Journal of Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology

Several disciplines recognize nanotechnology's revolutionary potential, including nanoelectronics, nanobiomedicine, and nanodevices. Surprisingly, the oil and gas industry's upstream exploration and production sector has shown limited enthusiasm. Increased oil recovery and the use of unconventional resources are vital for success, but recessions, particularly during low crude oil prices in the 19th century, pose additional challenges. In response, significant attention has turned to applying nanotechnology to overcome these industrial barriers. Recently, government agencies and the global oil sector have boosted investments in exploration, drilling, production, treatment, and wastewater management. Notably, nanosensors provide precise reservoir monitoring, while nanofluids with advanced nanoparticles significantly enhance oil production. Moreover, nanocatalysts have improved the efficiency of petrochemical and oil refining operations. Research found that using CNTs and Iron Oxide at specific weight ratios yields the highest Oil Recovery Factors of 31% and 28%, respectively. Additionally, nanomembranes facilitate the efficient separation of oil, water, and air, aiding in the purification of oil and air while removing contaminants from wastewater. Functional nanomaterials are also driving a shift in device design and manufacturing, ensuring more innovative, reliable, and durable products. This article examines the latest advancements in nanotechnology and potential nanomaterial applications in the petroleum sector. Collaborative research and infrastructure investments are paving the way for transformation. As technology progresses, it holds the potential to make processes more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.

The use of the Nd+ and Er+: YAG lasers is still under development for cutaneous resurfacing. Cooling the epidermis induces laser heating under invasive epidermal layer regime. Injuring the dermis can treat skin defects and improve its quality. Various therapeutic options have been utilized to treat aging signs. Laser resurfacing has proven effectiveness and popularity due to its shorter recovery time and high success rate. Non-invasive Nd: YAG laser and 2940nm Er: YAG laser pulses were employed to provide deep dermal laser heating and induce elastin and collagen regeneration. Two subjects of skin-tone 2 were laser treated in the present study. Photographs were taken before the treatment and after the last session. The 1064nm Nd: YAG and 2940nm lasers treatment results were followed up in treating fine and coarse wrinkles. The patients were given four sessions every other week. The laser energy was calculated at all interfaces between the layers of the skin in order to find out the exact laser fluence, and then the temperature rise at the targeted tissue. The 1064nm Nd: YAG laser was benefited more by younger subject while the 2940nm was better for older case.

Recycling residue hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts is essential due to frequent deactivation. Petroleum coke\'s high ignition temperature and complex combustion behavior stem from its graphite-like structure and low volatile matter. This study investigates petroleum coke combustion and oxidation kinetics with metal catalysts. Data from HDS catalysts (5% Co-10% Mo/active kaolin and 5% Co-10% Mo/active bentonite) are crucial for industrial regenerator simulations. Iraqi mineral clays, treated and loaded with cobalt and molybdenum, were used in HDS reactions of Iraqi gas oil with 10200 ppm sulfur at 360°C, 12 bar, and WHSV of 2 h⁻¹. Spent catalysts, coated with coke, were analyzed, and coke was removed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at heating rates of 2.5, 5, and 10°C/min. MATLAB software assessed coke accumulation\'s impact on combustion activation energy via model-free and model-based methods. Activation energies for coke combustion were 46.48, 87.71, and 102.68 kJ/mol for hydrocarbons, soft coke, and hard coke, respectively, on 5% Co-10% Mo/active kaolin, and 41.98, 68.11, and 100.38 kJ/mol for 5% Co-10% Mo/active bentonite. TGA revealed 7.553% and 7.977% total weight loss in kaolin and bentonite catalysts. The model-based method was most effective for regenerating aged HDS catalysts at 850°C, especially for hard coke removal. DTG analysis showed two concavities, indicating soft coke below 350°C and hard coke between 350 and 850°C. For 5%Co-10%Mo/kaolin catalysts, peak temperatures (Tpeak) were 517, 526, and 610°C at heating rates of 2.5, 5, and 10°C/min. Bentonite catalysts showed lower Tpeak values.

The addition of expired drugs as green inhibitors takes high attention as an alternative material compared with other expensive, toxic, non-available chemical inhibitors. In this study, the Dexon drug was suggested as a green inhibitor for commonly used carbon steel in (3.5% NaCl solution) within a temperature range of 303 to 333 K. Corrosion/inhibition investigation was done by potentiostatic analysis to record the corrosion potential, corrosion current density, and Tafel slopes for the added four concentrations (4, 20, 40 and 60 mL/L) of the drug. The polarization resistances and inhibition efficiencies reached the highest value of (25.86×10-3 Ω.cm2) and (95.57%) respectively for 60 mL/L at 303 K. For examination of inhibited surface, Infrared spectrum, electron scanning microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. These techniques confirmed effective surface coverage by the adsorbed drug, forming a (Fe²⁺ ‒ Dexamethasone) complex. This was further supported by a reduction in surface roughness from 270.8 nm to 24.96 nm following inhibition using a concentration of 60 mL/L. Theoretical calculations indicated that the adsorption process was physical, spontaneous, less disordered, and exothermic. Additionally, quantum data, including HOMO and LUMO analyses, demonstrated the high adsorption capability of the Dexamethasone molecule on the steel surface. The results showed an energy gap of 3.43 eV, reflecting the molecule’s soft nature and the release of energy during the adsorption process.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) and CuO@ZnO NPs as a colloidal core-shell solution were synthesized by laser ablation. A Nd:YAG laser with an energy of 700 mJ, a wavelength of 1064 nm and 200 pulses was used for the ablation process. The colloidal solution was deposited on porous silicon (PSi) using the drop-casting method. The PSi substrates were prepared by photoelectrochemical etching (PECE) on n-type (111) silicon wafers. The study investigated the influence on the electrical, optical, morphological and structural properties of the CuO NPs and ZnO NPs samples when they were converted into a core-shell, specifically for their use in photodetector applications. XRD analysis revealed the presence of CuO, ZnO and CuO@ZnO by diffraction peaks at different angles. According to the SEM images, the nanoparticles show randomly distributed spherical grains, while PSi exhibits a sponge-like structure. The core-shell shape is confirmed by TEM images, which show a dark inner region consisting of CuO NPs and a much lighter outer region consisting of the ZnO nanoshell. The optical properties of the CuO@ZnO NPs were investigated and a minimum energy gap of 2.8 eV was found. The CuO@ZnO NPs/PSi/n-Si photodetector showed improved current-voltage (J-V) characteristics, rectifying properties and remarkable sensitivity in the visible to near-infrared region compared to other photodetector samples. The fabricated photodetector confirmed improved quantum performance, especially in the visible spectrum. The work aims to synthesize CuO@ZnO core-shell nanoparticles by a laser ablation technique to improve the electrical properties and spectral response of photodetectors.