Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology最新文献

{"title":"Impact of Ni and Nd/Mn ion co-doping at A/B sites on the structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of bismuth ferrite nanoceramics","authors":"B. Dhanalakshmi,&nbsp;A. S. Madhusudanacharyulu,&nbsp;J. Suresh,&nbsp;Ch. Komala Lakshmi,&nbsp;T. Sravani,&nbsp;P. V. S. S. S. N. Reddy,&nbsp;R. Niranjani Divya","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06738-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06738-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Nickel/neodymium and manganese co-doped nano-crystalline bismuth ferrite powders, with chemical formulae BiFeO₃, Bi_0.9Ni_0.1Fe_0.9Mn_0.1O₃ (Ni/Mn-BFO) and Bi_0.9Nd_0.1Fe_0.9Mn_0.1O₃ (Nd/Mn-BFO), were synthesized using the wet chemical sol-gel autocombustion technique. XRD and FTIR measurements on calcined powders revealed the production of a perovskite phase with rhombohedrally deformed structures. Particle sizes were found to be in the range of 56 to 62 nm for all synthesized samples. SEM and EDAX measurements were performed on the sintered specimens to determine their microstructural and elemental analysis. The Nd/Mn-BFO sample showed a decrease in grain size (0.63 ± 0.04 µm) in comparison to the Ni/Mn-BFO sample (1.26 ± 0.04 µm). SEM revealed that the microstructures have uniformly connected grains with distinct grain boundaries. Dielectric experiments revealed the presence of space charge polarization with respect to frequency and temperature with low dielectric losses especially in the Ni/Mn-BFO co-doped sample. Room temperature magnetic studies on the samples reveal that Nd/Mn-BFO shows substantial improvement in saturation magnetization (4.973 emu/g) comparing to Ni/Mn-BFO (2.638 emu/g) and BFO (0.2586 emu/g). This value is relatively high compared to previously reported results with Ni/Nd-Mn doping in BFO, suggesting that these co-doped materials are suitable for the fabrication of memories, magnetic based sensors, spintronic, and actuators at high frequencies.</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":"114 3","pages":"778 - 788"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tailoring the physical properties of ultrasonically spray pyrolyzed SnS thin films with silver doping","authors":"Ibrahim Gunes,&nbsp;Emrah Sarica,&nbsp;Vildan Bilgin,&nbsp;Ayse Kucukarslan","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06739-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06739-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, the effects of silver (Ag) doping on the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of tin monosulfide (SnS) thin films were investigated. The films, undoped and doped with 3%, 6%, and 9% Ag, were deposited using the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) technique at a substrate temperature of 350 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed a <i>π</i>-SnS (cubic) structure with (400) preferred orientation for undoped and ≤ 6% Ag-doped films, while 9% doping induced amorphization due to severe lattice distortions. Morphological analyses revealed smooth, void-free surfaces, with average roughness increasing from 5.8 nm (undoped) to 19.6 nm (9% doping). Optical measurements showed that the band gap widened from 1.84 eV (undoped) to 2.47 eV (9% Ag-doped), and Urbach energy increased from 190 meV to 600 meV. Hall effect measurements confirmed p-type conductivity for all films. Resistivity ranged from 4.34 × 10⁵ Ωcm to 9.48 × 10⁵ Ωcm, carrier concentration varied between 2.7 × 10¹² cm^-3 and 5.6 × 10¹² cm^-3, while mobility decreased from 3.3 × 10¹ cm²/Vs to 2.0 × 10¹ cm²/Vs with increasing Ag doping. These findings demonstrate that Ag doping significantly influences the structural and optoelectronic behavior of SnS thin films, making them promising candidates for thin-film solar cells and optoelectronic applications.</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":"114 3","pages":"762 - 777"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-025-06739-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091123","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":"Chromium-based itaconic acid-functionalized MOF: a microcarrier for sustained drug release, synergistic antibacterial effect with metronidazole, and enhanced infection control","authors":"Sachin Kumar,&nbsp;Maridula Thakur,&nbsp;Shalima Kumari,&nbsp;Sohini Sharma,&nbsp;Shamsher Singh Kanwar,&nbsp; Neha,&nbsp;Sushila Devi","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06729-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06729-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study presents the investigation of, previously synthesized and characterized by our group, Cr-IA MOF (IA = Itaconic acid; MOF = metal-organic framework) as a drug carrier for targeted delivery and its antibacterial properties. Biocompatibility was assessed through cytotoxicity testing, while