Showing 190 results for Tic
Krishna Jyothi N, Keerthi M., Gnana Kiran M., Venkata Kamesh Vinjamuri, Prakash Babu Kanakavalli, Krupakaran R.l, Nandini P.s.v., Rao M.c., D. Madhavi Latha, Mahamuda Sk.,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
This research systematically examines the structural, electrical, and optical characteristics of Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide (TSP)--based biopolymer electrolytes that are doped with varying concentrations of sodium iodide (NaI). Composite films were synthesized using the solution cast technique in weight percent ratios of TSP: NaI (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30) and subsequently characterized employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and impedance analysis. The XRD analysis indicated that the 80:20 composition displayed the highest degree of amorphousness, which is associated with improved ionic conductivity and reduced crystallite size. The FTIR analysis corroborated the occurrence of complexation between TSP and NaI, while the temperature-dependent conductivity measurements conformed to Arrhenius behaviour, with the 80:20 film achieving the ionic conductivity (1.97x10⁻4 S/cm) and the lowest activation energy (0.69 eV). Optical absorption investigations revealed a decrease in the bandgap from 3.92 (pure TSP) to 2.68 eV (80:20 film). Minimum optical energy bandgaps were achieved for the optimized film. Opto-dielectric investigations further demonstrated that the 80:20 formulation exhibited optimal dielectric permittivity and loss. The results underscore the potential applicability of TSP–NaI biopolymer systems as sustainable, high-performance polymer electrolytes.
Nima Hoseinizadeh, Farzaneh Kiarad, Zahra Kiani, Abolfazl Sadeghi, Azadeh Taherpour, Mehdi Shakibaie,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive brain tumor with limited therapeutic options. This study evaluated the multifunctional anticancer effects of curcumin-synthesized silver nanoparticles (curcumin-AgNPs) on the U-87 glioblastoma cell line. Curcumin-AgNPs were biosynthesized using curcumin as a reducing and stabilizing agent and characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay. The mRNA expression of apoptosis- and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes was quantified by real-time PCR. DLS and TEM analyses revealed curcumin-AgNPs with sizes of 56.27±4.59 nm and 22±3 nm, respectively. Curcumin-AgNPs reduced U-87 MG cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Analysis of apoptosis-related genes showed an increased BAX/BCL2L1 ratio. Additionally, FN1 and VIM were downregulated to 0.48- and 0.60-fold, respectively, indicating inhibitory effects on EMT and the metastatic potential of U-87 MG cells. These findings indicated that curcumin-AgNPs exhibit cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and EMT-modulating effects in U-87 MG cells, highlighting their potential as a multifunctional nanoplatform for glioblastoma research. Further studies are required to elucidate their underlying mechanisms.
Aicha Kater, Saâd Rahmane, Fatima Djenidi, Hala Nezzal, Nourelhouda Mokrani, Elhachmi Guettaf Temam, Hadjer Barkat, Boutheina Saadi, Brahim Gasmi,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films have garnered significant interest for their applications in optoelectronics and environmental remediation due to their exceptional optical, electrical, and photocatalytic properties. However, the high resistivity and rapid charge recombination of pure ZnO necessitate doping to enhance its performance. In this study, ZnO thin films doped with tin (Sn) and aluminum (Al) were synthesized via a cost-effective pneumatic spray technique. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of the films were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results indicate that Sn and Al doping significantly influence ZnO’s crystallinity, bandgap energy, and surface morphology. The optimal crystallite size was obtained for 1 wt.% Sn (37.98 nm) and 5 wt.% Al (48.63 nm), while excessive doping (>3 wt.%) introduced microstrain (10.41 × 10⁻⁴ for Sn and 7.13 × 10⁻⁴ for Al), reducing crystallinity. The optical bandgap decreased from 3.254 eV (pure ZnO) to 3.142 eV (1 wt.% Sn) and 3.152 eV (5 wt.% Al), accompanied by increased Urbach energy (0.34 eV for 5 wt.% Al). The highest optical transmittance (86%) was observed for 3 wt.% Al-doped ZnO. Pure ZnO exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency, achieving 85% methylene blue degradation under solar irradiation. Langmuir adsorption modeling revealed that Sn-doped ZnO exhibited the highest adsorption capacity (1.422 mg/g), followed by Al-doped ZnO (0.617 mg/g) and pure ZnO (0.495 mg/g). These findings emphasize the critical role of doping concentration in optimizing ZnO thin films for advanced photocatalytic and optoelectronic applications.
