Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate Research Articles

Beyond conventional therapy: Synthesis of multifunctional nanoparticles for rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent inflammatory illness that causes joint destruction and dysfunction due to the activation of macrophages and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Current therapy choices frequently limit the effectiveness of targeting the inflammatory areas. To reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in RA, this research will create and assess multifunctional nanoparticles that selectively target inflammatory cells and deliver therapeutic medicines. Tannic acid, ferric chloride hexahydrate, methotrexate (MTX), and bovine serum albumin were conjugated using sonication and centrifugation to create the nanoparticles. Folic acid was added to improve the ability to target. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-vis spectroscopy, and in vitro release experiments were used to characterize the nanoparticles. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were used to test the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles using confocal microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). TFMBP-FA achieved 65.56%, and TFMBP reached 68.96%, indicating a high drug delivery rate for the synthesized nanoparticles. Confocal microscopy showed that the TFMBP-FA group had a greater density of fluorescent markers, indicating that the cells effectively targeted and absorbed the inflammatory environment. These results imply that the created nanoparticles may improve how medications are delivered during RA therapy.

Ginsenoside Rh2 suppresses ferroptosis in ulcerative colitis by targeting specific protein 1 by upregulating microRNA-125a-5p

BackgroundWorldwide, ulcerative colitis (UC) is becoming increasingly fast growing. Ginsenoside Rh2 has been reported to alleviate UC. However, the latent biological mechanism of Rh2 in the treatment of UC remains uncertain. In this study, the goal was to determine the therapeutic effect of Rh2 on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC.MethodsA DSS-induced UC mouse model was established and divided into 7 groups for Rh2 gavage and/or miR-125a-5p lentivirus injection (n = 10 per group). Colonic specimens were collected for phenotypic and pathological analysis. miR-125a-5p and specific protein 1 (SP1) expression, inflammation-related factors IL-6 and IL-10, and apoptosis were detected in mice. Human normal colon epithelial cell line NCM460 was treated with H2O2 and ferric chloride hexahydrate to construct an in vitro cell model of colitis and induce ferroptosis. Independent sample t-test was used to compare cell proliferation, cell entry, apoptosis, and oxidative stress between the two groups. One way analysis of variance combined with the least significant difference t test was used for comparison between groups. Multiple time points were compared by repeated measurement analysis of variance.ResultsDSS-induced UC mice had significantly decreased body weight, increased disease activity index, decreased colon length, and decreased miR-125a-5p expression (all P < 0.05). In the DSS-induced mouse model, the expression of miR-125a-5p rebounded and ferroptosis was inhibited after Rh2 treatment (all P < 0.05). Inhibition of miR-125a-5p or upregulation of SP1 expression counteracted the protective effects of Rh2 on UC mice and ferroptosis cell models (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsRh2 mitigated DSS-induced colitis in mice and restrained ferroptosis by targeting miR-125a-5p. Downregulating miR-125a-5p or elevating SP1 could counteract the protective impacts of Rh2 on ferroptotic cells. The findings convey that Rh2 has a latent application value in the treatment of UC.Graphical

Synthesis, the Reversible Isostructural Phase Transition, and the Dielectric Properties of a Functional Material Based on an Aminobenzimidazole-Iron Thiocyanate Complex.

By introducing disordered molecules into a crystal structure, the motion of the disordered molecules easily induces the formation of multidimensional frameworks in functional crystal materials, allowing for structural phase transitions and the realization of various dielectric properties within a certain temperature range. Here, we prepared a novel ionic complex [C7H8N3]3[Fe(NCS)6]·H2O (1) between 2-aminobenzimidazole and ferric isothiocyanate from ferric chloride hexahydrate, ammonium thiocyanate, and 2-aminobenzimidazole using the evaporation of the solvent method. The main components, the single-crystal structure, and the thermal and dielectric properties of the complex were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, variable-temperature and variable-frequency dielectric constant tests, etc. The analysis results indicated that compound 1 belongs to the P21/n space group. Within the crystal structure, the [Fe(NCS)6]3- anion formed a two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network with the organic cation through S···S interactions and hydrogen bonding. The disorder-order motion of the anions and cations within the crystal and the deformation of the crystal frameworks lead to a significant reversible isostructural phase transition and multiaxial dielectric anomalies of compound 1 at approximately 240 K.

