Eco-friendly Method Research Articles

Mechanically flexible graphene oxide network for highly-sensitive and ultra-long fire warning

Graphene oxide (GO)-based intelligent fire alarm sensor (FAS) has recently been a sought-after research topic in fire prevention fields. However, it remains a challenge to facilely construct GO-based composite that simultaneously possess mechanical flexibility, excellent flame resistance, highly-sensitive temperature-responsive behavior, rapid fire response and ultra-long fire alarming durability. Here, a nacre-like ternary hybrid paper is conveniently obtained by integrating GO with hexachlorophosphazene-based multi‑hydroxyl molecule (HHACP) and tannic acid (TA) via a facile and eco-friendly water evaporation-induced self-assembly method. The resultant composite paper (TA-GO/HHACP) exhibits mechanically flexible property with tensile strength of 103.7 MPa and toughness of 1.51 MJ/m3, comparable to 2.52 and 5.39 times higher than those of pure GO paper. Further, the TA-GO/HHACP paper displays excellent nonflammability and high-temperature resistance that can withstand continuous butane flame attack (∼ 1200 °C), resulting in ultra-long sustained alarming period of > 1600 s under an open fire. More importantly, benefiting from its rapid electrical resistance reduction capability, such TA-GO/HHACP paper demonstrates ultra-fast fire-triggered response time of ∼ 0.6 s, and ultra-sensitive early fire alarm responses to abnormal high temperatures during pre-combustion process, e.g., ∼ 1 s at 250 °C and ∼ 19 s at 200 °C, respectively, outperforming the best reported GO‑based FAS counterparts. This work provides an inventive paradigm to develop high-performance GO-based intelligent materials with reliable and sensitive early fire-warning function.

The Combination Between Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) and Biofertilizers Could be an Ecofriendly Approach for Soil Chemical Properties Improving and Sustainable Wheat (Triticum Sativum) Production in Sandy Loam Soil

Sustainable agriculture aims to provide food needs while improving soil health and protecting it from degradation and contamination from excessive chemical fertilizer use. Sandy-textured soils have low fertility and water-holding capacity. This study assessed the integrated impact of super absorbent polymers (SAPs) and biofertilizer application on the soil chemical characteristics and wheat growth parameters in sandy loam soil. Two super absorbent polymers (SAPs) included Barbary plant G3 (P1) and Aqua Gool polymer (P2), and four microbial inoculations (Trichoderma harzianum (T), Actinomycetes (Streptomyces rochei and Streptomyces atrovirens) (AC1 and AC2), and Bacillus subtilis (B)) as biofertilizers were used in our pot experiment. The SAPs were applied to soil at a level of 0.2% (w/w), while biofertilizers were applied in the form of microbial cell suspensions (50 ml per pot) in addition to treating wheat seed with these suspensions during cultivation. Wheat plants were irrigated every 8 days to field capacity level. Amending soil with super absorbent polymers and microbes either individually or in combination significantly reduced pH and EC, increased organic matter level, and the availability of macro- and micronutrients in soil. Wheat growth metrics, including shoot length, tiller number, biomass accumulation, leaf area, and grain yield, exhibited considerable enhancements relative to the plants of the control treatment. The interaction between P1 polymer and Streptomyces atrovirens (AC2) showed the highest performance in improving the almost studied parameters. The application of SAPs with microbial biofertilizers offers a promising eco-friendly method for enhancing soil health and wheat yield.

Alternanthera sessilis derived fluorescent carbon dots and their sensing and biological applications

Herein, the green synthesis of novel fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) from the Alternanthera sessilis plant by a simple, eco-friendly, and facile hydrothermal method was reported. The developed CDs exhibit green fluorescence and have a size of 5.25 nm. Various analyses reveal outstanding features, including high quantum yield, good photostability, and excellent hydrophilicity of the as-synthesized CDs. It was used as a dual-mode probe for the sensing of Cu2+ ions and Zn2+ ions in an aqueous system. Efficient sensing of Cu2+ ions takes place by static quenching of fluorescence with a detection limit of 28.03 nM. CDs-coated glassy carbon electrode was used to perform the electrochemical detection of Zn2+ ions in an aqueous system with high selectivity and sensitivity, and the LOD value was found to be 2.28 nM. The LC50 value of the fabricated CDs against the human breast cancer cell line is 89.85 µL/mL. Also, the antimicrobial efficacy of the CDs was examined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, and Aspergillus niger, and the results indicate the high toxicity of the CDs against all tested microbial strains.

