Nanomaterials

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16 pages, 3977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ionizing Radiation Sensing with Functionalized and Copper-Coated SWCNT/PMMA Thin Film Nanocomposites

by Guddi Suman, Merlyn Pulikkathara, Richard Wilkins and LaRico J. Treadwell

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(19), 2653; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192653 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1227

This paper studies the ionizing radiation effects on functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin-film nanocomposites [SWNT/PMMA]. The functionalized thin-film devices are made of ferrocene-doped SWCNTs, SWCNTs functionalized with carboxylic acid (COOH), and SWCNTs coated/ modified with copper. The nanocomposite was synthesized [...] Read more.

This paper studies the ionizing radiation effects on functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin-film nanocomposites [SWNT/PMMA]. The functionalized thin-film devices are made of ferrocene-doped SWCNTs, SWCNTs functionalized with carboxylic acid (COOH), and SWCNTs coated/ modified with copper. The nanocomposite was synthesized by the solution blending method and the resulting nanocomposite was spin-cast on interdigitated electrodes (IDEs). A 160 kV X-ray source was used to irradiate the thin film and changes in the electrical resistance of the nanocomposites due to X-rays were measured using a semiconductor device analyzer. Carboxylic acid functionalized and copper-coated SWCNT/PMMA nanocomposite showed a reduced response to X-rays compared to unfunctionalized SWCNT/PMMA nanocomposite. Ferrocene-doped SWCNT showed a higher sensitivity to X-rays at lower dose rates. This is in contrast to a previous study that showed that similar nanocomposites using functionalized multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) had demonstrated an improved response to X-rays ionizing radiation compared to unfunctionalized MWCNTs for all dose rates. Electrical measurements were also performed using the Arduino Nano microcontroller. The result showed that a relatively economical, lightweight-designed prototype radiation sensor based on SWCNT/PMMA thin-film devices could be produced by interfacing the devices with a modest microcontroller. This work also shows that by encapsulating the SWCNT/PMMA thin-film device in a plastic container, the effect of ambient humidity can be reduced and the device can still be used to detect X-ray radiation. This study further shows that the sensitivity of SWCNT to X-rays was dependent on both the functionalization of the SWCNT and the dose rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Radiation Applications)

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13 pages, 3054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dosimetric Performance of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Silver Nanoparticles Hybrid Nanomaterials for Colorimetric Sensing of Gamma Radiation

by Phasit Petisiwaveth, Rujira Wanotayan, Nuanpen Damrongkijudom, Sumalee Ninlaphruk and Sumana Kladsomboon

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(7), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12071088 - 26 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2562

Abstract

A colorimetric liquid sensor based on a poly(vinyl alcohol)/silver nanoparticle (PVA/AgNPs) hybrid nanomaterial was developed for gamma radiation in the range of 0–100 Gy. In this study, gamma rays (Cobalt-60 source) triggered the aggregation of AgNPs in a PVA/silver nitrate (AgNO₃) [...] Read more.

A colorimetric liquid sensor based on a poly(vinyl alcohol)/silver nanoparticle (PVA/AgNPs) hybrid nanomaterial was developed for gamma radiation in the range of 0–100 Gy. In this study, gamma rays (Cobalt-60 source) triggered the aggregation of AgNPs in a PVA/silver nitrate (AgNO₃) hybrid solution. The color of this solution visibly changed from colorless to dark yellow. Absorption spectra of the PVA/AgNPs solution were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry in the range of 350–800 nm. Important parameters, such as pH and AgNO₃ concentration were optimized. The accuracy, sensitivity, stability, and uncertainty of the sensor were investigated and compared to the reference standard dosimeter. Based on the spectrophotometric results, an excellent positive linear correlation (r = 0.998) between the absorption intensity and received dose was found. For the accuracy, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between the PVA/AgNPs sensor and the standard Fricke dosimeter was 0.998 (95%CI). The sensitivity of this sensor was 2.06 times higher than the standard dosimeter. The limit of detection of the liquid dosimeter was 13.4 Gy. Moreover, the overall uncertainty of this sensor was estimated at 4.962%, in the acceptable range for routine standard dosimeters (<6%). Based on its dosimetric performance, this new PVA/AgNPs sensor has potential for application as an alternative gamma sensor for routine dose monitoring in the range of 13.4–100 Gy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Radiation Applications)

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11 pages, 3073 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Sensitization of Scintillation in Polymeric Composites Based on Fluorescent Nanocomplexes

by Irene Villa, Beatriz Santiago Gonzalez, Matteo Orfano, Francesca Cova, Valeria Secchi, Camilla Colombo, Juraj Páterek, Romana Kučerková, Vladimir Babin, Michele Mauri, Martin Nikl and Angelo Monguzzi

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3387; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123387 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2421

Abstract

The sensitization of scintillation was investigated in crosslinked polymeric composite materials loaded with luminescent gold clusters aggregates acting as sensitizers, and with organic dye rhodamine 6G as the emitting species. The evolution in time of the excited states population in the systems is [...] Read more.

