Green Route Research Articles

Biosynthesis of NiO nanoparticles using Senna occidentalis leaves extract: Effects of annealing temperature and antibacterial activity

In this work a cost effective and ecofriendly green method for the preparation of NiO nanostructures employing Senna occidentalis (S. occidentalis) leaves extract has been reported. XRD studies show that the 400 °C and 500 °C annealed nanostructures were authenticated as pure face centered cubic phase with an average crystallite size are about 27 nm and 15 nm, respectively. The SEM results show that both the annealed samples were nearly spherical with grain sizes ranging between 40 and 700 nm. The band gap of 400 °C and 500 °C annealed NiO nanoparticles (NPs) was estimated to be 5.28 eV and 5.40 eV, respectively from UV-visible studies while the occurrence of Ni-O stretching in the FTIR spectra validates the formation of NiO. Further this work witnesses that the NiO NPs synthesized from the green route offer better antibacterial activity. The observed maximum zone of inhibition of 500 °C annealed NiO NPs was found to be 20 mm and 19 mm for Serratia marcescens and Bacillus cereus strains and indicates that this material can serve as a prospective drug for biomedical application.

De Novo Biosynthesis of L-Azetidine-2-Carboxylic Acid in Escherichia coli Strains for Powdery Mildew Treatment.

L-Azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (L-Aze), a natural nonproteinogenic amino acid found widely in plants, has recently been identified as an environmentally friendly agent for controlling powdery mildew with low toxicity. In this study, a biological route for L-Aze production via the methionine salvage pathway (Yang Cycle) was first in silico designed for Escherichia coli. Subsequently, systematic engineering strategies were employed to enhance the production efficiency, including the enhancement of the 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) supply, construction of the ATP-adenine cycle, and engineering of the strain's resistance to L-Aze. The final strain produced L-Aze from glucose with a titer of 568.5 mg/L. The antifungal activity of the produced L-Aze in the fermentation broth was also confirmed for treating powdery mildew in cucurbits. This approach not only provides a sustainable and green route for pesticide production to control powdery mildew but also expands our understanding of the exogenous construction of the Yang Cycle in E. coli.

Rapid Iodination Kinetic Studies of o-Toluidine in Aqueous Medium: A Pharmacokinetic Insight from QSAR and Molecular Docking of its Iodo Product with Cytochrome P450

The kinetic data of uncatalyzed rapid iodination of o-toluidine using molecular iodine in aqueous medium was investigated by employing hydrodynamic voltammetry (HV) technique. The frequency factor, activation energy and entropy change accompanying the reaction were evaluated. The reaction followed second order kinetics that had a half-life of 90 s and specific reaction rate 888.87 M s–1 at 22.1 ºC. The iodo product was formed via the green route in the aqueous solvent. The physico-chemical characteristics, lipophilicity, water solubility and pharmacokinetic parameters were derived by QSAR analysis. The docking of the iodo product with cytochrome P450 exhibited steric and physiological complementarity of the ligand-protein interface through hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking interactions, indicating that the product exhibited metabolic activity was similar to the existing drugs.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles prepared by green routes: controlling morphologies by maintaining pH

The synthesis of metal oxide semiconductor nanoparticles has attracted much attention in recent past. Nanoparticles are broadly used in solar energy conversion, catalysis, varistors, gas sensors, and non-linear optics, etc. Due to their wide band gap properties, zinc oxide nanoparticles are widely used in numerous applications. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have a wide band gap of approximately 3.3 eV. In this work, we have reported synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles having rod-like, spherical and flower-like structures. We have used zinc acetate dehydrate [Zn(CH3COO)2. 2H2O] and aqueous extract of Dahlia Pinnata leaves and deionized water. Dahlia Pinnata leaves extract has not been previously used to prepare ZnO NPs. It serves as a reducing and capping agent. We have analyzed the presence of chemicals in the extract using FTIR, Raman and NMR spectroscopy techniques. It is found that the unique morphology of ZnO NPs flower-like structures, enhances it's sensing properties in comparison to the spherical ones. We have used UV–vis-nir spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy(FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis and have explored the opto-electronic properties of ZnO nanoparticles and have correlated with their structural and morphological properties.

Biofabrication of GO-Ag nanocomposite using Cucumis callosus (kachri) fruits: Enhanced antibacterial properties and green synthesis approach.

