole-resistant standard strains of C. tropicalis (ATCC 750) were grown in 24 well plates and antifungal effect of ZnO and EDTA were evaluated on C. tropicalis biofilm using ATP bioluminescence and tetrasodium salt (XTT) reduction assays. Synthesized ZnO NPs and EDTA had effective antifungal properties at the concentration of 5.2, 8.6μg/ml for Fluconazole susceptible strain and 5.42, 10.8μg/ml Fluconazole resistant strains of C. tropicalis biofilms compared to fluconazole drug. In present study we conclude, ZnO considered as a new agent in field of prevention C. tropicalis biofilms especially biofilms formed surface of medical device. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fate of Zinc and Silver Engineered Nanoparticles in ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Engineered zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) used in consumer products are largely released into the environment through the wastewater stream. Limited information is available regarding the transformations they undergo during their transit through sewerage systems before reaching wastewater treatment plants. To address this knowledge gap, laboratory-scale systems fed with raw wastewater were used to evaluate the transformation of ZnO- and Ag-NPs within sewerage transfer networks. Two experimental systems were established and spiked with either Ag- and ZnO-NPs or with their dissolved salts, and the wastewater influent and effluent samples from both systems were thoroughly characterised. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to assess the extent of the chemical transformation of both forms of Zn and Ag during transport through the model systems. The results indicated that both ZnO- and Ag-NPs underwent significant transformation during their transport through the sewerage network. Reduced sulphur species represented the most important endpoint for these NPs in the sewer with slight differences in terms of speciation; ZnO converted largely to Zn sulfide, while Ag was also sorbed to cysteine and histidine. Importantly, both ionic Ag and Ag-NPs formed secondary Ag sulfide nanoparticles in the sewerage network as revealed by TEM analysis. Ag-cysteine was also shown to be a major species in biofilms. These results were verified in the

Applications of Nanomaterials in Food Packaging.

PubMed

Bumbudsanpharoke, Nattinee; Choi, Jungwook; Ko, Seonghyuk

2015-09-01

Nanomaterials have drawn great interest in recent years due to their extraordinary properties that make them advantageous in food packaging applications. Specifically, nanoparticles can impart significant barrier properties, as well as mechanical, optical, catalytic, and antimicrobial properties into packaging. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and nanoclay account for the majority of the nano-enabled food packaging on the market, while others, such as nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium, share less of the current market. In current food packaging, these nanomaterials are primarily used to impart antimicrobial function and to improve barrier properties, thereby extending the shelf life and freshness of packaged food. On the other hand, there is growing concern about the migration of nanomaterials from food contact materials to foodstuffs and its associated potential risks. Indeed, insufficient data about environmental and human safety assessments of migration and exposure of nanomaterials are hindering their market growth. To overcome this barrier, the public believes that legislation from government agencies is critical. This review provides an overview of the characteristics and functions of major nanomaterials that are commonly applied to food packaging, including available and near- future products. Migration research, safety issues, and public concerns are also discussed.

Pulsed—Laser Deposition Of Oxide Thin Films And Laser—Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Of Multi—Element Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedarnig, Johannes D.

2010-10-01

New results of the Linz group on pulsed—laser deposition (PLD) of oxide thin films and on laser—induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) of multi-element materials are reported. High-Tc superconducting (HTS) films with enhanced critical current density Jc are produced by laser ablation of novel nano-composite ceramic targets. The targets contain insulating nano-particles that are embedded into the YBa2Cu3O7 matrix. Epitaxial double-layers of lithium-doped and aluminum-doped ZnO are deposited on r-cut sapphire substrates. Acoustic over-modes in the GHz range are excited by piezoelectric actuation of layers. Smooth films of rare-earth doped glass are produced by F2—laser ablation. The transport properties of HTS thin films are modified by light—ion irradiation. Thin film nano—patterning is achieved by masked ion beam irradiation. LIBS is employed to analyze trace elements in industrial iron oxide powder and reference polymer materials. Various trace elements of ppm concentration are measured in the UV/VIS and vacuum-UV spectral range. Quantitative LIBS analysis of major components in oxide materials is performed by calibration-free methods.

