Biography:

Rupali Nagar is working at Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Pune, India as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Science and is the Group Leader of Nanomaterials for Energy Applications Lab at SIT. She completed her Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT D) and continued her research while working at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT M) as Project Officer till 2012. Her research interests include studying nanomaterials for energy and gas sensing applications.

Abstract:

In this work, the growth of cupric oxide (CuO), a p-type semiconductor with narrow band gap range (1.3 to 2.1 eV) is studied. CuO is a diverse material with its uses ranging from solar cells, heterogeneous catalysis, field emission devices, lithium-ion electrodes, sensing devices, cathode catalyst in fuel cells, etc. Here, copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO₄∙5H₂O), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG) have been used as-received. Appropriate amounts of precursors were stirred magnetically and reduced using NaOH. Thereafter, the samples were filtered, washed, and dried. Various morphologies ranging from flakes to slender wires were obtained as shown in Figure 1. The flaky microstructure is attributed to presence of PEG that acts as a stabilizer, dispersant while mild heat treatment (60-80 °C) of precursors leads to slender wire morphology. The ratio of copper precursor (CP) and PEG solutions influences the morphology. While molarity ratio of CP:PEG=1 yields flaky feather-like morphology, CP:PEG=50 results in stacked flakes. When PEG is present in abundance, it maintains layered morphology of copper hydroxide, an intermediate product, and its strong steric repulsion inhibits stacking of hydroxide morphology. Upon heating, the hydroxide reduces to flaky CuO structures. For low PEG concentrations, the Cu nuclei first agglomerate. On simultaneous heat treatment, PEG degrades, mechanical strength of polymer network wanes leading to stacked growth. Further, if NaOH is added in one shot along with heating, slender wire morphology is obtained. The combined effects of lower PEG concentration and temperature lead to weaker steric repulsion and mechanical strength of polymer chain resulting in slender morphology of CuO wires. All the morphologies support a high surface area and can serve as potential sensors due to availability of large number of adsorption sites. The reported technique has very simple implementation, is cost-effective and yet yields diverse CuO morphologies with promising sensing capabilities.

Biography:

Sabu Thomas is serving as the vice-chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. He is also a full professor (25 March 1998 onwards) of Polymer Science and Engineering at the School of Chemical Sciences. He was the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala during the period of 31 August 2017 to 31 August 2018, Director of School of Chemical Science during the period of 1 November 2010 to 31 December 2013. Hon. Director of International & Inter-University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology during the period of 28 March 2009 to 11 September 2015, 2 February 2016 to 11 October 2017. 
Sabu Thomas was born on 14 March 1962. He obtained BSc Degree in Chemistry from Kuriakose Elias College, Mannanam, Kottayam in 1980 and Bachelor of Technology Degree in Polymer Science and Rubber Technology from Cochin University of Science and Technology in 1983. He received his PhD from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in 1987.

Abstract:

Green chemistry started for the search of benign methods for the development of nanoparticles from nature and  their use in the field of  antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor applications. Bio wastes are eco-friendly starting materials  to produce typical nanoparticles with well-defined chemical composition, size, and morphology. Cellulose, starch, chitin and chitosan are the most abundant biopolymers around the world.   All are under the polysaccharides family in which cellulose is one of the important structural components of the primary cell wall of green plants. Cellulose nanoparticles(fibers, crystals and whiskers) can be extracted from agrowaste resources such as  jute, coir, bamboo, pineapple leafs, coir etc. Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, it is a characteristic component of the cell walls of fungi, the exoskeletons of arthropods and nanoparticles of chitin (fibers, whiskers) can be extracted from shrimp and crab shells. Chitosan is the derivative of chitin, prepared by the removal of acetyl group from chitin (Deacetylation).  Starch nano particles can be extracted from tapioca and potato wastes. These nanoparticles can be converted into smart and functional biomaterials by functionalisation through chemical modifications (esterification, etherification, TEMPO oxidation, carboxylation and hydroxylation etc) due to presence of large amount of hydroxyl group on the surface. The preparation of these nanoparticles include both series of chemical as well as mechanical treatments; crushing, grinding, alkali, bleaching and acid treatments. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to investigate the morphology of nanoscale biopolymers. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and x ray diffraction (XRD) are being used to study the functional group changes, crystallographic texture of nanoscale biopolymers respectively. Since large quantities of bio wastes are produced annually, further utilization of cellulose, starch  and chitins as functionalized materials is very much desired. The cellulose, starch  and chitin nano particles are currently obtained as aqueous suspensions which are used as reinforcing additives for high performance environment-friendly biodegradable polymer materials. These nanocomposites are being used as   biomedical composites for drug/gene delivery, nano scaffolds in tissue engineering and cosmetic orthodontics. The reinforcing effect of these nanoparticles results from the formation of a percolating network based on hydrogen bonding forces. The incorporation of these nano particles in several bio-based polymers have been discussed. The role of nano particle dispersion, distribution,  interfacial adhesion and orientation on the properties of the ecofriendly bio nanocomposites have been carefully evaluated. 

