Active Surface Area Research Articles

High-performance direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell using Ni foam-supported Ni-Co nanoparticles as a noble-metal free anode electrocatalyst

The Ni-Co nanoparticles with various Ni/Co ratios are immobilized on a Ni foam (NF) template, coated with reduced graphene oxides (rGO), and used as a novel noble-metal-free anode electrocatalyst for enhanced performance direct borohydride fuel cells. The electrochemical active surface area (EASA) of Ni50Co50 /rGO/NF (1515 cm2) catalyst is 45.5 times larger than NF (33.3 cm2). A comprehensive study of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DBHPFC) by Pt/C (0.5 mg cm−2) as a cathode and Ni50-Co50/rGO/NF as an anode is accomplished, so an open-circuit potential (OCP) of 1.90 V and the maximum power density of 309 mW cm−2 is obtained at 60 ◦C. These results show that electrocatalyst Ni50Co50/rGO/NF is a suitable candidate for use as an electrocatalyst in DBHPFC due to its low cost, ease of synthesis, excellent structural stability, and high catalytic performance.

NiCo layered double hydroxide nanosheet arrays constructed via in-situ plasma etching as non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for glucose in food

The design and construction of an efficient non-enzymatic glucose electrochemical sensor is of great significance for food quality assessment. Here, we have developed a method to fabricate highly efficient catalytic electrodes for glucose sensing in alkaline. This method utilizes microplasma assistance during the in-situ etching of NiCo layered double hydroxide nanosheet arrays on nickel foam (NiCo-LDH/NF). The NiCo-LDH nanosheets possessed uniform dispersion without agglomeration, high electrochemically active surface area, and excellent electron transfer efficiency (the electron transfer coefficient (α) up to 0.91, the catalytic rate constant (k) was 2.44 × 106 cm3 mol−1 s−1). The NiCo-LDH/NF-based non-enzymatic glucose sensor exhibits the broad linear range (0.4–150 μM), high sensitivity (98000 μA mM−1 cm−2), and the low detection limits (48.76 nM) with satisfactory reproducibility and selectivity. This work developed a simple and rapid in-situ approach for constructing non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors with high sensitivity.

Pd-Ru pair on Pt surface for promoting hydrogen oxidation and evolution in alkaline media

Hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline media is critical for alkaline fuel cells and electrochemical ammonia compressors. The slow hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline electrolytes requires large amounts of scarce and expensive platinum catalysts. While transition metal decoration can enhance Pt catalysts’ activity, it often reduces the electrochemical active surface area, limiting the improvement in Pt mass activity. Here, we enhance Pt catalysts’ activity without losing surface-active sites by using a Pd-Ru pair. Utilizing a mildly catalytic thermal pyrolysis approach, Pd-Ru pairs are decorated on Pt, confirmed by extended X-ray absorption fine structure and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Density functional theory and ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations indicate preferred Pd and Ru dopant adsorption. The Pd-Ru decorated Pt catalyst exhibits a mass-based exchange current density of 1557 ± 85 A g−1metal for hydrogen oxidation reaction, demonstrating superior performance in an ammonia compressor.

Thermal decomposition-assisted, aspect ratio controlled ZnO nanorods towards highly selective H2 gas detection

ZnO nanostructures with various aspect ratios have been synthesized for H2 gas detection applications. The thermal-decomposition method was employed at different annealing temperatures (350, 450, and 550 °C) and its impact on various shapes/sizes of ZnO nanostructures is demonstrated. Thermal decomposition performed at 350 °C exhibited a maximum (∼6.25) aspect ratio among them. Its capability of H2 sensing was also observed to be maximum by realizing ∼483% of sensor response at 180 °C under H2 gas concentration of 80 ppm. The sensor response is ∼3 times (∼177%) and ∼9 times (∼53%) higher at ZnO nanostructure synthesized at 350 °C than at 450 °C, and 550 °C, respectively. The higher sensor response has been attributed to the increased availability of active surface area for adsorption/desorption of gas molecules. ZnO@350 nanostructure showed significantly higher selectivity towards H2 gas than other target chemical inputs. We have also studied H2-induced metallization on the surface of ZnO nanostructures which plays an important role for improving the selectivity and sensor response. This study provides insight into the role of aspect-ratio-controlled shape/sized ZnO in improving H2 gas sensing.