Interactions between deep eutectic solvents and bovine serum albumin studied by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) has become a potential protein extractant as its good biocompatibility, environmental friendliness and accessibility. In this study, two types of DESs, ferric chloride hexahydrate: oxalic acid (FeCl3·6H2O: H2C2O4) and choline chloride: zinc chloride (ChCl: ZnCl2), were prepared. The interactions between these two types of DESs and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by utilizing spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. It was found that both FeCl3·6H2O: H2C2O4 and ChCl: ZnCl2 are able to form complexes with BSA by a relatively high affinity. During the process, no significant change in BSA conformation was observed. The binding ratios of BSA in the FeCl3·6H2O: H2C2O4 and ChCl: ZnCl2 systems are up to 98.59 % and 98.14 %, respectively, indicating that the two DESs are both promising extractants for BSA. The interactions between the DESs and BSA are mainly hydrogen bond and van der Waals force, which are strong enough to extract BSA but not too strong for regeneration, making the DESs more applicable in the industry. Moreover, it was found that the binding ratio of BSA in the FeCl3·6H2O: H2C2O4-BSA system remains above 91.7 % in the temperature range of 298–313 K, illustrating the potential of FeCl3·6H2O: H2C2O4 to be used in BSA extraction under a wider range of temperature. In contrast, ChCl: ZnCl2 will be better used under lower temperatures.

Iron gallic acid biomimetic nanoparticles for targeted magnetic resonance imaging.

Developing T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents with enhanced biocompatibility and targeting capabilities is crucial owing to concerns over current agents' potential toxicity and suboptimal performance. Drawing inspiration from "biomimetic camouflage," we isolated cell membranes (CMs) from human glioblastoma (T98G) cell lines via the extrusion method to facilitate homotypic glioma targeting. At an 8:1 mass ratio of ferric chloride hexahydrate to gallic acid (GA), the resulting iron (Fe)-GA nanoparticles (NPs) proved effective as a T1-weighted MRI contrast agent. T98G CM-coated Fe-GA NPs demonstrated improved homotypic glioma targeting, validated through Prussian blue staining and in vitro MRI. This biomimetic camouflage strategy holds promise for the development of targeted theranostic agents in a safe and effective manner.

Preparation and performance of the non-platinum catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of the fuel cells is a core of energy conversion, whereas its kinetics is slow due to the limitation of the activation energy barrier, which dramatically limits the commercial development of fuel cells. At present, the main electrocatalyst for the cathode oxygen reduction reaction of fuel cells is the platinum (Pt)-based catalyst. Still, as a precious metal, Pt has a high price, low reserves, and poor stability. These shortcomings seriously affect the mass production and commercialization of fuel cells. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of fuel cells to study a low price, sufficient production, high stability, and pollution-free non-Pt catalyst. The main research content of this paper is to use biomass sycamore ball as a carbon source, mixed with ferric chloride (III) hexahydrate and melamine, and prepare the carbon, nitrogen, and iron co-doped ORR catalyst by high-temperature calcination under a nitrogen atmosphere. The physical characterization and electrochemical testing of the obtained samples were conducted at room temperature. The results showed that the pretreatment of sycamore ball powder to iron ratio of 1:3 had the best catalytic performance.

