Accumulation of heavy metals in different environmental compartments and their toxicity even at trace level concentration necessitates the study of their efficient removal. Furthermore, metals could co-exist in the environment which is a complex scenario as there would be competition among the metals in terms of removal efficiency. This study presents the effective removal of trace level toxic metals (Hg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+) in both single and ternary metal solutions through adsorption on the successfully synthesized composite (SC) of pinewood-derived biochar (BC) and graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials. Moreover, different linear regression tools (Gaussian Process (GP), Random Forest (RF), and Feed Forward Back Propagation (FFBP)) from the machine learning (ML) toolbox were used to make the comparison between actual and their predicted adsorption. The structural and morphological analysis of the SC showed that GO was successfully coated on the surface of the BC. GO coating increased the surface area, porosity, functional groups, and adsorption efficiency of these toxic metals on the SC as compared to the unmodified BC. The factors affecting adsorption efficiency were metal concentration, pH, and the ratio of BC and GO in the SC. The adsorption efficiency in single metal solution was found 94-98% for Hg2+, 92-94% for Cd2+, and 96-99% for Pb2+ and for ternary metal solutions 94-96% for Hg2+, 95-97% for Cd2+, and 97-99% for Pb2+ at pH 6 and SC with BC/GO (w/w) ratio as 1:10. However, for unmodified BC, the adsorption efficiency was less in both single and ternary solutions. Thus, results indicate that modification of BC with GO increases adsorption efficiency as compared to unmodified BC. Furthermore, for all three metals, Freundlich's adsorption isotherm was followed in both single and ternary solutions. Regeneration of the SC was also attained by adsorbate desorption, producing a competent and cost-effective adsorbent for the removal of toxic metals from our environment. Furthermore, from the ML toolbox mean squared error (MSE) values between the actual efficiency and predicted efficiency were calculated which was negligible in the case of GP, with regression coefficient (R2) equal to 1. This implied that GP was the most suitable linear regression model among other models (RF, FFBP) for the available data sets. These predicted values through different ML models could significantly reduce the experimental workload for various parameters in predicting the removal efficiency of the synthesized composite for the target toxic metals. Thus, these models help in reducing experimental time and predicting the most appropriate combination for the best result in the future.

PLA nanofibers were successively produced by thermo-responsive transformation of PLA particles in water. The morphological structure of the nanofibers could be optimized by the heat treatment as well as the incorporation of GO to the fiber surface. PLA/GO fiber demonstrated a more stable morphology and GO provided good compatibility between PLA and starch. Both PLA and PLA/GO fibers incorporated in starch films resulted in increased thermal stability and mechanical properties. However, the most favorable properties were assigned starch films containing high concentration of PLA/GO fibers. These films with completely green components could possibly be utilized in biodegradable packaging applications.