Sustainable approach for CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid with Ru single atom catalysts on nitrogen-doped carbon prepared from green algae

Ruthenium catalysts supported on nitrogen-doped carbon (NDC) have gained attention due to their exceptional catalytic performance for CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid, a key solution to mitigate CO2 emissions. However, conventional methods for preparing NDC typically rely on petrochemical compounds, which are not environmentally friendly. Herein, we propose a sustainable and innovative approach by employing protein-rich green algae as a source to prepare NDC for Ru catalysts. To maximize the CO2 reduction effect, flue gas exhausted from industrial processes was utilized as a CO2 feed to cultivate the green algae in a photobioreactor. The harvested green algae were pyrolyzed at 800 °C under an N2 atmosphere to prepare the NDC. After the metalation of Ru on prepared NDC, the Ru catalysts exhibited a turnover number of 7,599 for CO2 hydrogenation which demonstrated the potential of green algae as a raw material for NDC. However, the catalysts were deactivated due to the leaching or agglomeration of weakly bound Ru analyzed by experimental and theoretical investigations. We applied a NaBH4 treatment to stabilize the Ru active sites, and the treated catalysts retained 99.6 % of their initial catalytic activity after five recycling tests. Furthermore, Ru on NDC achieved a cumulative turnover number of 16,000 after 24 h. This study offers a sustainable and eco-friendly method for reducing CO2 emissions, combining the cultivation of green algae with waste flue gas and the production of formic acid via CO2 hydrogenation using improved Ru catalysts on algae-derived NDC.

Foliar Application of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae Strain 33504-Borg201 Promotes Faba Bean Growth and Enhances Systemic Resistance Against Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus Infection.

The bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) is one of the most serious economic diseases affecting faba bean crop production. Rhizobium spp., well known for its high nitrogen fixation capacity in legumes, has received little study as a possible biocontrol agent and antiviral. Under greenhouse conditions, foliar application of molecularly characterized Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strain 33504-Borg201 to the faba bean leaves 24 h before they were infected with BYMV made them much more resistant to the disease while also lowering its severity and accumulation. Furthermore, the treatment promoted plant growth and health, as evidenced by the increased total chlorophyll (32.75 mg/g f.wt.) and protein content (14.39 mg/g f.wt.), as well as the improved fresh and dry weights of the plants. The protective effects of 33504-Borg201 greatly lowered the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (4.92 µmol/g f.wt.) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (173.72 µmol/g f.wt.). The antioxidant enzymes peroxidase (1.58 µM/g f.wt.) and polyphenol oxidase (0.57 µM/g f.wt.) inhibited the development of BYMV in plants treated with 33504-Borg201. Gene expression analysis showed that faba bean plants treated with 33504-Borg201 had higher amounts of pathogenesis-related protein-1 (PR-1) (3.28-fold) and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (4.13-fold) than control plants. These findings demonstrate the potential of 33,504-Borg201 as a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to protect faba bean plants against BYMV. Implementing this approach could help develop a simple and sustainable strategy for protecting faba bean crops from the devastating effects of BYMV.

Fast and eco-friendly analytical method to determine bisphenols, parabens, benzophenone-3 and triclosan in human urine by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

