Silicon最新文献

{"title":"Two-Temperature Thermoelastic Wave Propagation in a Double-Porosity Semiconductor Using the DPL Model with Initial Hydrostatic Stress","authors":"Imed Kedim,&nbsp;Taoufik Moulahi,&nbsp;Ramdan. S. Tantawi,&nbsp;E. S. Elidy","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03726-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03726-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the propagation of thermoelastic waves in a double-porosity semiconducting medium under hydrostatic initial stress using the Lord–Shulman generalized thermoelasticity model combined with the two-temperature theory and the dual-phase-lag heat conduction law. The coupled effects of thermal, elastic, and porous properties are analyzed to explore wave dispersion, attenuation, and phase velocities. Governing equations are formulated using the two-temperature thermoelasticity theory and DPL model, incorporating dual porosity for enhanced microstructural interactions. Analytical solutions are derived to examine the influence of hydrostatic stress, two-temperature parameters, and phase lags on wave propagation characteristics. Numerical simulations illustrate the dynamic response, highlighting the role of porosity and semiconducting properties in modulating thermoelastic waves. The results provide insights into the behavior of advanced materials under thermomechanical loads, with potential applications in geomechanics, semiconductor devices, and porous material engineering.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3771 - 3791"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spark Plasma Sintering of TaC and TaC-SiC Composites: Densification, Microstructure and Electrical Discharge Machinability","authors":"Smita Pandey,&nbsp;Chodisetti Surya Prakasarao,&nbsp;B. Venkata Manoj Kumar","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03751-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03751-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The present study deals with the effect of silicon carbide (SiC) reinforcement on the densification, microstructure, mechanical properties, and electrical discharge machinability of TaC ceramics processed via spark plasma sintering. Two-stage sintering with an optimum sintering temperature of 1900 °C was used to achieve a relative density of ~ 97% for monolithic TaC ceramics, whereas a relative density of &gt; 98% was obtained for TaC—(20 to 65 vol%) SiC powder mixtures with single-stage sintering at 1800 °C. Besides facilitating densification, SiC addition restricted the growth of TaC grains. The hardness of TaC-SiC composites increased with an increase in SiC content, whereas fracture toughness increased beyond 50 vol% SiC addition. Wire-electrical discharge machining (EDM) revealed that TaC–35 vol% SiC composite offered the best combination of machinability (material removal rate of 11.8 mg/min) and surface finish (surface roughness of 1.58 µm). These results highlight the potential of TaC–SiC composites for fabricating critical end, complex-shaped components for advanced strategic structural applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3755 - 3769"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of High-κ and Novel Gate Oxides on FinFET Performance: A Multi-Parameter Modeling Approach","authors":"Vivek Rai,&nbsp;Ravi Ranjan Kumar,&nbsp;Kanjalochan Jena,&nbsp;Deepak Punetha","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03754-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03754-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Aggressive CMOS scaling requires advanced architectures and optimized dielectrics to suppress short-channel effects while limiting leakage. This work employs an integrated methodology combining analytical models with 3D finite-element simulations to benchmark SiO₂, high-κ HfO₂ and ZrO₂, and graphene oxide (GO) in FinFETs. Results reveal that conventional SiO₂ offers weak electrostatic control, with a subthreshold swing (<i>SS</i>) of 67.6 mV/dec, threshold voltage degradation over 60% under DIBL, and limited transconductance of 454.97 μS at 20 nm. In contrast, high-κ dielectrics demonstrate significant advantages. HfO₂ achieves an on-current of 1.642 mA and the highest <i>g</i>_<i>m</i>, making it highly suited for performance-driven applications. ZrO₂ exhibits exceptional leakage suppression with an <i>I</i>_<i>on</i><i>/I</i>_<i>off</i> ratio of 3.22 × 10¹³, while maintaining <i>SS</i> ≈ 60.5 mV/dec and strong threshold stability, positioning it as the best choice for ultra-low-power systems. GO shows moderate improvements over SiO₂ but underperforms compared to high-κ oxides. The analytical framework captures velocity saturation and DIBL, while simulations highlight oxide-capacitance-driven scaling. Collectively, the findings establish a clear materials roadmap: ZrO₂ for energy-efficient low-leakage FinFETs, HfO₂ for high-performance computing, and GO as a transitional alternative. This study demonstrates the critical role of dielectric engineering in enabling energy-efficient and scalable FinFET nodes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3733 - 3744"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental Study on Electrochemical Discharge Machining of Zirconia Ceramics Assisted by Internal Fluid Supply with Multi-channel Tube Electrode","authors":"Pan Zhang,&nbsp;Linglei Kong,&nbsp;Yulong Ren,&nbsp;Weining Lei,&nbsp;Jinjin Han,&nbsp;Yafeng