Linear Sweep Research Articles

The High-Efficiency Degradation of Multiple Mycotoxins by Lac-W Laccase in the Presence of Mediators.

Mycotoxin cocontamination is a severe threat to health and economic security worldwide. The mycotoxins aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin, fumonisin B1, and ochratoxin A are of particular concern due to their substantial toxicity. Lac-W is a laccase with the unique property of degrading these six mycotoxins in the absence of redox mediators. Nevertheless, their degradation rates are low. This work aims to improve the ability of Lac-W to degrade these six mycotoxins and to elucidate its detoxification mechanism. Including redox mediators increased the Lac-W degradation efficiency drastically, and completely degraded AFB1 and ZEN within one hour. Additionally, Lac-W-AS has good temperature, pH, and ions adaptability in ZEN degradation. Lac-W-AS reduced the ZEN toxicity because ZEN degradation products significantly restored the bioluminescence intensity of Vibrio fischeri. A Lac-W-AS-mediated oxidation product of ZEN was structurally characterized as 15-OH-ZEN by UHPLC-MS/MS. Linear sweep voltammetry showed that AS affected the potential of Lac-W and accelerated the oxidation of ZEN. Finally, the combination of mediators (acetosyringone and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)) improved the degradation rate of mycotoxins. This work highlights that the combination of Lac-W with mediators serves as a good candidate for degrading multi-mycotoxin contaminants in food and feedstuff.

Study of soft X-ray radiation of plasma produced by interaction of laser radiation with copper targets at the “Kanal-2” facility

As part of the work on creating an x-ray microscope, experimental and theoretical studies of laser plasma of solid copper targets in the soft x-ray range were carried out. With a laser pulse duration of 2.5 ns (FWHM), the power density of the Nd:glass laser on the target is varied in the range 0.8 × 1013–4.2 × 1013 W/cm2. Experimental results demonstrated the presence of intense plasma emission in spectral ranges of water and carbon windows, and the number of photons of the most intense lines was calculated. Spatio-temporal studies of copper plasma have demonstrated intense emission in the wavelength range shorter than 15 Å, and the images of plasma emission in time-integrated and linear sweep modes are shown. The simulations of the interaction of the specified laser radiation flux with copper targets were carried out taking into account the transfer of self-radiation in plasma. The non-local thermodynamic equilibrium optical properties of the plasma were used. As a result of calculations, profiles of density, temperature, electron thermal conductivity flux, emissivity of plasma, and self-radiation flux were obtained. The calculated spectrum of the outgoing radiation is consistent with that obtained at the experiment.

Impact of tetracyanoethylene plasticizer on PEO based solid polymer electrolytes for improved ionic conductivity and solid-state lithium-ion battery performance

Poly(ethylene oxide) is a promising material for solid-state lithium batteries due to its safety, ease of processing, and compatibility with lithium. However, conventional linear PEO falls short of practical requirements due to its limited ionic conductivity, a consequence of the high crystallinity of its ethylene oxide chains. This crystallinity hinders the movement of lithium ions, limiting its performance in solid-state battery applications. In this study, we successfully prepared the plasticized solid polymer electrolytes (PSPEs) based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/tetracyanoethylene (TCE) complexed with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt and studied the effect of TCE on structural, mechanical, electrical and electrochemical properties of PSPEs. The addition of tetracyanoethylene effectively disrupts the crystallinity of the PEO matrix, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The addition of TCE also enhanced the elongation-at-break of the PEO12-LiTFSI system, indicating improved flexibility. Consequently, the ionic conductivity of the SPEs increases with increasing tetracyanoethylene content, reaching a maximum of 1.14 × 10−4 S/cm at 25 °C for the electrolyte containing 30 wt% of tetracyanoethylene. Furthermore, the plasticized SPEs exhibit a wide electrochemical stability window, as determined by linear sweep voltammetry. Solid-state battery tests demonstrate a high initial discharge capacity of 143.5 mAhg−1 at 0.1C along with good cycling performance.

Investigation of CuO/ITO Photoelectrode Fabricated by PVD for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting and Hydrogen Evolution.

