Increase In Surface Area Research Articles

Study on the Phosphate Compound Adsorption onto MgO-KOH/Biochar Adsorbent as Binding Agent in Diffusive Gradient in Thin Film (DGT) Technique for Bioavailable Phosphate Detection

Phosphate compounds, particularly bioavailable forms like PO₄³⁻, are critical contributors to eutrophication. In this study, MgO-KOH/biochar was used as a binding agent in the Diffusive Gradient in Thin Films (DGT) technique to enhance phosphate detection. The adsorbent was synthesized from biochar derived from palm oil waste, activated with KOH to increase surface area, and combined with MgO for enhanced adsorption efficiency. The adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating that chemical interactions dominated the adsorption mechanism. Under different pH levels and phosphate concentrations, the material showed a good selectivity for orthophosphate, achieving an adsorption capacity of approximately 100 mg/g. Characterization via FTIR, XRD, and SAA confirmed the successful synthesis of MgO-KOH/biochar and its structural properties, which contributed to its performance. Additionally, the MgO-KOH/biochar DGT device demonstrated better efficiency in adsorbing PO₄³⁻ compared to conventional ferrihydrite-based DGT systems, positioning it as a highly effective tool for monitoring bioavailable phosphates in aquatic environments. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Mechanical strength analysis of bio composite made by using micro powder made of Prosopis cineraria wood

The Present study examines the mechanical strength of bio-composites fabricated from wood powder of Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) and jute fiber as reinforcement inside an epoxy resin matrix. The mechanical performance of these bio-composites was assessed by altering filler content percentages (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16%, and 20%) and filler particle sizes (250 microns and 500 microns) under standard and carbonate conditions. Tensile strength and impact energy assessments were performed to evaluate the effects of filler content, particle size, and filler type on the mechanical characteristics of the composites. The tensile strength tests reveal that composites with 12% filler and a particle size of 250 microns had the maximum tensile strength, measuring 33.4 MPa under normal settings and 34.8 MPa under carbonate conditions. An increase in filler content over 12% resulted in a reduction in mechanical strength due to filler agglomeration, which decreased stress transfer efficiency. The composites with 250-micron particles consistently demonstrated superior tensile and impact strengths compared to those with 500-micron particles, due to the increased surface area of the smaller particles. Comparative analysis of normal and carbonate conditions demonstrated that carbonate fillers offered superior reinforcement owing to their increased density and enhanced matrix-filler interaction, leading to augmented tensile and impact strength. These findings provide significant insights into the development of bio-composites for structural applications, namely in improving their mechanical strength and durability.

Silicate coprecipitation reduces green rust crystal size and limits dissolution-precipitation during air oxidation

Green rusts (GR) are mixed-valence iron (Fe) hydroxides which form in reducing redox environments like riparian and wetland soils and shallow groundwater. In these environments, silicon (Si) can influence Fe oxides’ chemical and physical properties but its role in GR formation and subsequent oxidative transformation have not been studied starting at initial nucleation. Green rust sulfate [GR(SO4)] and green rust carbonate [GR(CO3)] were both coprecipitated from salts by base titration in increasing % mol Si (0, 1, 10, and 50). The minerals were characterized before and after rapid (24 h) aqueous air-oxidation by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fe extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), and N2-BET surface area. Results showed that only GR(SO4) or GR(CO3) was formed at every tested Si concentration. Increasing % mol Si caused decreased plate size and increased surface area in GR(CO3) but not GR(SO4). GR plate basal thickness was not changed at any condition indicating a lack of Si interlayering. Air oxidation of GR(SO4) at all % mol Si contents transformed by dissolution and reprecipitation into lepidocrocite and goethite, favoring ferrihydrite with higher % Si content. Air oxidation of GR(CO3) transformed into magnetite and goethite but increasing Si caused GR to oxidize while retaining its hexagonal plate structure via solid-state oxidation. Our results indicate that Si has the potential to cause GR to form in smaller particles and upon air oxidation, Si can either stabilize the plate structure or alter transformation to ferrihydrite.Graphical

Preparation of Novel Hierarchical Catalysts by Simultaneous Generation of β-Zeolite and Mesoporous Silica for Catalytic Cracking.

