Including X-ray Diffraction Analysis Research Articles

One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of g-C3N4/BiOBr/Bi2MoO6 as a Z-scheme heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotic and Rhodamine B (RhB) dye

Photocatalytic degradation of toxic organic pollutants using natural sunlight is a rapidly advancing area of research, particularly involving binary or ternary component photocatalysts with Z-type heterojunctions. In this study, ternary g-C3N4/BiOBr/Bi2MoO6 photocatalysts were fabricated using a simple one-pot solvothermal method. The morphology and physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirming the presence of BiOBr, Bi2MoO6, and g-C3N4 components. The inclusion of g-C3N4 increased the BET surface area of the composite up to 46 m2/g, compared with BiOBr. In addition, g-C3N4 also enhanced the light absorption capability of the composite into the visible light range, while BiOBr and Bi2MoO6 significantly improved separation of electron-hole pairs, as evidenced by photoluminescence (PL) intensity. Under visible light illumination (LED lamp), the prepared photocatalyst showed high efficiency, achieving 94 % degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotic in 180 min and 92 % degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye in 240 min. Moreover, under natural sunlight irradiation, the photocatalyst achieved degradation efficiencies of approximately 91 % for CIP and 100 % for RhB within 180 minutes. The photodegradation of the pollutants followed first-order kinetics with a Z-scheme type heterojunction. The photogenerated electrons played a crucial role as the main active species involved in detoxification of the organic contaminants. The photocatalyst exhibited excellent structural stability and good cycling ability, maintaining its original photocatalytic performance even after five cycles of use. This work demonstrates a promising strategy for developing sunlight-active ternary heterojunctions for environmental remediation.

Synthesis of low-cost refractory cordierite for solar thermal storage: Characterization of mechanical, thermal and physical stability during thermal shock cycles

To guarantee the efficiency of solar thermal energy production, the thermal storage material must have exceptional resistance to thermal shock to withstand prolonged thermal cycles. In addition, it must have specific properties tailored to the requirements of this field. In this study, we developed a refractory cordierite for solar thermal storage, characterized by very high thermophysical properties, from an initial formulation containing 20 % of abundant clays. The properties of materials sintered at 900 °C, 1000 °C, 1100 °C, 1200 °C and 1250 °C were assessed by a series of analyses including X-ray diffraction (XRD), mass loss, volumetric shrinkage, bulk density, and porosity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal storage capacity, chemical resistance, and mechanical testing. The incorporation of natural clays, rich in sintering aid elements, facilitated the formation of 74 % α-cordierite at 1200 °C and 92 % at 1250 °C, significantly enhancing the material's densification. Materials sintered at 1250 °C and containing 92 % refractory cordierite were subjected to 50 thermal shock cycles from 500 °C to 0 °C. The obtained materials showed excellent mechanical properties, including compressive strength of 398 MPa, low porosity of 0.21 %, density of 2.52 g/cm3, zero mass loss in acidic and basic environments for 30 days, and very high values of heat capacity (3429.80 J/(kg·K)), thermal conductivity (2.08 W/(m·K)) and thermal diffusivity (0.84 mm2/s) at room temperature.

Construction of Cu2Y2O5/g-C3N4 Novel Composite for the Sensitive and Selective Trace-Level Electrochemical Detection of Sulfamethazine in Food and Water Samples.

The most frequently used sulfonamide is sulfamethazine (SMZ) because it is often found in foods made from livestock, which is hazardous for individuals. Here, we have developed an easy, quick, selective, and sensitive analytical technique to efficiently detect SMZ. Recently, transition metal oxides have attracted many researchers for their excellent performance as a promising sensor for SMZ analysis because of their superior redox activity, electrocatalytic activity, electroactive sites, and electron transfer properties. Further, Cu-based oxides have a resilient electrical conductivity; however, to boost it to an extreme extent, a composite including two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets needs to be constructed and ready as a composite (denoted as g-C3N4/Cu2Y2O5). Moreover, several techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were employed to analyze the composites. The electrochemical measurements have revealed that the constructed g-C3N4/Cu2Y2O5 composites exhibit great electrochemical activity. Nevertheless, the sensor achieved outstanding repeatability and reproducibility alongside a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.23 µM, a long linear range of 2 to 276 µM, and an electrode sensitivity of 8.86 µA µM-1 cm-2. Finally, the proposed GCE/g-C3N4/Cu2Y2O5 electrode proved highly effective for detection of SMZ in food samples, with acceptable recoveries. The GCE/g-C3N4/Cu2Y2O5 electrode has been successfully applied to SMZ detection in food and water samples.

