Catalytic Efficacy Research Articles

Constructing interfacial polarization to improve electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reactions in polyoxometalates-based metal-organic framework-derived Fe7S8-WS2-Co9S8 multi-phase heterostructures

Electrocatalytic nitrogen (N2) reduction to produce ammonia (NH3) has received increasing attention. It is urgent to design highly active and environmentally friendly catalysts due to present electrocatalysts still suffering from poor stability and low catalytic efficacy. In this work, Fe7S8-WS2-Co9S8 multi-phase heterostructures are prepared by using a template-directed assembly approach. The uniform distribution of Fe7S8-WS2-Co9S8 nanosheets derived from polyoxometalate-based metal-organic frameworks (POMOFs) largely provides more reactive active sites and improves the enrichment efficiency of N2. Multi-phase heterojunction interface between Fe7S8, WS2 and Co9S8 enhances the interfacial polarisation and leads to electron transfer from WS2 to Fe7S8 and Co9S8, and further facilitated the reduction of N2 in the electron-rich Fe7S8, resulting in an ultrahigh NH3 yield of 51.21 μg·h·mgcat.−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 34.12 %. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations indicate that Fe sites are favorable sites for N2 adsorption in Fe7S8-WS2-Co9S8 composites, and Fe7S8-WS2-Co9S8 is most likely to catalyze nitrogen reduction via the distal pathway. The current investigation provides a perspective for developing multi-phase heterogeneous catalysts for electrocatalytic NH3 from N2.

Biogenic and rapid route for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles by using Roylea cinerea extract and their catalytic activity for Suzuki and Sonogashira coupling reactions and nitrophenol reduction

4-nitrophenol is a serious environmental pollutant due to its carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic properties, posing serious risks to aquatic life, plants, and humans even at very low concentrations. In the current work a simple, inexpensive, and ecologically appropriate approach for generating palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NPs) from palladium chloride and their potential for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol have been investigated. This method employs a non-toxic aqueous extract obtained from the aerial portion of Roylea cinerea, which functions as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The Pd-NPs synthesis was confirmed through UV–vis spectroscopy, and were further characterized by techniques like FT-IR, SEM, EDX, and XRD analysis. The biosynthesized Pd-NPs had a spherical shape with diameters ranging from 20 to 30 nm. The presence of palladium in the Pd-NPs was confirmed by EDX analysis. The available functional groups on the surface of Pd-NPs were determined through FTIR analysis. Pd-NPs demonstrated catalytic efficacy in both Sonogashira and Suzuki coupling processes, as measured by UV–vis spectrophotometry during nitrophenol reduction. The findings demonstrate that the Pd-NPs exhibited significant catalytic efficiency, achieving the degradation of over 95 % of 4-nitrophenol within a 16-min timeframe. Following the catalytic reaction, the catalyst was effortlessly recovered through centrifugation, demonstrating its ability to undergo multiple catalytic cycles without a significant loss of activity (>90 % after five cycles).

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of NiFe2O4/ZnIn2S4 p-n heterojunction for efficient degradation of tetracycline

The persistent release of tetracycline into the environment significantly endangers both ecosystems and human health. Zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4) capable to degrade tetracycline pollutants under visible light irradiation has attracted extensive attentions and great effort has been devoted to augment its catalytic efficacy. In this work, we synthesized a p-n heterojunction, NiFe2O4/ZnIn2S4, to enhance the carrier migration rate and explained the intrinsic mechanism by density functional theory. When the heterojunction was formed, carriers traversed from the n-type NiFe2O4 to the p-type ZnIn2S4, instigating the emergence of a built-in electric field to facilitate the separation of carriers. 2 %-NiFe2O4/ZnIn2S4 exhibited excellent photocatalytic efficiency in tetracycline (TC) degradation and total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Compared to pure ZnIn2S4 and NiFe2O4, the TC degradation rates of 2 %-NiFe2O4/ZnIn2S4 were 2.0 times and 16.9 times higher, respectively. Additionally, 2 %-NiFe2O4/ZnIn2S4 had a saturation magnetization intensity of 3.05 emu/g, allowing for rapid recovery of the catalyst under a magnetic field. Superoxide radicals (O2−) and holes (h+) were the primary active species driving the degradation process. Furthermore, potential reaction pathways of tetracycline in this photocatalytic process were determined and bioconcentration factor and developmental toxicity of the intermediate products were accessed. This work held great potentials for wastewater treatment and provided a pathway for the development of magnetic recyclable photocatalysts.

