Thermal barrier and photocatalytic properties of La2Zr2O7 NPs synthesized by a Neem extract assisted combustion method

Abstract

The La2Zr2O7 NPs photocatalyst was selectively prepared by bio-mediated combustion method by using green extract (Neem extract) and characterized by spectral techniques. The average crystallite size was found to be in the range of ~14 nm by means of XRD analysis. The coating of prepared material in IC engine by plasma spread coating method showed good thermal barrier property, which reduces the heat transfer in Internal Combustion (IC) engine cylinder. SEM photographs show that surface morphology of the La2Zr2O7 photocatalyst by the concentration of Neem extract. La2Zr2O7 photocatalyst shows UV induced photodegradation activity for the decomposition of Methylene blue (MB). Electrochemical investigation was conducted to study the redox-peak current in 0.1 M KCl with Carbon- La2Zr2O7 electrode paste and its performance in chemical sensor activity. These reported studies are proposing some new insight to improve nanomaterials for thermal barrier coating and dye degradation applications.

Keywords

• La2Zr2O7
• Neem extract
• Electrochemical activity (CV – EIS)
• Sensor activity
• Photocatalysis