M.Phil / MS
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.cuilahore.edu.pk/handle/123456789/30
This collection archives the complete set of theses produced by students of the COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus.
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Item The Use of Conductive Polymer Composite to Enhance the Cyclic Life of Energy Storage Devices(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Ramsha Nain; CIIT/FA23-R06-020/LHR; Dr. Zulfiqar Ali; LHR TP 9692Energy is critical to promoting progress and sustainability in all aspects of life. The global energy demand is rapidly increasing, posing a significant challenge, particularly in Pakistan. Renewable and non-traditional energy sources offer a viable solution to this problem. Solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower are all feasible alternatives to traditional energy sources. Energy storage batteries are rechargeable and designed to catch and store energy. They are composed of positive and negative electrodes, separators, and suitable electrolytes. Addressing the challenge of limited cycle life in traditional lead-acid batteries characterized by rapid capacity decline due to lead sulfate crystallization and interfacial instabilit poses a sustainability issue in energy-scarce regions like Pakistan. This research developed a conductive polymer composite using reduced graphene oxide-copper-doped polyacetylene-co-polyaniline (rGO-Cu-PA-co PANI) blended with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), synthesised via a solution-assisted dispersion method that incorporates rGO as a conductive support matrix to enhance electron transport. Polyacetylene (PA) and polyaniline (PANI) serve as redox-active polymers, offering tailorable pseudocapacitance. Copper powder is used as a dopant to enhance electrical conductivity and catalytic activity, while sulfonated polysulfone/PVDF serves as a binder to ensure mechanical stability. Material characterisation through FTIR spectroscopy confirmed molecular integration with distinct peaks such as N–H stretching at 3281 cm⁻¹ (indicating the PANI backbone), C=C bonds at 1643 cm⁻¹ (indicating PA conjugation), C–N sulfonic groups at 1061 cm⁻¹ (indicating covalent functionalisation), and C–H bending at 748 cm⁻¹ (representing PVDF). XRD analysis revealed a semi-crystalline structure with broad reflections at the (200) planes for PA/PANI and (110,111) planes for copper, contrasting notably with the brittle, highly crystalline state of unmodified lead oxide. Electrochemical testing showed impressive performance; cyclic voltammetry indicated more than double the anodic and cathodic currents and broader redox peaks compared ix to PbO at 50 mV/s, confirming enhanced pseudocapacitance, with stability maintained at higher scan rates (80–100 mV/s). EIS Nyquist plots exhibited lower charge-transfer resistance and significant capacitive behaviour, while cycling tests achieved an outstanding 70% capacity retention after 6,000 deep discharge cycles doubling the lifespan of unmodified electrodes, which retained only 35% after 500 cycles. This durability is attributed to the composite's ability to reduce lead sulfate crystallisation by promoting uniform charge distribution, suppressing hydrogen evolution, and decreasing ionic resistance through improved electrolyte wettability due to the sulfonated groups. Furthermore, the rGO framework prevents polymer chain scission, while copper doping encourages electron hopping across the electrode. Collectively, these features demonstrate that conductive polymer composites offer a scalable strategy to enhance cycle life, increase charge acceptance, and extend operational longevity by a factor of 12 in lead-acid batteries for renewable energy grids and electric vehicles.Item Biosynthesized Bacterial Cellulose (BC) Composites; Chemical and Mechanical Characterization(2025-04-01) Ayesha Nazir; CIIT/FA23-R06-010/LHR; Dr. Faiza Sharif; LHR TP 9686A new method for crosslinking for Bacterial Cellulose (BC) and Chitosan (CS) hydrogels using Triethyl orthoformate (TEOF) has been developed, resulting in improved mechanical strength cytocompatibility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural integrity. Comprehensive characterizations using FTIR, FESEM, DMA and WCA confirmed the formation and stability of the proposed crosslinked network. The hydrogel, with a 40/60% BC/CS resulted in more porous, sponge-like morphology, have potential biomedical applications, particularly in wound dressings and skin tissue engineering.Item Fabrication and Characterization of Tri-Layered Electrospun Membranes for Bone Regeneration(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Hafiza Sunaina