Cost-effective Process Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanorods via hydrothermal route for wastewater recycling

In this work, highly efficient ZnO nanorods (NRs) were prepared using an easy and costeffective hydrothermal process. The Synthesized ZnO NR have been analyzed for their structure, morphology, and optical characteristics using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible) spectroscopy, respectively. Additionally, a test is conducted on the ZnO nanorod's photocatalytic efficiency towards the degradation of certain dyes, Methylene Blue (MB) and Methyl Orange (MO). The FESEM investigation revealed that the ZnO nanostructures show nanorods with varying diameters (needle-like shape) with an estimated size of (10 to 20) µm. According to the XRD examination, the NRs had a hexagonal-shaped wurtzite pattern, exhibiting an average crystallite diameter of about 50 nm. FTIR spectra confirmed that functional groups from the substance being extracted were present in the ZnO NRs. The band-gap value of 3.37 eV was determined through the TAUC plot model from the ultraviolet-visible spectrum data. In the presence of as-synthesized ZnO NRs, the MO dye degraded by 100 percent in 46 minutes, but the MB dye significantly degraded by approximately 100 % in 20 minutes with high degradation rate constants kMO = 0.086 min-1 and kMB = 0.180 min-1, respectively.

Fabrication of Highly Sensitive Porous Polydimethylsiloxane Pressure Sensor Through Control of Rheological Properties.

In order to enhance the sensitivity of elastomers, pores were integrated into their structure. These pores facilitate the adjustment of thickness in response to external pressure variations, thereby improving the sensitivity of pressure sensors. Pores were introduced by emulsifying immiscible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and water with a surfactant. By controlling the water content in the PDMS and water emulsion, we controlled the size, density, uniformity, and spatial distribution (2D or 3D) of the pores within the PDMS matrix. The presence of these pores significantly improved the sensitivity of PDMS under low external pressure conditions compared to high pressures. Specifically, porous PDMS exhibited approximately 10-times greater sensitivity under low-pressure conditions than non-porous PDMS. The effectiveness of porous PDMS was demonstrated through dynamic loading and unloading detection of a small Lego toy and monitoring of human heartbeats. These results highlight the efficacy of our pressure sensor based on porous PDMS, which is fabricated through a simple and cost-effective process using a PDMS and water emulsion. This approach is highly suitable for developing the ability to detect applied pressures or contact forces.

Cellulose acetate-decorated and siloxane-modified hydrophobic melamine foam with excellent selectivity and durability for efficient oil/water separation

The construction of hydrophobic porous adsorption materials, which are cost-effective, green, stable, and efficient, are urgently demanded for the large-scale and effective oily wastewater treatment. Herein, a facile and low-cost two-step fabrication strategy of hydrophobic melamine foam (MF) was demonstrated, including cellulose acetate (CA) decoration and siloxane modification. Cellulose acetate initially assembled on the skeleton of MF with the aid of hydrogen bond formation between the hydroxyl groups of CA and imimo groups of MF. At an optimal concentration of CA, the as-prepared composite foam (CA/MF) exhibited good hydrophobicity. To further improve the oil/water selectivity, the above foam was enhanced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS). The successful silicification reaction between CA/MF and MTMS decreased the surface energy and improved the surface topological structure, leading to excellent hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 147.4°) and superoliophilicty. Such hydrophobized cellulose acetate/melamine foam (H-CA/MF) presented low density, favorable porosity (97.78%), and distinguished pore volume (88.66 mL/g), leading to a high oil adsorption capacity of up to 56.6 g/g. Due to the excellent mechanical elasticity of H-CA/MF, the oil absorption and recovery can be achieved easily by a simple manual adsorption-squeezing method and lab-made pump-assisted separation device with satisfactory recyclability. Moreover, H-CA/MF displayed marvelous stability and environmental adaptability in different harsh environment, further enlarging its practical application scenarios. Along with the green and cost-effective preparation process, the present study provides a facile strategy to fabricate hydrophobized melamine-based foam, which is of great significance for scalable and efficient oil/water separation.

