Abstract: The photocatalytic degradation of Cr(VI) from wastewater by using nanomaterials TiO2, ZnO, and CdS. All the experiments were carried out in the batch process. The wastewater obtained from various industries. The amount of chromium was removed using photocatalyst with UV light and in the dark at different pH range. The maximum removal of Cr(VI) was observed at pH 2; out of these photocatalyst TiO2 showed highest capacity for Cr(VI) removal than TiO2 thin film. The removal of chromium has been studied by considering influent concentration, loading of photocatalyst, pH, and contact time as operating variables. The degradation was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX analysis before and after application of photocatalysts.

Abstract: Silver/polyvinyl alcohol (Ag-PVA) nanocomposite films have been prepared via in situ generation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by the respective metallic salts and dispersion of preformed Ag NPs (ex situ synthesis) inside polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and its effect of sensing towards a model protein (bovine serum albumin—BSA) was investigated. The influence of Ag NPs, irrespective of their reduction methodology on the optical and the thermal properties of the PVA, had been investigated using UV–Vis spectrophotometer and differential scanning calorimetry. The absorption peak around 400 nm indicates the surface plasmon resonance response of Ag NPs. The interaction of the dispersed and preformed Ag NPs with the PVA chains is confirmed by the corresponding vibrational signatures of the PVA through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The changes in the glass transition and melting temperatures (Tg and Tm) of the pure PVA upon the presence of Ag NPs are reported using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The sizes of the synthesized Ag NPs are found to be in the range of 200 ± 10 nm for in situ reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and 100 ± 10 nm for the external addition of preformed Ag NPs by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reduction using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Abstract: Quantitative dielectric and conductivity mapping in the nanoscale is highly desirable for many research disciplines, but difficult to achieve through conventional transport or established microscopy techniques. Taking advantage of the micro-fabrication technology, we have developed cantilever-based near-field microwave probes with shielded structures. Sensitive microwave electronics and finite-element analysis modeling are also utilized for quantitative electrical imaging. The system is fully compatible with atomic force microscope platforms for convenient operation and easy integration of other modes and functions. The microscope is ideal for interdisciplinary research, with demonstrated examples in nano electronics, physics, material science, and biology.

Abstract: A novel technique has been developed to produce nano-particle oxide reinforced metal coatings. This method is based on electroless deposition process by adding ZrO2 sol into conventional electroless Ni–P plating bath. Ni–P–ZrO2 nano-composite coatings have been produced with highly dispersive ZrO2 nano-particles inside the alloy coating matrix. The as plated nano-composite coating exhibits much increased microhardness up to 1045 HV200 and remarkably improved wear resistance. X-ray and electron diffraction patterns show a phase transformation in the Ni matrix of the coating from amorphous to nanocrystalline when ZrO2 sol is introduced into the coating. By comparison with the plain Ni–P coating and conventional Ni–P–ZrO2 composite coating incorporated with solid ZrO2 powders, two mechanisms for the increased mechanical properties are proposed based on nano-particle dispersion strengthening and phase transformation strengthening. The formation mechanism of ZrO2 nano-particle is also discussed.

Abstract: Uniform distribution of nanofillers in polymer matrix is posing a major challenge in exploiting the full potential of nanomaterials. Various fillers are being evaluated to improve the performance of biopolymer films like starch. In this work, nanocellulose is used as fillers to increase the performance characteristics of starch film. Due to high surface energy and hydrophilic nature of nanocellulose, they tend to aggregate during the film forming process. To circumvent this problem, Gum arabic (GA) was added to distribute the nanocellulose uniformly. GA helps in reduction of surface energy (as analyzed by contact angle) and thus facilitates the uniform distribution of nanocellulose (as demonstrated through polarized light microscopy). Nanocellulose as filler improved the tensile strength of starch film by 2.5 times while that of uniformly distributed nanocellulose by 3.5 times. Moreover, while nanocellulose as such could reduce the water vapor permeability of starch film by 1.4 times, uniformly distributed nanocellulose reduced it by 2 times proving the importance of GA. Starch film filled with nanocellulose and GA will be a 100% biopolymer-based system having potential demand in eco-friendly applications.