Quaternary Cu2ZnSnS4 and Cu2ZnSnS4-WS2 composite for enhanced antioxidant, antibacterial, and photocatalyst for degradation of sulfamethoxazole

Antibiotic contamination possesses several adverse effects including antibiotic resistance, ecological impact, and human health concern etc. Hence there is need to find ways in mitigation of this environmental issue. In this study, Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanoparticles (NPs) and CZTS-WS2 composite were synthesized and explored its photocatalytic efficiency in degrading sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic. In addition, the antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities of CZTS NPs and CZTS-WS2 composites were also investigated. The CZTS NPs and CZTS-WS2 composites were synthesized by a modified hydrothermal method, and the physical properties were explored. The p-type pristine CZTS NPs semiconductor with a direct bandgap (1.49–1.51 eV) is non-toxic and has a remarkable photostability making it extremely valuable in light-harvesting and photocatalyst applications. Quaternary CZTS NPs loaded with 10 % WS2 exhibits good photocatalytic activity for the breakdown of sulfamethoxazole. The Fenton procedure was used to extract sulfamethoxazole from an aqueous solution. When compared to CZTS NPs (0.088 min−1), the apparent rate constant for CZTS-WS2 composite (0.223 min−1) is almost two and a half times higher. Reactive quenching studies showed that OH, O2−, and 1O2 all contributed to SMX deterioration, with 1O2 outperforming O2− and OH. An SMX transformation pathway in the CZTS-WS2 composite process was postulated based on the identified intermediates by LC/MS. Finally, the composite’s reusability and stability were assessed during five separate runs. CZTS-WS2 composite demonstrated more than 80 % radical scavenging efficiency. CZTS NPs and CZTS-WS2 composite also demonstrate antibacterial capabilities against E. coli, S. aureus, M. luteus, and C. albicans. This is the first paper on the photocatalytic study of the degradation of sulfamethoxazole using CZTS NPs and CZTS-WS2 composite as catalysts. The current CZTS-WS2 composite’s outstanding catalytic efficacy in the absence of severe oxidizing/reducing agents and pricey noble metals has been ascribed to its size, surface area, and electronic effect. Hence this work describes a novel approach to developing efficient materials for antioxidant, antibacterial, and photocatalysts for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole.

Self-activated hydrogel cascade reactor integrated with glucose oxidase and silver nanoparticle for enhanced treatment of bacterial infection

The recognition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a nanozyme with peroxidase-like activity has offered a promising solution to address the challenges of bacterial resistance and argyria risk. However, the catalytic efficacy of AgNPs is limited by the need for a strong acidic environment and high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In this work, we developed a self-activated hydrogel cascade reactor (AUGP) for enhanced treatment of bacterial infection. The AUGP integrates the properties of glucose oxidase (GOx) and polyacrylamide (pAAm) hydrogel microsphere. The confinement effect of pAAm hydrogel microsphere enables glucose oxidation to occur in a confined space, which creates an acidic environment to activate AgNPs activity, initiating the cascade reaction between GOx and AgNPs. Meanwhile, the confinement effect facilitates the accumulation of a high local concentration of H2O2, allowing AUGP to generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) without the need for external H2O2. Additionally, the release of Ag+ from AUGP is achieved upon the generation of •OH. The synergistic action of Ag+ and •OH confers exceptional antibacterial efficacy to AUGP. Importantly, the etching effect of H2O2 ensures the absence of any residual AgNPs, reducing the risk of argyria. In vivo studies validated the efficacy of AUGP in wound disinfection with minimal toxicity.