Facile one step microwave assisted biofabrication of Fe2O3 NPs: potential application as solar light-driven photocatalyst in the photodegradation of acridine orange

ABSTRACT The utilisation of a recently developed green approach for synthesising iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NPs) is highly promising, given its low toxicity and environmentally benevolent attributes. In this investigation, Fe2O3 NPs were produced through the utilisation of ferric chloride hexahydrate, incorporating Permelia perleta ;(lichen) extract under standard atmospheric conditions. The development of Fe2O3 NPs was verified through a systematic characterization process by employing UV FTIR, XRD, and FE SEM studies. The average crystallite size of the developed sample was found to be 20 nm determined by using Debye – Scherrer equation. The efficacy of the developed Fe2O3 NPs as a photocatalyst in eliminating acridine orange was evaluated, highlighting key factors such as catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, and pH. Augmenting the quantity of Fe2O3 NPs amplified the decolourisation of the dyes, reaching a peak of 70% dye degradation at pH 2 after 2 h with a catalyst dose of 0.9 g/L. The most pronounced effect was observed against Bacillus subtilis (22 mm), whereas the least impact was noted for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14 mm). Furthermore, the developed nanoparticles underwent antioxidant activity analysis, revealing that 1 gm of nanoparticles possesses antioxidant activity equivalent to 4.22 mg of ascorbic acid.

Antimicrobial Properties and Cytotoxicity of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Melia azedarach Leaf Extract Against Diarrhoeal Pathogens

AbstractThe high mortality and morbidity resulting from an increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens highlight a crucial need for the development of novel alternative therapy. In the quest for alternative therapy, this study was conducted to synthesise nanoparticles (NPs) from ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3.6H2O) via Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) leaf extract and evaluate their antibacterial properties against multidrug resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Vibrio cholerae. Multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria were isolated from cattle faeces and characterised by whole genome sequence analysis. The extracts from M. azedarach leaves were used as reducing, capping, and stabilising agents on the precursor metal (FeCl3.6H2O) to produce NPs. The biosynthesised NPs were characterised by ultraviolent visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The NPs were tested against multidrug-resistant bacteria to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and rate of kill. In this study, WGS analysis confirmed the bacteria (E. coli, V. cholerae, and S. enterica) isolates to be multidrug-resistant pathogen and NP that has a spherical shape with an average particle size of 49.75 nm was successfully biosynthesised. The NPs displayed significant antimicrobial activities with MIC of 62, 31, and 62 mg/mL, MBC of 500, 250, and 500 µg/mL, and the lowest killing times of 4, 2, and 3 h against E. coli, V. cholerae, and S. enterica, respectively. Interestingly, the concentrations of the NPs required to inhibit the growth of E. coli, V. cholerae, and S. enterica were not toxic to HEK293 cells. Based on the promising antimicrobial activities of the biosynthesised NPs in this study, they could be useful in important therapeutic applications aimed at combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Impact of Metal Salt Oxidants and Preparation Technology on Efficacy of Bacterial Cellulose/Polypyrrole Flexible Conductive Fiber Membranes.

In this study, we investigated the preparation and characterization of flexible conductive fiber membranes (BC/PPy) using different metal salt oxidants on bacterial cellulose (BC) and pyrrole (Py) in the in situ polymerization and co-blended methods, respectively. The effects of these oxidants, namely, ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) and silver nitrate (AgNO3), on the structural characterization, conductivity, resistance value and thermal stability of the resulting materials were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A comparative study revealed that the BC/PPy conductive fiber membrane prepared using FeCl3·6H2O as the oxidant had a resistance value of 12 Ω, while the BC/PPy conductive fiber membrane prepared using AgNO3 as the oxidant had an electrical resistance value of 130 Ω. The conductivity of the same molar ratio of BC/PPy prepared using FeCl3·6H2O as an oxidant was 10 times higher than that of the BC/PPy prepared using AgNO3 as an oxidant. Meanwhile, the resistance values of the conductive fiber membranes prepared from BC and PPy by the co-blended method were much higher than the BC/PPy prepared by in situ polymerization. SEM and XPS analyses revealed that when FeCl3·6H2O was used as the oxidant, the Fe-doped polypyrrole conductive particles could form uniform and dense conductive layers on the BC nanofiber surfaces. These two metal salt oxidants demonstrated differences in the binding sites between PPy and BC.

