Showing 30 results for Nanocomposite
Maryam Hajiebrahimi, Sanaz Alamdari, Omid Mirzaee,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Dual nanocomposites based on metal sulfide nanomaterials with a narrow band gap are favorable candidates for future optoelectronic applications and ionizing ray sensors. In this study, novel silver-doped zinc sulfide/ cadmium sulfide (ZnS/CdS: Ag) nanocomposites were synthesized using the cost-effective solvothermal approach. For the first time, the radiation sensitivity of the newly developed nanocomposite was assessed using a 241Am alpha source and ion beam-induced luminescence (IBIL) measurements. The ZnS/CdS: Ag nanocomposite demonstrated significant light emission in the blue-green spectrum when measured at room temperature. When exposed to alpha irradiation, the ZnS/CdS: Ag nanocomposite film displayed exceptional sensitivity compared to pure ZnS or CdS films. The FESEM images revealed a uniform distribution of semi-spherical and rod-shaped nanoparticles, with an average particle size measuring 180 nm. The results from XRD and EDX demonstrated distinct peaks corresponding to ZnS, CdS, and associated elements within the nanocomposite. The existence of several groups within the nanocomposite was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Evaluations revealed that the optical quality of the ZnS/CdS: Ag nanocomposite showed enhancement in comparison to pure ZnS and CdS. The results suggest that the ZnS/CdS: Ag nanocomposite film holds great promise for applications in optoelectronic devices and detection technologies.
Zeinab Abbasali Karajabad, Adrine Malek Khachatourian, Mohammad Golmohammad, Ali Nemati,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Hybrid asymmetric supercapacitors using distinct cathode/anode materials offer enhanced energy density by expanding operational potential windows compared to symmetric configurations. In this work rGO/α-Fe₂O₃ and rGO/TiO₂ nanocomposites were synthesized via hydrothermal method for hybrid asymmetric supercapacitors applications. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) revealed uniform distribution of spherical α-Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ nanoparticles on rGO sheets. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of the hematite and anatase in the rGO/α-Fe2O3 and rGO/TiO2 nanocomposites, respectively. Additionally, in the XRD spectra of both nanocomposites, a broad peak corresponding to the (002) crystalline planes of rGO was observed. Electrochemical testing showed specific capacities of 130 F/g (rGO/α-Fe₂O₃) and 253 F/g (rGO/TiO₂) at 5 mV/s in 1M KOH. The assembled hybrid asymmetric supercapacitors (rGO/α-Fe₂O₃//rGO/TiO₂) achieved a 1.6 V operational potential window. Power density and energy density of 1066 W kg-1 and 9.7 Wh kg-1 were achieved at a current density of 1 A/g, respectively.
Adil Kadum Shakir, Ebrahim Ghanbari-Adivi, Aref S. Baron Baron, Morteza Soltani,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Nanomaterials have significantly transformed multiple scientific and technological fields due to their exceptional properties, which result from their quantum confinement effects and high surface-to-volume ratios. Among these materials, zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest because of their diverse applications.
In this study, TiO2-ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized using varying calcination times of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 hours. Characterization of fabricated samples through X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) confirmed the successful fabrication of the nanocomposites. In this regard, XRD analysis revealed anatase TiO2 and hexagonal wurtzite ZnO phases. Raman spectroscopy also supported these findings, identifying characteristic peaks of both TiO2 and ZnO.
The calcination time had a minimal effect on the crystal structures and also morphology of the nanocomposites, which gave rise to its negligible impact on optical properties and biological activities of the samples. Optical properties assessed by means of UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy showed consistent band gap absorption and emission profiles across all samples, among which the nanocomposite calcined for 1 hour exhibited the best optical properties.
The sample prepared at 1 hour not only showed the most favorable optical properties, but also demonstrated significant antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities, which make it suitable for various applications. In this regard, a reduction of more than 99.9% occurred in the number of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and also Candida albicans fungus by using TiO2-ZnO nanocomposite. Besides, addition of 500 µg/ml of nanocomposite decreased the cell viability to 34.47%, which signifies its high cytotoxicity activity.
