An insight into the influence of Ag/Se nanoparticles on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of Cs/PAM nanocomposites films as application in electrochemical devices

Improving the structural, optical, and electrical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose/starch/selenium oxide nanocomposites for flexible electronic devices

Nanocomposites based on biopolymers are interesting materials owing to their multifunctionality and ease of preparation. In this study, the solution casting method was used to mix selenium oxide nanoparticles (SeO2 NP) made by a solvothermal method into a bio-blend of carboxymethyl cellulose and starch (CMC/St). XRD analysis showed that SeO2 NP increased the amorphous portion inside the blend. HR-TEM revealed the spherical morphology of these NP with an average diameter of 16.88 nm. The FE-SEM indicated a satisfactory uniform distribution and homogeneity in the surface morphology of the films. FTIR confirmed the interaction between SeO2 and the blend functional groups. The films preserved good transmission after doping, and their direct and indirect band gaps decreased. The refractive index, absorption index, optical conductivity, and other dispersion parameters were improved after SeO2 loading. The DC conductivity of the blend is in the range of 3.8 × 10-7 to 5.6 × 10-4 S/m and improved after loading SeO2 NP. The IV characteristic curves in the temperature range of 300-415 K were studied to figure out the conduction mechanism in the CMC/St/SeO2 composites. Because the optical and electrical properties improved, these nanocomposites could be used for coatings and other things like waveguides, photovoltaic cells, and light-emitting diodes.

Synthesis of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles: A Novel Approach for Antimicrobial Properties and Biomedical Performance, Featuring Nodularia haraviana from the Cholistan Desert

Nanoparticles have emerged as a prominent area of research in recent times, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized via phyco-technology have gained significant attention due to their potential therapeutic applications. Nodularia haraviana, a unique and lesser-explored cyanobacterial strain, holds substantial promise as a novel candidate for synthesizing nanoparticles. This noticeable research gap underscores the novelty and untapped potential of Nodularia haraviana in applied nanotechnology. A range of analytical techniques, including UV-vis spectral analysis, dynamic light scattering spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction, were used to investigate and characterize the AgNPs. Successful synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed through UV-visible spectroscopy, which showed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 428 nm. The crystalline size of AgNPs was 24.1 nm. Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that silver oxide nanoparticles had 179.3 nm diameters and a negative surface charge of -18 mV. Comprehensive in vitro pharmacogenetic properties revealed that AgNPs have significant therapeutic potential. The antimicrobial properties of AgNPs were evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration against various microbial strains. Dose-dependent cytotoxicity assays were performed on Leishmanial promastigotes (IC50: 18.71 μgmL-1), amastigotes (IC50: 38.6 μgmL-1), and brine shrimps (IC50: 134.1 μg mL-1) using various concentrations of AgNPs. The findings of this study revealed that AgNPs had significant antioxidant results (DPPH: 57.5%, TRP: 55.4%, TAC: 61%) and enzyme inhibition potential against protein kinase (ZOI: 17.11 mm) and alpha-amylase (25.3%). Furthermore, biocompatibility tests were performed against macrophages (IC50: >395 μg mL-1) and human RBCs (IC50: 2124 μg mL-1). This study showed that phyco-synthesized AgNPs were less toxic and could be used in multiple biological applications, including drug design and in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. This study offers valuable insights and paves the way for further advancements in AgNPs research.

Towards a Circular Economy: Study of the Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Recycled Polypropylene and Their Composite Materials

This research focuses on the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) blended with recycled PP (rPP) at various concentrations. The rPP can be added at up to 40 wt% into the PP matrix without significantly affecting the mechanical properties. MFI of blended PP increased with increasing rPP content. Modulus and tensile strength of PP slightly decreased with increased rPP content, while the elongation at break increased to up to 30.68% with a 40 wt% increase in rPP content. This is probably caused by the interfacial adhesion of PP and rPP during the blending process. The electrical conductivity of materials was improved by adding carbon black into the rPP matrices. It has a significant effect on the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites. Stress-strain curves of composites changed from ductile to brittle behaviors. This could be caused by the poor interfacial interaction between rPP and carbon black. FTIR spectra indicate that carbon black did not have any chemical reactions with the PP chains. The obtained composites exhibited good performance in the electrical properties tested. Finally, DSC results showed that rPP and carbon black could act as nucleating agents and thus increase the degree of crystallinity of PP.