Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science

About: Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science is a education organization based out in Kolkata, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Excited state. The organization has 3867 authors who have published 10457 publications receiving 220098 citations.

Synergistic Effect of Inactive Iron Oxide Core on Active Nickel Phosphide Shell for Significant Enhancement in Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity

Abstract: A unique core–shell nanostructured oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst composed of an electrochemically inactive crystalline iron oxide core and an active amorphous nickel phosphide shell is presented, and this catalyst results in superior OER activity. Even activators enhancing the activity of the OER catalyst by promoting the redox reactions are reported, but here the exclusive position of iron in the nanostructures indeed boosted the efficiency due to ideal placement. Moreover, these nanostructures are also prepared in a sophisticated mechanistic approach in which selectively one metal is phosphidated and the other is not. Interestingly, in the absence of iron, nickel phosphide crystallized in a different shape, but in the presence of iron, this specifically formed amorphous NixP became more efficient for promoting the OER. Details of the formation of this active catalyst are studied; the electrochemical reactions are investigated, and the OER activity is compared with that of different leading me...

Functionalized Mesoporous Cross-Linked Polymer As Efficient Host for Loading Gold Nanoparticles and Its Electrocatalytic Behavior for Reduction of H2O2

Abstract: A new all-organic mesoporous cross-linked polymer (MCP-1) has been synthesized hydrothermally through in situ aqueous-phase radical polymerization of acrylic acid in the presence of a supramolecula...

Quantum size effects in layered VX2 (X = S, Se) materials: Manifestation of metal to semimetal or semiconductor transition

Abstract: Most of the two dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) are nonmagnetic in pristine form. However, 2D pristine VX2 (X = S, Se, Te) materials are found to be ferromagnetic. Using spin polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have studied the electronic, magnetic, and surface properties of this class of materials in both trigonal prismatic H- and octahedral T-phase. Our calculations reveal that they exhibit materially different properties in those two polymorphs. Most importantly, detailed investigation of electronic structure explored the quantum size effect in H-phase of these materials thereby leading to metal to semimetal (H-VS2) or semiconductor (H-VSe2) transition when downsizing from bilayer to corresponding monolayer.

Fabrication and optical properties of core/shell CdS/LaPO4:Eu nanorods

Abstract: We report the preparation of CdS/LaPO4:Eu nanorods via a three-step chemical route involving solvothermal preparation of CdS nanorods. Then, the surface functionalisation of CdS nanorods by citric acid is done. Finally, the formation of the LaPO4 shell is achieved. The core/shell nanostructure is confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The crystal phase of LaPO4 (shell) changes with changing the temperature of heating. It is interesting to note that the lattice strain of CdS (core) increases from 0.27% to 1.09% for pure CdS nanorods and core CdS nanorods, respectively. The lattice strain can be modified from tensile to compressive by changing the crystal phase of the LaPO4 (shell). It is found that the photoluminescence properties are sensitive to the crystal phase of the LaPO4 shell, which can be tuned by temperature of heating. From the decay time measurements, it is evident that the energy transfer occurs from core CdS nanorods to Eu3+ ions in the LaPO4 shell and the calculated energy transfer efficiency from CdS nanorods to Eu3+ ions is 50.9% for the 600 °C heated core/shell nanostructure. The experimental quantum efficiency is 47% for CdS/LaPO4:Eu samples and this efficiency increases due to energy transfer from CdS to Eu3+ ions in the LaPO4 shell.

How does PEDOT combine with PSS? Insights from structural studies

Abstract: The severely intractable polymer poly(3,4-ethylenediethoxythiophene) (PEDOT) is brought to stable aqueous solution after in situ combination with polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSS). This solution (PEDOT–PSS) is stable and successfully combines the optical and electrical properties of PEDOT with the water solubility of PSS. This paper explores the physical properties of PEDOT–PSS from morphological and structural aspects and electronic structure studies are employed to understand the interaction between the two polymers. The solution consists of triangular/rectangular shaped nanoparticles and UV-vis spectroscopy is used to establish the highly doped and conductive nature of the sample with bipolarons present as carrier. Theoretical studies reveal the structure of the interpolymer complex and that the PEDOT chain is bent towards the PSS moiety, and thus, PEDOT–PSS is likely to form a partially coiled or helical structure. The unique stability of this system as well as its highly conductive nature is also consistent with the molecular model.