Hydrogen and renewable fuels were generated using cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting. In this work, a CuO-based photocathode is used for the water splitting to generate hydrogen energy by PVD technique. The XRD analysis reveals the deposition of CuO thin film on ITO substrates, which is monoclinic. The XRD and LSV analysis of CuO confirmed the type of semiconductor and observed to be P-type semiconductor. SEM study of CuO confirmed the shape, morphology to be a circular and regular shape. The grain size of deposited CuO thin film was found to be 18 nm. The absorption and transmission of CuO thin film were observed through UV spectroscopy analysis and were found to be better photocatalyst in visible range 415-425 nm. The transmittance of the prepared thin film was noted to be maximum 7.6% in the UV range (280-300 nm). The band gap was also measured employing the Tauc plot and found to be 2.98 eV, which is most favorable for water splitting application. FTIR study showed the stretching, vibration, and the functional group of the deposited CuO thin film; the broad band of stretching of Cu-O in monoclinic CuO was observed at the range of 500-700 cm-1, and further peaks were also noted at the range of 1500-1600 cm-1. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) of CuO thin film was calculated in the absence of solar spectra and the presence of solar spectra and observed to be enhanced in current under solar spectra. The solar light to hydrogen emission percentage (STH %) of CuO through LSV was observed to be 2.04% under solar spectra. The low Nyquist curve of blank ITO and CuO-coated ITO substrate via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis was observed, which confirmed the enhancement of EIS of CuO-coated ITO. The hydrogen generation rate was also calculated by electrochemical cell and observed to be 5325.21 mol g-1 for 6 h.

Electrodeposited NiB Films as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts in Alkaline Water Electrolizer

Abstract Sustainable electrochemical energy generation requires cost-effective, noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen production in electrolyzers. This study used electrodeposition to create crystalline NiB films with different boron (B) contents—Ni-B(1.17 wt.%), Ni-B(1.06 wt.%), Ni-B(0.94 wt.%), and Ni-B(0.89 wt.%)—on FTO substrates. These films were tested as bifunctional electrocatalyst electrodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. The NiB films' composition and morphology were analyzed using SEM, AFM, XRD, GD-OES, and XPS. Linear sweep voltammetry assessed their electrocatalytic performance. Higher B content in the films promoted the formation of electroactive NiOOH, enhancing the OER. The Ni-B(1.17 wt.%) electrode required an overpotential of 380 mV to reach 10 mA cm⁻² for OER, while the Ni-B(1.06 wt.%) electrode required 146 mV for the same current density for HER. An alkaline water electrolyzer using Ni-B(1.17 wt.%) as the anode and Ni-B(1.06 wt.%) as the cathode achieved a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² at 1.71 V for overall water splitting. The system showed stability over 12 hours of testing. The results indicate that NiB films on FTO substrates are promising, low-cost bifunctional electrocatalysts for alkaline water electrolysis, offering an alternative to noble-metal-based electrocatalysts.

Decorating Cu2O with Copper Metal (Cu) through Facile Electrochemical Deposition for Methylene Blue Degradation

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) thin film was decorated with copper metal (Cu) by the simple electrochemical deposition method. This study was motivated to improve the role of Cu as a co-catalyst due to the narrow band gap energy of known photocatalyst Cu2O. Cu was electrodeposited on Cu2O thin film with a substrate of indium tin oxide (ITO) at a voltage of -0.3V and a temperature of 60 °C in CuSO4 (pH 10) under a magnetic stirrer. The structure, phase, and morphology of Cu2O/Cu were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic performance of Cu2O/Cu was recorded using linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. XRD and SEM results show Cu was successfully deposited covering Cu2O. The current density of Cu2O/Cu increased by 2.7041 mA/cm2 confirming the lower charge current resistance of 2.48 kΩ. The Cu-decorated Cu2O demonstrated an improved photocatalytic activity, as shown by the increase of MB degradation from 46.33% to 50.87%. It was believed from characterisations that Cu deposition leads to more dense carriers and charge transfer, hence higher photocatalytic activity towards MB degradation than bare Cu2O thin film.

Single-Particle Spectroelectrochemistry: Revealing the Electrochemical Tuning Mechanism of Chemical Interface Damping in 1,2-Benzenedithiol-Adsorbed Single Gold Nanorods.

