Communication in Physical Sciences

Improved Photochemical Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell using Tectona grandis and Magnifera indica Dye Mix

Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):163-171

Authors: Onen Alfred Ikpi, Etim Emmanuel Edet*, Abah Abah Victor, Ogofotha Godwin Oghenekeno.

Received: 02 February 2023/Accepted 05 May 2023

The generation of electrical energy from photo-voltaic conversions was achieved by fabricating a variety of dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC) using natural dye extracts from Magnifera indica (M. Indica) and Tectona grandis (T. Grandis). This study explores the spectral characteristics of the dyes in Ultraviolet, Visible and infrared regions. An Incident Photon-Current Efficiency (IPCE) of η = 0.0307% was obtained with a short circuit current of up to Jsc = 6.597 mA cm^–2, an open circuit voltage of Voc = 0.05 V and a fill factor of 0.537 for the DSSC using the mixed dye. DSSC from M. Indica showed the highest open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.1V. The efficiency for the DSSC when dyes were individually used was 0.0004 and 0.0241% for T. Grandis and M. Indica dyes respectively.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles using Prosopis Africana Leaf Extract

Patricia Adamma Ekwumemgbo, Gideon Adamu Shallangwa, Idongesit Edem Okon — Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):125-136

Authors: Patricia Adamma Ekwumemgbo*, Gideon Adamu Shallangwa, Idongesit Edem Okon and Ibe Awodi

Received: 19 February 2023/Accepted 22 June 2023

Green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles has several advantages that include environmental friendliness. Arising on the usefulness of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) in several research and industrial quarters, we are reporting our current research outputs on the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-NPs) from Prosopis Africana leaf extract. The synthesized Fe₃O₄-NPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET)/Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) analysis. The FTIR spectroscopy confirms the presence of phytochemicals in the extract for the reduction of metal ions to nanoparticles. SEM micrograph shows that the synthesized nanoparticles are spherical with sizes ranging from 30 nm – 100 nm. BET/ BJH analysis shows that the synthesized nanoparticles are microporous with a specific surface area (46.6 m²/g), pore volume (0.022 cm³/g) and pore size (1.79 nm). The XRD pattern revealed the amorphous nature of the synthesized nanoparticles and the UV-vis spectrum showed a characteristic peak at 400 nm for Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.

Quantum Chemical Studies on C2H2O Isomeric Species: Astrophysical Implications, and Comparison of Methods

John Paul Shinggu , Emmanuel Edet Etim, Alfred Ikpi Onen — Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):93-105

Authors: John Paul Shinggu, Emmanuel Edet Etim * and Alfred Ikpi Onen

Received: 18 January 2023/Accepted 24 April 2023

The study of isomers of C₂H₂O has been the focus of numerous experimental and theoretical studies because of their significance in atmospheric chemistry, combustion processes, astrochemistry and other fields of science. ketene is a known interstellar molecular specie amongst the C₂H₂O isomeric group. In C22O isomersIn this study, we employed different computational methods gaussian-4, gaussian-3, gaussian 2, Moller-plessets-2 (G4, G3, G2 and MP2) and W2U to investigate the properties (structural and spectroscopic parameters) of all the possible isomers of the C₂H₂O isomeric group with the aim of attempting to bridge the gap between theory and experiment. We calculated the bond lengths, bond angles, vibrational frequencies, rotational constants, dipole moments and standard enthalpies of formation for each of the isomers using the various computational methods listed above. The results show that some computational methods effectively elucidate the properties of C₂H₂O isomers and provide accurate results as compared to others. The results obtained indicated that theoretical calculations are informative in the provision of explanation for several molecular properties of the isomers.

Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometric Determination of Caffeine in Different Tea Samples

Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Authors: Martins Moses, Andy N.M., John Stanley, Muslim U. Abdullahi, Benjamin Biko, Silas, Ishaku, Adam Aliyu and Christiana O. Albert
Received: 22 January 2023/Accepted 24 April 2023

Caffeine (1,3,5-trimethylxanthine) contents fromseventeen brands of black and green tea that are common in Yobe State,
Nigeria were extracted and analysed for their concentration usingan Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometer. The results indicated
caffeine concentration in the range of 347ppm (in Akbar tea) to 770 ppm (in Sultan tea). The relative concentration of caffeine in the analyzed samples ranked as follows, Sultan (770 ppm) > Lipton yellow label (733 ppm) > Amar (728 ppm) > Shams Green Tea (712ppm) > Tea Pot (699 ppm) >Ahdar (670 ppm)> Nana Tea (666 ppm) > Apple Black Tea(649 ppm)> Ahmed Tea(639 ppm) > Lipton Clear Green (599 ppm) > Tea Shop (564ppm)> Tetley (553 ppm) > Accord (508 ppm)
> Tiger (388 ppm)> Top Tea (378 ppm)> Beyond Comment (365 ppm) > Akbar (347ppm). The caffeine contents in the tea samples analyzed in this study were below the maximum recommended limits for consumption and may not present an
immediate health challenge except if excessive consumption is administered within a short period.