Ijaz; CIIT/FA23-R06-011/LHR; Dr. Hamad Khalid; LHR TP 9687This study centres on the development and detailed evaluation of a tri-layered electrospun membrane designed to mimic natural tissue architecture for bone regeneration applications. The membranes consist of three unique layers: the outer layer is made of PLA embedded with Zr-ZnO nanoparticles, the middle core layer comprises PCL infused with Vitamin E, and the innermost layer is formed from Silk Fibroin (SF) incorporated with Si-HA to promote antibacterial activity, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis, respectively. To comprehensively assess the structural and functional properties of the scaffold, a range of characterization tools was employed, including FTIR, SEM, contact angle testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, micro-computed tomography, and porosity measurements. These analyses confirmed the presence of uniform fiber formation, interconnected pore networks, surface hydrophilicity, and mechanical flexibility across the tri-layered structure. Biological assessments in vitro involved antibacterial activity, material degradation behaviour, swelling capacity, and cell-based assays using osteoblast-like cells. The membrane demonstrated minimal cytotoxic effects, strong antibacterial performance, and high cell viability. Additionally, cell adhesion and migration were notably enhanced, as observed through staining techniques and migration analysis. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of this multi-layered electrospun scaffold as a viable candidate for bone repair applications. Its design effectively merges mechanical strength, biodegradability, and biological activity, marking a meaningful advancement in the field of regenerative biomaterialsItem Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals for Effective Pesticide Removal from Model Wastewater(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Amina Naveed; CIIT/FA23-R06-003/LHR; Dr. M. Shahid Nazir; LHR TP 9681Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a renewable and biodegradable emerging nanomaterial obtained by acid hydrolysis having high surface area, abundant hydroxyl groups, and strong dispersibility. The combination of CNCs with spinel ferrite nanoparticles could produce such composites with excellent features and enhanced performance for environmental applications. Therefore, the aim of this work is to synthesize a stable, sustainable photocatalyst for imidacloprid (IMI) degradation from the model wastewater by synthesizing Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄ nanoparticles using the sol-gel method and then incorporating CNC to create a novel photocatalyst CNC@Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄. Characterizations were conducted with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The FTIR results exhibit the CNC blending with ferrite nanoparticles through intermolecular bonding. The XRD pattern shows the CNC@Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄ crystallinity, which is similar to that of pure CNC and pure Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄, indicating successful blending stability. The SEM images reveal an interconnected porous microstructure with Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄ nanoparticles evenly dispersed within the CNC matrix. The UV-VIS results confirm the changes in electronic properties of the synthesized photocatalyst. The photocatalyst CNC@Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄ shows effective photocatalytic degradation ability to degrade IMI from model wastewater under UV light, indicating the applicability of this photocatalyst for environmental remediations. The optimal conditions, using box-Behnken design, were pH 6, catalyst 22.5 mg, 112.5 µL hydrogen peroxide, IMI concentration of 50 mg/l and reaction time 10 minutes to achieve 97.95% degradation efficiency. The photocatalyst shows promising reusability in three successive runs.Item Fabrication of MOF@MXene Based Electrochemical Sensor for Sensitive Detection of Environmental Pollutant(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Sehrish Javed; CIIT/FA23-R06-022/LHR; Dr. Lubna Sherin; LHR TP 9694Heavy metallic ions (HMIs) are some of the riskiest environmental pollutants because they're non-biodegradable, very poisonous, and have the tendency to bioaccumulate in residing organisms. Their incidence in water supplies is an extreme risk to human fitness and ecosystems. (Bi-S)n MOF@MXene composite was synthesized for sensitive detection of HMIs in aqueous media. The (Bi-S)n MOF was prepared through a microwave method using bismuth nitrate pentahydrate and 6,6-dithiodinicotinic acid. Using a combination of LiF and