Encapsulated metal-based MOF nanoparticles as efficient catalysts for catalytic transfer hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived vanillin to 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol

A range of carbon-encapsulated non-precious metal catalysts (Ni@C, Ce@C, Mo@C, and Zn@C) were prepared using the hydrothermal approach for the catalytic transfer hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin compound derived from lignin. The catalytic efficacy was affected by the level of acid sites, catalyst durability, and the cooperation with H-donor solvents. Analysis indicated that the thin carbon layer enclosing the active sites notably improved catalytic effectiveness and thermodynamic stability compared to alternative catalysts. Notably, Ni@C demonstrated superior catalytic performance, achieving a vanillin conversion rate of 98.72 % and an 87.12 % yield of the major product 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol under specific conditions (240 ℃, 2.0 MPa N2, ethanol as a solvent, 4-hour reaction time). These findings underscore the significant potential of carbon-wrapped MOF catalysts in advancing the sustainable utilization of lignin and fostering the growth of a more eco-friendly bioeconomy.

A novel metal‐organic framework encapsulated iridium oxide nanozyme enhanced antisense oligonucleotide combo for osteoarthritis synergistic therapy

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is associated with metabolic imbalance of articular cartilage and an increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Synergistic therapy based on the codelivery of ROS scavengers and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) into chondrocytes has the potential to effectively treat OA. Here, we developed a novel biocompatible metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐encapsulated nanozyme/ASO delivery platform (miR/IrO2@ZIF‐8) for OA treatment. IrO2 nanoparticles with the catalytic activities of superoxide dismutase/catalase were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, resulting in excellent ROS scavenging performance. IrO2 was further loaded into zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) to maintain its catalytic efficacy and regulate its size, surface charge, and biocompatibility to enhance the therapeutic effect of the platform. As an effective ASO delivery carrier, the synthesized IrO2@ZIF‐8 exhibited high antagomiR‐181a loading and lysosomal escape capacity, enabling it to rebalance cartilage metabolism. In vitro experiments showed that miR/IrO2@ZIF‐8 could restore ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation in chondrocytes. At the same time, the expression levels of proinflammatory markers (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and COX‐2) as well as the extracellular matrix degrading enzymes (ADAMTS‐5 and MMP13) were downregulated, indicating effective antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticartilage degradation effects. Notably, miR/IrO2@ZIF‐8 was able to deliver IrO2 nanoparticles and antagomiR‐181a to the cartilage tissue at a depth of up to 1.5 mm, thus solving the problems of poor permeability and difficult retention of drugs in cartilage tissue. This further improves the synergistic therapeutic effect on OA by inhibiting cartilage degradation. The combination of MOF‐encapsulated IrO2 nanozymes with antagomiR‐181a has an excellent therapeutic effect on OA, offering a promising translational medicine paradigm.

MTP−IL] as Mesoporous Heterogeneous Organocatalyst for the One‐Pot Synthesis of Indeno [1,2‐b] Quinoxalin‐11‐Ylidenamine Derivatives: A Green, Sustainable, and Metal‐Free Protocol

AbstractHerein, we report a green, sustainable, and metal‐free, one‐pot three‐component protocol for the synthesis of indeno [1, 2‐b] quinoxalin‐11‐ylidenamine derivatives using a novel, effective, and recyclable mesoporous heterogeneous organocatalyst [MTP−IL]. [MTP−IL] was constructed by immobilizing an imidazolium‐cation‐based ionic liquid on a melamine−terephthalaldehyde covalent organic polymer and was thoroughly characterized using several analytical techniques. It displayed high thermochemical stability and catalytic efficacy, offering title compounds with 90–94 % yields in a short reaction time, and was recyclable for up to six cycles. The synthesized compounds were characterized through FTIR, 1H, and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and the molecular structure of N′‐(11H‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxalin‐11‐ylidene)benzohydrazide (7) was confirmed by the Single Crystal XRD (SCXRD) analysis. The key features of the present protocol are the use of ethanol as a green solvent, easy catalyst recovery, a simple work‐up procedure, and zero involvement of any metal.