Improved Photochemical Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell using Tectona grandis and Magnifera indica Dye Mix

Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):163-171

Onen Alfred Ikpi, Etim Emmanuel Edet*, Abah Abah Victor, Ogofotha Godwin Oghenekeno.

Received: 02 February 2023/Accepted 05 May 2023

Dual Solution Synthesis and Characterization of Sns:Zns Alloyed Thin Films and Possible Applications in Solar Systems and Others

Sun, 21 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):172-198

Authors: Elizabeth C. Nwaokorongwu, Daniel A. Asiegbu, Lebe Nnanna, Ugochukwu Joseph, Akpu Nwamaka and K.U.P. Okpechi

Received: 12 March 2023/Accepted 18 May 2023/

Energy is required for the creation of wealth and sustainability of development. The importance of energy in economic development has been recognized historically but the equitable distribution of energy amongst the masses has generated great concern in recent times. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of varying annealing temperatures on the synthesis and characterization of SnS:ZnS alloyed thin films for solar applications. SnS:ZnS alloyed thin films were successfully deposited on glass substrates using two solutions-based methods: electroless and SILAR. The deposited alloyed sulphides were annealed between (373-423) K using a master chef annealing machine. The crystallographic studies were done using X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope which indicates that the samples are polycrystalline and have cubic crystal systems. Rutherford Back Scattering analysis confirmed the percentage of the elements of tin, zinc and sulphur in the alloyed sulphide thin films. The results of the findings revealed that alloyed materials were deposited. The deposited materials were uniform and adherent to the substrates. The structural properties show that SnS:ZnS are polycrystalline. The microstructure shows the optical micrograph of the deposited samples. The properties exhibited make the films good material for protective coating, window coating, galvanization of metal and non-metal surfaces to prevent corrosion, etc. These properties also enhanced the material suitability for photovoltaic (PV) in solar energy conversion, sensors for the detection of poisonous substances most especially in the Oil-producing areas, light emitting diode (LED) and flat panel displays for optoelectronic applications.

Comparative Study of Nutrient Compositions of Some Selected Cereal Grains Available in Shuwarin Market, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Saidu Usman — Sat, 06 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):137-144

Saidu Usman

Received: 12 February 2023/Accepted 04 May 2023

A comparative study of the nutritional and mineral compositions of some selected cereals obtained from Shuwarin Market, Jigawa State, Nigeria, was conducted. The nutritional composition analysis was made using the standard laboratory procedures by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while the mineral elements were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that the analyzed cereals contain an appreciably high quantity of ash content, crude fibers, crude proteins, and carbohydrates. The high quantity of crude fiber obtained indicates that cereals are good sources of dietary fiber. The lower moisture content of the cereals indicates that they can be conserved over a long period. Moreover, the results of the mineral elements analysis showed that the cereal samples contained various concentrations of essential mineral elements. Among all the samples, millet stands out in terms of its desirable nutritional qualities. This is due to its lower moisture content (5.1±0.11%), higher protein (10.9±3.31%), and ash content (3.0±0.11%), as well as a higher concentration of essential minerals compared to other grains. Generally, the concentrations of the mineral elements in the analyzed cereals were within the limit set by the Food & Agricultural Organization of the World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). Hence, these cereal samples should be considered safe for consumption and may as well serves as sources of essential minerals for the population

Equatorial All-Sky Downward Longwave Radiation Modelling

Nsikan Ime Obot, Busola Olugbon, Ibifubara Humprey, Ridwanulahi Abidemi Akeem — Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):111-124

Authors: Nsikan Ime Obot^*, Busola Olugbon, Ibifubara Humprey and Ridwanulahi Abidemi Akeem

Received: 02 March 2023/Accepted 02 May 2023/

Machine learning algorithms, such as random forests (RF), artificial neural networks (ANN), and support vector regression (SVR), are viable modelling tools because they can learn and replicate data patterns. However, linear regression models are relatively easy to implement. Downward longwave radiation (DLR) is rarely measured due to complications of its measuring instrument, notwithstanding the importance of the radiation in the atmosphere and the energy balance of the Earth’s surface. Besides linear regression, several machine learning modes, such as SVR and RF, were also used to model daily cloudless and all-sky DLR at Ilorin (8.53° N, 4.57° E), Nigeria. We further sought an appropriate ANN unit for estimating the radiation in this study. Predictors comprised the period, clearness index, air temperature, water vapour pressure, relative humidity, global solar radiation, and solar hour angle. We found that solar hour angle actively predicts all-sky DLR. The most vital variables used for an all-sky DLR linear regression model for this clime are water vapour pressure, relative humidity, and solar hour angle. Machine learning systems generalise better with vast data having well-correlated inputs. The results also reveal that several machine learning algorithms, like SVR with Pearson VII kernel function, can be used for modelling DLR.

