Sustainable electrocatalysts have been of significant interest in the area pertaining to the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) processes using ternary copper-iron-sulphide materials. This research outlines the synthesis of copper-iron-sulphide (Cu-Fe-S) hierarchical flower-like structures via hydrothermal process using distilled water, ethylene glycol, and their mixture, and evaluated as dual-functional catalysts for HER and photocatalysis. The products were comprehensively characterized using a variety of physiochemical techniques. In addition, theoretical calculations coupled with automated multiphase XRD analysis was used to rationalize the phase constitution. The experimental diffraction pattern exhibits poor agreement with any single-phase reference and is most consistent with a multiphase Cu-Fe-S system whose features resemble Cu4FeS4 and Cu2Fe2S5. The distilled water derived catalyst (CFS-1) shows overpotentials of 510 mV and 168 mV in alkaline as well as acidic electrolytes, respectively, to obtain the required current density of 50 mA cm-2, indicating its promise as an earth abundant catalyst for hydrogen production catalyst. Meanwhile, the ethylene-glycol-derived catalyst (CFS-2) displays the better photocatalytic performance for methylene blue (MB) decomposition under illumination with visible light.

Semiconductor-based visible light active photo-catalyst has been synthesized through microwave-assisted chemical precipitation method under acidic pH with minimal time of reaction using microwave irradiation. The monoclinic crystal phase of the material with no impurity is confirmed with XRD data. We can observe slight left shift after doping with copper (Cu) in 2 Theta peak of XRD data. SEM analysis exhibits a gradual change in morphology with the increase in doping concentration. UV-Vis data confirms an improvement in absorption with the increase in dopant concentration. PL analysis further clarifies the change in recombination rate of photo-induced charge carriers. Photocatalysis has been tested with methylene blue (MB) synthetic dye. The maximum percentage of degradation was determined to be 61.08% and it is obtained for 0.25% Cu-doped BiVO4. It is also observed that 0.25% Cu-doped BiVO4 has lower energy band gap value, i.e., 2.03eV and lesser PL intensity than pure un-doped BiVO4. The HRTEM analysis proves that 0.25% Cu-BiVO4 is well crystalline in nature with the d spacing corresponding to (121) plane of BiVO4.

Synthesizing direct solar irradiance-responsive nanomaterial capable of serving as an efficient photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and active photocatalysts for organic pollutant elimination poses a formidable challenge. This study focused on the synthesis of cobalt and manganese co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles via sol-gel technique, enhancing their efficacy in both the DSSCs and methylene blue (MB) dye degradation. X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis confirm the existence of a tetragonal crystal structure with the anatase phase of TiO2, while XPS analysis verifies the successful integration of cobalt and manganese ions into the host lattices. BET analysis has confirmed that Co, Mn co-doped TiO2 exhibits a higher pore volume and specific surface area compared to the undoped TiO2 material. FESEM and HR-TEM reveals spherical shape morphology and EDS mapping confirms the purity of synthesized nanoparticles. Moreover, Co-Mn co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles exhibits a shift in the optical absorption edge towards the visible spectrum in UV-DRS analysis. PL analysis suggests a diminished electron-hole recombination within the doped and co-doped sample. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates improved charge transfer properties. DSSCs employing the co-doped TiO2 exhibit significantly enhanced power conversion efficiency (4.99%) compared to bare TiO2 (2.03%), cobalt-doped (2.61%), and manganese-doped TiO2 (3.97%). Additionally, it demonstrates exceptional photocatalytic activity, with 87.83% (Co-Mn co-doped TiO2) degradation efficiency with a lesser time extent for the methylene blue dye degradation. These findings underscore the potential of Co-Mn co-doped TiO2 for addressing dual challenges in renewable energy (DSSC) and environmental remediation (Pollutant removal).