Modulating vacancies of graphene supported FeNi2S4 electrocatalysts by radio-frequency plasma for overall water splitting

Electrolysis of water for producing hydrogen is an effective and sustainable technique to meet the continuously increasing energy demand. Nevertheless, its advancement is impeded by the inadequate catalytic efficacy for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Vacancy defect engineering is a rational approach to simultaneously enhance the catalytic performance for both the half-reactions. However, controlling the vacancy defects is quite challenging. Here, we have employed a radio-frequency Ar plasma-assisted treatment strategy to prepare highly efficient graphene-supported FeNi2S4 bifunctional catalysts with abundant vacancies. The plasma treatment induces the formation of vacancy structures in the catalyst, modifying the free energy of reaction intermediates, surface morphology, and electronic structure as well as reducing the reaction barriers, thereby enhancing the catalytic performance. The optimized graphene-supported FeNi2S4 catalyst possesses abundant sulfur vacancies, demonstrating excellent electrocatalytic performance. At 50 mA cm−2, the overpotentials for OER and HER are 240 and 256 mV, respectively, indicating exceptional stability. Overall, this work offers valuable insights into the development of cost-effective and high-performance electrocatalysts for water electrolysis.

Nano silicated-FeAl2O4 functionalized by DL-alaninium nitrate ionic liquid (FeAl2O4-SiO2@[DL-Ala][NO3]) as versatile promotor for aqua-mediated synthesis of spiro[chromenopyrazole-indene-triones and spiro[chromenopyrazole-indoline-diones

In this work, the spinel FeAl2O4 was prepared and functionalized step-by-step with silica and alaninium nitrate ionic liquid ([DL-Ala][NO3]) to produce a bio-based multi-layered nanostructure (nano FeAl2O4-SiO2@[DL-Ala][NO3]). The obtained magnetized inorganic-bioorganic nanohybrid characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. A facile synthesis of some tricyclic dihydro-spiro[chromeno[2,3-c]pyrazole-4,2′-indene]triones and dihydro-spiro[chromeno[2,3-c]pyrazole-4,3′-indoline]diones via domino four-component one-pot reaction of various hydrazine derivatives, ethyl acetoacetate, heterocyclic 1,2-ketones (ninhydrin, isatin, 5-bromoisatin) and cyclic 1,3-diketones (dimedone and 1,3-cyclohexanedine), examined in the presence of nano FeAl2O4-SiO2@[DL-Ala][NO3] nanohybrid in refluxing aqueous media, successfully. The multi-aspect characteristics of the nanohybrid which consist of magnetized inorganic and bioorganic parts, could be the reason of its special catalytic efficacy. The recovery and reusability of the FeAl2O4-SiO2@[DL-Ala][NO3] magnetized nanoparticles (MNPs) were performed in two runs without significant activity loss.

Deciphering the application efficacy of titanium dioxide mediated calcareous nanocatalyst towards biodiesel production

The current investigation delved into the mechanistic insight, and cost-competent application of CaO-derived nanocataysts doped with TiO2 for enhanced biodiesel synthesis from castor oil. Calcium oxide-laden nanocatalysts were prepared via co-precipitation methodology with varying precursor and calcination temperatures concentrations. The engineered catalysts underwent characterization using XRD, SEM, particle size analysis, FTIR, EDX, UV-spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. Response surface methodology was implemented to create an experimental matrix for the transesterification. With methanol: oil ratio of 12:1, 5% catalyst weight, 2.25 h reaction interval, and a temperature of 60 °C, the utmost biodiesel yield achieved was 94.27%. Furthermore, the ester-enriched biodiesel was confirmed through GC-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FTIR analyses. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies revealed the endothermic and irreversible nature of the transesterification reaction. The fuel characteristics of the synthesized castor oil biodiesel are within acceptable ranges. The co-precipitation-derived nano TiO2@CaO catalyst validated impressive catalytic efficacy and stability, making it a proficient heterogeneous catalyst for augmented biodiesel manufacturing from castor oil. The projected expenses for 1 kg TiO2@CaO catalyst and 1 L COBD, obtained from cost assessments, were $ 6.37 and $ 0.578, respectively, showcasing their strong economic feasibility. Lastly, the study also offered future outlooks based on recognized gaps in the reported studies across a contemporary bibliometric investigation.

