Average Crystal Size Research Articles

Synthesis of Cu-1,4-Benzene Dicarboxylate Metal-Organic Frameworks (Cu-BDC MOFs) from Plastic Waste and Its Application as Catalyst in Biodiesel Production

The increasing of PET plastic waste causes various environmental problems because decomposing it is difficult to compose. This study aims to utilize PET plastic waste as a source of terephthalic acid organic linker in the solvothermal synthesis of Cu-1,4-Benzene Dicarboxylate metal-organic frameworks (Cu-BDC MOFs). Cu-BDC MOFs were characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX. The characterization results showed that the crystals of Cu-BDC MOFs had an irregular cubic morphology with an average crystal size of 67.96 nm. Furthermore, Cu-BDC MOFs were applied as catalysts for the esterification reaction to produce biodiesel from coconut oil. The conversion percentage of free fatty acids in the esterification process was 43.75 %, while in the transesterification process, it was 68.90 %. Analysis using GC-MS showed the presence of 8 peaks, with the largest percentage of areas identified as fatty acid methyl esters. The major components were methyl laurate (31.17 %), methyl myristate (18.77 %), methyl palmitate (12.50 %), methyl caprylate (10.76 %), methyl elaidate (10.07 %), methyl caprate (7.34 %), methyl stearate (5.67 %), and methyl linoleate (2.26 %). The quality of the biodiesel was tested, and the results were as follows: The density parameter was measured at 842.5 kg/m3, the viscosity measurement showed 2.9572 cSt, and the water content was found to be 0.09 %. Additionally, the acid number parameter was determined to be 0.2799 mg-KOH/g. HIGHLIGHTS Cu-BDC MOFs are produced through the hydrolysis of PET waste using a solvothermal mixture of distilled water, ethanol, and DMF at 85 °C for 24 h. The micrograph of the synthesized Cu-BDC MOFs reveals a clustered topography of Cu-BDC MOFs crystals with irregular cubic (hexahedral) shapes. FTIR analysis of biodiesel displays distinctive peaks corresponding to the -C-H, -C=O, -CH2, -CH3, and -C-O functional groups. The GC-MS analysis of biodiesel from coconut oil shows the presence of 8 major peaks, namely methyl caprylate, methyl caprate, methyl laurate, methyl myristate, methyl palmitate, methyl linoleate, methyl elaidate, and methyl stearate, with the largest percent area. The quality test results of biodiesel indicate a density parameter of 842.5 kg/m3, a biodiesel viscosity measurement of 2.9572 cSt, a water content of 0.0898 %, and an acid number of 0.2799 mg-KOH/g. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The Effect Of Acid Treatment On The Characteristics Of Modernite Zeolite

This work investigated the use of acid treatment on the characteristics of zeolite mineral. The effects of treating zeolite with various acid solutions hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) were measured using x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed an increase in the percentage of SiO2 and Al2O3 after zeolite activation, and also a decrease in the amount of impurities. The crystalline phase of the zeolite was carried out using XRD analysis, indicating the type of zeolite used is modernite. The SiO2 phase in the sample is quartz, and the Al2O3 phase is corundum. The average crystal size decreased after activation, from 14.23 nm to 6.85 nm for HCl and 5.42 nm for H2SO4. Futhermore, the surface morphology of all zeolite samples has a form of irregular spherical surface, and the surface size of the particles after activation shows a smaller particle shape. The results of this study are expected to become recommendations for further research related to natural zeolite pretreatment as a catalyst support.

A novel green synthesis approach for shape memory polymer nanocomposites decorated with silver nanoparticles

AbstractA new, low‐cost, and direct green synthesis strategy was developed for the preparation of polymer composites composed of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated on a shape memory polymer blend using Rubus caesius L. leaves. X‐ray powder diffraction, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental composition were applied to characterize the crystal size, morphology, and elemental composition of Ag‐NPs. UV–vis spectra detected the characteristic absorbance signal of AgNPs at about 430 nm, and the average crystal size of nanoparticles was calculated as about 12.60 nm. When nanocomposite films were characterized by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, characteristic polylactic acid, and poly ethylene glycol (PEG) signals were determined. From the thermogravimetric analysis curves, it was determined that the amount of residue of nanocomposites increased as the amount of AgNP increased. It was seen that AgNPs did not affect the Tg temperature of the nanocomposite films, while it was also a proof that the polymer blend was immiscible. It was observed that the shape recovery properties of nanocomposite films were better with increasing AgNPs content. Finally, both green synthesized AgNPs and nanocomposites prepared with shape memory polymers showed very good antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.Highlights Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out with Rubus caesius L. leaves. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and x‐ray powder diffraction. Composite films were prepared with poly lactic acid/poly ɛ‐caprolactone blend by solvent casting method. The amount of residue of nanocomposites increased with increasing AgNPs percentage. The nanocomposite film containing 10% AgNPs has good activity.

