Iranian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering

---

In this study, polyaniline-graphene composites with different nano-structures are synthesized and the behaviour of the obtained composites serving as electrode materials in electrochemical capacitors is studied. The morphology, crystal structure, and thermal stability of the composites are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Electrochemical properties are characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV). According to the results, the obtained composites show different crystal structures and different thermal stabilities, and consequently different electrochemical capacities, when used as electrodes in electrochemical capacitors. A nano-fibre composite is shown to have a good degree of crystallization, 5.17% water content, 637oC degradation onset temperature, and 379 Fg-1 electrochemical capacity.

---

Up to now, lots of materials such as active carbon, iron, manganese, zirconium, and metal oxides have been widely used for removal of dyes from contaminated water. Among these, ferrite nanoparticle is an interesting magnetic material due to its moderate saturation magnetization, excellent chemical stability and mechanical hardness. Graphene, a new class of 2D carbonaceous material with atom thick layer features, has attracted much attention recently due to its high specific surface area. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has also been of great interest because of its unique properties, which are similar to those of graphene, such as specific surface area, making it an ideal candidate for dye removal. Thus far, few works have been carried out on the preparation of CoFe₂O₄-rGO composite and its applications in removal of contaminants from water. In this paper, CoFe₂O₄ reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite was fabricated using hydrothermal process. During the hydrothermal process, the reduction of graphene oxide and growth of CoFe₂O₄ simultaneously occurred on the carbon basal planes under the conditions generated in the hydrothermal system. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy contaminant and UV-Vis spectroscopy as the analytical method. The experimental results suggest that this material has great potential for treating Congo red contaminated water.

---

In this paper we have investigated the physical properties of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) thin films prepared at various substrate temperatures of 230, 260, 290, 320 and 350 ^oC using spray pyrolysis technique. We have compared these films from various viewpoints, including structural, morphological, optical, electrical and thermos-electrical properties. XRD analysis showed a phase shift from graphene oxide (GO) to RGO due to elevate the substrate temperature from 200 ^oC to higher temperatures. FESEM images of RGO thin films reveal that a stacked image of irregular and folding nanosheets, and rod-like features at temperatures below and above 290 ^oC; respectively. Optical studies showed that the layers have a relatively high absorption coefficient (∼0.8×10⁴ to 1.7×10⁴ cm⁻¹) in the visible range, with an optical band gap of 1.67–1.88 eV. The Hall effect data showed that all samples have a p-type conductivity with a hole concentration of ∼10¹⁵ cm⁻³, and sheet resistance values of about 10⁶ Ω/sq, in agreement with previous reports. The thermoelectric measurements revealed that with increasing applied temperature gradient between the two ends of the samples, the thermoelectric electromotive force (emf) of the prepared RGO thin films increases.

---

Synthesis of materials at nano scale is one of the main challenges in nanotechnology for different applications such as semiconductor, superconductors, electro-optics devices, advanced ceramics, refractories, diagnostic imaging and drug delivery. Semiconductors nanocrystals, known as “Quantum Dots”, have emerged as new generation of nanomaterials due to their unique optical, electrical and electrochemical properties, for variety of applications such as contrasts agents, fluorescent labels, localized targeted drug delivery and new generation of biosensors. Quantum dots advantages over traditional nanomaterials are due to quantum confinement effect, which bring broad absorption spectra, superior brightness and durability for different applications. The most important factor in developing nano carriers for biological applications is the toxicity, so recent researches have been focused on heavy metal-free formulations and nontoxic ceramics and polymers. So, one of the main goals in this paper is to explicate efficiencies and deficiencies of recent advances in quantum dot based formulations with the least toxicity for bioimaging, therapeutic and drug delivery applications. Another area of quantum dot’s application is the determination of dopamine (DA). Due to basic role of DA in some diseases like Parkinson and Schizophrenia, its determination is important and thus, it is desirable to develop new, simple and rapid analytical methods for the determination of DA with high selectivity and sensitivity, especially for diagnostic applications. Recently, developments in nanotechnology and preparations of semiconductors quantum dots cause open a new field in photo-electrochemical methods based on semiconductors quantum dots for determination of DA. In this review, an attempt was made to elaborate the mentioned goals of the paper in details.