Facile synthesis of NiCo2O4 nanosheets efficient for electrocatalysis of water

Effective regulation of transition metal spinel morphology is crucial for stable bifunctional catalysts in the electrocatalysis of water. In this work, we crafted a fine NiCo2O4 (F-NCO) microflower structure assembled by nanosheet arrays, which exhibited highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), outperforming most of the previous transition metal catalysts. Electronic microscope analysis revealed that the thickness of the F-NCO catalyst was only 1.6 nm, much smaller than that (58.8 nm) of bulk NiCo2O4 (B-NCO), and the ultrathin lamellar structure facilitated the exposure of active sites and improved the reaction kinetics. Compared with the B-NCO catalyst, the overpotential of the F-NCO catalyst in HER and OER was reduced by 36 and 82 mV, the active surface area increased by 2.68 and 4.16 times, and the charge transfer resistance values were reduced by 0.42 and 0.61 times, respectively. In the assembled cell, F-NCO/CFP(+)||F-NCO/CFP(−) electrolyzer was able to achieve 10 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.74 V, which was much lower than B-NCO/CFP(+)||B-NCO/CFP(−) electrolyzer. In the 12-hour stability test, the potentiometric time dropped by only 30 mV, lower than 70 mV of the B-NCO catalyst. This work presents a facile strategy for developing a bifunctional catalyst for the electrocatalysis of water.

A multi-step discharge/charge model of Li[sbnd]O2 batteries coupled with electrolyte decomposition and carbon electrode corrosion reactions

Electrolyte decomposition and electrode corrosion stand as two primary side reactions in lithium‑oxygen (LiO2) batteries during their discharge/charge cycles. In this work, a comprehensive LiO2 battery model combining multi-step lithium peroxide (Li2O2) formation, electrolyte decomposition, and electrode corrosion is proposed. Based on this model, the deposition behaviors and cycling performance of the LiO2 battery under deep discharge/charge cycles are investigated. The stop of discharge is mainly ascribed to the loss of active surface area for the battery using tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME) electrolyte, while both O2 transport limitation and active surface area loss lead to the discharge termination for battery using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) electrolyte. The incomplete decomposition of Li2O2 and lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) clogs electrode pores, leading to a continuous decline in the discharge capacity of the LiO2 battery. For the TEGDME-based battery, the undecomposed Li2CO3 gradually dominates the deposition with cycles, wherein electrode corrosion becomes the primary source of the undecomposed Li2CO3 after 3 cycles. For the DMSO-based battery, undecomposed Li2O2 is always a dominant trigger for battery discharge capacity degradation, although electrode corrosion remains a key contributor to Li2CO3 generation. Despite the DMSO-based battery exhibiting lower rates of electrolyte decomposition and electrode corrosion, it demonstrates poorer cyclic performance than the TEGDME-based battery due to the generation of more toroidal Li2O2. Moreover, when the charging cut-off voltage is reduced to 4.2 V, discharge capacity diminishes more rapidly due to the increased accumulation of undecomposed Li2O2, despite suppressed Li2CO3 deposition. Finally, the results confirm that thick electrodes lead to deteriorating cycling performance, stemming from increased discharge/charge overpotential and extended discharge/charge times, thus intensifying the side reactions.

