@article { ISI:000229664600004, title = {Electronic structure and ferromagnetism of polycrystalline Zn1-xCoxO (0 <= x <= 0.15)}, journal = {Solid State Communications}, volume = {134}, number = {10}, year = {2005}, month = {JUN}, pages = {665-669}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

The electronic structure of polycrystalline ferromagnetic Zn1-x,CoxO (0.05 \<= x \<= 0.15) and the oxidation state of Co in it, have been investigated. The Co-doped polycrystalline samples are synthesized by a combustion method and are ferromagnetic at room temperature. XPS and optical absorption studies show evidence for Co2+ ions in the tetrahedral symmetry, indicating, substitution of Co2+ in the ZnO lattice. However, powder XRD and electron diffraction data shock the presence of Co metal in the samples. This give evidence to the fact that some Co2+ ion are incorporated in the ZnO lattice which gives changes in the electronic structure whereas ferromagnetism comes from the Co metal impurities present in the samples. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Magnetically ordered materials, Optical properties, Semiconductors}, issn = {0038-1098}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssc.2005.03.013}, author = {Deka, Sasanka and Joy, Pattayil Alias} } @article { ISI:000230823200014, title = {Growth of PbS nanopyramidal particulate films for potential applications in quantum-dot photovoltaics and nanoantennas}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin }, volume = {40}, number = {8}, year = {2005}, month = {AUG}, pages = {1353-1360}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, type = {Article}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report a simple interfacial process called the liquid-liquid interface reaction technique (LLIRT) that leads to the formation of nanosized PbS particulate films with hitherto unreported pyramidal morphology. The resultant PbS films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffractometery (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), near field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The pyramidal morphology is speculated to originate from the preferred orientation of the 2 2 0 plane of cubic PbS. Our nanopyramidal PbS particulate films display remarkably sharp excitonic peak centered around 656 nm that accounts for a band gap of 1.8 eV suggesting, in turn, their potential application in QD photovoltaics. Interestingly, the feasibility of such nanopyramids to potentially act as nanoantennas (as revealed by the NSOM) is also suggested. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Atomic force microscopy, Chemical synthesis, Electron microscopy, Nanostructures, Optical properties}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2005.04.018}, author = {Hawaldar, Ranjit R. and Mulik, Uttam P. and Patil, K. and Pasricha, R. and Sathaye, S. and Lewis, A. and Amalnerkar, Dinesh P.} } @article { ISI:000270770900015, title = {Doping-induced microstructural, textural and optical properties of In2Ti1-xVxO5+delta semiconductors and their role in the photocatalytic splitting of water}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {117}, number = {2-3}, year = {2009}, month = {OCT}, pages = {399-407}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

The physicochemical properties of V-doped indium titanates (In2Ti1-xVxO5-delta, 0.0 \<= x \<= 0.2) were investigated by using XPS, powder XRD, UV-vis, SEM and luminescence spectroscopy techniques. The Rietveld refinement of XRD data revealed that even though the V-containing samples were isostructural with In2TiO5 (orthorhombic space group Pnma), a systematic x-dependent variation was noticeable in the Ti-O bond lengths in [TiO6] octahedral units, cell parameters and in the value of delta. XPS results confirmed the coexistence of V5+ and V4+ states, leading thereby to an enhancement in oxygen non-stoichiometry in the doped samples. A loading-dependent progressive shift from 400 to 750 nm was also observed in the onset of the absorption edge, indicating a significant narrowing of the band gap. Furthermore, the samples with higher V-content were comprised of the grain clusters having larger size and an irregular shape. The UV-vis. photoluminescence and thermoluminescence studies indicate that the doping-induced lattice defects may give rise to certain closely spaced acceptor/donor energy levels in between the band gap of host matrix. The indium titanates are found to serve as stable photocatalysts for water splitting under visible light, where oxygen was the major reaction product. The role of microstructural and morphological properties in the photocatalytic activity is discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {In2Ti1-xVxO5+delta photocatalysts, Luminescence spectroscopy, Microstructure, Optical properties, Structure-activity relationship, water splitting}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2009.06.013}, author = {Shah, Pallavi and Bhange, Deu S. and Deshpande, Aparna and Kulkarni, Mukund S. and Gupta, Narendra M.} } @article { ISI:000269291500035, title = {Nanocrystalline Mn-Zn-ferrite by novel oxalato-hydrazinated complex method}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {117}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {SEP}, pages = {187-191}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