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This study explores the potential of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) as an environmentally friendly and nontoxic semiconductor photocatalytic material with a narrow band gap. The research focuses on investigating, photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) using CZTS-based nanocomposites prepared through hydrothermal approach. The experiments conducted in this study aim to determine the kinetics of photodegradation and adsorption of MB. Several models are applied to the experimental data to understand the underlying principles governing photocatalysis. The CZTS-gCN and CZTS-GO nanocomposites are thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction for phase purity and crystallite size, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and other characterization are also employed to observe the morphology, phase structure, optical band gap, recombination of charge carriers The study discusses a potential method for enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the CZTS nanocomposite under light conditions. The photodegradation rate of MB dye is evaluated, showing a remarkable 64% degradation.

Visible region active semiconductor photocatalyst, BiVO4/g-C3N4/GO composite with various proportions of weight of GO and g-C3N4 are prepared through hydrothermal method in 180 °C for 3 h in furnace. The optimization of both GO and g-C3N4 weight ratio with BiVO4 has been studied here. The prepared samples shows monoclinic BVO4 phase. And due to the low quantity of g-C3N4 and GO the peaks for respective material was disappeared. The prepared nanoparticles show rod like and rod with sheet like morphology. The prepared samples show higher capacity of absorption in UV–Visible region. The higher ratio of GO and lower ratio of g-C3N4 with BiVO4, i.e. 7 GB showed highest photocatalytic efficiency of 78

Here in, we have fabricated a composite of SiC and g-C3N5 to form a noble-metal-free heterostructure as SiC/g-C3N5 for electrochemical HER activity. More than a few characterization techniques were investigated for their structural properties, such as the XRD, UV- DRS, FT-IR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, and XPS measurements respectively. The HER reaction of SiC/g-C3N5 heterostructure with an overpotential obtained from Tafel slope of 81 mV/dec vs RHE at 10 mA/cm2 which is much better than that of the pristine SiC material. This work entitles that the effective approach for the rational design of g-C3N5-based electrocatalysts, for future developments in metal-free electrocatalysts.

Monoclinic bismuth vanadium oxide (BiVO4)has been synthesized by solvothermal method with the assistance of surfactant, and the prepared sample was treated with cold plasma in argon atmosphere. The hydrothermal temperature has been controlled at 80 degrees C for 3 h in hot air oven. Four different surfactants were used, i.e., hexamine, PEG, PVA, and PVP. The prepared samples were subjected to argon plasma treatment for 20 min with glow discharge (GD) plasma technique. The morphology and structural properties have been analyzed with SEM and XRD, respectively. The optical property has been evaluated and showed higher absorbance in UV-visible light region. Photocatalytic activity of PEG added BiVO(4 )showed higher degradation for methylene blue dye, i.e., 56% in 180 min under visible light illumination. The result has been further supported by PL and Raman analyses. The BET analysis was used to detect the pore size and specific surface area of the samples. Furthermore, the reusability of the photocatalyst was evaluated by the stability test. The XPS and TEM analyses analyze the composition and crystalline nature of the prepared sample. The GCMS analysis of MB dye degradation has inferred the stability of the sample after dye degradation. The GCMS analysis and reusability test confirm the stability of PG after the photocatalysis process and confirm that the plasma treatment has helped in the stability of PG

Here in, we have fabricated a composite of SiC and g-C 3 N 5 to form a noble -metal -free heterostructure as SiC/gC 3 N 5 for electrochemical HER activity. More than a few characterization techniques were investigated for their structural properties, such as the XRD, UV- DRS, FT-IR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, and XPS measurements respectively. The HER reaction of SiC/g-C 3 N 5 heterostructure with an overpotential obtained from Tafel slope of 81 mV/dec vs RHE at 10 mA/cm 2 which is much better than that of the pristine SiC material. This work entitles that the effective approach for the rational design of g-C 3 N 5 -based electrocatalysts, for future developments in metal -free electrocatalysts.