This study presents a novel, environmentally sustainable method for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) sheets decorated uniformly with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) ranging in size from 4 to 34 nm. The reduction of AgNO3 is achieved using an extract derived from Cucumis callosus fruit, which serves as a dual-function stabilizing and reducing agent. Cucumis callosus, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family and native to regions such as India, South America, Thailand, Africa, and Egypt, is recognized for its substantial nutritional and medicinal value, encompassing antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we explore the utilization of Cucumis callosus extract for the first time in synthesizing Ag NPs, employing a green synthesis approach to produce GO-Ag nanocomposites. Comprehensive characterization techniques confirm the structural integrity and quality of the synthesized nanocomposites. The antibacterial efficacy of the green-synthesized Ag-decorated GO nanocomposites was evaluated using the disk diffusion method against Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria at varying dosages. The nanocomposites demonstrated dose-dependent antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains, with a notably heightened effect observed against Gram-negative bacteria. These findings underscore the potential of Cucumis callosus as a promising candidate for the sustainable preparation of GO-Ag nanocomposites with enhanced antibacterial properties, suitable for various biomedical and environmental applications. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This work presents a simple, environmentally free, and cost-effective green synthesis method to decorate uniformly small (4-34 nm) spherical Ag NPs on the GO sheets. Ag NPs were produced by reducing AgNO3 using Cucumis callosus fruit extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The nanocomposites show dosage-dependent antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but the antibacterial effect is higher against the Gram-negative bacteria. Synthesis of these nanocomposites via the green route using an herbal plant/fruit like Cucumis callosus will benefit the medical industry.

Structural and luminescence properties of Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphor: Potential applications in plant cultivation LEDs and thermoluminescent dosimetry

Current research on Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphors highlight their promising luminescence properties, but often lacks an environmentally friendly synthesis method and comprehensive analysis of their applications. In this study, we address these gaps by successfully synthesizing Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphors using a green synthesis route with varying concentrations of Ho3+. Our work provides detailed characterization of their photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescent (TL) properties. The PL excitation (PLE) spectra reveal a distinct peak at 439 nm, attributed to the 5I8→(5K5; 5G5) transition of Ho3+ions. Upon excitation at 439 nm, the emission spectra show a sharp emission peak around 660 nm from the 5F5→5I8 transition, with the 0.1 mol% Ho3+ phosphors exhibiting particularly strong red emission, indicating their suitability for indoor plant cultivation under LED lighting. Additionally, TL properties were evaluated after gamma-ray exposure, with the highest emission intensity at 0.1 mol% Ho3+ concentration. TL glow curves were analyzed for various radiation doses using the Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD) method, and TL trapping parameters were determined through Chen's peak shape and the Initial Rise methods. This work demonstrates significant potential for using these phosphors to enhance indoor plant growth and for applications in thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD).

A Green and Efficient Electrocatalytic Route for the Highly‐Selective Oxidation of C–H Bonds in Aromatics over 1D Co3O4‐Based Nanoarrays

Electrocatalytic oxidation of C‐H bonds in hydrocarbons represents an efficient and sustainable strategy for the synthesis of value‐added chemicals. Herein, a highly selective and continuous‐flow electrochemical oxidation process of toluene to various oxygenated products (benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and benzyl acetate) is developed with the electrocatalytic membrane electrodes (ECMEs). The selectivity of target products can be manipulated via surface and interface engineering of Co3O4‐based electrocatalysts. We achieved a high benzaldehyde selectivity of 90% at a toluene conversion of 47.6% using 1D‐Co3O4 nanoneedles (NNs) loaded on a microfiltration (MF) titanium (Ti) membrane, i.e, Co3O4 NNs/Ti. In contrast, the main product shifted to benzyl alcohol with a selectivity of 90.1% at conversion of 32.1% after modifying MnO2 nanosheets (NSs) on Co3O4 NNs/Ti (Co3O4@MnO2/Ti) catalyst. Moreover, benzyl acetate product can be obtained with selectivity of 92% at a conversion of 58.5% at high current density (> 1.5mA cm‐2), demonstrating that the pathway of toluene oxidation is readily maneuvered. DFT results reveal that modifying MnO2 on Co3O4 optimizes the electron structure of Co3O4@MnO2/Ti and modulates the adsorption behavior of intermediate species. This work demonstrates a sustainable, and continuous‐flow process for precise control over production selectivity of value‐added oxygenated derivatives in electrochemical oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons.

