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Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications

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A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2021) | Viewed by 44947

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Deepak P. Dubal

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Guest Editor

School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Interests: advanced functional materials and nanocomposites; energy storage devices; supercapacitors and batteries (Li/K and Al-batteries)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Awais Ahmad

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Interests: nanomaterials; photocatalysis; energy applicatons; coated composite materials; biosensor; electrochemical sensor; photocatalysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The formulation of coated composite materials is an important field of research around the world today. Coated composite materials include inhomogeneous and anisotropic materials. These materials are formulated by an amalgamate minimum of two or more materials which accommodate different properties. These materials have a vast field of appealing applications that encourage scientists to work on them. Due to their unique properties, such as their strength, liability, swiftness, and low cost, they are used as a promising candidate for reliable applications in various fields, such as biomedical, engineering, energy devices, wastewater treatment, and agriculture. Different types of composite materials have had a noticeable impact in these fields already, such as glass, plastic, and most promisingly, metal oxide nanoparticles.

Developing countries have growing needs, and energy demand is expected to double by year 2050 and triple by the beginning of the next century. Thus, there is a very urgent need to develop a secondry source of energy which will be CO2-based but also free from conventional fossil fuel. The technology of empowering deals with very small-sized objects, including nanometer-sized objects, in the field known as nanotechnology. These objects have several chemical and physical properties on the basis of their size. Due to these properties, nanoparticles have been studied for the last 10 years, and today, nanomaterials are the most advanced material not only in terms of scientific knowledge but also commercial applications. It is predicted that nanotechnology will be established at various levels, including systems, materials, as well as devices.

Renewable energy has been formulated and produced with the emerging properties of coated materials, such as nanocomposites, which have a smaller size but larger surface area due to the ultimate avalibility of active sites which can be used for storage applications, CO₂ capture, 0₂ fixation, removal of heavy metals via elecrochemical sensors, and photocatalyst degradation of organic pollutent. These materials which get connected with the derivatives of carbon such as CNTs, graphene, buckyballs, as well as ZIF-based structures, are a very well-known source for use in applications of hydrogen storage and electrical energy storage. In the field of energy storage, the most prominent and versatile features are batteries and capacitors. Thus, this Special Issue will focus on the various application domains of newly created coated composite materials for CO2 capture, single atom catalysis, biocatalyst catalysis, thermo-insulation, capacitor,s hydrogen, etc. in conversion, conversation, and energy storage.

Dr. Deepak P. Dubal
Dr. Awais Ahmad
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Dr. Deepak P. Dubal
Dr. Awais Ahmad
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Keywords

coated composite materials
energy applications
CO₂ capturing
O₂ fixation
water splitting
photocatalysis

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 3099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radical Scavenging and Catalytic Activity of Fe-Cu Bimetallic Nanoparticles Synthesized from Ixora finlaysoniana Extract

by Umer Younas, Syed Taimoor Hassan, Faisal Ali, Faiza Hassan, Zohaib Saeed, Muhammad Pervaiz, Safia Khan, Fakiha Tul Jannat, Sidra Bibi, Ayesha Sadiqa, Zahid Ali, Shahid Iqbal, Ayman A. Ghfar, Mohamed Ouladsmane, Murefah Mana AL-Anazy and Shafaqat Ali

Coatings 2021, 11(7), 813; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11070813 - 05 Jul 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3865

Abstract

Iron–copper bimetallic nanoparticles (Fe-Cu BNPs) were prepared via a green synthesis route. Ixora finlaysoniana has been used in this study as a capping and stabilizing agent in the modification of Fe-Cu BNPs. As-synthesized BNPs were characterized using different techniques including UV/Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, XRD and SEM. A particle size analyzer and SEM studies indicated the particle size to be in the range of 50–200 nm. In addition, degradation of MB dye in an aqueous system and radical-scavenging potential in a DPPH assay were also examined using BNPs. Methylene blue dye degradation in 17 min was monitored with UV/Vis spectrophotometry, which exhibited the efficiency of Fe-Cu BNPs. Bimetallic nanoparticles were also found to be efficient in neutralizing DPPH free radicals. Furthermore, kinetic studies of both dye degradation and radical scavenging potential are reported in this article. Subsequently, Fe-Cu BNPs synthesized via a green and sustainable method can be employed for dye degradation and free radical-scavenging activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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10 pages, 16544 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Weight Loss during Calcination and Sintering Process of Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃–Bi_1/2(Mg_2/3Nb_1/3)O₃ Composite Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics

by Syed Ali Afzal, Fayaz Hussain, Sajid Hussain Siyal, Muhammad Sufyan Javed, Muhammad Saleem, Muhammad Imran, Mohammed A. Assiri, Aboud Ahmed Awadh Bahajjaj, Ayman A. Ghfar, Murefah Mana AL-Anazy, Mohamed Ouladsmane, Saad Al-Tamrah and Shafaqat Ali