The ternary heterojunction, BiVO4/GO/g-C3N4 was synthesized via hydrothermal method under a temperature of 180 degrees C. The prepared materials are post treated with glow discharge argon plasma treatment. Prepared materials shows monoclinic phase of BiVO4 and they show rod like structure. The plasma treated material shows improved degradation rate, the heterojunction after the plasma treatment (RBNP) gives 96 % of methylene blue decomposition in 180 min. The photocatalytic result is in accordance with the recombination rate of electron-hole pairs and presence of oxygen vacancies. The presence of oxygen vacancies are confirmed by XPS and EPR results. The BET analysis result confirms the presence of higher specific surface area in the plasma treated heterojunction sample, RBNP. The solution with highest degradation rate has been used for growing fenugreek plants to study the toxic effect of degraded solution on plant growth. The phytotoxicity result confirms that, the degraded solution can only slightly affect the shoot length of the plant while retaining the root length.

A heterogeneous photocatalytic pathway is a possible approach to global energy and environmental issues. Sol-gel spin coating and physical vapour deposition were used to create a new ternary ZnO/CdSe/SnSe nanocomposite thin film photocatalyst. X-ray diffractometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), field emission-scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence (PL) spectrophotometers were used to characterize the deposited films. When exposed to solar light, the ternary photocatalyst exhibits high photocatalytic activity in photocatalytic dye degradation processes. it demonstrates excellent visible light absorption, enhanced charge carrier separation, and solar light simulation. It was proposed that the charge in the ternary ZnO/CdSe/SnSe photocatalyst moves in a double type-II and cascade manner between the various components. In this study, ternary thin film heterostructures are synthesized, exhibiting outstanding stability and solar light-induced photocatalytic activity.The thin film composed of ZnO/CdSe/SnSe exhibits a degradation efficiency of 96

ZnO/SnSe and ZnO/CdSe thin film photocatalysts were prepared by two steps via hydrothermal and thermal evaporation method for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene Blue (MB). UV/Vis spectrometer, XRD, SEM, EDX and PL were used to study the structural,morphological and optical characteristics of the deposited thin films. ZnO nanorods, ZnO/SnSe and ZnO/CdSe heterostructures were tested for the photocatalytic degradation of MB. Among these ZnO/SnSe heterostructure yielded a better performance as a photocatalyst. With the ZnO/SnSe thin film photocatalyst owing to its high charge separation efficiency, the best photocatalytic efficiency of 88% was attained in 150 min. This study confirms an improved photocatalytic efficiency of, ZnO/SnSe and ZnO/CdSe thin film heterostructures compared to ZnO nanorod arrays.

The growing demand for energy, as well as the impact on the environment as a result of human activity, has prompted a renewed focus on the development of cleaner alternative fuels. Because of its pure combustion products, hydrogen gas is being used as an alternative in the development of sustainable energy sources. A simple hydrothermal technique was used to prepare copper nickel tin sulphide (CNTS) decorated graphitic carbon nitride (gCN). CNTS-gCN samples were further prepared on different concentrations of gCN that varies from CNTS-gCN(10 mg-50mg) and analyzed under various characterization for its structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Raman and HR-TEM (High Resolution-Transmitting Electron Microscopy) techniques were used to examine the morphology and surface structure of CNTS-gCN. Owing to its exclusive electrocatalytic property as low charge transfer resistance and high electrochemically active surface area, the composite material reveals a superior catalytic stability for the production of hydrogen energy. The hierarchical flower like structures were still maintained even after the addition of g-CN at different loading concentrations (10-50) respectively. The objective of this research is to prepare a new electrocatalyst based on CNTS with an increased HER activity.& COPY; 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The most widely used type of spinel aluminate is Cobalt Aluminate (CoAl2O4). This spinel is known to have different structural, magnetic and morphological characteristics depending upon their synthesis methods and the types of materials used. A variety of fine, complex oxide powders have been produced using the Solution Combustion Method (SC), which is employed for advanced applications such as catalysts, fuel cells and in biotechnology. In the current study, COAl2O4 nano-particles was prepared using the solution combustion technique. Various temperatures used to heat the samples at 500 °C, 700 °C and 900 °C in order to understand various properties of the materials with different annealing temperatures. Using XRD, SEM, EDAX and FT-IR the structural, morphological and compositional properties of the materials were analysed in this paper. XRD confirmed that the obtained metal oxides are COAl2O4 and these oxides crystalline sizes were calculated using Scherrer equation. Metal oxide structures were confirmed by FT-IR. On comparing the three samples, the sample annealed at 900 °C showed good UV–Vis absorption and also it proves to be a suitable choice for the degradation of organic dyes.