Bisphenols, parabens, benzophenone-3 and triclosan are synthetic chemicals commonly used in various products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food items, leading to human exposure through ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation. Once entering the body, they are rapidly absorbed, metabolised, and excreted in urine due to their short half-lives. Recognized as potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), they have raised concerns among researchers and regulatory bodies. In response to the concerns regarding environmental harm and risks, innovative analytical strategies are required based on the new criteria focused on the twelve principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. Therefore, a new methodology for the environmentally friendly, fast, efficient and simultaneous determination of nine potential EDCs in human urine, including three bisphenols (A, F and S), four parabens (methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben), benzophenone-3 and triclosan, has been developed and validated. It is based on a dilute-and-shoot method and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The relative recoveries ranged from 80 % to 120 % with a precision lower than 20 % for all analytes. The concentration ranges obtained encompass the published levels of the compounds in urine and the limits of quantification were between 0.2 and 0.5 ng·mL−1. The proposed method is the most environmentally friendly and practical so far and it was successfully applied for the determination of these compounds in 20 human urine samples from adults residing in the Valencian Region (Spain), and initial findings suggest that methyl paraben, benzophenone-3 and ethyl paraben were the predominant compounds.

High adsorption of Cu(II) in novel thiacalix[4]arene/acrylic polymer/diatomite fast fabricated by electron beam irradiation: Controllable microstructures, adsorption performance and mechanism

Chemical grafting of calix[4]arene is a common method to prepare high-performance calix[4]arene adsorbents for heavy metals, however, the chemical grafting process consumes much time and a large amount of heating energy due to the tedious steps. Herein, a thiacalix[4]arene/acrylic polymer/diatomite (TC4A/PAA/diatomite) adsorbent was fast fabricated by electron beam irradiation induced grafting, polymerization and crosslinking technique only in one-pot for the removal of Cu(II) as an important form of heavy metal pollution. Characterization by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance UV–visible spectra and positron annihilation lifetime spectra (PALS) disclosed that the eco-friendly and low-cost TC4A/PAA/diatomite irradiated at 90 kGy namely TC4A/PAA/diatomite (90 kGy) with strong complexing ability owing to many functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl etc in it. The effects of electron beam irradiation dose, initial solution pH, and initial concentration of Cu(II) on the adsorption performance of TC4A/PAA/diatomite were investigated. The isotherm adsorption data of Cu(II) in TC4A/PAA/diatomite (90 kGy) are more suitable for the Langmuir model with the maximum adsorption capacity of 123.30 mg/g. In addition, the bifunctional TC4A/PAA/diatomite (90 k Gy) can efficiently remove Cu(II) and display excellent reusability properties. The adsorption mechanism was further analyzed by FTIR, SEM, X-ray photoelelctron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance UV–visible spectra and PALS. This study provides a fast, efficient and eco-friendly synthesis method of calix[4]arene adsorbent, conducing to the design of material innovation. Meanwhile, TC4A/PAA/diatomite (90 kGy) has potential application prospects in the treatment of practical Cu(II) contaminated wastewater.

Synthesis of biologically active cefpodoxime and vanillin-based schiff base metal complexes with the detailed biological evaluations.

Schiff bases of existing antimicrobial drugs are an area, which is still to be comprehensively explored to improve drug efficiency against consistently resisting bacterial species. In this study, we have targeted a new and eco-friendly method of condensation reaction that allows the "green synthesis" as well as improved biological efficacy. The transition metal complexes of cefpodoxime with well-enhanced biological activities were synthesized. The condensation reaction product of cefpodoxime and vanillin was further reacted with suitable metal salts of [Mn (II), Cu (II), Fe (II), Zn (II), and Ni (II)] with 1:2 molar ratio (metal: ligand). The characterization of all the products were carried out by using UV-Visible, elemental analyzer, FTIR, 1H-NMR, ICP-OES, and LC-MS. Electronic data obtained by UV-Visible proved the octahedral geometry of metal complexes. The biological activities Schiff base ligand and its transition metal complexes were tested by using in-vitro anti-bacterial analysis against various Gram-negative, as well as Gram-positive bacterial strains. Proteinase and protein denaturation inhibition assays were utilized to evaluate the products in-vitro anti-inflammatory activities. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the ligand and its complexes was evaluated by utilizing the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) in-vitro method. The final results proved metal complexes to be more effective against bacterial microorganisms as compared to respective parent drug as well as their free ligands. Patch Dock, a molecular docking tool, was used to dock complexes 1a-5e with the crystal structure of GlcN-6-P synthase (ID: 1MOQ). According to the docking results, complex 2b exhibited a highest score (8,882; ACE = -580.43kcal/mol) that is well correlated with a high inhibition as compared to other complexes which corresponds to the antibacterial screening outcomes.

