Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction Research Articles

Mosaic Materials in an Art Deco Steel-framed Building

ABSTRACT The mosaic coving at the Grade II* listed Freemasons’ Hall in London is an example of a mosaic on an Art Deco steel-framed building. Microstructural and chemical characterisation of loose mortars and tesserae were undertaken to inform conservation efforts and advise whether a protective coating was needed to prevent further fading of gold gilding. Rigorous testing used optical imaging, scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry. Laboratory evidence demonstrated the glass tesserae were created using traditional techniques. The glass tesserae were soda-lime-silica glass with lead. The gold glass tessera was produced in the ancient Roman style which included a glass cartellina layer, so further protective coating was not needed. Historical records confirmed sheets of mosaic tesserae were prefabricated in Italy. The grout and thin-set mortar were the same low hydraulicity mortar mix, which enabled mosaic tesserae positions to be adjusted as required. The bedding coat mortar was a hydraulic cement mortar that was applied on top of an early example of foamed mortar from 1932. This unique study analyses a traditional style mosaic that was installed during a pivotal point in construction history where foamed mortars and steel framed buildings were introduced. It demonstrates how archival research and laboratory testing of small-sized samples enhance the building’s significance and architectural interest by improving the knowledge of its history.

Evaluation of tribological and biological properties of Ti6Al4V coated with Si3N4/ND nanoparticles for orthopedic applications: a comprehensive analysis.

In this study, the biocompatibility and tribological properties of Ti6Al4V coated with Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)/Nanodiamond (ND) using the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method were investigated. Suspensions of various aqueous and alcoholic solutions were prepared in the presence of CTAB and SDS dispersers. The most stable suspension system for the electrophoresis process was selected (aqueous media/ SDS disperser). Four different voltages (20, 30, 40, and 50 V) were applied to study the effect of voltage on the coating property. One could find that processing with 40 V obtained the best coating. The nano-composite coating was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), mapping analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) after the coating process. The samples were then subjected to two nanoindentation and nano-scratching tests to evaluate their tribological properties. Biocompatibility was assessed in an ex vivo environment using two cell culture tests to evaluate survival and cellular adhesion. The results showed that the hardness and modulus elasticity of the coated sample increased from 85 to 124 GPa and 1.14 to 3.55 GPa, respectively, compared to the non-coated sample. Additionally, the MTT test results indicated that cellular survival and proliferation of MG63 cells increased from 86% for the non-coated sample to 92% for the Ti6Al4V/Si3N4 /ND sample. These findings have implications for orthopedic implant applications.

Study on the Optimization of the Preparation Process of ZM5 Magnesium Alloy Micro-Arc Oxidation Hard Ceramic Coatings and Coatings Properties

Hard ceramic coatings were successfully prepared on the surface of ZM5 magnesium alloy by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technology in silicate and aluminate electrolytes, respectively. The optimization of hard ceramic coatings prepared in these electrolyte systems was investigated through an orthogonal experimental design. The microstructure, elemental composition, phase composition, and tribological properties of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and tribological testing equipment. The results show that the growth of the hard ceramic coatings is significantly influenced by the different electrolyte systems. Coatings prepared from both systems have shown good wear resistance, with the aluminate electrolyte system being superior to the silicate system in performance. The optimized formulation for the silicate electrolyte solution has been determined to be sodium silicate at 8 g/L, sodium dihydrogen phosphate at 0.2 g/L, sodium tetraborate at 2 g/L, and potassium hydroxide at 1 g/L. The optimized formulation for the aluminate electrolyte solution consists of sodium aluminate at 5 g/L, sodium fluoride at 3 g/L, sodium citrate at 3 g/L, and sodium hydroxide at 0.5 g/L.

Preparation and Characterization of Ferrihydrite: Application in Arsenic Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Arsenic pollution is a public health hazard in Burkina Faso due to its impact on human health and water resources. To mitigate this pollution, ferrihydrite material has been synthesized and characterized to be used as adsorbent for arsenic removal in aqueous solutions. This study aimed to contribute to improve of access to clean drinking water by removing arsenic from water using ferrihydrite. Arsenic species such as As(III) and As(V) were removed through batch adsorption. Experiments were carried out in batch mode using arsenic aqueous solutions. The characterization of ferrihydrite using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared (IR), and Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) showed that an amorphous and microporous 2-line ferrihydrite. The total specific surface area and pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc) were 184.518 m²/g and 9.41, respectively. The optimal adsorbent doses were 4 g/L for As (V) and 8 g/L for As (III). The optimum pH range for the adsorption of As (V) and As (III) was between 2 and 10, The maximum adsorption capacity was 15.07 mg/g for As(V) and 13.01 mg/g for As(III) with increasing concentration between 2 and 16 mg/L. Equilibrium time for As (V) and As (III) on ferrihydrite was found to be 720 min and 960 min, respectively. The adsorption of As(V) and As(III) was consistent with the Langmuir monolayer model on ferrihydrite. Arsenic adsorption was occurred according to spontaneous chemical reaction. Arsenic removal was occurred on a monolayer following the pseudo-second order kinetic.

