Mixed-dimensional nanocomposites are increasingly being explored as an alternative to conventional single-dimensional nanoscale materials, as they offer combined characteristics of distinct material dimensionalities within a hybrid nanosystem. In particular, the integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials with non-2D components offers distinct advantages, as the 2D material provides well-defined and accessible interfaces. In this work, we report a facile hydrothermal strategy for mixed-dimensional monochalcogenides (MMCs), particularly SnSe/SnS, in the form of 0D/2D and 1D/2D nanosystems. The formation of mixed-dimensional nanocomposites is revealed by the distribution of SnSe nanostructures on the SnS nanosheets. Imaging through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed that the exfoliated SnS nanosheets have a thickness below 100 nm, while the SnSe nanoparticles and nanorods span a broad size range, with typical diameters of 60–70 nm and 140–160 nm, respectively. HR-TEM images further revealed the SnSe/SnS interfacial regions, with lattice spacings of 0.3 nm for SnSe and 0.28 nm for SnS, corresponding to the (011) and (111) planes, respectively. Structural analysis via X-ray diffraction confirms the coexistence of orthorhombic SnS and SnSe phases in the hybrid nanosystems. Raman spectra exhibit the characteristic Ag and B3g vibrational modes of orthorhombic SnS and SnSe, along with noticeable peak shifts indicating interfacial interactions in the nanocomposites. Overall, this study presents a facile strategy for synthesizing SnSe/SnS hybrid nanocomposites with controlled dimensionality. The resulting mixed-dimensional nanocomposites and heterointerfaces would offer potential scope to unravel fundamental insights as well as for futuristic nanoelectronic and optoelectronic elements.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak broadening has been established as a powerful analytical approach for probing nanostructural features,including crystallite size, microstrain, and lattice distortions in materials at the nanoscale. In this work, methodologies used to extract quantitative structural information from XRD line broadening are reviewed and advanced, with emphasis placed on theoretical foundations, operational limitations, and recent computational developments. Classical frameworks, such as Scherrer and Williamson–Hall models are revisited to highlighting their scope and constraints in distinguishing between size- and strain-induced broadening. Additionally, advanced methods—including the Williamson-Hall, Halder-Wagner, Size-Strain Plot (SSP), and whole pattern fitting techniques—are systematically evaluated for their enhanced precision in resolving complex nanostructures. Ultimately, XRD peak broadening analysis, when combined with modern computational and experimental frameworks, is demonstrated to offer a robust, non-destructive pathway for the accurate and efficient determination of nanostructural parameters essential for materials design and functional optimization. A comprehensive historical overview of the development of nanostructure characterization and recognition techniques is provided. Widely used line-broadening methods—Scherrer, Monshi–Scherrer, Stokes–Wilson, Williamson–Hall, Halder–Wagner, and the strain–size plot— are shown to lack universal applicability across all experimental data sets. Classical models (Scherrer, Williamson–Hall, Halder–Wagner, and strain–size) are established as mathematical approximations of the strain-distribution (SD) model. Average microstrain is derived directly from the strain exponent in the SD model, yielding a physically meaningful and improved interpretation of lattice strain effects.
We investigate the bichromatic control of electron transmission and conductance through a monolayer graphene electrostatic barrier driven by a linearly polarized laser radiation. Using the Floquet framework, we demonstrate that light-matter interactions under a two color laser field access a greater number of quasi-bound states compared to a monochromatic field, a phenomenon characterized by the emergence of asymmetric Fano resonances in the transmission spectra. The resulting Fano line shapes are notably altered by the interference between the two frequency components, which can be systematically controlled via the laser’s intensity, frequency, and relative phase. Furthermore, it is shown that Fabry-Perot resonances are significantly influenced by the relative phase of the two color laser. We also observe the zero energy mode assisted Fano resonances that drastically modulate the driven Klein transmission around normal incidence. Finally, the field assisted conductance can be effectively tuned by exploiting a phase controlled bichromatic laser. The present study paves the way for the use of phase control mechanism in tunneling transport through semiconductor nanostructures and its application in opto-electronic devices.