---

---

The field of nanomaterial has greatly advanced in the last decade following a wider range of applications in the fields of electronics, automobiles, construction, and healthcare due to its extraordinary and ever-evolving properties. Synthesis of the nanomaterial plays a crucial role in redefining the current engineering and science field. At the same time, procuring an environment-friendly end product through eco-friendly solutions and sustainable processes is the key to many global problems. Green synthesis of nanomaterials like graphene and its derivatives involves mild reaction conditions and nontoxic precursors because it is simple, cost-effective, relatively reproducible, and often results in more stable materials. This paper primarily focuses on the green synthesis of graphene and its derivatives (graphene oxide & reduced graphene oxide) and geopolymers; a green technology for preparing graphene reinforced geopolymer composites. Various methods used globally for green synthesis of graphene and geopolymer are briefly discussed and this paper tries to integrate these two areas for a green end product. Possible applications of these green composites are also discussed to provide insights on the current growth and developments. 

---

Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is a semiconductor device which finds its many applications in the various electronic devices. In the present study GO and rGO thin sheets have been grown over Si wafers using Hummer’s and modified Hummer’s method and a comparison in the properties of the coatings have been carried out. The morphology of the sheets characterized by SEM revealed similar transparent sheet like structure for both the chemical synthesis. The diffraction pattern of GO and rGO prepared with modified Hummer’s method showed peak shift to lower diffraction angle from 9.96 ^o to 9.63 ^o and 26.4 ^o to 26.3 ^o respectively. The diffraction peaks were observed at diffraction phase of 001 and 002 crystal plane. FTIR spectra revealed presence of oxygen functional groups in GO thin sheets whereas peaks for oxygen functionalities are absent in rGO. The polarization curve indicated similar corrosion resistance of GO and rGO thin sheets grown under Hummer’s and modified Hummer’s. Capacitive property of rGO is better than GO as observed by the electrochemical analysis of GO and rGO..Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is a semiconductor device which finds its many applications in the various electronic devices. In the present study GO and rGO thin sheets have been grown over Si wafers using Hummer’s and modified Hummer’s method and a comparison in the properties of the coatings have been carried out. The morphology of the sheets characterized by SEM revealed similar transparent sheet like structure for both the chemical synthesis. The diffraction pattern of GO and rGO prepared with modified Hummer’s method showed peak shift to lower diffraction angle from 9.96 ^o to 9.63 ^o and 26.4 ^o to 26.3 ^o respectively. The diffraction peaks were observed at diffraction phase of 001 and 002 crystal plane. FTIR spectra revealed presence of oxygen functional groups in GO thin sheets whereas peaks for oxygen functionalities are absent in rGO. The polarization curve indicated similar corrosion resistance of GO and rGO thin sheets grown under Hummer’s and modified Hummer’s. Capacitive property of rGO is better than GO as observed by the electrochemical analysis of GO and rGO.

---

The graphene oxide -TiO₂ (GO-TiO₂) and pre-reduced graphene oxide -TiO₂ (rGO-TiO₂) nanocomposites were fabricated successfully by hydrothermal method. The microstructure of synthesized nanocomposites was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Moreover, galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods in three electrode system were applied to evaluate electrochemical properties. The results revealed that nanoparticles distributed more uniformly on graphene sheets, at lower concentrations of TiO₂. The rGO-TiO₂ and GO-TiO₂ nanocomposites showed 224 and 32 F/g specific capacitance at 5 mV s^-1 scan rate in 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, respectively. The pre-reduction of graphene oxide is the main reason for the better electrochemical performance of rGO-TiO₂ nanocomposite compared to GO-TiO₂ nanocomposite.

---

In this study, aluminum matrix composites reinforced with Al₂O₃ and SiC nanoparticles, and graphene nanoplatelets produced by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) were studied. The microstructural and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated by changing the amounts of the reinforcing materials. The SEM images showed that the reinforcing particles were more distributed in the grain boundary regions. According to the results, the addition of alumina and SiC to the matrix caused an increase in the composite density whereas the composite density decreased by adding graphene nanoplatelets. The highest relative density of 96.3% was obtained for the composite containing 2 wt% Al₂O₃. The presence of the reinforcing particles increased the hardness of all the samples compared to the pure aluminum (39 HV). The composite containing 1 wt.% Al₂O₃, 0.7 wt.% SiC, and 0.3 wt.% graphene showed the highest hardness of 79 HV. Moreover, the plastic deformation of the specimens decreased and the slope of the plastic region increased by adding the reinforcing particles to the matrix.