Hajar Hussein, Mohammed Mohammed, Furat Al-Saymari,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Poly(2-aminobenzothiazole) (PAT) is a relatively new heterocyclic conducting polymer having a sulfur and nitrogen-rich chemical structure. During the past decade or so, there have been notable advances on the development of PAT. Especially, PAT and PAT-based composites have shown great potential for their applications in photovoltaic cells, solar cells and anti-corrosion organic coatings. In this study, 2-aminothiazole was successfully prepared as pure polymer and as composite materials with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). FTIR, X-ray diffraction and SEM images were investigated, showing that the composite of poly 2-aminobenzothiazole: MWCNTs was successfully synthesized. The electrical features of the pure polymer and the composite thin films were examined. The findings show that the conductivity of the pure polymer and composite thin films are about 1.67x10-6 (S/cm) and 4.1x10-2 (S/cm), respectively, exhibiting a significant enhancement by a factor of 2.5x104 times as a results of doping the pure polymer by 1% wt MWCNTs.
Hossein Bayat, Parvaneh Sangpour, Mojgan Heydari, Leila Nikzad,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial, bioactivity, and in vitro cytotoxicity of a nanocomposite made of copper oxide (CuO) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with two different morphologies of copper oxide (Spherical-sCuO and Nanoplate-pCuO), which was made using the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process on a titanium substrate as an orthopedic implant. Two different weight percents of copper oxide nanostructures of sCuO NP (10 wt%, 20 wt%) and pCuO NP (10 wt%, 20 wt%) have been used in this research. Synthesized nanocomposites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Based on the obtained results, the XRD pattern and XPS confirmed that the nanocomposites were successfully synthesized without impurity. FESEM images showed that CuO nanoparticles and nanoplates were distributed on the alumina matrix homogeneously. The antibacterial activity of synthesized nanocomposites was investigated using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Antibacterial activity results showed that CuO nanoparticles had high antibacterial activity, and the effect of CuO nanostuctures depended not only on their morphology and size, but also on the type of microorganisms. Furthermore nanocomposite with nanoplate copper oxide exhibited more bioactivity properties than the spherical shape. S. aureus showed greater resistance to CuO nanostructure, while E. coli was more susceptible to them (15%). In addition, toxicity tests showed that nanoplate copper oxide exhibited greater toxicity due to its high surface reactivity than spherical nanoparticles. This study provides new insights into the role of copper oxide nanoparticle morphology in the properties of nanocomposites for use as orthopedic implants.
Pravin Jadhav, R.s.n Sahai,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
The development of polymer composite materials for gear applications has gained significant attention due to the growing need for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high-performance alternatives to traditional metallic gears. This literature review consolidates key findings and insights from numerous studies, highlighting the advancements, challenges, and potential of polymer composites in gear applications. High-performance polymers such as poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), poly ether ketone(PEK), poly ether ketone ketone (PEKK) and poly aryl ether ketone (PAEK) especially when reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and functionalized MWCNTs, exhibit superior mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties. These enhancements include improved strength-to-weight ratios, wear resistance and load transfer capabilities. The review also examines the influence of various parameters on gear performance. The necessity for standardized testing methods and benchmarks to evaluate wear, surface temperature, roughness and environmental exposure is emphasized to ensure reliability and consistency. This study focuses on study of development of high performance polymer composite materials for gear applications and performance analysis of these gears.
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.
Samira Pishkar Ahrab, Mahdiyeh Pourali, Mohammadtaghi Hamedani,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposites with various molar ratios of CuO were successfully synthesized. Sol-gel method was used to syntehesize nanocomposite materials at a low temperature. A set of experiments, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, was used to confirm the successful synthesis of Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposites in crystalline form.
The photocatalytic activity of the samples was investigated via the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye
from synthetic wastewater under three distinct conditions: visible light, ultraviolet light, and a combination of visible light with ultrasonic treatment. Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposite with a molar ratio of 1:1:0.5 showed the highest photocatalytic activity when irradiated with either visible or ultraviolet light. Furthermore, when visible light was combined with ultrasonic treatment, complete (100%) removal of methylene blue was achieved within 120 minutes. The results demonstrate that these nanocomposites are efficient catalysts for wastewater treatment through the removal of organic pollutants Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposites with various molar ratios of CuO were successfully synthesized. Sol-gel method was used to syntehesize nanocomposite materials at a low temperature. A set of experiments, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, was used to confirm the successful synthesis of Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposites in crystalline form.