Hybrid processing and anisotropic sintering shrinkage in textured ZnO ceramics

PubMed Central

Keskinbora, Kahraman; Suzuki, Tohru S; Ozgur Ozer, I; Sakka, Yoshio; Suvaci, Ender

2010-01-01

We have studied the combined effects of the templated grain growth and magnetic alignment processes on sintering, anisotropic sintering shrinkage, microstructure development and texture in ZnO ceramics. Suspensions of 0–10 vol % ZnO template particles were slip cast in a 12 T rotating magnetic field. Sintering and texture characteristics were investigated via thermomechanical analysis and electron backscatter diffraction, respectively. Sintering as well as texture characteristics depend on template concentration. For the studied ZnO system, there is a critical template concentration (2 vol % in this study) above which densification is limited by the templates owing to constrained sintering. Below this limit, the densification is enhanced and the anisotropic shrinkage is reduced, which is attributed to densifying characteristics of the templates. PMID:27877373

Facile combustion synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Cajanus cajan (L.) and its multidisciplinary applications

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

Manjunath, K.; Ravishankar, T.N.; Kumar, Dhanith

Graphical abstract: Facile combustion synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Cajanuscajan (L.) and its multidisciplinary applications.Zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by solution combustion method (SCM) using pigeon pea as a combustible fuel for the first time. The as-prepared product shows good photocatalytic, dielectric, antibacterial, electrochemical properties. - Highlights: • ZnO Nps were synthesized via combustion method using pigeon pea as a fuel. • The structure of the product was confirmed by XRD technique. • The morphology was confirmed by SEM and TEM images. • The as-prepared product shown good photocatalytic activity, dielectric property. • It has also shown good antibacterialmore » and electrochemical properties. - Abstract: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) were successfully synthesized by solution combustion method (SCM) using pigeon pea as a fuel for the first time. X-Ray diffraction pattern reveals that the product belongs to hexagonal system. FTIR spectrum of ZnO Nps shows the band at 420 cm{sup −1} associated with the characteristic vibration of Zn–O. TEM images show that the nanoparticles are found to be ∼40–80 nm. Furthermore, the as-prepared ZnO Nps exhibits good photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB), indicating that they are indeed a promising photocatalytic semiconductor. The antibacterial properties of ZnO nanopowders were investigated by their bactericidal activity against four bacterial strains.« less

Mechanical and Electrical Performance of Thermally Stable Au-ZnO films

DOE PAGES

Schoeppner, Rachel L.; Goeke, Ronald S.; Moody, Neville R.; ...

2015-03-28

The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electrical performance of Au–ZnO composite thin films are determined in this work. The co-deposition of ZnO with Au via physical vapor deposition leads to grain refinement over that of pure Au; the addition of 0.1 vol.% ZnO reduces the as-grown grain size by over 30%. The hardness of the as-grown films doubles with 2% ZnO, from 1.8 to 3.6 GPa as measured by nanoindentation. Films with ZnO additions greater than 0.5% show no significant grain growth after annealing at 350 °C, while pure gold and smaller additions do exhibit grain growth and subsequent mechanicalmore » softening. Films with 1% and 2% ZnO show a decrease of approximately 50% in electrical resistivity and no change in hardness after annealing. A model accounting for both changes in the interface structure between dispersed ZnO particles and the Au matrix captures the changes in mechanical and electrical resistivity. Furthermore, the addition of 1–2% ZnO co-deposited with Au provides a method to create mechanically hard and thermally stable films with a resistivity less than 80 nΩ-m. Our results complement previous studies of other alloying systems, suggesting oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) gold shows a desirable hardness–resistivity relationship that is relatively independent of the particular ODS chemistry.« less