Turning waste into wonder: Arsenic removal using rice husk based activated carbon

In this study, rice husk activated carbon (RHAC) was synthesized by physicochemical activation, which consists of heat treatment with CO2 gasification and KOH chemical treatment to eliminate arsenic (As) from the polluted water. Initial arsenic concentrations, solution pH, solution temperature and contact time are the parameters that have been tested in this study. The characterization study showed that RHAC has a high BET surface area (815.52 m2/g) and its pore structure was found to be mesoporous with an average pore diameter of 2.96 nm. Characterization studies, including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to determine the RHAC’s performance. The adsorption of As towards RHAC followed the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-first order with adsorption process was favorable at higher arsenic concentrations. The mechanism study also signified that the adsorption of As-RHAC was limited by film-diffusion. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the As-RHAC adsorption system was endothermic, random, spontaneous, feasible in nature and governed by the chemisorption process. Desorption and regeneration studies of RHAC showed that it can be utilized up to 5 cycles and is stable for the water treatment facilities.

Strategies for reusing multiple recycled powders: Evaluating the mechanical performance and sustainability of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC)

Engineering Cementitious Composites (ECC) are fibre-reinforced cementitious materials with excellent tensile strain capacity. Recycling powder from building and demolition waste can improve the ecological efficiency of concrete and reduce the cost of raw materials. In this study, recycled glass powder (RGP) was used to partially replace traditional cement. Based on using a 1:1 replacement of recycled brick powder (RBP) and recycled concrete powder (RCP) for fine aggregates, two sets of variables were set: the RGP substitution rate (10 %, 15 %, 20 %, and 25 %) and RGP particle-size range (38–75 μm, 75–150 μm, and 150–300 μm). Comprehensive material testing and mechanical experiments were conducted, including X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, shrinkage tests, uniaxial compressive tests, uniaxial tensile tests, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that fully substituting quartz sand with RBP and RCP enhanced the ECC performance. Incorporating RGP significantly improved the ultimate tensile strain and crack-propagation ability of the ECC while reducing the 90-d shrinkage rate. The 28-d compressive strength and tensile strength have some loss, but can meet the strength requirements. SEM showed that incorporating RGP weakened the bonding strength of the fibre matrix, making it easier for the fibres to be pulled out. By evaluating the experimental results, the mix ratio of a 20 % substitution rate and 75–150-μm size was selected. A material-sustainability indicator (MSI) analysis of the raw materials and production process of RGP-ECC was performed. The embodied energy, carbon emissions, and economic indices were reduced to a certain extent, thereby improving the ecological efficiency of concrete.

High-performance Li-ion battery cathode: Mn-doped LiFePO4 via solution combustion synthesis method

The main drawbacks of LiFePO4, namely low electronic conductivity and slow lithium ion diffusion, are overcome by doping through solution combustion synthesis. This study focuses on altering the properties of LiFePO4 cathode material by introducing manganese (Mn) into the Fe site. Using solution combustion synthesis, we successfully created Mn-doped LiFe1-xMnxPO4 samples (where x = 0.04, 0.08, and 0.12) as it provides highly pure and crystalline material with homogeneous incorporation of dopants. Through various analyses including X-ray diffraction (XRD), RAMAN spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), EDAX, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), BET surface area measurement, charge/discharge tests (CD), stability assessments, and rate performance evaluations, we uncovered insights into the structure, morphology, elemental composition, surface area, and electrochemical properties of the synthesized materials. Notably, the LiFe0.92Mn0.08PO4 sample exhibited an average capacity of 166.34 mAh/g over 100 cycles at a 0.1C rate, slightly below its theoretical capacity of 170 mAh/g.

