Synthesis of Hybrid ZnO Nanohexagons and Nanorods with CNT Embedded in PVC Film for Advanced Insulation and Optoelectronic Applications

Sabet M.

Flexible electronics, including wearable devices, foldable displays, sensors, and energy storage solutions, are revolutionizing modern technology. This review emphasizes halogen-free polymer composites as sustainable alternatives to traditional flame-retardant materials. These composites provide superior performance, including enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity, while addressing environmental concerns. By incorporating advanced nanomaterials and novel fabrication techniques, halogen-free composites demonstrate their potential in flexible electronics applications. The review identifies knowledge gaps, such as long-term stability and scalable manufacturing processes, and explores future research directions to advance the field further.

Ghobashy M.M., Aldosari E., Zaher A.A., Khalil S., Sharshir A.I.

This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and application of a novel PVC/(Co3O4/CNT)@Au nanocomposite for enhanced medium-voltage cable insulation. The nanocomposite was developed by incorporating Co3O4 octahedron nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and gold nanoparticles (Au) into a polyvinyl chloride matrix. Compared to standard PVC insulation, the nanocomposite exhibited a 3% improvement in relative permittivity (increased from 2.34 to 2.41) and significantly enhanced field uniformity, as evidenced by simulation studies. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy confirmed the successful integration of nanofillers and highlighted their contributions to the composite’s properties. Optical characterization revealed a direct bandgap of 4.60 eV and an Urbach energy of 0.3674 eV, indicating a wide-bandgap semiconductor with moderate structural disorder. AC conductivity measurements demonstrated frequency-dependent behavior, while dielectric constant and loss analyses suggested the material’s potential for energy storage and insulation applications. The choice of Co3O4 and CNTs was guided by their synergistic impact on charge trapping, field grading, and thermal management, while Au nanoparticles enhanced charge transfer and local electric field distribution. These findings demonstrate the nanocomposite’s promise in addressing the limitations of traditional PVC insulation, offering improved dielectric performance, reliability, and durability for power transmission and distribution systems.

Elbasiony A.M., Alharthi S., Mohamady Ghobashy M., Boraie W.E., Attia M.S., Madani M., Ali Al-Gahtany S., Darwesh R., Shaban M., Sharshir A.I.

Khoramian R., Issakhov M., Pourafshary P., Gabdullin M., Sharipova A.

Nanoparticles improve traditional Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods but face instability issues. Surface modification resolves these, making it vital to understand its impact on EOR effectiveness. This paper examines how surface-modified nanoparticles can increase oil recovery rates. We discuss post-synthesis modifications like chemical functionalization, surfactant and polymer coatings, surface etching, and oxidation, and during-synthesis modifications like core-shell formation, in-situ ligand exchange, and surface passivation. Oil displacement studies show surface-engineered nanoparticles outperform conventional EOR methods. Coatings or functionalizations alter nanoparticle size by 1-5 nm, ensuring colloidal stability for 7 to 30 days at 25 to 65 °C and 30,000 to 150,000 ppm NaCl. This stability ensures uniform distribution and enhanced penetration through low-permeability (1-10 md) rocks, improving oil recovery by 5 to 50 %. Enhanced recovery is achieved through 1-25 μm oil-in-water emulsions, increased viscosity by ≥30 %, wettability changes from 170° to

Alkhaldi H., Alharthi S., Alharthi S., AlGhamdi H.A., AlZahrani Y.M., Mahmoud S.A., Amin L.G., Al-Shaalan N.H., Boraie W.E., Attia M.S., Al-Gahtany S.A., Aldaleeli N., Ghobashy M.M., Sharshir A.I., Madani M., et. al.

Water is a fundamental resource, yet various contaminants increasingly threaten its quality, necessitating effective remediation strategies.

Elbasiony A.M., Madani M., Ghobashy M.M., Shaban M., Alharthi S., Al-Gahtany S.A., Hamad Al-Shaalan N., Boraie W.E., Attia M.S., Abaza S.F., Alhodaib A., Sharshir A.I.

Wang K., Amani Hamedani H.

