In this paper, a very simple and cost effective dip coating method to obtain novel hybrid PVA–InZnO transparent thin films and sandwich capacitor structures for future transparent device applications.

This paper reports the antifungal properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Candida albicans ATCC 1023 through the study of growth inhibitory effects of ZnO NPs on C. albicans and the effect of the nanoparticles on the surface of C. albicans. The growth inhibitory effects of ZnO NPs (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 µg/mL) on C. albicans at 24 h were determined through the reduction in suspension turbidity and colony count. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was carried out to establish the functional groups associated with the interaction of ZnO NPs on the yeast cell wall, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis was utilised to determine the surface accumulation of ZnO NPs on the yeast cells and the consequential morphological alterations on C. albicans. The results exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) growth inhibition for all tested concentrations except for 5 µg/mL of ZnO NPs at 24 h as compared to negative control. FTIR analysis revealed the possible involvement of alcohol, amide A, methyl, alkynes, amide I and II, and phosphate groups from the yeast cell wall of C. albicans in the surface interaction with the ZnO NPs. Finally, SEM-EDX revealed a considerable accumulation of ZnO NPs on the yeast cells and consequential morphological alterations on C. albicans, including the damage of hyphae, pitting of the cell wall, invagination, and rupture of the cell membrane. The current study demonstrated that ZnO NPs possess antifungal properties against C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner, and the surface interaction of ZnO NPs on fungal cells caused alterations in cell membrane integrity that might have resulted in cell death.

New hybrid Poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA)-InTiO transparent thin film was prepared by dip-coating method. Characteristic of M-O vibrations (In-O and Ti-O) were confirmed from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the mixed phases of rutile TiO 2 and cubic In 2 O 3 were present in the hybrid film. Scanning electron microscopy images showed spherical shape mixed In 2 O 3 and TiO 2 nano particles embedded in the polymer matrix. The presence of elements such as In, Ti, and O are confirmed from energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. High transmittance (80%) and wide band gap energy (4.1 to 3.75 eV) values were observed from optical study. High dielectric constant (18 to 23) and low dielectric loss values were obtained from dielectric study. The observed amorphous nature, enhanced optical, and dielectric properties indicated that the hybrid thin film could be used as high-к layer in transparent thin film transistor and in opto-electronic device applications in near future.

No abstract

No abstract