Green synthesis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles and evaluation of their photocatalytic activities

Studies on the potential applications of nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by biological methods attract the attention of researchers. First time in this study, photocatalytic activities of NiFe2O4 NPs synthesized with pomegranate fruit peel extract were determined against brilliant blue. Surface charge and dynamic size of NPs were detected at −11 mV, and 405 nm, respectively. According to scanning electron microscopy images, NiFe2O4 NPs have spherical morphology with a diameter of 75 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for the determination of elemental composition, crystallinity, and functional groups of NPs, respectively. As a result, it was determined that NiFe2O4 NPs were effective for remediation (65%, for 3 h) of dye. The catalytic activity of NiFe2O4 NPs refers to the Fenton mechanism.

Montmorillonite combined with microbially induced carbonate precipitation for wind erosion control of bare surface soil in arid mining area

Open-pit mining will form a large area of bare soil. Under the dry and windy climate in northern China, the surface bare soil of mining area is prone to wind erosion and dust, posing a threat to the environment and human health. This study evaluated the performance of montmorillonite combined with microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP-M) to control bare soil wind erosion in mining area. Results showed that the average CaCO3 contents, surface strength, threshold friction velocity (TFV) and thickness of soil crust was the highest, and the mass loss was the lowest in MICP-M group, which significantly improved the wind erosion resistance. After MICP-M solidified the bare soil, the pH value only slightly increased. The consolidation layer could effectively lock in soil moisture, maintain a certain degree of permeability, and had good environmental application performance. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) tests with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed more calcite appeared in the soil treated with MICP-M. Ultra-depth three-dimensional maps and particle size analysis indicated that biological bridging was the main consolidation mechanism. The above results indicate that MICP-M has great potential as a wind erosion mitigation strategy.

Comparative adsorption of cationic and anionic dye by using non-activated Black Plum seed biochar for aquatic phase: Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Industrial dye effluents play a major role in water pollution. Textile and leather industries are one of the important sectors that pollute the water by discharging many harmful cationic and anionic dyes during the dyeing process. This study aims to compare the dye removal efficiency of Black Plum seed biochar for the cationic and anionic dyes. The non-activated biochar was prepared through pyrolysis of Black Plum seed powder at 5700 C. The sample's surface chemistry was understood using various characterization techniques like Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman-Spectroscopy and Zeta-potential. The experiments were successfully performed by conducting a batch adsorption study at different parameters such as pH, concentration, contact time and temperature. The coefficients of different isotherms and kinetics models were evaluated for non-linear study and the thermodynamic model was also applied. The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained as 42.39 mg/g for Crystal Violet (CV) dye and 6.22 mg/g for Eosin Blue (EB) dye by using the Langmuir isotherm model. Hence, the Black Plum seed biochar (BPSB) has superior adsorption capacity for the cationic dye CV ( removal - 98%) as compared to the anionic dye EB ( removal - 65%) at optimum parameters. Therefore, it is concluded that the BPSB is a natural toxin-free biosorbent and it can be used for the remediation of dyes from industrial wastewater.

A novel green reducing agent for the synthesis of chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3 NPs) based on saffron by-products: Characterization and antioxidant activity