Development of novel nano-composite membranes as introduction systems for mass spectrometers: Contrasting nano-composite membranes and conventional inlet systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miranda, Luis Diego

This dissertation presents the development of novel nano-composite membranes as introduction systems for mass spectrometers. These nano-composite membranes incorporate anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes as templates that can be used by themselves or modified by a variety of chemical deposition processes. Two types of nano-composite membranes are presented. The first nano-composite membrane has carbon deposited within the pores of an AAO membrane. The second nano-composite membrane is made by coating an AAO membrane with a thin polymer film. The following chapters describe the transmission properties these nano-composite membranes and compare them to conventional mass spectrometry introduction systems. The nano- composite membranes were finally coupled to the inlet system of an underwater mass spectrometer revealing their utility in field deployments.

A combined toxicity study of zinc oxide nanoparticles and vitamin C in food additives.

PubMed

Wang, Yanli; Yuan, Lulu; Yao, Chenjie; Ding, Lin; Li, Chenchen; Fang, Jie; Sui, Keke; Liu, Yuanfang; Wu, Minghong

2014-12-21

At present, safety evaluation standards for nanofood additives are made based on the toxic effects of a single additive. Since the size, surface properties and chemical nature influence the toxicity of nanomaterials, the toxicity may have dramatically changed when nanomaterials are used as food additives in a complex system. Herein, we investigated the combined toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and vitamin C (Vc, ascorbic acid). The results showed that Vc increased the cytotoxicity significantly compared with that of the ZnO only NPs. When the cells were exposed to ZnO NPs at a concentration less than 15 mg L(-1), or to Vc at a concentration less than 300 mg L(-1), there was no significant cytotoxicity, both in the case of gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) and neural stem cells (NSCs). However, when 15 mg L(-1) of ZnO NPs and 300 mg L(-1) of Vc were introduced to cells together, the cell viability decreased sharply indicating significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, the significant increase in toxicity was also shown in the in vivo experiments. The dose of the ZnO NPs and Vc used in the in vivo study was calculated according to the state of food and nutrition enhancer standard. After repeated oral exposure to ZnO NPs plus Vc, the injury of the liver and kidneys in mice has been indicated by the change of these indices. These findings demonstrate that the synergistic toxicity presented in a complex system is essential for the toxicological evaluation and safety assessment of nanofood.

Graphene as a thin-film catalyst booster: graphene-catalyst interface plays a critical role.

PubMed

Chae, Sieun; Jin Choi, Won; Sang Chae, Soo; Jang, Seunghun; Chang, Hyunju; Lee, Tae Il; Kim, Youn Sang; Lee, Jeong-O

2017-12-08

Due to its extreme thinness, graphene can transmit some surface properties of its underlying substrate, a phenomenon referred to as graphene transparency. Here we demonstrate the application of the transparency of graphene as a protector of thin-film catalysts and a booster of their catalytic efficiency. The photocatalytic degradation of dye molecules by ZnO thin films was chosen as a model system. A ZnO thin film coated with monolayer graphene showed greater catalytic efficiency and long-term stability than did bare ZnO. Interestingly, we found the catalytic efficiency of the graphene-coated ZnO thin film to depend critically on the nature of the bottom ZnO layer; graphene transferred to a relatively rough, sputter-coated ZnO thin film showed rather poor catalytic degradation of the dye molecules while a smooth sol-gel-synthesized ZnO covered with monolayer graphene showed enhanced catalytic degradation. Based on a systematic investigation of the interface between graphene and ZnO thin films, we concluded the transparency of graphene to be critically dependent on its interface with a supporting substrate. Graphene supported on an atomically flat substrate was found to efficiently transmit the properties of the substrate, but graphene suspended on a substrate with a rough nanoscale topography was completely opaque to the substrate properties. Our experimental observations revealed the morphology of the substrate to be a key factor affecting the transparency of graphene, and should be taken into account in order to optimally apply graphene as a protector of catalytic thin films and a booster of their catalysis.