Chemical interface damping (CID) is a newly proposed plasmon damping pathway based on interfacial hot-electron transfer from metal to adsorbate molecules. However, achieving in situ tunability of CID in single gold nanorods (AuNRs) remains a considerable challenge. Here, we present the CID effect induced by benzene 1,2-dithiol (BDT) molecule adsorption on single AuNRs and the effective electrochemical tunability of CID in BDT-adsorbed AuNRs immobilized on an indium tin oxide (ITO) surface. Manipulations of the electrochemical potential alter the electron density of AuNRs, thereby influencing and tuning the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectrum, with cathodic potential blueshifting and anodic potential redshifting. The strong adsorption of BDT on Au induced CID in single AuNRs. The potential-induced LSPR scattering spectra of BDT-adsorbed AuNRs for linear potential sweep showed a stable LSPR spectral response, irrespective of the concentrations of BDT molecules. Due to the involvement of two Au-S bonds, BDT molecules have a higher free adsorption energy and a lower desorption rate on the Au surface. This resulted in a stable LSPR spectral response for a linear electrochemical potential sweep. Furthermore, a constant anodic and cathodic potential application showed the tunability of the CID at the BDT-Au interface.

Methanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol photoelectrochemical oxidation reactions on BiVO4: Zr,Mo/Pt thin films: A comparative study

The green H2 production plays a key role in the energy transition, however it still needs improvements to be applied in a large scale. The water oxidation reaction, as an anodic process to provide both protons and electrons for H2 production, possesses kinetic limitations. Therefore, the use of an alternative process like the oxidation of biomass-derivative species is extremely desired to replace water oxidation during H2 production. In this work, we provide a comparative study of different small organic molecules (methanol, ethylene glycol (EG), and glycerol) as alternatives to water oxidation at pristine BiVO4, Mo-Zr dopped BiVO4, and Pt co-catalyst BiVO4 photoanodes in neutral media. While the band energy diagram and surface morphology are similar for the distinct materials, the presence of Zr-Mo increases the charge carriers density. The presence of Pt acts as co-catalyst for the organic molecules. Regardless of the material employed, the activity order for each organic molecule reaction was: jwater< jmethanol < jEG < jglycerol affeered by both linear potential sweep and chronoamperometry at 1.23 V vs RHE. The presence of both Zr-Mo and Pt increases the photoactivity for the alcohol's oxidation, however the presence of Pt is more advantageous for glycerol oxidation than for other species, maintaining 80 % of activity after 24 h electrolysis. The reactivity of alcohols can be tentatively explained by the greater stability of radicals formed from larger molecules.

Rheological properties of plastic-modified asphalt binders using diverse plastic wastes for enhanced pavement performance in the UAE

The integration of waste plastics in asphalt mixtures has recently gained more popularity as a potential solution for repurposing waste plastics, while relieving the accumulation of plastics in landfills. This paper investigates the addition of plastic wastes from four waste products namely HDPE, PET, ABS, and LDPE, to asphalt binder at two contents of 2 % and 4 % by the weight of asphalt binder. The control and plastic-modified asphalt binders were tested for physical and rheological properties. Most of the used waste plastics increased the rutting parameter of the asphalt binder. The 4 % ABS plastic-modified asphalt binder managed to achieve the maximum Performance Grade (PG) of 82 while the 4 % PET achieved PG 76. Higher plastic content yielded higher resistance to permanent deformation. Asphalt binders modified with 2 % LDPE and 2 % HDPE yielded the best performance against low temperatures. The Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) test results at intermediate temperature showed that the best fatigue performance was attained using 4 % ABS at a strain level of 2.5 %, whereas at 5.0 % strain level, the 2 % PET achieved the maximum fatigue improvement (25 %) over the control. Simulated pavement performance using the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design software showed noticeable extensions in pavement life for the plastic-modified asphalt binders against permeant deformation and fatigue cracking. The Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) displayed a reduction in the estimated LCCA cost for the plastic-modified asphalt binders by up to 50 % over the control.