Amino-functionalized graphene quantum dots as a photoluminescent probe for in vitro cellular imaging of human lung cancer cell lines

Graphene-based fluorescent materials, particularly graphene quantum dots (GQDs), have emerged as a new class of biomedical agents. In the present study, functionalised GQDs have a better chance of being employed in a broader range of bioapplications because of their proven low toxicity, outstanding biocompatibility, and enhanced fluorescence properties. For this purpose, amino-functionalised GQDs (AF-GQDs) were synthesised via hydrothermal treatment by treating graphene oxide in ammonia with heat and water. The as-prepared AF-GQDs samples were characterised using a variety of techniques, including x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The results show that AF-GQDs are merely hexagonal, with an average size of about 8 nm. Also, AF-GQDs are highly soluble in water and display excellent luminescence behaviour. After 48 h of incubation, the MTT results showed that more than 63% of the cells were still alive, even at high concentrations (500 g ml−1) of AF-GQDs. In addition, the AO/EB staining results also showed that the AF-GQDs had the most robust green fluorescence (viable cells). This makes them a promising agent for biomedical imaging because they have good optical properties, are readily soluble in water, are biocompatible, and are not toxic.

Valorisation of microalga Chlorella sp. into furans in the presence of Nb2O5 catalysts

Despite the interest in niobia-based catalysts and the importance of biomass valorisation, studies on these catalysts typically utilize model substrates like simple sugars. In this study, a series of niobium oxide-based catalysts was prepared for the application in aqueous phase catalytic conversion of sugars extracted from Chlorella sp. microalga into value-added furans. The solid catalysts were firstly characterized by various techniques including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy as well as low-temperature N2 physisorption. Moreover, the acidity of the catalysts was assessed by using the temperature-programmed NH3 desorption (NH3-TPD), by titration of water suspended catalyst with NaOH solution, and by P-bearing molecular probes loaded catalysts through 31P and 1H solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Herein, we focused on the catalytic transformation of Chlorella sp. and glucose solution as model molecule into furans. The best Nb2O5 catalysts for valorizing Chlorella sp. into furans exhibited a larger number of Brønsted acid sites, achieving conversion yields to 5-HMF and furfural of ca. 20–22 % with respect to the extracted sugars from algae. The results showed a discernible dependence of the conversion yields to 5-HMF and furfural on catalyst acidity, specific surface area, and the presence of the Brønsted acid sites. Conversely, when using the glucose solution as substrate is concerning, the highest yield to 5-HMF was reached by using a catalyst that showed also the presence of Lewis acid sites. A systematic investigation of the structure–activity relationships in niobium oxide application for aqueous phase dehydration using real biomass substrates to obtain furanic derivatives has not been documented thus far. Therefore, the current research is significant as it demonstrates the feasibility of transforming the carbohydrate content in microalgal biomass into furans by identifying the best catalyst to use.

K2CO3-Modified Smectites as Basic Catalysts for Glycerol Transcarbonation to Glycerol Carbonate.

A novel and cost-effective heterogeneous catalyst for glycerol carbonate production through transesterification was developed by impregnating smectite clay with K2CO3. Comprehensive structural and chemical analyses, including X-ray diffraction Analysis (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)-Electron Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis measurements, were employed to characterize the catalysts. Among the various catalysts prepared, the one impregnated with 40 wt% K2CO3 on smectite and calcined at 550 °C exhibited the highest catalytic activity, primarily due to its superior basicity. To enhance the efficiency of the transesterification process, several reaction parameters were optimized, including the molar ratio between propylene carbonate and glycerol reactor loading of the catalyst and reaction temperature. The highest glycerol carbonate conversion rate, approximately 77.13% ± 1.2%, was achieved using the best catalyst under the following optimal conditions: 2 wt% reactor loading, 110 °C reaction temperature, 2:1 propylene carbonate to glycerol molar ratio, and 6h reaction duration. Furthermore, both the raw clay and the best calcined K2CO3-impregnated catalysts demonstrated remarkable stability, maintaining their high activity for up to four consecutive reaction cycles. Finally, a kinetic analysis was performed using kinetic data from several runs employing raw clay and the most active K2CO3-modified clay at different temperatures, observing that a simple reversible second-order potential kinetic model of the quasi-homogeneous type fits perfectly to such data in diverse temperature ranges.