Zinc oxide wide band gap semiconductor for optoelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choopun, Supab

The main objective of this dissertation is to study the key aspects of ZnO-based materials for fabrication of wide band gap optoelectronic devices. ZnO has received attention due to its direct band gap, alloying and doping capabilities. It has similar properties to that of GaN, a material system that has become very important for the fabrication of blue light emitting diodes, laser diodes, detectors, etc. In this study, ZnO and related materials were grown in thin film form on c-plane sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition and then, these films were mainly studied in terms of their structural, optical and electrical properties. The studied key aspects include growth and optimization of device quality ZnO films, band gap tailoring of ZnO films by alloying, fabrication of quantum well structures, and impurity doping for n-type and p-type ZnO films. The growth and optimization of ZnO films have been studied as a function of substrate temperature and oxygen background pressure. By tuning the growth temperature and oxygen pressure during the initial and final stages of growth, it was possible to control desirable surface, interface chemistry structure, crystalline quality, and optoelectronic properties of the films while maintaining high quality epitaxy. Band gap tailoring has been studied by alloying of ZnO with MgO. MgZnO alloy films exhibit two phases, hexagonal and cubic, depending on the Mg concentration in the MgZnO lattice. The band gap energy of MgZnO alloys can be varied in a wide range from 3.3 eV to 4.0 eV for hexagonal structured films and 4.0 to 7.6 eV for cubic structured films. Studies both n-type as well as p-type doping and activation in ZnO films are reported. It was found that In-doped ZnO films with high optical transparency and high electrical conductivity can be grown at temperature below 300°C. P-type ZnO films have been studied by using a cationic-codoping method. Weak p-type conductivity in ZnO films was obtained from Cu and Al codoping. A hole concentration of 1.4 x 1015 cm-3 in all-cationic codoped ZnO film was realized for the first time. In addition, some novel technological applications of ZnO films have also been realized. ZnO film was used as a buffer layer for the growth of III--V nitrides. Moreover, the wider band gap of MgZnO alloy film was used to fabricate single quantum well heterostructures of MgZnO/ZnO/MgZnO. We have also studied the optical lasing effect in ZnO films. Finally, possible future studies and applications on ZnO and related alloys are discussed.

A residue-free green synergistic antifungal nanotechnology for pesticide thiram by ZnO nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Jingzhe; Luo, Zhihui; Li, Ping; Ding, Yaping; Cui, Yi; Wu, Qingsheng

2014-07-01

Here we reported a residue-free green nanotechnology which synergistically enhance the pesticides efficiency and successively eliminate its residue. We built up a composite antifungal system by a simple pre-treating and assembling procedure for investigating synergy. Investigations showed 0.25 g/L ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with 0.01 g/L thiram could inhibit the fungal growth in a synergistic mode. More importantly, the 0.25 g/L ZnO NPs completely degraded 0.01 g/L thiram under simulated sunlight irradiation within 6 hours. It was demonstrated that the formation of ZnO-thiram antifungal system, electrostatic adsorption of ZnO NPs to fungi cells and the cellular internalization of ZnO-thiram composites played important roles in synergy. Oxidative stress test indicated ZnO-induced oxidative damage was enhanced by thiram that finally result in synergistic antifungal effect. By reducing the pesticides usage, this nanotechnology could control the plant disease economically, more significantly, the following photocatalytic degradation of pesticide greatly benefit the human social by avoiding negative influence of pesticide residue on public health and environment.