The production of nanomaterials using safe, biological and environmentally friendly methods is attracting increasing attention. In the present study, aqueous extracts of Moroccan saffron (Crocus sativus L) by-products were used for the first time as a green stabilizer and reductant agent to synthesize chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3NPs). The aqueous extract of saffron by-products was analyzed for phytochemical screening, while the green synthesized Cr2O3NPs were analyzed using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antioxidant activity of Cr2O3NPs, aqueous chromium nitrate solution (Cr (NO3)), and aqueous extract of saffron by-products have been also investigated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The results showed that the aqueous extract of saffron by-products used for the synthesis of Cr2O3NPs appeared to be rich in phenolic (2.32 mg GA / g dry weight), flavonoid (2.28 mg RE / g dry weight), and anthocyanin compounds (33.67 mg Delphinidin / L extract). The XRD analysis confirmed that the Cr2O3NPs have a particle size of 31 nm with a hexagonal crystal structure. SEM micrographs of Cr2O3NPs showed a homogenous distribution and spherical shape, while the EDX spectrum confirmed that Cr2O3NPs contain significant amount of Chromium (61,90 %), and oxygen atoms (36,55 %). Moreover, the presence of absorption bands characteristic of the alcohol group (3451 cm−1) and the aromatic rings (1639 cm−1) in the infrared spectrum of Cr2O3NPs, indicates that the secondary metabolites of the saffron plant were successfully active in reducing chromium ions to Cr2O3NPs. Besides, the antioxidant activity results showed that the biosynthesized Cr2O3NPs exhibited strong inhibition percentages (63 %) compared to the aqueous extract of saffron by-products (74 %), and the aqueous solution of chromium nitrate (30 %) at 1,30 mg/mL. The study suggests that saffron by-products extract can be used as a natural reducing agent in the synthesis of Cr2O3NPs. Furthermore, the environmentally friendly synthesis process for Cr2O3NPs and their antioxidant effect make them suitable for use in various fields.

Enhancement of bone mineral formation on Ti6Al4V surface by PM-EDCLT combined with acid etching

For Bone-anchored limb prostheses, osseointegration plays a significant role in the mechanically stable interface between bone and implants. Titanium alloy is the most usable alloy for hard tissue replacement. The drawbacks of the titanium implant are corrosion, leaching and poor osseointegration. In this research, powder mixed (hydroxyapatite) - electric discharge-assisted centreless turning (PM-EDCLT) (Impulse current- 5amp, duty factor- 57%, hydroxyapatite concentration 18 g/l, and rpm-360) and acid etching (solution – HF: HNO3: H2O = 1:2:50) were used for the surface modification of screw-fit implants. Average surface roughness value maximum in PM-EDCLT machined surface (1.249 µm) followed by PM-EDCLT machined + 5 min. Acid etching (1.055 µm), PM-EDCLT machined + 10 min. Acid etching (0.9829 µm), PM-EDCLT machined + 15 min. acid etching (0.8223 µm), bare surface with 10 min. Acid etching (0.2866 µm), 15 min. acid etching (0.2714 µm) and 5 min. Acid etching (0.1896 µm). Investigations using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) proved that the deposited layer on the powder-mixed EDCLT machined sample was hydroxyapatite. After sinking samples in the Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) solution, it was concluded that the percentage of bone minerals like oxide, Ca, and P deposition increases after increasing the acid etching time on the PM-EDCLT machined surfaces. Little effect was found on the deposition of bone minerals on the surface of acid etching only by increasing the etching time. There is a clear trend of decreasing the contact angle with increasing the acid etching time on the PM-EDCLT surfaces.

Facile synthesis and optimization of graphene oxide reduction by annealing in hydrazine vapour in ambient air for potential application in perovskite solar cells

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized from graphite via a modified Hummer's method, followed by thermal and chemical reductions to produce reduced graphene oxide (RGO) samples at various temperatures. A suite of characterization techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), UV-Visible Spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Hall effect measurements were employed to assess the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of the samples. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful functionalization of graphite to GO and subsequent reduction to reduced graphene oxide, with peak intensities decreasing as the reduction temperature increased. UV-visible spectroscopy of GO showed a maximum absorption at 235 nm which confirmed the synthesis of GO while the reduction revealed a notable red shift in absorption peaks with increasing annealing temperature, and that signified a reduction in bandgap. XRD analyses demonstrated the removal of oxygen functional groups. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of GO showed diffraction at 2θ = 10.74° which revealed a fully oxidized graphene oxide with oxygen-containing functional groups, and hence an increase in interlayer spacing (d002) from 3.341 Å (graphite) to 8.228 Å (GO). Upon reduction, there is a gradual decrease in d002 from 8.228 Å (GO) to 3.387 Å (HRGO300), suggesting the gradual removal of intercalated oxygen molecules, and hence the gradual restoration of sp2 hybridisation in graphene. The EDS analysis revealed an increase in the carbon-to-oxygen (C/O) ratio from 1.78 in GO to 2.75 in HRGO300 as the annealing temperature for the reduction process increased which further confirmed the removal of oxygen functional groups. The Hall effect data showed hole mobility of 4.634 x101 (GO), 4.831 x101 (HRGO200), and 5.462 x100 (HRGO300) with conductivities of 8.985 x10-5 (GO), 1.087 x100 (HRGO200) and 1.791 x101 1/Ω cm, suggesting an increase in conductivity as the annealing temperature increased as revealed in the EDS. Out of the three samples identified as hole transport materials, the sample HRGO300 with the highest C/O ratio of 2.75 has the highest conductivity, and hence most suitable for application as hole transport material in perovskite solar cell.