HCl, the aluminum layer from the MAX phase was selectively etched to create MXene. (Bi-S)n MOF and MXene were acquired to prepare a hybrid composite, which were solidified on a GCE. The conductivity, adsorption capacity, and sensing range of MOF were all enhanced by MXene. FTIR, XRD, CV, and EIS characterization approaches validated the structural integrity and excellent electrochemical behavior of the composite. The sensor indicated extremely excessive sensitivity with detection limits (LODs) of 1.9233 nM, 2.0927 nM and 2.2104 nM for Pb²⁺ Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in single detection. During co-detection, modest LOD expanded of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺and Hg²⁺ have been noticed due to competition among the ions.Item B12P12 Nanocage Doped with Transition Metals as a Single Atom Catalyst for Hydrogen Dissociation Reaction (HDR): A DFT Study(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Muhammad Arsalan Akram; CIIT/FA23-R06-016/LHR; Dr. Robina Farooq; LHR TP 9690Energy is the pivotal factor crucial for development and sustainability in every aspect of life. However, it leads to significant environmental harm when it is derived from non renewable resources like fossil fuels. This crucial issue has provoked a vigorous search for alternative energy technologies that are renewable and eco-friendly, to elevate energy efficiency and lower pollution. Hydrogen possesses high energy density, no CO2 emissions, and non-toxicity, making it a promising substitute for non-renewable energy resources. Despite its numerous advantages, there remains a challenge in choosing an appropriate material for hydrogen storage. The hydrogen dissociation reaction (HDR) is a critical step in the hydrogen storage process. HDR requires a catalyst having minimal cost and great catalytic activity. For this purpose, a promising approach in catalysis is the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs). SACs involve the uniform dispersion of a single atom on a suitable substrate. This limits metal usage and results in enhanced catalytic efficiency while lowering expenses. In this research, DFT simulations are employed to explore the adsorption and dissociation of molecular H2 on 1st row transition metal atoms incorporated into B12P12. Each TM@B12P12 complex is examined to distinguish the most stable spin state, as TM show a phenomenon named spin multiplicity. The stability of TM@B12P12 complexes is evaluated through the calculation of interaction energy. Notably, the highest interaction energy is observed for Fe@B12P12, recorded at -2.42 eV. Furthermore, NBO, FMO, IRI, and QTAIM investigations indicate that charge is transferred from B12P12 to the transition metal and validate the covalent connections within the transition metal-doped complexes. The adsorption of molecular hydrogen on the TM@B12P12 complexes has a negative adsorption energy, indicating that H₂ adsorption is exothermic. The homolytic dissociation of H₂ on the Fe@B12P12 complex exhibited the minimum energy activation ix barrier (0.44 eV), emphasizing its promise as a highly effective catalyst for the hydrogen dissociation reaction (HDR). This investigation elucidates the crucial factors that govern the electronic characteristics and catalytic efficiency of TM-doped B12P12complexes in HDR. This understanding facilitates the advancement of innovative hydrogen energy technologies.Item Metal Modified ZIF-8 MOF for Control Drug Release Study(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Noor Ul Huda Mehmood; CIIT/FA23-R06-018/LHR; Dr. M. Shahid Nazir; LHR TP 9691This research introduces a novel nanocomposite, Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4@ZIF-8, which has been developed and tested as a promising nanocarrier for delivering the anticancer drug cisplatin in a controlled manner. This composite combines the impressive surface area and pH-sensitive attributes of ZIF-8 with the unique magnetic and catalytic features of Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles. The method involved the in situ development of ZIF-8 on the surface of Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4, which was treated with CTAB, and this took place in a methanol medium. The analyses of the structure and morphology confirmed that the formation and encapsulation were achieved successfully.We fine-tuned the drug loading experiments with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using a Central Composite Design (CCD), and we managed to achieve an impressive drug loading efficiency of 74%. We carried out in vitro release tests under three different pH levels (5.4, 7.4, and 8.5) to mimic the conditions found in tumor environments and the human body. The results