A Green and Efficient Electrocatalytic Route for the Highly-Selective Oxidation of C-H Bonds in Aromatics over 1D Co3O4-Based Nanoarrays.

Electrocatalytic oxidation of C-H bonds in hydrocarbons represents an efficient and sustainable strategy for the synthesis of value-added chemicals. Herein, a highly selective and continuous-flow electrochemical oxidation process of toluene to various oxygenated products (benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and benzyl acetate) is developed with the electrocatalytic membrane electrodes (ECMEs). The selectivity of target products can be manipulated via surface and interface engineering of Co3O4-based electrocatalysts. We achieved a high benzaldehyde selectivity of 90% at a toluene conversion of 47.6% using 1D-Co3O4 nanoneedles (NNs) loaded on a microfiltration (MF) titanium (Ti) membrane, i.e, Co3O4 NNs/Ti. In contrast, the main product shifted to benzyl alcohol with a selectivity of 90.1% at conversion of 32.1% after modifying MnO2 nanosheets (NSs) on Co3O4 NNs/Ti (Co3O4@MnO2/Ti) catalyst. Moreover, benzyl acetate product can be obtained withselectivity of 92% at a conversion of 58.5% at high current density (> 1.5mA cm-2), demonstrating that the pathway of toluene oxidation is readily maneuvered. DFT results reveal that modifying MnO2 on Co3O4 optimizes the electron structure of Co3O4@MnO2/Ti and modulates the adsorption behavior of intermediate species. This work demonstrates a sustainable,and continuous-flow process for precise control over production selectivity of value-added oxygenated derivatives in electrochemical oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons.

Bioinspired synthesis of calcium magnesium aluminate nanoparticles using aloe vera extract: A promising material for electrochemical sensors, antibacterial and environmental remediation applications

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) leaf extract was used in green fuel-assisted microwave synthesis to prepare Calcium Magnesium Aluminate (CMA). The synthesized CMA was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersion spectrometer (EDAX), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyses. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of Ca2Mg2Al28O46. The UV–Vis diffuse reflectance (DRS) technique was employed to investigate its absorbance spectrum, and the band gap of CMA was found to be 4.9 eV. The CMA nanoparticles were used to design a sensing electrode for creatinine, enabling the determination of its concentration in human samples and heavy metals. Acid Orange-88 dye was degraded using CMA nanoparticles as a photocatalyst under UV irradiation. After dye degradation, treated water was used to grow Vigna radiata plants to test their suitability for seedling growth. This report demonstrates that CMA photocatalysts are alternatives to semiconductor photocatalysts for the degradation of Acid Orange-88 dye under UV illumination. Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus species, and Pseudomonas species were used as model organisms to assess the antibacterial activity of CMA NPs through a green route.

Green Synthesis of Chitosan-coated Tin Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Moringa oleifera Flower Extract Against Breast Cancer via the Caspase-dependent Apoptotic Pathway

Background and Purpose In the present work, chitosan is furnished with tin dioxide (CsSnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using the green route using Moringa oleifera ( M. oleifera) flower extract. Methods These preparation methods are low-cost, easily reproducible, nontoxic, and eco-friendly. X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and photoluminescence (PL) analysis were used to learn more about the CsSnO2 NPs. The antibacterial property of CsSnO2 NPs was assessed by the disc diffusion method against various pathogens. The MTT assay was done to assess the cytotoxicity of CsSnO2 NPs in MCF-7 cells. The expressions of the apoptotic proteins were examined using assay kits. Results XRD results demonstrated that the formulated CsSnO2 NPs exhibit a tetragonal structure. From the FT-IR spectra, the Sn–O stretching peak was observed at 579 cm–1. A FESEM image shows that the CsSnO2 NPs were formed into a spherical structure. Surface defects, such as tin and oxygen vacancies, are visible in the PL spectra, and the average particle size of CsSnO2 NPs is 32 nm. Thus, surface defects are essential parameters for biocidal properties. The antimicrobial property of CsSnO2 NPs and amoxicillin was investigated against bacteria and human fungal pathogens. CsSnO2 NPs exhibit similar antimicrobial properties as compared to amoxicillin. Also, the dosage of CsSnO2 NPs elevated their antimicrobial activity. The anticancer property of the green-synthesized CsSnO2 NPs against MCF-7 cells was further analyzed to study their ability to cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction, like caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation. Conclusion The study’s outcome revealed that the green synthesized CsSnO2 NPs are an outstanding candidate for cancer therapy.