The gel skeletal reinforcement (GSR) method was applied at the preparation stage of β-zeolite to prepare a novel hierarchical catalyst. A solution of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) and acetic anhydride, a GSR reagent, was added to the mixture of colloidal silica, sodium aluminate, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and water, and successive aging and hydrothermal treatment gave microporous β-zeolite surrounded by mesoporous silica like core-shell structure. Its properties were characterized by XRD, nitrogen adsorption and desorption, NH3-TPD, TEM, and TG-DTA measurements, and further characteristics of the catalysts produced were clarified by the catalytic cracking of n-dodecane. The hierarchical structure of microporous zeolite and mesoporous silica was shown from GSR-2.9HS-H-Beta to GSR-3.2HS-H-Beta, where the molar ratio of HMDS and silica source of β-zeolite was 2.9~3.2 : 100. It was found that in the catalytic cracking of n-dodecane, the relative activity (the conversion per the amount of zeolite crystals) increased with the increase in mesopore volume and surface area. The result indicated that the introduction of mesopores was effective even in catalytic cracking of small molecule of n-dodecane.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of magnetically reclaimable N-doped g-C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposites for efficient tetracycline degradation

The growing environmental challenge posed by the persistence of tetracycline (TC) antibiotics in natural waters is of increasing concern. To address this, there is an imperative need for advanced methods to mitigate TC residues. Herein, we demonstrate the preparation of nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon nitride integrated with magnetic Fe3O4 (N-g-CN/Fe3O4) composites, showcasing narrow band gaps optimized for TC degradation. These advanced materials, conceived through a thermal poly-condensation approach, utilize citric acid and melamine as precursors for nitrogen and g-CN, respectively. These composites exhibit a face-centered cubic architecture, with particle dimensions between 8 to 12 nm and encompassing both meso and microporous structure. The results of the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis indicated specific surface areas of 6.73 m²/g for g-CN, 69.80 m²/g for N-g-CN, 62.55 m²/g for Fe3O4, and 148.32 m²/g for N-g-CN/Fe3O4. These values demonstrate an increase in surface area upon the incorporation of heteroatom of nitrogen and Fe3O4, into the g-CN matrix, thus influence the photocatalytic performance. Under solar light exposure, the synthesized photocatalysts demonstrated photocatalytic activity with a degradation efficiency of 94.16 % within 120 min. Specifically, the N-g-CN/Fe3O4 (22.5 %) composites exhibited remarkable photocatalytic efficiency due to the narrow band gap energy between N-g-CN and Fe3O4, enhanced light absorption in the visible range, and effective charge carrier separation and transportation to the pollutants. N-g-CN/Fe3O4 (22.5 %) composites demonstrated good recyclability (five cycles), magnetic sustainability, and stability for the degradation of TC and emerging pollutants from wastewater using photocatalysts. Similarly, FGCN composites exhibited good recyclability (five cycles), magnetic retrievability, and stability for degrading organic and emerging pollutants from wastewater through photocatalysis. This efficiency can be attributed to the harmonious combination of nitrogen doping, refined surface area, and the natural heterojunction between N-g-CN and Fe3O4.

Enhancing Performance of Composite-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators Through Laser Surface Patterning and Graphite Coating for Sustainable Energy Solutions

The performance of composite-based triboelectric nanogenerators (C–TENGs) was significantly enhanced through laser surface patterning and graphite coating. The laser etching process produced accurate and consistent patterns, increasing surface area and improving charge accumulation. SEM imagery confirmed the structural differences and enhanced surface properties of the laser-etched C–TENGs. Graphite fibers further augmented the contact surface area, enhancing charge accumulation and diffusion. Experimental results demonstrated that the optimized C–TENGs, especially those with line patterns and graphite coating, achieved a maximal 98.87 V open-circuit voltage (VOC) and a 0.10 µA/cm2 short-circuit current density (JSC) under a 20 N external force. Environmental tests revealed a slight decrease in performance with increased humidity, while long-term stability tests indicated consistent performance over three weeks. Practical application tests showed the potential of C–TENGs integrated into wearable devices, generating sufficient energy for low-power applications, thereby highlighting the promise of these devices for sustainable energy solutions.