The regulation of protein crystallization using choline chloride precipitant and its mechanism

Inorganic salts are the most commonly used precipitants in protein crystallization. However, due to their strong ability to destroy the hydration shell and diffuse electric double layer of proteins, the use of inorganic salts can easily cause protein precipitation. This work studied protein crystallization using organic salt choline chloride (cc) as the precipitant. Compared with NaCl, crystallization, it was found that lysozyme could nucleate at a lower supersaturation and the single-crystal area was significantly enlarged with cc. Even at a high supersaturation of nearly 30, lysozyme crystals could still maintain a complete tetragonal morphology with no urchin-like crystals in cc solution. Furthermore, the average crystal size in cc solution was larger than that in NaCl solution even at a lower supersaturation. In addition, the quantitative efficiency of yield was about equal in cc and NaCl system. Combining Zeta potential, fluorescence spectrum and MD simulation, it was found that cc could interact with lysozyme through hydrogen bond, which weakened the damage of Cl− to diffuse electric double layer of proteins and increased the stability of lysozyme. DLS revealed that the presence of cc could promote the formation of large protein aggregates, which was favorable for crystal growth. In addition, CD spectra and lysozyme activity showed that the presence of cc did not affect the secondary structure and activity of lysozyme. This work proved that cc could be used as a substitute precipitant to grow protein crystals with large size and improve the stability of protein crystallization.

Antifungal screening of selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by microcystin-producing Desmonostoc alborizicum

Metal nanoparticles exhibit excellent antifungal abilities and are seen as a good substitute for controlling different kinds of fungi. Of all known taxa, cyanobacteria have received significant consideration as nanobiofactories, as a result of the cellular assimilation of heavy metals from the environment. The cellular bioactive enzymes, polysaccharides and pigments can be used as reducers and coatings during biosynthesis. The probability of the antifungal activity of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to prevent plant fungi that can affect humans was evaluated and a toxic Iranian cyanobacterial strain of Desmonostoc alborizicum was used to study the biotechnology of SeNP synthesis for the first time. Characterization of nanoparticles with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer showed the formation of SeNPs in the range of 271–275 nm with the appearance of an orange color. Morphological examination of nanoparticles with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), revealed the spherical shape of nanoparticles. The results of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) showed 7 peaks and a hexagonal structure of average crystal size equal to 58.8 nm. The dispersion index of SeNPs was reported as 0.635, which indicated the homogeneity of the nanoparticle droplet size. The zeta potential of the nanoparticles was + 22.7. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis exhibited a sharp and intense peak located at the wave number of 404 cm− 1, related to the SeNPs synthesized in this research. The results of the antifungal activity of SeNPs showed among the investigated fungi, Pythium ultimum had the highest resistance to SeNPs (14.66 ± 0.52 µg/ml), while Alternaria alternata showed the highest sensitivity (9.66 ± 0.51 µg/ml) (p < 0.05). To the best of our knowledge this is the first report concerning the characterization and antifungal screening of SeNPs biosynthesized by Iranian cyanobacteria, which could be used as effective candidates in medical applications.