Functional nucleic acids (FNAs), which include both DNA/RNA aptamers and DNA enzymes, have emerged as promising biological recognition elements for biosensors. These species typically require immobilization on or within a solid support, which is usually interfaced to some kind of signal transducer and readout system when use in biosensor. Our group has successfully immobilized several functional nucleic acids in the past, including fluorescence-signalling DNA enzymes, DNA aptamers and RNA aptamers by entrapping them into porous silica or organosilica materials prepared by the sol-gel method using percursors such as sodium silicate (SS), diglyceryl silane (DGS), tetrametylorthosilicate (TMOS) and trimethoxymethysilane (MTMS). While the earlier work established the ability of entrapped FNAs to retain binding and catalytic activity, only limited information was obtained on how different factors affect the performance of immobilized FNAs, and no information was obtained on the effects of aging and storage conditions on FNA performance. The initial objective of this thesis was to employ advanced fluorescence methods to better understand the nature of immobilized DNA and RNA aptamers, and in particular how entrapment in different sol-gel based materials affected FNA performance for detection of small molecule analytes. It was found that the ability of the entrapped aptamer reporters to remain fully hybridized was the most important factor in terms of signalling capability for both DNA and RNA aptamer reporters. It was also observed that more polar materials derived from SS were optimal for both types of aptamer reporters, since these allowed the entrapped aptamers to remain hydridized to their complementary strands and still retain the dynamic motion needed to undergo structure switching, while providing a minimum degree of leaching. The second objective of my research was to develop a paper-based biosensing device incorporating immobilized DNA and RNA aptamers that could be used in the fields of point-of-care diagnostics to further expand the utility of structure-switching aptamer reporters to real world application. A dual response (fluorescence / colorimetric) paper-based sensor utilized printed graphene oxide to immobilize both a RNA and a DNA aptamer in a recognition zone. Upon target addition, the aptamer desorbed and eluted to an amplification zone where rolling circle amplification was used to generate a colorimetric output. This sensor could function with clinical samples such as serum and stool, and allowed detection of key bacterial markers (ATP and glutamate dehydrogenase) at clinically relevant levels. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This thesis presents a universal transfer printing method to introduce a thin layer of interlayer nanoparticle material in the cathode-organic layer interface in organic device. The use of reverse micelles for making nanoparticles restricts the nanoparticles to be directly synthesized on the organic active layer , therefore a transfer printing method using graphene was derived and a characterization method was needed to detect the transfer of nanoparticles in the whole device system. Raman spectroscopy was found to be the best candidate in studying these organic systems. The oxidation behavior and interaction of CVD graphene on Cu with oxygen plasma and mild annealing was monitored closely by a detailed Raman trilogy studies. Raman results also show evidence of graphene oxide successfully transferred to the target organic layer. Raman spectroscopy was further explored to understand all material in the transferred system including the micelles, type of nanoparticles and the organic layer, which then provides valuable insights to the evolution of the different phases of nanoparticle material formed by the reverse micelles technique. Raman was also used to confirm the first-reported formation of the hot-topic perovskites materials in reverse micelles. An extended Raman technique, the unconventional inverted-TERS, was used to detect a monolayer of micelles which was otherwise impossible for a normal Raman setting. The underlying mechanisms of this technique with high-resolution were also proposed. In order to understand and explore the tunability of reverse micelles on nanoparticle synthesis, a study with the pervovskite material was performed. There were evidence of precursors interacting with the pyridine group in the micelles core, which affects nanoparticle formation. The size of nanoparticles is also found to be tunable by using micelles of different block lengths and different solvents. All these findings contribute to future optimization on the nanoparticles to be transfer printed into devices interlayer and ultimately to benefit on the improvement on organic photovoltaics. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Failure to monitor the quality of drinking water can have devastating consequences. The development and implementation of sensing technology can be a crucial aspect of water quality control strategies. Chemiresistive sensors can be installed at any point of the distribution system and can provide real-time data on the levels of different water quality parameters. These sensors work by detecting changes in the conducting properties of a transducing element, induced by interactions with the analyte. Nanocarbon films have attracted interest as possible transducing materials because of their similarities to graphene, a two-dimensional material known for its exceptional electron transport properties. This thesis explores the fabrication and sensing performance of few layer graphene (FLG) and graphene-like carbon (GLC) films. The FLG sensors were used to detect copper ions in water, while the GLC sensors were used to monitor the concentration of free chlorine. The films were functionalized to improve selectivity and showed noticeable changes in their conducting properties as a result of charge transfer between them and the analyte. These changes were quantified by probing the sensors with a constant voltage and they were found to be dependent on the concentration of the analyte over a wide dynamic range. Overall, the work presented in this thesis suggests that, by tuning the selectivity of the films, nanocarbon based chemiresistive sensors can be a universal solution to water quality monitoring. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Elastic constants of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and single-layer graphene sheets (SLGSs) are determined by studying their free vibration characteristics using molecular mechanics (MM) simulations with the MM3 potential and finding their equivalent continuum structures (ECSs). The computational framework has been validated by comparing the presently computed basal plane stiffness and frequencies of radial breathing modes (RBMs) with those available in the literature. We have considered armchair, zigzag and chiral SWCNTs of aspect ratios (length/ diameter in the unloaded relaxed configuration) ranging from 2 to 15. The wall thickness of ECSs of SWCNTs is determined by applying continuum theories, viz., beam, shell and 3D-linear elasticity to ECSs and equating their frequencies with those of SWCNTs obtained from the MM simulations. An expression for the wall thickness of an ECS of a SWCNT in terms of its chiral indices is deduced. The wall thickness of an ECS of a SWCNT is found to increase with an increase in its radius and to saturate at 1.37 Ã for the radius exceeding 15 Ã . Poisson's ratio for zigzag SWCNTs decreses with an increase in the tube radius, but that for armchair SWCNTs exhibits the opposite trend. For the same radius, Poisson's ratio of a chiral SWCNT is slightly more than that for an armchair tube but a little less than that for a zigzag tube. For zigzag SWCNTs, frequencies of inextensional modes of vibration saturate with an increase in the circumferential wave number but those of their ECSs do not. The MM simulations of uniaxial tensile deformations of SLGSs of aspect ratios (length/width) ~ 10 give the basal plane stiffness of ~ 340 N/m. The MM simulations of free vibrations of clamped SLGSs and the analysis of vibrations of their ECSs with a continuum theory gives a wall thickness of ~ 1 Ã for a SLGS. / Ph. D.

Large-scale optoelectronic integration is limited by the lack of efficient light sources and broadband photodetectors, which could be integrated with the silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Persistent efforts continue to achieve efficient light emission as well as broadband photodetection from silicon in extending the silicon technology into fully integrated optoelectronic circuits. Recent breakthroughs, including the demonstration of high-speed optical modulators, photodetectors, and waveguides in silicon, have brought the concept of transition from electrical to optical interconnects closer to realization. The on-chip light sources based on silicon are still a key challenge due to the indirect bandgap of silicon that impedes coherent light sources. To overcome this issue, we have studied, fabricated, and characterized nanostructures including single semiconductor epilayers, multiple quantum wells, and graphene-semiconductor heterostructures to develop coherent light sources and photodetectors in silicon. To develop coherent light sources, we reported the demonstration of room-temperature lasing at the technologically crucial 1.5 m wavelength range from Er-doped GaN epilayers and Er-doped GaN multiple-quantum wells grown on silicon and sapphire. The realization of room-temperature lasing at the minimum loss window of optical fiber and in the eye-safe wavelength region of 1.5 m is highly sought-after for use in many applications in various fields including defense, industrial processing, communication, medicine, spectroscopy and imaging. The results laid the foundation for achieving hybrid GaN-Si lasers providing a new pathway towards full photonic integration for silicon optoelectronics. Silicon photodiodes contribute a large portion in the photodetector market. However, silicon photodetectors are sensitive in the UV to near infrared region. Photodetection in the mid-infrared is based on thermal radiation detectors, narrow bandgap materials (InGaAs, HgCdTe) semiconductors, photo-ionization of shallow impurities in semiconductors (Si:As, Ge:Ga), and quantum well structures. Such technology requires complicated fabrication processes or cryogenic operation, resulting in manufacturing costs and severe integration issues. To develop broadband photodetectors, we focus on graphene photodetectors on silicon. Graphene generates photocarriers by absorbing photons in a broadband spectrum from the deep-ultraviolet to the terahertz region. Graphene can be realized as the next generation broadband photodetection material, especially in the infrared to terahertz region. Here, we have demonstrated high-performance hybrid photodetectors operating from the deep-ultraviolet to the mid-infrared region with high sensitivity and ultrafast response by coupling graphene with a p-type semiconductor photosensitizer, nitrogen-doped Ta2O5 thin film. / Doctor of Philosophy / According to Moor's law, the number of transistors per die area doubles every 18 months with no increase in power consumption, which means that digital devices including smart phones and computers will become significantly faster and more energy-efficient than those of the previous generation. Photons (light) travel with the highest speed permitted by the known law of physics. The idea of optical interconnects, using photons instead of electrons, enables faster data transfer. Two important elements of the integrated circuits (ICs) based on photons are the coherent light source (laser) and the photodetector. We investigated the optical properties of erbium doped gallium nitride epilayers and multiple quantum wells grown on silicon and sapphire and demonstrated lasing from these materials at 1.5 µm. We also fabricated and characterized graphene photodetectors that can detect the light from the deep ultraviolet to the mid-infrared region. The results provided a new pathway towards full photonic integration for silicon optoelectronics. Besides, they are the heart of many important applications ranging from gas sensing, aerospace sensors and systems, thermal imaging, biomedical imaging, infrared spectroscopy, and lidar-to-optical telecommunications.