Heat Pump-Assisted Extractive Pressure-Swing Distillation with Integrated Feed Preconcentration/Solvent Recovery for Isopropanol-Benzene-Water Separation

Recently, heat-integrated pressure-swing distillation (HIPSD) has been explored for recovering isopropanol and benzene from wastewater, but the process remains highly energy-intensive. Given the dilute nature of the feed, intensified extractive distillation with an integrated preconcentration column (IED) is more suitable. However, previous researches have often overlooked the critical role of pressure and lacked rigorous optimization of operating pressure in such systems. In this article, we developed novel extractive pressure-swing distillation with integrated feed preconcentration/solvent recovery column (IEPSD) by introducing a pressure-swing configuration and incorporate energy-saving technologies to achieve more sustainable and cost-effective separation processes. First, thermodynamic analysis is conducted to explore the effect of pressure on extractive pressure-swing distillation. Then, a parallel genetic algorithm is applied for rigorous optimization, followed by the application of heat integration and heat pump. The IEPSD is superior to IED in terms of total annual cost (TAC) and CO2 emission. With the inclusion of energy-saving technologies, IEDHI and IEPSDHI further reduced TAC by 5.29% and 7.40%, and cut CO2 emissions by 25.18% and 24.03%, respectively, compared to their base processes. The use of a heat pump is particularly advantageous for IEPSD due to its lower boiling temperatures under vacuum pressure, leading to the development of IEPSDHIHP, which offered an additional 22.36% CO2 reduction and marginally lower TAC than IEPSDHI. Ultimately, IEPSDHIHP proves to be the best option, offering a 51.15% TAC reduction and 68.42% CO2 emissions reduction compared to HIPSD. In summary, the developed IED and IEPSD processes, especially with heat integration and heat pump technologies, offer significant economic and environmental advantages over conventional HIPSD.

A review of recent progress in the graphene syntheses and its applications

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its exceptional properties and diverse potential applications. This article provides an overview of graphene synthesis, its wide-ranging applications, and the associated challenges and opportunities. Several methods have been developed for graphene synthesizing, including mechanical exfoliation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and electrochemical synthesis. These techniques offer varying levels of scalability, quality, and cost-effectiveness, catering to the specific needs of different applications. Graphene’s unique properties, such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility, have led to its integration into numerous fields, in electronics, energy, the medical industry, and aerospace. Despite its immense potential, graphene faces challenges related to large-scale production, environmental impact, and standardization of synthesis techniques. Additionally, the development of cost-effective and scalable manufacturing processes remains a priority. Furthermore, graphene’s role in enabling sustainable technologies and enhancing existing products underscores its importance in shaping the future of various industries. In conclusion, graphene synthesis has significantly progressed, leading to various applications.

Green Engineered CuO/SnO2/HNT Composites: Illuminating the Photocatalytic Path for Organic Pollutant Remediation and Zebrafish Embryo Toxicity Evaluation.

Photocatalysis stands out as a promising technique for treating organic contaminants, yet the quest for visible light active composite materials, crafted through cost-effective, eco-friendly, and uncomplicated processes, poses formidable challenges. Here, we introduce a successful endeavor, the synthesis of a CuO/SnO2 (CS) composite via a microwave method, employing Carissa edulis fruit extract as a reducing as well as capping agent. Various loadings of CS-HNT composites were prepared by ultrasonically incorporating CS onto nanotubular halloysite (HNT) clay. Employing a suite of types of characterization, including XRD, XPS, FT-IR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, ζ potential, UV-vis-DRS, TGA, BET, and EIS, we meticulously explored the morphology, structure, stability, surface area, electrochemical, and optical properties of the developed CS-HNT composites. HR-TEM observations unveiled the formation of a heterojunction between cubic CuO and spherical SnO2 on the HNT clay surface. Optical and EIS analysis highlighted that the 20CS-HNT composite displayed significant absorption in the visible region, efficient electron-hole pair separation, and enhanced interfacial charge transport relative to other loadings. Photocatalytic evaluations and optimization studies revealed that the 20CS-HNT photocatalyst achieved notable removal efficiencies, eliminating 85% of Congo red (CR) and 80% of tetracycline (TC) within 90 min and 74% of ATZ in 3 h under visible light conditions. Scavenging investigations, the fluorescence probe method, and a NBT transformation study underscored the pivotal roles of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in pollutant removal. The reusability trials highlighted the exceptional stability and recyclability of the photocatalyst, even after five cycles. In addition, zebrafish embryo toxicity tests revealed improved survival and hatching rates in photocatalyst-treated samples compared to those of controls. Moderate toxicity was observed in treated TC, while the treated CR sample showed non-lethal toxicity. In essence, this study unveils a straightforward and efficacious approach for developing photocatalysts for large-scale wastewater treatment. Furthermore, it proposes the adoption of safe clay-based bimetal oxide photocatalysts in diverse environmental applications.