Coatings 2021, 11(6), 676; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11060676 - 03 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2852

Abstract

(1 − x)(Na_0.5Bi_0.5)TiO₃–xBi(Mg_2/3Nb_1/3)O₃ ceramics with x = 0.00 mol.% (0BMN), 0.01 mol.% (1BMN), 0.03 mol.% (3BMN), and 0.05 mol.% (5BMN) were synthesized using a solid-state processing technique. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of uncalcined samples up to 730 °C showed that the maximum weight loss was observed for 3BMN, whereas the minimum weight loss was attributed to the 0BMN sample. After that, calcination was performed at 800 °C for 4 h. The XRD of calcined samples showed the successful formation of the perovskite phase with no impurity phases. 1BMN and 3BMN samples showed some of the lattice strain; however, a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) existed around x = 0.03 between the rhombohedral and tetragonal structure. The TGA of the green pellets showed weight loss up to the sintering temperature (1100 °C) and during the 3 h holding period. 5BMN showed the maximum weight loss up to sintering temperature, as well as during the holding period, whereas 0BMN displayed the minimum weight loss up to sintering temperature, as well as some weight gain during the holding period. The relative permittivity (ε_r) was maximum at low frequencies, but the addition of BMN improved the ε_r. The frequency dependence of dielectric loss (tanδ) showed that the maximum loss was observed for 3BMN at lower frequencies, and 5BMN showed the maximum loss at higher frequency among all samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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14 pages, 4052 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Polysilane Addition to Chlorobenzene and High Temperature Annealing on CH₃NH₃PbI₃ Perovskite Photovoltaic Devices

by Takeo Oku, Masaya Taguchi, Atsushi Suzuki, Kaede Kitagawa, Yugo Asakawa, Satoshi Yoshida, Masanobu Okita, Satoshi Minami, Sakiko Fukunishi and Tomoharu Tachikawa

Coatings 2021, 11(6), 665; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11060665 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3265

Abstract

CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite photovoltaic devices treated with a polysilane layer were fabricated and characterized. Decaphenylcyclopentasilane (DPPS) in chlorobenzene solution was deposited at the surface of the perovskite layer, and the resulting device was annealed at 140–260 °C. The photoconversion efficiencies of the DPPS-treated device remained high even after 255 days in ambient air. Raman scattering spectroscopy and ab initio molecular orbital calculations of DPPS suggested that it increased hole transport efficiency in the treated devices, which was confirmed from the high shunt resistances of the DPPS-treated devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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12 pages, 3318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lanthanum-Zinc Binary Oxide Nanocomposite with Promising Heterogeneous Catalysis Performance for the Active Conversion of 4-Nitrophenol into 4-Aminophenol

by Ikram Ahmad, Muhammad Asghar Jamal, Miara Iftikhar, Awais Ahmad, Shahid Hussain, Humaira Asghar, Muhammad Saeed, Ammar Bin Yousaf, Rama Rao Karri, Nada Sulaymaniyah Al-kadhi, Mohamed Ouladsmane, Ayman Ghfar and Safia Khan

Coatings 2021, 11(5), 537; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11050537 - 30 Apr 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3426

Abstract

This work intended to enhance the unique and outstanding properties of lanthanum by synthesizing its nanocomposite. A lanthanum-based nanocomposite was prepared by a simple and cost-effective “co-precipitation” method. Lanthanum nitrate (La (NO₃)₃) and zinc nitrate (Zn (NO₃)₂) were used as precursors. The lanthanum/zinc oxide nano composite formed was then calcined at 450 °C for 4 h in order to obtain a fine powder with size in the nano range of 1–100 nm. Characterization of the prepared catalyst was done by ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. Crystallinity and morphology were found by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The synthesized nanocomposite material was also tested for heterogeneous catalytic applications of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction into 4-aminophenol (4-AP). It was found to be successful in complete reduction of 4-NP with enhanced catalytic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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17 pages, 4039 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Electro-Oxidation of Ammonia over Copper Oxide Impregnated γ-Al₂O₃ Nanocatalysts

by Safia Khan, Syed Sakhawat Shah, Mohsin Ali Raza Anjum, Mohammad Rizwan Khan and Naveed Kausar Janjua