The photocatalytic activity of the samples was investigated via the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye
from synthetic wastewater under three distinct conditions: visible light, ultraviolet light, and a combination of visible light with ultrasonic treatment. Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposite with a molar ratio of 1:1:0.5 showed the highest photocatalytic activity when irradiated with either visible or ultraviolet light. Furthermore, when visible light was combined with ultrasonic treatment, complete (100%) removal of methylene blue was achieved within 120 minutes. The results demonstrate that these nanocomposites are efficient catalysts for wastewater treatment through the removal of organic pollutants
Hawra H. Obeed, Ali Mejbel M. Alkhafaji, Layth Hayder Hameed Kazem Al_tmamimi, Tabarek Falah Deindee, Mohammed Ridha Shaeed Janabi,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
Researchers have increasingly investigated hybrid nanocomposites that mix physical and chemical properties of carbonaceous materials and metal/metal oxides. In this work, a nanocomposite composed of reduced graphene oxide and silver (I) oxide, rGO@Ag2O, was prepared using ascorbic acid as a green reducing agent. The Ag2O nanoparticles were synthesized by means of a controlled precipitation process in water. The carbonaceous material of rGO was obtained through a modified Hummers' approach. After being combined with a solvent, the Ag2O and rGO in ethanol were dried with heat. The resultant nanocomposite was structurally and optically examined using different characterization techniques.
The results showed that GO has been successfully reduced, Ag2O revealed a crystalline structure, and Ag₂O nanostructures were found on the surface of rGO sheets. Disk diffusion assay was adopted in order to evaluate antibacterial activity of nanocomposite against both Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. The Ag₂O nanostructures in the composite form exhibited inhibition zone with higher diameter compared to their uncomposited counterparts. Higher antibacterial activity of rGO@Ag2O was attributed to the role of negatively charged oxygen-containing groups present on the surface of rGO in slightly improvement in the stability of Ag₂O nanostructures.
Our findings show that rGO@Ag₂O could be a useful antimicrobial material for biomedical surfaces, as a coating, and in systems that clean water. It could be a good option for future research in nano-enabled antimicrobial technology because it can destroy bacteria, is made in an environmentally benign way, and could be made on a larger scale.
Mohammad Khakbaz, Reza Sarkhosh, Masoud Javadi,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
Today, the application of high‑performance thin‑film nanocomposites as impedance‑matching layers in telecommunication and military technologies has gained substantial importance. In this study, a multiphase nanocomposite comprising Fe₃O₄, ZnTiO₃, and multi‑walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) embedded within an epoxy resin matrix was designed and synthesized under carefully controlled laboratory conditions. Experimental data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis alongside error variance reduction techniques to identify the optimal composition among the four finalized sample variants. During the fabrication process, the samples underwent sequential mixing, heating, and sonication steps to ensure proper dispersion of the fillers, followed by casting into molds with dimensions corresponding to the rectangular waveguide test section used for the electromagnetic measurements.Topological and morphological characterizations of the fabricated composites were performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while crystal structure assessments employed X‑ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Furthermore, electromagnetic characterization was conducted using WR‑90 waveguide measurements over the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. Among the samples examined, specimen C4, containing an increased ZnTiO₃ content, demonstrated superior particle dispersion and consequently improved electromagnetic impedance‑matching performance. Numerical simulations carried out with the Frequency Domain Solver of CST Microwave Studio corroborated the experimental findings with considerable agreement. The results identified Fe₃O₄ as the dominant contributor to magnetic loss mechanisms, whereas MWCNTs served as conductive constituents within the composite matrix. The inclusion of ZnTiO₃ markedly enhanced impedance matching characteristics, resulting in a significant reduction of wave reflection and thereby facilitating improved wave energy transmission control across a broad bandwidth. Specifically, for the 1 mm thick C4 sample, the reflection coefficient was reduced to −17.85 dB, while the transmission parameter S₂₁ remained below −0.072 dB at 8.2 GHz, indicating excellent impedance matching and minimal reflective loss. Frequency‑dependent analysis further demonstrated a stable balance between dielectric and magnetic contributions, manifesting in consistent electromagnetic performance without substantial deviation across the measured spectrum. Accordingly, the investigated nanocomposite emerges as a promising candidate for lightweight, high‑performance absorber layers, impedance‑matching layers, and electromagnetic coatings in advanced telecommunication and defense applications.