Backtesting the iconic Polyfytos balanced-cantilever bridge to enhance condition assessment

This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for reliable damage assessment and decision-making for bridge intervention planning. By utilizing historical data and 3D-UAV photogrammetry, a detailed 3D numerical model is created, incorporating advanced modeling and scenario-based approaches. The methodology is applied to the Polyfytos bridge in Greece, which faces significant vertical deck deflections that disrupt traffic and impact local communities. This approach offers a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient process, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions with minimal physical interaction with the bridge. The integration of advanced modeling with in-situ measurements and expert judgment is emphasized. For the Polyfytos bridge, the framework helps prioritize retrofits and assess the deck’s remaining strength under various loads, providing estimates of its overstrength. This aids in evaluating the bridge’s ability to handle additional vertical loads through pushdown analysis. Overall, the framework is valuable for rapid infrastructure assessment, identifying damage patterns, severity, and the urgency of interventions related to structural strength.

Green and economical transesterification of castor oil for biodiesel production via a novel bentonite based Li2SiO3-LiAlO2 composite: Process technology & production feasibility

In our work, a highly efficient Li2SiO3-LiAlO2 composite was designed via a simple solid-state reaction using bentonite as raw material and successfully applied to the transesterification of castor oil with methanol for biodiesel production. The preparation processes for the bentonite-based Li2SiO3-LiAlO2 composite (Li/Bent) were optimized, and the prepared Li/Bent catalyst was characterized using a variety of experimental techniques. The maximum oil conversion to biodiesel of 97.16 % was obtained under reaction temperature of 65 °C, reaction time of 90 min, catalyst amount of 4 wt%, and methanol/oil molar ratio of 15:1. The possible mechanisms of the reaction process were revealed. The preliminary analysis of technical feasibility for the production showed that the production of castor oil biodiesel catalyzed by Li/Bent had competitive advantages in terms of market demand, industrial policy, process technology, environmental impact and economic benefits. The high efficiency and good stability of the catalyst reflect the technical advantages of the process. According to the study of environmental factor and process mass index, the synthesis process of biodiesel generated low waste, which was a green and environment-friendly process. Finally, the economic evaluation showed that the biodiesel production from castor oil catalyzed by Li/Bent catalyst was a cost-effective and low risk process.

Application of aluminosilicate residue-based zeolite from lithium extraction in water treatment