Evaluating Factors Affecting Flood Susceptibility in the Yangtze River Delta Using Machine Learning Methods

AbstractFloods are widespread and dangerous natural hazards worldwide. It is essential to grasp the causes of floods to mitigate their severe effects on people and society. The key drivers of flood susceptibility in rapidly urbanizing areas can vary depending on the specific context and require further investigation. This research developed an index system comprising 10 indicators associated with factors and environments that lead to disasters, and used machine learning methods to assess flood susceptibility. The core urban area of the Yangtze River Delta served as a case study. Four scenarios depicting separate and combined effects of climate change and human activity were evaluated using data from various periods, to measure the spatial variability in flood susceptibility. The findings demonstrate that the extreme gradient boosting model outperformed the decision tree, support vector machine, and stacked models in evaluating flood susceptibility. Both climate change and human activity were found to act as catalysts for flooding in the region. Areas with increasing susceptibility were mainly distributed to the northwest and southeast of Taihu Lake. Areas with increased flood susceptibility caused by climate change were significantly larger than those caused by human activity, indicating that climate change was the dominant factor influencing flood susceptibility in the region. By comparing the relationship between the indicators and flood susceptibility, the rising intensity and frequency of extreme precipitation as well as an increase in impervious surface areas were identified as important reasons of heightened flood susceptibility in the Yangtze River Delta region. This study emphasized the significance of formulating adaptive strategies to enhance flood control capabilities to cope with the changing environment.

Effective remediation of toxic metal ions (Cd(II), Pb(II), Hg(II), and Ba(II)) using mesoporous glauconite-based iron silicate nanorods: Experimental and theoretical studies

Glauconite minerals underwent an advanced exfoliation and scrolling process, yielding novel iron silicate nanorods (GRs) with increased surface area, reactivity, and improved physicochemical properties. These structures were introduced as superior adsorbents for the highly efficient adsorption of various toxic metal ions, such as Cd(II), Pb(II), Hg(II), and Ba(II). The GRs exhibited maximum adsorption capacities of 283 mg/g for Cd(II), 247 mg/g for Pb(II), 132.3 mg/g for Hg(II), and 165.2 mg/g for Ba(II). The adsorption properties of the GRs during the adsorption of these four metal ions were elucidated through traditional (Langmuir model) and advanced (monolayer model of single energy site) isotherm analyses. Advanced isotherm modeling revealed that the GR surface was saturated with numerous effective adsorption sites, with densities of 125 mg/g for Cd(II), 68.8 mg/g for Pb(II), 40.9 mg/g for Hg(II), and 57.9 mg/g for Ba(II). Moreover, each site could accommodate approximately four ions of the studied metals, which are vertically oriented and participate in multi-ionic adsorption reactions. Energetic analyses, whether based on classical models (Gaussian energy <8 kJ/mol) or advanced models (adsorption energy <40 kJ/mol), indicated that the adsorption processes are governed by physical mechanisms, including electrostatic attractions, van der Waals forces, and hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, thermodynamic assessments confirmed that the adsorption of these ions occurs through exothermic and spontaneous reactions.

Sustainable Management of Agro-Food Wastes Derived from the Olive Mill and Sugar Industry and Clinoptilolite to Produce Novel Adsorptive Materials

Novel sorbents were produced using sustainable and eco-friendly methods, aimed at minimizing environmental impact while utilizing industrial by-products and natural minerals. Olive stones and molasses derived from olive mill and sugar industries, respectively, and an abundant, natural and low-cost mineral, clinoptilolite, were combined in the following proportions: 80/20 clinoptilolite/stone, 80/10/10 clinoptilolite/stone/molasses, 50/50 stone/molasses, w/w. Then, physical carbonization (CL80OL20C, CL80OL10M10C, OL50M50C) or chemical activation (CL80OL20A, CL80OL10M10A, OL50M50A) took place. The adsorbents were characterized through Raman, FT-IR, BET and SEM-EDS analysis. The CL80OL20A material presents the highest ratio of C/O in EDS analysis and the lowest ID/IG in Raman spectroscopy. The increase in the specific surface area is as follows: OL50M50C &lt; OL50M50A &lt; CL80OL10M10C &lt; CL80OL20C &lt; CL80OL20A &lt; CL80OL10M10A. Three applications were conducted: two with dyes (methylene blue and methyl red) in aqueous means and one in olive mill wastewaters for the removal of total phenols and their addition to rice, increasing the total phenolic content and producing novel foods. The well-fitted application of the pseudo-second order kinetic model to the experimental data has shown that chemisorption is the prevailing mechanism. The adsorbed amount of the recovered phenols to rice ranges from 0.14 to 0.93 mg/g. Consequently, olive and sugar by-products can be used as filters either to adsorb dangerous organic compounds or to recover bioactive compounds from wastewater, preventing their disposal in the environment, which could otherwise lead to severe negative effects on the ecosystems.

