Structural and electrical properties of Li4Ti5O12 anode material for lithium-ion batteries

In this work we investigate Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anode material synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method calcined at 850 °C for 16 h. Thermal analysis reveals the temperature dependence of the material properties. The phase composition, micro-morphology and elemental analysis of the compound are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectra (EDS) respectively. The results of XRD pattern possessed cubic spinel structure with space group Fd-3m. The morphological features of the powder sample are in the range of 1.1 μm. The EDS spectra confirm the constituent elemental composition of the sample. Electrical conductivity measurement at different frequencies and temperatures had been carried out; and at room temperature it is found to be 5.96 × 10−7 S/cm. Besides, for the different frequencies applied, the activation energies were calculated and obtained to be in the range of 0.2–0.4 eV. Keywords: Anode, Spinel Li4Ti5O12, Solid-state reaction, XRD, Electrical propertie

PEGylated α‑Gd₂(MoO₄)₃ Mesoporous Flowers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Application

Marigold flower-like monoclinic (α)-Gd₂(MoO₄)₃ particles with PEGylation are prepared by regrowth technology using solvothermal and hydrothermal methods. The growth mechanism of the flower-like morphology has been explained by taking SEM images of the intermediate products. SEM images of the calcined products displayed their visible pores and confirmed the stability of flower-like texture. PEGylation of α-Gd₂(MoO₄)₃ and stability of PEG in the complex system have been verified by means of Fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns. The nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms of PEGylated α-Gd₂(MoO₄)₃ particles established their mesoporous nature, and these mesoporous particles exhibited gorgeous red emission when exciting with UV or visible wavelengths. The synthesized particles show both hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature, depending on the stability of PEG and calcination temperature. The hydrophilic particles have the capacity to penetrate cells, translocate to the nucleus, and trigger high-quality signals from the cellular compartment

A Review on Micro- to Nanocellulose Biopolymer Scaffold Forming for Tissue Engineering Applications

Biopolymers have been used as a replacement material for synthetic polymers in scaffold forming due to its biocompatibility and nontoxic properties. Production of scaffold for tissue repair is a major part of tissue engineering. Tissue engineering techniques for scaffold forming with cellulose-based material is at the forefront of present-day research. Micro- and nanocellulose-based materials are at the forefront of scientific development in the areas of biomedical engineering. Cellulose in scaffold forming has attracted a lot of attention because of its availability and toxicity properties. The discovery of nanocellulose has further improved the usability of cellulose as a reinforcement in biopolymers intended for scaffold fabrication. Its unique physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties offer some important advantages over synthetic polymer materials. This review presents a critical overview of micro- and nanoscale cellulose-based materials used for scaffold preparation. It also analyses the relationship between the method of fabrication and properties of the fabricated scaffold. The review concludes with future potential research on cellulose micro- and nano-based scaffolds. The review provides an up-to-date summary of the status and future prospective applications of micro- and nanocellulose-based scaffolds for tissue engineering

Formation of Ca₂Gd₈(SiO₄)₆O₂ Nanorod Bundles Based on Crystal Splitting by Mixed Solvothermal and Hydrothermal Reaction Methods

Oxyapatite Ca₂Gd₈(SiO₄)₆O₂ (CGS) nanostructures with nanorod bundle-like morphology are prepared by mixed solvothermal and hydrothermal reaction methods. Detailed structural and morphological studies are performed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy measurements. CGS nanorod bundles are formed by crystal splitting, and the growth mechanism as a function of reaction time is discussed. The size and crystal splitting of the nanorod bundles are controlled by varying the concentration of 2-propanol. The annealing temperature does not have any effect on the morphology of CGS nanorod bundles, and the bundles can sustain high temperatures, which confirms the crystal splitting of nanorod bundles. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescent studies are carried out by activating the Eu³⁺ ions in the CGS host lattice as a function of annealing temperature. The corresponding CIE chromaticity coordinates are in close proximity to the commercial red emitting phosphor chromaticity coordinates