Tuning Coordination in ZIF-67 Through the Solid-State Thermal Synthesis for Balancing Structural Stability and Catalytic Reactivity.

Tailor-made unsaturated coordination of metal ions or organic linkers in zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) has great potential in tuning the ZIFs' properties and reactivity for their applications. Taking advantage of the solid-state thermal (SST) method as a facile and eco-friendly synthesis method, the rational coordination of metal ions with imidazole ligands in ZIF-67 through the SST method is investigated. The rational precursor ratio (metal-to-ligand source) under the solvent-free SST method emerges as a perfect strategy to tune the coordinately unsaturated sites within the ZIF-67 frameworks. Different analysis techniques, computational methods (DFT), and catalytic model reactions examine unsaturated coordination in ZIF-67 materials (defect structures). The unsaturated coordination provides unique characteristic properties on materials with excellent catalytic performance. However, the higher reactive properties are negotiated with weaker structural stability on materials. In addition, the post-SST approach is applied to enable rational coordination and modify the pristine ZIF-67 materials. The post-SST method rearranges and modifies coordination in the framework of materials. These findings are crucial to understanding the role of the uncoordinated degree to balance with structural stability based on ZIF-67, which is critical for effective heterogeneous catalysts.

Insight into dechlorination of pyrolysis oil during fast co-pyrolysis of high-alkali coal and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Thermal treatment can utilize polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in a high-value, eco-friendly method, but HCl generation and high oil chlorine content are key pyrolysis issues. Therefore, this research extensively characterized fast co-pyrolysis of PVC and high-alkali coal (HAC) using XPS, TG-FTIR-GC/MS, and GC-MS. This explored alkali metal catalysis and volatile reforming effects on Cl transfer and utilizing PVC as a hydrogen donor to improve the quality of pyrolysis oil. According to the GC-MS results, increasing the PVC ratio to 40 % raised monocyclic (MAHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to 59.1 % and 33.4 % respectively. However, co-pyrolysis of PVC and HAC inhibited the polyene reconstruction of the carbon skeleton, leading to a decrease of oxygenates, such as phenolic, acid, and ester. The XPS results showed that the inorganic chlorine in the solid product increased from 1 % to 66 % after co-pyrolysis at 600 °C, indicating the high fixed chlorine effect of HAC. Fast heating almost merges the PVC dechlorination stage with the conjugated polyene reconstruction stage, creating a liquid–gas synergy. Abundant coal α-carbon selectively binds with H+, dechlorinated PVC, and polyene fragments, rather than binding with Cl-. This study provides valuable insights into coal-PVC interactions and the dechlorination of pyrolysis oil during fast co-pyrolysis processes and advances the sustainable management of PVC waste.

Fabrication of composite GO/NiFe2O4-MnFe2O4-CoFe2O4 anode material: Toward high performance hybrid supercapacitors.