Mohadeseh Karimi, Mohammad Hossein Enayati, Fatemehsadat Sayyedan,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to optimize the values of current density and carbide concentration in electrodeposition process of Ni-Fe(Si-Ti)C nanocomposite coating on the AISI 304 stainless steel. The optimal current density in each electrolyte was determined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Corrosion behavior and wear resistance of the optimized coatings were examined by TOEFL polarization test in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and ball-on-disk apparatus, respectively. The values of 30 mA/cm2 and 10 mA/cm2 were obtained to be the optimal current densities for electrolytes containing 6 g/L and 12-18 g/L double carbide, respectively. Electrochemical measurements declared that the corrosion rate decreased from 0.0829×10-5 mA/cm2 to 0.0208×10-5 mA/cm2 with increasing the concentration of carbide in the electrolyte from 6 g/L to 18 g/L. Moreover, the friction coefficient of the substrate was found to be significantly greater than that of the coated samples.
Muayad Raheem Hussein, Sabah Hasan Jumaah, Ali N. Majees,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
In the current study, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles were synthesized and subsequently combined with chitosan (CS) and silver (Ag) to augment their antimicrobial effectiveness. The synthesized TiO₂, TiO₂-CS, and TiO₂-CS-Ag nanocomposites were subjected to various characterization analyses in order to thoroughly assess their structural, morphological, and compositional attributes. XRD analysis substantiated the phase transition from anatase to rutile consequent to incorporation of chitosan and silver, accompanied by a diminution in nanoparticle dimensions. FTIR spectra corroborated the existence of functional groups linked to chitosan and silver, while FESEM illustrated morphological modifications, notably the emergence of polygonal nanostructures within the TiO₂-CS-Ag composite. The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized nanocomposites was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Although pure TiO₂ demonstrated minimal antibacterial properties, the TiO₂-CS and TiO₂-CS-Ag composites exhibited substantial inhibition zones, with the most pronounced efficacy recorded for the TiO₂-CS-Ag composite attributable to the synergistic interaction between chitosan and silver nanoparticles. BET analysis revealed that the augmented antimicrobial activity was associated with the increased surface area of the TiO₂-CS-Ag nanocomposite.
Zahra Zalnezhad, Morteza Sasani Ghamsari, Hamid Haratizadeh,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the most important silicon-based compounds, owing to its favorable physical, chemical, and biological properties, and is widely employed in various fields such as electronics, chemical industries, and quantum computing. Several methods have been reported for synthesizing SiC nanoparticles, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), hydrothermal synthesis, carbothermal reduction, and sol–gel processing. Among these, the sol–gel method has attracted significant attention due to its high yield, process controllability, biocompatibility, accessibility of precursors, and ability to produce nanoparticles. In this study, SiC nanosized powders were synthesized through the sol–gel route combined with carbothermal reduction, using tetraethyl orthosilicate (C2H5)4SiO4) and sucrose (C11H22O11) as the silicon and carbon sources, respectively. The silica/sucrose composite was subjected to carbothermal reduction under an argon atmosphere at a pressure of 10 mTorr in a vacuum furnace at 1350°C for 3 h. The structural properties of the synthesized SiC nanopowders were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), while their optical characteristics were investigated through FTIR, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL). This work demonstrates a greener, lower-temperature route to phase-controlled SiC nanoparticles with optically active vacancy centers.
Moges Tsega Yihunie,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the sol-gel method, followed by calcination at 600 oC for 2 h. The XRD pattern indicated that the synthesized CuO NPs had a monoclinic structure, with an average crystallite size of 53 nm. The FT-IR spectra showed that surfactant molecules were adsorbed on the surface of the CuO nanoparticles, along with the presence of Cu-O bonding. The TEM analysis revealed rod-like CuO NPs with diameters of about 50 nm and lengths ranging from 150 to 200 nm. The XPS analysis confirmed that copper and oxygen were synthesized as the main components with Cu2+ and O2-oxidation states. The optical band gap of CuO was calculated to be 3.5 eV. The maximum PL emission was recorded at 430 nm for the 365 nm excitation wavelength, and the change in PL intensity and peak shift was calculated as a function of excitation wavelength. The Mie analysis results also showed that when crystallite sizes increased, so did the maximum values of extinction efficiency, scattering efficiency, asymmetry, and scattering matrix. The findings of this study imply that CuO NPs could be a viable choice for a variety of luminous device applications.