Abstract: Several methods have been offered for silver nanoparticles production. A new method has been developed including shape-controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles in different shapes. Dendrite, cubic, spherical and porous structures were formed by self-arrangement of the surfactant as a template under ultrasound radiation. In order to produce silver particles, ascorbic acid has been used to reduce an aqueous solution of silver nitrate in the presence of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, poly (vinyl pyrrolidinone), and a mixture of organic and aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the morphology and the size of produced particles were influenced by the type of capping agent, presence of ultrasound radiation, and crystallization time. In order to measure the surface roughness of dendrite and porous particles, an optical reflectometer was used. Surfactant molecules in an aqueous solution can aggregate in different shapes depending on temperature, ionic property of solution, time, and aprotic solvent content.

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the first third-order autonomous linear time variant circuit realization that enhances parametric oscillation through the usage of memristor in conventional oscillators. Although the output has sustained oscillation, the linear features of the conventional oscillators become time dependent. The poles oscillate in nonlinear behavior due to the oscillation of memristor resistance. The mathematical formulas as well as SPICE simulations are introduced for the memristor-based phase shift oscillator showing a great matching.

Abstract: We report on the growth of ZnO nanorods (NRs) by a quick single-step mechanochemical process and investigated the milling time dependence on the structural and optical properties of the ZnO NRs. Mechanochemical reactions are carried out in a planetary ball mill for the time durations ranging from 30 min to 5 h. XRD and TEM studies revealed wurtzite structure of the as-grown ZnO NRs with length of several hundreds of nanometers to few micrometers after 30 min of reaction. Average diameter of the as-grown ZnO NRs decreases from 40 to 15 nm with increasing reaction time. Micro-Raman spectra show red- shift in the characteristic Raman modes, indicating pres- ence of milling induced strain. As-grown NRs show blueshift in the excitonic absorption peak with increasing milling time due to decrease in size and induced strain. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra show strong band-edge related UV emission and other three major emission peaks, two in the UV-blue region and one at the visible region. Post-growth annealing of the as- grown ZnO NRs completely eliminates the defect related visible PL band. Low-temperature PL studies show an additional sharp peak related to donor-bound excitonic transition, revealing the n-type nature of the as-grown NRs.

Abstract: The synthesis of amine functionalized TiO2-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (NH2-TiO2-CNTs) using sol–gel method was investigated. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized with XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, BET test and SEM imaging. The results demonstrated a unique nanostructure with no destruction of the CNTs’ shape. In addition, the presence of amine groups on the composite surface was confirmed by FTIR. This nanocomposite was used for one-step immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) to sense glucose. The result of cyclic voltammetry showed a pair of well-defined and quasi-reversible peaks for direct electron transfer of GOx in the absence of glucose. Also, the result of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated that GOx was successfully immobilized on the surface of NH2-TiO2-CNTs. Furthermore, good amperometric response showed that immobilized GOx on the NH2-TiO2-CNTs exhibits exceptional bioelectrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation.

Abstract: Magnetic hyperthermia has been used for many years to treat a variety of malignant tumors. One of the problems in magnetic hyperthermia is the choice of the correct particle concentration to achieve a defined temperature increase in the tumor tissue. In this study, we evaluated magnetic heat distribution induced by Fe3O4-APTMS magnetic nanoparticles in agar tissue phantom when it subjected to the AC magnetic filed. Using the correct nanoparticle dosage and considering their specific loss power, it is possible to estimate the efficiency of this therapeutic method. The experimental data were compared with a computer-based model, which were created using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the heat dissipation within the tissue for typical configurations of the tumor position as well as particle distribution within the tumor. Heating the cancer cells up to 50°C for 10 min was sufficient for complete cell killing and the heat dose of 19.9 W/gtissue is required for 5-mm tumor. Cell viability assay showed that MNPs exhibited no significant cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Additionally, it was observed that the FITC-labeled Fe3O4-APTMS MNPs presented high cell biocompatibility and cellular uptake for efficient endocytosis.

