This study explores the synthesis and modification of Ti3C2Tx MXenes using microwave-assisted methods for enhanced energy storage performance. Three synthesis approaches were employed: conventional HF etching (MX1), one-step microwave-assisted method (MX2), and two-step microwave-assisted method (MX3). The structural and functional properties of the MXenes were characterized using X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Electrochemical tests showed that MX2 exhibited a high specific capacitance of 243.81 F/g, slightly surpassing MX1 (230.95 F/g), while MX3 demonstrated a capacitance of 190.48 F/g at 1 A/g. Notably, MX2 retained 90% of its capacitance and maintained a coulombic efficiency of 97% after 1000 cycles at 5 A/g. The charge storage mechanisms were analyzed using power law equations and Dunn's method, revealing the contributions of pseudo-capacitive and diffusion-controlled processes. The results highlight the potential of microwave-assisted techniques for rapid and practical synthesis of MXenes with enhanced electrochemical properties for energy storage applications.

Over the past few years, conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have gained considerable interest due to their multifaceted applications. This review comprehensively analyzes existing research on the electrical conductivity behavior of HDPE composites reinforced with single conductive fillers as a function of filler volume fraction. The effect of filler’s type, size and their distribution on matrix is deeply studied. By aggregating and comparing data from numerous studies—spanning carbon-based fillers, metal base fillers and organic fillers, we were able to benchmark their performance under similar loading scales. Through this comparative analysis, we identified the most effective HDPE-filler system reported to date in terms of conductivity enhancement. To the best of our knowledge, no previous review has systematically combined such a diverse set of results to unambiguously identify a “best-in-class” solo filler for enhancing composite’s conductivity. A maximum conductivity of 6.8⋅104 Sm− 1 is observed with Silver Polyamide (AgPA) coated matrix at a very low filler content of 4–5 volume

In an effort to optimize supercapacitor performance and tap into their vast potential, researchers have been intensively investigating a wide range of electrode materials, including Ti3C2Tx MXenes and V2O5. This study utilized a microwave-assisted method to rapidly synthesize Ti3C2Tx MXene. The resulting MXene was then combined with V2O5, which was synthesized separately using a hydrothermal approach, through a straightforward sonication process to form the Ti3C2Tx@V2O5 nanoparticles composites. The electrochemical properties of Ti3C2Tx MXenes and Ti3C2Tx@V2O5 nanoparticles composites were analyzed with cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Notably, the Ti3C2Tx@V2O5 (10) composite attained an impressive specific capacitance of 1090 F/g at 1 A/g in 3 M KOH electrolyte, along with retaining 85 % of its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles at 6 A/g. The assembled aqueous symmetric supercapacitors demonstrated excellent performance, achieving an energy density of 21.11 Wh/kg and a power density of 799.96 W/kg at a current density of 1 A/g and retained 93.33 % of their initial capacity after 4000 cycles at a current density of 2 A/g. The synergistic combination of MXene and V2O5 yielded improved charge storage properties, as the two components complemented each other's strengths. Specifically, MXene enhanced electrical conductivity and facilitated ion diffusion, while V2O5 provided additional intercalation sites, collectively boosting the overall charge storage capabilities of the composite material. These findings demonstrate the promising potential of the MXene-metal oxide composite electrode for supercapacitor applications.

Rising carbon emissions have intensified global climate change, creating an urgent need for innovative solutions that generate value while also reducing emissions. Carbon capture, conversion, and utilization (CCCU) is a transformational technique that captures and converts CO2 from energy and industrial sources into valuable fuels, chemicals, and materials. This review examines the current state of CCCU technologies, highlighting innovative materials including solvents, solid sorbents, and membranes, as well as main CO2 capture methodologies like pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion. Emerging conversion technologies include photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biochemical pathways, with an emphasis on the synthesis of methanol, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), dimethyl ether (DME), urea, and formic acid. The role of nanomaterials and bio-inspired systems in enhancing conversion efficiency is also explored. Industrial case studies and life-cycle assessments demonstrate the economic and environmental viability of CCCU, particularly when paired with renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen. Despite promising progress, CCCU still faces technical, economic, and infrastructural challenges related to energy consumption, scalability, and policy support. Looking to the future, research should focus on creating hybrid systems that can combine capture and conversion in a single process, developing more advanced catalysts, designing flexible modular reactors, and improving efficiency using machine learning. CCCU can be unlocked to its full potential by integrating it into circular economy frameworks and industrial symbiosis models. CCCU promotes decarbonization by transforming CO2 waste into a valuable resource. This aligns economic growth with environmental responsibility and fosters sustainable development. This review focuses on the commercial viability of CCCU. The conference emphasized the critical importance of technological innovation and strategic implementation in establishing renewable energy as the foundation for a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

