This study presents a comparative analysis of Cr₂O₃ nanoparticles synthesized by two different methods: a green route using Cordyline fruticosa extract (Cr₂O₃-G) and a chemical route via a solvent-controlled sol–gel process with ethanol (Cr₂O₃-C). Their photocatalytic performance in degrading methylene blue (MB) was evaluated under UV irradiation. Comprehensive characterization was performed using FTIR, XRD, UV–vis spectroscopy, particle size analysis, zeta potential measurements, SEM, and EDX to examine structural, optical, and morphological features. Crystallite sizes estimated by the Scherrer equation were 38 nm (Cr₂O₃-G) and 44 nm (Cr₂O₃-C), while Williamson–Hall analysis gave slightly larger values of 48 nm and 58 nm, respectively. Specific surface area (SSA) calculations from XRD indicated a higher SSA for Cr₂O₃-G (30 m²/g) compared to Cr₂O₃-C (26 m²/g). The optical band gap was slightly lower for Cr₂O₃-G (3.05 eV) than for Cr₂O₃-C (3.07 eV). Zeta potential values showed better stability for Cr₂O₃-G (–44.3 mV) than Cr₂O₃-C (–21.8 mV). SEM analysis revealed hexagonal structures in Cr₂O₃-G and cubic structures in Cr₂O₃-C. Both catalysts demonstrated excellent photocatalytic activity, achieving nearly complete MB degradation within 20 minutes (97

In this study, tungsten oxide (WO3), bismuth molybdate (Bi2MoO6), and their heterostructured nanocomposite WO3/Bi2MoO6 were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the highly crystalline hexagonal (WO3) and orthorhombic (Bi2MoO6) phases, with lattice strain and crystallite size evaluated through multiple analytical models. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a hierarchical "bird nest" architecture in the nanocomposite, integrating WO3 nanorods with Bi2MoO6 porous frameworks, achieving a specific surface area of 4.01 m2/g, which enhances interfacial charge transport and active site availability. UV-Visible spectroscopy demonstrated a redshift in the absorption edge of the nanocomposite, reducing its optical bandgap to 2.35 eV, indicative of improved charge carrier dynamics. Electrochemical analysis in a 3 M KOH electrolyte revealed superior pseudocapacitive performance, with the WO3/Bi2MoO6 nanocomposite achieving specific capacitances of 1803 F g- 1 at 2 mV s-1 and 3132 F g- 1 at 0.8 A g-1, alongside exceptional cyclic stability (95 % retention after 2000 cycles). The synergistic interplay of morphological advantages, and reduced bandgap, underpins the nanocomposite's enhanced charge storage mechanism, dominated by capacitive contributions, and its lower interfacial resistance, as evidenced by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These findings position the WO3/Bi2MoO6 nanocomposite as a promising electrode material for highperformance supercapacitors.

Zn-1.5 wt% Mg alloys are promising biodegradable implant materials due to their enhanced corrosion resistance. This study examined the effects of copper (Cu) micro-alloying on Zn-1.5 Mg alloys produced via melt casting. The alloys exhibited a primary alpha-Zn phase and a Mg2Zn11 phase, with SEM revealing micro-needle structures (32.6-56.4 mu m). Electrical conductivity ranged from 1.01 x 109-5.99 x 109 S/m, with Zn-1.5 Mg-0.12Cu showing the highest value, suitable for cardiovascular use. All alloys were hydrophilic, with contact angles below 90 degrees, ensuring good liquid interaction. Zn-1.5 Mg-0.9Cu demonstrated the lowest corrosion rate (0.038 mm/year) and the highest hardness (452.8 Hv), making it the most durable and mechanically robust. These findings highlight Zn-1.5 Mg-0.9Cu as a superior candidate for biomedical implants, particularly in orthopedics.Graphical abstractSynthesis and characterization of biomedical implant