Abstract: In this study, a new solid phase extractor, nano-scale silver particles were synthesized. The silver nanoparticle-based solid phase extraction was used for separation and preconcentration of the trace amount of cobalt ion from various water samples prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The effects of various parameters, including pH, amount of complexing agent [1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol] (PAN), flow rates of solution and eluent, type and least amount of the eluent for elution of the cobalt from silver nanoparticles were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limit of this procedure was 0.78 μg L−1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD%) was 3.1% (n = 10, c = 20 μg L−1). This method was applied to the determination of cobalt in water samples.

Abstract: We perform an atomic scale simulation of GaAs/GaAs(100) growth, using the Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) technique, to investigate some aspects of Gallium and Arsenic surface migration. We show that the interlayer migration rate is smaller for Arsenic than for Gallium. Results suggest that upward diffusion is thermally activated while downward diffusion is kinetically controlled. We also find an oscillatory behavior of the surface diffusion rates during the growth, in close relation to the roughening of the substrate. The surface migration rates are governed by the temperature, but mostly by the Arsenic to Gallium flux ratio. The Gallium average diffusion lengths are estimated to be ~440 nm at 620°C and ~130 nm at 530°C, in agreement with experimental data.

Abstract: In the large field of nanotechnology, polymer matrix-based nanocomposites have become a prominent area of current research and development. Exfoliated clay-based nanocomposites have dominated the polymer world with excellent characteristics. EPDM rubber composites have been synthesized by solution-intercalation using the easily available kaolinite as filler. The composite structure has been elucidated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform IR, and scanning electron microscope studies. The molecular level dispersion of clay layers has been verified by the disappearance of basal XRD peak of kaolinite in the EPDM/kaolinite composites. The mechanical properties showed significant improvement of EPDM/kaolinite composites with respect to neat EPDM.

Abstract: An environmental friendly route for the high yield synthesis of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) has been developed. CNFs have been synthesized using nickel formate as catalyst precursor at 680°C using chemical vapor deposition method. Upon pyrolysis this catalyst precursor yields metal catalyst nanoparticles directly. The sodium chloride and potassium chloride was used as catalyst support, it was chosen because of its non-toxic and water soluble nature. The problems such as detrimental effect, environment and even cost has been avoided by using water soluble supports. The structure of the products was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction method. The purity of as grown products and purified products was determined by thermal analysis. Here, we report the 7,800 and 7,200 wt% yield of CNFs synthesized over NaCl and KCl support. This synthetic route can be used for the large scale synthesis in industries.

Abstract: A highly water-soluble antihypertensive drug, metoprolol tartrate (MT), was selected as a model drug for preparation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-impregnated ethyl cellulose (EC) microspheres. The present investigation was aimed to increase encapsulation efficiency of MT with excellent adsorbent properties of MWCNTs. The unique surface area, stiffness, strength and resilience of MWCNTs have drawn much anticipation as carrier for highly water-soluble drugs. Carbon nanotubes drug adsorbate (MWCNTs:MT)-loaded EC microspheres were further optimized by the central composite design of the experiment. The effects of independent variables (MWCNTs:MT and EC:adsorbate) were evaluated on responses like entrapment efficiency (EE) and t50 (time required for 50% drug release). The optimized batch was compared with drug alone EC microspheres. The results revealed high degree of improvement in encapsulation efficiency for MWCNTs:MT-loaded EC microspheres. In vitro drug release study exhibited complete release form drug alone microspheres within 15 h, while by the same time only 50–60% drug was released for MWCNTs-impregnated EC microspheres. The optimized batch was further characterized by various instrumental analyses such as scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The results endorse encapsulation of MWCNTs:MT adsorbate inside the matrix of EC microspheres, which might have resulted in enhanced encapsulation and sustained effect of MT. Hence, MWCNTs can be utilized as novel carriers for extended drug release and enhanced encapsulation of highly water-soluble drug, MT.

