Light trapping and power conversion efficiency of P3HT : nano Si hybrid solar cells.

In this study, the hybrid solar cells (HSCs) were fabricated with high-purity nano Si from nano SiO2 precursor extracted from natural minerals, that is, quartz sand. The prepared nano Si was used as an electron transport material to prepare an active layer material mixture with poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) by mixing it in two composition ratios, namely 1 : 1 and 1 : 0.8. The blended active layer solutions (ALSs) were prepared by using solvents such as 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB), chlorobenzene (CB), and chloroform (CF). The HSCs were fabricated using six blended ALSs, namely ALS1, ALS2, ALS3, ALS4, ALS5, and ALS6. The current density-voltage characteristics of the fabricated HSCs were studied using a simulated AM 1.5G illumination having light density power of 100 mW cm-2. The characterization properties such as short circuit current density (J sc) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) were studied and compared with those of all six HSCs fabricated with six blended ALSs. At the outset, the P3HT : nano-Si (1 : 0.8) blended ALS in CB solvent shows 2.37% PCE, and 46% of external quantum efficiency (EQE) absorption which is higher than the other fabricated solar cells. This study discusses the possibilities of preparation of nano Si from natural mineral sand, as an effective electron transport material to fabricate HSCs with enhanced PCE.

Investigation of graphene-on-metal substrates for SPR-based sensor using finite-difference time domain.

In this study, the authors investigated the effects of a single layer graphene as a coating layer on top of metal thin films such as silver, gold, aluminum and copper using finite-difference time domain method. To enhance the resolution of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, it is necessary to increase the SPR reflectivity and decrease the full-width-half maximum (FWHM) of the SPR curve so that there is minimum uncertainty in the determination of the resonance dip. Numerical data was verified with analytical and experimental data where all the data were in good agreement with resonance angle differing in <10% due to noise present in components such as humidity and temperature. In further analysis, reflectivity and FWHM were compared among four types of metal with various thin film thicknesses where graphene was applied on top of the metal layers, and data was compared against pure conventional metal thin films. A 60 nm-thick Au thin film results in higher performance with reflectivity of 92.4% and FWHM of 0.88° whereas single layer graphene-on-60 nm-thick Au gave reflectivity of 91.7% and FWHM of 1.32°. However, a graphene-on-40 nm-thick Ag also gave good performance with narrower FWHM of 0.88° and reflection spectra of 89.2%.

Influence of ball milling on the particle size and antimicrobial properties of Tridax procumbens leaf nanoparticles.

The herbal nanoparticles were prepared from shade dried Tridax procumbens plant leaves employing ball milling technique using different process parameters, like ball ratio/size and milling time. The obtained nanoparticles were comprehensively characterised using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and antimicrobial analysis techniques. The crystallinity of the nanoparticles was retained without altering even though the particle size changes due to milling periods. The antibacterial activities of the prepared herbal nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were explored to understand the influence of particle size on antimicrobial activities and their functional properties. The increase in ball ratio and milling time periods leads to a decrease in nanoparticle size from 114 to 45 nm which in turn increases the antimicrobial activities. The above study confirms that antimicrobial activity relies on nanoparticle size. The observed knowledge on influence of particle size on antimicrobial activities will help to optimise the production of potential herbal nanoparticles for different biomedical applications.

Influence of ZrO2, SiO2, Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles on maize seed germination under different growth conditions.

The focus of this investigation is to evaluate the phytotoxicity of selected metal oxide nanoparticles and microparticles as a function of maize seed germination and root elongation under different growth conditions (Petri plate, cotton and soil). The results of seed germination and root elongation experiments reveal that all the growth conditions show almost similar results. Alumina (Al2O3) and titania (TiO2) nanoparticles significantly reduce the germination percentage, whereas silica (SiO2) nanoparticles and microparticles enhance the same. The results of nanoparticles and microparticles of zirconia (ZrO2) are found to be same as those of controls. Root elongation is enhanced by SiO2 nanoparticles and microparticles treatment, whereas inhibition is observed with Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles and microparticles. The X-ray fluorescence spectrometry data of the treated and control seed samples show that seeds uptake SiO2 particles to a greater extent followed by TiO2, Al2O3 and ZrO2. In addition, the uptake of nanoparticles is found to be greater than that of microparticles. Thus, the tested metal oxides penetrated seeds at the nanoscale as compared with the microscale. This study clarifies phytotoxicity of nanoparticles treated in different growth substrates and highlights the impact of nanoparticles on environment and agricultural systems.

Antibacterial activity of hybrid chitosan-cupric oxide nanoparticles on cotton fabric.

In this study, cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were prepared using sonochemical method. The prepared nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. The colloidal chitosan (CS) solution was prepared using ultrasound irradiation method and simultaneously mixed with CuO nanoparticles. The coatings of colloidal solution with and without CuO nanoparticles were studied through TEM images. The cotton fabrics were separately soaked in the prepared nanoparticle-containing (hybrid) solutions by sonication method followed by pad-dry-cure method. The structural, functional, and morphological analyses of the coated and uncoated fabrics were performed using XRD, FTIR-attenuated total reflectance, and SEM analyses, respectively. The hybrid-coated cotton fabrics showed better antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The bioactivity performance of the coated fabrics was in the order of CuO-coated fabric > CS-coated fabric.