The interface area created by contact/coupling of two or more semiconductors, named heterojunction has proved worthy for promoting the movement of photogenerated charges on photocatalysts. Hence, increases the photocatalytic performance. Copper oxide /tungsten oxide heterojunction nanocomposites with different molar concentrations (0.05 M, 0.1 M) of copper oxide were synthesized through a simple co-precipitation method, and tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticles were also prepared for comparative analysis. Techniques such as UV-visible, FTIR, XRD, PL, and SEM were employed to characterize synthesized materials. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized nanomaterials was also investigated concerning the photodegradation of Methylene blue (MB) dye solution (10 ppm) under sunlight. Maximum (92 %) degradation of dye was achieved by calcined (0.1 M) CuOWO3 photocatalyst compared to WO3 photocatalyst which showed a degradation capacity of 40 % at the same exposure time of 180 min. Copper oxide enhanced the photocatalytic activity of nanocomposites.

This study introduces an eco-friendly and simple approach for synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), and ZnO-CuO composite nanoparticles using orange peel extract, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals while enhancing their antibacterial and photocatalytic properties. The nanoparticles were annealed at 400 degrees C for 2 h in the air. Characterization was conducted using x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-visible Spectroscopy. XRD revealed that ZnO and CuO nanoparticles crystallized in hexagonal wurtzite and monoclinic structures, respectively, with crystallite size and lattice strain analyzed through Williamson-Hall, Size-Strain Plot, Halder-Wagner, and Wagner-Aqua methods. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of Zn-O and CuO bonds, verifying successful synthesis. The optical bandgaps measured were 3.07 eV for ZnO, 2.702 eV for CuO, and 1.842 eV for the ZnO-CuO nanocomposite. Antimicrobial efficacy, assessed via the disc diffusion method, showed the ZnO-CuO composite exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative strains compared to individual ZnO and CuO. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that under sunlight, the ZnO-CuO nanocomposite achieved 78% degradation of 10 ppm methylene blue within 90 min, outperforming individual ZnO (55%) and CuO (38%). These results highlight the ZnO-CuO composite's potential for effective dye degradation and environmental remediation applications.

This research addresses SDG 6, emphasizing clean water and sanitation through the development of materials that can photodegrade pollutants. Five Sn-substituted Titanite samples, Ca(Ti1_ xSnx)SiO5 (0.2 <= x <= 1), were synthesized via the solid-state method at 1100 degrees C. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed a phase transition from Titanite (CaTiSiO5) to Malayaite (CaSnSiO5), with the Malayaite phase identified by a characteristic spectral band at 902 cm_ 1. Bioactivity tests showed the formation of an apatite layer, with the highest degradation rate of 0.682 mm/year recorded for TS5 (x = 1-CaSnSiO5) as verified by SEM. The band gap energy decreased from 4.66 to 4.35 eV with increasing Sn content. Photocatalytic tests revealed that higher Sn concentrations enhanced Methylene Blue (MB) degradation, with TS5(x = 1-CaSnSiO5) achieving 88 % dye efficiency and a degradation rate constant of 4.47 x 10_ 3 min_ 1, making it suitable for water purification applications.

In this research, Zn-Mg based biodegradable metallic alloys were developed for orthopedic implants with the varying concentration ratio (0.25-1.5)wt.% of magnesium using melt-casting method. The structural characteristics, electrical response, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of the as-cast Zn-Mg alloys were analyzed.XRD showed the primary phase of Mg2Zn11 and alpha-Zn along with minor phase of MgZn2 in all samples. The Electrochemical analysis demonstrated that 1.5 wt% Mg (ZM6) had favorable corrosion resistance with a value of 650 Omega m2 and the lowest corrosion rate per year (0.09 mm/y). The mechanical properties of samples were significantly improved with an increase in Mg concentration (0.25-1.5)wt.%Mg, the microhardness of samples was improved from 272.2 +/- 0.1HV to 352.7 +/- 0.7HV, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) increased from 251.5 MPa to 713.5 MPa and a Modulus of Toughness of enhanced from 219 MPa to 480 MPa. The findings of this research revealed sample ZM6 (1.5 wt% Mg) had good electrochemical and mechanical properties which makes it suitable for orthopedic implantation.

