Biometric Image Analysis for Quantitation of Dividing Platelets

TiO2 nanorod decorated with MoS2 nanospheres: An efficient dual-functional photocatalyst for antibiotic degradation and hydrogen production

The design and preparation of dual-functional photocatalysts for simultaneously realizing photocatalytic wastewater purification and hydrogen energy generation pose significant challenges. This article presents the engineering of a binary heterostructured photocatalyst by combining TiO2 (nanorods) and MoS2 nanosphere using a straightforward solvothermal method and the assessment of the phase structures, morphologies, and optical properties of the resulting nanocomposites using diverse analytical techniques. The TiO2(Rod)/MoS2 composite exhibits remarkable efficacy in degrading ciprofloxacin, achieving 93% removal rate within 1 h, which is four times higher than that of bare TiO2. Moreover, the optimized TiO2(Rod)/MoS2 presents an outstanding hydrogen production rate of 7415 μmol g-1, which is ∼24 times higher than that of pristine TiO2. Under UV-visible light irradiation, the TiO2(Rod)/MoS2 heterojunction displays an exceptional photocatalytic performance in terms of both photodegradation and hydrogen production, surpassing the performance of TiO2 particle/MoS2. The study findings demonstrate that TiO2(Rod)/MoS2 nanocomposites exhibit considerably improved photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen generation activities. Based on the experimental results, a possible mechanism is proposed for the transfer and separation of charge carriers in Z-scheme heterojunctions.

Spectroscopic investigation of Cux Mg0.2-x Zn0.8 S (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) thin films for deep and dilute blue LED applications

The effect of copper (Cu) doping on the luminescent properties of the spray deposited Mg_0.2 Zn_0.8 S thin films were investigated for the first time. The Mg_0.2 Zn_0.8 S film is an excellent luminescent material with strong blue emissions. In the current investigation, we doped Mg_0.2 Zn_0.8 S with Cu by taking (Cu + Mg) as 20 at% by keeping other element ratios constant. Among the different samples in the series, Cu_0.05 Mg_0.15 Zn_0.8 S has shown promising results with dark blue emission. Also, these films showed good structural formation with lower or no other impurities, which is evident from the X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the improved material quality of Cu_0.05 Mg_0.15 Zn_0.8 S as compared to the pristine. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies have been carried out for the samples. Various defects induced in the films were investigated by recording the photoluminescence (PL) spectra and Cu:(Mg_0.2 Zn_0.8 S) films exhibited the capability to produce dilute blue luminescence by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light. The Cu_0.05 Mg_0.15 Zn_0.8 S film showed promising material property, which is suitable for light-emitting diode (LED) applications.

Inkjet printing of silver nanowires on flexible surfaces and methodologies to improve the conductivity and stability of the printed patterns

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are known to be used for printing on rigid as well as flexible surfaces. Here we have developed a systematic approach for using AgNWs synthesized by the polyol method for printing on flexible surfaces using a simple inkjet printing method. Optimized ink formulation used in this work comprises a mixture of Ag NWs suspended in ethylene glycol directly taken after synthesis and isopropyl alcohol. Using such formulation saves time and loss of material while transferring to other solvents, which is the usual practice. The printed patterns demonstrate high conductivity and stability over many months, which can revolutionize the applications of functional nanomaterials in low-cost printed electronics. The importance of fragmentation of nanowires only to achieve specific aspect ratios, to facilitate easy jetting and to prevent clogging is demonstrated. Varied concentrations (10 mg mL^-1 to 50 mg mL^-1) of Ag NWs are used in ink formulations in order to print highly conductive patterns (resistance < 50 Ω sq^-1) in a minimal number of passes. The same composition was also seen to facilitate simple and time-efficient nano-welding at room temperature, which improves the conductivity and stability of the printed patterns.