We report here for the first time the synthesis of technologically important ferrite, using a metal oxalato-hydrazinate (MOH) complex method. The MOH complex of iron-manganese-zinc was synthesized at room temperature using the precursors, ferrous ammonium sulphate, manganese acetate and zinc acetate. Thermo-gravimetric studies of MOH intermediate showed complete phase formation of MnZnFe(2)O(4) at 280 degrees C. XRD data showed the formation of single phase cubic spinel MnZnFe(2)O(4). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrate the spherical shape particle morphology. TEM images indicated the particle size of ferrite powder in the range of 20-36 nm. Magnetization of synthesized nano-sized Mn(0.69)Zn(.0.19)Fe(2.12)O(4) was observed coercive force (H(c)) at 127.82 Oe with a saturation magnetization (M(s)), 34.5 emu g(-1) using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature. Mossbauer study of nano-sized ferrite powder showed super-paramagnteic behavior. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {crystal structure, Magnetic materials, Mn-Zn-ferrite, Nanostructures, Optical properties}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2009.05.036}, author = {Kanade, K. G. and Amalnerkar, Dinesh P. and Potdar, H. S. and Kale, B. B.} } @article { ISI:000279139400020, title = {Preparation and characterization of CuInSe2 thin films by chemical bath deposition technique}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {500}, number = {1}, year = {2010}, month = {JUN}, pages = {78-81}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

Copper indium diselenide (CIS) thin films have been deposited using a precursor solution containing copper sulphate, indium trichoride, hydrazine hydrate and sodium selenosulphate in an aqueous alkaline medium at room temperature. The as grown brown colored films were found to be well adherent to glass substrates. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, optical absorption, electrical resistivity, and thermo electric measurement techniques. The analysis of optical absorption data shows band-gap energy (E-g) to be 1.1 eV. The electrical resistivity of the thin film was found to be of the order of 10(2) (Omega cm). Thermoelectric power measurement shows n-type conduction. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.

}, keywords = {CuInSe2, Optical properties, Thin films, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2010.03.215}, author = {Hankare, P. P. and Rathod, K. C. and Chate, P. A. and Jadhav, A. V. and Mulla, Imtiaz S.} } @article { ISI:000289763700026, title = {Low temperature pH dependent synthesis of flower-like ZnO nanostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {46}, number = {5}, year = {2011}, month = {MAY}, pages = {771-778}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

In the present study we have synthesized flower-like ZnO nanostructures comprising of nanobelts of 20 nm width by template and surfactant free low-temperature (4 degrees C) aqueous solution route. The ZnO nanostructures exhibit flower-like morphology, having crystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure with (001) orientation. The flowers with size between 600 and 700 nm consist of ZnO units having crystallite size of similar to 40 nm. Chemical and structural characterization reveals a significant role of precursor: ligand molar ratio, pH, and temperature in the formation of single-step flower-like ZnO at low temperature. Plausible growth mechanism for the formation of flower-like structure has been discussed in detail. Photoluminescence studies confirm formation of ZnO with the defects in crystal structure. The flower-like ZnO nanostructures exhibit enhanced photochemical degradation of methylene blue (MB) with the increased concentration of ligand, indicating attribution of structural features in the photocatalytic properties. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Catalytic properties, Defects, Nanostructures, Optical properties, Semiconductor}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2010.11.007}, author = {Vaishampayan, Mukta V. and Mulla, Imtiaz S. and Joshi, Satyawati S.} } @article { ISI:000292118800013, title = {Morphological changes in nanoparticulate silver films due to electron beam irradiation of polystyrene substrates}, journal = {Nuclear Instruments \& Methods in Physics Research Section B-Beam Interactions With Materials and Atoms}, volume = {269}, number = {13}, year = {2011}, month = {JUL}, pages = {1534-1539}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Results of the studies on the effect of 8 MeV electron beam irradiation of polystyrene substrates on the morphology of silver particulate films deposited at 455 K in a vacuum of 8 x 10(-6) Torr are reported. Optical absorption studies show the presence of transverse and longitudinal plasmon resonance for films deposited on irradiated polystyrene. Scanning electron microscopy reveals a decrease in particle size with smaller inter-particle separation for irradiated films. Larger clusters are formed in the case of films deposited on polystyrene after 300 h of irradiation. In this paper, we show that the morphology of silver nanoparticulate films can be modified by electron irradiation of inert polymer substrates like polystyrene. The change observed due to irradiation is attributed to the formation of free radicals, thereby altering the polymer-metal interaction. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electron bombardment, Optical properties, Particulate films, Polymers, Silver, surface morphology}, issn = {0168-583X}, doi = {10.1016/j.nimb.2011.04.109}, author = {Pattabi, Manjunatha and Gurumurthy, S. C. and Sanjeev, Ganesh and Gaikwad, A. B.} } @article { ISI:000298764800037, title = {Synthesis and characterization of CdS/PVA nanocomposite thin films from a complexing agent free system}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {131}, number = {1-2}, year = {2011}, month = {DEC}, pages = {223-229}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