In this study, we report a novel approach to fabricating binder-free CuO-Cr2O3 thin films using a cost-effective spray pyrolysis technique, targeting high-performance supercapacitor applications. The influence of deposition temperature on the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the films was systematically investigated. XRD analysis confirmed their amorphous nature, while SEM revealed a porous cuboid-like morphology. Raman spectroscopy provided insights into the vibrational characteristics of the heterostructure. Electrochemical evaluation in a three-electrode setup showed that films deposited at 320 degrees C delivered a remarkable specific capacitance of 1454 F g- 1 at 1 A g- 1. Furthermore, a fully symmetric CuO-Cr2O3//CuO-Cr2O3 device, fabricated using these optimized electrodes, achieved a specific capacitance of 280 F g- 1 at 3.75 A g- 1, along with 91 % capacitance retention over 2000 cycles. The device also exhibited a high energy density of 99 Wh/kg at a power density of 3000 W/kg. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating a symmetric supercapacitor device based on spray-pyrolyzed CuO-Cr2O3 thin films, offering a promising route toward scalable, durable, and energy-dense energy storage systems.

This study focuses on the structural and biological analysis of Zn-Cu based biodegradable alloys for orthopedic applications. Five samples of Zn-Cu based alloys were prepared using a solid-state method at a temperature of 750 degrees C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that all samples predominantly exhibited the single phase of Cu5Zn8 with minor peaks of Zn,Fe and Mg.SEM/EDX results shows the coral-like structure with grain size of 160 nm in all samples. The electrical conductivity of the alloys was evaluated through a four-probe analysis, and ZnCu0.5Fe0.4 exhibited the highest electric stimulation (1.5 x 108 S/m) can promote bone growth and aid in the healing process. Optical studies of the Zn-Cu based alloys showed absorption peaks in the range of (335-525) nm, with ZnCu0.5Fe0.4 exhibiting the lowest band gap energy (5.25 eV). The biocompatibility of the alloys was assessed through a simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion test, which indicated that all samples demonstrated biocompatible behavior. ZnCu0.5Mg0.4 exhibited the lowest corrosion rate (0.09 mm/year). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of the Cu5Zn8 phase and the formation of hydroxyapatite after in vivo testing in all samples. The electrochemical analysis demonstrated the degradation behavior of all samples, with ZnCu0.5Mg0.4 exhibiting the highest corrosion potential (-0.28 V) and improved corrosion resistance compared to the other alloys.

This study investigates the synthesis and electrochemical performance of WO3/Bi2MoO6/rGO ternary composites for supercapacitor applications. The composites were synthesized via a hydrothermal method with varying concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Structural analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanocomposites, with X-ray diffraction revealing koechlinite phase characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic metal–oxygen bonds and rGO functional groups. Electrochemical assessments demonstrated that composites with 6 wt% rGO exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 319 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1 and superior energy density of 13.4 Wh kg−1 at 275 W kg−1. The charge storage mechanism analysis revealed a diffusion-controlled process alongside electric double-layer capacitance and pseudo-capacitance contributions. Moreover, the composites displayed enhanced conductivity at the electrolyte–electrode interfaces. Overall, the study highlights the potential of WO3/Bi2MoO6/rGO ternary composites as efficient materials for supercapacitor applications, offering insights into their structural and electrochemical properties.

This study investigates the synthesis and electrochemical performance of WO 3 /Bi 2 MoO 6 /rGO ternary composites for supercapacitor applications. The composites were synthesized via a hydrothermal method with varying concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Structural analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanocomposites, with X-ray diffraction revealing koechlinite phase characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic metal - oxygen bonds and rGO functional groups. Electrochemical assessments demonstrated that composites with 6 wt% rGO exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 319 Fg - 1 at 1 Ag -1 and superior energy density of 13.4 Wh kg -1 at 275 W kg -1 . The charge storage mechanism analysis revealed a diffusion-controlled process alongside electric double-layer capacitance and pseudo-capacitance contributions. Moreover, the composites displayed enhanced conductivity at the electrolyte - electrode interfaces. Overall, the study highlights the potential of WO 3 /Bi 2 MoO 6 /rGO ternary composites as efficient materials for supercapacitor applications, offering insights into their structural and electrochemical properties.