Biography:

Beddiaf Zaidi working as Assoc. Prof. in Dept. of Physics at the University of Batna 1. He obtained a doctorate in Physics at the University of Annaba in 2014. He has published a number of research papers in reputed journals, has written two books. He acted as an Editor-in-Chief of IJMSA (From 2017 to 2018). He is a potential reviewer for reputed journal papers. He participated in many international conferences serving as a referee, PC member... etc. He is also an Editorial Board member of numerous journals and Lead Guest Editor of many special issues.

Abstract:

Recent studies have shown that group III nitrides semiconductor has significant potential in the photovoltaic applications [1, 2] and among these, InGaN alloy is a promising candidate for thin flim solar cell.

The aim of this work is to simulate the maximum conversion efficiency of InGaN based thin film solar cell structure with the best junction configurations and parameters by SCAPS-1D software [3-5]. The effects of doping concentration and thickness of each layer on the electrical parameters, such as the short circuit current density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and conversion efficiency (ƞ).

Biography:

Mohamed Housam Mahmoud  currently working as an Associat Professor, Physics department, Faculty of  Science and Arts, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia.  Assiut University, Egypt. His reseach field are: Condensed matter, Nanoscience, Magnetism and magnetic material.

Abstract:

Zinc ferrite nano-crystals were successfully synthesized from its stoichiometric metal nitrates and glycine mixtures, using a microwave assisted combustion method. The as prepared sample was subjected to high energy ball milling for different periods of time. Structural and magnetic properties have been investigated by VSM and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Results revealed that the as-prepared sample is a monophase zinc ferrite possesses high crystallinity. A minor of α-Fe₂O₃ phase is detected after milling. The room temperature Mössbauer spectra of the samples are representing the coexistence of both ferrimagnetic ordering    and superparamagnetic phases. the data obtained indicate that the Isomer shift falls to the Fe³⁺ range. The highest average magnetic hyperfine field B_hf was found where the inversion parameter is maxima. The saturation magnetization value of the as prepared ZnFe₂O₄ is 47 emu/g was observed and its value decreases to 29 emu/g after 330 min of mill.

Biography:

Andrey Nepapushev currently working as a research associate of the scientific research center “Functional Nanoceramics” at NUST “MISiS” since 2011. Field of scientific interests includes mechanical activation for producing reactive composite materials, kinetics of the high temperature reactions, joining of refractory and dissimilar materials. Nb of publications: 31 (Scopus) - 221 time cited; Hindex=8.

Abstract:

Modern technology and industry set the main task for materials science - design and creation of new-generation materials with a set of enhanced properties. Often only composite materials can satisfy such requirements. In parallel with this, methods for producing items with complex or non-standard geometry by using various additive technologies are being developed. The use of composite materials in 3D printing will make it possible to obtain products with improved properties in a shorter time and with lower manufacturing costs. Since the choice of refractory powders for additive technologies, namely, metallic or ceramic, is still very limited, it is necessary to develop new approaches to obtain such powders. The idea of our approach is to use a mixture of relatively low-melting components as a starting material, which will react during the process of selective sintering or melting, forming a more refractory compound. In case of the exothermic reaction chemical heat release will be added to the amount of heat gained from the laser heating. This makes possible to expand the capabilities of selective laser melting and obtain more refractory and heat-resistant materials and products.

In this work, composite powders of various morphologies, primarily with rounded particles and flowability, suitable for use in 3D printing, were obtained in Ni-Al and Ti-Al systems by processing in a planetary ball mill. On the obtained powders were carried out experiments for thin plates producing by 3D printing on an SLM 280 HL setup from SLM solutions.

Biography:

Piotr Zawadzki finished Materials Engineering at Lodz University of Technology and started work at LUT on march 2020. From PhD studies till now he is focused on nanomaterials, especially on graphene. He works on many projects connected with graphene functionalization, including creating ultralight bicycle frame and desalination of water. He has 8 publications connected with graphene modification and increasing aluminum mechanical properties. On conference he will show results on graphene-based nanocomposite synhtesized for application as the anode active materials in lithium-ion battery. Three methods were employed: (a) mechanical mixing of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) powder with silicon nanopowder, (b) mixing of rGO with Si nanopowder in isopropyl alcohol and (c) spatial functionalization of graphene oxide using hydrazine. The molecular systems with variable silicon content and, in the case of cross-linked structures, variable hydrazine content were produced. the research was financed by Mechanical Faculty internal grant for young scientists at LUT.

