Indian Journal of Engineering & Materials Sciences https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems en-US editor@informaticsglobal.com (editor) editor@informaticsglobal.com (editor) Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:03:57 +0000 OJS 2.4.2.0 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Impact of Synthesis Techniques on the Electrochemical Properties of ZnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> as Alternative Anode for Lithium-ion Batteries https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223839 Nowadays, mixed metal oxides like AB2O4-type structures have gained more and more attention as energy storage materials due to their superior electrochemical performance, better structure stability, good electronic conductivity, and excellent reversible capacity. Herein, ZnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> has been synthesized via two different routes of material synthesis such as urea-assisted combustion and ball milling method. The physicochemical characterization has been carried out with the help of XRD, FESEM, and EDX to confirm the phase, morphology, and elemental composition, respectively. The average crystallite size of ZnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> via urea-assisted combustion (ZCU) and the ball milled (ZCB) has been observed to be 57 nm and 70 nm as estimated from XRD. The average particle of ZnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> via urea combustion and the ball mill is20 μm and 49 μm, respectively, as observed by FESEM. The influence of the synthesis route on the electrochemical properties was analyzed via Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Cyclic Voltammetry. Shivangi Rajputa, Amrish.K. Panwara, Amit Gupta https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223839 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Enhanced Ferroelectric and Dielectric Properties in Bi<sub>0.5</sub> Na<sub>0.5</sub> TiO<sub>3</sub> Doped with BaTiO<sub>3</sub> (BNT-BT) Nanoparticles for High Energy Storage Device https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223840 Nanoparticles of lead-free Bi<sub>0.5</sub>Na<sub>0.5</sub>TiO<sub>3</sub> doped with BaTiO<sub>3</sub> (BNT-BT) have been fabricated by the auto-combustion sol-gel method. A structural and morphological analysis of the developed material has been performed by using XRD and FESEM. Also, a temperature and frequency (100Hz-1MHz) dependent dielectric study of BNT-BT nanoparticles has been conducted, resulting in a variation that occurs at 120.83 °C due to transition from ferroelectric to antiferroelectric phase, followed by a sudden increase due to paraelectric phase formation. Additionally, as frequency increased, the dielectric constant decreased exhibiting Maxwell-Wagner polarization. The ferroelectric study has been done by using PE loop at room temperature (28 °C). The maximum value obtained for remanent polarization and saturation polarization is 1.73 μC/cm<sup>2</sup> and 3.75 μC/cm<sup>2</sup> respectively at an applied electric field of 28 kV/cm. The value for the recoverable energy storage density (W<sub>1</sub>) is 0.0483 J/cm<sup>3</sup>, energy loss density(W<sub>2</sub>) is 0.05378 J/cm<sup>3</sup> and its efficiency (Ƞ) is 47% at an applied field 28 kV/cm. The obtained results for the BNT-BT nanoparticles are remarkable for energy storage devices, and they further indicate their potential for energy harvesting and high piezoelectric sensors for industrial purposes. Manju Kumari, Neeraj Dhariwal, Preety Yadav, Vinod Kumar, O. P. Thakur https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223840 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Sonication-based Nanosuspension Formation of Microbial Extract to Assess Their Antibacterial Properties https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223841 The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a significant public health concern worldwide, necessitating the development of alternative antibacterial agents. In this context, the use of secondary metabolites derived from natural sources is gaining attention as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics. However, the poor solubility and bioavailability of these compounds limit their clinical use. Nanoparticle formation of secondary metabolites is a promising approach to overcome these limitations, enabling their efficient delivery and targeted action against bacterial pathogens. In this study, we develope a nanoformulation of secondary metabolites with antibacterial properties against WHO-listed priority pathogens using a sonication probe. The nanosuspension is synthesized by combining the secondary metabolites with a biocompatible polymer and is sonicated using a probe sonicator to achieve a uniform nanoparticulate suspension. The resulting nanosuspension is characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antibacterial properties of the nanosuspension are examined against selected WHO-listed priority pathogens using the zone-inhibition method and by calculating their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results demonstrate the potent antibacterial effect of nanosuspension against the tested bacterial strains. Additionally, the nanosuspension shows improved solubility, stability, and bioavailability of the secondary metabolites, which are essential factors for their clinical applications. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of sonication probe-assisted nanoparticle formation as an effective approach for the delivery of secondary metabolites with antibacterial properties against priority pathogens. The findings of this study provide a promising avenue for the advancement of novel antibacterial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Shelly Singh, Ashok K. Dubey, Shilpa Sharma https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223841 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Investigation of α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and Cr doped α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> Based Nano-Film as Resistive Switching Material for ReRAM Device Application https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223842 Ferric oxide (α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) based nanoparticles show a vast number of applications along with resistive switching. In the recent study, we synthesized α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles and Cr<sup>3+</sup> doped α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> to see the variation in the resistive switching property with chromium doping. XRD and FESEM characterizations have been carried out to confirm the structural and morphological properties of both α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and CrFeO<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles. Optical study has been done by using UV-visible spectroscopy and a decrease in band gap was observed with the chromium doping. I-V characteristics have been studied at room temperature for the synthesized material. The resistive switching effect for synthesized material is confirmed by applying negative and positive bias voltage for which current shows different values. CrFeO<sub>3</sub> shows a larger loop of hysteresis as compared to α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> confirming a better material for ReRAM application. Neeraj Dhariwal, Preeti Yadav, Manju kumari, Vinod Kumar, O. P. Thakur https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223842 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of N-719 Dye Doping in Tri-Glycine Sulphate Single Crystals- A Potential Candidate for Optical Materials https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223843 Single crystals of Pure Tri-Glycine Sulfate (PTGS) and 0.05 mol% N-719 Dye-Doped Tri-Glycine Sulfate(DTGS) have been successfully grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique. An investigation of dye doping’s effect on structural and optical properties has been investigated. Powder XRD analysis of both PTGS and DTGS confirms the crystal structure and demonstrates very good crystalline quality. The FTIR analysis provides conclusive evidence regarding the existence of multiple functional groups in addition to the incorporation of dye into TGS. The optical and band gap analysis have been carried out using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer. A 270 nm excitation wavelength has been employed to acquire the PL spectra. TGS is a semi-organic material, exhibiting non-linear optical characteristics and depicting good properties in ferroelectricity and pyroelectricity. It is also a good piezoelectric material and can be used as an alternative to other energy sources. Karan Grover, Jai shree Choudhary, Preetika Dhawan, Ranjana Jha, Harsh Yadav https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223843 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Enhancing the Thermoelectric Performance of Bismuth Telluride Through Silver Doping https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223844 In the present work, nanoparticles of pure Bi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub> and Ag doped Bi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub> have been prepared using hydrothermal technique. The thermoelectric performance of bismuth telluride has been found to be improving with Ag doping. This may be due to increase in the carrier concentration resulting in enhanced electrical conductivity of the material, and expected to maintain its low thermal conductivity. The morphology, structural properties of the nanoparticles synthesized in this study has been accessed through the utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Thin films ofas prepared powders ofpure Bi2Te3 and Ag doped Bi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles have deposited on to glass substrate using thermal evaporation technique. The thermoelectric measurements of as synthesized materials have studied using an indigenously developed setup. Seebeck coefficient for pure and Ag doped bismuth telluride thin films has found to be 150 μv°C<sup>-1</sup>and 182 μv°C<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Jai shree Chaudhary, Karan Grover, Monika Tomar, Anjali Sharma, Ranjana Jha https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223844 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Preparation of NiMn<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-NiMnO<sub>3</sub>@MoS<sub>2</sub> Nano-composites with Enhanced Electrochemical Performances