Exploring the improving role of MWCNTs on the electrochemical behavior of electrophoretically prepared Ti/nanoZnO metal oxide electrode: A comparative study

In recent years, a growing amount of attention has been paid to the investigation and modification of metal oxide anodes as a critical parameter in electrochemical removal. In this way, this research attempts to bring out an effective comparison between modified Ti/nanoZnO electrode by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and base Ti/nanoZnO electrode. The electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method was used to prepare electrodes. The morphological and chemical composition of the surface for both electrodes were obtained by using characterization tests including field emission scanning electron microscope - energy dispersive spectrometer (FESEM-EDS), elemental mapping, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the electrochemical behavior of Ti/nanoZnO as well as Ti/nanoZnO-MWCNTs electrodes were compared using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronopotentiometry (CP), and chronoamperometry (CA) analysis. In the final step, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in addition to the decolorization rate of a dyes mixture was used to evaluate the electrochemical performance in the same conditions. Presented results in this study showed the importance of metal oxide anode modification by improved deposited coating properties of Ti/nanoZnO-MWCNTs electrode compared with base ZnO electrode.

Surface topography and surface morphology of graphene nanocomposite by FESEM, EDX and AFM analysis

The analyzed nanocomposites of this research have been fabricated by the sintering method, where different percentages of boron nitride, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide and titanium oxide have reinforced graphene. The percentages of additives were varied from 0 % to 5 %. An investigation of nanostructural observation, phase identification and structural analysis of graphene nanoparticles has been performed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The morphology of the synthesized materials was investigated by examining the FESEM pictures at different magnifications. The micrographs depict the hetero-materials' amalgamation, resulting in the formation of compacted particles that collectively exhibit a prominent bulbous morphology. The size and shape of different particles in the nanocomposites are visible from the FESEM images. The assays conducted by EDX have verified the presence of the necessary components, exhibiting a high degree of purity. Further insights about the nanocomposites have been obtained from Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis. AFM analysis revealed the surface roughness, which increased to 11.9 from 4.4 µm due to the addition of BN. The crystalline structure has been confirmed from the XRD analysis.

Fabrication and characterization of a novel multilayer heterojunction Si3N4-PbO2 nanocomposite electrode and its application on electrocatalysis degradation of sulfathiazole

To lengthen the lifetime and extend the potential commercial applications of lead dioxide electrode, herein, a novel multilayer heterojunction Ti/ SnO2-Sb2O3/ graphene oxide/ carbon nanotube/ Si3N4-PbO2 electrode (Si3N4-PbO2 electrode) was fabricated by co-electrodeposition process that doping Si3N4 nanoparticles in eletroplating solution. Various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were employed to characterize the surface of the fabricated electrode. The EDS analysis confirmed the successful attachment of 5.49 %wt Si and 2.46 %wt N elements from Si3N4 nanoparticles onto the PbO2 surface, while the XRD results indicated a shift in the preferred orientation of PbO2 grains from β(110) to β(101). The water adsorption energy and ·OH desorption energy in the electrocatalysis process were determined to be 0.71 eV and 0.241 eV through theoretical calculating. Subsequently, the Si3N4-PbO2 electrode was employed as an anode for the electrocatalytic degradation of sulfathiazole-simulated wastewater and real sulfonamides wastewater. Under optimized conditions determined via response surface methodology (RSM), the COD degradation efficiency reached 69.37 % for sulfathiazole and 62.35 % for real sulfonamides wastewater. The final COD concentration of the real sulfonamides wastewater was reduced to 77.05 mg/L, under the national urban sewage discharge standard. Finally, the degradation mechanism and pathway of sulfathiazole has been arranged based on the electron spin resonance (ESR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), while the intermediates were detected by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and the reactive sites of sulfathiazole were predicted by using Fukui function.

