Activity Of Nanomaterials Research Articles

Catalytically Active Ti-Based Nanomaterials for Hydroxyl Radical Mediated Clinical X-Ray Enhancement.

Nanoparticle radioenhancement offers a promising strategy for augmenting radiotherapy by locally increasing radiation damage to tumor tissue. While past research has predominantly focused on nanomaterials with high atomic numbers, such as Au and HfO2, recent work has revealed that their radioenhancement efficacy decreases considerably when using clinically relevant megavoltage X-rays as opposed to the orthovoltage X-rays typically employed in research settings. Here, radiocatalytically active Ti-based nanomaterials for clinical X-ray therapy settings are designed. A range of candidate materials, including TiO2 (optionally decorated with Ag or Pt nanoseeds), Ti-containing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and 2D Ti-based carbides known as Ti3C2Tx MXenes, is investigated. It is demonstrated that these titanium-based candidates remain consistently performant across a wide energy spectrum, from orthovoltage to megavoltage. This sustained performance is attributed to the catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species, moving beyond the simple physical dose enhancements associated with photoelectric effects. Beyond titania, emergent materials like titanium-based MOFs and MXenes exhibit encouraging results, achieving dose-enhancement factors of up to three in human soft tissue sarcoma cells. Notably, these enhancements are absent in healthy human fibroblast cells under similar conditions of particle uptake, underscoring the selective impact of titanium-based materials in augmenting radiotherapy across the clinically relevant spectral range.

Plant-mediated synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of a copper oxide/silicon dioxide nanocomposite by an antimicrobial study

Abstract This study presents an innovative, environmentally friendly method for biosynthesizing copper oxide–silica (Cu2O/SiO2) nanocomposites (CSNCs) utilizing an aqueous leaf extract of Callistemon viminalis (C. viminalis). The goal of this work is to fabricate CSNCs using a less hazardous and sustainable synthesis approach. Copper acetate and sodium metasilicate were used as precursors, whereas the C. viminalis green leaf extract was used as the reducing and stabilizing agent. Analysis of the plant extract using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of polyphenolic compounds, primarily phenolic acids, which functioned as both reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of CSNCs. A combination of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to study the formation of spherical copper–silica hybrid nanostructures. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the successful integration of silica with copper(i) oxide (Cu2O) through the presence of distinct Cu2O peaks and a broad amorphous SiO2 peak at 2θ = 22.77°. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites (NCs) was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis under a nitrogen atmosphere. The biogenic NCs also successfully inhibited pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Candida albicans (C. albicans); however, S. aureus was found to be more susceptible to the biocidal activity of the NCs than P. aeruginosa. These findings suggest that this simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for producing biologically active hybrid nanomaterials holds significant promise for future applications in both biological and materials sciences.

In Situ Driven Formation of Anatase/Brookite/Rutile Heterojunction N/TiO2 Nanocrystals as Sustainable Visible-Light Catalysts.

Visible-light active anatase/brookite/rutile (A/B/R) ternary N-doped titania (N/TiO2) crystals are successfully prepared by a facile sol-gel method using titanium butoxide and benign N-dopant source, guanidinium chloride. Systematically varying the aging time (1, 4, 8, and 12 d), its influence on physicochemical properties of as-obtained spherical heterojunction nanomaterials is studied. Detailed characterizations confirm that a substantial amount of anatase (88% to 50%) is transformed to rutile (2% to 38%) via intermediate brookite phase (9% to 25%) as the function of aging time; not only the A/B/R phase content of the samples is tuned by sol-gel aging time of the precursors solution but also their optical-response and methylene blue photocatalytic properties are profoundly dictated. Notably under visible-light irradiation, the photostable rutile rich mesoporous A/B/R triphasic N/TiO2 (50% A, 12% B, 38% R) aged for 12 d demonstrates higher degradation activity (97%) with a faster degradation rate (0.033 min-1) than both lesser aged N/TiO2 and undoped titania. This enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effect of interstitial-N-doping and optimal A/B/R interfacial charge transfer that leads to higher light absorption, lower bandgap energy and well-separated charge carriers. The current work provides a new perspective for designing highly active visible-light heterostructure nanomaterials with controllable phase composition.