Sustainable Synthesis of Green Cu2O Nanoparticles using Avocado Peel Extract as Biowaste Source

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards the production of advanced nanomaterials using sustainable methods, reflecting a heightened focus on reducing environmental impact and optimizing resource utilization. This growing interest stems from the necessity to address environmental concerns and embrace eco-friendly practices in material synthesis. The primary objective of this study is to explore the eco-friendly synthesis of novel metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) by utilizing bio-waste as a sustainable precursor. The central theme revolves around employing ultrasound-assisted techniques for Cu2O NP synthesis, with a specific emphasis on utilizing avocado peel waste as an effective phytochemical compound for capping. Through systematic process optimization, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the resulting NPs, delving into their chemical, thermal, and surface properties. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), were employed to gain profound insights into the attributes of the synthesized NPs. Our experimental results conclusively demonstrate the successful synthesis of spherical Cu2O NPs, each with a diameter of 25 ± 2 nm. This was achieved by utilizing avocado peel waste (APW) and ultrasound-assisted cavitation at room temperature. The study significantly contributes to our understanding of the potential applications of green synthesis methods, paving the way for environmentally friendly and cost-effective Cu2O NPs.

Origin of quartz and its implications for different phase fluids in lacustrine shales from the Qingshankou Formation, southern Songliao Basin, China

Quartz, an important mineral that occurs in lacustrine shales, can be of different types and origins. Yet, only few studies have investigated how quartz from different sources contribute to phase fluids, such as adsorbed and free fluids present within shale matrix pores. This study integrates various experimental techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis, geochemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and high-frequency two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance analysis to quantitatively characterize the different phase fluids associated with various types of quartz occurring in the Qingshankou Formation shale. The characterization results indicated four distinct quartz types: silt-sized quartz, microcrystalline quartz linked with clay minerals, organism-skeletal quartz, and quartz aggregates comprising multiple crystals. The Fe–Al–Mn ternary diagram and SiO2 versus Zr scatter plot indicate that terrigenous clastic material is the primary source of SiO2 in shale quartz. Smectite-to-illite transition plays a pivotal role in authigenic quartz formation. Based on quartz concentration data obtained using major element analysis, we estimated the ranges of terrigenous clastic quartz, diagenetic quartz formed by the smectite-to-illite transition, and biogenic quartz concentrations to be from 55.49% to 92.03% (average 84.70%), 6.67%–20.30% (average 13.12%), and 0%–24.21% (average 2.17%), respectively. The solid organic matter in shale is affected by both terrigenous detrital quartz and authigenic quartz transformed from the clay in the basin. Authigenic quartz, formed by the smectite-to-illite transition, considerably enhances the development of solid organic matter in the Qingshankou Formation. By contrast, an abundance of terrigenous detrital quartz can lead to a dilution of the solid organic matter. Thus, this study provides the first direct evidence that along with a high value of bio-organic matter yield factor, the source of quartz plays a significant role in controlling organic matter abundance.

Growth and Characterization of p-Type and n-Type Sb2Se3 for Use in Thin-Film Photovoltaic Solar Cell Devices

In this study, a two-electrode electrodeposition technique was employed to grow thin films of antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) on glass/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates. The highest quality thin films were consistently obtained within the range of 1600 mV to 1950 mV. Subsequent electrodeposition experiments were conducted at discrete voltages to produce various layers of thin films. Photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) measurements were performed to characterize the semiconductor material layers, leading to the identification of both p-Type and n-Type conductivity types. Optical absorption spectroscopic analysis revealed energy bandgap values ranging from 1.10 eV to 1.90 eV for AD-deposited Sb2Se3 samples and 1.08 eV to 1.68 eV for heat-treated Sb2Se3 samples, confirming the semiconducting nature of the Sb2Se3 material. Additionally, other characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis, reveal that the AD-deposited layers are almost amorphous, and heat treatment shows that the material is within the orthorhombic crystalline system. Heat-treated layers grown at ~1740 mV showed highly crystalline material with a bandgap nearing the bulk bandgap of Sb2Se3. Raman spectroscopy identified vibrational modes specific to the Sb2Se3 phase, further confirming its crystallinity. To explore the thin-film morphology, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed, revealing uniformly deposited material composed of grains of varying sizes at different voltages. Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed the presence of antimony and selenium in the material layers.