Abstract: In the present work, microwave-assisted chemical reduction route has been explored for the direct synthesis of face centered tetragonal (fct) L10 phase of Fe–Pt nanoparticles. Effects of microwave power and irradiation time on the growth process were investigated. Using this facile and high yield technique we could tune particle size from 7 to 17 nm. The as-prepared Fe–Pt NPs were observed in ordered fct L10 phase without any post-synthesis treatment. The particle size and magnetic properties of the as-prepared Fe–Pt were found to be very sensitive to the microwave irradiation power, while influence of exposure time was insignificant. The hysteresis measurements were performed at room temperature (300 K) to study magnetic properties of as-synthesized Fe–Pt as a function of crystallite size. All specimens of Fe–Pt were found to exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. Coercivity and saturation magnetization were observed to be decreasing with diminishing particle size. The microwave-assisted route is found to be a simple technique for direct synthesis of metal alloys and may prove to be a potential tool of high density data storage materials such as Fe–Pt.

Abstract: The present work focuses on a comparative study of the thermal and electrical behaviour of N,N′-tetraglycidyl diaminodiphenylsulphone (TGDDS) denoted as ‘B’ to find the suitability for its use in high-performance applications. The synthesis of the tetraglycidyl epoxy was done and they were characterized by FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectra) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR). Nanoclay and POSS-amine nanoreinforcements denoted as N1 and N2 were incorporated into the synthesized epoxy resins. Curing was done using diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) and bis(3-aminophenyl)phenylphosphine oxide (BAPPO) curing agents denoted as X and Y, respectively. The thermal behaviour of the tetraglycidyl resins and their corresponding nanocomposites was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The electrical behaviour, namely dielectric strength, comparative tracking index (CTI), volume resistivity, surface resistivity and arc resistance of the nanocomposites were also studied and the interesting results obtained are discussed.

Abstract: Highly porous zinc oxide (ZnO) film was pro- duced by using reactive magnetron sputtering zinc target followed by wet oxidation. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was mixed to the porous films by using either TiO2 target magnetron sputter deposition or sol-spin method. The film thickness could reach 50 lm with uniform porosity. On the sputtering prepared ZnO-TiO2 film surface, fine nanorods with small anatase TiO2 nano-clusters on the tips were observed by SEM and TEM, and the titanium (Ti) com- position was determined by XPS as 0.37%. The sol-spin treatment could increase the Ti composition to 4.9%, with reduced pore size compared to the untreated ZnO porous film. Photoluminescence measurements showed that the Ti containing porous film has strong ultraviolet-visible light emission. In the photo-catalysis testing, ZnO and ZnO- TiO2 have similar photo-catalysis activity under 365 nm UV irradiation, but under visible light, the photocatalysis activities of ZnO-TiO2 films were twice higher than that of ZnO porous film, implying promising applications of this porous oxide composite for industrial and dairy farm wastewater treatment.

Abstract: We report on synthesis and electrochemical properties of a family of carbon-coated, mesoporous lithium titanate nanostructures (C@Li4Ti5O12) Synthesized using a scalable solvothermal approach employing low-cost petroleum pitch as the carbon source, the nanostructured C@Li4Ti5O12 materials manifest exceptional capacity to reversibly intercalate/de-intercalate lithium at both low and high charge rates The combination of fast electrolyte and ion transport made possible in the inherently zero-strain material, Li4Ti5O12, is thought to be responsible for our observations

Abstract: Cadmium sulfide (CdS)–manganese oxide (MO) nanocomposite was synthesized by the ion exchange and ultrasonic irradiation methods. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by FTIR, powder X-ray diffractrogram (XRD), UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UVDRS), photoluminescence (PL), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The experimental results confirm the formation of CdS–MO nanocomposite. The luminescence of the nanocomposite exhibits a notable blue shift. The TEM results disclosed the size of the nanocomposite to be within 10–20 nm. The catalytic activity of the nanocomposite was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light.