Eco‐Friendly Synthesis of Porous Molybdenum Carbide Nanomaterials for Advanced Electrochemical Sensing Applications

AbstractA highly stable and electrochemically active porous molybdenum carbide (PMC) has been synthesized from agricultural waste by carburization of bagasse under inert conditions. The surface area and porous structure of the resulting PMCs can be tuned by varying the synthesis conditions. The PMCs obtained have been characterized via XRD, XPS, SEM, and gas physisorption techniques. The final PMC materials are highly crystalline with nanoscale porosity and with an active surface area of up to 717 m2.g−1. This work unlocks a promising avenue for developing highly active electrochemical nanomaterials using green synthesis, potentially eliminating the need for noble metals. The results demonstrate a six‐fold increase in the electrochemical signal.

Antibacterial efficacy interference of the photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticle and the lytic bacteriophage vb_EcoS_bov25_1D on the Enterohaemorragic Escherichia coli strain Sakai

Post-antibiotic era requires the use of alternative pesticides against bacterial infections. One potential application field is agriculture, where pesticides are routinely applied in combinations. In this study we tested the interference of antibacterial effects of two alternative antimicrobials with basically different mode of actions if applied together in vitro by using the Enterohemorrhagic E. coli strain Sakai as a modelorganism, one strain of a pathotype that is frequently associated with meat and plant derived infections. TiO2 is a photocatalytically active nanomaterial, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), exerting destructive effects on macromolecules, while the vb_EcoS_bov25_1D bacteriophage has a specific lytic action. Both, bacteriophages and Sakai were sensitive against ROS if tested separately, during that PFUs of bacteriophages dropped from 5 × 105 to 0 in 4 h, while in case of Sakai CFUs decreased with 5 and 2 logs of magnitude in the presence of 0,05 % and 0,025 % of TiO2 respectively. In Sakai by the sixth minute of ROS exposition the expressions of superoxide dismutases and catalases were boosted, as revealed by whole transcriptomic analyses, but the elevated levels rclC and bshA support some roles of these genes under this stress situation. Combined application of phages and TiO2 under UV-A exposure have revealed that beside the inner enzymatic defence mechanisms presenting phage particles served as shields and spoiled the antimicrobial effect of TiO2 (0,0125 %). As a consequence, phages became sacrificed as during exposition a 3-log drop (5 × 105→5 × 102) in their PFUs was revealed. Survived bacteriophages however in the system remained active and under the subsequent dark phase the 3-log drop in the PFU was compensated in 24 h. Our results show that joint application of the two alternative antimicrobial agents TiO2 and a bacteriophage can have two consequences depending on the circumstances they were used. From one side they complement each other's effects in that TiO2 can exert its effect on UV-A or sunlight exposed areas, whereas the bacteriophage on non-exposed surfaces. On the other hand, they also can spoil each others effect as phages can bind generated ROS and by that protect target bacteria, but bacteria themselves can serve as shields and by that protect phages from the destroying effect of ROS, phages however can exert their antibacterial effects on bacteria.

Synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites modified by catalase-like catalytic sites for the controlling of kiwifruit bacterial canker.

Kiwifruit bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae (Psa), is one of the most important diseases in kiwifruit, creating huge economic losses to kiwifruit-growing countries around the world. Metal-based nanomaterials offer a promising alternative strategy to combat plant diseases induced by bacterial infection. However, it is still challenging to design highly active nanomaterials for controlling kiwifruit bacterial canker. Here, a novel multifunctional nanocomposite (ZnO@PDA-Mn) is designed that integrates the antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with the plant reactive oxygen species scavenging ability of catalase (CAT) enzyme-like active sites through introducing manganese modified polydopamine (PDA) coating. The results reveal that ZnO@PDA-Mn nanocomposites can efficiently catalyze the conversion of H2O2 to O2 and H2O to achieve excellent CAT-like activity. In vitro experiments demonstrate that ZnO@PDA-Mn nanocomposites maintain the antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs and induce significant damage to bacterial cell membranes. Importantly, ZnO@PDA-Mn nanocomposites display outstanding curative and protective efficiencies of 47.7% and 53.8% at a dose of 200 μg mL-1 against Psa in vivo, which are superior to those of zinc thiozole (20.6% and 8.8%) and ZnO (38.7% and 33.8%). The nanocomposites offer improved in vivo control efficacy through direct bactericidal effects and decreasing oxidative damage in plants induced by bacterial infection. Our research underscores the potential of nanocomposites containing CAT-like active sites in plant protection, offering a promising strategy for sustainable disease management in agriculture.