CdS/PVA nanocomposite thin films have been deposited on glass substrates by in situ thermolysis of precursors dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The synthetic technique reported in this study is free from complexing agent and hence no need to control the pH of the solution as in the case of conventional CBD. The as-prepared films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), UV-vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The XRD and SAED results indicated the formation of CdS nanoparticles with hexagonal phase in the PVA matrix. The photoluminescence and UV-vis spectroscopy revealed that CdS/PVA films showed quantum confinement effect. From the shift in optical band gap, particle sizes were calculated using effective mass approximation (EMA) method and it was found to be in agreement with the results obtained from TEM observations. The SEM results indicated that as grown films were homogeneous with no visible pinholes and cracks. The film prepared at 100 degrees C was found to be suitable for application as a window layer in solar cell. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {CdS/PVA, Nanocomposite, Optical properties, Thermolysis}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2011.09.011}, author = {Saikia, Dulen and Saikia, P. K. and Gogoi, P. K. and Das, M. R. and Sengupta, P. and Shelke, M. V.} } @article { ISI:000324077700076, title = {Fungus mediated synthesis of biomedically important cerium oxide nanoparticles}, journal = {Materials Research Bulletin}, volume = {48}, number = {10}, year = {2013}, month = {OCT}, pages = {4134-4138}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Nanomaterials can be synthesized by chemical, physical and the more recently discovered biological routes. The biological routes are advantageous over the chemical and physical ones as unlike these, the biological synthesis protocols occur at ambient conditions, are cheap, non-toxic and eco-friendly. Although purely biological and bioinspired methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials are environmentally benign and energy conserving processes, their true potential has not been explored yet and attempts are being made to extend the formation of technologically important nanoparticles using microorganisms like fungi. Though there have been reports on the biosynthesis of oxide nanoparticles by our group in the past, no attempts have been made to employ fungi for the synthesis of nanoparticles of rare earth metals or lanthanides. Here we report for the first time, the bin-inspired synthesis of biomedically important cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles using the thermophilic fungus Humicola sp. The fungus Humicola sp. when exposed to aqueous solutions of oxide precursor cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (CeN3O9 center dot 6H(2)O) results in the extracellular formation of CeO2 nanoparticles containing Ce (III) and Ce (IV) mixed oxidation states, confirmed by X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS). The formed nanoparticles are naturally capped by proteins secreted by the fungus and thus do not agglomerate, are highly stable, water dispersible and are highly fluorescent as well. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS). (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electron microscopy, Nanostuctures, Optical properties, Oxides, X-ray diffraction}, issn = {0025-5408}, doi = {10.1016/j.materresbull.2013.06.038}, author = {Khan, Shadab Ali and Ahmad, Absar} } @article { ISI:000316238400025, title = {One pot synthesis, growth mechanism and optical properties of Zn1-xCdxSe graded core/shell and alloy nanocrystals}, journal = {Journal of Luminescence}, volume = {135}, year = {2013}, month = {MAR}, pages = {154-159}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Comparatively higher photoluminescence yield along with robustness of core/shell semiconductor nanocrystals make them attractive candidates for studying intricate quantum size effects. Here, we report, one pot synthesis of Zn1-xCdxSe graded core/shell structures by exploiting change in the reactivity of precursors. Optical and structural measurements indicate formation of graded structure. Growth mechanism probed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy shows formation of graded core/shell structure, with CdSe rich core and ZnSe rich shell. Annealing these nanocrystals, in chemical bath, leads to diffusion of Cd from core to shell region. Formation of Zn1-xCdxSe alloy is also observed in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements, confirming the diffusion of Cd from core to shell region. Substantially high photoluminescence quantum efficiency of 60\% with narrow line width of about 27 nm, was observed and is attributable to the reduced strain due to graded core/shell structure. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Graded core/shell, II-VI Semiconductor, Luminescence, Optical properties, Semiconductor alloy}, issn = {0022-2313}, doi = {10.1016/j.jlumin.2012.10.042}, author = {Sonawane, Kiran G. and Patil, K. R. and Mahamuni, Shailaja} } @article { ISI:000317151900024, title = {Synthesis of triangular gold nanoplates: role of bromide ion and temperature}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces A-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects}, volume = {422}, year = {2013}, month = {APR}, pages = {181-190}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV}, address = {PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS}, abstract = {