In a previous study, the Na-P1 type zeolites were synthesized from aluminosilicate residues using an efficient and cost-effective process, exhibiting an excellent adsorption capacity for Ca2+ in comparison to commercial zeolites 13X and A. Building upon this, the current study evaluates their performance for the adsorption of various elements, including Ca2+, Mg2+, and NH4+. The objective was to evaluate the performance of the Na-P1 type zeolites for the adsorption of various elements, including Ca2+, Mg2+, and rare earth elements, with a particular emphasis on the adsorption kinetics and water hardness removal in comparison to commercial zeolite A. The results demonstrated that the Na-P1 zeolite exhibited a satisfactory sorption capacity for Ca2+ and NH4+ ions (66 mg/g), while displaying a relatively lower effectiveness for the sorption of Mg2+ ions (5.6 mg/g). The Langmuir model is particularly well suited to the sorption of Ca2+, while the Freundlich model is more appropriate for Mg2+. Both models demonstrated satisfactory representation of NH₄ ⁺ sorption. Moreover, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model provides an excellent description of the Ca2⁺ and Mg2⁺ sorption processes, while both models effectively describe the NH₄⁺ adsorption kinetics. Additionally, Na-P1 zeolite was observed to effectively reduce water hardness from 322 to 63 mg CaCO₃/L at temperatures of 10, 20, and 38 °C, and to 18 mg/L at 58 °C. These findings suggest that Na-P1 zeolite has promising potential for applications as a water softening agent. Regarding metals and rare earths, the Na-P1 zeolite demonstrated noteworthy sorption efficiencies for Cd2+ (138 mg/g), Ce3+ (209 mg/g), Cr3+ (56.2 mg/g), and Cu2+ (60.5 mg/g). However, it demonstrated lower sorption efficiencies for Co2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ and Dy3+ (below 16 mg/g). The findings illustrate that Na-P1 zeolites are effective for the adsorption of diverse elements, offering a promising avenue for the sustainable transformation of industrial waste into valuable materials for environmental applications.

Implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS) into conservation practices of urban built heritages in Bangladesh: challenges, possibilities, and prospects.

The preservation of rich cultural and architectural heritages in Bangladesh, alongside its diverse natural environment, is increasingly prioritized through conservation efforts. Integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into these practices, leveraging existing green elements and natural landscapes for cost-effective conservation processes. This research explores the potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) within the heritage structures of Bangladesh, identifying feasible areas for implementation and examining the benefits beyond regular conservation process. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) not only aids in preserving heritage but also enhances sustainability in water management, promotes health, sequesters carbon, boosts biodiversity, and improves acoustic comfort. By harnessing nature's resilience, these solutions offer sustainable responses to challenges posed by climate change, urbanization, and industrialization, which also threaten heritage sites. Integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) requires effective implementation strategies, policy support, and community engagement to ensure success. In this research, specific study- based method was followed and implemented in some heritage sites to generate suggestive conclusions in case of implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). This study aims to analyze the feasibility and suggest practical approaches for implementing Nature-based solutions (NbS) in the conservation of cultural heritages of Bangladesh, emphasizing resilience, socio-economic benefits, and the preservation of natural and built environments.

Performance assessment of graphene oxide based nano-cutting fluids during sustainable hard turning through synthesis, characterization and machinability investigation

Achieving sustainability in manufacturing necessitates the implementation of eco-friendly solutions by adopting environmentally friendly coolants with cost-effective, energy-efficient and cleaner production processes without posing any risk to the operator's health. In this current work, mineral oil-based graphene oxide (GO) nano-cutting fluids of different concentration (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 % wt.) are synthesized and their characteristics such as rheological, thermo-physical and tribological properties along with their stability and toxicology impact are thoroughly investigated. Further, the influence of nano-cutting fluid concentration on machinability and sustainability aspects during hard turning such as flank wear, surface integrity, power consumption, cutting temperature, carbon and noise emissions are investigated. According to the result an enhancement of 28.83 % and 29.54 % in viscosity and thermal conductivity have been recorded when concentration of nanofluid increases from 0.05 % to 0.5 %. GO nano-cutting fluids shows anti wear and friction reduction properties by providing excellent lubricious properties, as a result coefficient of friction has been reduced up to 28.36 % at 0.5 % wt. GO compared to plane mineral oil. A notable reduction in flank wear, cutting temperature, surface roughness, cutting temperature, power consumption, carbon emission and noise emission were noticed to be 25.96 %, 27.82 %, 23.86 %, 25.22 %, 11.66 % and 2.72 % respectively when the concentration of GO nanoparticles increases from 0.05 % to 0.5 % wt. Smoother surface with minimal defect has been noticed from the SEM and AFM image of machined workpiece at highest concentration (0.5 % wt.) of GO due to the synergetic effect of GO nano-cutting fluid and dual nozzle MQL system.