CeO2·ZnO@biomass-derived carbon nanocomposite-based electrochemical sensor for efficient detection of ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid (AA), a prominent antioxidant commonly found in human blood serum, serves as a biomarker for assessing oxidative stress levels. Therefore, precise detection of AA is crucial for swiftly diagnosing conditions arising from abnormal AA levels. Consequently, the primary aim of this research is to develop a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for accurate AA determination. To accomplish this aim, we used a novel nanocomposite comprised of CeO2-doped ZnO adorned on biomass-derived carbon (CeO2·ZnO@BC) as the active nanomaterial, effectively fabricating a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Various analytical techniques were employed to scrutinize the structure and morphology features of the CeO2·ZnO@BC nanocomposite, ensuring its suitability as the sensing nanomaterial. This innovative sensor is capable of quantifying a wide range of AA concentrations, spanning from 0.5 to 1925 μM in a neutral phosphate buffer solution. It exhibits a remarkable sensitivity of 0.2267 μA μM−1cm−2 and a practical detection limit of 0.022 μM. Thanks to its exceptional sensitivity and selectivity, this sensor enables highly accurate determination of AA concentrations in real samples. Moreover, its superior reproducibility, repeatability, and stability underscore its reliability and robustness for AA quantification.

3D Architecting triple gradient graphene-based fiber electrode for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

High-performance fibrous architectures and controllable fabrication methods for active nanomaterials are fundamental in the development of fiber-based supercapacitors (FSCs). Herein, we rationally designed a triple gradient structured fibrous electrode based on three-dimensional (3D) architectural approach with Ni3S2 nanoflakes (Ni3S2 NFs) in situ growth on Ni-coated graphene fiber (Ni3S2-NiGFs) for highly energy-dense asymmetric supercapacitors. Remarkably, the Ni-metal coating imparted the Ni3S2-NiGFs exceptional electrical conductivity (619.8 S cm−1), mechanical strength (335.0 MPa), and flexibility without significantly compromising its density. Moreover, the unique 3D interconnected ultrathin Ni3S2 NFs significantly increase the contact area between the electrode and the electrolyte solution, providing abundant redox activity to facilitate ion transport and accumulation. Therefore, the fibrous electrode showcased a remarkable areal specific capacitance of 1387.6 mF cm−2 at 3 mA cm−2 in 3 M KOHaq electrolyte, while its asymmetric FSCs delivered an impressive areal energy density of 15.6 μW h cm−2 at power density of 1.0 mW cm−2 along with durable cycle life (86.7 % of the initial specific capacitance retention over 10,000 cycles). In summary, the featured work provides a facile but robust electrode design to realize highly energy-dense flexible energy storage devices for next-generation wearable industries.

Electrochemical detection of hydroquinone as an environmental contaminant using Ga2O3 incorporated ZnO nanomaterial

The primary objective of this research endeavor is to develop a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for the accurate detection of hydroquinone (HQ), a prevalent environmental contaminant. To achieve this, we employed a novel nanocomposite consisting of Ga2O3-doped ZnO (Ga2O3.ZnO) as the active nanomaterial for fabricating a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The structure and morphology of the Ga2O3.ZnO nanocomposite were rigorously analyzed using a diverse range of techniques to ensure its suitability as the sensing nanomaterial. This innovative sensor exhibits remarkable capabilities, enabling the detection of HQ across a broad concentration range, spanning from 1 to 11070 µM, in a neutral phosphate buffer solution. It boasts an exceptionally high sensitivity of 1.0229 µA µM−1 cm−2 and an impressive detection limit of 0.063 µM. Thanks to its exceptional sensitivity and specificity, this sensor can precisely quantify HQ levels in real-world samples. Moreover, its outstanding reproducibility, repeatability, and stability establish it as a dependable and resilient choice for HQ determination.

Comparative Antioxidant Efficacy of Green-Synthesised Selenium Nanoparticles From Pongamia pinnata, Citrus sinensis, and Acacia auriculiformis: An In Vitro Analysis.