Hierarchically N-doped porous carbon synthesized from 3D cellulose alcogel decorated by in-situ growth of ZIF-8 for high performance CO2 capture

The physical properties and chemical compositions of porous carbons are crucial factors in determining their effectiveness in adsorbing CO2. Cellulose-based porous carbon has emerged as an outstanding candidate adsorbent for CO2 capture. The research involved the creation of hierarchically nitrogen-doped porous carbon (HNC) using a 3D cellulose alcogel (CA) as substrate, which was prepared through a thermal introduced phase separation (TIPS) method combined with hydrolysis treatment. The plentiful functional groups of CA offered abundant growth sites for the introduction of ZIF-8 crystals. CA/ZIF-8 composite alcogel (CZA) with greater surface area and superior thermal stability compared to CA was successfully fabricated and used as precursor for the production of HNC. The important effects of microporosity and surface chemistry of HNC samples on CO2 capture were discussed in-depth. HNC-350–850 displayed a hierarchically porous structure with a large number of micropores and abundant N/O/Zn-doped functional groups, exhibiting high CO2 uptakes at 1 bar (3.56 mmol/g at 25 °C), good IAST CO2/N2 (15/85, V/V) selectivity of 16.31 at 25 °C, and outstanding regenerability with ∼100 % CO2 adsorption capacity retained after ten cycles. In the two-component CO2/N2 (15/85, V/V) competitive adsorption process, the maximum breakthrough periods for CO2 (433.1 s) is significantly longer than that of N2 (3.8 s). The CO2 breakthrough adsorption capacity reached 1.79 mmol/g at 25 °C and 1 bar with the separation coefficient of 45.8 for CO2 over N2. These results confirmed that HNC, in addition to having excellent CO2/N2 selectivity, demonstrated good feasibility for practical use. The green and practicable synthetic route described in this study is not only expected to offer novel adsorbents for high performance CO2 capture, but also provide a new theoretical foundation for the development of cellulose-based porous materials.

Engineered PLGA Core-Lipid Shell Hybrid Nanocarriers Improve the Efficacy and Safety of Irinotecan to Combat Colon Cancer.

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable copolymer that has gained high acceptance in biomedical applications. In the present study, PLGA (Mw = 13,900) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization in the presence of a biocompatible zinc-proline initiator through a green route. Irinotecan (Ir) loaded with efficient PLGA core-lipid shell hybrid nanocarriers (lipomers, LPs) were formulated with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino (polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG-2000), using soya lecithin, by a nanoprecipitation method, and the fabricated LPs were designated as P-DSPE-Ir and P-DSPE-PEG-Ir, respectively. The formulated LPs were further validated for their physicochemical properties and biological potential for colon cancer application. The potential delivery of a poorly water-soluble chemotherapeutic drug (Ir) was studied for the treatment of colon cancer. LPs were successfully prepared, providing controlled size (80-120 nm) and surface charge (∼ -35 mV), and the sustained release properties and cytotoxicity against CT-26 colon cancer cells were studied. The in vivo biodistribution and tumor site retention in CT-26 xenograft tumor-bearing Balb/C mice showed promising results for tumor uptake and retention for a prolonged time period. Unlike P-DSPE-Ir, the P-DSPE-PEG-Ir LP exhibited significant tumor growth delay as compared to untreated and blank formulation-treated groups in CT-26 (subcutaneous tumor model) after 4 treatments of 10 mg irinotecan/kg dose. The biocompatibility and safety of the LPs were confirmed by an acute toxicity study of the optimized formulation. Overall, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the PLGA-based LPs improve the efficacy and bioavailability and decrease neutropenia of Ir to combat colon cancer.