Daniela Grigorova, Gyunver Hodjaoglu, Feyzim Hodzhaoglu,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
Producing high-purity iron powders with controlled particle morphology is essential for advanced powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and functional materials. However, achieving precise morphological control in environmentally benign, additive-free electrolytes remains challenging. This study systematically investigates the galvanostatic electrodeposition of iron powder from sulfate-based electrolytes containing 10.0 and 50.0 g·L⁻¹ Fe²⁺, focusing on the interplay between current density, pH evolution, deposition efficiency, and particle structure. A clear transition from compact, adherent deposits at low current densities to dendritic, easily detachable powders at higher values was observed. SEM analysis revealed well-defined dendritic aggregates at 7 A·dm⁻² (30–80 μm), whereas highly fragmented, porous agglomerates formed at 10 A·dm⁻², accompanied by fine-scale fragmentation driven by intense hydrogen evolution. XRD confirmed pure α-Fe for current densities up to 7 A·dm⁻², while partial oxidation to Fe₃O₄ occurred at 10 A·dm⁻²; EDX mapping further supported this surface oxidation. The deposited mass increased linearly with current density for both Fe²⁺ concentrations, with regression models yielding R² values above 0.96. Current efficiency decreased at high current densities due to enhanced parasitic reactions. Overall, the results demonstrate that galvanostatic electrodeposition in additive-free sulfate media enables controlled synthesis of iron powders, with tunable morphology and phase purity governed primarily by current density and electrolyte composition.
Sumrit Mopoung, Rinlaphat Thanakulwaranon,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
Activated charcoals were prepared by activation with 600 W microwave irradiation in combination with pretreatments of tamarind wood derived charcoal in boiling mixtures with NaOH (1 g : 0 g - 1 g: 0.12 g). The samples were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS, and BET, and used for catalytic nitrite c oxidation under air atmosphere in the absence of light at 30°C, pH 6.5, and 120 rpm shanking for improved efficiency. The results show that the percent yields of tamarind wood derived activated charcoals (ACCs) were 88.51% - 94.66 %. The main carbonate compounds of ACCs are present in the materials after activation. Na+ ions and water molecules could be inserted into the graphitic layers during pretreatment and efficiently effected surface cracking of ACCs by 600 W microwave irradiation. The surface cracklings and porosities of ACCs increased with increasing concentration of NaOH from 1 M to 3 M with optimum at 2 M NaOH. The final products are mesopore materials containing macro and meso hole channels. It was found that the nitrite conversions exhibit high reaction rates and are completed within 20 min. The reactions proceed via catalytic oxidations and their rates increase with increasing concentrations of NaOH activation, while nitrite conversions via the disproportionation reaction were inhibited.
Rihab Jabbar, Mohammed Alluaibi, Sara Shahatha, Dhuha Hasan,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (9-2026)
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of sintering temperature on the structural, dielectric and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe₂O₄ NPs) synthesized by the sol–gel method. The samples were sintered at 400°C–1000°C for 2 h and characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, AFM, dielectric and VSM measurements. XRD confirmed the formation of a stable cubic spinel structure, with crystallite size increasing from 10.71 to 16.09 nm and porosity decreasing with increasing sintering temperature. SEM and AFM showed progressive grain growth and improved grain connectivity, with the sample at 800°C exhibiting the most uniform morphology before excessive grain growth occurred at 1000°C. The dielectric response showed decreasing real and imaginary permittivity with increasing frequency, while the sample at 800°C exhibited the lowest dielectric loss (tan δ ≈ 2 at 1 kHz). Magnetic measurements revealed ferrimagnetic behavior, with saturation magnetization increasing from 27.5 emu/g at 400°C to 68 emu/g at 1000°C, whereas coercivity reached a maximum of 715 Oe at 800°C. Overall, sintering at 800°C provided the best balance between microstructural uniformity, low dielectric loss and magnetic performance, making it a strong candidate for further evaluation in high-frequency and multifunctional magnetic applications.