Abstract: The effect of the chemical composition of the ferroelectric barium strontium titanate (BST) on the memory window behavior of Al/BST/SiO2/Si-gate-field effect transistor structure has been investigated. Nanocrystalline BaxSr1−xTiO3 thin films with different x values have been fabricated as metal-ferroelectric-insulator-semiconductor (MFIS) and metal-ferroelectric-metal (MFM) configurations using a sol–gel technique. The variation of the dielectric constant (e) and tan δ with frequency for MFM samples have been studied to ensure the dielectric quality of the material. At low frequencies, e increases as the strontium content decreases, whereas at high frequencies, it shows the opposite variation, which is attributed to the dipole dynamics. The ferroelectricity of the BST within MFM structure has been investigated using C–V characteristics, which show that the ferroelectric hysteresis strength increases as the strontium content decreases. The ferroelectric memory behavior of the MFIS samples has been investigated using C–V characteristics. The results show that the memory window width increases as the strontium content decreases; this is attributed to the grain size and dipole dynamics effect.

Abstract: A highly reflective thermal radiation barrier coating (TRBC) made of a multi-layer film is studied for high temperature applications. The multi-layer film with a periodic microstructure consisting of cylindrical nano- pores acts a photonic band gap (PBG) crystal. The coating is constructed such that pores are arranged periodically along the in-plane directions and axes of the pores are parallel to the thickness direction. The pore diameter is varied periodically through the thickness to form a multi- layer film of alternating low and high porosities. The pri- mary motivation behind considering this microstructure is that it can be fabricated from aluminum dioxide, which remains stable at high temperatures. The reflectivity of a single layer with uniform porosity is computed by numerically solving Maxwell's equations, by considering both the microstructure explicitly and a homogenized layer to gain insights into the effect of pore size on the reflec- tivity of the nano-porous layer. Based on the study of the single layer, two microstructures with different arrange- ments of pores are designed to exploit the effect of microstructure to widen the band gap of the PBG crystal and to increase the reflectivity of the TRBC. Results of numerical simulations reveal that a wider band gap and higher reflectivity can be achieved by making the inter- pore distance of alternate layers of the multi-layer film comparable to the wavelength of the incident thermal radiation. A TRBC, which is made of a microstructure with a wider band gap and has increased reflectivity, will reflect a greater amount of incident heat energy over a wider range of frequencies.

Abstract: It has recently been shown that manufacturing of diffusive- and implanted-junction bipolar transistors in semiconductor heterostructure and optimization of annealing give us possibility to increase compactness of dopant distributions. In this paper, we analyze the possibility of decreasing the quantity of radiation defects by choosing regimes of annealing.

Abstract: The large scale patterning of therapeutic proteins is a key to the efficient design, characterization, and production of biologics for cost effective, high throughput, and point-of-care detection and analysis system. We demonstrate an efficient method for protein deposition and adsorption on nanoporous silica substrates in specific patterns using a method called “micro-contact printing”. Multiple color-tagged proteins can be printed through sequential application of such micro-patterning technique. Two groups of experiments were performed. In the first group, the protein stamp was aligned precisely with the printing sites, where the stamp was applied multiple times. Optimal conditions were identified for protein transfer and adsorption using the pore size of 4 nm and thickness of 30 nm porous silica thin film. In the second group, we demonstrate the patterning of two-color rabbit immunoglobin labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate and tetramethyl rhodamine iso-thiocyanate on porous silica substrates that have a pore size 4 nm, porosity 57% and thickness of the porous layer 30 nm. A pair of protein stamps, with corresponding alignment markings and coupled patterns, were aligned and used to produce a two-colored stamp pattern of proteins on porous silica. Different colored proteins can be applied to exemplify the diverse protein composition within a sample. This method of multicolor microcontact printing can be used to perform a fluorescence-based patterned enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the presence of various proteins within a sample.