Tamarind gum based magnesium ion conducting polymer membrane for energy storage applications

A solid bio polymer electrolyte (SPE) based on tamarind gum (TG) and magnesium nitrate was synthesized by a solution casting technique. The amorphous behavior is observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the degree of crystallinity is calculated from the XRD deconvolution spectra. The interaction between the polymer and the salt was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Using FTIR deconvolution spectra, the percentage of free ions can be calculated. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was determined via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A higher ionic conductivity (σ) of 1.97 × 10−4 S/cm is observed for the sample with 1 g of tamarind gum and 0.5 g of magnesium nitrate (4 TMN). The conduction mechanism shows that sample 4 TMN obeys the quantum mechanical tunneling model (QMT) at low frequency. The prepared SPEs follow the Arrhenius behavior, and the minimum activation energy (Ea) of 0.207 eV is observed for sample 4 TMN. The lowest relaxation time (τ) was 3.46 × 10−7 s for 4-TMN according to the tangent spectra. The transference number of ions (tion) is calculated by Wagner’s polarization method. The electrochemical stability window observed by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) is 2.25 V. The primary battery is fabricated by using sample 4TMN, and an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 2.01 V is observed.

Electrochemical Determination of Tinidazole and Brucine Using Poly (l‐Glutamic Acid) Modified Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode

AbstractThis study developed an electrochemical method for the selective and sensitive detection of Tinidazole (TZ) by modifying a bare carbon nanotube paste electrode (BCNTPE) with electrochemically polymerized l‐Glutamic acid (P(L‐GA)/MCNTPE). The modified carbon nanotube paste electrode (MCNTPE) achieved optimal detection with an irreversible peak in a 0.2 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 3.5. Characterization of both the P(L‐GA)/MCNTPE and BCNTPE was carried out using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The sensor effectively identified possible interferences from different metals and organic compounds, with scan rate studies indicating that the reaction was controlled by diffusion. The effects of pH and concentration variations were also thoroughly investigated. The active surface area of the P(l‐GA)/MCNTPE and BCNTPE were found to be 0.471 cm2 and 0.217 cm2 respectively. The P(l‐GA)/MCNTPE displayed excellent electrochemical properties, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.06 µM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.2 µM, along with good reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. This study presents a P(l‐GA) MCNTPE that significantly enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for simultaneous detection of TZ and bare carbon nanotube (BCN). The improved electroactive surface area and electron transfer dynamics demonstrate its potential for practical applications in pharmaceutical analysis.

Revealing the complexation of 3-N,N-dimethylaminodithiocarbamoyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (DPS) with cuprous ion and its contribution to Cu electrodeposition

An accelerator is an organic additive used in Cu electrodeposition, crucial for achieving superfilling during the fabrication of Cu interconnects in microelectronics. 3-N,N-dimethylaminodithiocarbamoyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (DPS) has been proposed and investigated as a substitute for SPS. However, its acceleration mechanism associated with its interaction with Cu ions has not been intensively investigated. In this study, the interaction between DPS and Cu+ was investigated using various spectroscopic analyses, including ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared absorption (UV–VIS–NIR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. UV–VIS–NIR and EPR spectroscopy revealed that DPS forms a complex with Cu+, namely Cu(I)(DPS)2. The kinetic study on the complexation of DPS with Cu+ indicated second-order reaction characteristics. The structure of the complex was suggested using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, electrochemical analyses, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), were conducted to investigate the electrochemical behaviors of the Cu(I)(DPS)2 complex, demonstrating its acceleration effect on Cu electrodeposition. These results will provide valuable insights for understanding the acceleration mechanism of DPS in Cu electrodeposition.

Boosted photoelectrochemical activity of anodic titanium dioxide nanotubes by electrophoretically decorated nickel–aluminum layered double hydroxide

The splitting of water using photoelectrochemical (PEC) processes is a promising method for generating renewable hydrogen. However, the practical efficiency of converting solar energy to fuel in PEC systems remains limited by inadequate light absorption and the swift recombination of photogenerated charge carriers within the photoelectrode material. In our research, we present a photoanode that addresses these challenges. In this work, we report on the electrophoretic deposition of nickel–aluminum layered double hydroxide (NiAl-LDH) under different voltages onto anodic TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs) as a convenient and economically viable fabrication route of versatile and durable photoanodes. PEC and optical spectroscopy examinations, including linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Mott-Schottky plots, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, reveal that NiAl-LDH/TNTAs composites exhibit a superior enhancement of visible light absorption and consequently water splitting photocurrent. We interpret the improvement of PEC water splitting performance of the NiAl-LDH/TNTAs with the band structure speculated by the binding energy and the flat-band potential and band-gap measurements which features this nanocomposite as a novel photocatalyst for future hydrogen energy applications.