Due to its layered structure and appropriate electronic configuration, two-dimensional MoS2 has been considered a reliable and inexpensive electrocatalyst and electrode material for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Additionally, the MoS2 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) structure can act as a good host for other nano-catalysts. However, the catalytic activity of pristine MoS2 is not as effective as the industrial targeted values. In this work, nickel-MoS2 (Ni/MoS2) and Ni/MoS2-rGO composites are synthesized and evaluated as catalysts for ORR at the cathode. Electrochemical studies using a rotating disk electrode system confirmed that the as-synthesized catalyst exhibits good electrocatalytic activity to ORR in alkaline media (0.1 M KOH) and followed the desirable 4-electron transfer process. Ni/MoS2-rGO composite displays a current density of − 11.1 mA/cm2 and half-wave and onset potentials of 0.74 V and 0.87 V, respectively, at 2400 rpm, whereas the bare MoS2 shows the values of limiting current density, half-wave potential, and onset potential of − 5.8 mA/cm2, 0.61 V, and 0.79 V, respectively. Numerous highly active Mo sites, high conductivity, and high specific surface area in MoS2-rGO make it a novel catalyst material for ORR. Ni further enhances conductivity and is involved in electrochemical reactions. The onset potential slightly shifts towards the lower value after the potential cycling, whereas the limiting current density decreases by ≈9.0

The present study investigates the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites of Nickel Oxide (NiO) and Polyaniline (PANI) using various analytical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy. photoluminescence (PL), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) along with Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Furthermore, the work estimates the variations in Young’s Modulus and dielectric constant of the composites with varying concentration of NiO in the composites. The nanocomposites were synthesized via an in-situ polymerization method, incorporating varying weight percentages of NiO nanoparticles into the Polyaniline matrix. The UV-Vis spectroscopy was conducted to probe the bandgap energy of the nanocomposites, revealed the π-π* transitions associated with the conjugated structure of polyaniline. PL spectra showed a red shift in wavelength with the addition of NiO nanoparticles, indicating increased conjugation length of PANI and altered energy states due to interactions with NiO. FESEM analysis revealed the consistent and even dispersion of NiO nanoparticles within the PANI matrix. EDS analysis indicates a corelation between the nickel weight

Uranium contents from the 21 random sampling sites from the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh have been reported in this paper. The authors have collected 21 soil samples, 15 samples of 4 different plant species, and 30 samples of grains (maize, wheat, barley, and beans). The collected samples were decomposed by using the acidic mixture of HNO₃ and HClO₄; thereafter, the uranium concentration (U) in different samples was analyzed by instruments APHA-3125B . The uranium in soil samples was found to vary from 2.64 ppb to 18.47 ppb with an average of 8.29 ppb. Maximum average value of uranium concentration has been found in grass (Poaceae) > nettle plant (Urtica) > pine (Pinus) > oak (Grewia robusta) > wheat (Triticum) > beans (Phaseolus) > barley (Hordeum vulgare) and minimum in the maize grain (Zea mays). This study may help check the natural radioactivity dose intake of residents of the area. The study provides an overview of the doses taken by the residents of the study area. The findings of the study, along with similar works, may help create a radiation hazard map for a particular area related to eatables.