Layered High-Entropy Sulfides: Boosting Electrocatalytic Performance for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Cocktail Effects

Abstract This study explores high-entropy sulfides (HESs) as potential electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Novel Pa-3 and Pnma structured HESs containing Fe, Mn, Ni, Co and Mo, were synthesized via a facile mechanochemical method. Structural and chemical properties were extensively characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic performance of four as-prepared HESs in alkaline electrolyte for HER reveals the remarkable outperformance compared to medium and conventional sulfides. Particularly, (Fe0.2Mn0.2Ni0.2Co0.2Mo0.2)S2 demonstrated outstanding activities, with minimal overpotentials (187 mV at 10 mA cm–2) and outstanding durability under harsh alkaline conditions (a mere polarization ΔE = 17 mV after 14 h via chronopotentiometry). The remarkable catalytic activities can be attributed to synergistic effects resulting from the cocktail effects within the high-entropy disulfide. The introduction of Mo contributes to the formation of a layered structure, which leads to an increased surface area and thus to a superior HER performance compared to other HES and conventional sulfides. This work demonstrates the promising potential of HES and underscores that further development for catalytic applications paves the way for innovative routes to new and more efficient active materials for HER catalysis.&amp;#xD;

Dual Metal Sites Coengineered Graphitic Carbon Nitride as Green Electrocatalyst for Highly Selective Overall Water Splitting—A Sustainable Approach

The development of efficient, low‐cost, non‐noble metal‐oxide‐based nanohybrid materials for overall water splitting is a critical strategy for enhancing clean energy use and addressing environmental issues. In this study, an interfacial engineering strategy for the development of bimetallic Co–Ni nanoparticles on graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) using ultrasonication followed by coprecipitation is conveyed. These nanoparticles demonstrate high efficacy as bifunctional electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline conditions. Co–Ni nanoparticles on graphitic carbon nitride demonstrate an increased surface area via ultrasonication and subsequent coprecipitation. The g‐C3N4 combined with Co–Ni nanoparticles leads to the development of bifunctional catalysts that exhibit significant efficiency in both HER and OER, and their interfacial properties are investigated for the first time. The chemical composition and morphology of g‐C3N4 integrated with Co–Ni nanoparticles significantly influence the modulation of redox‐active sites and the facilitation of electron transfer, resulting in improved splitting efficiency. The interactions between the Co–Ni bimetal and g‐C3N4 demonstrate exceptional electrochemical performance for water splitting. Consequently, the 20% 20–Co–Ni–graphitic carbon nitride electrode demonstrated superior HER performance, comparable to the other electrodes. In the results, it is indicated that an increased molar ratio of Co and Ni incorporated in graphitic carbon nitride significantly improves HER performance.

Enhancing photocatalytic water treatment efficiency via nitrogen Self-Doping and Hive-Like Structuring in isotype homojunctions of g-C3N4 generated from Thiourea-Melamine copolymerization

The combination of overpopulation and rapid industrial progress has led to a pronounced increase in water contamination. Photocatalysis emerges as a viable solution for mitigating water pollution, and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is considered as a particularly promising photocatalyst due to its advantageous properties, such as low cost, and high chemical stability. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of g-C3N4 is often compromised by its limited surface area and substantial recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. To address these challenges, in this work, we propose a systematic approach to develop photocatalytically efficient surface structures and intimate isotype homojunctions through the copolymerization of various g-C3N4 precursors. A range of photocatalysts, each with distinctly tailored morphologies and homojunctions, was produced and their photocatalytic performance was assessed through the removal efficiencies of model pollutants, bisphenol A (BPA), and methylene blue (MB), with each at a concentration of 10 mg L-1. The enhanced photocatalytic activity observed in the optimized sample is primarily attributed to its significantly increased surface area, which is ten times greater than that of standard g-C3N4, and a marked reduction in charge recombination, which is four times lower, facilitated by the intimate homojunction. Thus, this work will open the door to the synthesis of various highly efficient photocatalysts for application in the photodegradation of diverse pollutants, consequently mitigating adverse environmental effects.

RuCo@C Hollow Nanoprisms Derived from ZIF-67 for Enhanced Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions.

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are commonly used to create complex hollow structures for energy applications. This study presents a simple method to produce a novel hollow nanoprism Co@C hierarchical composite from ZIF-67 through high-temperature treatment at 800 °C. This composite serves as a platform for Ru nanoparticle deposition, forming RuCo@C hollow nanoprism (RuCo@C HNP). As an electrocatalyst in 1 M KOH, RuCo@C HNP exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, with a low overpotential of 32 mV to reach 10 mA cm-2, a Tafel slope of 39.67 mV dec-1, a high turnover frequency (TOF) of 3.83 s-1 at ƞ200, and stable performance over 50 h. It also achieves a low ƞ10 of 266 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with a Tafel slope of 45.22 mV dec-1. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Ru doping in Ni/Co maintains a low water dissociation barrier, reduces the energy barrier for the OER rate-determining step, and creates active sites for H*, enhancing adsorption/desorption abilities. These results are attributed to the synergy between Co and Ru and the hollow prism structure's increased surface area. This method for synthesizing hollow structures using ZIF composites shows promise for applications in the energy sector.