A comparative study between the use of nanoparticles of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide as coating for polymeric surfaces a flame retardant and corrosion resistance

This study deals with the preparation of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by the co-precipitation method. The prepared metal oxide was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, element analysis examination, and UV–Visible and IR spectroscopies. The results of these tests showed the nano size, uniform distribution, and purity of the prepared powders. They proved the appearance of cubic and hexagonal phases of MgO NPs and ZnO NPs, respectively. These NPs have 4.2 eV and 3.12 eV energy gap values, respectively. The preparation of a coating consisting of MgO NPs and ZnO NPs involves combining them separately with epoxy in ratios of 3 %, 6 %, and 9 %. This mixture is then used to cover the polymeric surface using the immersion method. The nanocomposites have been examined before and after applying a coating via different techniques including X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectrum, atomic force microscopy, combustion test, thermal gravimetric decomposition, thermal conductivity, corrosion rate, hardness, and tensile strength. According to the results, it is found that the immersion coating method gives good dispersion of the NPs within the polymer matrix. Moreover. When comparing the use of MgO NPs and ZnO NPs, it is found that the use MgO NPs has given better results for flame retardancy, thermal gravimetric analysis and reduction of corrosion compared to the use of ZnO NPs, which has given better mechanical properties and thermal conductivity than MgO.

Oxidation-driven auto-conversion of Ti3C2Tx MXene to TiO2 nanoparticles for photocatalytic applications

Ti3C2Tx MXene, a recently discovered 2D material, possesses unique properties; however, its lack of stability against oxidation poses a significant challenge to its application. This study leverages the auto-oxidation of Ti3C2Tx MXene to synthesize TiO2 (termed as m-TiO2) nanoparticles, addressing MXene susceptibility to oxidation as an advantage. This study enhances the utilization of remaining MXenes, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. The Ti3C2Tx MXene was allowed to oxidize in deionized water under ambient conditions for an extended period of one year, resulting in a transformation from dark black Ti3C2Tx MXene to milky white m-TiO2, indicating Ti3C2Tx MXene degradation. The size of the Ti3C2Tx MXene nanoflakes under investigation is ∼500 nm, while the resulting high surface area porous m-TiO2 nanoparticles have an average size of ∼40 nm. The transformation of Ti3C2Tx MXene into m-TiO2 nanoparticles was assessed through a combination of analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV-Vis absorbance analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The specific surface areas (SSA) of 7.2 m2/g and 39.1 m2/g for Ti3C2Tx MXene and m-TiO2 nanoparticles, respectively, signify the presence of micro/nanopores in the latter. The m-TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit promising photocatalytic properties, efficiently degrading methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light.

Easy access to strongly fluorescent higher homologues of BODIPY.

We present the easy and high yield synthesis of several group 13 MesDPM compounds (Al-In) with alkyl substituents at the metal atom. All these compounds were fully characterized using techniques including X-ray diffraction analysis and photoluminescence measurements. It shows that for aluminium and gallium pronounced green fluorescence is observed, which is absent for indium. DFT calculations confirm that the first electronic transition corresponds to a ligand-based π-π* transition.

Highly efficient removal of trace heavy metals by high surface area ordered dithiocarbamate-functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica.