The Role of Metal Oxides in Nanothermite Reactions: Evidence of Condensed Phase Initiation

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

ignition on the gaseous oxidizer release from the metal oxides CuO, Fe2O3, and ZnO .[14] However, there is uncertainty as to whether oxidizer release to the...and how it differs from some other systems. In our previous work, we studied the nanothermite reaction of Al/CuO, Al/Fe2O3, and Al/ ZnO .[9] For...Jomard, Oxygen Diffusion in Bi2O3-doped ZnO , Materials Research-Ibero-American Journal of Materials, 11 (2008) 221-225. [20] T. Ivetic, M.V. Nikolic

Rational Design of Hyperbranched Nanowire Systems for Tunable Superomniphobic Surfaces Enabled by Atomic Layer Deposition

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

Bielinski, Ashley R.; Boban, Mathew; He, Yang

2017-01-24

A method for tunable control of geometry in hyperbranched ZnO nanowire (NW) systems is reported, which enables the rational design and fabrication of superomniphobic surfaces. Branched NWs with tunable density and orientation were grown via a sequential hydrothermal process, in which atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used for NW seeding, disruption of epitaxy, and selective blocking of NW nucleation. This approach allows for the rational design and optimization of three-level hierarchical structures, in which the geometric parameters of each level of hierarchy can be individually controlled. We demonstrate the coupled relationships between geometry and contact angle for a variety ofmore » liquids, which is supported by mathematical models of structural superomniphobicity. The highest performing superomniphobic surface was designed with three levels of hierarchy and achieved the following advancing/receding contact angles, water: 172°/170°, hexadecane: 166°/156°, octane: 162°/145°, and heptane: 160°/130°. Low surface tension liquids were shown to bounce off the surface from a height of 7 cm without breaking through and wetting. This approach demonstrates the power of ALD as an enabling technique for hierarchical materials by design, spanning the macro, micro, and nano length scales.« less

S-induced modifications of the optoelectronic properties of ZnO mesoporous nanobelts

PubMed Central

Fabbri, Filippo; Nasi, Lucia; Fedeli, Paolo; Ferro, Patrizia; Salviati, Giancarlo; Mosca, Roberto; Calzolari, Arrigo; Catellani, Alessandra

2016-01-01

The synthesis of ZnO porous nanobelts with high surface-to-volume ratio is envisaged to enhance the zinc oxide sensing and photocatalytic properties. Yet, controlled stoichiometry, doping and compensation of as-grown n-type behavior remain open problems for this compound. Here, we demonstrate the effect of residual sulfur atoms on the optical properties of ZnO highly porous, albeit purely wurtzite, nanobelts synthesized by solvothermal decomposition of ZnS hybrids. By means of combined cathodoluminescence analyses and density functional theory calculations, we attribute a feature appearing at 2.36 eV in the optical emission spectra to sulfur related intra-gap states. A comparison of different sulfur configurations in the ZnO matrix demonstrates the complex compensating effect on the electronic properties of the system induced by S-inclusion. PMID:27301986

Structural characteristics of a non-polar ZnS layer on a ZnO buffer layer formed on a sapphire substrate by mist chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okita, Koshi; Inaba, Katsuhiko; Yatabe, Zenji; Nakamura, Yusui

2018-06-01

ZnS is attractive as a material for low-cost light-emitting diodes. In this study, a non-polar ZnS layer was epitaxially grown on a sapphire substrate by inserting a ZnO buffer layer between ZnS and sapphire. The ZnS and ZnO layers were grown by a mist chemical vapor deposition system with a simple setup operated under atmospheric pressure. The sample was characterized by high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements including 2θ/ω scans, rocking curves, and reciprocal space mapping. The results showed that an m-plane wurtzite ZnS layer grew epitaxially on an m-plane wurtzite ZnO buffer layer formed on the m-plane sapphire substrate to provide a ZnS/ZnO/sapphire structure.