En esta Tesis Doctoral, las heterouniones de grafeno con otros materiales 2D y nanopartículas metálicas, incluyendo (N)grafeno/h-BN, grafeno/MoS2 y grafeno depositado Fe/Co, se sintetizaron en base al uso de polisacáridos naturales como precursors de grafeno. Estos materials se caracterizaron usando diversos métodos analíticos y se ensayaron para determinar el acoplamiento C-N oxidativo de las amidas, la hidrogenación de CO2 o la aplicación catalítica fotoeléctrica y física. En la primera etapa de la tesis, se estudió la influencia de la temperatura y la presencia de H2 durante la pirólisis en la calidad del grafeno. Se observó que una disminución significativa en la densidad de defectos relacionados con la presencia de oxígeno residual se puede lograr cuando el producto se preparó a la temperatura óptima (1100 oC) bajo un bajo porcentaje de H2 (5%). Esta mejora en la calidad del grafeno defectuoso resultante se reflejó en una disminución de la resistencia eléctrica y una mayor actividad fotoeléctrica. En el caso de las heteroestructuras de grafeno dopadas con N/h-BN, se ha revelado que se produjeron capas de segregación espontánea (N)grafeno y nitruro de boro durante la pirólisis. Aunque las heteroestructuras resultantes no mostraron una mejora en la conductividad, el material podría comportarse como un condensador que almacena carga en el rango de voltajes positivos. El grafeno/MoS2 se preparó por pirólisis de ácido algínico que contenía (NH4)2MoS4 adsorbido. Las nanopartículas de MoS2 exhibieron una orientación preferencial en la cara 002, como resultado del efecto de plantilla de las capas de grafeno. Este material exhibió actividad para la reacción de evolución H2, aunque se ha observado alguna variación de la actividad electrocatalítica de un lote a otro. También se prepararon Fe, Co NP o aleaciones Fe-Co incrustadas en matriz carbonosa por pirólisis de polvos de quitosano que contenían iones Fe2+ y Co2+ a 900 oC en atmósfera de Ar y se usaron para el acoplamiento oxidativo de C-N de amidas y compuestos aromáticos de N-H. Se observó que la adición secuencial de dos alícuotas de hidroperóxido de terc-butilo (TBHP) en un exceso de N,N-dimetilacetamida (DMA) como disolvente proporcionaba el correspondiente producto de acoplamiento en altos rendimientos, y el catalizador más eficiente era FeNP@C con alta reutilización y un amplio alcance. Finalmente, las perlas de matriz de carbono grafítico que contienen Fe, Co NPs o aleaciones de Fe-Co se sintetizaron secuencialmente mediante pirólisis en una etapa a 900 oC de perlas de quitosano que tenían acetatos de hierro y cobalto adsorbidos. La mejor muestra, Fe-Co aleación/G (Fe/Co alrededor de 0.4), mostró alta actividad para la hidrogenación de CO2 a isobutano con una selectividad superior al 92% y una conversión de CO2 de aproximadamente el 87%. / In this Doctoral Thesis, the heterojunctions of graphenes with other 2D materials and metal nanoparticles, including (N)graphene/h-BN, graphene/MoS2 and Fe/Co deposited graphene, were synthesized based on using natural polysaccharides as graphene precursors. These materials were characterized using various analytical methods and were tested for oxidative C-N coupling of amides, CO2 hydrogenation or physical and photoelectric catalytic application. In the first stage of the thesis, the influence of temperature and the presence of H2 during pyrolysis on the quality of graphene was studied. It was observed that a significant decrease in the density of defects related to the presence of residual oxygen can be achieved when the produce was performed at the optimal temperature (1100 oC) under a low percentage of H2 (5%). This improvement in the quality of the resulting defective graphene was reflected in a decrease in the electrical resistance and increased