The use of X-rays for material analysis has revolutionized our understanding of various materials, providing invaluable insights. This chapter delves into X-ray applications, including XRD, XRF, XPS, AES, and SIMS. It begins with X-ray production and then details the principles, operations, and applications of these techniques, offering deep insights into material properties. XRD is vital for deciphering solid crystalline structures and atomic arrangements, revealing lattice spacing, symmetry, and phases. XRF excels in elemental analysis, offering both qualitative and quantitative results by generating distinctive fluorescent X-rays when X-rays interact with a sample. XPS focus on surface analysis, determining elemental composition and chemical states. SIMS enables high-sensitivity elemental and isotopic analysis of surfaces. These techniques find diverse applications. This chapter enhances readers' understanding of these techniques, helping them choose the right approach for material characterization, fostering scientific progress and technological innovation.

Composites of carbonaceous materials and the spinel metal oxides have been profoundly analyzed due to their recognized properties, including high capacity, better stability, and good cycle life. The facile synthesis of the binary composite of NiCo2O4-rGO has been done by dextrose-assisted combustion method at temperatures ranging from 300 to 500 °C in a furnace. X-ray diffraction technique has been employed to analyze properties like the crystalline nature and the cubic lattice structure of the samples. The reduction in the restacking of graphene sheets and the agglomeration of NiCo2O4 particles in the composite has been confirmed by Fourier Electron Scanning Electron Microscopy. The Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy analysis has been done to confirm the presence of all elements and to find the elemental wt

In this study an attempt has been made to estimate the exposure of natural radiation due to ambient gamma dose by using RedEye-G gamma survey meter measured at 1m height from the ground surface at 150 locations in the 18 villages situated within 5 km radius around the Narora Atomic Power Station, Bulandshahr, (U. P.) India. The average outdoor gamma dose rate varied from 1.31 to 2.72 mSv/y with an average value of 1.94 ± 0.25 mSv/y. The total annual effective dose ranged 0.93 to 1.79 mSv/y with an average value of 1.32 ± 0.16 mSv/y. The estimated mean of AED values is higher than the values prescribed by UNSCEAR and ICRP both. The result suggested that the measured gamma dose rates in the studied villages were requires a further investigation. The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk, reduction coefficient and the dose received by various organs such as the kidneys, lungs, bone marrow, ovaries, liver and testes was evaluated. The calculation shows that the highest dose received by testes was 0.21 mSv/y and lowest dose received by liver was 0.09 mSv/y.

Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Add Paper to My Library Share: Permalink Using these links will ensure access to this page indefinitely Copy URL Copy DOI

This research focuses on synthesizing vanadium oxide through hydrothermal and solvent-thermal methods, to explore their potential application in supercapacitors. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) are used to determine the crystalline size and functional group, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to investigate their morphologies. The electrochemical performance was evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results demonstrated that the V2O5 synthesized by the hydrothermal method exhibited twofold increases in specific capacitance compared to those produced by the solvent-thermal method. Experimental results also indicate that nanoparticles V2O5 by hydrothermal can deliver a capacitance of 121 Fg � 1 and solventthermal deliver a capacitance of 72 Fg � 1 at the current density of 1 Ag-1 in the potential range from 0 to 0.45 V in a 3 M KOH aqueous electrolyte.

MXenes have obtained noticeable interest cause of their unique features (physical and chemical features). MXenes are considered auspicious applicants considering the resolution of ecological and energy issues because of their distinctive stacked nanostructure, multiple functionalities at the surface, the excess of these compounds on earth, and their appealing optical, electrical, and thermal properties. Due to its large area, flexible chemical composition, and readily modifiable compositions of elements, MXenes need to become a viable choice to enhance photocatalytic efficiency in renewable energy and ecological treatment applications. Cause of their layered nanostructure with an abundance of functionality, they are with outstanding adjustable performance and are simple to mix with other materials, like metallic oxides, polymers, organic hybrids, and carbonaceous materials, to satisfy the demands of high-performance applications. MXenes are excellent catalysts because of their multiple interlayer groups, surface group activities, and adaptable layer spacing. The MXenes family contains more than 30 distinct members, all of which have been investigated and effectively used as catalysts. The fabrication, mechanism at the surface, and uses of MXenes with associated nanocomposites are covered in this chapter. We also discuss MXenes principles and their respective manufacturing methods, such as exfoliation delamination, HF etching, hydrothermal, polymerization, etc., to better understand. MXenes have excelled as photocatalysts for photochemical degradation, carbon dioxide reduction, hydrogen evolution, and nitrogen fixation. Moreover, surface flaws of MXenes offer lots of CO2 adsorption sites. Also, these materials' superior 2D-nanomaterial structure and fast electron transport pathways contribute to their extremely effective oxidation reaction activity. The effectiveness of heterostructures based on MXene and their nanocomposite photocatalysts for removing organic pollutants is also thoroughly analyzed in this chapter. Lastly, a future direction for energy and ecological sciences research is suggested.