Synthesis, characterization and analysis of conducting polymer composites toward dye adsorption

The present effort reports on the synthesis of novel and recyclable polymer-based adsorbents based on polypyrrole (PPy) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) for the removal of cationic crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions. The characterization of the composites was determined by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and XPS techniques. The effects of different variables on the adsorption of crystal violet dye were studied, including the pH, adsorbent doses, and contact time. The research findings show that the different oxidants used to prepare polypyrrole in PPy-PEI adsorbents play a vital role in CV dye adsorption. The PPy-PEI composite prepared by using the ammonium persulfate oxidant was found to exhibit the highest adsorption of 70.9% among the three different oxidants, namely, anhydrous ferric chloride, ferric chloride hexahydrate, and ammonium persulfate. The ideal adsorption conditions for the removal of CV dye were discovered using an adsorbent dosage of 0.3 g at pH 11, with a contact time of 180 min. Kinetic regression analysis indicated that the adsorption processes followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model and fit well with the Langmuir isotherm, with a maximum monolayer sorption capacity of 142.86 mg/g at a temperature of 27 °C. In addition, the regeneration of the PPy-PEI composite was accomplished with dye adsorption efficiency decreasing from 70.9% to 64.4% after three adsorption-desorption cycles. The present work suggests that the PPy-PEI composite is a promising adsorbent for removing cationic CV dye in aqueous solutions.

Chemo- and site-selective aerobic oxidation of methylbenzenes to aromatic aldehydes enabled by an Fe(III) photocatalyst

We have developed a chemo- and site-selective aerobic oxidation of methylbenzenes to aromatic aldehydes. It offers several advantages, including the use of an environmentally friendly catalyst (5 ​mol% of inexpensive ferric chloride hexahydrate), the utilization of air as a green oxidant, mild conditions, scalability (up to 5 ​g scale), and operational simplicity. Furthermore, the reaction demonstrates remarkable chemo-selectivity and site-selectivity. This is evident from the lack of over-oxidation leading to carboxylic acids. Additionally, the reaction effectively converts substrates with multiple methyl groups into mono-aromatic aldehydes. The synthetic potential of this approach lies in the ability to modify complex molecules at a late stage, and conversion of inexpensive compounds into high-value fine chemicals. We expect that these characteristics will facilitate the widespread adoption of this reaction in future applications.

Sequestration of chromium(vi) and nickel(ii) heavy metals from unhygienic water via sustainable and innovative magnetic nanotechnology.

In a stride towards sustainable solutions, this research endeavors to address the critical issue of water pollution via heavy metals by coupling the power of magnetic nanotechnology, in combination with a green chemistry approach, to eliminate two noxious inorganic pollutants: chromium(vi) and nickel(ii) from aqueous environments. The synthesis of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles was achieved using ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) as a precursor, with the assistance of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. leaves extract, known for its remarkable salt-reducing properties. A range of bio-adsorbents, derived from corncob biomass, corncob pyrolyzed biochar, and magnetite/corncob biochar nanocomposite (NC), were engineered for their eco-friendly and biocompatible characteristics. Extensive parametric optimizations, including variations in pH, contact time, dose rate, and concentration, were carried out to gain insights into the adsorption behavior and capacity of these bioadsorbents concerning Cr(vi) and Ni(ii). Equilibrium and kinetic studies were undertaken to comprehensively understand the adsorption dynamics. In the case of Ni(ii), the Freundlich isotherm model provided a satisfactory fit for all bio-adsorbents, demonstrating R2 values of 0.91, 0.95, and 0.96 for BM, BC, and NC, respectively. Furthermore, the pseudo 1st order model emerged as the most suitable fit for Cr(vi) sequestration in corncob BM with an R2 value of 0.98, while pseudo 2nd order models were robustly fitted for BC and NC, yielding R2 values of 0.88 and 0.99, respectively. The magnetite/corncob nanocomposite outperformed other bioadsorbents in removing heavy metals from wastewater due to its environmental friendliness, larger surface area, reusability, and cost-effectiveness at an industrial scale.

