Sofia Javed

Arrays of ZnO/CuInxGa1-xSe2 nanocables with tunable shell composition for efficient photovoltaics

Arrays of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure are receiving much attention for their optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications due to their advantages in light absorption, charge separation, and transportation. In this work, arrays of ZnO/CuInxGa1−xSe2 core/shell nanocables with tunable shell compositions over the full range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 have been controllably synthesized. Chemical conversions of ZnO nanorods to a series of ZnO-based nanocables, including ZnO/ZnSe, ZnO/CuSe, ZnO/CuSe/InxGa1−x, ZnO/CuSe/(InxGa1−x)2Se3, and ZnO/CuInxGa1−xSe2, are well designed and successfully achieved. Composition-dependent influences of the CuInxGa1−xSe2 shells on photovoltaic performance are investigated. It is found that the increase in indium content (x) leads to an increase in short-circuit current density (JSC) but a decrease in open-circuit voltage (VOC) for the ZnO/CuInxGa1−xSe2 nanocable solar cells. An array of ZnO/CuIn0.67Ga0.33Se2 nanocables with a length of ∼1 μm and a shell thickness of ∼10 nm exhibits a ba...

Environment friendly template-free microwave synthesis of submicron-sized hierarchical titania nanostructures and their application in photovoltaics

A simple low-temperature microwave synthesis of hierarchical nanostructures (HNSs) of titania in DI water is reported. A great advantage of the reported method is the production of submicron-sized HNSs without any surfactant or hydrofluoric acid. The hierarchical morphology provides huge surface area for maximum exposure for light-driven reactions, and the 3D folding morphology allows further scattering of light to obtain its maximum utilization. FESEM, TEM, XRD, BET surface area measurement, UV/VIS and Raman spectroscopy were utilized to understand the structures. The mechanism of formation of nanostructures is also discussed. The nanostructures were employed in dye-sensitized solar cells for performance comparison.

Metal/Carbon Hybrid Nanostructures Produced from Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition over Nafion-Supported Electrochemically Deposited Cobalt Nanoparticles

In this work, we report development of hybrid nanostructures of metal nanoparticles (NP) and carbon nanostructures with strong potential for catalysis, sensing, and energy applications. First, the etched silicon wafer substrates were passivated for subsequent electrochemical (EC) processing through grafting of nitro phenyl groups using para-nitrobenzene diazonium (PNBT). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) and atomic force microscope (AFM) studies confirmed presence of few layers. Cobalt-based nanoparticles were produced over dip or spin coated Nafion films under different EC reduction conditions, namely CoSO4 salt concentration (0.1 M, 1 mM), reduction time (5, 20 s), and indirect or direct EC reduction route. Extensive AFM examination revealed NP formation with different attributes (size, distribution) depending on electrochemistry conditions. While relatively large NP with >100 nm size and bimodal distribution were obtained after 20 s EC reduction in H3BO3 following Co2+ ion uptake, ultrafine NP (<10 nm) could be produced from EC reduction in CoSO4 and H3BO3 mixed solution with some tendency to form oxides. Different carbon nanostructures including few-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon nanosheets were grown in a C2H2/NH3 plasma using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The devised processing routes enable size controlled synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles and metal/carbon hybrid nanostructures with unique microstructural features.

Effect of Ethane-1,2-Diamine on Growth of ZnO Nanorods and Cyclohexane Sensing by Current-Voltage Characteristics Investigations

The growth of vertically aligned ZnO Nanorods arrays using Zinc Nitrate hexahydrate and Hexamethylene Tetramine (HMTA), by Chemical Bath Deposition on Silicon Wafer was investigated. The growth is conducted under influence of Ethane-1,2-diamine, the amine based enhancer was evaluated based on three different ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5) of enhancer to the precursor (Zinc Nitrate and HMTA). The effect different ratios of enhancers on morphology aspect ratio and crystallinity of the as grown Nanorods were studied under Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Electrical Properties such as current–voltage characteristics were investigated, its correlation to the morphology and aspect ratio of the Nanorods in the presence of 100μL-500μL of Aromatic Compound Cyclohexane and at different applied voltages.

Fabrication of Cellulose Acetate/Cellulose-HA Composite Films for Bone Fixation

Bone is a rigid and constantly remodeling organ, a type of tissue which provides support and protects organs in the body, and together they form the skeleton [1]. Materials generally used for implants bear tissue rejection and produce toxins on degradation [2]. Our objective is to synthesize a biocompatible composite of Hydroxyapatite (HA) and Cellulose using Cellulose Acetate as a matrix which mimics the properties of natural bone that can be used for bone replacements. Bone is composed of calcium phosphate (HA) and collagen, which gives bone desired properties [3]. Hydroxyapatite is the inorganic mineral found in the bone and is preferred due to its mechanical properties, biocompatibility, slow degradation in physiological environment and bioactivity [4]. Cellulose, structural component in plants is similar in properties to collagen therefore the properties of cellulose [4], HA and cellulose acetate are exploited to achieve our results. The experimental procedure is divided into two major steps; extraction of cellulose microfibers (CMF) from cotton followed by dispersion of cellulose and HA in cellulose acetate then casting membranes of the composite.

Synthesis and Characterization of MoS2/TiO2 Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue under Sunlight Irradiation

2D nanosheets/ nanoparticles based MoS2/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared in different weight compositions which were further employed to investigate photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Anatase TiO2 powder was prepared via sol-gel reflux method using titanium tetraisopropoxide as Ti precursor. MoS2/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by in situ addition of exfoliated MoS2 (2D-nanosheets) in different weight ratios of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 5% in TiO2 sol. Surface morphology, phase analysis, optical properties were studied using SEM, XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy respectively. SEM results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles were completely adsorbed over the surface of MoS2 sheets as reflux synthesis was employed. Efficient charge carrier separation was achieved which reduced recombination, and hence, enhanced photo-degradation of methylene blue was observed. The hetero-structures showed less operation time in sunlight for photodegradation of methylene blue and a highest rate constant was observed by 2 wt.% loading of MoS2 on TiO2. These composites can also be used commercially as they show promising results.