The study describes synthesizing and characterizing a novel dithiocarbamate-functionalized magnetic nanocomposite. This nanocomposite exhibits several desirable properties, including a large pore diameter of 2.55 nm, a high surface area of 1149 m2/g, and excellent capturing capabilities. The synthesis process involves the preparation of highly porous magnetic nanocomposites, followed by functionalization with dithiocarbamate functional groups through a reaction with carbon disulfide and amine. The synthesized nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The performance of the mesoporous nanocomposite as an adsorbent for removing Pb(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II) cations from contaminated water was evaluated. The study finds that the maximum removal efficiency for Pb(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II) cations is achieved at pH values above 4. The optimal contact time for achieving 100% removal efficiency of the mentioned cations ranged between 60 and 120 min. Within this time range, the adsorbent exhibited efficient capture of the heavy metal cations from contaminated water. Additionally, the appropriate amount of adsorbent required for complete elimination of the heavy metal cations is determined. For Cd(II), the optimal dosage was found to be 50 mg of the adsorbent. For Cu(II), the optimal dosage was determined to be 40 mg. Finally, for Pb(II), the optimal dosage was 30 mg. The adsorbent's regeneration capability was demonstrated, showing that it could be reused for five consecutive runs.

Enhancement of adhesion strength and in-vivo evaluation of electrodeposited calcium phosphate/chitosan biocoatings on titanium substrate

Chitosan/calcium phosphate nanocomposites are widely used as a biocompatible coatings for titanium bioimplants in the fields of dentistry and orthopedics to enhance the integration between the implants and the hard bone. However, the poor adhesion strength between the coating and the metal substrate was found to be one of the major problems in the clinical application of these implants. In the current study, we reported the formation of Ca/P coating on titanium (Ti) substrate using electrodeposition. The key factor of the bath ingredients is the change of chitosan's solvent from a commonly used acetic acid to acrylic acid in the electrolyte. The structural analysis including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) confirmed the formation of three phases of Ca/P octacalcium phosphate (OCP), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) brushite, and hydroxyapatite (HA). The bond strength was performed by the tape test (ASTM D3359-09) which showed that nearly 65% of the coatings were removed in the case of using 2, 4, and 6% (v/v) acetic acid as chitosan solvent, while only 5% of the coatings were removed when high concentrations (4 and 6%) of acrylic acid is used in addition to increasing of the surface wettability. Furthermore, the morphology and thickness of the calcium phosphate layer coated on the surface of Ti metal were inspected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, an in vivo application was conducted on the optimized coating by surgically placing the coated and control discs into rats’ clavicular bones for 2-weeks healing period. Then biomechanical evaluation was performed to verify the effect of treatment on the interface resistance to shear force, and histological analysis was performed to evaluate the bone tissue reactions to coated discs. The results showed that using acrylic acid instead of acetic acid to dissolve chitosan before in-situ electrodeposition might be an innovative approach to enhance the adhesion strength between chitosan/calcium phosphate-based coatings and titanium metal to be used in orthopedic and dental implant technology.

Hyaluronic acid/cellulose acetate polymeric mixture containing binary metal oxide nano-hybrid as low biodegradable wound dressing

Wound dressing from a polymeric mixture of cellulose acetate (CA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) embedded with copper oxide (CuO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as a scaffold was successfully fabricated. Several methods, including X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), contact angle, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were employed to characterize the prepared nanocomposite samples. The data obtained from XRD showed that pure HA with diffraction peaks at 2θ = 20.8°, 46.7°, and 63.2° that assigned to the semi-crystalline nature of HA. At the same time, the XRD pattern of the CuO@CA nanocomposites revealed the presence of a sharp crystalline peak at 2θ = 36°, representing the presence of the CuO nanomaterial. In addition, the typical cubic MgO peaks in the MgO@CA showed the pattern at 2θ = 43.1° and 62.5°. Furthermore, the diffraction pattern of CuO/MgO@HA/CA film shows strong crystallinity since its diffraction peaks are stated at 2θ = 8.8°, 13.01°, 29.6°, and 53.5° which represents CuO nanoparticles and the polycrystalline cubic structure of MgO nanoparticles exhibit several peaks at 2θ = 29.4°, 31°, 38.7°, 42.2°, and 63°. FTIR spectra of CuO/MgO@HA/CA displayed bands at 657 cm−1 and 843 cm−1 which correspond to the broadening vibration mode for the Mg-O-Mg and the existence of Mg-O vibrations, while the single band for CuO was shown at 1556 cm−1. SEM analysis revealed that the nanoparticles of copper oxide and magnesium oxide are evenly distributed throughout the polymer mass with the clean surface of the polymer with the appearance of nanoparticles with rough size and distribution in regions of varied densities by adding binary metal oxide nanoparticles (CuO/MgO@HA/CA). Furthermore, swelling rate percent, contact angle, and degradation behavior studies showed that the swelling rate percent of the polymer mixture film decreased when adding nanometal oxide. Contact angle was increased by incorporating the metal oxide nanoparticles in the polymeric mixture structure. Moreover, the degradation behavior of prepared samples showed lower rates of deterioration and the sample containing a mixture of metal oxide nanoparticles (CuO/MgO@HA/CA) exhibits a lower weight loss value when compared to HA, HA/CA, and CA samples. Human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were used in in-vitro cytotoxicity tests. CuO/MgO@HA/CA sample treatment on cells suggests a non-cytotoxic impact, in contrast to the MTT test, which yields cell viability values of between 70% and 80% (72 h).