for Lithium-ion Batteries https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223845 With the technological development in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), there have been a requirement for advanced anodes to complete the demand of energy storage devices. Among the developed anode, Mixed Transition Metal Oxides (MTMOs) are one of the evolving categories. MTMOs provide a synergistic effect due to the presence of multiple elements which enhance the electrochemical performance. Similarly, 2D MoS<sub>2</sub> have been an emerging anode for Lithium-ion Batteries. Therefore, in this work, the preparation of NiMn<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-NiMnO<sub>3</sub>@MoS<sub>2</sub>(NMO-MoS<sub>2</sub>) nano-composites have been attempted. Structural, microstructural and other physicochemical characterization have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy. Electrochemical characterizations also analyzed via Cyclic Voltammetry, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, and Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge analysis. In the MoS<sub>2</sub> type of composite, the layered structure of MoS<sub>2</sub> provides intercalation of lithium ions without any major volume expansion of NiMn<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-NiMnO<sub>3</sub> (NMO) material. Furthermore, NMO nanoparticles occupy the spaces between the MoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets making both faces accessible to electrolyte penetration. The resulting composite material displayed a stable cyclic voltammogram profile and discharge capacity of 361.54 mAhg<sup>-1</sup> even after 200 cycles at the current density of 500mA g<sup>-1</sup>. Anchali Jain, Amrish.K. Panwar, Pawan K. Tyagi https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223845 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Co-crystal Growth and Characterizations of Diisopropylammonium Hydrogen Phthalate https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223847 Slow evaporation solution growth approach has been utilized to synthesize the single co-crystal of diisopropylammonium hydrogen phthalate at room temperature. Its structural attributes owing to the refinement of its cell parameters have been successfully confirmed using Debye – Scherrer method. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy has further revealed the optical behaviour of the aforesaid crystal having a 301 nm cut-off with a broad direct optical energy band of 4.09 eV. Its vibrational assignments have been determined using Fourier transform infrared spectral study. Photoluminescence spectroscopy has highlighted the violet emission from the crystal when stimulated by 300 nm excitation wavelength. Vickers micro hardness technique has as certained the mechanical strength of the grown crystal along with the work-hardening coefficient thereby claiming its normal ISE behaviour to the external load. Conclusively, this work has featured the prominence of diisopropylammonium hydrogen phthalate co-crystal for optical applications. Preetika Dhawan, Harsh Yadav https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223847 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of Mechanical Grinding and Sonication on the Optical Properties Of MoS<sub>2</sub> Nanosheets https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223848 In the present study, MoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets are prepared by a two-step, grinding-assisted ultrasonication technique. Various parameters governing the optical, electrical, and dielectric properties of the MoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets are determined from the absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance spectra acquired using UV-Vis spectroscopy. These parameters are analysed with change in grinding hours as well as for sonication effects. It is observed that the absorption coefficient, optical conductivity, and dissipation factor increase (along with a decrease in refractive index) with increase in grinding hours and with sonication. The obtained changes in the optical parameters are correlated with the number of exfoliated layers revealed by Raman spectroscopy. The results of this study provide insightful information about the layer-dependent properties of MoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets and develop better understanding of how the synthesis routes are effective for tailoring the optical response of MoS<sub>2</sub> nanosheets. Shweta , Vinamrita Singh, Kaushal Kumar, Tanuj Kumar, Arun Kumar https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223848 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Investigating the Efficiency and Optimization of Germanium-based Perovskite Solar Cell Using Scaps ID https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223850 Germanium-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been a substitute for conventional lead-based perovskite solar cells without sacrificing the environment. In this work, simulation has been carried out with the Cesium germanium bromide, CsGeBr<sub>3</sub> perovskite solar Cell on SCAPS-1D and the impact of several factors such as the thickness of the absorber layer, operating temperature and defect density has been