The increased requirements for high-efficiency and low-cost energy storage devices have paced research nowadays. The present study explores the applications of reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) and Polyaniline (Pani) composites (rGO-Pani) for supercapacitor devices. These composites offer improved electrical conductivity and high specific capacitance. The composites have been characterized for their optical, magnetic, and specific capacitance properties. The energy band gap and Urbach’s energy for the composites is observed to be lower than the pristine Pani sample. Three photoluminescence peaks have been observed for pristine Pani whose intensity increases with increasing concentration of rGO in the composite. The CIE coordinates also indicate the higher color temperature of the composites. The original samples of rGO and Polyaniline do not possess any magnetic properties, but the composites show slight retentivity and coercivity. Cyclic voltammetry and Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge techniques performed at different scan rates reveal higher specific capacitance for Polyaniline samples than the composites that may be attributed to the presence of defects or impurities as they can introduce additional energy levels within the band structure. Deep-level defects may trap charge carriers, which leads to reduced charge transport efficiency and lower electrochemical performance.

This study highlights the successful synthesis of NiO, Co3O4, and NiCo2O4 nanoparticles through a cost-efficient process involving dextrose-assisted combustion followed by calcination treatment. Structural analysis revealed that NiO and Co₃O₄ have smaller crystallite sizes compared to NiCo₂O₄. The lower microstrain in NiO and Co₃O₄ suggests greater crystalline stability, while the higher microstrain in NiCo₂O₄ indicates internal stress in the crystal structure. The even distribution of elements in NiCo2O4 was confirmed by EDS and FTIR. Additionally, thermal analysis showed NiCo2O4 nanocomposite’s superior stability at high temperatures. NiCo2O4 exhibited a remarkable specific capacitance of 288 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1, surpassing other metal oxides. It also demonstrated extended discharge time and lower equivalent series resistance, highlighting its potential for advanced supercapacitor performance. This study provides a cost-effective blueprint for developing advanced binary metal oxide electrode materials, emphasizing the promising utility of synthesized NiCo2O4 nanoparticles in practical applications.

Throughout history, numerous incidents involving harmful gas leaks have been documented, highlighting a clear and pressing vulnerability in safety protocols. These events underscore the critical need for materials capable of proactively detecting dangerous gases before they reach perilous concentrations. With the rapid evolution of technology, the emerging material 'MXene' stands out due to its unique properties, including the presence of abundant and tunable surface functional groups, high conductivity, good stability under a wide range of environmental conditions, exceptional chemical and thermal stability, and a high surface area. These attributes make MXene a promising candidate for advancing gas detection capabilities. This review delves into MXene-based sensors, highlighting their potential to detect various volatile organic gases at very low concentrations, measured in parts per million. To provide a comprehensive overview, we also explore the intricate structure and synthesis methods of MXene, shedding light on its unique properties and operational dynamics. We assess the synergy of MXene with substrates such as metal oxides, conducting polymers, 2D materials, and noble metals, focusing on their enhanced sensitivity, target specificity, and optimal response times. Additionally, we examine the fascinating mechanisms behind MXene's gas-sensing capabilities. Our objective is clear: to pave the way for the development of next-generation gas sensors capable of detecting minute traces of gases down to parts per billion levels under ambient conditions. By achieving this goal, we aim to establish an advanced gas sensor that offers outstanding sensitivity and energy-efficient gas sensing technologies.