Artificial intelligence optimization and experimental procedure for the effect of silicon dioxide particle size in silicon dioxide/deionized water nanofluid: Preparation, stability measurement and estimate the thermal conductivity of produced mixture

Recent studies for nanofluids, did not pay enough attention to the effect of the nanoparticle size and nanofluid stability on the heat transfer rate. In this study, the thermal conductivity (TC) coefficient of silica/deionized water (DW) nanofluid with various sizes of nanoparticles and various rates of nanofluid stability was investigated. Validation experiments, including X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), FE-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Zeta Potential (Zp), were carried out to examine the particle sizes and the nanofluid stability. The results illustrated that increasing the temperature leads to the augmentation of the TC coefficient of the SiO2/deionized water in all nanoparticle sizes and all volume concentrations. Also, increasing the volume concentration of the nanofluid leads to the augmentation of the TC coefficient of the nanofluid in all nanoparticle sizes and all temperatures. Eventually, increasing the nanoparticle sizes causes the TC coefficient of the nanofluid to be decreased in all volume concentrations. For the 11 nm nanoparticle size, the amount of the Relative TC (RTC) coefficient enhancement by increasing the temperature was 1.2%, 2.5%, 4.7%, and 6.8% for concentrations of 0.0.1%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%, respectively. For the 50 nm nanoparticle size, this enhancement was from 0.7% to 6.5%, and for the 70 nm nanoparticle size, it was from 0.5% to 5.7%. Finally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) optimization was done to find the optimized size and stability.

Development of ZnO-GO-NiO membrane for removal of lead and cadmium heavy metal ions from wastewater

The presence of heavy metal (HM) ions, such as lead, cadmium, and chromium in industrial wastewater discharge are major contaminants that pose a risk to human health. These HMs should separate from the wastewater to ensure the reuse of the discharged water in the process and mitigate their environmental impacts. The distinctive mechanical properties of 2D graphene oxide (GO), and the antifouling characteristics of metal oxides (ZnO/NiO) nanoparticles combined to produce composites supporting special features for wastewater treatment. This study employed solution casting and phase inversion methods to synthesize PSF-based GO, ZnO-GO, and ZnO-GO-NiO mixed matrix membranes and the effects of variation in composition on the removal of lead (Pb2+) and cadmium (Cd2+) ion was examined. Several characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were applied to analyze the synthesized NPs and MMMs. The composite membranes were also analyzed in terms of their porosity, permeability, hydrophilicity, surface roughness, zeta potential, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and flux regeneration at various transmembrane pressures (2–3 kgcm−2), and pH value (5.5). The highest adsorption capacities were measured to be 308.16 mg g−1 and 354.80 mg g−1 for Pb (II) and Cd (II), respectively, for membrane (M4_A) having 0.3 wt% of ZnO-GO-NiO nanocomposite, at 200 mg L−1 of feed concentration and 1.60 mL min−1 of permeate flux. The Pb (II) and Cd (II) adsorption breakthrough curves were created, and the results of the experiment were compared with the data of the Thomas model.