Promoting role of Europium on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) supported Platinum catalyst for Ethanol Electro-Oxidation in Direct Alcohol Fuel Cell (DAFC)

Implementing rare earth metals with platinum for Ethanol Oxidation Reactions (EOR) has received significant interest in the promising DEFC. Incorporation of Europium, a rare earth metal, influences the electron density of the Pt, and the resulting catalytic activity is reinforced. Herein, different molar ratios of binary PtEu electrocatalysts supported over MWCNT were synthesized using the borohydride reduction method. The purpose of the investigation was to determine how the atomic structure, composition, and activity of the electrocatalyst correlate to the EOR. Structure, bulk composition, morphology, and bonding of the electrocatalyst were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and RAMAN spectroscopy. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CA), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were employed to probe the electro-oxidation kinetics on the electrocatalyst's surface. During the EOR circumstances, the PtEu electrocatalysts showed a captivating composition-structure-activity relationship, consistent with the findings. Notably, all the physical and electrochemical analyses demonstrate that the bimetallic composition of the 84:16 electrocatalyst has shown higher EOR activity through a bifunctional mechanism. The results provide novel insights into the ethanol oxidation process over bimetallic alloy electrocatalysts, which is crucial for designing robust and efficient electrocatalysts for DEFC.

Modeling Influence of Aging and Rejuvenation Mechanisms on the Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Binder Fatigue Life through the Linear Amplitude Sweep Test

Modeling Influence of Aging and Rejuvenation Mechanisms on the Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Binder Fatigue Life through the Linear Amplitude Sweep Test

Investigation of the catalytic activity of trimetallic CuAgAu aerogels for the electrochemical reduction of CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; to CO

Given the growing demand for efficient catalysts in sustainable energy applications, this study investigates the structural characterization and catalytic activity of CuAgAu trimetallic aerogels synthesized via a sol-gel method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a porous network structure with uniformly dispersed trimetallic nanoparticles averaging 5-10 nm in size, which indicates a successful synthesis and nanostructure formation. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of a face-centered cubic structure, with distinct diffraction peaks observed at positions corresponding to the (111), (200), and (220) planes of Cu, Ag, and Au, respectively. These structural features are critical for understanding the crystalline nature and stability of the aerogels. The catalytic activity of CuAgAu aerogels for CO2 reduction was evaluated using linear sweep voltammetry, which showed notable enhancements in current densities at various applied potentials relative to the reversible hydrogen electrode. These findings indicate the aerogels’ effectiveness as catalysts for CO2 conversion. Furthermore, Faradaic efficiency measurements revealed a high selectivity in the conversion of CO2 to CO, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency of 85%, which suggests that the aerogels’ capability to efficiently utilize electrons in producing CO, as a valuable precursor in renewable energy and chemical synthesis applications. The combination of structural integrity, catalytic performance, and high selectivity positions CuAgAu aerogels as promising approach for sustainable energy technologies.

Fabrication of heterostructure multilayer devices through the optimization of Bi-metal sulfides for high-performance quantum dot-sensitized solar cells.

In this work, a titanium dioxide and lead sulfide (TiO2/PbS) nano-size heterostructure with tin sulfide was fabricated and coated via a two-step direct deposition process. Its microstructure, morphology, elemental composition, optical absorption, and photochemical activity were investigated. Linear sweep voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry curves substantiated its catalytic activity, indicating quantum dot effects of a well-developed space charge domain on the surface of the hybrid structure. These give rise to electron-hole recombination suppression and a high charge mobility rate. Moreover, direct stabilization was identified in current density, corresponding to the hybrid structures limiting the diffusion current process. Higher J SC values observed were substantiated by the role of quantum dot-size effects and enhanced crystalline structures, leading to a reduction in series resistance and an improved conversion efficiency of 10.05%. Overall, theoretical analyses and empirical findings indicated that the seamless migration of photoexcited electrons across the interfaces of SnS and PbS is linked to quantum dot effect synergy. This is facilitated by the space charge region, which serves as a conduit for efficient electron transfer between the respective materials.

