Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology最新文献

{"title":"Synthesis and characterization of corrosion-resistant hydrophobic Ca-Zn nanocomposite coatings on SAE 1020 steels","authors":"Waseem Khan,&nbsp;Abdul Rauf Jamali,&nbsp;Muhammad Sajid Ali Asghar,&nbsp;Sikander Azam","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07197-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07197-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The present research focuses on preparation and characterization of calcium-oxide nanoparticles (CaO-NPs) using eggshell waste. Moreover, an electro-deposited calcium-zinc nanocomposite coating was applied to a steel substrate (SAE-1020), thereby creating a high-performance hydrophobic coating on the steel surface to mitigate corrosion. In the current research, the steel substrate was submerged in an electro-deposition bath and connected to a power source, with varying coating time intervals from 10 to 40 min to control the coating characteristics. The dried eggshell, Ca (OH)₂ gel, CaO-NPs, steel substrate and coated samples were characterized using OES, XRF, TGA, UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, XRD, coating adhesion, surface wetting and corrosion testing. The OES results confirm the steel grade as SAE-1020. The FT-IR confirmed the presence of required hydrocarbon groups for CaO-NPs. The UV-Vis and XRD peaks were used to verify the successful formation of CaO-NPs. Moreover, XRD peaks revealed the presence of CaZn₁₃, Ca₅Zn₃ and CaZn₃ compounds in the coated samples. Moreover, a coating duration of 40 min resulted in improved properties, including a hydrophobic contact angle of 132°, an adhesion strength of 46 N, and a reduced corrosion rate of 0.0248 mmpy. Similarly, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that ED-40 exhibited the highest corrosion resistance, showing the largest Nyquist semicircle and the greatest Rc and Rct values. Immersion testing further supported this, as the ED-40 sample maintained the lowest and most stable pH over 14 days, indicating minimal corrosion, which was attributed to the presence of CaZn₃ and CaZn₁₃ compounds.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07197-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148465538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Defect-engineered birnessite MnO₂ via photothermal biogenic synthesis for solar dye mineralization","authors":"G. Kavitha,&nbsp;Moganesh Govindhan","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07208-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07208-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The rational design of defect-rich transition-metal oxides through sustainable synthesis remains a significant challenge in photocatalysis. A photothermal-assisted biogenic strategy was employed for defect engineering of birnessite-type MnO₂ nanoparticles, utilizing bamboo leaf (BL) extract as a dual-functioning phytochemical reductant and stabilizing agent. The photothermal process, driven by localized photon-to-heat conversion, accelerated Mn²⁺ oxidation and promoted defect formation, yielding MnO₂ nanocrystals with an average crystallite size of ~11 nm and expanded interlayer spacing (0.85 nm). Nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis revealed a mesoporous architecture with a pore size distribution centered at ~3.1 nm, a DFT-mode pore width of 4.7 nm, and a total pore volume of 0.00885 cc g⁻¹. The defect-rich structure exhibited high oxygen-vacancy density and surface-bound organic residues, collectively narrowing the optical band gap to ~1.87 eV and enhancing visible-light absorption and charge separation efficiency. Under natural sunlight, the optimized BL–MnO₂ achieved 90% degradation of methylene blue within 40 min (k = 0.0507 min⁻¹), following pseudo-first-order kinetics. Reactive species trapping experiments identified superoxide radicals (O₂•⁻) as the dominant oxidative species, with minor contributions from •OH and h⁺. The photocatalyst retained &gt;87% efficiency after five consecutive cycles, demonstrating excellent stability. This study establishes a green photothermal route for defect engineering in MnO₂, providing mechanistic insight into the synergistic coupling of biogenic chemistry and photothermal activation for solar-driven wastewater remediation applications.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07208-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148465539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HF-free dissolution of gold-doped silica aerogels: role of structural modification in sol–gel-derived porous networks","authors":"Hagit Sela,&nbsp;Ilan Metodi,&nbsp;Eyal Elish,&nbsp;Guy Lazovski,&nbsp;Adira H. Marcus,&nbsp;Galit Bar,&nbsp;Arnon A. Rubinshtein","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07212-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07212-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A HF-free strategy for the controlled dissolution and quantitative determination of Si and Au in gold-doped silica aerogels was developed. The approach is based on a sequential dissolution procedure involving (i) acetone-induced structural modification of the aerogel network, (ii) alkaline dissolution of the silica matrix, and (iii) subsequent acidic dissolution of Au using aqua regia. The results demonstrate that acetone pretreatment significantly enhances dissolution efficiency by improving the structural accessibility of the highly porous silica network, enabling quantitative dissolution and recovery of Si and Au under the applied conditions. Matrix-matched calibration was applied to compensate for matrix effects associated with alkaline dissolution, allowing reliable quantification of both elements by ICP-OES. Limits of quantification of 0.06 wt.