Effects of indigenous microorganisms on the CO2 adsorption capacity of coal

The adsorption capacity of coal is a crucial criterion for CO2 sequestration in deep unminable coal seams. Previous studies have documented how indigenous microorganisms interact with supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) in coal. But how these interactions affect the adsorption capacity were rarely investigated. In this study, we treated bituminous coal samples with ScCO2-H2O and ScCO2-H2O-microorganism interactions in high-pressure reactors for 120 days at 35 °C and 10 MPa, respectively. After the treatments, we characterized both coal pore types and structures. The comparisons between two different post-treatments indicate that no significant change in coal pore types but notable alterations in pore structures are observed. Specifically, the treated coal with microorganisms exhibits a significant increase in micropore specific surface area (SSA) and surface roughness than the one without them. However, changes in meso/macropore structures and overall pore complexity of the coal sample treated with microorganisms were less pronounced than in coal sample treated with ScCO2-H2O alone. FTIR spectra analysis indicated that the absorption peak intensity of oxygen-containing groups and aliphatic functional groups in the sample treated with microorganisms decreased much more significantly than the sample treated without microorganisms. The CO2 adsorption capacity slightly increased in all treated samples at equilibrium pressures below 2.5 MPa. Above this pressure, the coal sample treated with microorganisms maintained a higher CO2 adsorption capacity, while the sample treated without microorganisms exhibited lower CO2 adsorption capacity compared to untreated coal sample. The increased SSA and the reduced oxygen-containing functional groups of coal after the treatment exerted antagonistic effects on CO2 adsorption. These findings suggest that indigenous microorganisms in coal seams affect CO2 adsorption through antagonistic effects, necessitating site-specific microbial assessments.

Exfoliated Porous Carbon Nitride by Simultaneous Oxidation-Corrosion for Photocatalytic H2O2 Production and Organic Degradation.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a fascinating material with potential applications in photocatalysis due to its good chemical stability, high thermal stability, and relative ease of synthesis. In this work, ultrathin g-C3N4 is constructed using a hybridized method, which combines the advantages of thermal and liquid-phase stripping methods. This sample can improve performance in degrading organic pollutants several times, and the highest enhancement efficiency occurs in an alkaline environment. In addition, photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide can be increased to 2.6 times that of the bulk sample. These improved properties are due to the increase in specific surface area, the generation of free radicals, and adsorption capacity. This work presents a one-step exfoliation method for bulk g-C3N4 for more surface-active sites and strong redox capacity.

Development and Performance of a PANI@NiMnO3 Nanocomposite for Enhanced Supercapacitors and Photocatalytic Applications.

Conductive polymers are gaining considerable attention as a potential material for supercapacitor electrodes due to their favorable properties. Among these, polyaniline (PANI) stands out as a cost-effective and easy to synthesize, making it a promising candidate for improving energy storage applications. This study presents the synthesis of a hybrid composite consisting of PANI and NiMnO3 (NMO) perovskite using the chemical oxidative polymerization method. The morphology and structure of the composite were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. XRD results showed that the addition of NMO transformed the amorphous structure of PANI into a semicrystalline form, leading to enhanced conductivity. SEM images revealed a more uniform and compact structure, with NMO distributed unevenly within the polymer matrix. Optical analysis indicated that a reduction in the band gap of PANI@NMO reached 2.5 eV. N2 adsorption-desorption measurements confirmed an increase in the surface area and pore volume. The photocatalytic activity of the PANI@NMO nanocomposite was tested by degrading methylene blue (MB) dye under UV/visible light. The nanocomposite showed high efficiency, degrading 87.75% of MB dye after 125 min of irradiation as compared to their counter parts. Additionally, electrochemical tests demonstrated an improved electrochemical performance of the composite due to enhanced crystallinity, increased surface area, and reduced electron-hole recombination rate. These results suggest that the PANI@NMO nanocomposite has great potential for use in supercapacitors and photocatalysis.

