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Facile synthesis and characterization of perovskite-type oxide Ca0.9Er0.1MnO3
No full textNanostructured perovskites have attracted many researchers due to their
extraordinary properties, such as piezoelectric, structural, electric, and
optoelectronic properties [1]. Nanocrystalline powder with the perovskite-type oxide
Ca0.9Er0.1MnO3 was synthesized using hydrazine as a fuel and complexing agent -
hydrazine nitrite procedure. Hydrazine has two free lone pairs of electrons and four
exchangeable hydrogen atoms; the presence of these lone pairs allows hydrazine to
coordinate with a metal ion [2]. Other chemicals used were calcium nitrate
tetrahydrate Ca(NO3)2×4H2O, manganese nitrate hydrate Mn(NO3)2×H2O, and
erbium nitrate pentahydrate Er(NO3)3×5H2O. Metal nitrates and hydrazine (N2H4)
were mixed in stoichiometric ratios to obtain the perovskite crystal structure. The
resulting nanopowder was calcined for 15 min at a temperature range from 800 °C to
1000 °C. The perovskite oxide Ca0.9Er0.1MnO3 was characterized by X-ray
diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy measurements.Programme and the Book of Abstracts / 8th Conference of The Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials, 8CSCS-2025, June 14-16, 2025, Belgrade, Serbia
The improvement of photocatalytic properties of titanium(IV) oxide via pulsed laser irradiation and assessment of the toxicity of carbofuran photocatalytic degradation products
No full textОсновни предмет истраживања ове дисертације je површинска модификација мете од титана применом импулсног ласерског зрачења у циљу добијања фотокатализатора, побољшаних фотокаталитичких својстава, на основи титан(IV)-оксида. Ласерски третирани и нетретирани узорци Ti мрежице су подвргнути електрохемијској анодизацији у циљу формирања ТiО2 наноструктура како би се формирале наноструктуре са дефектима и мешавином фаза анатас-рутил код ласерски третираних узорака, што је и потврђено одговарајућим методама карактеризације. Циљ истраживања подразумевао је потврду побољшања фотокалитичких својстава узорака који су пре електрохемијске анодизације били подвргнути ласерском третману. Побољшана фотокалитичка својства су испитана и доказана у поступку фотокаталитичке разградње N-метил карбаматног пестицида карбофурана у воденом раствору под симулираним сунчевим зрачењем. Након овога, испитивани су утицаји промене укупне површине фотокаталитички најефикаснијег ласерски третираног TiO2 фотокатaлизатора у фотокаталитичкој разградњи карбофурана, затим утицај мешања током процеса, промене интензитета светлости лапме која симулира сунчево зрачење, као и утицаји почетне концентрације карбофурана у води на његову кинетику разградње у присуству ласерски третираног ТiО2. Фотокаталитичка разградња карбофурана је појачана повећањем активне површине ТiО2 фотокатализатора, повећањем интензитета светлости симулираног сунчевог зрачења и увођењем мешања, али се смањује са повећањем почетне концентрације карбофурана. За практичну примену у третману чесменске и речне воде контаминиране карбофураном, ласерски третиран TiО2 фотокатализатор се такође показао као добро решење. Студија се бавила и испитивањем цитотоксичности и фитотоксичности производа карбофурана током процеса фотокаталитичке разградње.The main subject of this dissertation research is the surface modification of a titanium target using pulsed laser irradiation in order to obtain a photocatalyst with improved photocatalytic properties, based on titanium(IV) oxide. Laser-treated and untreated Ti mesh samples were subjected to electrochemical anodization in order to form TiO2 nanostructures with defects and a mixture of anatase-rutile phases in laser-treated samples, which was confirmed by appropriate characterization methods. The aim of the research was to confirm the improvement of the photocatalytic properties of the samples that were subjected to laser treatment before electrochemical anodization. Improved photocatalytic properties were tested and proven in the process of photocatalytic degradation of the N-methyl carbamate pesticide carbofuran in aqueous solution under simulated solar irradiation. After this, the effects of changing the total surface area of the most photocatalytically efficient laser-treated TiO2 photocatalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of carbofuran, stirring during the process, changes in the light intensity of the lamp that simulates solar irradiation, as well as the influence of the concentration of carbofuran in water on its decomposition kinetics, were investigated in the presence of laser-treated TiO2. The photocatalytic degradation of carbofuran is enhanced by increasing the active surface of the TiO2 photocatalyst, increasing the light intensity of simulated solar irradiation, and introducing stirring, but it decreases with increasing the initial concentration of carbofuran. For practical application in the treatment of tap and river water contaminated with carbofuran, the laser-treated TiO2 photocatalyst also proved to be a good solution. The study also examined the cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity of carbofuran products during the photocatalytic degradation process
Changes in protein expression in HeLa cervical cancer cells induced by [Pd(dach)Cl2] complex
