Support-Free, Connected Core-Shell Nanoparticle Catalysts Synthesized via a Low-Temperature Process for Advanced Oxygen Reduction Performance.

Nanostructured Pt-based catalysts have attracted considerable attention for fuel-cell applications. This study introduces a novel one-pot and low-temperature polyol approach for synthesizing support-free, connected nanoparticles with non-Pt metal cores and Pt shells. Unlike conventional heat treatment methods, the developed support-free and Fe-free connected Pd@Pt (Pd@Pt) nanoparticle catalyst possesses a stable nanonetwork structure with a high surface area.

A first principles study on the stability and electronic and optical properties of 2D SbXY (X = Se/Te and Y = I/Br) Janus layers.

Motivated by the exceptional optoelectronic properties of 2D Janus layers (JLs), we explore the properties of group Va antimony-based JLs SbXY (X = Se/Te and Y = I/Br). Using Bader charges, the electric dipole moment in the out-of-plane direction of all the JLs is studied and the largest dipole moment is found to be in the SbSeI JL. Our results on the formation energy, phonon spectra, elastic constants, and molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation provide insights into the energetic, vibrational, mechanical, and thermal stability of JLs.

Band alignment in CdS-α-Te van der Waals heterostructures for photocatalytic applications: influence of biaxial strain and electric field.

We present a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the structural and electronic properties of a van der Waals heterostructure composed of CdS and α-Te single layers (SLs). The investigation includes an in-depth study of fundamental structural, electronic, and optical properties with a focus on their implications for photocatalytic applications. The findings reveal that the α-Te SL significantly influences the electronic properties of the heterostructure.

Spatial variability in residence time of Beryllium in the Indian Ocean.

Residence time of an element in the ocean is a consequence of its chemical behaviour and the various biogeochemical processes governing its distribution, sources, and sinks. Precise estimation of the residence time of beryllium(Be) is necessary for its application as a tracer for understanding present and paleo-environmental processes. We utilise cosmogenic Be and terrestrially derived Be measurements from surface sediments to estimate the residence time of Be in the Indian Ocean.

Spatiotemporal variations, sources, pollution status and health risk assessment of dissolved trace elements in a major Arabian Sea draining river: insights from multivariate statistical and machine learning approaches.

River Mahi drains through semi-arid regions (Western India) and is a major Arabian Sea draining river. As the principal surface water source, its water quality is important to the regional population. Therefore, the river water was sampled extensively (n = 64, 16 locations, 4 seasons and 2 years) and analyzed for 11 trace elements (TEs; Sr, V, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Ba, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co).