the drug loading and controlled release abilities were evaluated in vitro. Stability of the complex towards corrosion was assessed while colloidal stability was studied in water and PBS (Phosphate buffered saline) media and evaluated by DLS study. FTIR and DLS confirmed the successful encapsulation of drugs within the MOF structure. Cr-IA MOF demonstrated high drug-loading capacities, with 72.6 mg/g for ibuprofen, 21.9 mg/g for amoxicillin, and 33 mg/g for metronidazole, with sustained release over 72 h. Release studies showed near-complete release of amoxicillin, while metronidazole exhibited 82% release during the same period. Notably, the Cr-IA MOF, when loaded with metronidazole, exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect, significantly enhancing its efficacy against pathogenic bacteria compared to the drug alone. These results underscore the potential of Cr-IA MOF as promising microcarrier for drug loading and release applications, especially in the context of controlled release and enhanced antibacterial performance. The findings emphasize the potential of Cr-IA MOF as a versatile microcarrier for controlled drug release and improved antibacterial performance, particularly with the synergistic effect observed in the combination of Cr-IA MOF and metronidazole.</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":"114 3","pages":"742 - 761"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144090958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Facile synthesis of Cu, Ag, and Ni ultrafine nanoparticles supported on 3D hydrogel beads for the rapid reduction of 4-nitrophenol","authors":"Shuaikang Yao,&nbsp;Jingkun Zhao,&nbsp;Guolin Shao,&nbsp;Siyu Gao,&nbsp;Shangru Zhai,&nbsp;Zuoyi Xiao,&nbsp;Feng Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06714-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06714-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The development of a catalyst with high catalytic activity and selectivity remains a crucial challenge in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. In this work, we demonstrated a versatile procedure for the immobilization of ultrafine and monodispersed metal nanoparticles onto glutaraldehyde-crosslinked polyethyleneimine-modified calcium alginate (GLA-PEI/Ca-SA) beads. The resulting hydrogel beads underwent comprehensive characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that well-dispersed Ag, Cu, and Ni nanoparticles, with a mean size of 3.5, 2.6, and 4.1 nm, respectively, were successfully loaded onto the surface of GLA-PEI/Ca-SA beads with porous fiber network structure. Notably, the Ag/GLA-PEI/Ca-SA exhibited outstanding catalytic activity and stability, achieving over 95% conversion within 7 successive cycles towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) by NaBH₄ in aqueous solution. Particularly, the Cu/GLA-PEI/Ca-SA beads displayed the highest catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-NP with a kinetic reaction rate constant of 1.56 × 10⁻² s⁻¹. We expect that this work will provide a novel and effective strategy to design highly efficient catalysts across various catalytic reactions.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div><div><p>Ultrafine and monodispersed Ag nanoparticles within 5 nm on GLA-PEI/Ca-SA beads with high catalytic activity for rapid 4-NP reduction.</p></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"115 3","pages":"1318 - 1329"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144927035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High photovoltaic performances of a p-CuO/n-Si heterojunction prepared by a simple fabrication method","authors":"Ahmed Kotbi,&nbsp;Michael Lejeune,&nbsp;Pierre Barroy,&nbsp;Ilham Hamdi Alaoui,&nbsp;Andreas Zeinert,&nbsp;Mustapha Jouiad","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06699-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06699-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This work investigates the photovoltaic performance of a p-CuO/n-Si solar cell using the solar cell capacitance simulator-one dimension (SCAPS-1D) software. The input parameters for the simulation, including the band gap energy and absorption coefficient, were experimentally determined for the CuO absorber layer synthesized via the dip-coating method. The presence of the polycrystalline CuO phase was confirmed through comprehensive structural and analytical characterization. The CuO layer exhibited an optical band gap energy of 1.5 eV and a high optical absorption coefficient of ~8 × 10⁴cm⁻¹, demonstrating its suitability for high-efficiency solar cell applications. Simulations of the p-CuO/n-Si heterojunction solar cell revealed an open-circuit voltage of 789 mV, a short-circuit current density of 27.9 mA/cm², a fill factor of 58%, and an overall power conversion efficiency of 12.98%, outperforming previously reported values in the literature. Furthermore, the effect of the CuO layer’s thickness and band gap energy on solar cell’s key performance metrics was systematically analyzed. The results indicate that optimizing the CuO layer thickness within the range of 0.2–0.5 µm and tailoring the band gap energy within 1.3–1.7 eV range can significantly enhance the solar cell’s photovoltaic performance.