Here, NiFe2O4, MnFe2O4, and CoFe2O4 nanoferrites are prepared by coprecipitation synthesis technique from nickel, manganese, and cobalt chloride precursors. Synthesized nanoferrites are annealed by calcination process at 800°C for 2 h. To produce a novel anode electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs), the composite material of GO/NiFe2O4-MnFe2O4-CoFe2O4 is fabricated. Physicochemical aspects of the synthesized nanoferrites are evaluated. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy tests are conducted, respectively. The electrochemical activities are studied by cyclic voltammetry, glavanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 2 M KOH as the electrolyte. In three electrode system, the novel GO/NiFe2O4-MnFe2O4-CoFe2O4 electrode displays a high specific capacity of 325 C g-1 and preserves about 99.9% of its initial specific capacity. The GO/NiFe2O4-MnFe2O4-CoFe2O4//GO ASCs device is assembled using GO/NiFe2O4-MnFe2O4-CoFe2O4, GO, and 2 M KOH solution as the positive electrode, negative electrode, and electrolyte, respectively. Significantly, the GO/NiFe2O4-MnFe2O4-CoFe2O4//GO ASCs represent an outstanding energy density of 50.5 W h kg-1 at power density of 2560 W kg-1. Through the long-term charge discharge cycling tests, this ASC device illustrates about 93.7% capacity retention after 3000 cycles. Then, the present study provides the NiFe2O4-MnFe2O4-CoFe2O4 composite nanoferrites as a novel favorable candidate for anode material. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Simple and green synthesis of magnetic NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO composite nanostructure using natural precursor. Fabricating and designing an efficient semiconductor for degradation ability. NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO nanocomposite with advanced photo elimination catalytic routine. The photocatalytic performance of NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO was surveyed for the degradation of various antibiotics below visible radiation. Efficiency was 92.9% to eliminate tetracycline. We developed a synergetic approach to prepare a novel active material composed of GO/ NiFe2O4-MnFe2O4-CoFe2O4 by a hybrid electrode material. Green synthesis method was accomplished to attain NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO nanocomposite with advanced photo elimination catalytic routine. The oxide nanobundles were prepared with a rapid and eco-friendly method. In order to investigation of the effect of natural precursor, morphology and shape of nanoproducts was compared. NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO nanobundles possess a suitable bandgap in the visible area.

Phyto-mediated fabrication of Mn2O3 nanoparticles using Hyphaene thebaica fruit extract as a promising photocatalyst for MB dye degradation

Manganese oxide nanoparticles (Mn2O3 NPs) synthesized through a green approach using Hyphaene thebaica fruit extract demonstrate promising photocatalytic activity. Characterized extensively through various techniques, including SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV–vis spectroscopy, the Mn2O3 NPs exhibit crystalline morphology with a size of 20.3 ± 5 nm. Notably, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue reveals a high efficiency of around 98 %, underscoring the potential of the green synthesized Mn2O3 NPs for environmental remediation. This study contributes to the field by introducing a cost-effective, eco-friendly synthesis method for Mn2O3 NPs and highlighting their viability as efficient photocatalysts for pollutant degradation.

Retrofitting a CST Biogas Plant for the Production of Biogas from Rice Cooking Waste Water

The generation of biogas from rice cooking wastewater offers a sustainable and eco-friendly method for managing waste and producing renewable energy. This study investigates the viability of using rice cooking wastewater, a large food preparation by-product, as a substrate for anaerobic digestion-based biogas production. The study emphasizes how this waste stream has the potential to produce methane-rich biogas while simultaneously reducing its harmful effects on water systems. The main focus of the study is to identify the current issues with the biogas facilities at the College of Science and Technology (CST) that made the plant inoperable and to develop a retrofitting design for the existing plant to make it technically and financially feasible. The study also provides a quantitative analysis of the methane content of rice-cooking wastewater, and the findings show the possibility of using rice-cooking wastewater to produce biogas as a dual-benefit solution to energy needs and waste treatment issues.

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) micro-nano fibrous membranes via optimized melt electrospinning for water filtration

Melt electrospinning (MES) offers an eco-friendly and efficient method for the production of micro-nano fibers. However, micro-nano fibers production from poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by MES is challenging due to poor conductivity and high viscosity melts. Here, we report an optimized MES method to create PET fibers with 665 nm average diameter, which was achieved by improving melt flow properties through the addition of a viscosity-reducing lubricant (pentaerythritol stearate) and optimized the spinneret design to generate stronger electric fields. Following this, a fibrous membrane was fabricated using vacuum assisted deposition flat-plate hot-pressing. The membrane exhibited a tensile strength of 14.5 MPa, buckling recovery at 50% buckling strain, and fatigue resistance over 100 cycles. Furthermore, the membrane exhibits water filtration performance with a flux of 7900 L·m−2·h-1 and a filtration efficiency of over 95% at low driving pressures (≤20 kPa). This work has provided inspiration for designing melt electrospinning micro-nano fibers for environmental governance applications.