Investigating the structural and electromagnetic properties of ZnFe2O4@MWCNTs nanocomposites

This study introduces ZnFe2O4@MWCNTs nanocomposites (ZF@MWCNTs NCs), developed using ZnFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles (ZFNPs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via a simple, cost-effective, and scalable ultrasonic process. The design involves ZFNPs acting as an electromagnetic (EM) skeleton or magnetic shell surrounding a conductive MWCNT core, optimizing microwave absorption. By combining the magnetic properties of ZFNPs and the electrical conductivity of MWCNTs, the quasi-core-shell structure achieves excellent impedance matching and synergistic dielectric/magnetic loss. Comprehensive characterization was performed, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystal structure, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for morphology and elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for structural identification, vibrating sample magnetometers (VSM) for magnetic properties, and vector network analyzers (VNA) for dielectric properties. Among the five synthesized weight ratios, M4 sample exhibited the best reflection loss (RL) under the X-band at −47.16 dB with a thickness of 2.33 mm and under the Ku-band at −24.40 dB with a thickness of 1.53 mm. These nanocomposites demonstrated 99.99 % wave dissipation under both X- and Ku-bands, making them highly effective microwave absorbers. This work provides a promising approach for developing high-performance microwave-absorbing materials.

Sustainable Diamond Burnishing of Chromium–Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steels: Effects on Surface Integrity and Fatigue Limit

This study aims to evaluate the influence of lubrication and cooling conditions in the diamond burnishing (DB) process on the surface integrity and fatigue limit of chromium–nickel austenitic stainless steels (CNASSs) and, on this basis, identify a cost-effective and sustainable DB process. Evidence was presented that DB of CNASS performed without lubricating cooling liquid satisfies the requirements for a sustainable process: the three key sustainability dimensions (environmental, economic, and social) are satisfied, and the cost/quality ratio is favorable. DB was implemented with the same values of the main governing factors; however, four different lubrication and cooling conditions were applied: (1) flood lubrication (process F); (2) dry without cooling (process D); (3) dry with air cooling at a temperature of −19 °C (process A); and (4) dry with nitrogen cooling at a temperature of −31 °C (process N). Conditions A and N were realized via a device based on the principle of vortex tubes. All four DB processes provide mirror-finished surfaces with Ra roughness parameter values from 0.041 to 0.049 μm, zones with residual compressive stresses deeper than 0.5 mm, and increases in the specimens’ fatigue limit (as determined by the accelerated Locati’s method) compared to turning and polishing. Processes F and D produce the highest microhardness on the surface and at depth. The process D introduces maximum compressive residual axial and hoop stresses in the surface layer. The dry DB processes (D, A, and N) form a submicrocrystalline structure with high atomic density, which is most strongly developed under process D. When high fatigue strength is required, DB with air cooling should be chosen, as it provides a more favorable cost/quality ratio, whereas dry DB without cooling is the most suitable choice for applications that require increased wear resistance.

Techno-economic analysis and optimisation of Piperazine-based Post-combustion carbon capture and CO2 compression process for large-scale biomass-fired power plants through simulation

This study aims to investigate a cost-effective and energy-efficient amine-based post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) process for large-scale supercritical biomass-fired power plants (SC BFPP). Thus, we have quantified the energy and economic performance of the PCC process with different configurations and solvents. Three process configurations which included the standard configuration, the absorber intercooler (AIC) with the advanced flash stripper (AFS) and the AIC, AFS and side stream extraction (SSE) were simulated in Aspen Plus® V11 using 30 wt% and 40 wt% piperazine (PZ) as solvent. In addition to this, CO2 compression trains using the heat pump (HP) and supercritical CO2 cycle (s-CO2) were also simulated. Sensitivity analysis of the PCC process was carried out to investigate the impact of important parameters on the energy performance of the process. Furthermore, energy analysis shows that a minimum energy consumption of 2.78 GJ/tCO2 was achieved with the PCC process using 40 wt% PZ, a combination of the AIC, AFS and SSE for capture and s-CO2 for compression. This achieved a significant energy saving of 1.01 GJ/tCO2 compared with the standard PCC process using 30 wt% monoethanolamine that is used as the benchmark in this study. The economic analysis results showed that the minimum CO2 capture cost of 55.70 $/tCO2 was achieved using the AIC-AFS-SSE-sCO2 configuration and 40 wt% PZ as solvent. This represents a 19.5 % reduction in cost compared with the standard 40 wt% PZ process with a cost of 69.18 $/tCO2. The optimisation of the PZ-based PCC process was carried out to determine the optimal solvent concentration with the minimum carbon capture cost. It was found that the optimal PZ concentration for the PCC process based on standard and AFS configurations were 37.5 wt% and 32.5 wt%, respectively. The optimisation of the stripper pressure for the minimum carbon capture cost was conducted. As a result, compared with the standard PCC process using 40 wt% PZ, the energy consumption and CO2 capture cost of the optimised process at the suggested pressure of 7 bar were reduced by 41.6 % and 32.4 %, respectively.