Facile and novel synthetic method to prepare nano molybdenum and its catalytic activity.

This study reports on a facile and economical synthetic method to prepare nano molybdenum by solid-state reaction technique. Metallic nano molybdenum was synthesised from molybdenum trioxide, molybdenum IV oxide and molybdenum VI oxide through thermal decomposition technique. Metallic nano molybdenum prepared from molybdenum IV oxide was used to study the catalytic effect of molybdenum nanoparticles on the growth of Anabaena sp. The increase in concentration of nano molybdenum from 0.1 to 100% in BG11 (N⁻ Mo⁻ + nano Mo) medium increases heterocyst frequency. The chlorophyll and protein content in Anabaena sp. was found to improve when compared with bulk molybdenum particles and showed a positive influence to be used as a nano nutrient for Anabaena sp.

Effect of contact angle, zeta potential and particles size on the in vitro studies of Al2O3 and SiO2 nanoparticles.

Currently, nanometal oxides find their role in different biological applications such as tissue engineering, implant and bone replacement materials. Owing to the increased use of nanoparticles, it is necessary to understand their release and toxicity in the biological system. In this regard, three independent studies such as in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity and biocompatibility of nano- and micrometal oxide particles such as alumina (Al2O3) and silica (SiO2) are evaluated. It is evident from cell viability study that nanoAl2O3 and SiO2 particles are less toxic when compared with microAl2O3 and SiO2 to NIH 3T3 cell lines up to 200 µg/ml. Antioxidant properties of micro- and nanoAl2O3 in terms of radical scavenging percentage for micro- and nanoAl2O3 are 59.1% and 72.1%, respectively, at 100 mg. Similarly, the radical scavenging percentage of nano- and bulk SiO2 are 81.0% and 67.2%, respectively. The present study reveals that the cellular behaviour, interaction and biocompatibility of metal oxides differ with dose, particle size, contact angle and zeta potential. The present study opens up a new strategy to analyse in vitro nanotoxicity.

Inexpensive approach for production of high-surface-area silica nanoparticles from rice hulls biomass.

In this study, we prepared amorphous and crystalline silica nanoparticles from rice hulls biomass using pyrolysis technique at different processing temperatures such as 923, 973, 1023, 1073, 1123 and 1173 K. X-ray fluorescence studies show that the purity of all the synthesised silica nanoparticles is in the range of 98-99.7%. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that amorphous silica nanoparticles are formed at 923-1023 K, whereas crystalline particles at 1073-1173 K. Morphology and microstructure of silica nanoparticles are studied by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes. Silica nanoparticles obtained at different processing temperatures yield particle size in the range of 6-100 nm. Chemical composition and surface functionalities of the particles are examined by energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies. The developed method effectively uses rice hulls biomass as a green natural source in the synthesis of amorphous and crystalline silica nanoparticles with high-specific surface area. The optimised processing temperature (1023 K) enables amorphous silica nanoparticles to have high-specific surface area of 538 m(2)g(-1).

Application of silica nanoparticles in maize to enhance fungal resistance.

In this study, maize treated with nanosilica (20-40 nm) is screened for resistance against phytopathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger and compared with that of bulk silica. The resistivity is measured for disease index and expression of plant responsive compounds such as total phenols, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. The results indicate that nanosilica-treated plant shows a higher expression of phenolic compounds (2056 and 743 mg/ml) and a lower expression of stress-responsive enzymes against both the fungi. Maize expresses more resistance to Aspergillus spp., than Fusarium spp. These results show significantly higher resistance in maize treated with nanosilica than with bulk, especially at 10 and 15 kg/ha. In addition, hydrophobic potential and silica accumulation percentage of nanosilica treated maize (86.18° and 19.14%) are higher than bulk silica treatment. Hence, silica nanoparticles can be used as an alternative potent antifungal agent against phytopathogens.

Effect of nanosilica and silicon sources on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, soil nutrients and maize seed germination.

The study was aimed at evaluating the effect of nanosilica and different sources of silicon on soil properties, total bacterial population and maize seed germination. Nanosilica was synthesised using rice husk and characterised. Silica powder was amorphous (50 nm) with >99.9% purity. Sodium silicate treated soil inhibited plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in contrast to nanosilica and other bulk sources. Surface property and effect of soil nutrient content of nanosilica treatment were improved. Colony forming unit (CFU) was doubled in the presence of nanosilica from 4 × 105 CFU (control) to 8 × 105 CFU per gram of soil. The silica and protein content of bacterial biomass clearly showed an increase in uptake of silica with an increase in nanosilica concentration. Nanosilica promoted seed germination percentage (100%) in maize than conventional Si sources. These studies show that nanosilica has favourable effect on beneficial bacterial population and nutrient value of soil.

