Research Article
Effects of Electrolyte Concentrations and Annealing on Some Surface Characteristics of Optimised Electrochemical Deposited Tin-(II)-Sulphide (SnS) Thin Films
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
27-36
Received:
10 March 2026
Accepted:
23 March 2026
Published:
7 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.am.20261502.11
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Abstract: This study set out to address the issue of having cost effective and environmental benign material as absorber layer of thin film solar cells. Thus, the study reported the results of some surface characterization of optimized two-electrode electrochemical deposited Tin-(II)-Sulphide (SnS) thin films. The films were prepared from analytical grade chemical salts of tin (II) tetraoxosulphate (VI) [SnSO4] and sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate [Na2S2O3.5H2O]. They were deposited on ITO coated glass. Some samples were annealed in a Carbonite cylindrical tube furnace at 350°C for one (1) hour under an inert argon atmosphere. The samples (as-deposited and annealed) were then characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for structural analysis while surface morphology was determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The data obtained were analyzed using Origin version 2018 to obtain diffraction patterns and three dimension (3D) interactive surface plots of the micrographs were performed using ImageJ software. The results reveal that two-electrode electrochemical deposition technique is a suitable technique for depositing optimum SnS for photon absorption and that, both electrolyte concentration and annealing have positive influence on the structure and morphology of the film. The film intensity, crystallinity and phase purification increase with electrolyte concentration while annealing enhance the grain size and surface uniformity of the films. Thus, it was recommended that, the SnS thin films for photovoltaic application should be prepared from optimum electrolyte concentration using two-electrode electrochemical deposition method and annealed at 350°C in inert environment for the fabrication of thin film solar cells.
Abstract: This study set out to address the issue of having cost effective and environmental benign material as absorber layer of thin film solar cells. Thus, the study reported the results of some surface characterization of optimized two-electrode electrochemical deposited Tin-(II)-Sulphide (SnS) thin films. The films were prepared from analytical grade ch...
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Research Article
Mechanical, Durability, and Thermal Performance of Cow Hair–Reinforced Plaster of Paris Ceiling Tiles for Sustainable Building Applications
Ibrahim Abdulrazaq Olayinka*
,
Ajibade Ololade,
John Wasiu,
Igbadumhe Oshioke Anthony
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
37-49
Received:
30 January 2026
Accepted:
19 March 2026
Published:
10 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.am.20261502.12
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Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials has intensified research into the utilization of natural waste fibres as alternatives to conventional reinforcements. This study investigates the feasibility of using cow hair, an abundant agricultural waste material, as a reinforcing fibre in Plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling tiles. Cow hair fibres were collected locally, chemically treated using alkaline solution to enhance fibre–matrix bonding, and incorporated into POP composites. Jute fibre–reinforced POP tiles were used as control specimens for comparison. The fabricated ceiling tiles were evaluated for physical, mechanical, durability, and thermal properties, including density, flexural strength, friability, water absorption, and thermal mass loss. Experimental results revealed that cow hair–reinforced tiles exhibited reduced density, indicating lighter composites suitable for ceiling applications. Flexural strength and toughness were improved due to effective crack-bridging and stress redistribution provided by the keratin-based fibres. The cow hair–reinforced tiles also demonstrated acceptable friability, lower water absorption, and superior thermal stability compared to the control samples. Statistical regression and correlation analyses showed a strong linear relationship between applied load and deflection, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 99.83%, confirming reliable mechanical performance. Overall, the findings indicate that cow hair can effectively replace conventional plant fibres in POP ceiling tiles, offering a cost-effective, lightweight, and environmentally sustainable solution for interior building applications.
Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials has intensified research into the utilization of natural waste fibres as alternatives to conventional reinforcements. This study investigates the feasibility of using cow hair, an abundant agricultural waste material, as a reinforcing fibre in Plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling ...
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Research Article
Inclusion Complexation of 4-methoxybenzoic Acid: Cyclodextrin at Different pH and Synthesis of Silver:
4-methoxybenzoic Acid: Cyclodextrin Nanomaterials
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
50-61
Received:
11 March 2026
Accepted:
23 March 2026
Published:
10 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.am.20261502.13
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Abstract: The inclusion behavior of 4-methoxybenzoic acid (4MBA) with α-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin in buffer solutions of pH ~3, ~7, and ~11 was examined using UV-visible, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, along with PM3 computational analysis. Ag: 4MBA: CD nanomaterials were synthesized and characterized by SEM, DSC, FTIR, XRD, and ¹H NMR techniques. Because 4MBA predominantly exists as a carboxylate anion in pH ~7 medium, the spectra of its neutral and monoanion forms were also recorded at pH ~3 and pH ~11, respectively. In both cyclodextrin solutions, smooth emission profiles were obtained at pH ~3, while structured emission bands appeared at pH ~7 and pH ~11, with greater band structure observed in alkaline medium. The CD-induced spectral changes at different pH values indicate that the geometries of the resulting inclusion complexes vary across media. Since the carboxylate group is ionized, ground-state dimer is not formed, however, excimer formed in the excited state. Lifetime measurements reveal that the β-CD: 4MBA complex is more stable than the α-CD counterpart. The calculated HOMO-LUMO energy gap, total energy, free energy, enthalpy, entropy, dipole moment, and zero-point vibrational energy of the CD: 2AP complex differed significantly from those of the isolated 4MBA, α-CD and β-CD molecules, and both the vertical and horizontal bond lengths between the amino and hydroxy groups are smaller than the β-CD cavity size confirming the formation of an inclusion complex. SEM-EDX analysis confirms the presence of silver in the composite. FTIR, XRD, and NMR results collectively suggest strong interactions between 4MBA and the silver nanoparticles.
Abstract: The inclusion behavior of 4-methoxybenzoic acid (4MBA) with α-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin in buffer solutions of pH ~3, ~7, and ~11 was examined using UV-visible, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, along with PM3 computational analysis. Ag: 4MBA: CD nanomaterials were synthesized and characterized by SEM, DSC, FTIR, XRD, ...
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