High-Power Battery Electrodes Fabricated by Acupuncture-Inspired Microneedle Processing.

Advancing battery electrode performance is essential for high-power applications. Traditional fabrication methods for porous electrodes, while effective, often face challenges of complexity, cost, and environmental impact. Inspired by acupuncture, here we introduce an eco-friendly and cost-effective microneedle process for fabricating lithium iron phosphate electrodes. This technique employs commercial cosmetic microneedle molds to create low-curvature holes on electrode surfaces, significantly enhancing electrolyte infiltration and ion transport kinetics. The punctured electrodes were prepared and characterized, with comparisons to pristine electrodes conducted using scanning electron microscopy, 3D metallurgical microscopy, and detailed electrochemical evaluations. Our results show that the microneedle-processed electrodes exhibit superior rate performance and diffusion properties. Simulations and experimental data reveal that the low-curvature holes reduce Li-ion concentration polarization and improve Li-ion transport within the electrode. This enhancement leads to higher specific capacities and better rate capabilities in the punctured electrodes. The findings highlight the potential of this innovative microneedle technique for large-scale production of high-performance electrodes, offering a promising avenue for the development of high-power-density batteries.

Nanotechnology-enhanced castability of wrought aluminum alloys 2024 and 6063

In the realm of high-performance applications, wrought aluminum alloys are esteemed for their high mechanical properties and excellent strength-to-weight ratio. However, their limited castability poses challenges in economically producing intricate structures through casting processes. To address this issue, a small proportion of TiC nanoparticles is introduced into the melts of AA 2024 and AA 6063 for nano-treating. This nano-treatment imparts several beneficial effects, including the delayed release of latent heat, inhibition of grain growth, and improvement of wettability. These effects enhance the fluidity of the melt, eliminate hot cracking, and elevate the surface quality of the castings. The outcomes underscore the promising potential of emerging nano-treatment technology in rendering traditionally non-castable wrought aluminum alloys suitable for cost-effective casting processes, ultimately delivering high-performance products for a wide range of applications.

Fabrication of hierarchical layered structure in Zr/Ti composite via multi-step heat treatments and its effect on the mechanical properties

The strength and ductility of metallic structural materials are two pivotal properties generally considered mutually contradictory. In the past few decades, numerous heterogeneous materials have been designed and fabricated to overcome this trade-off. Biomimetic-designed hierarchical layered (HL) materials represent a promising approach. In the present study, HL Zr/Ti materials with three hierarchical levels were fabricated via multi-step heat treatments. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to observe the evolution of the HL microstructure. The mechanical properties of the HL Zr/Ti materials were assessed through hardness and tensile tests, analyzing the influence of microstructural changes in the diffusion layer on the overall mechanical performance. Our results demonstrated that the HL structure could introduce extra strength beyond the rule of mixtures (ROM) due to multiple-scaled hetero-deformation induced (HDI) strengthening. Additionally, the refinement of the second-level layer thickness effectively inhibited crack propagation. This research provides new insights into developing multi-level HL materials with enhanced mechanical properties through cost-effective and scalable manufacturing processes.

