Amorphous nickel tungstate films prepared by SILAR method for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction.

Development of electrocatalyst using facile way from non-noble metal compounds with high efficiency for effective water electrolysis is highly demanding for production of hydrogen energy. Nickel based electrocatalysts were currently developed for electrochemical water oxidation in alkaline pH. Herein, amorphous nickel tungstate (NiWO4) was synthesized using the facile successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The electrochemical analysis showed 315 mV of overpotential at 100 mA cm-2 with lowest Tafel slope of 32 mV dec-1 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) making films of NiWO4 compatible towards electrocatalysis of water in alkaline media. The chronopotentiometry measurements at 100 mA cm-2 over 24 h showed 97% retention of OER activity. The electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of NW120 film was 25.5 cm-2.

Modification in supercapacitive behavior of CoO-rGO composite thin film from exposure to ferri/ferrocyanide redox active couple.

Present work demonstrates enhanced supercapacitive performance of CoO-rGO electrode using redox electrolyte. The long range electrostatic force developed during deposition of CoO-rGO composite thin film orient the molecules into the hexagonal crystal structure. The incorporated CoO particles into rGO nano-sheets make the structure more porous for the intercalation of the electrolyte ions through the electrode material. Additionally, 0.025 M K3[Fe(CN)6] + 0.025 M K4[Fe(CN)6] redox couple into KOH electrolyte enhances the supercapacitive performance than bare KOH electrolyte. The maximum specific capacitance of 1005 F g-1 is observed due to the combined effect of K3[Fe(CN)6] and K4[Fe(CN)6] redox couple into KOH electrolyte. Also, energy density of 86.74 Wh kg-1 at power density of 3.54 kW kg-1 suggest potential application of CoO-rGO composite thin film in the development of high energy density supercapacitor based on redox active electrolyte.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) studies on Cu2SnS3 (CTS) thin films deposited by chemical bath deposition method.

Cu2SnS3 (CTS) thin films have been successfully deposited on a cost-effective stainless steel substrate by simple and inexpensive chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The films are deliberated in provisos of their structural, morphological, optical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties before and after annealing treatment, using various physico-chemical techniques. The XRD studies showed the formation of triclinic phase of CTS films with nanocrystalline structure. Also, the crystallinity is enhanced with annealing and the secondary phase of Cu2S observed. Raman analysis confirmed the formation of CTS compound with secondary Cu2S phase. The SEM images also discovered mostly tiny spherical grains and significant progress in the size of grains after annealing. The films possess direct transitions with band gap energies of 1.35eV and 1.31eV before and after annealing, respectively. The improved photoconversion efficiency of CTS thin film based PEC cell is explained with the help of theoretical modeling of energy band diagram and correspondent circuit model of the impedance spectra.

Chemically deposited nano grain composed MoS(2) thin films for supercapacitor application.

Low temperature soft chemical synthesis approach is employed towards MoS2 thin film preparation on cost effective stainless steel substrate. 3-D semispherical nano-grain composed surface texture of MoS2 film is observed through FE-SEM technique. Electrochemical supercapacitor performance of MoS2 film is tested from cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) techniques in 1M aqueous Na2SO4 electrolyte. Specific capacitance (Cs) of 180Fg-1 with CV cycling stability of 82% for 1000 cycles is achieved. Equivalent series resistance (Rs) of 1.78Ωcm-2 observed through Nyquist plot shows usefulness of MoS2 thin film for charge conduction in supercapacitor application.

Chemical synthesis and supercapacitive properties of lanthanum telluride thin film.

Lanthanum telluride (La2Te3) thin films are synthesized via a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The crystal structure, surface morphology and surface wettability properties are investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and contact angle goniometer techniques, respectively. The La2Te3 material exhibits a specific surface area of 51m2g-1 determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. La2Te3 thin film electrode has a hydrophilic surface which consists of interconnected pine leaf-like flaky arrays that affect the performance of the supercapacitor. The supercapacitive performance of La2Te3 film electrode is evaluated in 1M LiClO4/PC electrolyte using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. La2Te3 film electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 194Fg-1 at a scan rate of 5mVs-1 and stored energy density of 60Whkg-1 with delivering power density of 7.22kWkg-1. La2Te3 film electrode showed capacitive retention of 82% over 1000cycles at a scan rate of 100mVs-1. Further, flexible La2Te3|LiClO4-PVA|La2Te3 supercapacitor cell is fabricated.