Hexagonal Nanocrystal Growth of Mg or Zn from Incorporation in GaN Powders Obtained through Pyrolysis of a Viscous Complex Compound and Its Nitridation

Hexagonal nanocrystals were obtained from Zn-doped GaN powders and Mg-doped GaN powders, which were synthesized via pyrolysis of a viscous complex compound, followed by its nitridation. XRD showed well-defined peaks for hexagonal GaN with an average crystal size of 21.3 nm. Scanning electron microscopy showed an amorphous and porous appearance in surface morphology, which could be related to the combustion process. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy characterization showed contributions of gallium, nitrogen, and small traces of Zn and Mg in the GaN samples. TEM showed the presence of well-defined hexagonal nanocrystals with an area of 75.9 nm2 for the Zn-doped GaN powders and an area of 67.7 nm2 for the Mg-doped GaN powders. The photoluminescence spectra showed an emission energy of 2.8 eV (431.5 nm) for the Zn-doped GaN powders, while the Mg-doped GaN powders showed energies in the range from 2.7 eV to 2.8 eV (460.3 nm–443.9 nm). The Raman scattering showed spectra where the vibration modes A1(TO), E1(TO), and E2(High) could be observed, which are characteristic of hexagonal GaN.

A simple route to synthesize high-entropy carbide (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)C1-δ nanoparticles with large covalent radius difference

Synthesis of high-entropy carbides containing lanthanide elements for improved high-temperature oxidation resistance is still a challenge due to the large covalent radius difference. Nanoparticles of a novel high-entropy carbide ceramic, (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)C1-δ were successfully synthesized by a combination of organic sol-gel route and carbothermal reduction. The (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)Ox crystals with average size of ∼3 nm were synthesized at 220 °C in benzyl alcohol bath, dominated by the nucleation kinetics mechanism. Phase-pure (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)C1-δ was achieved by using the (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)Ox crystals and glucose as the carbon source in Ar atmosphere at 1500 °C. Average crystal size of the (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)C1-δ nanoparticles was ∼30 nm estimated by XRD spectra and TEM, exhibited rock-salt phase and high elemental homogeneity. The synthesis of (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)C1-δ nanoparticles at low temperature was attributed to the fast nucleation that depending on high atomic homogeneity of the ultra-fine (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)Ox crystals.

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2-carbon filter materials for water decontamination by adsorption-degradation processes

Wastewater treatment is becoming ever more challenging due to the increasing levels of molecular pollutants that are challenging for existing approaches. Innovative materials are required to help produce potable water from heavily contaminated water sources. One such material is titanium dioxide-activated carbon (TiO2/AC) heterostructures, which combine the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 with the adsorption properties of the ACs. To date, studies on TiO2/AC heterostructures for real-world water purification have yet to be performed. This study aimed to address this gap by comparing the effectiveness of titanium isopropoxide (Ti(OiPr)4) and titanium butoxide (Ti(OBu)4) for synthesizing TiO2/AC heterostructures using four different methods (sol-gel, solvothermal, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods [x2]). The elaborated heterostructures were compared with commercial TiO2 materials for their ability to degrade five emerging contaminants (caffeine, hydrochlorothiazide, saccharin, sulfamethoxazole, and sucralose). Hydrochlorothiazide and sulfamethoxazole were demonstrated to be rapidly degraded by UV-C irradiation within 15 min. Caffeine, saccharin, and sucralose were less susceptible to UV degradation. All the elaborated TiO2/AC heterostructures consisted of pure anatase phase, with Ti(OBu)4 syntheses generating larger average crystal sizes and lower surface areas. Sol-gel preparations produced the most effective TiO2/AC heterostructures due to their high surface area. Compared with the commercial TiO2, the heterostructures enhanced the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 by up to 10.0 times. Also, the heterostructures remained effective at environmentally relevant conditions (i.e., concentration of the contaminant and water matrices). The reuse of the materials was tested and showed no reduction in efficiency after four removal/regeneration cycles. Overall, this study presents novel TiO2/AC heterostructures with increased photocatalytic efficiency that can serve as an efficient material for removing contaminants at large scales (e.g., water treatment plants).

Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Photocatalytic Properties of ZnO Semiconductor Nanoparticles Synthesized by Prosopis laevigata.