Synthesis of noble metal triangular nanoplates is a kinetically controlled process in which temperature and packing defects play a major role. Nucleation and growth process of kinetically controlled reaction can be greatly influenced by temperature affecting the yield and edge length of the triangles. Through a conventional batch mode process, here we study the effect of temperature on nucleation and growth of gold triangular nanoplates and obtain some insight of the temperature effects on the final yield and edge length of triangles. The role of Br- ions in the synthesis of triangular nanoplates is studied by varying the amount of CAB and by replacing the CTAB with HBr. The results show that, while CTAB controls the edge length and yield of triangles, its use is not mandatory to attain plate like morphology. Finally we show that, while the initial temperature of the reaction mixture governs the nucleation rate and the rate of temperature rise governs the growth rate of particles, they along with the concentration of Br- ions control the edge length and yield. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Au nanotriangles, Halide ion effect, heat transfer, Kinetically controlled, Nature of gold precursor complex, Nucleation and growth, Optical properties}, issn = {0927-7757}, doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.01.044}, author = {Kumar, D. V. Ravi and Kulkarni, Amol A. and Bhagavatula L. V. Prasad} } @article { ISI:000209665200041, title = {MoS2 nanoparticles and h-BN nanosheets from direct exfoliation of bulk powder: one-step synthesis method}, journal = {Materials Research Express}, volume = {1}, number = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {SEP}, pages = {035038}, publisher = {IOP PUBLISHING LTD}, address = {TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

We report facile synthesis of MoS2 nanoparticles and h-BN nanosheets using ultrasonication method in suitable solvents such as N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone and ethylene glycol, respectively. The average size of MoS2 nanoparticles observed from TEM analysis were 4-5 nm and about a few hundreds of nm for h-BN nanosheets. Raman spectroscopy carried out on nanoparticle samples confirms the formation of MoS2 nanoparticles and h-BN nanosheets. UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) measurements carried out on the products show typical absorption and luminescence spectra of MoS2 and h-BN. Further, we attempted to decorate gold nanoparticles on nanosheets of MoS2 and h-BN which show subsequent change in Raman spectra due to charge transfer interaction.

}, keywords = {h-BN, MoS2, Nanoparticles, nanosheets, Optical properties}, issn = {2053-1591}, doi = {10.1088/2053-1591/1/3/035038}, author = {Thripuranthaka, M. and Rout, Chandra Sekhar and Late, Dattatray J.} } @article { ISI:000332999800006, title = {Photoelectrochemical splitting of water with nanocrystalline Zn1-xMnxO thin films: first-principle DFT computations supporting the systematic experimental endeavor}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {39}, number = {8}, year = {2014}, month = {MAR}, pages = {3637-3648}, publisher = {PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD}, address = {THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND}, abstract = {