The sensitization of scintillation was investigated in crosslinked polymeric composite materials loaded with luminescent gold clusters aggregates acting as sensitizers, and with organic dye rhodamine 6G as the emitting species. The evolution in time of the excited states population in the systems is described by a set of coupled rate equations, in which steady state solution allowed obtainment of an expression of the sensitization efficacy as a function of the characteristic parameters of the employed luminescent systems. The results obtained indicate that the realization of sensitizer/emitter scintillating complexes is the strategy that must be pursued to maximize the sensitization effect in composite materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Radiation Applications)

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9 pages, 4517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influences of Multilayer Graphene and Boron Decoration on the Structure and Combustion Heat of Al₃Mg₂ Alloy

by Jun Dong, Weili Wang, Xiaofeng Wang, Shaojun Qiu, Maohua Du, Bo Tan, Yanjing Yang and Taizhong Huang

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(10), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10102013 - 13 Oct 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1859

Abstract

To improve the engine-driven performance of propellants, high-energy alloys such as Al and Mg are usually adopted as annexing agents. However, there is still room for improvement in the potential full utilization of alloy energy. In this study, we investigated how to improve [...] Read more.

To improve the engine-driven performance of propellants, high-energy alloys such as Al and Mg are usually adopted as annexing agents. However, there is still room for improvement in the potential full utilization of alloy energy. In this study, we investigated how to improve combustion efficiency by decorating Al₃Mg₂ alloy with multilayer graphene and amorphous boron. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman tests showed that decorating with multilayer graphene and amorphous boron promoted the dispersion of Al₃Mg₂ alloy. The results showed that decorating with 1% boron and 2% multilayer graphene improved the combustion heat of Al₃Mg₂ alloy to 32.8 and 30.5 MJ/kg, respectively. The coexistence of two phases improved the combustion efficiency of the matrix Al₃Mg₂ alloy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Radiation Applications)

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9 pages, 4825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interface-Induced Near-Infrared Response of Gold-Silica Hybrid Nanoparticles Antennas

by Atta Ur Rahman, Junping Geng, Sami Ur Rehman, Muhammad Javid Iqbal and Ronghong Jin

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(10), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10101996 - 10 Oct 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2018

Abstract

We proposed an IR absorber hybrid nanoantenna comprise of two overlapping gold nanoparticles residing over larger a silica nanoparticle. A wet chemical route was employed to prepare the hybrid structure of nanoantenna. High-resolution transmission electron microscope was used to measure the size and [...] Read more.

We proposed an IR absorber hybrid nanoantenna comprise of two overlapping gold nanoparticles residing over larger a silica nanoparticle. A wet chemical route was employed to prepare the hybrid structure of nanoantenna. High-resolution transmission electron microscope was used to measure the size and morphology of the nanoantenna. The Hybrid nanoantenna was excited by electron beam to investigate the optical response over a large wavelength range using Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy. The beam of the electron was focused and we measured the electron energy loss spectra at different point of interest, which confirmed the of Low Energy Surface Plasmon Politron resonances in the IR region. The optical response of the nanoantenna was simulated numerically by employing Electric Hertzian dipole using finite element method with frequency domain solver in CST Microwave Studio. We used the Electric Hertzian dipole approach for the first time to model the Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy experiment. The Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy experimental results with their numerically simulated values confirmed the plasmonic resonance at the interface of the two overlapped gold nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Radiation Applications)

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12 pages, 19183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-wave Absorption of Few-Hole Gas in Prolate Ellipsoidal Ge/Si Quantum Dot: Implementation of Analytically Solvable Moshinsky Model

by David B. Hayrapetyan, Eduard M. Kazaryan, Mher A. Mkrtchyan and Hayk A. Sarkisyan

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(10), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10101896 - 23 Sep 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2056

Abstract

In this paper, the behavior of a heavy hole gas in a strongly prolate ellipsoidal Ge/Si quantum dot has been investigated. Due to the specific geometry of the quantum dot, the interaction between holes is considered one-dimensional. Based on the adiabatic approximation, it [...] Read more.