Coatings 2021, 11(3), 313; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11030313 - 09 Mar 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4257

Abstract

Ammonia electro-oxidation (AEO) is a zero carbon-emitting sustainable means for the generation of hydrogen fuel, but its commercialization is deterred due to sluggish reaction kinetics and the poisoning of expensive metal electrocatalysts. With this perspective, CuO impregnated γ-Al₂O₃ (CuO/γ-Al₂O₃) hybrid materials were synthesized as effective and affordable electrocatalysts and investigated for AEO in alkaline media. Structural investigations were performed via different characterization techniques, i.e., X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The morphology of γ-Al₂O₃ support as interconnected porous structures rendered the CuO/γ-Al₂O₃ nanocatalysts with robust activity. The additional CuO impregnation resulted in the enhanced electrochemical active surface area (ECSAs) and diffusion coefficient and spiked the electrocatalytic performance for NH₃ electrolysis. Owing to good values of diffusion coefficient for AEO, low bandgap, and availability of ample ECSA at higher CuO to γ-Al₂O₃ ratio, these proposed electrocatalysts were proved to be effective in AEO. Due to good reproducibility, electrochemical stability, and higher activity for ammonia electro-oxidation, CuO/γ-Al₂O₃ nanomaterials are proposed as efficient promoters, electrode materials, or catalysts in ammonia electrocatalysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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11 pages, 1779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of CeO₂/CuO Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue in Visible Light

by Alia Raees, Muhammad Asghar Jamal, Ikram Ahmed, Mika Silanpaa and Tahani Saad Algarni

Coatings 2021, 11(3), 305; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11030305 - 08 Mar 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3473

Abstract

Removal of hazardous organic dyes from polluted water bodies requires the introduction of strong adsorbents and photocatalysts to industrial wastewaters. Herein, photocatalytic CeO₂ nanoparticles and CeO₂/CuO nanocomposite were synthesized following a co-precipitation method for low cost elution of methylene blue (MB) from water. The crystallinity and surface structure of the as-prepared materials have been analyzed using characterization techniques including X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The average particle size of both the nano scaled samples were approximately 20–30 nm. The photocatalytic properties of CeO₂/CuO were investigated under visible light against methylene blue (MB). The results showed 91% photodegradation of MB organic pollutant in 3 h as monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Absorbance peaks appeared at around 670 nm corresponding to degradation of MB. Such output displayed the effectiveness of Ce nanocomposites for environmental benefits. Hence, CeO₂/CuO nanocomposite could be useful for treatment of industrial wastewaters by removing hazardous MB dye. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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10 pages, 2089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing Optically & Utilization of Thermopile Chip with Resonant Cavity Absorber Structure as IR Absorber

by Haigang Hou, Jian Yang, Guiwu Liu, Junlin Liu, Mudassar Abbas, Shahid Hussain, Haicheng Shao, Guanjun Qiao, Ayman A. Ghfar, Mohamed Ouladsmane, Muhammad Tariq Nazir and Murefah Mana AL-Anazy

Coatings 2021, 11(3), 302; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11030302 - 06 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2479

Abstract

This paper presents a novel thermopile chip in which the resonant cavity structure was fully utilized as an absorber by an optical design. The resonant cavity absorber structure was designed using Al as anthe bottom reflective metal layer, air as the intermediate dielectric layer, and SiO₂/TiN/Si₃N₄ sandwich layers as the top absorption layer, while the bottom reflective metal (Al) was deposited on the cold junctions of the thermopile. The simulation and calculation results show that the thermopile chip with resonant cavity absorber structure not only has great infrared absorption in the wide infrared absorption range but also can effectively prevent the cold junctions from absorbing infrared radiation and inhibit the rise of temperature. As a result, the temperature difference between the hot junctions and the cold junctions is increased, and the responsivity of the thermopile chip is further improved. Moreover, the duty cycle of the thermopile chip is greatly improved due to the double-layer suspension structure. Compared with the traditional thermopile chip structure, the sizes of the thermopile chip with the resonant cavity absorber structure can be further reduced while maintaining responsivity and specific detectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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20 pages, 7902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electro-Oxidation of Ammonia at Novel Ag₂O−PrO₂/γ-Al₂O₃ Catalysts

by Mariam Khan, Naveed Kausar Janjua, Safia Khan, Ibrahim Qazi, Shafaqat Ali and Tahani Saad Algarni