Electrochemically anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) were used as a support material for the electrodeposition of zinc nanoparticles. The morphology, composition, and crystallinity of the materials were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was performed to evaluate the electrochemical properties of TiO2 NTAs. Annealing post-anodization was shown to be effective in lowering the impedance of the TiO2 NTAs (measured at 1 kHz frequency). Zinc nanohexagons (NHexs) with a mean diameter of ~300 nm and thickness of 10–20 nm were decorated on the surface of TiO2 NTAs (with a pore diameter of ~80 nm and tube length of ~5 µm) via an electrodeposition process using a zinc-containing deep eutectic solvent. EIS and CV tests were performed to evaluate the functionality of zinc-decorated TiO2 NTAs (Zn/TiO2 NTAs) for glucose oxidation applications. The Zn/TiO2 NTA electrocatalysts obtained at 40 °C demonstrated enhanced glucose sensitivity (160.8 μA mM−1 cm−2 and 4.38 μA mM−1 cm−2) over zinc-based electrocatalysts reported previously. The Zn/TiO2 NTA electrocatalysts developed in this work could be considered as a promising biocompatible electrocatalyst material for in vivo glucose oxidation applications.

Alharthi S., Ghobashy M.M., Amin L.G., Mahmoud S.A., Boraie W.E., Attia M.S., Madani M., Al-Gahtany S.A., Sharshir A.I.

Abstract Rapidly developing two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as MoS2, graphene, and other transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), have opened new possibilities for biosensing technologies. These materials exhibit unique electrical, mechanical, and optical properties, making them ideal candidates for highly sensitive and selective biosensors. This review explores using 2D materials in biosensor applications, focusing on the piezoelectric properties of materials like MoS2 to detect biomolecules and disease markers. Moreover, integrating 2D materials in various biosensor platforms, such as electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric sensors, highlights their potential to revolutionize healthcare diagnostics and environmental monitoring. The review also discusses the challenges and future directions for optimizing these biosensors for real-world applications.

Meher A., Tandi A., Jena H.K., Rout L., Moharana S., Sagadevan S.

Phogat P., Jha R., Singh S.

Abstract Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a remarkably versatile material, with diverse tailored morphologies for a variety of applications. This chapter delves into the exploration of various ZnO morphologies, including nanoflowers, nanorods, nanospheres, nanocubes, nanotubes, nanowires, quantum dots, hollow spheres, and core-shell structures, along with their respective practical applications. Nanoflowers, distinguished by intricate petal-like structures, excel as catalysts in chemical reactions, advancing catalysis and fine chemical synthesis. ZnO nanorods, characterized by their high aspect ratio, enhance energy conversion in solar cells, increasing light absorption and facilitating electron transport. ZnO nanospheres, spherical nanoparticles with extensive surface area, play a pivotal role in photocatalysis, purifying wastewater and air by decomposing organic pollutants. ZnO quantum dots, with size-dependent quantum confinement effects, underpin progress in optoelectronics, enhancing solar cells, LEDs, and sensors with tunable bandgaps and exceptional optical properties. Hollow ZnO spheres, with their unique void-centered structure, find use in controlled drug delivery, enabling targeted release with minimal side effects. They also serve as versatile templates for synthesizing various nanomaterials. Core-shell structures, where ZnO cores are encapsulated by other materials, provide sensitivity and protection in sensors and drug delivery systems, tailored to environmental sensing or precise control over drug release rates and durations. The versatility of ZnO, embodied through its various morphologies, spans diverse applications, from catalysis and photovoltaics to environmental remediation, drug delivery, and personal care products. This chapter provides a comprehensively study of distinct ZnO morphologies and new possibilities of those structures across scientific and industrial realms, leaving an enduring impact on modern technology and improving everyday life.

Drakopoulos S.X., Wu J., Maguire S.M., Srinivasan S., Randazzo K., Davidson E.C., Priestley R.D.

An in-depth review is presented on the interfacial phenomena of polymer nanocomposites and the role of the interface/interphase in capacitive energy storage. The interaction between polymer chains and nanofillers upon filler dispersion and glass transition temperature are discussed through the lens of the adsorbed layer or polymer-grafted nanoparticles. Moreover, fundamentals of dielectric physics are discussed regarding charge transport and charge entrapment on the interface, yielding the phenomenon of interfacial polarization. Therefore, the aim of this review is to inform the readers on the importance of the interface and highlight that both polymer chain dynamics and charge transport points of view are pivotal in the understanding of modern polymer nanodielectrics.