Preparation and characterization of silver-doped nanobioactive glass particles and their in vitro behaviour for biomedical applications.

In this study, silver-doped silica- and phosphate-based nanobioactive glass compositions (58SiO2-(33- x)CaO-9P2O5-xAg2O) (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mol%) were synthesised by a simple and cost-effective sol-gel method. The prepared samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer studies. All the compositions of the glass samples revealed amorphous phase with spherical morphology and a particle size less than 100 nm. The prepared glass samples reveal the specific surface area in the range of 55.31-90.69 m2 g(-1). The bioactivity of glass samples was confirmed through the formation of the hydroxyapatite layer on glass surfaces during in vitro studies in which silver doped glasses (2 and 3 mol%) showed better bioactivity. A better biocompatibility was achieved in human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line in case of silver-free glass sample while comparing the biological behaviour of Ag2O-doped glasses. Further, the Ag2O-doped nanobioactive glasses revealed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Ag2O substitutions showed better in vitro bioactivity and remained slightly toxic to human cells at a concentration of 100 microg mL(-1). Silver-doped nanobioactive glass shows good antimicrobial property as well as no significant toxic for implant applications.

Preparation and characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite nanomaterials for liver cancer cell treatment.

Nano-hydroxyapatite was synthesized by means of the hydrothermal treatment. The effects of nano-hydroxyapatite material on the behaviour of G2 liver cancer cells were explored. About 50% of cell viability was lost in nHAp material treated cells at 200 degrees C @ 5 h, followed by -30% in nHAp treated cells at 100 degrees C @ 5 h. Compared with control, nHAp material treated cells at 200 degrees C @ 5 h showed 60% and nHAp material treated cells at 100 degrees C @ 5 h showed 15% morphological change. Moreover, 50% of cell death was observed at 24 h incubation with nHAp material treated at 200 degrees C @ 5 h cells and 56% cell death at 48 h incubation and hence alters and disturbs the growth of cancer cells. In contrast, the nHAp material treated at 100 degrees C @ 5 h protects the cells and could be used for liver cancer cell treatment.

Impact of nano and bulk ZrO2, TiO2 particles on soil nutrient contents and PGPR.

Currently, nanometal oxides are used extensively in different industries such as medicine, cosmetics and food. The increased consumption of nanoparticles (NPs) leads the necessity to understand the fate of the nanoparticles in the environment. The present study focused on the ecotoxicological behaviour of bulk and nano ZrO2 (Zirconia) and TiO2 (Titania) particles on PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria), soil and its nutrient contents. The microbial susceptibility study showed that nano TiO2 had 13 +/- 0.9 mm (B. megaterium), 15 +/- 0.2 mm (P. fluorescens), 16 +/- 0.2 mm (A. vinelandii) and 12 +/- 0.3 mm (B. brevis) zones of inhibition. However, nano and bulk ZrO2 particles were non-toxic to PGPR. In addition, it was found that toxicity varied depends on the medium of reaction. The soil study showed that nano TiO2 was found to be highly toxic, whereas bulk TiO2 was less toxic towards soil bacterial populations at 1000 mg L(-1). In contrast, nano and bulk ZrO2 were found to be inert at 1000 mg L(-1). The observed zeta potential and hydrophobicity of TiO2 particles causes more toxic than ZrO2 in parallel with particle size. However, nano TiO2 decreases the microbial population as well as nutrient level of the soil but not zirconia. Our finding shows that the mechanism of toxicity depends on size, hydrophobic potential and zeta potential of the metal oxide particles. Thus, it is necessary to take safety measures during the disposal and use of such toxic nanoparticles in the soil to prevent their hazardous effects.

Screening of in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant potential and bioactivity of nano- and micro-ZrO2 and -TiO2 particles.

Nanometal oxides are used in tissue engineering and implants. The increased use of nanoparticles suggests the need to study their adverse effects on biological systems. The present investigation explores in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant potential, and bioactivity of nano- and micro-particles such as zirconia (ZrO2) and titania (TiO2) on biological systems such as National Institute of Health (NIH) 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts cell line, di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) iminoazanium (DPPH) and simulated body fluid (SBF). The cell line viability % indicated that nano ZrO2 and TiO2 were less toxic than microparticles up to 200µgml(-1). DPPH assay revealed that the free radical scavenging potential of tested particles were higher for nano ZrO2 (76.9%) and nano TiO2 (73.3%) at 100mg than that for micron size particles. Calcium deposition percentage of micro- and nano-ZrO2 particles, after SBF study, showed 0.066% and 0.094% respectively, whereas for micro- and nano-TiO2, it was 0.251% and 0.615% respectively. FTIR results showed a good bioactivity through hydroxyapatite formation. The present investigation clearly shows that nanoparticles possess good antioxidant potential and better biocompatibility under in vitro conditions which are dose and size dependent. Hence, cytotoxicity itself is not promising evaluation method for toxicity rather than particles individual characterisation using antioxidant and bioactivity analysis.