Anions regulation strategy in simulated seawater: A sustainable and efficient approach for on-site hydrolysis hydrogen generation from Mg alloy waste

This innovative study addresses a critical gap in ‘Green hydrogen’ technology by examining the impact of anions on the hydrolysis of residuary waste AZ91D alloy (Rw-AZ91D) in simulated seawater. Despite seawater's potential as an abundant resource for hydrogen production, its complex anionic composition presents efficiency challenges. Through meticulous regulation of anion types and concentrations, the results demonstrate that under ideal conditions (0.5 M NaCl at 298 K), Rw-AZ91D yields a remarkable hydrolysis capacity of 727.0 mL g−1, with a rapid onset (0.42 min) and low activation energy (27.8 kJ mol−1). Intriguingly, oxygenated acid anions notably impede both kinetics and yield. In 0.5 M NaCl solution respectively mixed with 0.1 M Na2SO4, Na2CO3 and NaNO3 solution, the hydrolysis capacities of Rw-AZ91D increase to 409.5, 514.4 and 118.6 mL g−1. When the concentration of employed anions decreases to 0.02 M, 516.5, 621.0 and 480.5 mL g−1 H2 can be obtained. Microstructural and thermodynamic assessments indicate that anions affect hydrolysis via their ionic size, chemistry, induced acidity, and solubility of Mg2+-complexed metallic compounds. This work introduces a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to manage anions during hydrogen production, thereby bolstering the feasibility of portable hydrogen generators and advancing sustainable seawater utilization in Mg alloy waste-based hydrogen generation systems.

Development of Halloysite Nanotube-Infused Thermoset Soybean Bio-Resin for Advanced Medical Packaging.

The development of eco-friendly, mechanically stable, and biocompatible materials for medical packaging has gained significant attention in recent years. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have emerged as a promising nanomaterial due to their unique tubular structure, high aspect ratio, and biocompatibility. We aim to develop a novel soybean oil-based thermoset bio-resin incorporating HNTs and to characterize its physical and functional properties for medical packaging. Soybean oil was epoxidized using an eco-friendly method and used as a precursor for preparing the thermoset resin (ESOR). Different amounts of HNTs (0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 wt.%) were used to prepare the ESOR/HNTs blends. Various characteristics such as transparency, tensile strength, thermal resistance, and water absorption were investigated. While incorporating HNTs improved the tensile strength and thermal properties of the ESOR, it noticeably reduced its transparency at the 1.0 wt.% level. Therefore, HNTs were modified using sodium hydroxide and (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and ESOR/HNTs blends were made using 1.0 wt.% of modified HNTs. It was shown that modifying HNTs using NaOH improved the transparency and mechanical properties of prepared blends compared to those with the same amount of unmodified HNTs. However, modifying using (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) decreased the transparency but improved the water absorption of prepared resins. This study provides valuable insights into the design of HNT-based ESOR blends as a sustainable material for medical packaging, contributing to the advancement of eco-friendly packaging solutions in the healthcare industry.

Preparation and Characterization of Lignin Nanoparticles from Different Plant Sources.

This article presents new research on producing lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) using the antisolvent nanoprecipitation method. Acetone (90%) served as the lignin solvent and water (100%) as the antisolvent, using five types of lignins from various sources. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including NMR, GPC, FTIR, TEM, and DLS, were employed to assess both lignin and LNP properties. The antioxidant activity of the LNPs was evaluated as well. The results demonstrated the successful formation of spherical nanoparticles below 100 nm with initial lignin concentrations of 1 and 2%w/v. The study highlighted the crucial role of lignin purity in LNP formation and colloidal stability, noting that residual carbohydrates adversely affect efficiency. This method offers a straightforward, environmentally friendly approach using cost-effective solvents, applicable to diverse lignin sources. The innovation of this study lies in its demonstration of a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to produce stable, nanometric-sized spherical LNPs. These LNPs have significant potential as reinforcement materials due to their reinforcing capability, hydrophilicity, and UV absorption. This work underscores the importance of starting material purity for optimizing the process and achieving the desired nanometric dimensions, marking a pioneering advancement in lignin-based nanomaterials.