</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":"114 3","pages":"718 - 730"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ammonium fluoride-catalyzed sol‒gel route for curcumin encapsulation: potential application for pH sensor development","authors":"Paula C. Kazmirczak,&nbsp;Matheus C. Cichero,&nbsp;João Henrique Z. dos Santos","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06721-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06721-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Curcumin has potential application as a colorimetric sensor and can be used to monitor the freshness of foods; however, some of its physicochemical properties, such as its solubility and stability, limit its use. In the present work, a natural curcumin extract was incorporated into organic‒inorganic hybrid silica matrices produced by the sol-gel method using ammonium fluoride as the main catalyst. Curcumin was encapsulated in the presence of a series of organosilanes (methytriethoxysilane, octyltriethoxysilane, octadecyltrimethoxysilane and 3-(aminopropyltriethoxysilane); this resulted in a set of hybrid silicas that were characterized by a series of complementary analytical techniques. The immobilization of the compounds in a solid matrix could cause a shift in the maximum absorption bands in the ultraviolet‒visible region due to the interactions between the organic molecules and the solid support. When curcumin was incorporated into silica, a small disturbance in the percentage of cyclic siloxane arrangements was observed. Nitrogen porosimetry demonstrated that the pore structures remained similar to those of the respective matrices; however, significant variation was observed in the porosities of these materials, and the specific areas varied between 211.1 m²g⁻¹ and 551.2 m²g⁻¹. The incorporation of curcumin into different silica matrices improved the performance of the sensors for ammonia detection by up to 3.5 times greater than that obtained by the free compound.</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":"114 3","pages":"731 - 741"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hybrid silica aerogels from bridged silicon alkoxides: ultralow thermal conductivity for low-temperature applications","authors":"A. M. Abebe,&nbsp;M. Biesuz,&nbsp;C. Vakifahmetoglu,&nbsp;M. Cassetta,&nbsp;G. D. Sorarù","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06724-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06724-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Hybrid silica aerogels are promising materials for thermal insulation applications. Highly porous aerogels were synthesized from bridged bis(triethoxysilyl)methane BTEM and triethoxysilane TREOS silicon alkoxides via the sol‒gel process. The carbon content in the hybrid aerogels decreased with increasing amounts of TREOS. Crack-free monolith aerogels were synthesized through supercritical drying, which is crucial for thermal and optical investigations. The aerogels are characterized by high BET surface areas ranging from 700 to 1400 m²/g, pore volumes between 2.0 and 10.5 cm³/g, and a maximum porosity of 95%. The thermal conductivity of the aerogels at room temperature was measured via a hot disk apparatus. The materials exhibited ultralow thermal conductivity, reaching a minimum value of 15 mW/mK. This value ranks among the lowest reported values for silica-based aerogels in the literature. Optical transmittance measurements indicated high transparency, exceeding 80% in the visible region. Therefore, these exceptional properties of low density, high optical transparency, and low thermal conductivity make these materials promising candidates for transparent insulation applications.</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":"114 3","pages":"1117 - 1126"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-025-06724-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091141","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":"Excellent photocatalytic activity of ZnO-NiO heterojunction thin film in the sunlight range with enhanced of UV photodetection behavior","authors":"Meriem Gasmi,&nbsp;Abdelkader Djelloul,&nbsp;Sabrina Iaiche,&nbsp;Khemissi Lahouel,&nbsp;Nilgun Baydogan","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06728-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06728-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Herein, we investigated the photocatalytic activity and photoresponse of pristine ZnO and NiO, as well as ZnO-NiO heterojunction grown by the sol-gel dip-coating method on glass substrates. The obtained samples