Enhanced adsorption-photodegradation of tetracycline using Ce-N-co-doped AC/TiO2 photocatalyst: isotherms, kinetics, mechanism, and thermodynamic insight.

Excessive use of tetracycline (TC) is alarming owing to its increased detection in water systems. In this study, a photocatalyst was developed to degrade TC using a Ce-N-co-doped AC/TiO2 photocatalyst, denoted as Ce/N-AC/TiO2, prepared using the sol-gel method assisted by microwave radiation, speeding up the synthesis process. Ce/N-AC/TiO2 achieved maximum TC degradation of 93.1% under UV light with optimum sorption system conditions of an initial concentration of 10 mg L-1, pH 7, and 30 ℃, under 120 min. Scavenger experiments revealed that holes and superoxide radicals were the active species influencing the photodegradation process.The TC degradation was appropriately fitted with Langmuir isotherms and a pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model. The change in enthalpy (ΔH) (2.43kJmol-1), entropy (ΔS) (0.024kJmol-1), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) (- 4.941 to - 5.802kJmol-1) suggested that the adsorption process was spontaneous, favourable, and endothermic. Electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, pore-filling, cationic-π, n-π, and π-π interaction were among the interactions involved between TC and Ce/N-AC/TiO2. Furthermore, Ce/N-AC/TiO2 stability was confirmed through 80% removal efficiency even after the fifth reuse cycle. Notably, this work provides new insight into the production of efficient, reusable, and enhanced photocatalysts using a rapid and cost-effective microwave-assisted synthesis process for pollutant remediation.

Deposition of cellulose acetate coatings on titanium substrates by electrospraying for biomedical applications

Functional coatings have gained interest in the field of metal implants, as they reduce the complications associated with mechanical parameters and promote its integration. Among the other coating production methods electrospraying remains very little researched for this application despite its advantages. This study investigates the feasibility of the electrospraying method for the production of coatings with extended mechanical properties. Six biocompatible cellulose acetate coatings from solutions of (6–16) wt% were fabricated on titanium substrates using electrospraying. The layer thickness varied between the samples from 1.8 to 16.4 μm, while the roughness varied between the samples from 1 to 2 μm. Bending tests showed that the maximum elongation of the coatings between the samples gradually decreased from 40.00 % to 13.33 %. Stretching of detached films revealed decrease in tensile strength and elastic modulus from 58 to 30 MPa and from 2082 MPa to 978 MPa, respectively. Pull-off tests showed coatings adhesion strength of 0.8–1.4 MPa after sandblasting. Investigation of chemical composition and structure of the coatings using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared and Raman spectroscopy showed results typical of cellulose acetate materials and confirmed that no structural changes took place during electrospraying. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the coatings obtained are amorphous. The coatings produced by the fast and cost-effective electrospraying process have competitive overall properties, while the coatings prepared from 10 and 12 wt% solutions are most suitable for use on titanium surfaces due to their mechanical properties and uniformity.

Facile synthesis of in situ bismuth-doped calcium phosphate nanocomposite integrated injectable biopolymer hydrogel slurry for bone regeneration

The bionics of natural bone structures plays an essential role in the selection of materials for bone tissue engineering. Although the content of trace metallic elements in bone is low, they have significant effects on the process of bone growth and metabolism. Up to now, the applications of “green” heavy metals in bone regeneration are limited. Herein, in this study, we present a straightforward one-pot strategy for the synthesis of in situ bismuth-doped amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomposites (RBCP), effectively integrating the beneficial properties of each component. The characterization of these products can be readily optimized by adjusting reaction parameters. Our in vitro studies show that under coordination of each component, the RBCP biomaterial demonstrates distinguished biocompatibility and significantly accelerates vascular pattern formation within just 4 h by stimulating the expression of angiogenesis-related genes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vivo experiments indicate that the incorporation of bismuth effectively enhances bone regeneration and osseointegration in a rat femur defect model. In conclusion, the as-prepared RBCP biomaterials hold promising prospects for treating segmental bone defects, owing to the facile, cost-effective, and eco-friendly preparation process, along with their remarkable capabilities.