photoelectric activity. In the case of N-doped graphene/h-BN heterostructures, it has been revealed that a spontaneous segregation (N)graphene and boron nitride layers took place during the pyrolysis. Although the resulting heterostructures did not show an improvement in the conductivity, the material could behavior as capacitor storing charge in the range of positive voltages. Graphene/MoS2 was prepared by pyrolysis of alginic acid containing adsorbed (NH4)2MoS4. The MoS2 nanoparticles exhibited a preferential 002 facet orientation, as a result of the template effect of graphene layers. This material exhibited activity for H2 evolution reaction, although some variation of the electrocatalytic activity has been observed from batch to batch. Fe, Co NPs or Fe-Co alloys embedded in carbonaceous matrix were also prepared by pyrolysis of chitosan powders containing Fe2+ and Co2+ ions at 900 oC under Ar atmosphere and used for the oxidative C-N coupling of amides and aromatic N-H compounds. It was observed that sequential addition of two aliquots of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) in an excess of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) as solvent afforded the corresponding coupling product in high yields, and the most efficient catalyst was FeNP@C with high reusability and a wide scope. Finally, beads of graphitic carbon matrix containing Fe, Co NPs or Fe-Co alloys were sequentially synthesized by one-step pyrolysis at 900 oC of chitosan beads having adsorbed iron and cobalt acetates. The best sample, Fe-Co alloy/G (Fe/Co about 0.4), showed high activity for the hydrogenation of CO2 to isobutane with a selectivity higher than 92 % and a CO2 conversion about 87%. / En esta Tesi Doctoral, les heterounions de grafeno amb altres materials 2D i nanopartícules metàl·liques, incloent (N)grafé/h-BN, grafé/MoS2 i grafé depositat Fe/Co, es van sintetitzar basant-se en l'ús de polisacàrids naturals com precursors de grafé. Estos materials es van caracteritzar usant diversos mètodes analítics i es van assajar per a determinar l'adaptament C-N oxidatiu de les amides, la hidrogenació de CO2 o l'aplicació catalítica fotoelèctrica i física. En la primera etapa de la tesi, es va estudiar la influència de la temperatura i la presència de H2 durant la piròlisi en la qualitat del grafé. Es va observar que una disminució significativa en la densitat de defectes relacionats amb la presència d'oxigen residual es pot aconseguir quan el producte es va preparar a la temperatura òptima (1100 oC) davall un baix percentatge de H2 (5%) . Esta millora en la qualitat del grafé defectuós resultant es va reflectir en una disminució de la resistència elèctrica i una major activitat fotoelèctrica. En el cas de les heteroestructures de grafé dopades amb N/h-BN, s'ha revelat que es van produir capes de segregació espontània (N)grafé i nitrur de bor durant la piròlisi. Encara que les heteroestructures resultants no van mostrar una millora en la conductivitat, el material podria comportar-se com un condensador que emmagatzema càrrega en el rang de voltatges positius. El grafé/MoS2 es va preparar per piròlisi d'àcid algínic que contenia (NH4)2MoS4 adsorbit. Les nanopartícules de MoS2 van exhibir una orientació preferencial en la cara 002, com resultat de l'efecte de plantilla de les capes de grafé. Este material va exhibir activitat per a la reacció d'evolució H2, encara que s'ha observat alguna variació de l'activitat electrocatalítica d'un lot a un altre. També es van preparar Fe, Co NP o aliatges Fe-Co incrustades en matriu carbonosa per piròlisi de pols de quitosano que contenien ions Fe2+ i Co2+ a 900 oC en atmosfera d'Ar i es van usar per a l'acoblament oxidatiu de C-N d'amides i compostos aromàtics de NH. Es va observar que l'addició seqüencial de dos alíquotes