Innovative Solution for Invasive Species and Water Pollution: Hydrochar Synthesis from Pleco Fish Biomass

In recent years, the invasive pleco fish has emerged as a global concern due to its adverse effects on ecosystems and economic activities, particularly in various water bodies in Mexico. This study introduces an innovative solution, employing microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization (MHTC) to synthesize hydrochar from pleco fish biomass. The research aimed to optimize synthesis conditions to enhance hydrochar yield, calorific value, and adsorption capacities for fluoride and cadmium in water. MHTC, characterized by low energy consumption, high reaction rates, and a simple design, was employed as a thermochemical process for hydrochar production. Key findings revealed that through response surface analysis, the study identified the optimal synthesis conditions for hydrochar production, maximizing yield and adsorption capacities while minimizing energy consumption. Physicochemical characterization demonstrated that hydrochars derived from pleco fish biomass exhibited mesoporous structures with fragmented surfaces, resembling hydroxyapatite, a major component of bone. Hydrochars derived from pleco fish biomass exhibited promising adsorption capacities for fluoride and cadmium in water, with hydrochar from Exp. 1 (90 min, 160 °C) showing the highest adsorption capacity for fluoride (4.16 mg/g), while Exp. 5 (90 min, 180 °C) demonstrated superior adsorption capacity for cadmium (98.5 mg/g). Furthermore, the utilization of pleco fish biomass for hydrochar production not only offers an eco-friendly disposal method for invasive species but also addresses fluoride and cadmium contamination issues, contributing to sustainable waste management and water treatment solutions. The resulting hydrochar, rich in solid fuel content with low pollutant emissions, presents a promising approach for waste management and carbon sequestration. Moreover, the optimized synthesis conditions pave the way for sustainable applications in energy production, addressing critical environmental and public health concerns. This research provides valuable insights into the potential of microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization for transforming invasive species into valuable resources, thereby mitigating environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Currant Extracts and Study of Protective against Liver Necrosis of Rat

Abstract Aim: The goal of the current research was to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) via a simple, cheap, and eco-friendly method as an efficient antioxidant agent. Materials and Methods: ZnONPs are synthesized by reduction of zinc acetate dehydrate using extract of black currant (BC) as reductant. The characterization of stability, size, morphology, and the surface function groups present on synthesized ZnOBCNPs was achieved by Fourier transform infra red, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. In addition, the research included investigating the protective effect of prepared ZONPS on oxidative-stressed rats and evaluating its effectiveness in reducing free radical-induced damage by tracking the concentrations of liver enzymes and blood lipid profiles of rats. Results: The results showed that ZONPS has a positive, beneficial effect in the protection of the rat tissues and ameliorating side effects of oxidative stress. Conclusions: ZONPS can be produced in a simple way, quickly, and in an environmentally friendly manner without the use of hazardous reagents. In this method, zinc acetate dehydrate is reduced with an aqueous solution of BC. The ZONPS, thus produced, can be used as a tissue protectant against oxidative stress. The results showed that the concentrations of liver enzymes and blood lipid profile were stable within normal values in rats exposed to oxidative stress and treated with the prepared ZONPS solution. This indicates that the prepared nanoparticles reduced the harmful effect of oxidative stress through several proposed mechanisms mentioned previously.

A versatile one-stone-two-birds strategy for facile fabrication of molecularly imprinted BiOBr composites: An efficient approach for selective removal of target contaminants from water

In this work, we presented a versatile “one-stone-two-birds” strategy to directly introduce the imprinted cavities into BiOBr/polydopamine composite (BD-MIP) for selective removal of target contaminants from water. BD-MIP exhibited a superior adsorption capacity which is 3.49-times higher than that of the non-imprinted composite, due to the imprinted cavities in polydopamine. BD-MIP showed an improved photogenerated carriers’ behavior, with a superior photodegradation rate of 96.6% in 30 min, excellent selectivity with coefficients above 2.53, and good reusability. All imprinted composites, including BD-MIPs for different templates and MIPs in different BiOBr-based composites, demonstrated greater degradation efficiency than their corresponding non-imprinted composites. This work suggests that the proposed strategy is versatile for selective removal of contaminants, offering flexibility with BiOBr/composites and confirming its potential as an intelligent, eco-friendly, and adjustable method for contaminant removal from water.