% for Si and 0.02 wt.% for Au were achieved under the optimized conditions. These findings provide a practical HF-free analytical procedure for the characterization of gold-doped silica aerogels under the studied conditions and highlight the importance of sample pretreatment in achieving quantitative dissolution.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07212-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148380653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sol–gel synthesis of oxide perovskites: a framework for precursor chemistry, defect engineering, and structure–property relationships","authors":"A. M. Al-Syadi,&nbsp;Ramzi Dhahri,&nbsp;M. K. M. Ali,&nbsp;Hasan B. Albargi,&nbsp;Elkenany Brens Elkenany,&nbsp;Giovanni Neri","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07211-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07211-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Oxide perovskites are a versatile class of functional materials whose electrical, dielectric, magnetic, and catalytic properties are strongly governed by synthesis pathways and defect chemistry. Among available fabrication methods, sol–gel processing provides distinct advantages, including molecular-level mixing, precise compositional control, and reduced crystallization temperatures. However, despite several recent reviews on perovskite materials and their applications, a unified synthesis–structure–property framework specifically addressing how sol–gel precursor chemistry, gelation mechanisms, defect engineering, and thermal processing collectively govern the structural evolution and functional performance of oxide perovskites remains lacking. In this review, a unified framework for sol–gel synthesis of oxide perovskites is established by classifying processing strategies based on precursor chemistry and gelation mechanisms, including alkoxide-based, citrate/Pechini, and non-alkoxide routes. The relationships between synthesis parameters and key structural features such as cation distribution, lattice distortion, grain size, and phase purity are critically analyzed. Emphasis is placed on oxygen vacancy formation and control, highlighting their central role in tuning electrical and catalytic properties. Furthermore, sol–gel-derived perovskites are systematically compared with materials prepared by conventional solid-state methods to clarify differences in homogeneity, defect distribution, and microstructural control. Functional applications in dielectric devices, catalysis, energy systems, and magnetic materials are discussed within a consistent synthesis–structure–property framework rather than as isolated case studies. Finally, emerging directions in sustainable sol–gel processing, including the use of low-toxicity precursors and energy-efficient routes, are evaluated alongside current challenges related to scalability and reproducibility. This review provides a coherent conceptual basis for understanding and optimizing sol–gel processing in oxide perovskites, offering guidance for the rational design of advanced functional materials.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07211-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148380652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrothermal preparation and characterization of Cd-doped ZnS photocatalyst for efficient dye wastewater degradation","authors":"Chengrui Xiong,&nbsp;Tao Xiong,&nbsp;Yi Zhou,&nbsp;Qi Feng,&nbsp;Chenglun Liu,&nbsp;Longjun Xu","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07199-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07199-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Cadmium (Cd)-doped ZnS photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal strategy to enhance visible-light responsiveness and photocatalytic degradation efficiency toward organic dyes. An optimal Cd/Zn molar ratio of 7.5% (denoted as 7.5-CZS) markedly improved photocatalytic activity, achieving a Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation efficiency of 97% under visible-light irradiation, compared with only 44% for pristine ZnS. Similarly, 7.5-CZS exhibited excellent degradation performance toward methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG), with removal efficiencies of 98% and 97%, respectively. Structural and morphological analyses revealed that Cd incorporation suppressed particle agglomeration, induced a porous surface architecture, reduced crystallite size, and significantly increased the specific surface area. Optical characterization demonstrated a pronounced bandgap narrowing from 3.19 eV (ZnS) to 2.56 eV (7.5-CZS), accompanied by substantially quenched photoluminescence intensity, indicating inhibited recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. Moreover, 7.5-CZS maintained 84% RhB degradation efficiency after four successive cycles, confirming good photocatalytic stability. Reactive species trapping experiments identified superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) as the dominant active species responsible for dye degradation. Overall, this study demonstrates that Cd doping is an effective approach to activating ZnS under visible light, and the optimized Cd-doped ZnS photocatalyst shows strong potential for efficient degradation of refractory organic pollutants in wastewater treatment applications.