Photoelectrochemical splitting of water with nanocrystalline Zn1-xMnxO thin films was investigated. ZnO thin films with 1, 3, 5 and 7\% at. Mn incorporation were synthesized by sol gel method and characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Mn incorporation coupled with variation in sintering temperature led to significant microstructural changes, which tentatively influenced the magnitude of optical absorption and charge carrier mobility, thereby impacting the performance of such systems towards photoelectrochemical splitting of water. Electronic structure computations based on first principle density functional theory (DFT) revealed electronic states of Mn being responsible for the marginally recorded red shift in bandgap energy. Photoelectrochemical measurements using thin films of 1\% at. Mn:ZnO sintered at 600 degrees C yielded 3 times enhanced photocurrent at zero bias due to improved optical absorption. Plausible explanations for the effect have also been offered. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Density functional theory, Hydrogen energy, Mn doped ZnO, Optical properties, Photoelectrochemical water splitting}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.12.150}, author = {Sharma, Vidhika and Dixit, Mudit and Satsangi, Vibha R. and Dass, Sahab and Pal, Sourav and Shrivastav, Rohit} } @article { ISI:000369679500020, title = {Synthesis and self-assembly of dumbbell shaped ZnO sub-micron structures using low temperature chemical bath deposition technique}, journal = {Materials Chemistry and Physics}, volume = {169}, year = {2016}, month = {FEB}, pages = {152-157}, publisher = {ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA}, address = {PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND}, abstract = {

We report well dispersed horizontal growth of ZnO sub-micron structures using simplest technique ever known i.e. chemical bath deposition (CBD). A set of samples were prepared under two different cases A) dumbbell shaped ZnO grown in CBD bath and B) tubular ZnO structures evolved from dumbbell shaped structures by dissolution mechanism. Single phase wurtzite ZnO formation is confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique in both cases. From the morphological investigations performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), sample prepared under case A indicate formation of hex bit tool (HBT) shaped ZnO crystals, which observed to self-organize to form dumbbell structures. Further these microstructures are then converted into tubular structures as a fragment of post CBD process. The possible mechanism responsible for the self-assembly of HBT units to form dumbbell structures is discussed. Observed free excitonic peak located at 370 nm in photoluminescence (PL) spectra recorded at 18 K indicate that the micro/nanostructures synthesized using CBD are of high optical quality. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Electron microscopy (STEM, Microstructure, Nanostructures, Optical properties, Photoluminescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scattering, TEM and SEM)}, issn = {0254-0584}, doi = {10.1016/j.matchemphys.2015.11.042}, author = {Borade, P. and Joshi, K. U. and Gokarna, A. and Lerondel, G. and Walke, P. and Late, Dattatray J. and Jejurikar, S. M.} } @article { ISI:000379253100009, title = {Synthesis of 2-phenoxy-2-phenylethyl acrylate and copolymerization with 2-phenylethyl acrylate: estimation of monomer reactivity ratios, thermal and optical properties}, journal = {Journal of Macromolecular Science Part A-Pure and Applied Chemistry}, volume = {53}, number = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {MAY}, pages = {457-464}, publisher = {TAYLOR \& FRANCIS INC}, address = {530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA}, abstract = {

A new aromatic based monomer 2-phenoxy-2-phenylethyl acrylate (PPEA) was synthesized. Copolymers of PPEA with 2-phenylethyl acrylate (PEA) were prepared by free radical polymerization. The reactivity ratios were estimated using various graphical methods. Structural parameters of the copolymers were obtained by calculating the dyad monomer sequence fractions and the mean sequence length. Optical properties of polymers such as refractive indices and UV-Visible absorption were investigated. The glass transition temperature and thermal degradation behavior of the copolymers were studied. Combined with the RI, transparency and thermal properties, prepared copolymers hold great promise as materials for intraocular lens applications.

}, keywords = {2-Phenoxy-2-phenylethyl acrylate, 2-phenylethyl acrylate, copolymerization, Optical properties, reactivity ratios, Thermal properties}, issn = {1060-1325}, doi = {10.1080/10601325.2016.1176447}, author = {Ghorpade, Ravindra V. and Ponrathnam, Surendra and Chavan, Nayaku} } @article {44560, title = {Revealing optoelectronic and transport properties of potential perovskites Cs2PdX6 (X = Cl, Br): A probe from density functional theory (DFT)}, journal = {Solar Energy}, volume = {162}, year = {2018}, month = {MAR }, pages = {336-343}, abstract = {