Waste polypropylene filter induced synthesis of pure phase Fe3O4 and ZVI incorporated carbon composite for non-radical peroxymonosulfate activation dominated sulfamethoxazole degradation: Singlet oxygen versus electron transfer process

In this study, waste polyethylene (PP) obtained from obsoleting water purifier filter was mixed with ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) to prepare a series of single crystal phased iron compound incorporated carbon composites (Fe/PP-C). The prepared Fe/PP-Cx catalysts were then utilized to degrade sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The results showed that with the assistance of pyrolysis temperature regulation, waste PP filter could control the crystalline phase of the iron compound in the prepared Fe/PP-Cx through releasing distinct gaseous atmospheres at respective pyrolysis temperature. When the pyrolysis temperature was set at 600 °C and 900 °C, pure phase ferric oxide (Fe3O4) and zero-valent iron (ZVI) incorporated carbon catalysts were obtained, respectively. 0.2 g/L of Fe/PP-Cx could completely degrade 0.02 mM of SMX within 20 min, in which the toxicity of the reaction solution was also effectively reduced. In both Fe/PP-Cx/PMS systems, non-radical mechanisms dominated the SMX degradation, in which singlet oxygen played the dominant role in the Fe/PP-C600/PMS system, whereas electron transfer process was primarily responsible for SMX degradation in the Fe/PP-C900/PMS system. High-valent iron-oxo species was also involved in SMX degradation in the Fe/PP-C900/PMS system. Since Fe/PP-C600 and Fe/PP-C900 respectively activated PMS via heterogeneous and homogeneous routes, Fe/PP-C600 maintained higher longtime use stability. This study aims to present a simple approach to manipulate the nonradical organic pollutant degradation mechanisms in PMS activated system, which also provides a new strategy of utilizing waste polymer.

Removal of Arsenic from Wastewater Using Hydrochar Prepared from Red Macroalgae: Investigating Its Adsorption Efficiency and Mechanism

Arsenic (As) is a prominent carcinogen component produced via both geogenic and anthropogenic processes, posing serious risks to human health. This study aimed to investigate the potential of hydrochar prepared from red macroalgae for removing As from synthetic wastewater. The hydrochar was produced through 5 h hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) treatment at 200 °C, and then, chemically activated with ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O). SEM analysis revealed a permeable structure of hydrochar, while FTIR analysis detected the occurrence of several functional groups at the hydrochar interface. EDS analysis showed an increase in carbon concentration after FeCl3·6H2O activation. Hydrochar was then tested in batch experiments to investigate its As removal efficiency, with ICP-MS used to determine the levels of As after the adsorption process. The results showed that As removal efficiency increased with increasing initial As concentration from 50 to 250 mg/L, and the highest As removal efficiency was 84.75% at a pH of 6, initial concentration of 0.25 mg/L, and adsorbent dose of 1000 mg at 120 min. The Langmuir isotherm model supported the occurrence of homogeneous adsorption over the surface of hydrochar, while the pseudo-second-order model confirmed the chemisorptive nature of the process.

Fe-MOF-based fluorescent sensor with on/off capabilities for the highly sensitive detection of tert-butylhydroquinone in edible oils