The present study aimed to develop and evaluate Triptorelin-conjugated gold–gold sulfide nanoshells (TAGGS) as a new generation of targeted computed tomography (CT) contrast agents for molecular imaging of breast cancer. Gold–gold sulfide nanoshells (GGS) were synthesized via a seed-mediated process and functionalized with sodium alginate (AGGS) and Triptorelin peptide to obtain the targeted formulation (TAGGS). Physicochemical characterization was performed using TEM, DLS, XRD, FTIR, and zeta potential analysis. Cytocompatibility was assessed on MCF-7 cells using MTT assay. CT imaging was conducted in phantoms at 30 and 90 kVp, with tube currents of 50 and 100 µA and nanoparticle concentrations ranging from 25 to 125 ppm. Hounsfield unit (HU) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) values were quantitatively analyzed. TAGGS displayed uniform spherical morphology (mean size 20–40 nm) and a positive surface charge confirming successful peptide conjugation. MTT assays indicated high cytocompatibility. CT imaging revealed a concentration-dependent increase in HU for all gold-based agents, with TAGGS showing the highest attenuation. At 30 kVp, the CNR values increased up to 9.6 in TAGGS-C-100 µA, markedly exceeding that of GGS and Visipaque. Comparative heatmap analyses demonstrated that lower tube voltage (30 kVp) yielded significantly greater contrast enhancement than higher energy (90 kVp), consistent with the dominant photoelectric absorption of gold at lower photon energies. Triptorelin-functionalized nanoshells (TAGGS) demonstrated excellent safety and significantly enhanced CT contrast, particularly at low kVp. Their strong energy dependence and receptor-mediated targeting suggest great promise for precision molecular CT imaging and future theranostic applications.
A non-doped conductive ceria–carbonate composite was synthesised through a simple one-step solid state route at a relatively low sintering temperature, thus eliminating the conventional two-step synthesis process and the use of expensive rare-earth dopants typically required to create oxygen vacancies in ceria. The comparative conductivity studies were carried out against the reported ceria based heterostructure composites. X-ray diffraction confirmed the cubic fluorite structure of CeO₂ with lattice parameters 5.410 ± 0.005 Å and the absence of crystalline carbonate peaks suggested the homogeneous distribution of an amorphous carbonate phase. The average size of the composite crystallite was 32.7 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carbonate species with characteristic absorption bands at 1447 and 886 cm− 1. Ultraviolet spectroscopy showed a blue shift of 0.07 eV in the optical band gap which was attributed to reduction in the Ce3+ concentration on addition of carbonate. The impedance spectroscopy revealed a striking increase in electrical conductivity of about four orders of magnitude, reaching up to 100 mS cm− 1 at 600 °C, which is much higher than the values reported for several doped ceria-carbonate heterostructure composites prepared via more complex routes. The high temperature ionic conduction was observed to change above 450 °C with the disappearance of the high frequency grain response in Nyquist plots. The activation energy drastically decreased from 1.85 eV at low temperature to 0.30 eV at temperatures above the carbonate transition temperature, which confirmed fast interfacial ion transport. The combined effect of a simplified synthesis route, the elimination of rare-earth dopants and high ionic conductivity demonstrate the potential of this low-cost ceria – carbonate composite as an electrolyte for intermediate temperature electrochemical energy conversion devices.
A visible-light-responsive CuAl2O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite was fabricated via an Aloe vera-mediated hydrothermal route. Phase-pure cubic spinel CuAl2O4 (JCPDS #33–0448) anchored on the g-C3N4 scaffold was confirmed by XRD (crystallite size 45.7 nm, Scherrer equation). FE-SEM/EDX revealed homogeneous spinel nanocrystallite dispersion across the carbon nitride nanosheets with stoichiometric Cu: Al ≈ 1:2 composition. XPS established Cu²⁺/Al³⁺ oxidation states and confirmed interfacial electronic coupling via measurable binding-energy shifts. UV–Vis DRS demonstrated band gap narrowing from 1.8 eV (pristine CuAl2O4) to 1.6 eV, extending absorption beyond 750 nm. Under visible-light irradiation, the composite achieved 90.2
Affordable composite materials are being used in energy research to develop sustainable supercapacitors that perform better in a variety of applications. This research introduces a chromium-enriched BiCrO3/Cr2O3 hybrid structure that utilises dynamic Cr3+ redox activities to enhance electrochemical kinetics in asymmetrical supercapacitor applications. The electrochemical kinetics of the synthesised materials were comprehensively assessed, revealing pseudocapacitive behaviour with a specific capacitance (Cs) of 551 F/g at 1 A/g. To investigate full-device performance, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor BiCrO3/Cr2O3//AC (activated carbon) has a Cs of 169.2 F/g and an enhanced energy density (Ed) of 46.08 Wh/kg at 1 A/g. A better energy–power balance is achieved through chromium redox activity, supported by faster ion transport via the composite interface, which significantly increases pseudocapacitive responsiveness and energy generation at the device level. The nanocomposite exhibited remarkable electrochemical activity, supporting more efficient hybrid energy technologies.
