Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): March

Physical methods for synthesizing metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are of significant importance because the resulting nanomaterials can be produced with high purity, minimal chemical bonding, and well-defined structural characteristics. In these approaches, metals are transformed from the solid state into atomic or plasma states using external energy sources such as heat, electricity, plasma, or light. The generated species are then rapidly cooled, leading to agglomeration and the formation of nanoparticles. This study focuses on the principal physical techniques employed for metal nanoparticle fabrication, including inert gas condensation, magnetron sputtering, spark discharge, and laser ablation in liquids. The fundamental physical mechanisms governing nanoparticle formation—such as vapor supersaturation, homogeneous nucleation, coagulation, agglomeration, and surface diffusion—are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the influence of key process parameters on nanoparticle properties, including particle size, shape, crystal structure, composition, and surface chemistry, is systematically examined. A comprehensive comparison of these techniques is provided, highlighting their advantages, limitations, scalability, and suitability for various applications. Finally, emerging challenges and future perspectives are addressed, including real-time process control, the synthesis of high-entropy multicomponent nanoparticles, and the implementation of green chemistry principles in large-scale nanoparticle production.

Nanofibers possess distinct traits and adaptable possible uses that can help with both creative approaches and chances for sustainable production of energy, as well as providing innovative solutions to the complicated problems of the biomedical, medicinal, and environmental surrounded. It describes the development and timelines of nanofiber technologies with different physical and chemical properties. It also discusses the different methods of production, including traditional methods of spinning and other non-electrospinning methods, like needleless spinning. Specifically, advanced nanofibers are employed as electrodes and membranes in solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. They are also utilized in low pressure procedures for the treatment and purification of blood, water, and wastewater, as well as membrane technologies for ultra-high efficiency air filtration systems.

In this study, Ni-alginate beads (Ni-ABs) were prepared to enhance their adsorption capacity for methylene blue. The adsorbent was characterized using FTIR and SEM instruments. The adsorption of Ni-ABs for methylene blue was investigated in a batch adsorption study. The adsorption conditions for Ni-ABs for methylene blue were optimized, including the pH of the methylene blue solution and contact time. The adsorption capacity of Ni-ABs for methylene blue reached 90% at pH 6 after 90 minutes of contact. The experimental results were evaluated using the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption behavior followed the Freundlich model, suggesting multilayer adsorption. Regeneration of Ni-ABs using a 0.5 M HCl solution. The Ni-ABs exhibited good stability, with adsorption efficiencies ranging from 76–90% and desorption rates between 64–85% over five cycles. These results indicated that Ni-ABs were effective and reusable adsorbents for the selective removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. This study demonstrates a simple Ni-alginate bead system with high reusability as a low-cost alternative adsorbent compared to previously reported alginate-based materials.

Polymer films were manufactured from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) doped with a concentration of sodium fluoride (NaF) and aluminum sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃) salts via the solution casting method. The differences in crystallinity and transformation temperatures of solid polymer electrolyte sheets were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The formation of a complex structure between PVA polymer and a salt were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Absorption spectra were obtained in the wavelength range of 200–1200 nm and analyzed using the absorption equation for amorphous materials. The energy gap values showed a clear dependence on the concentration of sodium fluoride and aluminum sulfate. The indirect energy gap was determined and analyzed in relation to the integration of charge-transfer complexes within the grafted materials.

In this study, epoxy/iron oxide (EP/Fe₂O₃) nanocomposites were prepared at different weight percentages (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) to investigate their structural, thermal, electrical, dielectric, and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles possessed a homogeneous morphology with irregular grain size and an average size of 60–70 nm, indicating their suitability for reinforcing polymer matrices. The addition of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles significantly improved the thermal conductivity of the epoxy due to the formation of partial phonon transport pathways and enhanced interfacial interaction at higher addition percentages. Dielectric measurements showed an increase in the dielectric constant and dielectric loss with increasing Fe₂O₃ content, with both decreasing with increasing frequency due to interfacial polarization mechanisms. AC electrical conductivity results demonstrated frequency-dependent behavior with a marked improvement in conductivity upon nanoparticle addition. Furthermore, the Shore D hardness test results showed a gradual improvement with increasing Fe₂O₃ content, attributed to the restriction of epoxy chain movement and increased cross-linking density. These results confirm that Fe₂O₃ is an effective filler for enhancing the performance of multifunctional epoxy composites.