---

---

---

In this work, the addition of a combination of Graphene Oxide Nanoplatelets (GONPs) and Ground
Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) was studied as admixture in concrete. Tests on physical and mechanical
properties and chloride permeability were conducted. GGBFS was replaced with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
and it was determined that GGBFS Up to 50% by weight improves the physical and mechanical properties of
concrete. GONPs with an optimal amount of 50% by weight of GGBFS were added to the concrete and the physical
and mechanical properties of the samples were determined. It was observed that the addition of GONPs was effective
in improving the mechanical strength and physical properties of specimens. The results indicated that addition of
0.1 wt.% GO and 50 wt.% GGBFS would increase the compressive strength of the concrete sample up to 42.7%
during 28 days and 46% during 90 days compared to OPC. Concrete with a combination of 0.1 wt.% GONPs and
50 wt.% GGBFS witnessed an increase in its flexural strength up to 58.5% during 28 days and 59.2% during 90
days. The results indicated that by adding 0.1 wt.% GO and 50 wt.%, concrete chloride permeability decreased
substantially 72% for 90 day cured samples compared to OPC. GONPs as an alternative to cement up to 0.1% by
weight can accelerate the formation of C-S-H gel, thereby increasing the strength and improving the resistance of
water absorption and chloride permeability. The effects of pozolanic reaction in the concrete leading to the filling
of the pores were significant factors in the proposed curtailment mechanism

---

Considering the widespread use of aluminum composites in various industries and the emergence of nanomaterials such as graphene and boron nitrite (BN) with their unique properties, aluminum-based nanocomposite reinforced by the graphene-BN hybrid was fabricated at different percentages. For this purpose, the graphene-BN hybrid was prepared and subjected to wet milling along with the aluminum powder. The mechanical properties of the final nanocomposite which was consolidated using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method were examined. Aluminum-based composite specimens containing 1 wt.% graphene–0 wt.% BN (AGB1), 0.95 wt.% graphene–0.05 wt.% BN (AGB2), 0.90 wt.% graphene–0.1 wt.% BN (AGB3), and 0.85 wt.% graphene–0.15 wt.% BN (AGB4) were fabricated and compared with non-reinforced aluminum (AGB0). The hardness values of 48.1, 51.1, 56.2, 54.1, and 43.6 Hv were obtained for AGB0, AGB1, AGB2, AGB3, and AGB4, respectively. Additionally, tensile strengths of these specimens were 67.2, 102.1, 129.5, 123.7, and 114.7 MPa, respectively. According to the results of the hardness and tensile tests, it was revealed that the AGB2 specimen had the highest tensile strength (93% higher than AGB0 and 27% higher than AGB1) and hardness (17% higher than AGB0 and 10% higher than AGB1).

---

This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of graphene nano sheets on the structural characteristics and dry sliding wear behaviour of Al-5Cu-1Mg aluminium alloy. The optimum amount of GNPs for proper grain refining was selected as 0.5 wt.%. T6 heat treatment was applied for all specimens before wear testing. Significant improvements in wear properties were obtained with the addition of GNPs combined with T6 heat treatment. Dry sliding wear performance of the alloy was examined in normal atmospheric conditions. The experimental results showed that the T6 heat treatment considerably improved the resistance of Al-5Cu-1Mg aluminium alloy to the dry sliding wear. The results showed that dry sliding wear performance of without T6 microstructure specimens was a lower value than that of with T6 specimens.
 

---

Graphene Nanoparticles (GNPs), an upshot of nanotechnology have attracted great interest in diverse research fields including dentistry for their unique properties. Graphene Nanoparticles are cytocompatible and when combined with other compounds, they possess improved synergistic antimicrobial and anti-adherence properties against oral pathogens. The cytotoxicity of graphene in the oral setting has been reported to be very limited in the scientific literature. Current applications of graphene include reinforcing Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for the fabrication of dentures, improving properties of dental luting agents like glass ionomer cement, reinforcing restorative composites and ceramics, and improving osseointegration of titanium dental implants by coating with graphene. This paper reviews the nanoparticle ‘Graphene’ and its potential uses in the field of restorative dentistry.
 

---

In this study, an epoxy-based nanocomposite reinforced with copper oxide-graphene oxide hybrid was investigated. Initially, the hybrid powder of CuO–GO with a weight ratio of 9:1 was prepared. The hybrid filler with different weight percentages ranging from 0.1–0.5 was used to reinforce the epoxy resin. The prepared samples were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, and tensile testing. According to the XRD results and SEM images, the hybrid powder was successfully prepared, and the mechanical testing results showed an improvement in tensile strength in the composite samples. The best composite sample in terms of tensile strength was the one containing 0.3 wt% of hybrid reinforcement, which exhibited a 73% increase in strength compared to the neat resin sample.