Er-doped ZnO nanofibers (x = 0–0.02) were prepared by electrospinning and annealed in a reducing atmosphere (Ar/H₂). XRD confirmed a single-phase wurtzite structure with slight lattice expansion and strain. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed a uniform fibrous morphology with roughened surfaces after annealing. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) images displayed clear (002) lattice fringes, indicating improved crystallinity, although the nanofiber surfaces became slightly rougher after annealing. Optical studies indicated a red shift of the band edge and band gap narrowing from 3.39 to 3.09 eV, together with weak Er³⁺ 4f transitions. X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy verified Er substitution at Zn sites and a systematic increase in oxygen vacancies. Magnetic measurements showed paramagnetism in pure ZnO and ferromagnetic hysteresis in the Er-doped nanofibers. At 5 K, the magnetic response followed the Bound Magnetic Polaron (BMP) model. At 305 K, ferromagnetism persisted despite a substantial decrease in the BMP concentration. Extended defects, such as grain boundaries, may also exist in the nanofibers and additional defect-mediated interactions involving these defects may contribute to the observed room-temperature magnetic ordering. However, their specific role requires further experimental verification. The results demonstrate that Er doping, oxygen vacancies, and the nanofiber geometry act together to stabilize ferromagnetism in ZnO nanofibers.
The radiation shielding and physical characteristics of Cr2O3+B2O3+PbO compositions in different ratios were analyzed using MCNPX simulation and software. The physical properties of the glass samples including density, molar volume, and refractive index, increase with higher Cr2O3 content. The density increased from 5.657 to 5.673 g/cm3 due to the replacement of B2O3 (69.62 g/mol) with Cr2O3 (151.99 g/mol) in the host glass, thereby enhancing glass compactness. Consequently, the molar volume decreased from 34.478 to 34.413 cm³, contributing to structural stiffness and stability of the glass. The linear and mass-attenuation-coefficients rose with Cr³⁺ ion concentration but declined as the energy increased within the selected energy range (0.015-15 MeV). The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) values at 0.1 MeV for S1, S2, and S3 were 4.68652, 4.68268, and 4.67883 cm2/g, respectively. Sample S2, with a density of 5.673 g/cm3 exhibited MAC values of 4.68268 at 0.1 MeV, 0.14925 at 0.5 MeV, and 0.04279 at 10 MeV, demonstrating high attenuation capabilities at high energies. The half-value layer (HVL) and tenth-value layer (TVL) of the glass increased with energy, indicating that thicker glass is necessary to attenuate high-energy radiation. The mean free path (MFP) also increased with photon energy and Cr3+ concentration, measuring 1.187, 1.189, and 1.206 cm for samples S1, S2, and S3, respectively. Furthermore, the effective atomic numbers fluctuated with energy, reflecting distinct energy-matter interaction processes at specific levels. These findings indicate that the analyzed glass samples are suitable for radiation shielding against X-rays and gamma rays in medical and nuclear physics applications.
Highly sensitive and reliable gas sensors are needed for environmental monitoring of highly hazardous air pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). In this work, ZnO: CeO2 nanocomposite films prepared by hydrothermal method with different contents of CeO2 (5, 7 wt
Traditional polyimides (PI) have poor solubility in common organic solvents due to the high rigidity of the main chain and strong intermolecular forces. Consequently, the traditional negative photosensitive polyimides (PSPIs) processing needs to use a large amount of DMF, NMP and other toxic organic solvents to dissolve the poly(amic acid) (PAA), which causes the problems of volatile organic compounds emission, difficult recovery and high cost. With increasing environmental concerns, it is essential to fundamentally address the solubility limitations of PIs to reduce their dependence on hazardous solvents and improve environmental compatibility. 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid (DABA) was used to improve the solubility of PI. The carboxyl groups in DABA molecules were introduced as pendant groups along the PI main chains, which greatly increased the polarity of the polymer and provided more reactive sites for the photosensitive compound, thus significantly improving the solubility of PAA in a milder and more environmentally friendly solvent system. In this study, a series of photosensitive poly(amic acid) (PSPAA) samples with varying DABA contents were synthesized. The structure, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and morphology of PI were investigated by FTIR, DMA, TGA, and SEM, respectively, through which the optimal DABA ratio was obtained.