Binder-free copper manganese sulfide nanoflake arrays electrodeposited on reduced graphene oxide-wrapped nickel foam as an efficient battery-type electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors

In the current study, 2D interconnected copper manganese sulfide (CMS) nanoflake arrays are successfully electrodeposited on nickel foam (NF) and reduced graphene oxide-coated NF (NF/rGO). A pulsed current electrodeposition method is used to prepare a uniform and homogeneous coverage of rGO on NF. By using rGO as a conductive carbon-based template, an ultrathin nanoflake structure of CMS with smaller dimensions and higher electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) is achieved. The results reveal the battery-type behavior of the as-synthesized CMS electroactive materials. At a current density of 5 A g−1 this electrode delivers a significant specific capacity of 667 C g-1 and maintained a considerable proportion of its initial capacity, with a retention value of 83.2 % even after undergoing 3000 charge/discharge cycles. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor is fabricated by setting up the synthesized NF/rGO/CMS sample as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode. The constructed device not only delivers an impressive energy density of 63.3 Wh kg-1 accompanied by an outstanding power density of 11214.5 W kg−1, but also exhibits a considerable cycling durability, enduring only a 12 % decline in specific capacitance after 3000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1.

All roads lead to Rome: Trace water-dominated the formation of nanosheet-assembled hollow metal-organic frameworks for high performance supercapacitors

Controlling the structure of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is a crucial strategy to enhance electrochemical performance. In this work, nanosheet-assembled hollow Ni-MOF spheres are synthesized by controlling the transition states through a facile trace water-assisted solvothermal method. During the research, it is found that water in the system, whether from the precursor Ni(NO3)2·6H2O or from an additional source, is a key influencing factor that can regulate the reaction process to control structural changes. Theoretical calculations prove that the water present in the reaction system can affect the distribution of terephthalic acid (TPA) and Ni2+, indicating that trace water can provide an accelerating effect. The nanosheet-assembled sphere shells can expose more active surface area, and the hollow structure can prevent the restacking of nanosheets and shorten the charge transport path. Based on these structural advantages, the prepared Ni-TPA MOF electrode achieves a high specific capacitance of 1010 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a 61 % rate capability at 20 A g−1. This work offers a feasible and highly effective strategy to design nanosheet-assembled hollow MOF spheres for high-performance supercapacitors and helps to understand the key factors influencing the formation of hollow MOF spheres.

Investigating the impact of various etching agents on Ti3C2Tx MXene synthesis for electrochemical energy conversion

MXenes represent a revolutionary class of two-dimensional (2D) materials that have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties, including excellent electrical conductivity, and remarkable mechanical strength. This study investigates the influence of different etching agents on the synthesis of MXenes for electrochemical energy conversion applications, particularly in methanol oxidation reactions (MOR). Morphological characterization, particle distribution and sizing, elemental analysis, and surface chemistry assessments were conducted using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), Tafel analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and long-term stability assessment were employed. The study reveals that PtRu/MXene synthesized with the FeF3/HCl etching route exhibits the highest ECSA value and peak current density, being 12.3 times and 3.63 times higher than those achieved via the LiF/HCl etching route. The kinetic rate, tolerance to catalyst poisoning and long-term stability also show the better results for this etching route. These findings suggest promising potential for PtRu/MXene_FeF3/HCl as an effective anodic electrocatalyst in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications.

Effective strategy for enhancing the activity and durability of gas diffusion electrode in high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: In-situ growth of Pt nanowires on dual microporous layers

High-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) suffer from high platinum (Pt) loading and limited lifetime issues due to the low Pt efficiency of the conventional electrode and poor durability of Pt/C catalyst under harsh operating conditions. Thus, dual microporous layer (MPL) structured gas diffusion layers were developed, utilizing formic acid reduction for the in-situ growth of Pt nanowires (NWs). The optimal ratio of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic MPLs was determined to be 1:1. The resulting Pt NWs gas diffusion electrode (GDE) achieved a significantly high Pt mass-specific peak power density, which was 2.48 times higher than the conventional Pt/C GDE. After accelerated degradation tests, the peak power density and the electrochemically active surface area of Pt NWs GDE decreased by 10.84 % and 4.47 %, respectively, significantly lower than those of the conventional Pt/C GDE. The superior activity and durability of Pt NWs GDE are attributed to its binder-free characteristic, the outstanding activity and stability of one-dimensional Pt NWs, and the strong adherent force between the in-situ grown Pt and the carbon substrate. This study provides a straightforward and effective strategy to reduce the Pt loading and enhance electrode durability, thereby facilitating the large-scale application of HT-PEMFCs.