Computational Design of Bidentate Hypervalent Iodine Catalysts in Halogen Bond-Mediated Organocatalysis.

In recent years, halogen bond-based organocatalysis has garnered significant attention as an alternative to hydrogen-based catalysis, capturing considerable interest within the scientific community. This transition has witnessed the evolution of catalytic scaffolds from monodentate to bidentate architectures, and from monovalent to hypervalent species. In this DFT-based study, we explored a bidentate hypervalent iodine(III)-based system that has already undergone experimental validation. Additionally, we explore various functionalisations (-CF3, -CH3, -tBu, -OH, -OMe, -NO2, -CN) and scaffold modifications, such as sulfur oxidation, theoretically proposed for an indole-based Michael addition. The investigated systems favour bidentate O-type binding, underlining the importance of ligand coordination in catalytic activity. Electron-deficient scaffolds exhibited stronger binding and lower activation energies, indicating the pivotal role of electronic properties for σ-hole-based catalysis. Of these groups, Lewis-base-like moieties formed stabilising intramolecular interactions with hypervalent iodines when in the ortho-position. Furthermore, inductive electron withdrawal was deemed more effective than mesomeric withdrawal in enhancing catalytic efficacy for these systems. Lastly, increasing sulfur oxidation was theoretically proven to improve catalytic activity significantly.

Efficiency and Mechanism of Catalytic Siloxane Exchange in Vitrimer Polymers: Modeling and Density Functional Theory Investigations.

Of late, siloxane-containing vitrimers have gained significant interest due to their fast dynamic characteristics over a reasonable temperature range (180-220 °C), making them well-suited for diverse applications. The exchange reaction pathway in the siloxane vitrimers is accountable for the covalent adaptive network, with the reaction's effectiveness being regulated by either organic or organometallic catalysts. However, directly studying the exchange reaction pathway in the bulk phase using experimental approaches is challenging because of the intricate and interconnected structure of these vitrimers. Here, we perform comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) and experimental investigations to discover the detailed catalytic efficacy of siloxane exchange and provide direction for the reaction process using a 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) catalyst. The calculated transition barrier energy and catalytic efficiency of hexamethyldisiloxane and dihydroxy-dimethylsilane exchange derived from the nudged elastic band with transition-state calculations strongly agree with the experimental findings. In addition, Fukui indices, along with partial charges, are employed to evaluate the nucleophilic and electrophilic behaviors of silanol and siloxane molecules. Our analysis revealed that by utilizing the Fukui indices of both the acid and the base, we can make an approximate estimation of the respective kinetics of the SN2 process in the siloxane exchange reaction mechanism. These findings establish a foundation for comprehending a crucial aspect of the exchange mechanism in siloxane vitrimer systems and could aid in the development of novel catalysts.

Development of a γ-Al2O3-Based Heterogeneous Fenton-like Catalyst and Its Application in the Advanced Treatment of Maotai-Flavored Baijiu Wastewater

Heterogeneous Fenton technology was employed for the advanced treatment of Maotai-flavored Baijiu wastewater. Novel catalysts were prepared by loading different active ingredients (Mn, Fe, and Cu) on γ-Al2O3 using an impregnation method. The effects of active ingredient, reaction time, initial pH, H2O2 dosage, catalyst dosage, and other factors on the reaction were examined. The properties of the new catalysts were analyzed using BET analysis, XPS, and SEM. Moreover, the mechanisms of Fenton-like oxidation and its reaction kinetics were explored through experiments and analyses including GC–MS and intermediate active species scavenging by tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) and/or para-benzoquinone. The results revealed that the most effective removal of organic matter was achieved with a Mn-Fe/Al (2:1 wt%) catalyst dosage of 30 g/100 g water, pH of 5.0, H2O2 dosage of 0.3 g/L, and reaction time of 60 min; the effluent COD value was 12 ± 1 mg/L, and the degradation rate was 65.7 ± 3%, approximately 14% higher than that of the conventional Fenton catalyst under similar conditions; moreover, the catalytic efficacy remained high after seven cycles. Kinetic analysis indicated that the heterogeneous Fenton oxidation reaction followed a third-order kinetics model, with R2 = 0.9923 and K = 0.0006 min−1.