No full textIn this work, we have investigated the changes in protein expression in HeLa cervical cancer cells treated with [Pd(dach)Cl2]. This Pd(II) complex showed a mild cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells, enabling us to study quantitatively changes in the protein expression between control and treated cells. The comparative proteomics analysis is performed using label-free data-independent liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition to this, we employed a computational biology approach and the informational spectrum method (ISM) to predict potential protein interactors of the [Pd(dach)Cl2] complex in HeLa cells. Our results show 121 differentially abundant proteins between control and [Pd(dach)Cl2]-treated cells, and we showed that [Pd(dach)Cl2] targets proteins involved in ribosomal biogenesis and RNA splicing. On the other hand, theoretical prediction implies the potential effect of [Pd(dach)Cl2] on p53 (oncogenic protein) signalling pathway, and thus, alterations of the expression of regulatory proteins involved in cell survival and proliferation. Since this is a proof-of- concept study, the sample size was not adequate to perform multiple testing correction. However, the findings are in line with the existing literature on HeLa cells' protein and mRNA expression. Moreover, the observed down-regulation of several proteins highly correlated with tumour development and progression was consistent with the observed cytotoxic effect of [Pd(dach)Cl2] treatment. Although this confirms the validity of the reported results, further validation in the context of a statistically well-powered study is required.ICCBIKG 2025 : 3rd International Conference on Chemo and Bioinformatics, September 25-26, 2025; Kragujevac, Serbia
Synthesis of Bimetallic Germanium-Copper Oxide Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids: Potential Application for LIBS Signal Enhancement
No full textA novel laser-based strategy was developed for the synthesis of functional germanium–copper oxide nanoparticles, with the aim of enhancing the analytical performance of LIBS. A thin germanium film was deposited onto a copper substrate by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in vacuum, using an Nd:YAG laser (λ = 1064 nm, ≈300 mJ per pulse, 5 Hz repetition rate, 4 ns duration), with the target and substrate placed ~1 cm apart and rotated continuously for uniform coating, over 3000 pulses. The resulting material was then used to fabricate nanoparticles using the laser ablation technique in liquids. This target was immersed into 3 ml of Milli-Q water, and the surface area of approximately 25 mm² was continually scanned by a pulsed laser beam in order to achieve homogeneous ablation of the sample using an Nd:YAG laser (7 mJ, 10 Hz, 150 ps pulse duration, wavelength of 1064 nm). Characterization of the formed bimetallic nanocolloids was performed by measuring the SPR band using UV-VIS spectrophotometry and TEM microscopy. Additionally, nanoparticles were used for Nanoparticle-Enhanced Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (NELIBS) of an aluminum sample. LIBS measurements were performed using a TEA CO₂ laser-based setup with an Avantes spectrometer and optical triggering. Bimetallic nanocolloid solution was applied by the drop-and-dry technique [1]. Preliminary results have shown an improvement in analytical sensitivity for the detection of Mg in aluminum.X International School and Conference on Photonics : PHOTONICA2023 : book of abstracts; 25 - 29 August 2025 Belgrade, Serbia
Tuning the Supercapacitive Properties in Graphene Oxide/Cobalt Ferrite Nanocomposites by Synthesis Routes
No full textGraphene oxide (GO), a two-dimensional carbon-based material rich in oxygen-containing functional groups, has attracted significant attention for supercapacitor applications in recent years. The abundance of carboxyl, hydroxyl, and epoxy groups on its surface not only improves its dispersibility in aqueous media but also provides active sites for interaction with metal oxides, making GO an ideal matrix for nanocomposite development aimed at enhancing electrochemical performance. Among the various metal oxides, cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4, CFO) nanoparticles have emerged as promising candidates for pseudocapacitive applications owing to their intrinsic redox activity and structural stability. However, their relatively low conductivity limits their standalone performance, necessitating integration with conductive matrices like reduced GO. This work focuses on the synthesis and optimization of GO/CFO nanocomposites for improved supercapacitor performance by systematically tailoring synthesis parameters. Two CFO loading ratios (15 wt% and 30 wt%), two post-synthesis modification routes (thermal and hydrothermal treatment), two mixing strategies (mechanical stirring and ultrasonic dispersion) and presence of surfactant on CFO, were investigated to assess their impact on the electrochemical performance of the resulting materials. Galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) measurements were employed to evaluate specific capacitance. The results clearly demonstrate that the composite prepared using the hydrothermal route, with 15 wt% CFO content and ultrasonic dispersion, exhibited the highest capacitance among all samples. This improvement is attributed to enhanced particle dispersion, better interfacial contact between GO sheets and CFO nanoparticles, and the preservation of functional groups conducive to charge storage. These findings highlight the importance of synthesis strategy in optimizing the electrochemical properties of GO-based nanocomposites and pave the way for the development of next-generation energy storage materials.5th International Meeting on Materials Science for Energy Related Applications, September 25-26, 2025, Belgrade