Study on improving the crack self-healing width and depth based on microbial mineralization modified by Ca–Al bimetallic hydroxides

In-depth research was conducted on the application of an inorganic mineral composite microbiological remediation agent in mortar specimens with varying crack widths. Firstly, the remediation agent's efficacy in repairing cracks was validated through surface observations and macroscopic performance tests, including methods such as crack surface image capture, crack water permeability recovery rate testing, and crack ultrasonic velocity recovery testing. Subsequently, this study investigated whether the inorganic mineral and microbiological components in the remediation agent played a role by examining the repair products within the cracks. Material composition was identified using techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The primary minerals identified were layered double hydroxides and calcium carbonate. Furthermore, it was found that CI− and SO42− ions were immobilized within the interlayers of layered double hydroxides, aligning with the expected objectives of the experiment, thus confirming the feasibility of this study. Finally, the self-healing mechanism of cracks in this experiment was elucidated through a schematic diagram, demonstrating that the use of layered double hydroxides as inorganic minerals improved the microenvironment of the crack area, lowered the pH in the crack region, providing a favorable environment for microbial growth and mineralization. Additionally, these minerals could adsorb erosive ions such as CI− and SO42−, thereby enhancing the durability of cement-based materials.

Optimization use of watermelon rind in the coagulation-flocculation process by Box Behnken design for copper, zinc, and turbidity removal

Watermelon rinds were investigated as a bio-coagulant for treating water contaminated by metals and turbidity, owing to their biodegradability and greater environmental friendliness compared to chemical coagulants. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy paired with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction characterized the watermelon rinds before and after use. A Box-Behnken experimental design optimized the most influential parameters of initial pH, coagulant dose, and particle size based on response surface methodology. This analysis revealed the experimental data fit quadratic polynomial models, achieving maximum removal efficiencies of 97.51 % for zinc, 99.88 % for copper, and 99.21 % for turbidity under optimal conditions. Statistical analysis confirmed the models effectively captured the experimental data. Analysis of variance denoted the high significance of the quadratic effects of dose and pH. Removal of metal ions Zn2+ and Cu2+ was significantly impacted by these factors. The watermelon rind powder retained its coagulation efficiency after five cycles of reuse, with removal rates of 80.04 % for Zn, 88.33 % for Cu and 86.24 % for turbidity. These results demonstrate the potential of watermelon rind as an alternative coagulant for wastewater treatment. Further testing on real industrial effluents at larger scales would help assess their feasibility for real-world applications.

Preparation and properties of micro-arc oxidation ceramic coatings using machine vision technology

In this paper, a machine vision system is combined with non-immersion micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technology, using color as a visual feature, and automatically determining the MAO process through a self-developed color image segmentation program for HSV channel. The robotic arm accurately regulates the machining position and duration. Dense ceramic oxide coatings of similar quality to the artificially prepared coatings were successfully prepared on aluminum (Al) surface. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The performance of the coatings was tested through thickness tests, hardness tests, and roughness tests. The tribological properties were tested by friction experiments, and its corrosion resistance was tested by electrochemical corrosion tests. The results confirm the effectiveness of a machine vision system for MAO process control, which is capable of preparing high-quality coatings comparable to manual operations. This not only solves the need for precise film formation in different application scenarios, but also provides a more efficient, controllable and innovative solution for the MAO process.

Preparation of a hydrogel sorbent based on agar-polyethylene glycol stabilized with iminodiacetic acid using electron irradiation method and its use for dispersive micro-solid phase extraction of Mn(II)

An agar/polyethylene glycol hydrogel was synthesized and modified with iminodiacetic acid (IDA-agar/PEG), and its ability as a biocompatible sorbent for extraction of manganese (II) ions from different environmental and food samples was investigated. The prepared IDA-agar/PEG hydrogel was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crucial parameters of manganese (II) extraction before its determination by flow injection flame atomic absorption spectrometry were optimized. At optimized conditions, a detection limit of 0.12 μg L−1, a limit of quantification of 0.41 μg L−1, and the relative standard deviations of 3.5 % (intra-day) and 5.5 % (inter-day) for six replicate quantifications of Mn (5.0 μg L−1) were obtained. The linearity range (LR) and preconcentration factor (PF) were determined as 0.4–50.0 µg/L and 187.5, respectively. The IDA-agar/PEG hydrogel sorbent was successfully employed for the dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (DMSPE) of Mn(II) in waters, soil, vegetables, and nuts with good recoveries (97.2–101.0 %).