All-Metal Flexible Fiber by Continuously Assembling Nanowires for High Electrical Conductivity.

Fiber electronics booms as a new important field but is currently limited by the challenge of finding both highly flexible and conductive fiber electrodes. Here, all-metal fibers based on nanowires are discovered. Silver nanowires are continuously assembled into robust fibers by salt-induced aggregation and then firmly stabilized by plasmonic welding. The nanowire network structures provide them both high flexibility with moduli at the level of MPa and conductivities up to 106 S m-1. They also show excellent electrochemical properties such as low impedance and high electrochemically active surface area. Their stable chronic single-neuron recording is further demonstrated with good biocompatibility in vivo. These new fiber materials may provide more opportunities for the future development of fiber electronics.

Hydrogels and Aerogels for Versatile Photo-/Electro-Chemical and Energy-Related Applications.

The development of photo-/electro-chemical and flexible electronics has stimulated research in catalysis, informatics, biomedicine, energy conversion, and storage applications. Gels (e.g., aerogel, hydrogel) comprise a range of polymers with three-dimensional (3D) network structures, where hydrophilic polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, copolymers, and hydroxides are the most widely studied for hydrogels, whereas 3D graphene, carbon, organic, and inorganic networks are widely studied for aerogels. Encapsulation of functional species with hydrogel building blocks can modify the optoelectronic, physicochemical, and mechanical properties. In addition, aerogels are a set of nanoporous or microporous 3D networks that bridge the macro- and nano-world. Different architectures modulate properties and have been adopted as a backbone substrate, enriching active sites and surface areas for photo-/electro-chemical energy conversion and storage applications. Fabrication via sol-gel processes, module assembly, and template routes have responded to professionalized features and enhanced performance. This review presents the most studied hydrogel materials, the classification of aerogel materials, and their applications in flexible sensors, batteries, supercapacitors, catalysis, biomedical, thermal insulation, etc.

An efficient voltammetric sensing platform for trace determination of Norfloxacin based on nanoplate-like α-zirconium phosphate/carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Norfloxacin (NOR) residues pose a potential threat to our health and ecosystem, so it is highly urgent to develop a simple but accurate method for NOR determination. Therefore, an efficient voltammetric sensing platform was constructed for trace detection of NOR based on nanoplate-like α-zirconium phosphate/carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (α-ZrP/CMWCNT). The physiochemical characteristics of α-ZrP/CMWCNT were scrutinized using various microscopic, spectroscopic, and electrochemical means. In order to pursuit higher voltammetric responses, detection conditions of NOR such as accumulation potential, accumulation time and buffer pH, were explored comprehensibly. The α-ZrP/CMWCNT enlarged the electrochemically active surface area and lowered the charge transfer resistance. Owing to the synergistic interactions between nanoplate-like α-ZrP NPs and CMWCNTs, the α-ZrP/CMWCNT boosted the voltammetric response signals and reduced the over-potential of NOR. Consequently, the α-ZrP/CMWCNT demonstrated remarkably catalytic activity for NOR electrooxidation, with two broad linear detection ranges (0.01–0.1 μM; 0.1–10.0 μM) and a low detection limit (2.8 nM). The α-ZrP/CMWCNT modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibited strong anti-interfering ability even in excess of other antibiotics and common metal ions, and maintained robust response peaks up to two weeks. The α-ZrP/CMWCNT/GCE realized accurate determination of NOR from complicated matrices at trace levels with good recoveries (99.00–104.40 %).

Enhancement of acidic hydrogen evolution reaction efficiency through Cu/Ni-doped MFI-type protozeolite layered nanoclusters.