In this work, the photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles (NPs) of zinc oxide synthetized by Prosopis laevigata as a stabilizing agent was evaluated in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV radiation. The theoretical study of the photocatalytic degradation process was carried out by a Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) model. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by varying the concentration of natural extract of Prosopis laevigata from 1, 2, and 4% (weight/volume), identifying the samples as ZnO_PL1%, ZnO_PL2%, and ZnO_PL4%, respectively. The characterization of the nanoparticles was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), where the absorption band for the Zn-O vibration at 400 cm-1 was presented; by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) the value of the band gap was calculated, resulting in 2.80, 2.74 and 2.63 eV for the samples ZnO_PL1%, ZnO_PL2%, and ZnO_PL4%, respectively; XRD analysis indicated that the nanoparticles have a hexagonal zincite crystal structure with an average crystal size of 55, 50, and 49 in the sample ZnO_PL1%, ZnO_PL2%, and ZnO_PL4%, respectively. The morphology observed by TEM showed that the nanoparticles had a hemispherical shape, and the ZnO_PL4% sample presented sizes ranging between 29 and 45 nm. The photocatalytic study showed a total degradation of the MB in 150, 120, and 60 min for the samples ZnO_PL1%, ZnO_PL2%, and ZnO_PL4%, respectively. Also, the model explains the experimental observation of the first-order kinetic model in the limit of low concentrations of dye, indicating the influence of the mass transfer processes.

Green synthesis of Lead–Nickel–Copper nanocomposite for radiation shielding

For the first time Pb, Ni, and Cu nanocomposites were synthesized by versatile solution combustion synthesis using Aloevera extract as a reducing agent, to study the potential applications in X-ray/gamma, neutron, and Bremsstrahlung shielding. The synthesized Lead–Nickel–Copper (LNC) nanocomposites were characterized by PXRD, SEM, UV–VIS, and FTIR for the confirmation of successful synthesis. PXRD analysis confirmed the formation of multiphase LNC NCs and the Scherrer equation and the W-H plot gave the average crystal sizes of 19 nm and 17 nm. Surface morphology using SEM and EDX confirmed the presence of LNC NCs. Strong absorption peaks were analyzed by UV visible spectroscopy and the direct energy gap is found to be 3.083 eV. Functional groups present in the LNC NCs were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. X-ray/gamma radiation shielding properties were measured using NaI(Tl) detector coupled with MCA. It is found to be very close to Pb. Neutron shielding parameters were compared with traditional shielding materials and found LNC NCs are better than lead and concrete. Secondary radiation shielding known as Bremsstrahlung shielding characteristics also studied and found that LNC NCs are best in secondary radiation shielding. Hence LNC NCs find shielding applications in ionizing radiation such as X-ray/gamma and neutron radiation.

Green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Thymus vulgaris leaf extract for biological applications

In the last few decades, the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using biological agents such as microorganisms or plant extracts has gained a lot of attention due to the growing need for generating safe and non-toxic substances, cost-effective techniques, ecologically friendly solvents, and renewable materials. The aqueous leaf extract of Thymus vulgaris was used in the current investigation to achieve the biosynthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). In this study, leaf extract was used as a size-reducer in synthesis of TiO2. Thyme leaf extract contains flavonoids, phenols, and saponins, which function as both reducing and stabilising agents and are crucial for the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles. Methods such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) were used to characterise TiO2 NPs. The XRD investigations showed that titanium dioxide nanoparticles are crystalline and average crystal size is 28 nm. Gram-positive bacteria like S. aureus and B. subtilis as well as Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used as standardised test microbial inoculums to evaluate the antibacterial properties of biosynthesised nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). Against each of the studied bacteria, the TiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity. TiO2 nanoparticles had the maximum activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with an inhibitory zone diameter of 14 mm at 100 g ml−1. By using DPPH, hydroxyl radical techniques, the comprehensive antioxidant activity of produced NPs was examined.

Plant extract-mediated synthesis Cobalt doping in zinc oxide nanoparticles and their in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial performance

In this research, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles doped with different percentages of produced cobalt using the green synthesis method. ZnO nanoparticles showed good cellular and microbial toxicity due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. Adding cobalt metal to the nanostructure can lead to the appearance of a new feature. To investigate the effect of adding cobalt metal, synthesized ZnO nanoparticles containing 3 and 6% cobalt were synthesized using plant extract. The resulting nanostructures were characterized by a Raman spectroscopy, UV–Visible spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy. Ultimately, the synthesized samples' cytotoxicity and antimicrobial tests were performed. XRD confirmed the formation of a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure. XRD and electron imaging showed that doping resulted in a decrease in average crystal size. The results showed that with cobalt doping, the particle size decreased slightly. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects results showed that in all three studies, cobalt doping leads to an increase in the toxicity of this nanostructure compared to non-doped nanoparticles.