Photoelectrochemical and Structural Insights of Electrodeposited CeO2 Photoanodes

Cerium dioxide (CeO2) is a promising material for photoelectrochemical applications, requiring a thorough understanding of the interplay between its properties and structure for optimal performance. This study investigated the photoelectrochemical performance of CeO2 photoanodes immobilized by electrodeposition on glass substrates, focusing on the correlation between the annealing temperature and structural, optical, and electrical changes. CeO2 coatings were obtained via chronoamperometry in an aqueous solution of 25 mM CeCl3 and 50 mM NaNO₃. The photoelectrochemical characterization included the evaluation of photoactivity, current density, stability, and recombination using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (CA). Charge transfer resistance, flat-band potential, and capacitance were assessed through impedance spectroscopy. The optimal annealing temperature for this material was found to be 600 °C as it resulted in the lowest charge transfer resistance and increased photocurrent, which was attributed to enhanced crystallinity and variations in the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio.

Non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of sarcosine in serum of prostate cancer patients by CoNiWBO/rGO nanocomposite

Selective and sensitive sarcosine detection is crucial due to its recent endorsement as a prostate cancer (PCa) biomarker in clinical diagnosis. The reduced graphene oxide-cobalt nickel tungsten boron oxides (CoNiWBO/rGO) nanocomposite is developed as a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for sarcosine detection in PCa patients’ serum. CoNiWBO/rGO is synthesized by the chemical reduction method via a one-pot reduction method followed by calcination at 500 °C under a nitrogen environment for 2 h and characterized by UV-Vis, XRD, TGA, and SEM. CoNiWBO/rGO is then deposited on a glassy carbon electrode, and sarcosine sensing parameters are optimized, including concentration and pH. This non-enzymatic sensor is employed to directly determine sarcosine in serum samples. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) are employed to monitor the electrochemical behavior where sarcosine binding leads to oxidation. Chronoamperometric studies show the stability of the developed sensor. The results demonstrate a wide linear range from 0.1 to 50 µM and low limits of detection, i.e., 0.04 µM and 0.07 µM using DPV and LSV respectivel. Moreover, the calculated recovery of sarcosine in human serum of prostate cancer patients is 78–96%. The developed electrochemical sensor for sarcosine detection can have potential applications in clinical diagnosis.

Biogenic synthesis of porous CuO nanoparticles: Synergistic effects in photocatalytic dye degradation and electrochemical energy storage applications

This study explores the biogenic synthesis of CuO nanoparticles functionalized with Solanum nigrum, using Acalypha indica leaf extract as a reducing agent. The biogenically synthesized CuO nanoparticles were comprehensively characterized by various analytical techniques, involves X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), BET surface area analysis (BET), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Visible spectral analysis (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), fluorescence spectroscopy, electrochemical analysis, and linear sweep voltammetry studies. The XRD analysis revealed end centered monoclinic phase with a 10 nm average crystalline size. BET analysis showed a mesoporous structure with a surface area of 11.54 m2/g. XPS and EDAX confirmed the presence of Cu2+ and O2− ions. SEM and TEM images indicated spherical, and porous nanostructures. UV–Visible spectroscopy identified an active optical range of 508–518 nm (2.40–2.45 eV), suggesting potential photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of Methylene blue (98.8 %) and Rhodamine B (95 %) were achieved after 100 min of irradiation. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Shigella flexneri, and Candida tropicalis. The nanoparticles exhibited notable cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells with IC50 values of 58.66 μg/ml. Additionally, a symmetric supercapacitor electrode using these nanoparticles achieved a specific capacitance of 375 Fg−1 at the current density of 1 Ag−1. This research underscores the versatile applications of biogenic CuO nanoparticles in photocatalysis, antimicrobial treatments, cancer therapy, and energy storage.