Strong light-matter interaction and non-linear effects in organic semiconducting CuPc nanotubes: realization of all-optical diode and switching applications.

Spatial self-phase modulation based on the optical Kerr effect has gained momentum in recent years to analyse the nonlinear optical properties of 2D inorganic nanomaterials. In the present work, we investigate the strong light-matter interaction of organic semiconducting materials based on SSPM, by developing Cu-phthalocyanine (CuPc) nanotubes a solvothermal technique. The low bandgap of CuPc facilitates the study of its nonlinear optical properties for a broad spectrum range from 671 nm to 405 nm.

Boron vacancy: a strategy to boost the oxygen reduction reaction of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet in hBN-MoS heterostructure.

The incorporation of vacancies in a system is considered a proficient method of defect engineering in general catalytic modulation. Among two-dimensional materials, the deficiency of surface active sites and a high band gap restrict the catalytic activity of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) material towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which hinders its applicability in fuel cells. A bane to boon strategy has been introduced here by coupling two sluggish ORR materials (hBN & MoS) by a probe-sonication method to form a heterostructure (termed HBPS) which fosters four electron pathways to assist the reduction of oxygen.

Investigation of ORR Performances on Graphene/Phthalocyanine Nanocomposite in Neutral Medium.

The drive to replace scarce and expensive Pt-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has led to the development of a group of electrocatalysts composed of transition-metal ion centers coordinated with four nitrogen groups (M-N4). Among these, metal phthalocyanines (MPcs), due to low cost of preparation, highly conjugated structure as well as high thermal and chemical stability, have received a great interest. The catalytic activity of MPcs can be improved by employing conducting supports.

Band edge tuned ZnCdS solid solution nanopowders for efficient solar photocatalysis.

This work highlights the synthesis of zinc blende ZnCdS ternary solid solutions with a tunable bandgap. Composition dependent band gaps are realized due to the effective band edge tuning of the solid solutions which in turn show decent photocatalytic behaviour. The bandgap of ZnCdS increases as Zn composition increases.

CoO Nanowires on Flexible Carbon Fabric as a Binder-Free Electrode for All Solid-State Symmetric Supercapacitor.

Developing portable, lightweight, and flexible energy storage systems has become a necessity with the advent of wearable electronic devices in our modern society. This work focuses on the fabrication of CoO nanowires on a flexible carbon fabric (CoNW/CF) substrate by a simple cost-effective hydrothermal route. The merits of the high surface area of the prepared CoO nanostructures result in an exceptionally high specific capacitance of 3290 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, which is close to their theoretical specific capacitance.

Novel Quaternary Chalcogenide/Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Asymmetric Supercapacitor with High Energy Density.

In this work we have synthesized quaternary chalcogenide CuNiSnS (QC) nanoparticles grown in situ on 2D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for application as anode material of solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs). Thorough characterization of the synthesized composite validates the proper phase, stoichiometry, and morphology. Detailed electrochemical study of the electrode materials and ASCs has been performed.