In this study, we successfully synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using an aqueous extract derived from Psathyrella candolleana mushrooms. We investigated the impact of mushroom concentration on the properties of these nanoparticles through a comprehensive array of characterization techniques, including Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy. FTIR spectra clearly confirmed the presence of the Zn-O bond stretching mode, serving as validation for the successful synthesis. The XRD patterns provided evidence of ZnO formation, showcasing a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The crystallinity of the ZnO NPs exhibited an excellent correlation with the concentration of the mushroom extract, revealing a reduction in crystallite size from 51 nm to 19 nm as mushroom concentration increased. TEM micrographs unveiled a unique sword-like structure in the nanoparticles. Moreover, the optical bandgap exhibited a noticeable reduction from 2.96 eV to 2.46 eV as mushroom concentration increased. Impressively, the ZnO NPs synthesized through this method displayed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus meurellus, Escherichia coli, and Acetobactor rhizospherensis, under both dark conditions and UV-A light exposure. Furthermore, our photocatalytic experiments highlighted that these prepared ZnO nanoparticles achieved an 80 % degradation rate of methylene blue within just 60 min. This clear evidence underscores their remarkable ability to break down artificial dyes.

In this work, effects of laser irradiation on several characteristics of vanadium (99.999%) are examined. The square-shaped vanadium samples were irradiated using pulsed Nd:YAG laser (532 nm, 6 ns) at a high fluence (7.46 J/cm2) with 100, 200, 300, and 400 laser shots under vacuum. X-ray diffraction results revealed the preferred orientation of the unirradiated vanadium along (200) plane that remained un-changed upon laser irradiation. The crystallite size varied in the range 30–62 nm and the average diameter of laser-ablated region was decreased with the increase of laser shots. On the contrary, the heat-affected area around the ablated region and the surface roughness progressively increased on increasing the number of laser shots. The morphological features of the laser-irradiated vanadium comprised of cavities, microcones, cracks, grooves dips, bubbles, droplets, ripples, micro-pillars, and wave-like structures. The hardness of the samples (166–184 HV) was decreased with increase of the crystallite size (30–62 nm) and vice versa. The samples irradiated with the laser for 100 and 200 shots exhibited a higher corrosion rate as compared to the un-irradiated sample. However, the corrosion rate was reduced as the number of laser shots were increased to 300 and then 400, demonstrating an improvement in the vanadium corrosion resistance.

Ternary ceramic samples comprising SrO-MgO-SiO2 with varying element concentrations were synthesized using the solid-state method and sintered at 800 degrees C. To characterize the properties of the samples, several analysis techniques were employed. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) was utilized for structural analysis, FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify bonds, SEM provided morphological analysis, biocompatibility was assessed through Vitro testing, microhardness was evaluated using Vickers testing, and dielectric analysis was performed to investigate electrical properties. The XRD spectra confirmed the presence of a ternary phase known as Magnesium Strontium Di-silicate [MgSr2Si2O7], with no impurity peaks detected. FTIR spectroscopy indicated the formation of Magnesium silicate, displaying vibrational bands corresponding to SiO4 and MgO, which further confirmed the existence of MgSr2Si2O7 in the samples. The Vitro test results revealed that all samples exhibited biocompatible behavior, with moderate pH and weight loss. SEM images provided insights into the morphology of the system and confirmed the development of an appetite layer on the sample surfaces. The particle size of the samples was measured to be approximately 116.48 +/- 9 nm. Vickers hardness testing yielded microhardness values ranging from 378.1 to 400.2 HV. Dielectric constant measurements demonstrated that the AC conductivity of the SrO-MgO-SiO2 system increased as the percentage of Mg doping increased.