The synthesis of multifunctional porous honey comb-like La2O3 thin film for supercapacitor and gas sensor applications.

The porous honey comb-like La2O3 thin films have been synthesized using one step spray pyrolysis method. The influence of sprayed solution quantity on properties of La2O3 thin films is studied using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical absorption and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller techniques. Morphology of La2O3 electrode is controlled with sprayed solution quantity. The supercapacitive properties of La2O3 thin film electrode are investigated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance techniques. The La2O3 film electrode exhibited the specific capacitance of the 166Fg-1 with 85% stability for the 3000 cycles. The La2O3 film electrode exhibited sensitivity of 68 at 523K for 500ppm CO2 gas concentration. The possible CO2 sensing mechanism is discussed.

Sprayed zinc oxide films: Ultra-violet light-induced reversible surface wettability and platinum-sensitization-assisted improved liquefied petroleum gas response.

We report the rapid (superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic) transition property and improvement in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensing response of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) on UV-irradiation and platinum (Pt) surface sensitization, respectively. The morphological evolution of ZnO NRs is evidenced from the field emission scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope digital images and for the structural elucidation X-ray diffraction pattern is used. Elemental survey mapping is obtained from energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectrum. The optical properties have been studied by UV-Visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements. The rapid (120sec) conversion of superhydrophobic (154°) ZnO NRs film to superhydrophilic (7°) is obtained under UV light illumination and the superhydrophobicity is regained by storing sample in dark. The mechanism for switching wettability behavior of ZnO NRs has thoroughly been discussed. In second phase, Pt-sensitized ZnO NRs film has demonstrated considerable gas sensitivity at 260ppm concentration of LPG. At 623K operating temperature, the maximum LPG response of 58% and the response time of 49sec for 1040ppm LPG concentration of Pt- sensitized ZnO NRs film are obtained. This higher LPG response of Pt-sensitized ZnO NRs film over pristine is primarily due to electronic effect and catalytic effect (spill-over effect) caused by an additional of Pt on ZnO NRs film surface.

Supercapacitive properties of nanoporous oxide layer formed on 304 type stainless steel.

The nanoporous oxide layer is formed on the surface of 304 type stainless steel (SS) by chemical oxidation method. The characterization of the oxide layer is carried out using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The supercapacitive properties of oxide layer are studied using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques.

Chemically prepared La2Se3 nanocubes thin film for supercapacitor application.

Lanthanum selenide (La2Se3) nanocubes thin film is prepared via successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method and utilized for energy storage application. The prepared La2Se3 thin film is characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurement techniques for structural, surface morphological and wettability studies, respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDAX) is performed in order to obtain the elemental composition of the thin film. The La2Se3 film electrode shows a maximum specific capacitance of 363 F g(-1) in a 0.8 M LiClO4/PC electrolyte at a scan rate of 5 mV s(-1) within 1.3 V/SCE potential range. The specific capacitive retention of 83 % of La2Se3 film electrode is obtained over 1000 cyclic voltammetry cycles. The predominant performance, such as high energy (80 Wh kg(-1)) and power density (2.5 kW kg(-1)), indicates that La2Se3 film electrode facilitates fast ion diffusion during redox processes.

Electrochemical behavior of chemically synthesized selenium thin film.

The facile and low cost simple chemical bath deposition (CBD) method is employed to synthesize red colored selenium thin films. These selenium films are characterized for structural, morphological, topographical and wettability studies. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed the crystalline nature of selenium thin film with hexagonal crystal structure. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study displays selenium nanoparticles ranging from 20 to 475 nm. A specific surface area of 30.5 m(2) g(-1) is observed for selenium nanoparticles. The selenium nanoparticles hold mesopores in the range of 1.39 nm, taking benefits of the good physicochemical stability and excellent porosity. Subsequently, the electrochemical properties of selenium thin films are deliberated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The selenium thin film shows specific capacitance (Cs) of 21.98 F g(-1) with 91% electrochemical stability.

A green synthesis method for large area silver thin film containing nanoparticles.

The green synthesis method is inexpensive and convenient for large area deposition of thin films. For the first time, a green synthesis method for large area silver thin film containing nanoparticles is reported. Silver nanostructured films are deposited using silver nitrate solution and guava leaves extract. The study confirmed that the reaction time plays a key role in the growth and shape/size control of silver nanoparticles. The properties of silver films are studied using UV-visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle, Fourier-transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Finally, as an application, these films are used effectively in antibacterial activity study.