He","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03757-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03757-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In the process of Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM), the timely renewal and supplement of the inter-electrode electrolyte play a crucial role in ensuring a stable discharge machining process. For this reason, this study adopts the method of internal liquid supply-assisted electrochemical discharge machining using multi-channel tube electrodes to conduct machining research on zirconia ceramic materials. A comparative analysis was carried out on the machining quality of multi-channel tube electrodes and single-channel tube electrodes under the condition of internal liquid supply assistance. The results show that under the internal liquid supply-assisted machining condition, the machining depth of the multi-channel tube electrode is increased by 16.27% compared with that of the single-channel tube electrode, and the Material Removal Rate (MRR) is increased by 14.01%. Ansys simulation software was used to simulate the flow field distribution of the internal supplied electrolyte inside the single-channel tube electrode, inside the multi-channel tube electrode, and in the inter-electrode gap, which revealed the excellent machining effect and liquid supply mechanism of the multi-channel tube electrode. Subsequently, a single-factor experiment method was used to conduct experimental research on the internal liquid supply-assisted electrochemical discharge machining of zirconia ceramics using multi-channel tube electrodes, providing a basis for parameter selection for the subsequent research on internal liquid supply-assisted ECDM of zirconia ceramics using multi-channel tube electrodes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3701 - 3717"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation of Fly-Ash-Based TS-1 Zeolite and Evaluation of Its Co-Catalytic Hydrocracking Performance on Shale Oil and Waste Tire Rubber Powder","authors":"Fei Xu,&nbsp;Changmin Tuo,&nbsp;Abulikemu Abulizi,&nbsp;Tiezhen Ren,&nbsp;Aisha Nulahong","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03738-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03738-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To address the need for high-value utilization of fly ash solid waste and clean conversion of heavy shale oil, this study proposes a novel method for preparing TS-1 zeolite using fly ash as a silicon source and, for the first time, applied this zeolite to the co-catalytic hydrocracking of shale oil and waste tire rubber powder, aiming to explore the preparation of low-cost catalysts from solid waste and their application potential in complex co-cracking systems. The study extracted <span>(text {SiO}_2)</span> via an “alkali fusion activation-hydrochloric acid leaching” method and synthesized TS-1 using a hydrothermal approach, establishing the optimal crystallization parameters as: temperature <span>(text {170}^circ text {C})</span>, time <span>(text {48 h})</span>, <span>(text {n}(text {SiO}_2):text {n}(text {TiO}_2) = 40)</span>, and <span>(text {n}(text {TPAOH}):text {n}(text {SiO}_2) = 0.4)</span>. Characterization results showed that the prepared TS-1 possesses a highly crystalline MFI topological structure, a specific surface area of <span>(text {355.8 m}^2/text {g})</span>, a pore size of <span>(text {0.83 nm})</span>, and an acid site distribution dominated by weak and medium-strong acids. In the co-catalytic hydrocracking evaluation of shale oil and waste tire rubber powder (<span>(text {3:1})</span> mass ratio) at <span>(text {385}^circ text {C})</span>, <span>(text {4.5 MPa } text {H}_2)</span>, and <span>(text {50 min})</span>, the fly-ash-based TS-1 demonstrated superior catalytic performance compared to traditional ZSM-5. It achieved the highest gasoline yield (<span>(text {65.13%})</span>), while its dry gas (<span>(text {5.12%})</span>) and coke (<span>(text {13.10%})</span>) yields were significantly lower than those of ZSM-5 (<span>(text {9.24%})</span> and <span>(text {14.66%})</span>, respectively). Furthermore, the unique pore structure and suitable acidity of TS-1 enhanced its isomerization capability, resulting in a branched alkane proportion of <span>(text {4.05%})</span> in the product. The study reveals that the moderate acidity of TS-1 effectively resolves the issues of over-cracking and coke deposition, which are common with traditional strong acid catalysts in co-cracking systems, thereby providing a new pathway for solid waste valorization and the upgrading of low-quality oils.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3687 - 3700"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Green Synthesis of Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Co-Doped Bioactive Glass for Enhancing Antibacterial Activity and In Vitro Biocompatibility","authors":"Yeabsira Sisay Mekuriya,&nbsp;Tsion Chuni Akililu,&nbsp;Kasim Sakran Abass,&nbsp;Hailemariam Gebru,&nbsp;Allah Dekama Jara,&nbsp;Fetene Fufa Bakare","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03753-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03753-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Bioactive glasses (BGs) are renowned for their osteoconductive and regenerative properties, yet their clinical utility is limited by insufficient antibacterial performance. The growing concern over bacterial infections associated with open wound bone fractures and implant failures highlights the need for multifunctional biomaterials