Confined interfacial self-assembly of graphene-like carbon/MXene composite electrodes for capacitive deionization

Electrodes that have high desalting capacity, fast desalting rates and stable desalination performance are needed in capacitive deionization (CDI) technologies for water security. Herein, confined interfacial self-assembly of lignin-based graphene-like carbon (GC) precursors in Ti3C2-MXene interlayers was developed for forming GC/MXene composites. The formation of GC was generated in-situ by KHCO3-assisted pyrolytic carbonization which leads to exfoliation of multilayered MXene thereby forming GC/MXene heterostructures having strong interfacial interactions. GC/MXene exhibited tremella-like nanosheets morphology, accompanied by the formation of a TiO2 phase at the interface of GC and MXene hybridization, which confirmed formation of a heterostructure. Crystallographic phase identification of GC/MXene showed the exfoliation of MXene. GC/MXene had an ultra-negative surface charge of −39.3 mV, making it favorable for application as a cathode for Na+ removal. The GC/MXene heterostructure had high desalting capacity (54.2 mg g−1), high desalting rate (2.7 mg g−1 min−1), and stable cycling performance (90 % SAC retention after 30 cycles). The interfacial self-assembly strategy developed in this work is expected to enable green synthesis routes for graphene/MXene-based composite materials that allow construction of 2D/2D heterostructures for multilayer MXene and their analogues.

Tailoring properties of PET-derived Sn-MOFs through efficiency structure defects using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) with water-based facile and green synthesis route

BackgroundThe synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is increasingly focused on achieving green and cost-efficient methods while producing high-quality products with abundant active sites. This approach is attracting significant attention from researchers. One promising method, modulated synthesis, stands out for its ability to induce structural defects in MOFs and enhance their active sites. However, the challenges in identifying the optimal conditions for critical factors, particularly the quantitative correlation between the modulator and crucial independent variables influencing MOFs performance, underscore the importance of research work in this field. MethodsThis study synthesized tin-based MOFs (Sn-MOFs) utilizing a linker derived from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste. A hydrothermal approach was employed, utilizing water-like solvents and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a modulator to effectively induce structural defects. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the effects and interactions of temperature, reaction time, and TFA concentration on optimizing yield and crystalline index (CI) while simultaneously reducing the residual percentage of 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate (H2BDC) in the Sn-MOFs (DI). Significant findingsThe research revealed that temperature, reaction time, and TFA concentration significantly influenced the performance of Sn-MOFs, highlighting the considerable potential of TFA in creating active sites and enhancing the surface area and pore volume of Sn-MOFs through defect engineering. Optimal synthesis conditions for Sn-MOFs included a temperature of 148℃, a reaction time of 24 h, and a molar ratio of H2BDC/TFA of 1.7, yielding 98.51 ± 1.47 % for yield and 80.21 ± 1.32 % for CI, with no detectable residual H2BDC. The resulting Sn-MOF-150 exhibited characteristics such as high thermal and chemical stability, abundant function groups, and a unique hierarchical nanostructure composed of spherical nanoparticles. These findings further emphasize the efficacy of the synthesis approach for Sn-MOF through critical parameter optimization and defect engineering techniques.

Peganum Harmala seeds extract: A green synthesis route for Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles as an adsorbent for crystal violet dye removal

Peganum Harmala seeds extract: A green synthesis route for Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles as an adsorbent for crystal violet dye removal

Advancements in IoT Routing and Energy Efficiency: A Comprehensive Review of Algorithms and Technologies

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a significant increase in connected devices, resulting in growing challenges related to efficient data transmission, energy consumption, and network scalability. Routing protocols and energy-efficient algorithms play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, enabling IoT systems to optimize performance while minimizing power usage. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in IoT routing techniques and energy-efficient solutions, focusing on multi-objective optimization algorithms such as fractional gravitational search, grey wolf optimization, and hybrid salp swarm-differential evolution algorithms. Additionally, we explore context-aware routing, cluster-based methods, and the integration of machine learning to enhance decision-making in dynamic IoT environments. The review also highlights the critical role of energy-efficient routing in IoT applications, such as smart agriculture, healthcare, and smart cities, emphasizing its importance in prolonging network lifetime and reducing overall operational costs. The potential of blockchain technology and AI-driven algorithms to enhance security and energy efficiency in IoT networks is discussed, alongside future directions in green routing solutions. By addressing the complexities of IoT routing and energy management, this review aims to provide insights into the latest research trends and guide future innovations in IoT systems.

Efficient Charge Carriers Separation and Transfer Driven by Interface Electric Field in FeS2@ZnIn2S4 Heterojunction Boost Hydrogen Evolution.