Coatings 2021, 11(2), 257; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11020257 - 22 Feb 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3888

Abstract

An Ag₂O_(x)−PrO_2(y)/γ-Al₂O₃ electrocatalyst series (X:Y is for Ag:Pr from 0 to 10) was synthesized, to use synthesized samples in electrochemical applications, a step in fuel cells advancements. Ag₂O_(x)−PrO_2(y)/γ-Al₂O₃/Glassy-Carbon was investigated for electrochemical oxidation of ammonia in alkaline medium and proved to be highly effective, having high potential utility, as compared to commonly used Pt-based electrocatalysts. In this study, gamma alumina as catalytic support was synthesized via precipitation method, and stoichiometric wt/wt.% compositions of Ag₂O−PrO₂ were loaded on γ-Al₂O₃ by co-impregnation method. The desired phase of γ-Al₂O₃ and supported nanocatalysts was obtained after heat treatment at 800 and 600 °C, respectively. The successful loadings of Ag₂O−PrO₂ nanocatalysts on surface of γ-Al₂O₃ was determined by X-rays diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive analysis (EDX). The nano-sized domain of the sample powders sustained with particle sizes was calculated via XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface morphology and elemental compositions were examined by SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and EDX. The conductive and electron-transferring nature was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance (EIS). Cyclic voltammetric profiles were observed, and respective kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were calculated, which showed that these synthesized materials are potential catalysts for ammonia electro-oxidation. Ag₂O₍₆₎−PrO₂₍₄₎/γ-Al₂O₃ proved to be the most proficient catalyst among all the members of the series, having greater diffusion coefficient, heterogeneous rate constant and lesser Gibbs free energy for this system. The catalytic activity of these electrocatalysts is revealed from electrochemical studies which reflected their potentiality as electrode material in direct ammonia fuel cell technology for energy production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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16 pages, 6411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Cr₂O₃ Content on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al₂O₃ Matrix Composites

by Kunkun Cui, Yingyi Zhang, Tao Fu, Shahid Hussain, Tahani Saad Algarni, Jie Wang, Xu Zhang and Shafaqat Ali

Coatings 2021, 11(2), 234; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11020234 - 16 Feb 2021

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 4874

Abstract

Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ refractories are completely substitution solid solutions and can effectively resist slag erosion when used as an industrial furnace lining. In order to provide suitable chromium corundum refractory with excellent slag resistance and mechanical properties for smelting reduction ironmaking, Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ samples with different mass percentages (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 wt.%) of Cr₂O₃ were prepared by a normal pressure sintering process to study its sintering properties, mechanical properties, thermal shock resistance, and microstructure. The results of densification behavior showed that the introduction of Cr₂O₃ deteriorates the compactness, the relative density and volume shrinkage rate of the composite material decrease with the increase of the Cr₂O₃ content, and the apparent porosity increases accordingly. In terms of mechanical properties, the hardness, compressive strength, and flexural strength of Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ material decrease gradually with the increase of Cr₂O₃. After 10 and 20 thermal shock cycles, the flexural strengths of the samples all decreased. With the increase of Cr₂O₃ in these samples, the loss rate of flexural strength gradually increased. Considering the slag resistance and mechanical properties of the composite material, the Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ composite refractory with Cr₂O₃ content of 20–30% can meet the requirements of smelting reduction iron making kiln lining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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11 pages, 3172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Characteristics and Adhesion of Glass-Kevlar Hybrid Composites by Applying Different Ratios of Epoxy in Lamination

by Sajid Hussian Siyal, Subhan Ali Jogi, Salman Muhammadi, Zubair Ahmed Laghari, Sadam Ali Khichi, Khalida Naseem, Tahani Saad Algarni, Asma Alothman, Shahid Hussain and Muhammad Sufyan Javed

Coatings 2021, 11(1), 94; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings11010094 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3619