Efficient Disposal of Rhodamine 6G and Acid Orange 10 Dyes from Aqueous Media Using ZrO2/CdMn2O4/CdO as Novel and Facilely Synthesized Nanocomposites

It is essential to remove rhodamine 6G and acid orange 10 dyes from contaminated water because they can induce cancer and irritate the lungs, skin, mucous, membranes, and eyes. Hence, in the current work, the Pechini sol–gel method was used for the facile synthesis of ZrO2/CdMn2O4/CdO as novel nanocomposites at 600 and 800 °C. The synthesized nanocomposites were used as novel adsorbents for the efficient removal of rhodamine 6G and acid orange 10 dyes from aqueous media. The nanocomposites, which were synthesized at 600 and 800 °C, were abbreviated as EK600 and EK800, respectively. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by EDS, XRD, N2 adsorption/desorption analyzer, and FE-SEM. The patterns of XRD showed that the average crystal size of the EK600 and EK800 nanocomposites is 68.25 and 85.32 nm, respectively. Additionally, the images of FE-SEM showed that the surface of the EK600 nanocomposite consists of spherical, polyhedral, and rod shapes with an average grain size of 99.36 nm. Additionally, the surface of the EK800 nanocomposite consists of polyhedral and spherical shapes with an average grain size of 143.23 nm. In addition, the BET surface area of the EK600 and EK800 nanocomposites is 46.33 and 38.49 m2/g, respectively. The optimal conditions to achieve the highest removal of rhodamine 6G and acid orange 10 dyes are pH = 8, contact time = 24 min, and temperature = 298 kelvin. The greatest removal capacity of the EK600 and EK800 adsorbents towards rhodamine 6G dye is 311.53 and 250.63 mg/g, respectively. Additionally, the greatest removal capacity of the EK600 and EK800 adsorbents towards acid orange 10 dye is 335.57 and 270.27 mg/g, respectively. The removal of rhodamine 6G and acid orange 10 dyes using the EK600 and EK800 adsorbents is spontaneous, exothermic, follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and fits well with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model.

Corrosion behavior and microstructure of Al–10Zn alloy with nano CuO addition

The present study explores the preparation of Al–10wt.%Zn alloy by the casting process. Nano CuO was prepared by the Co-precipitation method. The effect of adding nanostructure of (1wt.% CuO) to Al–10Zn alloy was studied the corrosion effects as-cast and with different aging temperatures (423, 443, and 463 K) for 2 h in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution after homogenized for 2 h at 500 K at room temperature. Electrochemical measurements (OCP, Tafel, and EIS) were performed to determine the corrosion rate (C.R.) and corrosion current density (Icorr.) to find out corrosion behavior. In addition, microstructures of Al–10Zn and Al–10Zn–1CuO were observed using a scanning electron microscope, EDX mapping, and the optical microscope to investigate the effect of the nanoparticle’s addition before and after aging and the corrosion test. The average crystal size and the dislocation density were calculated from the XRD pattern. The results show that the appropriate addition of CuO nanoparticles can refine the Al–10Zn alloy and shift the Al–10Zn alloy to a more noble direction.

One-step preparation, characterization, and anticancer potential of ZnFe2O4/RGO nanocomposites

Zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) have attracted extensive attention for their diverse applications including sensing, waste-water treatment, and biomedicine. The novelty of the present work is the fabrication of ZnFe2O4/RGO NCs by using a one-step hydrothermal process to assess the influence of RGO doping on the physicochemical properties and anticancer efficacy of ZnFe2O4 NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray(EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis spectroscopy, and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were employed to characterize prepared pure ZnFe2O4 NPs and ZnFe2O4/ RGO NCs. XRD results showed that the synthesized samples have high crystallinity. Furthermore, the average crystal sizes of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and ZnFe2O4/RGO nanocomposites (NCs) were 51.08 nm and 54.36 nm, respectively. SEM images revealed that pure ZnFe2O4 NPs were spherical in shape with uniformly loaded on the surface of the RGO nanosheet. XPS and EDX analysis confirmed the elemental compositions of ZnFe2O4/RGO NCs. Elemental mapping of SEM shows that the elemental compositions (Zn, Fe, O, and C) were homogeneously distributed in ZnFe2O4/RGO NCs. The intensity of FT-IR spectra depicted that pure ZnFe2O4 NPs were successfully anchored into the RGO nanosheet. An optical study suggested that the band gap energy of ZnFe2O4/RGO NCs (1.61 eV) was lower than that of pure ZnFe2O4 NPs (1.96 eV). PL spectra indicated that the recombination rate of the ZnFe2O4/ RGO NCs was lower than ZnFe2O4 NPs. MTT assay was used to evaluate the anticancer performance of ZnFe2O4 /RGO NCs and pure ZnFe2O4NPs against human cancer cells. In vitro study indicates that ZnFe2O4 /RGO NCs have higher anticancer activity against human breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cells as compared to pure form ZnFe2O4 NPs. This work suggests that RGO doping enhances the anticancer activity of ZnFe2O4NPs by tuning its optical behavior. This study warrants future research on potential therapeutic applications of these types of nanocomposites.

Low temperature sol-gel synthesis of copper zinc ferrite for hydrogen catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

The spinal ferrites are regarded as promising for renewable energy application like hydrogen production from sodium borohydride (NaBH4) since they have superior catalytic activity. The current work considers the preparation of Cu1-xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) nanoparticles via the low temperature sol-gel method. The cubic crystal structure of nanoparticles was identified by XRD spectra analysis. The average crystal size was provided concerning the full width at half maximum to be 10.0 nm according to Scherer formula. FTIR spectra of synthesized ferrite nanoparticles showed the vibrational bands of Cu1-xZnxFe2O4. The images showed a cross-linked porous surface morphology. The TEM images of the CuFe2O4 and Cu0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 samples showed spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 10 nm. The surface area BET at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 content of zinc were 95, 66, 46, 49 and 41 m2/g. The values of direct band gaps for nanocrystalline Cu1-xZnxFe2O3 were 52.25, 2.0, 2.16, 1.9 and 2.11 eV at x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8. The hydrogen catalytic effect of Cu1-xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles is accelerated, especially the sample CuFe2O4. The nanoparticles show high generation rates but the sample CuFe2O4 is the highest catalytic material (1810 mL/gmin).

Micro-grit blasting to enhance adhesion of diamond coating on Ti6Al4V

Diamond coatings are of industrial importance due to their tribological properties like wear resistance and low friction. These properties can be exploited only when the coating has good adhesion to the substrate. Substrates such as titanium alloys exhibits poor adhesion due to differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the diamond coating and the substrate. This study investigates the enhancement of diamond coating adhesion to substrate by micro-grit blasting. The effect of micro-grit blasting pressure and angle of blasting are systematically studied. The micro-grit blasted surface is characterised by the roughness parameters such as skewness and kurtosis. Diamond coating is carried out on the grit-blasted substrates using the hot filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD) method and then characterised using electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scratch testing. The skewness was seen to be negative, and did not vary much with grit-blasting conditions. A high value of residual stress has been observed in all the samples. Pressure was inversely correlated with kurtosis and is one of the dominant factors influencing kurtosis variation. Surfaces with lower kurtosis value were found to have higher adhesion strength. The effect of angle on adhesion depends on the relative value of skewness at the given angle. Adhesion strength is proportional to the skewness in the case of angle variation. The crystal size of the diamond grown for both parameters (angle & pressure) initially increases and then decreases depending on the surface free energy. Higher the surface free energy lower will be the average crystal size.

Prevention of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury in mice by Tragopogon dubius green-mediated silver/palladium nanoparticles and its potential mechanisms