Investigations on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of HAp Nanocomposites reinforced with ZrO2 and TiO2

In the contemporary context, approximately 15 million individuals in India grapple with bone-related issues stemming from accidents, fractures, bone mass depletion, and the natural aging process. To address this challenge, a diverse array of biomaterials has been innovated to rectify or enhance bone deficiencies within the human body. Nevertheless, over the past decade, calcium phosphate-based bioceramic materials have gained significant prominence as synthetic alternatives for bone and dental applications in the fields of orthopaedics and dentistry. One such bioactive ceramic, Hydroxyapatite (HAp), boasts exceptional versatility and can find utility in both dental and orthopaedic contexts. In the current research, exhaustive research was conducted to explore the impact of HAp/(ZrO2+TiO2) hybrid nano-composites synthesized through a mechanical synthesis process employing high-energy ball milling (HEBM), incorporating varying weight proportions. The resulting “HAp/(ZrO2+TiO2) nano-composites” were subjected to characterization through scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the study assessed the influence of these nano-composites regarding the HAp nano-composites’ mechanical characteristics.

Enhancing photocatalytic efficiency of type II V2O5/TiO2 heterojunctions for malachite green dye using solar simulator irradiation

Photocatalytic responses and synergistic effects of V2O5, TiO2, and V2O5/TiO2 heterostructures with varied ratios have been investigated, revealing promising outcomes. The successful synthesis of nanostructures and heterostructures was verified through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Notably, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectral studies confirmed that the optical band gap of V2O5/TiO2 heterostructures increases with higher TiO2 concentrations. These findings enhance our understanding of the agglomerated heterostructures of V2O5/TiO2, particularly with ratios of 1:1 and 1:3, showcasing potential applications in photocatalysis. Furthermore, their performance was subjected to Malachite Green dye degradation using a solar simulator, achieving an impressive efficiency of 93.29%. Additionally, the photocatalytic efficacy was assessed through reusability experiments over three cycles. Remarkably, the heterostructures exhibited stability across these cycles, suggesting their potential for extended use in diverse photocatalytic purposes. The importance of these results is the applicability of our fabricated V2O5/TiO2 heterostructures as a photocatalyst with high performance, especially in the realm of sustainable and efficient dye degradation processes.

In situ investigation of the atomic structure of carbonate-silicate liquids at high pressure-temperature and spectroscopic characterization of the recovered quenched glasses

Carbonate-silicate melts that originate in Earth's interior are described as transitional melts which possess compositions intermediate between carbonatitic and basaltic end members. The covariation of key oxides between carbonatite and basalt (e.g., 10–35 wt% SiO2 and 40–10 wt% CO2, respectively) is expected to have a strong effect on liquid properties. However, due to their paucity both in the record of terrestrial rocks and as quenched glasses, their molecular structure has remained poorly explored to date. We investigated the atomic structure of a synthetic carbonate-silicate liquid with chemical composition within the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-FeO-Na2O-ClO−-CO2 oxide system having 18.28 wt% SiO2 and 22.54 wt% CO2 using multi-angle energy dispersive X-ray diffraction at pressures (P) and temperatures (T) of 1.4 GPa/1815 °C, 2.6 GPa/1865 °C, 4.3 GPa/1990 °C, 4.4 GPa/1950 °C. The results show that the intermediate range ordering of the structure decreases with an increase of both P and T. Based on this study, the carbonate-silicate magmas at upper mantle P-T conditions are expected to increase their viscosities during their ascent through the mantle as a result of increasing intermediate range ordering upon cooling and decompression. Additionally, spectroscopic measurements were carried out on the quenched glasses at ambient pressure using micro-Raman as well as micro-FTIR in reflection and transmission modes in the mid infrared range. High pressure investigation using micro-FTIR was also conducted. The distribution of Qn species obtained by deconvolution of the Raman spectra within the aluminosilicate region confirms the depolymerized nature of the quenched glasses as inferred by the low viscosities of the corresponding liquids; peculiar characteristics of the C vibrations would suggest a distorted environment surrounding the network modifying CO32− anion. No evidence of molecular CO2 was detected. Notably, we find evidence of both dissolved molecular CO and CO linked to a metal cation forming carbonyl complexes in the quenched glasses at P-T-fo2 conditions compatible with a hot Archean upper mantle. This suggests a role for carbonate-silicate magmas as carriers of reduced gaseous C-O-H species towards the early atmosphere along with the mobilization of PGE-elements.