EDITORIAL: Nano-enhanced! Nano-enhanced!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demming, Anna

2010-08-01

In the early 19th century, a series of engineering and scientific breakthroughs by Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot, James Watt and many others led to the foundations of thermodynamics and a new pedigree of mechanical designs that reset the standards of engineering efficiency. The result was the industrial revolution. In optical- and electronics- based nanotechnology research, a similarly subtle bargain is being made; we cannot alter the fact that systems have a finite response to external excitations, but what we can do is enhance that response. The promising attributes of ZnO have long been recognised; its large band gap and high exciton binding energy lend it to a number of applications from laser diodes, LEDs, optical waveguides and switches, and acousto-optic applications to sun cream. When this material is grown into nanowires and nanorods, the material gains a whole new dimension, as quantum confinement effects come into play. Discovery of the enhanced radiative recombination, which has potential for exploitation in many optical and opto-electronic applications, drove intensive research into investigating these structures and into finding methods to synthesise them with optimised properties. This research revealed further subtleties in the properties of these materials. One example is the work by researchers in the US reporting synthesis procedures that produced a yield—defined as the weight ratio of ZnO nanowires to the original graphite flakes—of 200%, and which also demonstrated, through photoluminescence analysis of nanowires grown on graphite flakes and substrates, that graphite induces oxygen vacancies during annealing, which enhances the deep-level to near-band-edge emission ratio [1]. Other one-dimensional materials that provide field emission enhancements include carbon nanotubes, and work has been performed to find ways of optimising the emission efficiency from these structures, such as through control of the emitter density [2]. One of the advantages of ZnO nanowires for field emission devices has been greater control over the electronic properties. Alternative morphologies of ZnO nanostructures have also been explored for field emission enhancements, such as urchin structures, which provide field enhancement factors of 1239, but with the additional benefit of greater stability [3]. Theoretical investigations to understand the mechanisms behind these field enhancements have also grown increasingly more sophisticated, through both analytical techniques and finite theorems. Results from a comparison of these two approaches in the form of Mie theory and the finite element method, using a dipole oscillator as the excitation source, were reported recently by researchers from Duke University, USA [4]. The work found excellent agreement in terms of amplitude, plasmon resonance peak position and full width at half-maximum. These field enhancements lend themselves to a range of technological applications, such as the demonstrated potential of plasmonic interactions in DNA sensing arrays [5]. As well as plasmon resonances, Bragg diffraction in nanoparticles also has the potential to provide enhanced system responses. Researchers in Taiwan have shown enhancements in the acceptance angle as well as the photoresponsivity of n-ZnO/p-si photodiodes with the use of a monolayer of silica nanoparticles [6]. In this issue, researchers in Italy and Japan report work on enhancing the cathodoluminescence from SiC-based systems. They investigate the role of a shell of amorphous silica in core/shell 3C-SiC/SiO2 nanowires and observe a shell-induced enhancement of the SiC near-band-edge emission, which is attributed to carrier diffusion from the shell to the core, promoted by the alignment of the SiO2 and SiC bands in a type I quantum well [7]. Their research is another demonstration of how nanostructures provide enhancements to system responses through a wide range of mechanisms, a breadth of creativity that is mirrored in the approaches to investigating and exploiting these structures. References [1] Banerjee D, Lao J Y, Wang D Z, Huang J Y Steeves D, Kimball B and Ren Z F 2004 Nanotechnology 15 4040-9 [2] Nilsson L, Groening O, Emmenegger C, Kuettel O, Schaller E, Schlapbach L, Kind H, Bonard J-M and Kern K 2000Appl. Phys. Lett. 76 2071-3 [3] Jiang H, Hu J, Gu F and Li C 2009 Nanotechnology 20 055706 [4] Khoury C G, Norton S J and Vo-Dinh T 2010 Nanotechnology 21 315203 [5] Le Moal E, Lévéque-Fort S, Potier M-C and Fort E 2009 Nanotechnology 20 225502 [6] Chen C-P, Lin P-H, Chen L-Y, Ke M-Y, Cheng Y-W and Huang J-J 2009 Nanotechnology 20 245204 [7] Fabbri F, Rossi F, Attolini G, Salviati G, Iannotta S, Aversa L, Verucchi R, Nardi M, Fukata N, Dierre B and Sekiguchi T 2010 Nanotechnology 21 345702