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07199-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148380897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic enhancement of structural and electrical properties in Co3O4-reinforced PVA/HPMC/CMC bio-nanocomposites for advanced dielectric applications","authors":"Ohood Albeydani,&nbsp;Faisal Katib Alanazi,&nbsp;Doaa Abdelhameed,&nbsp;Kheir S. Albarkaty,&nbsp;Ghaleb M. Asnag,&nbsp;Mohamed A. Morsi,&nbsp;Sadiq H. Khoreem,&nbsp;Salah E. El-Zohary","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07209-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07209-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Sustainable, high-performance nanocomposite electrolytes are pivotal for solid-state energy-storage devices. In this work, an eco-friendly nanocomposite based on a poly(vinyl alcohol)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/HPMC/CMC) ternary blend reinforced with Co₃O₄ nanoparticles is developed via a solution casting method. Co₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized using a starch-assisted sol–gel route. XRD analysis showed the crystallinity to decrease from 33.9 to 19.5% which indicated the presence of larger amorphous regions favorable for ionic transport. FTIR spectra indicate strong interaction between polymer and filler. TEM analysis indicates well dispersed nanoparticles of nearly spherical shape with average size of 25.09 nm enhancing interface contact. The optical analysis via Tauc shows a narrowing of the band gap with increasing Co₃O₄ loading (0.0–2.4 wt.%): the direct gap reduces from 5.35 to 4.72 eV, while the indirect gap reduces from 4.63 to 3.63 eV. Dielectric and electrical measurements reveal significant improvement at 2.4 wt.% Co₃O₄, including the maximum dielectric permittivity, the maximum AC conductivity and the decrease of bulk resistance from 1.40 × 10⁸ Ω to 1.34 × 10⁶ Ω. Phase Bode analysis confirmed enhanced ionic conduction, reduced polarization, and faster charge-transfer dynamics, consistent with impedance spectroscopy results. Furthermore, the relaxation in frequency domain is faster, and the characteristic time decreases from τ ≈ 3.65 × 10⁻⁵ s to τ ≈ 2.48 × 10⁻⁶ s. The synergistic improvements are ascribed to nanoparticle-induced amorphization, interfacial polarization and charge carrier activation. Collectively, PVA/HPMC/CMC–Co₃O₄ nanocomposites emerge as promising electrolytes for next-generation solid-state capacitors.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07209-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148381013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hierarchically structured porous silica xerogels: influence of mesoporosity on thermal conductivity and mechanical strength","authors":"Kai Müller,&nbsp;Dirk Enke","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07140-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07140-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of porous materials are critically influenced by their internal architecture. Beyond the total porosity, the hierarchical arrangement of pore sizes governs whether heat transfer is dominated by continuum conduction or Knudsen effects, and whether the solid network can efficiently carry mechanical loads. Despite this recognized importance, the specific contribution of mesopores within a macroporous scaffold has remained unclear. In this study, we systematically investigate the role of a secondary mesopore system in hierarchically structured silica xerogels. By combining controlled sol-gel synthesis with polymer-induced phase separation and subsequent calcination, we generate bimodal monoliths with tailored mesopore volumes and structurally comparable macroporous frameworks. Selective reduction of mesopores at 950 °C yields macropore-dominated reference samples, enabling direct assessment of mesoporosity effects. Morphological analysis confirms that mesopore reduction leads to densification within the silica struts, accompanied by moderate macropore shrinkage but preservation of the overall network geometry. Thermal conductivity measurements reveal a pronounced decrease of up to 53% with the addition of mesopore volume, attributed to enhanced Knudsen scattering. In contrast, compressive strength correlates positively with bulk density and inversely with mesoporosity, indicating a trade-off between insulation performance and mechanical stability. A power-law relationship between strength and density is observed, modulated by pore hierarchy. These findings demonstrate that mesoporosity is a powerful yet nuanced design parameter in silica-based monoliths, enabling functional tuning of heat transport and structural integrity. The insights presented here provide a quantitative foundation for the targeted design of advanced thermal insulation materials with application-specific property profiles.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07140-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148381014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive charge transport and interface-state analysis of Au/Al2O3/n-Si Schottky diodes via multi-technique electrical characterization","authors":"Naki KAYA,&nbsp;Ayten Seçkin,&nbsp;Pınar Oruç","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07210-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07210-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, an Al₂O₃ interfacial layer was fabricated on n-type Si substrates via a sol–gel route and integrated into Au/ Al₂O₃/n-Si/Al Schottky diodes. The structural, morphological, and electrical properties of the Al₂O₃ thin film and their influence on charge transport and interface-state dynamics were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the coexistence of dominant α- Al₂O₃ and transition alumina phases, indicating partial phase