Aim This study aims to synthesise selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using extracts from Citrus sinensis peel (CSP), Millettia pinnata Leaf (MPL), and Acacia auriculiformis bark (AAB) as eco-friendly reducing agents. It seeks to compare the effectiveness of these plant extracts in the production of SeNPsand evaluate the antioxidant activities of the synthesised nanoparticles, establishing a link between the phytochemical constituents of the extracts and the antioxidant capacity of SeNPs for their potential applications in drug development and environmental sustainability. Introduction Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions in various fields, including medicine, environmental science, and materials engineering. SeNPs are of particular interest due to their unique properties and potential applications. The methods for synthesizing nanoparticles often involve hazardous chemicals, posing risks to the environment and human health. In response, green synthesis methods utilizing plant extracts have emerged as a sustainable alternative. This study focuses on utilizing CSP, MPL, and AAB extracts, rich in natural reducing agents such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, for the eco-friendly synthesis of SeNPs. These plant sources are chosen based on their known phytochemical profiles and potential antioxidant activities, and we aim to explore the correlation between the extracts' phytochemical composition and the antioxidant capabilities of the synthesised SeNPs. Methods SeNPs were synthesised using aqueous extracts of CSP, MPL, and AAB through a reduction process, in which selenium ions (Se4+) are reduced to elemental selenium. The presence of SeNPs was first visually monitored by colour change and then confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses. The antioxidant activity of the synthesised SeNPs was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the efficacy of SeNPs synthesised from different plant extracts was compared. Results The UV-Vis spectral analysis indicated a successful synthesis of SeNPs, as evidenced by the characteristic absorption peaks. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of organic molecules derived from the plant components on the outer layer of SeNPs, suggesting successful capping and stabilization of nanoparticles by phytochemicals in the extracts. Among the three types of SeNPs, those synthesised using Citrus sinensis peel extract (CSPE) exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, indicating superior antioxidant properties compared to SeNPs synthesised from Millettia pinnata leaf extract (MPLE) and Acacia auriculiformis bark extract (AABE). This suggests that the antioxidant capacity of SeNPs is significantly influenced by the phytochemical composition of the plant extract used for synthesis. Conclusion The study highlights the potential of CSPE as an effective natural source for synthesising antioxidant-rich SeNPs and underscores the importance of green synthesis approaches in producing environmentally friendly and biologically active nanomaterials.

Piezoelectric Peptide Nanotube Substrate Sensors Activated through Sound Wave Energy.

The use of sustainable and safe materials is increasingly in demand for the creation of photonic-based technology. Piezoelectric peptide nanotubes make up a class of safe and sustainable materials. We show that these materials can generate piezoelectric charge through the deformation of oriented molecular dipoles when the tube length is flexed through the application of sound energy. Through the combination of peptide nanotubes with plasmon active nanomaterials, harvesting of low-frequency acoustic sound waves was achieved. This effect was applied to boost surface-enhanced Raman scattering signal detection of analytes, including glucose. This work demonstrates the potential of utilizing sound to boost sensing by using piezoelectric materials.

Protein Aggregation on Metal Oxides Governs Catalytic Activity and Cellular Uptake.

Engineering of catalytically active inorganic nanomaterials holds promising prospects for biomedicine. Catalytically active metal oxides show applications in enhancing wound healing but have also been employed to induce cell death in photodynamic or radiation therapy. Upon introduction into a biological system, nanomaterials are exposed to complex fluids, causing interaction and adsorption of ions and proteins. While protein corona formation on nanomaterials is acknowledged, its modulation of nanomaterial catalytic efficacy is less understood. In this study, proteomic analyses and nano-analytic methodologies quantify and characterize adsorbed proteins, correlating this protein layer with metal oxide catalytic activity in vitro and in vivo. The protein corona comprises up to 280 different proteins, constituting up to 38% by weight. Enhanced complement factors and other opsonins on nanocatalyst surfaces lead to their uptake into macrophages when applied topically, localizing >99% of the nanomaterials in tissue-resident macrophages. Initially, the formation of the protein corona significantly reduces the nanocatalysts' activity, but this activity can be partially recovered in endosomal conditions due to the proteolytic degradation of the corona. Overall, the research reveals the complex relationship between physisorbed proteins and the catalytic characteristics of specific metal oxide nanoparticles, providing design parameters for optimizing nanocatalysts in complex biological environments.