The green synthesis of bi-metallic nanoparticles has achieved great attraction due to the wide variety of their applications especially in medicinal fields. Silver/palladium NPs are a noble metallic of this class of compounds. In this study, Ag/Pd NPs were green synthesized in aqueous media in the presence of Tragopogon dubius extract. The NPs were characterized by techniques of FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, and EDX. Ag/Pd@ Tragopogon dubius was formed in the spherical morphology with an average crystal size of 31.77 nm. For the FT-IR spectrum of Ag/Pd@ Tragopogon dubius the peaks at 482, 504, 567, and 637 1/cm correlate to silver/palladium- oxygen bonds. The signals at 2theta values of 38.15, 44.25, 64.22, and 76.40 are indexed to the planes of (111), (200), (220), and (311) in XRD. The particle size of Ag/Pd@ Tragopogon dubius is ranged up to 55 nm. According to the EDX result, the presence of silver and palladium is approved by the four signals around 3 Kev. The signals belong to Pd Lα, Ag Lα, Pd Lβ, and Ag Lβ. The Signals at 0.3 and 0.53 Kev are related to oxygen and carbon. In the in vivo design, mice treated by Ag/Pd@ Tragopogon dubius nanoparticles, then the acue kidney injury was induced by lipopolysaccharide. On 10th day, all animals were anesthesized and blood and kidney were separated. The blood serum gained for determining the BUN and creatinine and left kidneys were frozen for cellular and molecular studies and half of right kidneys were stained through H & E and PAS and another half was sent for IHC staining. According to the results, KIM-1 and NGAL were expressed at very high levels in the untreated group and a significant decrease was seen at the control group; but, administration of 10 and 40 µg/kg Ag/Pd@Tragopogon dubius nanoparticles significantly decreased KIM-1 and NGAL expression. Ag/Pd@Tragopogon dubius nanoparticles treatment significantly attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced reactive oxygen species generation. Serum creatinine and BUN levels, which are renal function biomarkers, were significantly decreased in Ag/Pd@Tragopogon dubius nanoparticles treatment. Tubular cell necrosis and renal tubular vacuolation were seen in lipopolysaccharide-injected mice, and the Ag/Pd@Tragopogon dubius nanoparticles administration attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced structural injury.

Catalytic conversion of n-Dodecane to lower olefins hydrogen carriers over bran-shaped modified MCM-22 zeolite catalyst: SiO2/Al2O3 ratio effects

The demand-supply gap for light olefins and aromatics has been enormous in recent years. This imbalance is anticipated to grow exponentially due to their extensive use in manufacturing plastics, textiles, pharmacological intermediates, climate-neutral synthetic fuels, and hydrogen carriers. Production of light olefins through the catalytic cracking of naphtha is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious methods. Despite this, selecting an effective and efficient catalyst is one of the most challenging aspects of the scaling-up process. In this study, a highly active, modified MCM-22 catalyst has been synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Various techniques are used for the characterization of catalysts, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance experiments (NMR) with Al and Si. The cracking of n-dodecane to lower olefins was performed, and it was found that the conversion rates were highly correlated with the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of the MCM-22 samples. Sample Si0.5 (SiO2/Al2O3 ∼ 28.9) showed a typical photograph of the MWW phase with a bran or flake shape in a stacking mode. The Si0.5 sample has a superior external surface area than other samples (up to ca. 130 m2/g) caused by a smaller particle with an average crystal size of around 15 nm, resulting in maximum catalytic performance towards light olefins. It was discovered that Si0.5 had a diminishing tendency in the paraffinic selectivity but had a robust selectivity for olefins (propylene and butylene in particular). This research may provide academics and the industry with new prospects for improving the catalytic cracking of n-dodecane into light olefins.

Preparation and Characterization of TiO2 Nanoparticles With and Without Magnetic Field Effect Via Hydrothermal Technique

With and without the use of magnetic fields, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal method at extremely high temperatures and pressures. Titanium tetra isopropoxide [Ti(C12H28O4)] was used for the preparation, which was performed at pH 7 and under temperatures of 160 and 190 ˚C. UV spectroscopy, XRD crystallography, FE-SEM microscopy were used for characterizations. From UV spectroscopy, the energy gap values were clearly affected by the increase in temperature and the presence of the magnetic field. At the temperatures of 160 and 190 oC for TiO2 without magnetic field, FE-SEM microscopy images have shown an average crystal diameter of 13.436 and 12.551 nm, respectively. While for TiO2 with the presence of magnetic field, the crystal diameters were found to be 14.665 and 14.468 nanometers, respectively, at same temperatures. Additionally, XRD analysis has revealed that the average crystal size of TiO2 at 160 and 190 ˚C without a magnetic field is 13.13 and 11.59 nanometers, respectively. While the crystal sizes for TiO2 in the presence of a magnetic field were determined to be 13.19 and 12.93 nanometers, respectively.