were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. Structural, optical, and morphological studies have demonstrated the presence of two phases of zinc and nickel oxides. The photocatalytic activity of the coatings was evaluated by methylene blue (MB) degradation under natural sunlight illumination for 150 min. The p-n ZnO-NiO heterojunction enhanced the degradation rates, exhibiting superior photocatalytic activity by degrading 96.73% in 150 min compared to pristine ZnO (74.56%), and pristine NiO (42.83%). Furthermore, the thin film demonstrated higher stability, reusability, and recoverability after five cyclic tests, rendering it suitable for wastewater purification. Based on the sensitivity, responsivity, and detectivity of the ZnO-NiO heterojunction sample to light, exposure to UV light irradiates the photocatalysts to generate electrons and holes, thus inducing a photocurrent.</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":"114 3","pages":"699 - 717"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lowering the combustion temperature of organic components in organosiloxane gels by an incorporation of copper ions","authors":"Naonobu Oura,&nbsp;Arisa Fukatsu,&nbsp;Kenji Okada,&nbsp;Kazutaka Kamitani,&nbsp;Masahide Takahashi","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06718-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06718-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The sol-gel method enables glass fabrication at significantly lower temperatures than conventional methods such as the melt-quenching processes. However, heat treatment at high temperatures is still required to remove organic residues and densify the structure. Lowering the combustion temperatures of gels derived by the sol-gel method can provide not only industrial benefits but also environmental ones. In the present work, we investigated the catalytic effect of Cu compounds on lowering the combustion temperature of organic residues, thereby facilitating the removal of organic residues at reduced temperatures. Specifically, the role of Cu²⁺ as a catalyst for the decomposition of organic groups within siloxane structures was focused. Methylsiloxane, which contains methyl groups attached to the siloxane side chain, was used as a model compound to quantitatively evaluate the catalytic effect of Cu²⁺ in lowering the combustion temperature of methyl groups. Methylsiloxane powders were synthesized via the sol-gel method, and Cu²⁺-doped methylsiloxane powders were prepared by incorporating copper sources such as Cu(NO₃)₂ or others into the precursor solution. Thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed that the Si-CH₃ bonds in the Cu-doped powders underwent combustion and decomposition at significantly lower temperatures compared to those in undoped methylsiloxane powders. These findings demonstrate that Cu can effectively catalyze the low-temperature combustion of organic components. The present finding has the potential to enable silica glass fabrication at lower temperatures than previously achievable, thereby reducing energy consumption. Additionally, it offers promising opportunities for expanding the applicability of glass materials to new domains.</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":"114 3","pages":"691 - 698"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural, optical, and dielectric properties of copper-doped ZnO nanorods prepared by modified sol-gel process","authors":"Zaineb Hammami,&nbsp;Aymen Selmi,&nbsp;Alaa Eddine Maayoufi,&nbsp;Tariq Altalhi,&nbsp;Soufiane Touil,&nbsp;Amine Mezni","doi":"10.1007/s10971-025-06717-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-025-06717-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In the current research work, Copper doped ZnO (Zn_1-xCu_xO) nanorods photocatalyst was established using a simple modified sol-gel protocol. The shape of the nanomaterial was found to be crucial for both optical response and photocatalytic activity. However, the nanorods present a 2D direction which exalts the intrinsic properties of the photocatalyst. Triethyleneglycol (TREG) was used as a solvent which is believed to be the responsible parameter that leads to preparing Cu/ZnO with this important shape. The photocatalyst after that was characterized in terms of structure, microstructure and optical absorption. The optical behavior of Cu/ZnO photocatalyst was more studied by dielectric conductivity and impedance investigation. The XRD measurements reveal the formation of ZnO wurtzite structures. Electronic microscopy images confirm the formation of the desired nanorods with nanometric size. The photodegradation activity of the Cu/ZnO photocatalyst exhibits high performance compared to pristine ZnO. The mechanism of this behavior was discussed and improved compared to previous works.</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":"114 3","pages":"669 - 678"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}