Photocatalytic H2 evolution technology is regarded as a promising and green route for the urgent requirement of efficient H2 production. At present, low efficiency is a major bottleneck that limits the practical application of photocatalytic H2 evolution. The construction of high-activity photocatalysts is highly crucial for achieving advanced hydrogen generation. Herein, a new S-scheme FeS2@ZnIn2S4 (FeS2@ZIS) heterostructure as the photocatalyst was developed for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution. Density function theory (DFT) calculation results strongly demonstrated that FeS2@ZIS generates a giant interface electric field (IEF), thus promoting the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers for efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution. At optimal conditions, the H2 production rate of the 8%FeS2@ZIS is 5.3 and 3.6 times higher than that of the pure FeS2 and ZIS, respectively. The experimental results further indicate that the close contact between FeS2 and ZIS promotes the formation of the S-scheme heterojunction, where the interfacial charge transfer achieves spatial separation of charge carriers. This further broadens the light absorption range of the FeS2@ZIS and improves the utilization rate of photogenerated charge carriers. This work thus offers new insights that the FeS2-based co-catalyst can enrich the research on S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts and improve the transfer and separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers for photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Enhancing the Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of Furfural via Anion-Induced Molecular Activation and Adsorption.

The electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) of furfural (FF) to furfuryl alcohol, which does not require additional hydrogen or high pressure, is a green and promising production route. In this study, we explore the effects of anions on FF ECH in two buffer electrolytes (KHCO3 and phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]). Anions influence the yield of furfuryl alcohol through molecular activation and adsorption. Molecular dynamics simulations show that bicarbonate is present in the first shell layer of the FF molecule and induces strong hydrogen bonding interactions. In contrast, hydrogen phosphate is present only in the second shell layer, resulting in weak hydrogen bonding interactions. Owing to the interfacial anions and hydrogen bonding, FF molecules exhibit strong flat adsorption on the electrode surface in the KHCO3 solution, while weak adsorption is observed in the PBS solution, as confirmed by operando synchrotron-radiation Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and in situ Raman spectroscopy. Density-functional theory calculations reveal that the overall anionic hydrogen bonding network promotes the activation of the carbonyl group in the FF molecule in KHCO3, whereas electrophilic activity is inhibited in PBS. Consequently, FF ECH demonstrates much faster kinetics in KHCO3, while it exhibits sluggish ECH kinetics and a severe hydrogen evolution reaction in PBS. This work introduces a new strategy to optimize the catalytic process through the modulation of the microenvironment.

Advancing nanomaterial synthesis: Harnessing green chemistry for sustainable innovation

Nanotechnology has experienced substantial expansion due to its wide-ranging applications, and in view of this, different synthetic routes were developed and many of them employ toxic reagents, have high energy consumption and generate toxic waste. Nowadays, with growing concerns regarding environmental and health safety, green chemistry is gaining prominence and as a result, certain synthetic routes have been replaced to align with the principles of green chemistry. This review outlines current methods for synthesizing silver, iron, and carbon nanoparticles, alongside discussions on green synthesis routes and their mechanisms. Additionally, it evaluates future perspectives on green synthesis, addressing the challenges that need to be overcome.

Facile synthesis of Tl, Pb, and Bi doped CeO2 nanoparticles and the evaluation of their in-vitro cytotoxicity and photocatalytic performance

Our work attempted a green route for provisioning of thallium, lead, and bismuth into cerium oxide nanoparticles (Tl, Pb, and Bi–CeO2 NP) via the application of Alhagi maurorum. We configured the physicochemical attributes of procured NPs via PXRD, Raman, FESEM/PSA/EDX, and UV–Vis/DRS assessments. Attendance of doped metals in structure of CeO2 was confirmed by outcomes of PXRD and EDX analyses. Next to the porous morphology, FESEM images also demonstrated the induced alterations in particle size after the doping of different metals. We also tested the photocatalytic function of synthesized NP on Methylene blue (MB) dye on UV light, which displayed the superior degradation functionality of Tl–CeO2 NP. The toxicity function of synthesized pure and Tl, Pb, and Bi–CeO2 NP on breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) and breast normal cell (MCF-10 A) lines was considered through the results of MTT trial. The outcomes of synthesized NPs displayed no signs of any cytotoxic effects against MCF-10 A and MDA-MB-231 cells, which signified the creation of non-toxic nanoparticles by the introduced doping process. Therefore, we suggest the applicability of our product in drug delivery systems and also industrial implementations similar to dye photodegradation and annihilation of pollution.