indicated that the release profile was responsive to pH changes, peaking at around 75% when the pH was neutral (7.4).We explored different models to analyze how the drug is released, and it turns out that the pseudo-second-order model fit the data really well (R² > 0.99). This suggests that the mechanisms of chemisorption and complex formation play a key role in how the drug is released. The improved formulation displayed a steady release pattern, hinting that it could help cut down on how often doses are needed and lessen adverse effects.To sum it up, this research highlights that Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4@ZIF-8 stands out as a potential multifunctional platform for innovative smart drug delivery systems. It offers adjustable loading and release capabilities, magnetic responsiveness, and finely-tuned release kinetics specifically designed for cancer treatment.Item Exploring the Potential of ZnO/Ag/Ag2O@ chitosan Nanocomposite in Antibacterial Activity, Angiogenesis and Wound Repair(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Khadija Hameed; CIIT/FA23-R06-013/LHR; Dr. Sadaf Ul Hassan; LHR TP 9688Clinical medicine continues to face significant challenges due to the advent of multidrug resistant infections and delayed wound healing, leading to the need for the creation of multifunctional biomaterials with regenerative and antimicrobial qualities. A novel ZnO/Ag/Ag2O@chitosan nanocomposite was created in this study by co-precipitation, and its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties were assessed. Comprehensive characterization methods including FTIR, XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis indicated that a structurally stable nanocomposite with desired morphological and elemental properties had been successfully formed. Agar well diffusion and time dependent optical density measurements were used to evaluate the antibacterial potential against therapeutically relevant strains of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The nanocomposite demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with noticeably larger zones of inhibition comparable to standard antibiotics. Studies on in vivo wound healing in a mouse excision model showed that the treatment group's wound contraction and tissue regeneration were faster than those of the positive and negative controls. Histopathological analysis showed neovascularization, re-epithelialization, and well-organized dermal architecture. The ZnO, Ag, and Ag2O synergy of the chitosan matrix enhanced tissue healing, bacterial membrane disruption, and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound healing characteristics when combined, these findings suggest that ZnO/Ag/Ag2O@chitosan nanocomposite is a suitable candidate for biomedical purposes, particularly in the treatment of infected wounds.Item Bioactive MXene Based Nanocomposite for Potential Application in Wound Healing(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Amina Asif; CIIT/FA23-R06-002/LHR; Dr. Sadaf Ul Hassan; LHR TP 9680MXenes, a class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have emerged as promising materials in the biomedical field due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, surface functionality, and biocompatibility. Their ability to serve as active carriers and structural supports makes them ideal candidates for designing multifunctional nanocomposites. In this study, a hybrid nanocomposite comprising MXene, ZnO/Ag/Ag2O was synthesized and characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM and UV–Vis techniques. The structural analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles onto MXene sheets. The ZnO/Ag/Ag2O@MXene nanocomposite demonstrated excellent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae. Bacterial time scale analysis showed reduced absorbance over 32 hours, especially in S. aureus and E. coli, indicating strong and sustained antibacterial performance. In a full thickness wound model in mice, the treated group exhibited 97.29% wound closure by Day 10, significantly outperforming the negative control group. The composite also exhibited anti-inflammatory property in a carrageenan-induced paw edema whereby thickness of the paw reduced form 7.33 mm to 4.72 mm in 24 h, which was very similar to that of the positive control. Histology proved increased tissue restoration and decreased inflammation, re-epithelialization of wounds and collagen arrangement in treated wounds. The above observations confirm the high possibilities of the ZnO/Ag/Ag2O@MXene nanocomposite as an efficient and universal material that can be used in biomedical applications, especially infection prevention, wound healing, and inflammation treatment.