Abstract:

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most popular secondary batteries for consumer electronics and, lately, for electric vehicles application. Their main advantages over other rechargeable batteries are high energy density, good cycle life, high coulombic efficiency, low self-discharge rate, low maintenance and high cell voltage. The increasing demand for high performance LIBs entails large number of scientific researches focused on developing new electrode materials with better cyclability and high-energy storage capacity.

In terms of capacity enhancement, the most promising material for the anode is silicon which theoretical capacity is 4200 mAhg^-1 (in comparison to 372 mAhg^-1 for the commercially most widely used graphite). Unfortunately, its implementation is limited due to the safety issue related to the huge volume expansion that takes place during charge/discharge cycle. One approach that addresses the mentioned problem is nanotechnology. Recently, in situ HRTEM observation of Si nanoparticles during lithiation process showed that there is a critical particle size for which the mechanical fracturing of the SEI layer can be avoided.

Graphene, a single layer of hexagonally arranged sp² carbon atoms, attracts a great interest as a material that can replace graphite as an active material in anodes of LIBs. Its properties like high theoretical specific surface area, intrinsic carrier mobility, great mechanical strength could significantly increase performance of batteries. In this research graphene-based nanocomposite was synhtesized for application as the anode active materials in lithium-ion battery. Three methods were employed: (a) mechanical mixing of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) powder with silicon nanopowder, (b) mixing of rGO with Si nanopowder in isopropyl alcohol and (c) spatial functionalization of graphene oxide using hydrazine. The molecular systems with variable silicon content and, in the case of cross-linked structures, variable hydrazine content were produced. FTIR, Raman, SEM, TEM investigations as well as galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry measurements.

Biography:

Aasif Helal completed his PhD in 2010 in “Synthesis and Ion Sensing Properties of Thiazole based Receptors” from Kyungpook National University, South Korea in applied organic chemistry. The same year he was awarded “Best Researcher of the year 2009” by Kyungpook National University and joined as postdoctoral Fellow in the same university. In 2012 he joined Department of Material Science and Engineering at Seoul National University of Seoul, South Korea as a Post-Doctoral Fellow. He is currently working as a Research Scientist II in Center of Research Excellence in Nanotechnology, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia. His research interests include design and synthesis of novel organic molecular materials, and metal organic framework as sensors and catalysts for carbon dioxide conversion. He authored more than 43 publications in peer-reviewed international journals and holds 7 patents in addition to several conference proceedings/presentations.

Abstract:

Metal−Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with porous structure and high surface area has been extensively used for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane. The finely tuned pores with functional sites have enabled us to use MOF in developing materials for separations of small and large molecules, sensing of different analytes, drug delivery, carbon dioxide conversion and heterogeneous catalysis. These pore environments can be engineered by using functionalized linkers for different potential applications. Low concentration of copper effects the enzyme activity owing to the redox-active nature while excessive accretion of copper cause damage to the liver and kidney, hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson’s disease), Alzheimer’s diseases, Menkes syndrome, neutropenia and myelopathy. Moreover, chromate ion can cause allergic reaction in human and prolonged exposure results in chrome ulcer, contact dermatitis, and irritant dermatitis. In this work a new dual chemosensor UiO-66-NH-BT (BT=1-methylenebenzotriazole) based on the UiO-66 (University of Oslo) framework, containing benzotriazole functionalized dicarboxylate struts was synthesized and characterized. This isoreticular Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) was found to be a very selective and ultrasensitive for copper ion and chromium oxyanions in aqueous media. It showed a detection limit of 16.9 ppb (0.266 mM) for Cu²⁺ ion, 280 ppb (1.3 mM) for Cr₂O₇^2- and 47.7 ppb (0.411 mM) for CrO₄^2- anions. The quenching constants (K_sv) for Cu²⁺, Cr₂O₇^2-, CrO₄^2- was found to be 1.1x10⁵, 3.9x10³, and 6.7x10³ respectively. The covalently bonded benzotriazole moiety with the UiO-66 framework not only produces an emission peak at 491 nm but also act as an intrinsic binding site for both cations and anions. The nature of the coordinative interaction between the analytes and the UiO-66-NH-BT has also been elaborated with the help of ICP and FTIR. This chemosensor also demonstrated a regenerative property without the loss in performance for five consecutive cycles.

Biography:

        Georges Kfoury is a biomedical engineering PhD Candidate working in the Biomimetics Engineering Laboratory (BEL) in the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. He acquired his Masters of Engineering degree from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) Lebanon, working on the quantification of multinuclear multivoxel MRS metabolites using a wavelet method. He recently published his first article in Advanced Biosystems volume 4, issue 7 “Alginate Sulfate Substrates Control Growth Factor Binding and Growth of Primary Neurons: Toward Engineered 3D Neural Networks” which is the subject of his presentation. His design was accepted for the inside front cover of the same journal’s issue. He is currently working on a tissue engineered solution for knee osteoarthritis.