transformation and structural disorder. FE-SEM and EDS confirmed a uniform, dense morphology with homogeneous elemental distribution; however, combined with XRD results, these findings suggest nanoscale inhomogeneities, including phase boundaries and crystallographic defects. Electrical characterization was performed using <i>I</i>–<i>V</i>, <i>C</i>–<i>V</i>, and <i>G</i>–<i>V</i> measurements. The diode exhibited strong rectification with a barrier height of ≈0.85 eV and an ideality factor of ≈2.30, indicating non-ideal transport dominated by interface states and the Al₂O₃ interfacial layer. Charge transport behavior evolves from ohmic-like conduction to SCLC-like and trap-influenced transport regimes. Under reverse bias, the low-field transport behavior is found to be more consistent with Schottky-emission-like conduction, while trap-assisted processes become increasingly significant at higher electric fields. The interface state density (<i>N</i>_<i>ss</i>), evaluated using Hill–Coleman and high–low frequency methods, was on the order of 10¹²eV⁻¹cm⁻² with strong energy and frequency dependence. Frequency-dependent C^-2–V analysis showed that donor concentration, barrier height, and depletion width are influenced by interface states and interfacial polarization. Overall, the structural and electrical results reveal a physically consistent qualitative relationship between sol–gel-derived microstructural features and the observed non-ideal device characteristics.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07210-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148381015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magnetically recoverable AgFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV light","authors":"Hakan Kızıltaş,&nbsp;Derya Birhan,&nbsp;Taner Tekin,&nbsp;Derya Tekin","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07204-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07204-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study aims to synthesize magnetically recoverable AgFe₂O₄/TiO₂ nanocomposites and evaluate their photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation. The nanocomposites were prepared via a combined sol–gel and solvothermal route and characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, UV–Vis DRS, PL, XPS, and VSM analyses. XRD confirmed the coexistence of anatase TiO₂ (≈10 nm) and spinel AgFe₂O₄ (≈17 nm). SEM and TEM images revealed quasi-spherical particles (25–42 nm) with uniform dispersion. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance analysis showed a red-shifted absorption edge and a reduced band gap (2.40 eV) compared with pristine TiO₂ (3.2 eV). Photoluminescence spectra exhibited significant emission quenching, indicating suppressed electron–hole recombination due to the heterojunction structure. XPS analysis confirmed the presence of Ag⁰/Ag⁺, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, and Ti⁴⁺ species, suggesting effective interfacial charge transfer. Magnetic measurements revealed a saturation magnetization of 19 emu g⁻¹, demonstrating magnetic recoverability of the composite. Photocatalytic experiments showed negligible dye adsorption in the dark, while approximately 85% of MB was degraded within 120 min under UV irradiation. Kinetic analysis indicated that the degradation process follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. Radical scavenger experiments identified photogenerated holes (h⁺) and superoxide radicals (•O₂^⁻) as the dominant reactive species responsible for dye degradation. In addition, the photocatalyst retained more than 80% of its activity after ten reuse cycles, confirming its stability and reusability. These results demonstrate that the AgFe₂O₄/TiO₂ nanocomposite is an efficient, magnetically separable, and reusable photocatalyst with promising potential for wastewater treatment applications.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07204-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148281584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tailoring photocatalytic performance of ZnTiO3 via Gd and Pr doping: a multi-scale structural and optical study","authors":"M. Aynul Rifaya,&nbsp;V. Vijayalakshmi,&nbsp;A. Siddharth,&nbsp;A. Arulraj,&nbsp;R. V. Mangalaraja","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07203-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07203-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>ZnTiO₃ nanoparticles were synthesized and modified with Gd and Pr dopants to enhance their photocatalytic activity. Rietveld refinement of XRD data verified a hexagonal ZnTiO₃ structure for all samples, along with a reduction in crystallite size from 30 nm for the undoped material to 24 nm for the co-doped sample due to lattice strain induced by rare-earth incorporation. UV–Vis studies showed a red shift in the absorption edge, with the optical bandgap decreasing from 2.39 eV to 2.18 eV, indicating improved light utilization. FESEM analysis revealed finer particle distribution and increased surface roughness upon doping. Photocatalytic evaluation using methylene blue degradation under UV light demonstrated that efficiency improved from 60% for pure ZnTiO₃ to 89% for Gd@Pr@ZnTiO₃. The performance enhancement is attributed to better charge separation, higher defect density, and a greater number of active sites created by co-doping. These findings confirm that rare-earth modification is a promising strategy for developing efficient ZnTiO₃-based photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07203-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148281585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}