that combine regenerative and antibacterial capabilities. Several studies have demonstrated a significant strategy to enhance the antibacterial efficacy of BGs by incorporation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using chemically synthesized methods. However, chemical synthesis methods have limitations on biocompatibility. To overcome these limitations, in this study, a green synthesis approach was utilized to enhance both the antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility of bioactive glass by incorporating silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using an eco-friendly route using neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract. This green approach avoids the production of toxic by-products, while enhancing nanoparticle stability and biocompatibility. The structural and chemical identification, morphology, and specific surface areas of the synthesized BGs were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET analysis, respectively. Results confirmed the successful incorporation of Ag and zinc oxide (ZnO) without inducing crystallinity, maintaining the amorphous glass structure. The co-doped BG3 sample exhibited the highest pore volume and specific surface area, which resulted in enhanced <i>in vitro</i> bioactivity and biodegradability. For the MTT assay biocompatibility test, results revealed that all specimens exceeded the minimum required (70%) viability threshold. Antibacterial activity evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli via the disc diffusion method demonstrated that the co-doped sample at 2 wt% Ag and 2 wt% ZnO exhibited the highest antibacterial activity and <i>in vitro</i> bioactivity. Finally, the results confirmed that the Ag and ZnO co-doped BGs exhibited a significantly larger zone of inhibition compared to undoped samples, indicating strong antibacterial effects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3719 - 3732"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing SiCf/SiC Composite Fabricated by PIP Process with In-situ Formed SiC Nanowires","authors":"Luke Ma,&nbsp;Weiye Xu,&nbsp;Yun Zhang,&nbsp;Xueliang Pei,&nbsp;Fangfang Ge,&nbsp;Qing Huang","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03756-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03756-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Introducing SiC nanowires into SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC_f/SiC) composites is an effective multiscale reinforcement strategy. In this study, nickel acetate tetrahydrate (Ni(Ac)₂·4H₂O) was incorporated into a liquid polycarbosilane (LPCS) and converted stepwise into metallic Ni and Ni₂Si during pyrolysis. However, transmission electron microscopy and oxidation test indicated that the resulting fibrous products were mainly carbon nanotubes (CNTs). To obtain SiC nanowires, additional nano Si was introduced into LPCS containing Ni(Ac)₂·4H₂O, with EDS and TEM confirming their successful formation. Furthermore, the introduction of nano Si yielded SiC with larger grain size compared to that derived from pure LPCS or LPCS containing Ni(Ac)₂·4H₂O. To evaluate the impact of these changes on the mechanical properties of SiC matrix composites, SiC_f/SiC composites were prepared using the impregnation-pyrolysis process with two types of LPCS as raw materials: one containing nano Si and the other containing both Ni(Ac)₂·4H₂O and nano Si. The resulting composites exhibited flexural strengths of 285 ± 32 MPa and 577 ± 52 MPa, respectively. The improved flexural strength of the latter was explained by the presence of SiC nanowires.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3745 - 3754"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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 Performance Dielectrically Modulated Germanium Source Extended Double Gate Tunnel Field Effect Transistor for Biosensing Applications","authors":"Sneha M. Joseph,&nbsp;Nameirakpam Premjit Singh,&nbsp;K. Vanlalawmpuia","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03747-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03747-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the potential of a dielectrically-modulated Germanium source-extended double gate tunnel field-effect transistor (Ge-SE DG TFET) as a highly effective biosensor for the detection of vital biomolecules, including vitamins, proteins, and amino acids. We thoroughly analyze the device’s linear characteristics, sensitivity, and selectivity, along with its analog figure of merits (FOMs). The results indicate that negatively charged biomolecules have 58% greater sensitivity (S) than neutral ones, while neutral biomolecules show 93% better selectivity (<span>(Delta S)</span>) than the negatively charged ones. Self-heating effects (SHE) at 310 K are effectively mitigated through the use of a low bandgap Germanium source and an extended source, which reduces power density and improves heat dissipation. The proposed device is benchmarked with recent reported TFET biosensors and showcases better overall performance metrics, with a transconductance (g_m) of 12 mS, a very high cut-off frequency (f_T) of 2 THz, and S of 6.95 × 10¹¹. These results highlight the Ge-SE DG TFET’s feasibility for incorporation into low-power, high-speed biosensing systems for next-generation biosensing applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3657 - 3672"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Analysis on Surface Treated Eucalyptus globulus Leaf