Because of their enormous potential for use in current electronic systems, polymer-based dielectric materials have garnered considerable attention. The spatial distribution of fillers has a significant impact on the dielectric behavior of polymer composites, so a better understanding of the relationship between the dielectric properties of composites and the spatial distribution of filler would be extremely helpful in developing new high-performance dielectrics. In this study, anatase TiO 2 and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanocomposites were prepared by ball-milling. This was followed by the preparation of poly(vinylidene fluoride)–co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP)-based polymer nanocomposites. TiO 2 /h-BN material was confirmed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The TiO 2 /h-BN nanoparticles were well distributed in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, with very little particle aggregation. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy data indicate that the nanocomposite components interact well. AC impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the variations in electrical characteristics including dielectric constant, dielectric loss and electrical resistivity (Nyquist plot) of the prepared composite film. These films were applied to enhance load-bearing capacity during electrostatic force state, making use of flexible fabric-based metal electrodes. The load-bearing capacity of the film was determined by measuring the tensile strength. The PVDF-HFP/TiO 2 /h-BN nanocomposite showed flexibility in addition to dependable dielectric capabilities, making it potentially suitable for a variety of flexible electronic devices such as electroadhesion and electrostatic storage devices.

Poly (vinylidene fluoride- hexafluoroproylene) PVDF-HFP has been employed as a host polymer because of its strong chemical resistance, mechanical and dielectric properties and low cost. However, further changes employing other polymers, nanomaterials, additives and fillers to improve the properties of the host polymers are of significant interest. TiO2 has gained a lot of attention because of its high k dielectric and photo catalytic capabilities. Graphene oxide (GO) has received a lot of attention because of its larger mechanical strength, dielectric behavior and other qualities. Using the doctor blade coating process, varied amounts of TiO2 and GO were successfully integrated into PVDF-HFP to form composite films. The XRD result reveals that TiO2/GO has been successfully incorporated into the PVDF-HFP polymer matrix, while FTIR, SEM experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of TiO2/GO fillers on PVDF-HFP film. AC impedance spectroscopy reveals the dielectric behavior and resistivity of polymer nanocomposite film. The film has been tested for its loading bearing capacity during electroadhesion with different applied voltages. The maximum load bearing capacity based on electroadhesion has been estimated.

The electroadhesive actuators were assembled using Cu–Ni fabric electrodes and hBN-incorporated BaTiO3 dielectric composite materials in PVdF-HFP matrix as the electroadhesive tape. The electroadhesive performance of the above tape was tested using a DC–DC booster circuit for different weight percentages of ball-milled hBN into the dielectric composite. The load bearing capacity was found to be multiplied several fold from 100 to 950 gm for voltage of 250 V. The dielectric behavior of as-prepared electroadhesive tape made using the PVdF-HFP matrix was analyzed using impedance analyzer. XRD and SEM studies were performed to justify the behavior of the powder composites embedded in PVdF-HFP matrix as electroadhesive tapes.

Selenization or sulphurization is a standard method for developing copper-selenium-based ternary to quinary compounds. The route proved effective, but there are concerns about the high-risk management and potential explosion if mishandled. This article discusses a selenization/sulphurization-free fabrication of a CIGSSe thin film structure. Instead of selenization, a Cu2Se/S/Ga3Se2/S/In3Se2 multilayer thin film structure is chosen, and a simple post-annealing in high vacuum is used. The x-ray diffraction analysis hinted at a composite structure in asdeposited and a phase pure dominant chalcopyrite structure in the annealed film. The bandgap of 1.71 eV with a high absorption coefficient of 104/cm with smaller Urbach energy of 59 meV supports the dominant microstructure of the annealed thin film. Room temperature hall measurements also ensured the charge carrier transformation of n-type to p-type during annealing with the carrier concentration of 1016/cm3. The Au/p-CIGS/ n-Si/Au heterojunction is developed, and current-voltage measurements are investigated.