Shiv Nadar University

About: Shiv Nadar University is a education organization based out in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Graphene. The organization has 1015 authors who have published 1924 publications receiving 18420 citations.

Electronic Origin of the Stability of Transition-Metal-Doped B14 Drum-Shaped Boron Clusters and Their Assembly into a Nanotube

Abstract: We study the stability of drum-shaped transition metal (TM)-doped boron clusters, M@Bn with n = 14 and 16, and M = 3d, 4d, and 5d TM atom using ab initio calculations. Our results show that drum-shaped M@B14 clusters are favored for M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, while in other cases, open conical or bowl shaped structures become more favorable. The isoelectronic Ni@B14 and Co@B14– clusters have large highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gaps and these are magic clusters. Their stability has been correlated with the occurrence of magic behavior with 24 valence electrons in a disk jellium model, while for Fe@B14 case the drum structure is deformed and the stability occurs at 22 delocalized valence electrons. The bonding nature in these clusters has been studied by analyzing the electron density at bond and ring critical points, the Laplacian distribution of the electron density, the electron localization function, the source function, and electron localization-delocalization ...

‘To Tell China’s Story Well’: China’s International Messaging during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has dented China’s image as an efficient party-state, given how an effort to cover up the outbreak and the resulting delays in reporting led to the virus spreading beyond its ...

High performance CuO@brass supercapacitor electrodes through surface activation

Abstract: Owing to their rapid charge–discharge, extremely low maintenance, high power density, versatile operating temperatures and durability, supercapacitors are widely used as electrochemical storage devices in advanced energy applications In recent years, transition metal oxides, especially nano-textured CuO structures have gained much attention as a low cost and widely available electrode material for supercapacitors However, the existing techniques for developing nano-textured CuO involve a large number of processing steps through multiple chemical treatments Further, the performance of nano-structured copper oxides needs to be significantly enhanced to make them commercially viable Here, we report a facile, two step approach comprising surface activation through thermomechanical treatment and electrochemical dealloying of a Cu–Zn alloy for developing a 3-dimensional hierarchical CuO microstructure Surface activation prior to dealloying significantly accelerates the reaction kinetics and the hierarchical microstructure comprising micro and nano-scale porosity develops in a few seconds only Electrochemical studies revealed that the surface activated electrode possesses a high areal capacitance of 168 F cm−2 at a current density of 5 mA cm−2, exhibits an excellent cycling stability with 90% retention for 5000 cycles at a current density of 15 mA cm−2 and a high energy density of 033 mW h cm−2 The reported specific capacitance is one of the highest values obtained for copper-based alloys which is attributed to its unique 3D hierarchical microstructure that favours rapid ion intercalation and the increased surface area for energy storage Electrochemical analysis indicates intercalation pseudo-capacitance as the primary charge storage mechanism The current approach is highly generic and can be applied for a wide number of material systems which signifies its huge potential in the emerging field of advanced supercapacitors, and portable and flexible electronics

Life cycle cost analysis of natural indigo dye production from Indigofera tinctoria L. plant biomass: a case study of India

Abstract: The emerging demand of natural indigo dye due to the environmental and sociological concerns imparted by the synthetic dye helps in leveraging the conventional natural indigo dye production process in many developing countries, including India. Despite having remarkable global market potential, the high price of natural indigo dye impedes its extensive commercialization. Therefore, in the present study, the economics of natural indigo dye is evaluated through life cycle cost (LCC) analysis by considering the traditional indigo dye production process in India using the plant biomass Indigofera tinctoria L. The life cycle model includes cultivation of Indigofera biomass, as well as the production and processing of indigo dye and the cost involved in each step. Along with the detailed cost analysis, the present study also includes socio-economic analysis and possibilities of cost reduction based on the outcome of sensitivity analysis. From the LCC analysis, the life cycle cost of Indigofera biomass cultivation is $420.74 ha−1 year−1, whereas the indigo dye production cost is $113 ton−1 of Indigofera biomass. For an annual dye production of 1000 tons, the present study estimated the economic stabilization of rural farmers and labours by an annual employment generation of 196,250 man-days year−1 and 12,50,000 man-days year−1, respectively. By sensitivity analysis, the raw material price was identified as the major contributor in the total indigo dye production cost. As a cost reduction measure, the combination of biomass yield (70 tons) and reduction in the biomass production cost (50%) was found to be suitable. Utilization of by-product generated from the dye industry into value-added products could contribute towards a cost reduction of 22% in the Indigofera biomass cultivation and a cost saving of $37.4 ton−1 of biomass in the indigo dye production cost.

Nanomaterials in the Management of Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections.

Abstract: The exploration of multiplexed bacterial virulence factors is a major problem in the early stages of Escherichia coli infection therapy. Traditional methods for detecting Escherichia coli (E. coli), such as serological experiments, immunoassays, polymerase chain reaction, and isothermal microcalorimetry have some drawbacks. As a result, detecting E. coli in a timely, cost-effective, and sensitive manner is critical for various areas of human safety and health. Intelligent devices based on nanotechnology are paving the way for fast and early detection of E. coli at the point of care. Due to their specific optical, magnetic, and electrical capabilities, nanostructures can play an important role in bacterial sensors. Another one of the applications involved use of nanomaterials in fighting microbial infections, including E. coli mediated infections. Various types of nanomaterials, either used directly as an antibacterial agent such as metallic nanoparticles (NPs) (silver, gold, zinc, etc.), or as a nanocarrier to deliver and target the antibiotic to the E. coli and its infected area. Among different types, polymeric NPs, lipidic nanocarriers, metallic nanocarriers, nanomicelles, nanoemulsion/ nanosuspension, dendrimers, graphene, etc. proved to be effective vehicles to deliver the drug in a controlled fashion at the targeted site with lower off-site drug leakage and side effects.