Stem Fiber and Morindacoreia Fruit Waste Biocarbon Reinforced Vinyl Ester Composite. Evaluate: Mechanical, Fatigue, Thermal Stability, Flammability, Moisture Absorption","authors":"P. Senthil Kumar,&nbsp;R. Karuppasamy,&nbsp;R. Giri Prasad,&nbsp;L. Guganathan","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03741-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03741-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study uniquely investigates the synergistic interfacial and performance effects of surface-treated Eucalyptus globulus leaf stem fiber and Morindacoreia fruit-waste biocarbon in vinyl ester composites, enabling waste valorization and the development of environmentally durable high-performance bio-composites.The neat vinyl ester matrix exhibited the lowest performance due to its brittle nature, recording tensile strength of 57 MPa, flexural strength of 65 MPa, impact energy of 0.4 J, hardness of 78 Shore-D, wear rate of 0.0335 mm³/Nm, water absorption of 1.93%, and thermal decomposition at 231 °C. The incorporation of alkali–silane treated fiber significantly improved interfacial adhesion, leading to enhanced mechanical load sharing and reduced crack initiation. Among the treated composites, the specimen containing 3 vol% biocarbon (VMB2) demonstrated the highest mechanical and fatigue performance, with tensile strength of 143 MPa, flexural strength of 153 MPa, impact energy of 4.10 J, hardness of 87, and fatigue life of 24,805 cycles at 25% UTS, 22,896 cycles at 50% UTS, and 20,929 cycles at 75% UTS, due to uniform filler dispersion and a compact, chemically bonded interphase that directs cracks along tortuous paths and enhances energy dissipation. Meanwhile, the specimen with 5 vol% biocarbon (VMB3) exhibited superior durability-based behaviors, including lowest water absorption of 1.49%, highest thermal stability at 284 °C, and lowest flammability propagation speed of 6.2 mm/s, along with the smallest drilling-induced hole enlargement, indicating that a dense filler network restricts heat flow, moisture diffusion, surface abrasion, and delamination during machining. SEM analysis confirmed improved interfacial bonding and uniform filler dispersion in treated composites. Silane treatment significantly enhanced structural integrity and multifunctional performance. These composites show strong potential for lightweight and sustainable engineering applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3673 - 3686"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12633-026-03741-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"PEG functionalized ZnO/SiO2 Heterostructured Thin Films with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in Indigo Carmine dye Degradation","authors":"Sharda Pandey,&nbsp;Satendra Kumar Chauhan,&nbsp;Anchal Srivastava,&nbsp;R. K. Shukla","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03734-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03734-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this work, ZnO, polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized ZnO (ZnO:PEG) and PEG functionalized ZnO/SiO₂ (ZnO:PEG/SiO₂) thin films are deposited on the glass substrates, using powder spin-coating method. The hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO, ZnO:PEG, ZnO:PEG/SiO₂ (1:1) and ZnO:PEG/SiO₂ (2:1) thin films have analyzed by using X-ray diffraction technique. The crystalinity decreases with the incorporation of SiO₂ in ZnO:PEG in ZnO:PEG/SiO₂ (1:1) sample, which shows the effect of SiO₂ on the ZnO nucleation and grain growth leads to the formation of additional defects. Using X-ray peak profile analysis, we have examined the crystallite size in synthesized thin films. A size-strain plot and Williamson-Hall analysis were employed to examine the distinct effects of crystallite sizes and lattice strain on the peak broadening of the deposited thin films. The findings show a strong correlation between the crystallite size estimated from Scherrer formula, Williamson-Hall and size-strain plots. The cauliflower like surface morphology of ZnO:PEG/SiO2 (2:1) thin film has been analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), shows the smaller grains of ZnO by the incorporation of SiO₂. The EDS spectra confirms the presence of carbon, Si, O in the ZnO based thin film samples. The band gap of ZnO:PEG/SiO₂ (1:1) and ZnO:PEG/SiO₂ (2:1) samples show red shift with respect to ZnO:PEG. The synthesized thin films have been employed in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant indigo carmine (IC) dye. The highest photocatalytic IC dye degradation result was achieved to 83.9% using ZnO:PEG/SiO₂ (2:1) thin film with kinetic rate (k) 0.0233 min⁻¹ in 80 min under visible light irradiation. Additionally, the scavenger test, role of pH, type of light source and gas chromatographic studies have also been performed to know the role of active species, acidic or basic environment, effective light energy and pathways of IC dye degradation, respectively, using ZnO:PEG/SiO₂ (2:1) thin film. Results showed that minimal addition of SiO₂ and maximum presence of ZnO:PEG improves the electron–hole pairs separation efficiency and considerably enhances the photocatalytic activity of ZnO:PEG/SiO₂ (2:1) thin film under visible light exposure. Therefore, ZnO:PEG/SiO₂ (2:1) thin film is a promising material for effective and sustainable environmental applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3581 - 3611"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}