Gulab H., Fatima N., Tariq U., Gohar O., Irshad M., Khan M.Z., Saleem M., Ghaffar A., Hussain M., Khaliq Jan A., Humayun M., Motola M., Hanif M.B.

Onagh S., Hazrati H., Jafarzadeh Y.

Membrane fouling is still one crucial impediment in the application of membrane bioreactors (MBR). Antifouling properties of GO and GO-ZnO embedded PVC membranes in MBR were investigated. ZnO nanoparticles were decorated onto GO nanosheets and then membranes were made by NIPS method. The results revealed that the contact angle decreased from 80° for pure PVC to 67° for 0.1 wt% GO-ZnO embedded membrane. Pure water flux increased from 33 L/m2h for neat membrane to 128 L/m2h for 0.075 wt% PVC/GO-ZnO membrane. The performance of membranes was evaluated during 35 days MBR filtration system using several analyses including COD, turbidity, SMP, EPS, PSD, and EEM. Results indicated that the presence of GO-ZnO nanoparticles in the membranes has a positive effect on COD and turbidity removal due to the oxygen-containing groups attracting SMP through intermolecular force interaction. In addition, the inclusion of nanoparticles in the membranes leads to a reduction in EPS concentration. Research on PVC membranes with graphene oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in membrane bioreactor processes is crucial for advancing water treatment technology. These nanomaterials promise enhanced membrane performance, longevity, and efficiency in treating wastewater, leading to more sustainable and effective water treatment solutions.

Gopalakrishnan R., Ashokkumar M.

In this study, we synthesized transition metal-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles through the Co-precipitation method and analyzed their structural and photocatalytic properties. X-ray diffraction confirmed that doping with transition metals such as Iron (Fe) and Cobalt (Co) retained the ZnO crystal structure while enhancing crystallinity, as indicated by stronger XRD peak intensities. The introduction of larger dopant ions resulted in increased interplanar spacing, and particle size reduction was observed alongside heightened lattice strain, as calculated using the Debye–Scherrer formula. These structural changes correlated with the ionic radii of the dopants. Optical assessments revealed that TM doping reduced UV–visible absorption due to lattice distortions creating defect centers, with Mn-doped ZnO showing the smallest band gap at 3.55 eV and Co-doped ZnO the largest at 3.72 eV. Enhanced dielectric constants and optical conductivity were particularly evident in Fe-doped ZnO, suggesting increased polarization and conductivity. Photocatalytic evaluations demonstrated that TM doping, especially with Fe and Mn, significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency due to better charge carrier separation. Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a peak rate constant of 41.8 × 10–3 min−1 for dye degradation and a short half-life of 16.58 min, degrading nearly 99% of methylene blue dye in 180 min. Reusability tests confirmed the stability of TM-doped ZnO nanoparticles over five cycles, with a slight decrease in efficiency (~ 4%) after the fifth cycle, making them promising candidates for sustainable photocatalytic applications.

Wang Y., Ding Y., Yu K., Dong G.

AbstractThis review paper delves into the manufacturing methods, material properties, and applications of polymer‐based composites in the field of advanced manufacturing, offering a detailed explanation of their production through various additive manufacturing (AM) techniques and their diverse applications across multiple industries. Polymer‐based composite materials have emerged as crucial elements in AM due to their enhanced properties and design versatility, enabling the creation of components with unprecedented performance characteristics. The paper comprehensively covers the major AM methods employed for composite materials, including fused filament fabrication, Digital Light Processing/Stereolithography, Direct Ink Writing, and Selective Laser Sintering. Each of these methods is explored in terms of its mechanism, suitability for different composite materials, and the resulting material properties. The review also provides an insightful analysis of how these AM techniques are revolutionizing industries such as soft robotics, mechanical, electrical, and biomedical fields. The paper concludes by discussing the current challenges in this domain and projecting future trends in the development and application of composite materials in advanced manufacturing. This review aims to offer a comprehensive resource for researchers and practitioners in the field, highlighting the transformative impact of polymer‐based composites in AM and their growing significance across various sectors.Highlights Comprehensive review and classification of novelties in printing method for polymer based composite material manufacturing. Introduces innovative techniques to create and enhance material properties of composites. Explores interdisciplinary applications in biomedical, electronics, and sensors, demonstrating material versatility. Provides a systematic correlation between manufacturing method, material properties, and applications of novel polymer‐based composites.