The origin and influence of stochastic forces (particularly stochastic Lorentz force) in the problems of energy and charge transport in molecular chains of bio-sourced materials
No full textLiterature review showed that bio-sourced materials are thoroughly investigated, due to their potential usage in energy related applications. Organic semiconductors are characterized by semiconducting properties, and are more convenient for tuning of charge mobility, which provides their usage in solar-driven hydrogen production [1], organic photovoltaic cells [2], and in organic light-emitting diodes [3]. To improve efficiency of organic photocatalyst hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), it is important to improve understanding of the charge transfer model in organic semiconductors, as well as to get deeper insight in exciton behavior, in the frame of the charge transfer model. With this aim, in a given theoretical study is examined and discussed origin and impact of stochastic Lorentz force on charge transfer. As a model material, it is used arbitrarily chosen, theoretical catalyst, consisting of organic semiconductor/bimetallic nanoparticles (FeCu) [4]. Let us recall that stochastic Lorentz force appears as a result of the impact of quantized electromagnetic (EM) fields (achieved, during exposing material to photo source) on a nonrelativistic charge, moving near a conduction zone [5]. Further, stochastic Lorentz force is related to velocity fluctuations of the considered charge (in a model, represented as charged oscillator). Discussion will be performed, based on the postulated theoretical model. Since this force appears when the exciton couples to quantized EM fields, its impact on the exciton velocity fluctuations, and to the efficiency of HER, is discussed, by considering corresponding stochastic differential equations in Matlab [6]. Having on mind that quantum effects are important for postulation ofthe appropriate stochastic model, which would describe energy and charge transport, origin of stochastic Lorentz force will be more discussed.5th International Meeting on Materials Science for Energy Related Applications, September 25-26, 2025, Belgrade
Ti-oxide/N-doped graphene oxide nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties
No full textCarbon-based electrode materials play a crucial role in sustainable energy conversion and storage. Doping them with heteroatoms, like oxygen or nitrogen, influences their structure and surface chemistry [1]. As a catalyst support, TiOx/carbon composite nanostructures are among the most promising carbon materials [2]. In the present study nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (N-GO) were synthesised using two approaches: starting from graphite powder and annealing in the ammonia atmosphere (N-GOa) and pyrolysis of sucrose in the presence of Zn(NO3)2 (N-GOp). The main difference between the two materials was the highly defective structure of N-GOp and lower N content compared with N-GOa. Additionally, composites with Ti-oxide by using Ti-isopropoxide as a source of Ti and annealing method in NH3 atmosphere were prepared, and labelled as N-GOa/TiOx and N-GOp/TiO2. Characterisation of the synthesised materials by using XRD, SEM with EDXS, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, and N2 physisorption confirmed variations in morphology, composition, and structure of both GO and nanosized Ti oxide. The electrochemical properties of a thin layer of the nanomaterials, loaded on the rotating disk electrode, are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in acid, alkaline and neutral media and compared with commercial Vulcan XC-72R carbon and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The capacitance is increased with the increase of mesopores’ surface and the surface concentration of oxygen or nitrogen functional groups, and also depends on the electrolyte. Cyclic voltammetry of Fe(CN)63–/4– redox couple [3] showed beneficial effect on N-doping on the electron transfer kinetics, while the effect of TiOx in the composite was opposite. Investigation of the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline solution indicated that both N-doping and addition of Ti-oxide increased the activity of the nanocomposites compared with GO, rGO and XC-72R carbons, but further balancing of the mesopores’ surface, type and concentration of defects, conductivity, and Ti-oxide structure is necessary.5th International Meeting on Materials Science for Energy Related Applications, September 25-26, 2025, Belgrade
Physicochemical Properties Influence the Cytotoxicity Level of Gold Nanoparticles