Controlled synthesis of 3D pseudocubic Fe2O3/BiFeO3 heterojunction photocatalyst for effective ciprofloxacin-HCl and methyl orange degradation

Nano-particle-based Iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) and nanosheet-based bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) photocatalysts were successfully prepared through a solid-state thermal decomposition approach. Especially, loading BiFeO3 over Fe2O3 demonstrated a 3D pseudocubic-based hierarchical architecture of Fe2O3/BiFeO3 (FeBiOx), which exhibits enhanced photodegradation efficiency of about 98.3 % for antibiotic ciprofloxacin-HCl (C-HCl) and 97.8 % for pollutant methyl orange (MO) under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation within 180 and 150 min, respectively, compared to pure BiFeO3 and Fe2O3. The improved photocatalytic performance of FeBiOx was ascribed to the increased surface area, Type-II charge transfer scheme, effective charge migration efficiency induced by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of metal-Bi, and reduced bandgap energy.

Preparation and Characterization of Berberine-Loaded Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles: Encapsulation Efficiency and Release Rate Determination

Abstract Introduction/Objective Introduction: Berberine (BER) has garnered attention in various studies for its diverse biochemical and pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, and hepatoprotective effects. Nanoparticles serve as efficient carriers for drugs, offering increased surface area and enhanced dissolution in the bloodstream, thereby improving drug delivery. Methods/Case Report Methods: Blank Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles (BSA NPs) were synthesized using a desolvation process, followed by the fabrication of Berberine-loaded Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles (BER-NP). Physicochemical characterization, including particle size and zeta potential, was conducted using a Malvern Zetasizer and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to visualize the morphology of both blank BSA NPs and BER-loaded nanocarriers. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results: Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermograms were obtained for free berberine, BSA NPs, and BER-NPs. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) was determined by measuring the concentration of free BER in the supernatant after centrifugation, with EE calculated based on the difference between total added berberine and the measured supernatant concentration. Dialysis membranes were utilized to assess BER release from BER-NPs in vitro, with initial BER content in nanoparticles determining the release profile. Conclusion Conclusion: The prepared nanoparticles have demonstrated the potential to enhance drug permeation across epithelial and endothelial barriers. This approach holds promise for targeted drug delivery to specific sites, facilitating combined therapy with distinct modalities or drugs.

Electrodeposition of Cu 3D structures suitable for CO2 reduction

Porous Cu foam electrodes, suitable for cathodic CO2 reduction, were deposited in an acidic sulphate solution with different additives to obtain structures with a high real surface area and an adequate mechanical stability. The influence of the electrodeposition time and solution composition on the porosity parameters, microstructure and stiffness of Cu 3D structures was evaluated. Neither ammonium acetate nor polyethylene glycol were found to be effective additives to the Cu sulphate electrolyte to achieve the main objectives. Only the presence of Cl– ions in the deposition solution resulted in a threefold increase in the real surface area and the achievement of a sufficient mechanical stability of the Cu 3D structure. The latter effect is related to the specific influence of Cl– ions during the electrodeposition process on the microstructural characteristics, such as the size of micropores in the walls of holes and crystallite aggregates that form dendritic branches. These structural changes, in contrast to the Cu samples deposited in a solution without additives, resulted in larger real surface areas, while the denser structures deposited in the presence of Cl– ions ensured the mechanical stability of the 3D structure.

Polyethylenimine functionalized graphene oxide and cellulose nanofibril composite hydrogels: Synthesis, characterization and water pollutants adsorption

A stable 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TCNF)/graphene oxide (GO)/polyethylenimine (PEI) composite hydrogel was synthesized by self-assembly instead of chemical crosslinking. Their chemical, morphology, surface, and mechanical properties were characterized and adsorption behavior for methyl blue (–) was systematically investigated in terms of the optimal GO content, pH effect, kinetics, and isotherm models. Additionally, to assess the adsorption capability of the TCNF/GO/PEI hydrogel for various contaminants, its effectiveness was also tested for methylene blue (+), Cu (II), and soybean oils. The maximum adsorption capability for the methyl blue (−) dyes increased from 3125 to 3962 mg/g when 13.3 % of GO was added. The adsorption capability for Cu (II) and soybean oils rose from 205.3 to 218.5 and 2.1 to 7.2 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption capability of optimized TCNF/GO/PEI hydrogel for a variety of contaminants was improved overall based on the increase of surface area, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic domains. Moreover, adding GO did not impact the adsorption mechanism but increased the external diffusion rate in the intraparticle diffusion model. This work provides a self-assembling route to TCNF/GO/PEI hydrogels with great potential for the removal of multiple water pollutants.