Abstract

Hybrid composites have great potential for specific strength and specific stiffness, effective in aerospace industries, submarines, and light-weight automotives. The mechanical strength and adhesiveness of hybrid laminates can be enhanced by effective use of matrix materials in different ratios of epoxy resin and epoxy hardener. Gentle use of resin and hardener in the fabrication of hybrid composites can alter tensile modulus, the bonding strength between matrix and fabric. Spectacular progress has been achieved by the selection of appropriate amounts of resin and hardener in the hybridization of composite laminate. Hybridization was made by Kevlar inorganic/organic fabrics and glass fabrics stacked with epoxy matrix material. To achieve the combination of mechanical properties and bonding strength, transparent epoxy resin and hardener of commercial grades mixed in various ratios are incorporated as matrix material to fabricate laminate. Three different sheets, named A (3:2), B (4:1), and C (2:3), were embedded by the hand layup method to prepare a hybrid composite. Experimental tests, according to ASTM 3039, were performed to determine the tensile mechanical properties. Peel tests, according to ASTM 6862-11, were performed to investigate the interlaminar strength between Kevlar and glass layers. Shore A and Shore C hardness durometers were used to find out the hardness of the specimens at different spots using the ASTM D-2240 standard. Finally, physical testing, such as density and then water absorption, was carried out using the ASTM D-570 standard to check the swelling ratio of the different specimens. The results obtained highlight that the specimen of the glass/Kevlar hybrid embedded in the ratio 3:2 in lamination has the best mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) and the lowest swelling ratio, while the material system in the ratio 4:1 shows the best interlaminar properties and adhesion capabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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15 pages, 3167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Extract Induced Biogenic Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Potential as Catalyst for Degradation of Toxic Dyes

by Khalida Naseem, Muhammad Zia Ur Rehman, Awais Ahmad, Deepak Dubal and Tahani Saad AlGarni

Coatings 2020, 10(12), 1235; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings10121235 - 16 Dec 2020

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 5691

Abstract

This study focusses on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-nPs) by citrus fruit (Citrus paradisi) peel extract as reductant while using AgNO₃ salt as source of silver ions. Successful preparation of biogenic CAg-nPs catalyst was confirmed by turning the colorless reaction mixture to light brown. The appearance of surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) band in UV-Vis spectra further assured the successful fabrication of nPs. Different techniques such as FTIR, TGA and DLS were adopted to characterize the CAg-nPs. CAg-nPs particles were found to excellent catalysts for reduction of Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG), Rhodamine B (RhB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Reduction of CR was also performed by varying the contents of NaBH₄, CR and catalyst to optimize the catalyst activity. The pseudo first order kinetic model was used to explore the value of rate constants for reduction reactions. Results also interpret that the catalytic reduction of dyes followed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (LH) mechanism. According to the LH mechanism, the CAg-nPs role in catalysis was explained by way of electrons transfer from donor (NaBH₄) to acceptor (dyes). Due to reusability and green synthesis of the CAg-nPs catalyst, it can be a promising candidate for the treatment of water sources contaminated with toxic dyes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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9 pages, 4896 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Synthesis, Characterization and Wettability of Cu-Sn Alloy on the Si-Implanted 6H-SiC

by Xiang Zhao Zhang, Pu Hao Xu, Gui Wu Liu, Awais Ahmad, Xiao Hui Chen, Ya Long Zhu, Asma Alothman, Shahid Hussain and Guan Jun Qiao

Coatings 2020, 10(9), 906; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings10090906 - 21 Sep 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 2856

Abstract

The wettability of the metal/SiC system is not always excellent, resulting in the limitation of the widespread use of SiC ceramic. In this paper, three implantation doses of Si ions (5 × 10¹⁵, 1 × 10¹⁶, 5 × 10¹⁶ ions/cm²) were implanted into the 6H-SiC substrate. The wetting of Cu-(2.5, 5, 7.5, 10) Sn alloys on the pristine and Si-SiC were studied by the sessile drop technique, and the interfacial chemical reaction of Cu-Sn/SiC wetting couples was investigated and discussed. The Si ion can markedly enhance the wetting of Cu-Sn on 6H-SiC substrate, and those of the corresponding contact angles (θ) are raised partly, with the Si ion dose increasing due to the weakening interfacial chemical reactions among four Cu-Sn alloys and 6H-SiC ceramics. Moreover, the θ of Cu-Sn on (Si-)SiC substrate is first decreased and then increased from ~62° to ~39°, and ~70° and ~140°, with the Sn concentration increasing from 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% to 10%, which is linked to the reactivity of Cu-Sn alloys and SiC ceramic and the variation of liquid-vapor surface energy. Particularly, only a continuous graphite layer is formed at the interface of the Cu-10Sn/Si-SiC system, resulting in a higher contact angle (>40°). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Chracterization and Applications of Coated Composite Materials for Energy Applications)

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