Metal-halide perovskites are rapidly emerging crystalline materials that are reasonably preferred as leading aspirant for applications in optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices. In this paper, we have thoroughly reviewed and performed calculations to reveal optoelectronic and transport properties for a potential newcomer, Cs2PdX6 (X = Cl, Br) termed as Cesium Palladium Halides (CPH). Outcome of present computations are compared with available results and a reasonable agreement is recorded. Energy band gap computations performed reveal indirect band gap of 2.29 eV for Cs2PdC16, which substantially reduces to 1.22 eV when {\textquoteleft}Cl{\textquoteright} is replaced by {\textquoteleft}Br{\textquoteright}. Optical absorption spectra investigations performed here, in the energy range from 3 to 5 eV confirms effective utilization of these compounds in solar cells and other optoelectronic applications. In addition, the transport properties computations performed using semi-classical Boltzmann theory, shows constant pattern of thereto power near ambient temperature range (200-500 K), which admits possible utilization of these compounds as low temperature thermoelectric materials. Performed ZT calculations demonstrates reasonably good thermoelectric performance for both materials, as there exist minor variation (0.1) in the values over wide temperature ranges i.e. from 100 to 800 K. Further, detailed analysis of transport properties predicts p-type semiconducting nature of the present series of materials.

}, keywords = {Ab-initio studies, Density functional theory, Optical properties, Transport properties}, issn = {0038-092X}, doi = {10.1016/j.solener.2018.01.059}, author = {Bhamu, K. C. and Soni, Amit and Sahariya, Jagrati} } @article {46926, title = {Investigating effect of strain on electronic and optical properties of lead free double perovskite Cs2AgInCl6 solar cell compound: A first principle calculation}, journal = {Journal of Alloys and Compounds}, volume = {817}, year = {2020}, month = {MAR}, pages = {152758}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Despite serious problems associated with toxicity of lead, lead halide perovskite based solar cells have resulted with remarkable efficiency and hence gained much interest. To overcome this aspect, numerous solutions are attempted by researchers which include the development of new environmental friendly lead free double perovskite (DP) photovoltaic materials. Enlightening on the same line, we report first principle calculations on electronic and optical properties of Cs2AgInCl6 solar photovoltaic materials. Present opto-electronic computations for lead free DP compound, have been performed using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. In present investigations, we have adopted exchange and correlation potentials prescribed by Perdew et al. and the most accurate Tran-Blaha modified Becke-Johnson. Both exchange and correlation potential computations are performed with and without spin orbit coupling. Results obtained for electronic and optical properties are validated by systematic comparison with available experimental data. Reasonable reconciliation between investigated results and the available experimental data, endorse accuracy of present computations. To identify the effect of strain on energy gap and hence on the optical properties of Cs2AgInCl6 compound, computations of electronic and optical properties have also been performed under the different values of strain application. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {Density functional theory, Electronic Structure, Optical properties, solar cells}, issn = {0925-8388}, doi = {10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.152758}, author = {Soni, Amit and Bhamu, K. C. and Sahariya, Jagrati} } @article {48455, title = {Ultrafast spectroscopy of plasmons and free carriers in 2D MXenes}, journal = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {35}, year = {2023}, month = {FEB}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

2D MXenes have diverse and chemically tunable optical properties that arise from an interplay between free carriers, interband transitions, and plasmon resonances. The nature of photoexcitations and their dynamics in three different members of the MXene family, Ti3C2, Mo2Ti2C3, and Nb2C, are investigated using two complementary pump-probe techniques, transient optical absorption, and time-resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy. Measurements reveal pronounced plasmonic effects in the visible and near-IR in all three. Optical excitation, with either 400 or 800 nm pulses, results in a rapid increase in lattice temperature, evidenced by a pronounced broadening of the plasmon mode that presents as a plasmon bleach in transient absorption measurements. Observed kinetics of plasmon bleach recovery provide a means to monitor lattice cooling. Remarkably slow cooling, proceeding over hundreds of picoseconds to nanoseconds time scales, implies MXenes have low thermal conductivities. The slowest recovery kinetics are observed in the MXene with the highest free carrier density, viz. Ti3C2, that supports phonon scattering by free carriers as a possible mechanism limiting thermal conductivity. These new insights into photoexcitation dynamics can facilitate their applications in photothermal solar energy conversion, plasmonic devices, and even photothermal therapy and drug delivery.

}, keywords = {2D properties, MXenes, Optical properties, plasmons, ultrafast spectroscopy}, issn = {0935-9648}, doi = {10.1002/adma.202208659}, author = {Colin-Ulloa, Erika and Fitzgerald, Andrew and Montazeri, Kiana and Mann, Javery and Natu, Varun and Ngo, Ken and Uzarski, Joshua and Barsoum, Michel W. and Titova, Lyubov V.} }