Superoxide radicals dominated hydrogen peroxide activation using BiOI for boosting Fenton-like catalytic degradation of bisphenol A

Herein, flower-like BiOI micro-spherulites were successfully prepared via a solvothermal method, and it exhibited a remarkably Fenton-like catalytic efficacy in the degradation of BPA under dark condition without additional energy input. BiOI can function as an electron-poor center, facilitating the activation of H2O2 into •O2−, while simultaneously serving as an electron-rich center to reduce dissolved O2 to •O2−. This electron-rich and electron-poor centers of BiOI synergistically enhance the •O2− generation for highly Fenton-like catalytic performance. Moreover, the removal performance of BPA demonstrated a significant pH dependency, and the presence of low concentrations of halide ions and humic acid did not exhibit noticeable inhibitory effect on the degradation of BPA. Additionally, several intermediates have been identified to propose a comprehensive degradation mechanism for BPA. This study presents a novel BiOI Fenton-like catalytic system for the purification of recalcitrant organic pollutants in wastewater.

Tri(phenylethynyl)Bismuth: A promising and low-toxic pre-catalyst for stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide

Bismuth-based catalysts have gained attention for their low toxicity and remarkable catalytic activity in the production of biodegradable polyesters. This study introduces, for the first time, the synthesis and thorough characterization of tri (phenylethynyl) bismuth (BiAK3), achieved through 1H and 13C NMR and FTIR spectroscopic analysis. Subsequently, BiAK3 was employed in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of rac-lactide (rac-LA). Notably, the addition of alcohol as a co-catalyst facilitated polymerization via a coordination-insertion mechanism, yielding partially isotactic-enriched poly (lactide) (PLA) with a tacticity index of up to 0.67. The kinetic profile of this polymerization was explored through various experimental conditions, highlighting not only the catalyst's performance but also its remarkable control over the polymerization process. Significantly, a linear relationship between molecular weight (Mn) and LA conversion was observed, accompanied by narrow molecular weight distributions (Ɖ). Therefore, our findings highlight the potential of BiAK3 as a bismuth-based pre-catalyst for the control synthesis of biodegradable polyesters, shedding light on its catalytic efficacy and precision in controlling the polymerization.

Nanoengineering of mono (Au, Ag) and bimetallic (Ag-Au) alloy nanoparticles for dye degradation and toxicity assessment

This research entails the synthesis and catalytic exploration of bimetallic nanoparticles combining silver (Ag) and gold (Au). The Au concentration was systematically varied (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%), alongside the utilization of CTAB surfactant for nanoparticle stabilization. UV visible spectroscopic analysis confirmed the formation and stability of synthesized Au, Ag and bimetallic (Ag-Au) nanoparticles. FESEM further confirmed the formation of uniform sized Au and Ag nanoparticles. Integration of Au into Ag resulted in bimetallic (Ag-Au) alloy nanoparticles with smaller dimensions as compared to individual Au and Ag nanoparticles. EDX spectra and mapping verified the composition of each synthesized bimetallic nanoparticle variant. The catalytic potential of the synthesized nanoparticles was methodically explored using UV–visible spectroscopy. All the synthesized nanoparticles showcased excellent catalytic efficacy. The synergistic effect of the alloyed bimetallic nanoparticles was found promising. Assessment of dye toxicity pre- and post-degradation was conducted using the ECOSAR program, indicating a reduction in dye toxicity following degradation.