In this paper, the behavior of a heavy hole gas in a strongly prolate ellipsoidal Ge/Si quantum dot has been investigated. Due to the specific geometry of the quantum dot, the interaction between holes is considered one-dimensional. Based on the adiabatic approximation, it is shown that in the z-direction, hole gas is localized in a one-dimensional parabolic well. By modeling the potential of pair interaction between holes in the framework of oscillatory law, the problem is reduced to a one-dimensional, analytically solvable Moshinsky model. The exact energy spectrum of the few-hole gas has been calculated. A detailed analysis of the energy spectrum is presented. The character of long-wave transitions between the center-of-mass levels of the system has been obtained when Kohn theorem is realized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Radiation Applications)

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11 pages, 3556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Green-Emitting Gd₂O₂S:Pr³⁺ Phosphor Nanoparticles and Fabrication of Translucent Gd₂O₂S:Pr³⁺ Scintillation Ceramics

by Zhigang Sun, Bin Lu, Guiping Ren and Hongbing Chen

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1639; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10091639 - 20 Aug 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3713

Abstract

A translucent Gd₂O₂S:Pr ceramic scintillator with an in-line transmittance of ~31% at 512 nm was successfully fabricated by argon-controlled sintering. The starting precipitation precursor was obtained by a chemical precipitation route at 80 °C using ammonia solution as the [...] Read more.

A translucent Gd₂O₂S:Pr ceramic scintillator with an in-line transmittance of ~31% at 512 nm was successfully fabricated by argon-controlled sintering. The starting precipitation precursor was obtained by a chemical precipitation route at 80 °C using ammonia solution as the precipitate, followed by reduction at 1000 °C under flowing hydrogen to produce a sphere-like Gd₂O₂S:Pr powder with an average particle size of ~95 nm. The Gd₂O₂S:Pr phosphor particle exhibits the characteristic green emission from ³P_0,1→³H₄ transitions of Pr³⁺ at 512 nm upon UV excitation into a broad excitation band at 285–335 nm arising from 4f²→4f5d transition of Pr³⁺. Increasing Pr³⁺ concentrations induce two redshifts for the two band centers of 4f²→4f5d transition and lattice absorption on photoluminescence excitation spectra. The optimum concentration of Pr³⁺ is 0.5 at.%, and the luminescence quenching type is dominated by exchange interaction. The X-ray excited luminescence spectrum of the Gd₂O₂S:Pr ceramic is similar to the photoluminescence behavior of its particle. The phosphor powder and the ceramic scintillator have similar lifetimes of 2.93–2.99 μs, while the bulk material has rather higher external quantum efficiency (~37.8%) than the powder form (~27.2%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Radiation Applications)

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16 pages, 669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Metal Nanoparticles-Graphene Nanodisks-Quantum Dots Hybrid-System-Based Spaser

by Mariam M. Tohari, Andreas Lyras and Mohamad S. AlSalhi

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(3), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10030416 - 27 Feb 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2341

Abstract

Active nanoplasmonics have recently led to the emergence of many promising applications. One of them is the spaser (surface plasmons amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) that has been shown to generate coherent and intense fields of selected surface plasmon modes that are [...] Read more.

Active nanoplasmonics have recently led to the emergence of many promising applications. One of them is the spaser (surface plasmons amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) that has been shown to generate coherent and intense fields of selected surface plasmon modes that are strongly localized in the nanoscale. We propose a novel nanospaser composed of a metal nanoparticles-graphene nanodisks hybrid plasmonic system as its resonator and a quantum dots cascade stack as its gain medium. We derive the plasmonic fields induced by pulsed excitation through the use of the effective medium theory. Based on the density matrix approach and by solving the Lindblad quantum master equation, we analyze the ultrafast dynamics of the spaser associated with coherent amplified plasmonic fields. The intensity of the plasmonic field is significantly affected by the width of the metallic contact and the time duration of the laser pulse used to launch the surface plasmons. The proposed nanospaser shows an extremely low spasing threshold and operates in the mid-infrared region that has received much attention due to its wide biomedical, chemical and telecommunication applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Radiation Applications)

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