In contemporary technological contexts, binary Sb2S3 chalcogenide thin films assume a pivotal role. Sb2S3 nanocrystals were successfully synthesised from ethylene glycol as a solvent via a solution-based technique. The subsequent thin-film coating was achieved using the pure-phase material via thermal evaporation. A comprehensive analysis utilising XRD, FESEM, EDAX, Hall measurements, and UV–Vis spectroscopy provided insights into the characteristics of the prepared Sb2S3 thin films. After post-annealing at 250 °C, XRD data indicate the formation of polycrystalline Sb2S3 with an orthorhombic structure. UV–Visible spectroscopy investigations revealed a calculated direct band gap of approximately 1.7 eV, in close agreement with the ideal band gap for optimal solar cell efficiency in Sb2S3. Notably, the annealed thin films of Sb2S3 exhibit promise as a superior P-type absorber layer for low-price solar cells. This study elucidates the impact of annealing on phase transformations and underscores the efficacy of Sb2S3 solar cells for light capture.
The piezoelectric properties of Sm-doped 0.71PMN–0.29PT (Sm:PMN–PT) polycrystalline ceramics were systematically investigated under DC and AC poling conditions. For DC poling, the influences of poling time, applied electric field, and sample thickness were examined. In AC poling, additional parameters, including poling frequency, number of cycles, and waveform, were evaluated. Both poling methods were conducted within an electric-field range of 0.5 - 7 E_C ( E_C = 3 kV/cm). Under DC poling, optimal values of d_33 = 1100 ± 20 pC/N and k_eff = 55 ± 2% were achieved at a poling field of 4 E_C , for 5 min. In contrast, AC poling produced optimal values of d_33 = 1090 ± 20 pC/N and k_eff = 52 ± 2% at a lower field of 3 E _C , using a bipolar triangular waveform at 3 Hz for 15 cycles. Although both poling methods yielded comparable piezoelectric performance, AC poling achieved optimal properties more rapidly (shorter poling duration) and at a reduced electric field. Moreover, dielectric constant measurements at 10 kHz revealed an increase from ε ' = 27 947 (unpoled) to 32 602 (DC-poled) and 37 782 (AC-poled), with AC poling providing the highest enhancement. Compared to the DC-poled sample, AC-poled ceramics exhibited a 16
This study investigates the temperature-dependent dual gas sensing behavior of tin oxide (SnO2) films toward NO2 and H2S using the Substrate Rotation Chemical Bath Deposition (SRCBD) method. Vacuum annealing of as-deposited (60 °C) SnO2 films at 300°–500 °C for 1 h produced thicknesses from 156 –71 nm. XRD showed that the obtained films were of mixed-phase SnO2 and the preferred combination of tetragonal orthorhombic orientation changed with thickness. SEM revealed a transition from isolated grains to a granular network, while EDS and Raman confirmed a high surface oxygen content. The developed mixed-phase SnO2 film-based MOS sensor was tested for detecting low concentrations (0.5–5 ppm) of H2, CO2, NH3, NO2 and H2S test gases at operating temperatures of 50°–350 °C. The 156 nm thick SnO2 film sensor showed strong responses at 200° and 100 °C, with sensitivities of 6.68
The control of heat-affected modifications is a major challenge in ultrafast laser processing of polymers due to their low thermal diffusivity and phase transition temperatures. While these effects are typically localized in the vicinity of the ablation region, the interaction may evolve from positive heat-affected deformation to efficient material removal, depending on the irradiation conditions. In this work, we investigate how pulse duration (220 fs – 32 ps), beam radius (40 –118 μm), and repetition rate (100 Hz – 60 kHz) govern the laser-induced response of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) under 1030 nm ultrafast laser irradiation. These results reveal that heat accumulation strongly influences the interaction behavior even under fluence conditions above the single-pulse ablation threshold. Under heat accumulation conditions, heat-affected modifications decrease beyond a certain repetition rate, while ablation remains efficient. This behavior suggests that material removal may reduce the fraction of deposited energy contributing to heat diffusion into the surrounding region. These findings suggest that, in polymers with low thermal diffusivity, efficient material removal can contribute to reducing heat-affected modification at repetition rates well below the GHz regime typically discussed in the context of ablation cooling. This enables the investigation of this regime under conditions where the influence of additional effects, such as plasma or particle shielding is reduced. This work provides new insights into the interplay between heat accumulation and material removal in ultrafast laser processing, offering guidelines for the controlled fabrication of surface structures and the optimization of laser processing conditions.