To get a range of crystallite size, 5 N pure polycrystalline zinc specimens were shined with 50-100 Nd:YAG laser shots. Williamson-Hall, Size-Strain Plot, Halder-Wagner, and Wagner-Aqua models were employed to evaluate the crystallite size and lattice strain of pristine and laser-treated specimens. Surface hardness of the specimens were measured under 0.2 and 0.3 kgf indentation loads for 10 s. In each case, the surface hardness followed inverse Hall - Petch Relation. For a fixed number of laser shots, the surface hardness was greater for 0.2 kgf indentation load than that for 0.3 kgf. The surface hardness of pristine zinc specimen increased on treatment with 50 laser shots. With further rise in laser shots up to 80, the surface hardness progressively decreased close to that of pristine specimen. Later, it again increased for 90 laser shots and then slightly decreased for 100 laser shots.

Hardystonite (Ca2ZnSi2O7) was prepared using non-stoichiometric composition by solid-state method at 1200 C. Structural analysis revealed that Hardystonite (Ca2ZnSi2O7) as a major phase and Wollastonite (CaSiO3) as a minor phase for all samples with no other impurity peak. Morphological analysis revealed irregular agglomerated morphology with a particle size of 323 mu m. The optical band gap ranges from 4.48 to 5.0 eV suitable for sensors, bolometers, and optoelectronic applications. Dielectric constant (3.4-7.7), Resistivity (2.6 x 10(-8)-4.5 x 10(-7) omega m), and AC conductivity were found at 2.1 x 10(-7)-3.8 x 10(-7) Sm-1, making it suitable for Low temperature co-fired (LTCC) applications.

Spray pyrolysis technique was employed to synthesize NiO and NiO:Cu thin films (0.1-25% Cu) on soda-lime glass substrate. Optical properties, as well as electrical resistivity of these films, were investigated. UV-Visible spectrophotometer was employed to measure the optical properties. The absorption edge of the films was located within the UV range i.e. lambda = 280-380 nm. The average reflectance of the films was 16.9% in the range lambda = 280-900 nm. On increasing the Cu/Ni ratio, the optical band gap decreased whereas the refractive index and Urbach energy increased. Quantitatively, the measured average value of the refractive index and the value calculated from the Reddy-Ahammed empirical formula, which connects refractive index with optical band gap, were in good agreement. Optical conductivity was found to be in the range 10(14)-10(15) s(-1) while the dielectric loss was rather very low; it points to the good optical response of the films. The average oscillator energy as well as dispersion energy evaluated from Wemple-DiDomenico model decreased rapidly to begin with as Cu/Ni ratio was increased up to 5% but later on decreased rather slowly. Optical band gap values calculated by the Wemple-DiDomenico model and by Tauc relation agreed very well. The PL spectra of all the films displayed an intense peak at 403 nm and two secondary peaks at 426 nm and 365 nm. The PL intensity of each peak decreased monotonically with an increase in Cu content in NiO:Cu thin film from 0 to 3%. However, it remained almost independent of Cu content in the range of 4-25%. With an increase in Cu/Ni ratio, electrical resistivity and carrier mobility decreased whereas carrier concentration increased.

Zinc single crystal specimens were irradiated with pulsed Nd:YAG laser in vacuum. Keeping the number of laser shots constant (10 shots), laser energy was varied from 50 to 150 mJ, whereas the corresponding laser fluence was 97 to 292 J cm −2 , respectively. Using optical microscope, the dimensions (area and perimeter) of laser ablated region on the surface of each specimen were measured. Both parameters increased, in general, on increasing laser pulse energy. Examination of surface morphology by scanning electron microscope revealed formation of pores, grooves, cracks, bubbles, micron-size rods, ripples, ridges, cavities, microcones, and solid flakes, etc. Surface roughness had no systematic dependence on the laser pulse energy. Structural parameters, i.e., texture coefficient, lattice strain, and crystallite size, were determined by means of Harris analysis as well as Williamson–Hall analysis of the XRD patterns of specimens. The variation of lattice strain and crystallite size with laser fluence or laser pulse energy was alike. Surface hardness decreased on increasing laser fluence, and followed classical Hall–Petch relation.