analyzed. The device has achieved maximum power conversion efficiency of 11.35 % with an absorber layer thickness of 600 nm at 305 K. The photovoltaic parameters have shown the solar devices to be stable at 305 K. This indicates that CsGeBr<sub>3</sub> PSC has become a promising device for future photovoltaic applications and for designing highly efficient lead-free PSC. Anushansha Yadav, Vanshika , Rahul Kundara, Sarita Baghel https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223850 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Study of Molecular Interaction of 2-amino-5-bromopyridine and 2-amino-3-bromopyridine with Alcohols https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223851 Molecular interaction is useful to understand Physico-chemical characteristic of liquids. Studying ultrasonic properties of liquid mixtures and their dependence on composition and temperature are of importance in many fields of applied research and find applications in many important industrial fields like chemical, textile, leather, industrial and biological process. Interaction studies as a function of concentration are useful in gaining insight into the structure and bonding of associated molecular complexes and other molecular processes. The compositional dependence of thermodynamic properties has proved to be very useful tool in understanding the nature and extent of pattern of molecular aggregation resulting from intermolecular interaction between components. Therefore using ultrasonic technique, molecular interactions were studied for the liquid mixture containing 2-amino-5-bromopyridine with aromatic alcohols (ethanol, propanol and butanol) and 2-amino-3-bromopyridine with aromatic alcohols were measured at the temperature 299 K for different molar concentrationat 2 MHz frequency. Calculated the experimental results like density (𝜌), viscosity (𝜂) and ultrasonic velocity (U) and it hasbeen utilized to determine various excess thermodynamic properties like adiabatic compressibility (β), impedance (Z),intermolecular free length (L<sub>f</sub>) and intermolecular free volume (V<sub>f</sub>). In this binary system, the strength and nature ofmolecular interactions are interpreted. K.S Anjali, C. Ningappa, M. S. Manjunath https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223851 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of Precursors’ Concentration on Structural and Electronic Properties of Ammonium Ions (NH<sup>4+</sup>) Intercalated 1T/2H Phase MoS<SUB>2</sub> https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223855 In this study, we have prepared a mixed phase of 1T/2H-MoS<sub>2</sub> nanoflowers using a simple hydrothermal approach without loading any additional catalyst. The ammonium (NH<sup>4+</sup> ) ion intercalation has been induced to insert the 1T phase, with an increase in Mo precursor i.e., ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate concentration in an order of 1M, 1.4M, and 1.8M to obtain the mixed phase of 1T/2H-MoS<sub>2</sub> . The synthesis confirmation and structural properties of mixed-phase has been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology of 1T/2H-MoS<sub>2</sub> clearly shows the reduction in grain size and an increase in active sites due to the change in morphology from the crumbled nanoflowers to the agglomerated tiny pin-like microstructures. XRD and Raman confirm the presence of mixed phase and it has been observed that crystallite size and the interplanar distance increase with the increase in NH4+ ions molar concentration (1-1.8 M). The mixed phase of 1T/2H-MoS<sub>2</sub> shows high absorbance in the visible region due to the presence of the metallic behaviour and a lowering in the bandgap (1.9 eV to 1.5 eV) is also clearly observed with the increase in concentration. From XPS, it has been concluded that the concentration of the 1T phase in the mixed 1T/2H-MoS<sub>2</sub> can be controlled by optimizing the concentration of the precursor during preparation such as with 1.8 M concentration, the developed 1T character is around 45.8 %. The mixed phase 1T/2H-MoS<sub>2</sub> is found to be a suitable candidate for gas sensing due to its improved interplanar spacing, adjustable bandgap, and enhanced active sites. Priya Pradeep Kumar, Vinod Singh https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223855 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Experimental Study of the Photocatalytic Behaviour of Zinc Oxide Nanostructure for Cationic Dye (Malachite Green) https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223856 In the present study, ZnO nanostructures formed by co-precipitation have been investigated for their photocatalytic behaviour against the cationic dye (Malachite Green). X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique has been used to identify the structure, crystallite size, and phase of the as-synthesized material. Surface morphology and elemental compositional analysis of the ZnO have been carried out using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) attached with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The SEM study has revealed the formation of round-shaped pebble-like particles having sizes between 50 to 150 nm and found to be uniformly distributed. XRD analysis has shown well-resolved peaks of ZnO, indicating