Simple and affordable synthesis of a binder-free nickel-zinc sulfide electrode for high-performance supercapacitors

Due to the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions, aqueous energy systems have emerged as promising and sustainable technologies. Nanostructured transition metal sulfides, renowned for their exceptional properties, are prime candidates for electrochemical supercapacitors. In this study, we present the synthesis of nickel-zinc sulfide (Ni-Zn-S) as a binder-free supercapacitor material using the affordable successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction simple technique. The active nanomaterial was directly deposited onto a 3D Ni foam current collector substrate, negating the need for a binder. The synergistic combination of Ni and Zn enhances the electrode capacitance. Various electrochemical techniques were used to evaluate the loaded active material as a binder-free supercapacitor electrode in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. Results indicate pseudocapacitive performance, achieving a high specific capacitance of 400F/g at 0.7 A/g. This material retains 97 % of its capacity, even after 2000 cycles, showcasing exceptional long-term cycling stability. These findings underscore the potential of the Ni-Zn-S electrode for delivering low-cost, high-performance supercapacitors.

Review on physical and chemical activation strategies for ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC)

This paper aims to investigate the latest advancement in physical and chemical activation strategies for ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), addressing challenges such as high autogenous shrinkage, insufficient hydration, and inadequate steel fibers utilization, to further enhance its performance and achieve broader application. Firstly, an in-depth discussion is provided on physical activation strategies, encompassing design methodologies, nanomaterials, mixing, casting, and curing regimes. Subsequently, the discourse comprehensively covers chemical activation strategies, including active nanomaterials, multi-cementitious material systems, chemical admixtures and alkali-activator. Throughout this investigation, particular emphasis is placed on identifying research gaps within various activation strategies to foster more profound subsequent research and encourage innovative contributions to civil engineering. Finally, a focused discussion is provided on the influence of synergistic physical and chemical activation on UHPC performance. This comprehensive review serves as a crucial reference for deep research and broader application of UHPC in engineering, offering valuable insights for further exploration and optimization of the UHPC performance.

Studies on the Application of PGM Nanocatalysts from Spent Automotive Converters for Degradation of Ibuprofen in Aqueous Solutions.

There is an increasing concern about the presence of various types of pharmaceuticals in drinking water, as long-term exposure of people to even low concentrations of drugs can lead to many problems, such as endocrine disorders or drug resistance. As the removal in sewage treatment plants is not effective enough, as indicated, among others, by the EC and OECD reports, it is justified to search for new materials that will allow for an effective and rapid reduction of these pollutants in water. Therefore, in our work, catalytically active nanomaterials containing platinum group metals (PGMs) were synthesized from model and real multicomponent solutions and examined in reactions of organic compounds. The nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained from real solutions from the hydrometallurgical processing of spent automotive converters (SACs), and to the best of our knowledge, the novelty of the proposed paper is the application of solutions from SAC processing as precursors for PGM-NPs. The synthesized PGM-NPs were deposited on a support (TiO2), characterized and, finally, examined as nanocatalysts in a degradation reaction of ibuprofen (IB) from model aqueous solutions. The degree of IB degradation reached more than 90%. The main products of IB degradation were p-isobutylphenol and CO2.

Review—Electrostatic Spinning for Manufacturing Sensitive Layers of Flexible Sensors and Their Structural Design

Electrostatic spinning technology is widely used in the manufacturing of flexible sensors. It is a mature and reliable method to fabricate nanofibers with tailorable fiber diameter surface microstructure like porosities and specific surface areas. Based on these properties, the electrically conductive composite nanofiber mats achieved by functionalizing nanofibers with active conductive nanomaterials are used as a sensitive layer for flexible sensors with tunable sensing performance. However, it is crucial to select suitable materials and optimal electrospinning technology, as well as design of the sensitive layer structure, for tuning the mechano-electrical performance of flexible sensors. This paper first reviews the current methods for the fabrication of flexible sensors with a focus on preparation method based electrospinning technology. Then, we introduce in detail the types and properties of common substrate materials and conductive fillers used to make sensor sensitive layers, with emphasis on the design of sensitive layer structures for the properties of the materials themselves. Finally, there is a summary of improvements and derivations based on the traditional electrospinning technologies that have been reported in recent years. It is hoped that this review will provide both references and inspiration for researchers in the field of flexible sensors.

Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaic Devices: Interface/Bulk Properties and Stability Issues

In the present work, an insight on the morpho/structural properties of semitransparent organic devices for buildings’ integrated photovoltaics is presented, and issues related to interface and bulk stability are addressed. The organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells under investigation are characterized by a blend of PM6:Y6 as a photo-active layer, a ZnO ETL (electron transporting layer), a HTL (hole transporting layer) of HTL-X and a transparent electrode composed by Ag nanowires (AgNWs). The devices’ active nanomaterials, processed as thin films, and their mutual nanoscale interfaces are investigated by a combination of in situ Energy Dispersive X-ray Reflectometry (EDXR) and ex situ Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. In order to discriminate among diverse concomitant aging pathways potentially occurring upon working conditions, the effects of different stress factors were investigated: light and temperature. Evidence is gained of an essential structural stability, although an increased roughness at the ZnO/PM6:Y6 interface is deduced by EDXR measurements. On the contrary, an overall stability of the system subjected to thermal stress in the dark was observed, which is a clear indication of the photo-induced origin of the observed degradation phenomenon. Micro-Raman spectroscopy brings light on the origin of such effect, evidencing a photo-oxidation process of the active material in the device, using hygroscopic organic HTL, during continuous illumination in ambient moisture conditions. The process may be also triggered by a photocatalytic role of the ZnO layer. Therefore, an alternative configuration is proposed, where the hygroscopic HTL-X is replaced by the inorganic compound MoOx. The results show that such alternative configuration is stable under light stress (solar simulator), suggesting that the use of Molybdenum Oxide, limiting the photo-oxidation of the bulk PM6:Y6 active material, can prevent the cell from degradation.

Activation of persulfate by biochar-supported sulfidized nanoscale zero-valent iron for degradation of ciprofloxacin in aqueous solution: process optimization and degradation pathway.

The pollution of antibiotics, specifically ciprofloxacin (CIP), has emerged as a significant issue in the aquatic environment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are capable of achieving stable and efficient removal of antibiotics from wastewater. In this work, biochar-supported sulfidized nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI/BC) was adopted to activate persulfate (PS) for the degradation of CIP. The impacts of different influencing factors such as S/Fe molar ratios, BC/S-nZVI mass ratios, PS concentration, S-nZVI/BC dosage, CIP concentration, initial pH, coexisting anions, and humic acid on CIP degradation efficiency were explored by batch experiments. The results demonstrated that the highest degradation ability of S-nZVI/BC was achieved when the S/Fe molar ratio was 0.07 and the BC/S-nZVI mass ratio was 1:1. Under the experimental conditions with 0.6 g/L S-nZVI/BC, 2 mmol/L PS, and 10 mg/L CIP, the degradation rate reached 97.45% after 90 min. The S-nZVI/BC + PS system showed significant degradation in the pH range from 3 to 9. The coexisting anions affected the CIP degradation efficiency in the following order: CO32- > NO3- > SO42- > Cl-. The radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) revealed that oxidative species, including SO4•-, HO•, •O2-, and 1O2, all contribute to the degradation of CIP, in which •O2- plays a particularly prominent role. Furthermore, the probable degradation pathway of CIP was explored according to the 12 degradation intermediates identified by LC-MS. This study provides a new idea for the activation method of PS and presents a new approach for the treatment of aqueous antibiotics with highly catalytic active nanomaterials.

Nanomaterials as a Service (NaaS) concept: on-demand protocols for volume synthesis of nanomaterials.

Establishing scalable nanomaterials synthesis protocols remains a bottleneck towards their commercialisation and, thus, a topic of intense research and development. Herein, we present an automated machine-learning microfluidic platform capable of synthesising optically active nanomaterials from target spectra originating from prior experience, theorised or published. Implementing unsupervised Bayesian optimisation with Gaussian processes reduces the optimisation time and the need for prior knowledge to initiate the process. Using PTFE tubing and connectors enables facile change in reactor design. Ultimately, the platform substitutes the labour-intensive trial-and-error synthesis and provides a pathway to standardisation and volume synthesis, slowing down the translation and commercialisation of high-quality nanomaterials. As a proof-of-concept, Ag nanoplates and Prussian-blue nanoparticle protocols were optimised and validated for volume production.

Tailorable fabrication of optical active nanomaterials for bio-applications

Tailorable fabrication of optical active nanomaterials for bio-applications