We have prepared a highly active and stable copper-doped nickel electrocatalyst. Cu/Ni-doped MFI-type protozeolite layered nanoclusters electrodes have a large electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and good HER activity, as well as excellent durability. The addition of Cu greatly increases hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity under acidic conditions. At the same time, the in situ grown Cu2+1O provides some activity, and in addition, the interface constructed between Cu and Ni further generates sufficient electrochemically active surface area. The activated Cu/Ni-doped MFI-type layered nanoclusters required only a 385 mV overpotential to generate 10 mA cm-2, demonstrating efficient and stable activity with potential practical applications.

Development of novel electrochemical sensor based on Co-Fe layered double hydroxide for simultaneous determination of Hydroquinone, Catechol, and Resorcinol

In this work, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed using a glassy carbon electrode modified with Co-Fe-layered double hydroxides (Co/Fe-LDH/GCE) for the detection of dihydroxybenzene isomers (Hydroquinone (HQ), Catechol (CC), and Resorcinol (RS) due to the large active surface area, facile electronic transport, and high electrocatalytic activity features of LDH. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to characterize the modifier. Under the optimized conditions, the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method was used as a sensitive and efficient method to measure dihydroxybenzene isomers. Well-separated oxidation peak potentials corresponding to HQ, CC, and RS were observed at 0.04 V, 0.150 V, and 0.560 V, respectively. The linear range was 2.5 × 10−9 to 1.2 × 10−5 M for hydroquinone and catechol and 7.5 × 10−9 to 4.2 × 10−6 M for resorcinol, with a detection limit of 0.001, 0.001, and 0.005 µM (S/N=3) for hydroquinone, catechol, and resorcinol, respectively. The Co/Fe-LDH sensor demonstrated a fast response, high sensitivity, excellent stability, and satisfactory repeatability. The modified electrode was successfully applied to the direct determination of DBIs in river water, providing reliable recovery data.

Comparative Study of Polymer-Modified Copper Oxide Electrochemical Sensors: Stability and Performance Analysis.

The effectiveness of copper oxide-modified electrochemical sensors using different polymers is being studied. The commercial powder was sonicated in an isopropyl alcohol solution and distilled water with 5 wt% polymers (chitosan, Nafion, PVP, HPC, α-terpineol). It was observed that the chitosan and Nafion caused degradation of CuO, but Nafion formed a stable mixture when diluted. The modified electrodes were drop-casted and analyzed using cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 M KCl + 3 mM [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- solution to determine the electrochemically active surface area (EASA). The results showed that α-terpineol formed agglomerates, while HPC created uneven distributions, resulting in poor stability. On the other hand, Nafion and PVP formed homogeneous layers, with PVP showing the highest EASA of 0.317 cm2. In phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), HPC and PVP demonstrated stable signals. Nafion remained the most stable in various electrolytes, making it suitable for sensing applications. Testing in 0.1 M NaOH revealed HPC instability, partial dissolution of PVP, and Cu ion reduction. The type of polymer used significantly impacts the performance of CuO sensors. Nafion and PVP show the most promise due to their stability and effective dispersion of CuO. Further optimization of polymer-CuO combinations is necessary for enhanced sensor functionality.

Unveiling the potential of desert sand-derived mesoporous silica supported nickel-based catalysts for co-production of H2 and carbon nanomaterials via methane cracking