In this work, a “turn off-on” fluorescent sensor was developed for highly sensitive determination of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) based on an Fe(III)-based metal-organic framework (Fe-MOF). An Fe-MOF with an octahedral structure was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method using ferric chloride hexahydrate and 2-aminoterephthalic acid (NH2-BDC) as raw materials. The fluorescence of Fe-MOF is extremely weak owing to ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) and internal filtration effect (IFE). When the system contained TBHQ, the binding of TBHQ to Fe(III) inhibited the LMCT of the fluorescent ligand NH2-BDC to Fe(III), releasing the fluorescence of NH2-BDC and thus restoring the fluorescence. With this as the basis, a rapid, sensitive, and selective fluorescence sensor is developed for the detection of TBHQ. Under the optimal conditions, TBHQ showed good linearity with fluorescence intensity in the range of 0–1.5 × 102 μmol L−1 and a detection limit of 0.0030 μmol L−1 (S/N = 3). The selectivity, reproducibility, and stability of the developed Fe-MOF-based sensors are comprehensively studied. Finally, the practicality of the method is verified by examining the detection of TBHQ in soybean oil; the results are consistent with those obtained using conventional high-performance liquid chromatography.

Insight on the presence of dimethylammonium cation within anionic metal-organic supramolecular host: structural, Hirshfeld surface, optical and theoretical analysis

A new supramolecular metal-organic complex, [(DMA)+{Fe(IDA)2}-] (where H2IDA = iminodiacetic acid and DMA = dimethylammonium cation) (1), has been synthesized solvothermally at 90 °C from reaction of ferric(III) chloride hexahydrate with nitrilotriacetic acid (H3NTA) in stoichiometric ratio. The complex was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) along with spectroscopic analyses. During the reaction process, H3NTA is degraded into IDA2- ligand. Structural analysis reveals that 1 is mononuclear and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. Within the [Fe(IDA)2]- unit, Fe3+ shows six-coordinate distorted octahedral geometry. The [Fe(IDA)2]- units are connected by strong N1-H1···O4 hydrogen bonds to form anionic 2D supramolecular layers which are further connected by weak C-H···O hydrogen bonds to form a 3D metal-organic supramolecular host (MOSH) structure having 1D supramolecular channels along the crystallographic c-axis. DMA cations are present within the supramolecular channels through N2-H2···O2 hydrogen bonding interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis and corresponding 2D fingerprint plots indicate that O···H interactions are the major supramolecular interactions present between MOSH and guest DMA cation. DFT calculations reveal that the HOMO and LUMO of the [Fe(IDA)2]- unit are composed of mixed metal-ligand orbitals. Both the absorption and emission spectra of the complex were studied in aqueous phase and the result was correlated with the TDDFT study.

Cellulose Nanocrystal Preparation via Rapid Hydrolysis of Wood Cellulose Fibers Using Recyclable Molten Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are clean and sustainable materials that have drawn significant attention in academia and industry because of their unique physicochemical properties. However, realizing economical and environmentally friendly production of CNCs remains a challenge. In this study, we proposed an innovative strategy to fabricate CNCs, which involves the acid hydrolysis pretreatment of wood cellulose fibers using innocuous and recyclable ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O). During the molten FeCl3·6H2O treatment, the degree of polymerization (DP) of the cellulose fibers sharply decreased, along with the transformation of cellulose I to cellulose II crystallites. Molten FeCl3·6H2O quickly hydrolyzed cellulose fibers within 5 min at 80 °C, inducing a rapid decrease in the DP from 922 to 196, and the water-insoluble solid (WIS) retention reached 80.1%. CNCs were successfully produced from the mechanical disintegration of the WIS with a low energy input. Hence, the yield of CNCs is consistent with that of the WIS. Interestingly, the CNCs exhibited typical cellulose II crystallites, which were significantly different from those of the cellulose feedstock (cellulose I). Detailed characterization revealed that the CNCs had tunable number-averaged heights of 10.4–26.9 nm and high thermal stability (a maximal weight loss temperature of 327 °C). Most notably, FeCl3·6H2O was easily recycled from the hydrolysate after hydrolysis, with a high recovery of 94.0–94.5 wt %, using simple concentration and crystallization technologies. Thus, this study proposes a novel production technology for CNCs that is both economical and eco-friendly, providing new ideas for clean and large-scale production of CNCs.