A series of titanium borate strontium glasses doped with PbO of composition (67 − x)B₂O₃–18SrO–10TiO₂–4ZnO–1CeO₂–xPbO (x = 5, 9, 13, and 17 mol
Artificial two-dimensional lattices hosting flat bands, such as the Lieb lattice, provide versatile platforms for engineering materials with tailored longitudinal optical conductivity. Here, we present a comprehensive theoretical investigation of the longitudinal optical conductivity in a doped Lieb lattice under Holstein-type electron–phonon coupling and Zeeman splitting induced by a perpendicular magnetic field. Using the full-band one-loop Migdal approximation and the Kubo formula, we systematically examine how next-nearest-neighbour hopping ( t' ), staggered on-site potential ( ±Δ ), electron–phonon coupling strength, magnetic field, and doping level control the optical conductivity. Our results demonstrate that Holstein coupling suppresses the Drude weight through polaronic effects. Moreover, the magnetic field suppresses the low-frequency absorption and Drude weight. Importantly, both t' and the sublattice asymmetry induced by ±Δ serve as independent and powerful tuning parameters that significantly enhance optical absorption and introduce pronounced asymmetry in the spectra. These findings establish a robust multi-parameter framework for tailoring the longitudinal optical conductivity of flat-band two-dimensional systems. Given the experimental realization of Lieb lattices in photonic crystals and surface-engineered nanostructures, our predictions of tunable Drude weight and magnetic-field-controlled absorption offer directly testable signatures and practical design guidelines for developing novel materials with engineered optoelectronic functionalities in nanostructured and photonic platforms.
Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) can modulate the undesirable brownish-yellow coloration of vanadium dioxide (VO2) films for smart windows. However, the phase transition of VO2 alters the local dielectric environment of Au NPs, thereby degrading the solar modulation ability (ΔTsol). Herein, HfO2 was as a buffer layer to stabilize the dielectric environment surrounding Au NPs. The effects of HfO2 thickness on the microstructures and thermochromic properties of Au/HfO2 and Au/HfO2/VO2 composite films were investigated. The results show that as the HfO2 thickness increasing from 0 to 300 nm, the LSPR peak of Au/HfO2 composite films redshifts from 529 nm to 597 nm, while that of Au/HfO2/VO2 composite films blueshifts from 665 nm to 616 nm, accompanied by a morphological transition of VO2 from discrete rectangular particles to compactly arranged flake like structures. Optical characterization demonstrates that HfO2 incorporation boost the ΔTₛₒₗ of Au/HfO2/VO2 films to 8.4
C/C-(Hf, Ta)C-SiC composites with different Hf/Ta ratios were fabricated using a combined process of precursor impregnation and pyrolysis as well as reactive melt infiltration. And an obvious Hf/Ta ratio deviation was caused by the high carbon content of HfC precursor, which brought significant influence to the density and phase composition of the composites at the same time. The composite with a Hf/Ta designed mole ratio of 1:1.5 exhibited the most excellent ablation resistance, with the mass and linear ablation rates of 0.085 mg/s and 0.092 μm/s respectively. During ablation, the (Hf, Ta, O) phases with different Hf/Ta ratios presented different ablation morphologies and the solid (Hf, Ta, O) pinning phases embedded in the molten SiO2, forming a dense and erosion-resistant oxide film that prevented further ablation of the internal material. Meanwhile, the reduced density and relatively lower (Hf, Ta)C content of the composites with high designed Hf/Ta ratio were the main cause for the inferior ablation resistance. And the development of ceramic precursor with high yield and stability is the research emphasis in the future fabrication of high temperature ceramic matrix C/C composites.
The present study reports the synthesis of the bimetallic nanocomposite MnS-Sb2S3 through a single source precursor method and evaluate its multifunctional performance for supercapacitor energy storage and electrochemical water splitting. Structural and optical analysis confirmed the coexistence of cubic MnS and orthorhombic Sb2S3 phases with an average crystallite size of 14.68 nm and a direct optical band gap of 3.4 eV. The finger print region for MnS-Sb2S3 nanocomposite in range between 400 and 850 cm− 1, whereas the binary nanocomplex displayed irregular, agglomerated and rough morphology. The electrochemical examination of MnS-Sb2S3 electrode exhibited a high specific capacitance of 1377.56 Fg− 1, together with a low series resistance Rs = 0.44Ω and a power density of Pg= 645.20 W Kg− 1. The prepared nanocomposite also demonstrated bifunctional electrocatalytic activity towards water splitting requiring over potentials of 360 mV for OER and 109 mV for HER, with corresponding Tafel slopes of 160 mV dec−1and 18 mV dec− 1. The improved electrochemical feedback can be attributed to the synergistic interaction between the MnS and Sb2S3 phases, which leads to improve the efficient charge transport kinetics and accessible electroactive sites. The acquired results highlight the potential of the synthesized material as cost effective electrode for high performance energy storage and water splitting applications.