This study investigates the replacement of a costly commercial silicate source with locally abundant desert sand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for synthesizing mesoporous silica. Hydrothermal synthesis methods were employed to develop various mesoporous materials having different pore geometries, namely MCM41-S, SBA15-S and MCF-S, using desert sand as a silica source. These materials were then impregnated with 15 wt% NiO (∼13 wt% Ni) by sono-wet impregnation technique. All Ni-based silica supported catalyst demonstrated enhanced stability at 550 °C during the reaction. It was observed that the synthesized MCF-S proves to be a highly efficient catalyst support, as Ni/MCF-S, for the catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM), exhibiting the highest methane conversion (60 %), which is 1.4–2.1 times higher than the Ni-based classic-structured mesoporous siliceous supported catalysts, such as SBA15-S and MCM41-S. In particular, the H2 yield (62 %) of the Ni/MCF-S catalyst was 1.40 and 2.38 times higher than that of the Ni/SBA15-S and Ni/MCM41-S catalysts, respectively. To understand the observed differences, a detailed characterization of the physicochemical properties of these materials was conducted. The results revealed that the macro/mesopores size (4–60 nm) and bimodal sinusoidal pore geometry of MCF-S, played a critical role in enhancing Ni particle dispersion, resulting in the highest active Ni metal surface area (7.66 m2/gcat) and contributing to the improved catalytic activity of Ni catalysts in methane cracking.

Heterostructures constructed by NiMoO4 functionalized 2D MoO3 nanosheets for ultrasensitive trimethylamine detection with ppb level detection

Trimethylamine (TMA) serves as an indicator for assessing seafood spoilage and a biomarker for kidney disease. Achieving this dual functionality necessitates the detection of TMA with a low detection limit and exceptional selectivity. Here, NiMoO4 functionalized MoO3 heterostructures were constructed and subjected to a systematic investigation of their sensing properties towards TMA. The 7 %-NiMoO4/MoO3 sensor could detect trace TMA at 200°C with a response value of 3.93 (0.1 ppm) and achieve detecting thresholds as low as 2.48 ppb (theoretical limit). Additionally, the sensor exhibits remarkable selectivity to TMA, an expansive adjustable concentration on detection range, and excellent long-term stability. The enhanced sensing properties may be ascribed to the forming p-n heterojunctions at the NiMoO4/MoO3 interface, effectively modulating the interfacial potential. Moreover, the NiMoO4/MoO3 heterostructures demonstrate excellent charge-transfer capability, high charge carrier density, and a substantial active surface area in electrochemical measurements, thereby enhancing the sensing ability of TMA. Additionally, the thin nanosheet structure facilitates efficient charge transportation along the length of the nanosheets, further enhancing the sensing response. These results indicate the potential of NiMoO4/MoO3 as a promising sensing material for TMA gas sensors.

Aloe vera gel mediated green synthesis of ruthenium nanoparticles and their potential anticancer activity

Metal nanoparticles have a noteworthy future in cancer treatment research because of their smaller size and large active surface area. Though gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper, zinc, iron and several other metal nanoparticles have been explored for their anticancer potential in different pathways, the main limitation of these particles is their toxicity which may be controlled through their size, surface modification and route of administration. Compared to other metal nanoparticles, ruthenium nanoparticles have high bio compatibility and they exhibit excellent photo-thermal effect. Though there are several reports in the literature on the anticancer potential of ruthenium complexes, ruthenium nanoparticles are not much investigated. In the present work, therefore, an attempt has been made to synthesize ruthenium nanoparticles in an easy and eco-friendly way using Aloe vera gel. Ruthenium chloride was used as a precursor and Aloe vera gel acted both as reducing and capping agent. The synthesized ruthenium nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The analyses confirmed the formation of nano globules of Aloe vera gel of diameter in the range 90–300 nm with ruthenium nanoparticles of average size 1.5 nm embedded in them. The synthesized Ru nanoparticles embedded in the nano globules of Aloe vera gel (ALV RuNPs) were explored for their anticancer potential in the Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DL) cell line using Trypan Blue assay. The results of the assay showed that the ALV RuNPs can induce concentration dependent cytotoxicity in DL cancer cells. Approximately 40 % cytotoxicity was obtained for concentration range 5–50 mg/mL of the sample while negligible cytotoxicity was observed for healthy PBMC cells. Theoretical study indicates significant interaction between the components present in Aloe vera and Ru-nanoparticles. The results showed that ruthenium nanoparticles can emerge as a promising bio-compatible candidate with the ability to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal cells.

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.