a polycrystalline nature with a hexagonal structure. The crystallite size has been calculated and found to be about 18 nm. Absorbance spectra have been recorded using a UV-Vis spectrometer and the optical band gap energy has been found to be 3.29 eV. Band-gap excitonic emission displays emission peaks in the photoluminescence spectrum at 390 nm. The results have shown the degradation of Malachite Green dye using ZnO nanoparticles in 3 hours, with 95% efficiency. The decomposition of the dye with ZnO nanoparticles can be utilized in industrial wastewater treatment for the benefit of mankind and the aquatic ecosystem, including their habitats. Anju , Ranjana Jha, Sukhvir Singh https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223856 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Nd Modified BiFeO<sub>3</sub> Perovskites: Investigations on their Structural, and Magnetic Properties https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223857 The present work focuses on the examination of the structural and magnetic characteristics of Bi1<sub>-X</sub>Nd<sub>X</sub>FeO<sub>3</sub> (0≤x≤0.12) nanoparticles prepared using an efficient wet chemical method, Pechini's modified sol-gel route via auto combustion. BiFeO<sub>3</sub> (BFO) is a perovskite multiferroic material which is generally termed as ABO<sub>3</sub> where A is Bi or any Rare earth element and B is usually Fe<sup>3+</sup> or Mn<sup>3+</sup>are looked with great hopes due to its wide possible potential applications such as data storage devices, sensors, Na<sup>+</sup>ion batteries, spintronics, and magnetoelectric devices. The BFO has sometimes termed a futuristic semiconductor material as a replacement for Silicon by the scientific community. The synthesis process of the nanoparticles involves obtaining the pristine single-phase Bismuth Ferrite (BFO) followed by Nd<sup>3+</sup> substitutions at the Bisite to investigate the effects of Nd<sup>3+</sup> doping in the perovskite system. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) are performed in order to confirm the formation of single-phase materials with the desired crystal structure and phase purity. High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) reveals the formation of distorted rhombohedral structures of NPs with average particle sizes ranging between 18 nm to 50 nm. The magnetic properties are evaluated using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) to assess the influence of Nd<sup>3+</sup> doping on the magnetic behavior of the nanoparticles. The experimental results demonstrate the significant impact of Nd<sup>3+</sup> doping on the magnetic ordering and saturation magnetization of BiFeO<sub>3</sub>. This research contributes valuable insights into the structural and magnetic properties of Nd-doped BFO nanoparticles, paving the way for the development of advanced magnetoelectric devices with enhanced magnetic functionality. Sourabh Sharma, Garima , Ashok Kumar, O. P. Thakura https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223857 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Startup of Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor for Leachate Treatment https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223858 The tremendous increase in population in the last few decades has resulted in massive unmanageable solid waste products across the country. The leachate produced during decomposition of solid waste can be treated using conventional systems but proves to be uneconomical and requires a long duration thus leading to environmental unsustainability. However, recent advancements in wastewater treatment have emerged with moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and is gaining popularity around the globe. The system is economical as it requires less land area while treating high quantum of wastewater in short time duration. The present study has been carried out with an objective to treat the landfill leachate using laboratory-scale aerobic MBBR system. The microorganisms were acclimatized for leachate degradation by feeding the reactor with varying composition of glucose and leachate with a COD inlet concentration of 1000 mg/L at HRT of 21 h. In Phase-I of the study, the reactor was operated with 100% glucose and resulted in 95 % COD removal with 90% TSS removal. In Phase-II of the reactor operation with inlet feed containing 75% glucose and 25% leachate resulted in 93% COD removal with 89% TSS removal. In Phase-III of the study duration, the reactor when fedwith 50% glucose and 50% leachate resulted in 91% of COD removal and 91% of TSS removal. However, on the 100th day of the study, the reactor was switched to 100% leachate and under pseudo steady state a COD removal of 84% and with TSS removal of 92% was being assessed. The kinetic parameters including sludge growth rate, decay coefficient and sludge yield were assessed in each step of the study. The results from the present study indicate that MBBR is an efficient technology that can remove 84 %of CODand92% TSS from leachate efficiently and effectively with a sustainable method. Mukesh Kumar Garg, Tribhuvan Narayan Wadhwa, Athar Hussain, K. R. Harne https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijems/article/view/223858 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000