Abstract: Pulsed laser ablation in liquid was employed to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocolloidal suspension. Colloidal ZnO nanocrystals are synthesized by pulsed laser ablation of high purity zinc target in double distilled water with various laser fluences at RT. UV–visible absorption and transmission electron microscope are used for the characterization of colloidal ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). The optical properties, size, and the morphology of the synthesized ZnO were influenced strongly by laser fluence and wavelength. The use of water gave spherical ZnO NPs with average size 35 nm. The optical band gaps of the ZnO NPs are increased with laser fluence up to 22.3 J/cm2.

Abstract: The magnetocaloric properties of the as-consolidated nanocrystalline and coarse-grained gadolinium metals were studied in the present work. With the decrease of Gd grains from micrometer to nanometer range, magnetic entropy change drops surprising from 10.07 to 4.47 J kg−1 K−1 at a magnetic-field change of 5 T, and their resultant magnetic entropy change uniformly peaks at 294, 290, and 288 K, respectively, corresponding to the magnetic transition temperature of the three samples. The Curie temperature TC of the nanocrystalline Gd shifts by more than 6 K below that of coarse-grained Gd sample. However, the values of magnetic entropy change of the nanocrystalline metals exhibit a more constant tendency compared with the coarse-grained sample. The Arrott plots indicate the second-order character of magnetic phase transition still in the nanocrystalline Gd metals. The refrigerant capacity calculated is also used to evaluate material refrigeration capacity.

Abstract: The silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction method and the nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were investigated to evaluate the antibacterial activity against urinary tract infectious (UTIs) bacterial pathogens. Thirty-two bacteria were isolated from mid urine samples of 25 male and 25 female patients from Thondi, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India and identified by conventional methods. Escherichia coli was predominant (47%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (19%), Enterobacter sp. (6%), Proteus morganii (3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (3%). The antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was evaluated by disc diffusion assay. P. aeruginosa showed maximum sensitivity (11 ± 0.58 mm) followed by Enterobacter sp. (8 ± 0.49 mm) at a concentration of 20 μg disc−1 and the sensitivity was highly comparable with the positive control kanamycin and tetracycline. K. pneumoniae, E. coli, P. morganii and S. aureus showed no sensitivity against all the tested concentrations of silver nanoparticles. The results provided evidence that, the silver nanoparticles might indeed be the potential sources to treat urinary tract infections caused by P. aeruginosa and Enterobacter sp.

Abstract: Preparation of dispersed, amorphous, spherical silica nanoparticles using cationic surfactant as organic template, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as silica precursor and ammonia as catalyst has been carried out using sol gel process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the simultaneous effects of cationic surfactant on the textural and structural properties of silica nanoparticles. We used a series of the cationic surfactants, dodecytrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to evaluate the effects of the chain length of cationic surfactant on the grain size of silica nanoparticles. The size of silica nanoparticles can be finely tuned in the range ~50–100 nm by changing the chain length of cationic surfactant. Decreasing the particle size of silica nano particles resulted in increase in chain length of cationic surfactant. Further, these silica nanoparticles are incorporated with cement paste to evaluate the beneficial effect on mechanical properties of cement. Synthesized silica nanoparticles were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 29Si MAS NMR, powder X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD) and IR studies.

Abstract: For the first time, Germanium (Ge) nanowires have been grown on a gold (Au) coated flexible aluminum (Al) foil substrate in high vacuum (1 × 10−5 mbar) by electron-beam evaporation of germanium using the vapor–liquid–solid mechanism at a substrate temperature of 380°C. The grown nanowires have been analyzed for their structural, morphological and chemical properties by employing standard techniques X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the formation of cubic Ge phase highly oriented in (111) reflection in plane with the Al foil substrate. The morphological observations by SEM have shown the randomly grown nanowires with an average length and diameter of 600 ± 50 and 100 ± 10 nm, respectively, for a deposition time of 30 min. TEM investigation revealed single crystalline nanowires with free of defects. The wettability studies by contact angle measurement have confirmed the hydrophobic nature of the Ge NWs film surface with contact angle for water 110° ± 1°. The growth mechanism of Ge nanowires on Al foil substrate has also been discussed.