Subsurface Lithologies and Rock Eval Pyrolysis Analyses of Amansiodo-I and Akukwa-1 Well Sections, Nkporo Formation, Southeastern Part of the Anambra Basin, Nigeria: Implication for Petroleum Source Rock Potentials

Azuka Ocheli, Godwin Okumagbe Aigbadon, Nkonyeasua Abanjo — Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):80-92

Authors: Azuka Ocheli*, Godwin Okumagbe Aigbado, Nkonyeasua Abanjo

Received: 12 February 2023/Accepted 18 April 2023

Subsurface lithologies and rock eval pyrolysis analyses were conducted on Amansiodo-I and Akukwa-1 well sections that penetrated the Nkporo Formation, located in the southeastern part of the Anambra Basin, Nigeria. A set of eleven ditch cuttings from the lithologies retrieved from depths 11500-2150 m were evaluated for their source rock viability, stage of hydrocarbon generation, and thermal maturity of the drilled well section. The lithofacies delineated in the Amansiodo-I well section were: greyish shale (low depositional process), compacted fissile shale and sandy (lower-medium depositional processes), and greyish shale, sandy, silty heterolithics (lower-medium depositional processes). The lithofacies delineated in the Akukwa-1 well section were sandstone and siltstone facies (medium energy of deposition) and shale lithofacies (lower energy depositional process). The environment of deposition in the studied wells is inferred to be a shallow marine environment with brackish-water incursions. Based on the total organic carbon, oxygen index, hydrogen index, genetic potential, kerogen types, and the various bivariate plots, the shale lithologies in the studied well sections are good sources with the potential for the production of oil and gas. However, some of the lithologic units were designated missing units because of the non-availability of their ditch cuttings.

Comparative Analysis of Five Different Brands of Paracetamol Sold in Nigeria with The British Pharmacopeia Standards

Nkoli M.Mgbemena, Emeka C. Ogoke, Stella M. Ufearon, Onyedikachi B. Iroh — Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):180-186

Authors: Nkoli M.Mgbemena*, Emeka C. Ogoke, Stella M. Ufearon, and Onyedikachi B. Iroh

Received: 19 December 2022/Accepted: 19 May 2023

Paracetamol is one of the most widely consumed and common analgesic in Nigeria because of its basic role in relieving pain. However, several concerns have been recorded on the ineffectiveness of the drug, which may be due to the presence of an insufficient concentration of the active ingredient. The present study seeks to analyse and compare the contents of the different brands of paracetamol in Nigeria using the British Pharmacopeia Standard as a reference. Five different brands of paracetamols were purchased from some stores and analyzed using the spectrophotometric method. The maximum wavelength of absorbance for the standard was 700 nm. Based on the British Pharmacopeia standards, concentrations of the active ingredient in each were calculated. The result obtained indicated that the concentrations in samples A to E were 358, 185, 320, 250 and 285 mg respectively. From the observed results and based on the recommended 500 mg content, the percentage paracetamol levels in the analysed samples are not below the recommendation, since there were 72, 37, 64, 50, and 57% for samples A to E respectively

Determination of the Optimal Number of Servers in Kano Poly Micro Finance Bank

Umar Ahmad Isyaku, Nura Muhammad, Abdulrasheed Luqman, Aminu Sabo Muhammad — Thu, 25 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(2):187-192

Authors: Umar Ahmad Isyaku, Nura Muhammad, Abdulrasheed Luqman and Aminu Sabo Muhammad

Received: 13 November 2022/Accepted 28 April 2023

The study was carried out to determine the optimal number of servers in Kano Poly Micro Finance Bank a survey research design was employed, through the use of an observation data collection method. The population of the study was arrival and service rates recorded for the consecutive 20 days, between the hours of 10 am-3 pm. The mean arrival time for the customers (λ) was 5 customers every 10 minutes i.e30 customers per hour while the mean service time (µ) was 3 customers every ten minutes i.e. 18 customers per hour. The study concludes that a 3- servers queuing system will be the system with the optimal number of servers, sys in the Kano Poly microfinance bank, compared to 2- servers queuing system