Straightforward engineering of porous C3N4/Fe3O4 electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline medium

Recently, biodegradable polymer-derived and heteroatom-doped carbon-Fe3O4 electrocatalysts have attracted a lot of attention due to their ease of manufacturing, biocompatibility, ease of use, environmental friendliness, and ability to induce porosity. Furthermore, as compared to conventional polymers, the nitrogen-containing functional groups in the chitosan-based biopolymer generate cross-linking between the biopolymer and metal sources. We developed a highly stable and hierarchical N-doped carbon-Fe3O4 electrocatalyst by pyrolysis of the membrane produced from the chitosan gel with 2 (w/v)% of ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3.6H2O) at 700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C, respectively. The produced materials were used to execute an electrocatalytic oxygen reduction process under a 0.1 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte solution. Similar experiments were also carried out at 3 and 4 (w/v)% of FeCl3.H2O solutions under the pyrolysis of 800 °C and 900 °C. The working electrodes prepared at 3 and 4 (w/v)% of FeCl3.H2O with chitosan under 800 °C and 900 °C have demonstrated much improved electrocatalytic activity as compared with the electrodes prepared at 2 (w/v)% of FeCl3.H2O with chitosan under various pyrolysis temperatures. These results manifest the effective role of the addition of Fe to the chitosan to activate and enhance the electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). These results give a broad opportunity to explore the electrocatalyst for further applications.

Effectiveness of Artificially Synthesized Granitic Residual Soil-Supported Nano Zero-Valent Iron (Gr-nZVI) as Effective Heavy Metal Contaminant Adsorbent

Supported nano zero-valent iron is receiving great attention nowadays due to its effectiveness in treating heavy metal pollutants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of granitic residual soil-supported nano zero-valent iron (Gr-nZVI) for the removal of the heavy metals Pb2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Cd2+ Ni2+ and Zn2+ in mixture solutions under different experimental conditions of batch equilibrium tests. In this study, Gr-nZVI was successfully synthesized by using the chemical reduction of Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate (FeCl3.6H2O) and Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4). The physical and chemical properties, morphology and mineralogy of all adsorbents were characterized by the Braeuer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, cation exchange capacity (CEC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Isotherm, kinetic and diffusion model analyses were conducted to fit the experimental data. The results show rapid adsorption within 5 min in the initial adsorption stage for Pb2+ on nZVI (qe.Pb = 17.89 mg/g) and Gr-nZVI (qe.Pb = 15.29 mg/g). nZVI and Gr-nZVI also showed no significant effects on pH and temperature, serving as a good example of an energy-efficient process. The isotherm data fitted better to the Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for the adsorption of all of the heavy metals. The diffusion models revealed that adsorption was not the only rate-limiting step. In this study, nZVI compared to Gr-nZVI and Gr demonstrated superior adsorption capacity for the heavy metal adsorption selectivity. Hence, these materials can be utilized as alternative energy-efficient adsorbents for the adsorption of metal ions from wastewater.

Enhanced the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of polyacrylonitrile piezoelectric composite fibers filled with ionic liquids

AbstractHere, we demonstrate the design and application of a multifunctional piezoelectric composite nanofiber membrane. In this study, the most widely used electrospinning method, by adding a small amount of 1‐allyl‐3‐butylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquids and ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) to regulate the structure and properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), the mechanical properties, piezoelectric properties, dielectric properties, and ferroelectric properties of composite nanofibers were improved. The results show that the piezoelectric properties of PAN composite fibers are greatly improved under the action of dual fillers. At 103 Hz, the dielectric constant of the PAN composite fiber is as high as 8.24, which is three times that of the pure PAN fiber. The sensor made from the composite nanofibers exhibits excellent sensitivity and high saturation polarization. At low pressure (&lt;1 kPa), the sensitivity of the composite fiber is as high as 0.51 kPa. When we tap the sensor with our finger, the PAN composite fiber produces high piezoelectric output (5.7 V). The results show that the composite nanofibers have great potential in energy storage devices and flexible piezoelectric sensors, among other fields.