Abstract:

Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) are vital molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the nervous system known to regulate proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neurons mainly through binding relevant growth factors. Alginate sulfate (AlgSulf) mimics sGAGs and binds growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). Here, thin films of biotinylated AlgSulf (b-AlgSulfn) are engineered with sulfation degrees (DS = 0.0 and 2.7) the effect of polysaccharide concentration on FGF-2 and nerve growth factor (β-NGF) binding and subsequent primary neural viability and neurite outgrowth is assessed. An increase in b-AlgSulfn concentration results in higher FGF-2 and β-NGF binding as demonstrated by greater frequency and dissipation shifts measured with quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Primary neurons seeded on the 2D b-AlgSulfn films maintain high viability comparable to positive controls grown on poly-d-lysine. Neurons grown in 3D AlgSulf hydrogels (DS = 0.8) exhibit a significantly higher viability, neurite numbers and mean branch length compared to neurons grown in nonsulfated controls. Finally, a first step is made toward constructing 3D neuronal networks by controllably patterning neurons encapsulated in AlgSulf into an alginate carrier. The substrates and neural networks developed in the current study can be used in basic and applied neural applications.

Biography:

Abstract:

β-Tricalcium Phosphate [β-TCP), Ca3(PO4)2] material has gained much interest in recent clinical applications, as they are mainly used to repair and replace the injured part(s) of human teeth and bones. However, Ca3(PO4)2 compound shows less stability, brittleness and bioactivity to stimulate natural bone growth in an acceptable manner; thus their clinical performance is reduced. Therefore, in the present study, we have replaced Ca element of Ca3(PO4)2 compound with Mg, Zn and Sr elements to obtain Mg3(PO4)2 (Magnesium Phosphate), Zn3(PO4)2 (Zinc Phosphate) and Sr3(PO4)2 (Strontium Phosphate), to use in bone and dental applications referring to their similar chemical composition to the natural bones and teeth. To achieve this, the electronic, cohesive energy, geometry optimization, thermodynamic and optical properties of X3(PO4)2 (X = Ca, Mg, Zn, Sr) compounds are theoretically investigated using full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FP-LAPW) within the generalized gradient approximations (GGA) under DFT framework. Additionally, HF, MP2, MP4, TD-DFT and several DFT calculations are performed along with different basis set. The calculations of basis set superposition error (BSSE) are performed to get more accurate cohesive energy values of the considered materials. The cohesive energy calculations reveal that X3(PO4)2 (X= Mg, Zn, Sr) compounds are more stable based on their larger negative cohesive energy values compared to Ca3(PO4)2 compound. The obtained results are quite promising for increasing the quality of these materials and provide more evidence to synthesize/fabricate novel biomaterials for medical and dental applications.

Biography:

Yabo Fu, Ph.D, Main research directions: 1. Electromagnetic modification of copper, aluminum, titanium and its alloys and research and development of solid waste recycling; 2.2. Study on high strength and toughness titanium alloy and graphene aluminum;3. Research and application of high-strength and high-elasticity ti-copper, high-strength and high-conductivity chrome-zirconium copper, nano-alumina dispersion strengthened copper and high-strength and high-corrosion resistant white copper instead of beryllium bronze;4. Purification and homogenization technology of high-strength wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant aluminum bronze.More than 27 academic papers have been published, including 19 papers included by SCI/EI and 6 authorized invention patents. The textbook practical course of nondestructive testing was published in June 2018.

Abstract:

cu/Al2O3 ceramic clad composites are widely used in electronic packaging and electrical contacts. However, the conductivity and strength of the interfacial layer are not fit for the demands. So CeO2 nanoparticles 24.3 nm in size, coated on Al2O3 ceramic, promote a novel CeO2–Cu2O–Cu system to improve the interfacial bonded strength. Results show that the atom content of O is increased to approximately 30% with the addition of CeO2 nanoparticles compared with the atom content without CeO2 in the interfacial layer of Cu/Al2O3 ceramic clad composites. CeO2 nanoparticles coated on the surface of Al2O3 ceramics can easily diffuse into the metallic Cu layer. CeO2 nanoparticles can accelerate to form the eutectic liquid of Cu2O–Cu as they have strong functions of storing and releasing O at an Ar pressure of 0.12 MPa. The addition of CeO2 nanoparticles is beneficial for promoting the bonded strength of the Cu/Al2O3 ceramic clad composites. The bonded strength of the interface coated with nanoparticles of CeO2 is increased to 20.8% compared with that without CeO2; moreover, the electric conductivity on the side of metallic Cu is 95% IACS. The study is of great significance for improving properties of Cu/Al2O3 ceramic clad composites.