S.C. Sharma

SiO 2 @LaOF:Eu 3+ core-shell functional nanomaterials for sensitive visualization of latent fingerprints and WLED applications

For the first time, intense red color composite of SiO2@LaOF:Eu3+ core-shell nanostructures (NS) were fabricated via facile solvothermal method followed by thermal treatment. The obtained core-shell particles display better spherical shape and non-agglomeration with a narrow size distribution. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibits intense peaks at ∼593u202fnm, 611u202fnm, 650u202fnm corresponds to 5D0u202f→u202f7FJ (Ju202f=u202f0, 1 and 2) Eu3+ transitions respectively. The spectral intensity parameters and Eu-O ligand behaviors are estimated by means of Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory. CIE co-ordinates are found to be (xu202f=u202f0.63, yu202f=u202f0.36) which is very close to standard NTSC values (xu202f=u202f0.67, yu202f=u202f0.33). CCT value is ∼3475u202fK which is less than 5000u202fK, as a result this phosphor is suitable for warm light emitting diodes. The optimized core-shell SiO2 (coat III)@LaOF:Eu3+ (5 mol%) was used as a fluorescent labeling marker for the visualization of latent fingerprints on both porous and non-porous surfaces. Obtained fingerprints are highly sensitive and selective also no background hindrance which enables level-I to level-III fingerprint ridge characteristics. Observed results indicate that the significant improvement in luminescence of coreshell NS can be explored as a sensitive functional nanopowder for advanced forensic and solid state lightning applications.

Fabricated CeO2 nanopowders as a novel sensing platform for advanced forensic, electrochemical and photocatalytic applications

In Forensic investigation, identification of various types of ridge details are essential in order to fix the criminals associated in various crimes. Even though several methods and labeling agents are available to visualize latent finger prints (LFPs) there is still simple, accurate, cost-effective, and non-destructive tool is required. In the present work, CeO2 nanopowders (NPs) are prepared via simple solution combustion route using Tamarindus indica fruit extract as a fuel. The optimized NPs are utilized for visualization of LFPs on various surfaces by powder dusting method. Results revealed that visualized LFPs exhibit Level 3 features such as pores and ridge contours under normal light with high sensitivity and without background hindrance. The photometric characteristics of the prepared samples exhibit blue color emission and highly useful in warm light emitting diodes. The photocatalytic studies were carried out with different Methylene bluexa0(MB) dye concentration and pH values. The obtained results reveal that the CeO2 NPs exhibits an excellent catalytic properties which can act as a good catalytic reagent. The findings demonstrate that the prepared NPs are quite useful as a labeling agent for visualization of LFPs, efficient catalysts for dye degradation as well as solid-state lighting applications.

New design of highly sensitive and selective MoO3:Eu3+ micro-rods: Probing of latent fingerprints visualization and anti-counterfeiting applications

Red colour light emitting Eu3+ ions activated MoO3 nanophosphors (NPs) were prepared through an ultrasound assisted sonochemical method using Aloe Vera (A.V.) gel as a bio-surfactant. Properties like crystal structure, morphology, optical band gap, luminescent properties, radiative parameters of prepared samples and their use in latent fingerprint (LFPs) visualization were reported. Powder X-ray diffraction results revealed the single orthorhombic crystal structure of the prepared samples, which specifies effective substitution of dopant ions. Morphology of NPs exhibits the hexagonal rod-like structures with size of ∼10u202fnm. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibited sharp, intense peaks at ∼539u202fnm, 593u202fnm, 615u202fnm, 651u202fnm and 702u202fnm attributed to 5D0u202f→u202f7F0, 5D0u202f→u202f7F1, 5D0u202f→u202f7F2, 5D0u202f→u202f7F3 and 5D0u202f→u202f7F4 transitions of Eu3+ ions respectively. Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory was used to estimate the PL intensity parameters and Eu-O ligand behavior. The International Commission on Illumination coordinates of the prepared samples located in the pure red region. The optimized sample can be explored as a novel sensing material for the visualization of LFPs on various surfaces under 254u202fnm UV light. Clear level-3 patterns (sweat pores) were observed in the LFPs and their decay was very slow compared to the LFPs obtained from commercial powders. The photometric characterization of the prepared samples reveals the suitability of the MoO3:Eu3+ NPs for pure red emission in light-emitting diode, better visualization of LFPs and anti-counterfeiting applications.

In vitro comparison of apically extruded debris during root canal preparation of mandibular premolars with manual and rotary instruments

Background and aims. During root canal preparation, debris extruded beyond the apical foramen may result in periapical inflammation and postoperative pain. To date no root canal preparation method has been developed that extrudes no periapical debris. The purpose of this study was to identify a system leading to minimal extrusion of debris from the apical foramen. The study was conducted to comparatively evaluate the amount of apical extrusion of debris during root canal preparation using hand ProTaper and GT rotary and RaCe rotary instruments using crown-down technique. Materials and methods. Ninety freshly extracted human single-rooted mandibular premolars were equally assigned to three groups (n=30). The root canals were instrumented using hand ProTaper, GT rotary and RaCe rotary systems. Debris and irrigant extruded from the apical foramen were collected into vials. The mean weight of the remaining debris was calculated for each group and subjected to statistical analysis. Results. ANOVA was used to compare the mean dry weights of the debris extruded in the three groups, followedby post hoc Tukey tests for multiple comparisons the between groups. Highly significant differences were found in the amount of debris extruded among all the groups (P<0.001). The ProTaper group exhibited the highest mean debris weight (0.8293±0.05433 mg) and the RaCe system exhibited the lowest mean debris weight (0.1280±0.01606 mg). Conclusion. All the systems tested resulted in apical extrusion of debris. However, the hand ProTaper files extruded a significantly higher amount of debris than GT and RaCe systems.