No full textGold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be used for a variety of biological applications, including medical treatment and drug transport [1]. A wide AuNPs application range arises the necessity to broaden studies of parameters that affect their toxicity. Their biocompatibility can differ in relation to synthesis method and the used chemical for their stabilization, but also their physicochemical properties e.g. size and shape [2]. Laser ablation of a gold target could be considered as “green” synthesis, since no chemical or toxic waste is produced [3]. Our goal was to analyze the physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity impact of two “green” AuNPs synthesized under different laser parameters. The analyzed AuNPs were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and ζ-potential (ZP) measurements at two time points to additionally asses their stability. Cytotoxic concentration of AuNPs on the human cell line MRC-5 was evaluated by viability assay (XTT). Our results indicated that cytotoxic effects arise parallel to elevation of applied concentration. AuNPs with UV spectra maximum at lower wavelengths, higher ζ-potential and hydrodynamic diameter, and higher stability displayed higher levels of cytotoxicity. A safe application depends on AuNPs' biocompatibility that relies on their unique physical and chemical properties that influence their stability. Future perspectives, which include functionalization and AuNPs coating, could additionally reduce their toxicity by altering their physicochemical properties and focus their specific applications.2025 IEEE 15th International Conference “Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties” (IEEE NAP-2025) : September 7–12, 2025, Bratislava, Slovakia.Conference Track: “Nanobiomedical Research & Applications”Abstract ID #NRA-173
Influence of the heat treatment on the structural parameters of the CuCrZr-TiB2 alloy
No full textPowder metallurgy (PM) is used for the CuCrZr-TiB2 alloy synthesis by employing mechanical alloying and hot pressing techniques. Powder mixture containing prealloyed CuCrZr powder, 7 wt.% Ti, and 3.2 wt.% B was firstly homogenized, and then mechanically alloyed (MA) for 27 hours. MA powders were hot pressed (HP) in protective atmosphere at temperature of 950 ℃, with applied pressure of 45 MPa, and duration of 2.5 hours. Heat treatment (HT) of HP CuCrZr-TiB2 alloy was performed in two steps: (1) solution annealing (SA) at 1000 ℃ for 5 hours, and (2) age hardening (AH) at 470 ℃ for 3 hours. Changes in the structural parameters of the MA powders, and obtained compacts (HP, HT) were investigated by X- ray diffraction. Williamson-Hall equation was applied for calculation of the crystallite sizes (D, nm), lattice parameter (nm), and lattice strain (ε, %). The results show that heat treatment has significant influence on the structural parameters. After each step of HT, crystallite size and lattice strain decrease compared to HP samples owing to more homogeneous distribution of TiB2, precipitate formation, and consequently restriction of the large grains recrystallization. Heat treatment, as well as structural parameters exhibit great influence on the mechanical properties of CuCrZr alloy. Therefore, these results indicate relation between specific heat treatment parameters, and structural parameters of the CuCrZr alloy, which may contribute to the future design of CuCrZr alloy with improved mechanical and physical propertiesIOC2025 : 56th International October Conference on Mining and Metallurgy; October 22-25, 2025, Bor Lake, Serbia
Cation-induced structural/morphological control of ZnO under alkaline hydrothermal conditions: Influence on photocatalytic activity
No full textThis study investigates the hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanopowders using three different alkaline reagents: KOH, NaOH, and NH4OH, focusing on their morphological, structural, and photocatalytic properties. The resulting ZnO powders displayed distinct morphologies − from hexagonal rods and prismatic structures to a 3D butterfly-nebula-like morphology − depending on the base employed. Phase purity and structural characteristics were confirmed via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, while scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) revealed significant morphological differences at multiple magnifications. When hydrothermally produced using KOH and NaOH, ZnO crystallizes into hexagonal prismatic rods along the [0001] direction, starting from a zinc hydroxide precipitate. However, its transition to Zn ammine complex occurs by replacing K+ or Na+ with NH4+ ions during hydrothermal reaction, which changes the preferential crystal growth, favoring the lateral direction. As a result, ZnO nanostructures with a 3D butterfly-nebula-like morphology are formed. This alteration influences the photocatalytic activity, which is assessed by monitoring the degradation of Reactive Orange 16 (RO16) dye under UV irradiation. The ZnO nanopowder synthesized using NaOH exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency, achieving complete degradation of the dye within 90 min. The sample prepared with KOH showed a faster degradation rate than the one synthesized with NH4OH, but still lower than that of the NaOH-based sample. These findings highlight the crucial influence of base selection during hydrothermal synthesis on the morphology, crystallite size, and photocatalytic behavior of ZnO nanostructures, providing insights for the design of more efficient materials for environmental remediation applications