de hidroperóxid de terc-butil (TBHP) en un excés de N,N-dimetilacetamida (DMA) com a dissolvent proporcionava el corresponent producte d'acoblament en alts rendiments, i el catalitzador més eficient era FeNP@C amb alta reutilització i un ampli abast. Finalment, les perles de matriu de carboni grafític que contenen Fe, Co NPs o aliatges de Fe-Co es van sintetitzar seqüencialment per mitjà de piròlisi en una etapa a 900 oC de perles de quitosano que tenien acetats de ferro i cobalt adsorbits. La millor mostra, Fe-Co aliatge/G (Fe/Co al voltant de 0.4), va mostrar alta activitat per a la hidrogenació de CO2 a isobutà amb una selectivitat superior al 92% i una conversió de CO2 d'aproximadament el 87%. / He, J. (2018). Heterojunctions of defective graphenes with 2D materials and metal nanoplatelets: preparation and catalytic applications [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/111923

Graphene is widely considered to be a promising candidate for a new generation of electronics, but there are many outstanding fundamental issues that need to be addressed before this promise can be realized. This thesis focuses on the production and properties of graphene grown epitaxially on the carbon terminated face (C-face) of hexagonal silicon carbide leading to the construction of a novel graphene transistor structure. C-face epitaxial graphene multilayers are unique due to their rotational stacking that causes the individual layers to be electronically decoupled from each other. Well-formed C-face epitaxial graphene single layers have exceptionally high mobilities (exceeding 10,000 cm ²/Vs), which are significantly greater than those of Si-face graphene monolayers. This thesis investigates the growth and properties of C-face single layer graphene. A field effect transistor based on single layer graphene was fabricated and characterized for the first time. Aluminum oxide or boron nitride was used for the gate dielectric. Additionally, an all graphene/SiC Schottky barrier transistor on the C-face of SiC composed of 2DEG in SiC/Si₂O ₃ interface and multilayer graphene contacts was demonstrated. A multiple growth scheme was adopted to achieve this unique structure.

In this dissertation, I present that at a vacuum of 3×10-7 Torr, residual O2, CO2, H2 and Ar exposure do not significantly degrade the field emission (FE) properties of ZnO nanorods, but N2 exposure significantly does. I propose that this could be due to the dissociation of N2 into atomic nitrogen species and the reaction of such species with ZnO. I also present the effects of O2, CO2, H2O, N2, H2, and Ar residual gas exposure on the FE properties of GaN and ZnS nanostructure. A brief review of growth of ZnO, GaN and ZnS is provided. In addition, Cs deposition on GaN nanostructures at ultra-high vacuum results in 30% decrease in turn-on voltage and 60% in work function. The improvement in FE properties could be due to a Cs-induced space-charge layer at the surface that reduces the barrier for FE and lowers the work function. I describe a new phenomenon, in which the resistivity of CVD-grown graphene increases to a higher saturated value under light exposure, and depends on the wavelength of the light—the shorter the wavelength, the higher the resistivity. First-principle calculations and theoretical analysis based on density functional theory show that (1) a water molecule close to a graphene defect is easier to be split than that of the case of no defect existing and (2) there are a series of meta-stable partially disassociated states for an interfacial water molecule. Calculated disassociation energies are from 2.5 eV to 4.6 eV, that match the experimental observation range of light wavelength from visible to 254 nm UV light under which the resistivity of CVD-grown graphene is increased.