Supercapacitive activities of potentiodynamically deposited nanoflakes of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) thin film electrode.

In the present work, the Co3O4 thin films are successfully prepared via potentiodynamic electrodeposition method onto inexpensive stainless steel substrate. As-deposited films were heat treated at 623K for their conversion into Co3O4. These films were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study revealed the formation of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) with cubic crystal structure. The FT-IR study supports the formation of Co3O4 material. The SEM image of Co3O4 film showed nanoflake-like morphology with an average thickness of 100 nm. Supercapacitive properties of Co3O4 thin film electrode were examined using cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge techniques. The Co3O4 thin film electrode showed maximum specific capacitance of 365 Fg(-1) in 1M KOH electrolyte at the scan rate of 5 mV s(-1). The charge-discharge technique was employed to estimate the values of specific energy, power and coulombic efficiency as 64 W h kg(-1), 21.53 kW kg(-1) and 99%, respectively.

Effect of bath temperature on the properties of nanocrystalline ZnO thin films.

The nanocrystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films have been prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method from aqueous zinc nitrate solution at room temperature (25 degrees C) and at higher temperature (75 degrees C). The changes in structural, morphological and optical properties were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical absorption. The structural studies revealed that the film deposited at room temperature showed mixed phases of ZnO and Zn(OH)2 with wurtzite and orthorhombic crystal structure whereas at higher temperature, the deposited film is ZnO with wurtzite crystal structure. After air annealing at 400 degrees C, all the films converted into pure ZnO with wurtzite crystal structure. The films deposited at room temperature showed fibrous surface morphology with interconnected flakes while films deposited at higher temperature shows well-developed nano-rod morphology. Optical study shows that band gap energy (E(g)) of as-deposited thin films deposited at room temperature and at higher temperature are 3.81 and 3.4 eV, decreases up to 3.20 eV, after annealing treatment.

Electrochemically intercalated indium-tin-oxide/poly(3-hexylthiophene): A solid-state heterojunction solar cell.

A heterojunction solar cell design composed of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and intercalated indium-tin-oxide (ITO) donor-acceptor system is explored for the first time. Substantial change in band edge of ITO is noticed after intercalation. Structural and surface morphological studies are reported. Due to tuned band gap of ITO, an increase in short circuit current from 0.0012 to 0.46 mA/cm(2), fill factor from 0.39 to 0.51, and power conversion efficiency from 0.000 367 to 0.3% is obtained for heterojunction solar cell when compared to P3HT alone. This novel, room temperature design approach would be of great scientific interest in current solid-state solar cell scenario.

Systematic interconnected web-like architecture growth of sprayed TiO2 films.

Systematic improvement in interconnected web-like architecture with thickness of TiO2 films synthesized by spray pyrolysis method is reported and characterized for the structural, optical, surface morphological, and wettability properties. Deposited TiO2 films were crystalline with [120] direction orientation, uniform and adherent to the glass substrate. Interestingly, with increase in film thickness, fuzzy and blurred web-like architecture becomes more clear and sharp with well-defined boundaries. The band gap energy was decreased with increase in film thickness. Change in surface architecture resulted into smaller surface wettability in thick film compared to thin one.

Systematic study on structural phase behavior of CdSe thin films.

Cadmium selenide (CdSe) thin films were chemically deposited at room temperature, from aqueous ammoniacal solution using Cd(CH(3)COO)(2) as Cd2+ and Na(2)SeSO(3) as Se2- ion sources. The as-deposited films were uniform, well adherent to the glass substrate, specularly reflective, and red-orange in color. The as-deposited CdSe layers grew with nanocrystalline sphalerite cubic structure along with the amorphous phase present in it, with optical band gap E(g) = 2.3 eV. The films were annealed in air atmosphere for 4 h at different temperatures and characterized for compositional, structural, morphological, and optical properties. XRD and SEM studies clearly revealed the systematic phase transformation of CdSe films from metastable nanocrystalline cubic (zinc blende type) to a mixture of cubic and hexagonal (wurtzite type), and finally into stable hexagonal through different intermediate phases with an improvement in the crystal quality. The films showed a red shift in their optical spectra after annealing.