Ti-based MOFs with acetic acid pendings as an efficient catalyst in the preparation of new spiropyrans with biological moieties

The strategy of designing heterogeneous porous catalysts by a post-modification method is a smart strategy to increase the catalytic power of desired catalysts. Accordingly, in this report, metal-organic frameworks based on titanium with acetic acid pending were designed and synthesized via post-modification method. The structure of the target catalyst has been investigated using different techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, Mapping, and N2 adsorption/desorption (BET/the BJH) the correctness of its formation has been proven. The catalytic application of Ti-based MOFs functionalized with acetic acid was evaluated in the preparation of new spiropyrans, and the obtained results show that the catalytic performance is improved by this modification. The strategy of designing heterogeneous porous catalysts through post-modification methods presents a sophisticated approach to enhancing the catalytic efficacy of desired catalysts. In this context, our study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on titanium, functionalized with acetic acid pendants, using a post-modification method. Various characterization techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), mapping, and N2 adsorption/desorption (BET/BJH), were employed to investigate the structure and composition of the synthesized catalyst. These techniques collectively confirmed the successful formation and structural integrity of the target catalyst. The structure of the synthesized products was confirmed by melting point, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR and FT-IR techniques. Examining the general process of catalyst synthesis and its catalytic application shows that the mentioned modification is very useful for catalytic purposes. The presented catalyst was used in synthesis of a wide range of biologically active spiropyrans with good yields. The simultaneous presence of several biologically active cores in the synthesized products will highlight the biological properties of these compounds. The present study offers a promising insight into the rational design, synthesis, and application of task-specific porous catalysts, particularly in the context of synthesizing biologically active candidate molecules.

Highly efficient removal of TBBPA and ATE by photocatalytic degradation with green synthesized NiO@CuHCF p-n heterojunction: Optimizations, kinetics, and mechanistic insights

Because of their incorrect disposal and persistence in environmental media, two frequently used brominated flame retardants (BFRs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and allyl 2,4,6-tribormorphenul ether (ATE) pose serious health concerns. A green technique was used to synthesize the NiO@CuHCF nanohybrids, and their ability to degrade target BFRs was examined. The optimal removal circumstances included a dose of 10 mg of nanocatalyst, a pH of 9, and 10 mg L−1. In 120 minutes, TBBPA and ATE were practically completely eradicated followed by first-order kinetics. High surface area, visible light active band gap, low recombination rate, robust cross-linking with contaminants, and catalytic free radical generation are some of the unique features of NiO@CuHCF. Under 120 minutes, the NiO@CuHCF was able to achieve an ideal elimination rate of 91–97 % and a debromination rate of over 75.4–82.3 %. After 8 cycles, the composite demonstrated excellent catalytic performance and minimal catalyst loss, demonstrating its stability and reusability. In comparison to parent nanoparticles, the investigation revealed that NiO-modified CuHCF exhibited higher degrading efficiency. To evaluate the catalytic efficacy of NiO@CuHCF, the actual sample was also analyzed. The hypothesis that the degradation efficiency of leachate BFRs was lower than that of controlled ones was rejected due to the potential leaching of extra analyte. Major reaction products or intermediates were discovered using HPLC and GC-MS, which also suggested a possible degradation pathway. NiO@CuHCF nanohybrid is a promising nanomaterial for the photodegradation of BFRs and other pollutants from environmental matrices, with further research and development enhancing their practical implementation.

Breakthrough in High-Efficiency Photocatalytic Degradation of Acebutolol by Advanced Binary CeO2-MnO2 Oxide System.

The sustainable catalytic efficacy of transition metal oxides (TMO) and rare earth element-based oxides positions them as pivotal materials for effectively treating contaminated wastewater. This study successfully synthesized a series of Ce@MnO2 photocatalysts using a straightforward hydrothermal method. These photocatalysts were thoroughly characterized for their optical properties, structural morphology, and phase purity. Among the synthesized materials, the Ce@MnO2 (40:60) exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Acebutolol (ACB), achieving a remarkable degradation efficiency of 92.71% within 90 min under visible light irradiation. This superior performance is attributed to the increased presence of active species and the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. Additionally, the photocatalytic reaction mechanism was elucidated, highlighting the catalyst's surface charge properties which significantly enhanced performance in a solution with pH 8. The outstanding photo-response in the visible spectrum renders this method not only cost-effective but also environmentally benign, presenting a promising approach for large-scale water purification.