Methylene Blue Solution Research Articles

Single-Injection Composite Tracer Achieves Intraoperative Dual-Tracing and Precise Localization of Sentinel Lymph Nodes.

The use of dual-tracer contrast agents in clinical applications, such as sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification, offers significant advantages including enhanced accuracy, sensitivity, as well as comprehensive and multimodal visualization. In the current clinical practice, SLNs are typically marked prior to surgical resection by multiple and sequential injections of two tracers, the radioactive tracer and methylene blue (MB) dye. This imposes physical and psychological burden on patients and medical staff. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotags have emerged as promising SLN tracers due to their high sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we propose a novel single-injection composite tracer consisting of SERS nanotags and MB dye solution, to achieve the accurate intraoperative visualization and localization of SLNs. Laser excitation at the second near-infrared window (1064 nm) minimizes the MB fluorescence background interference, allowing the integration of SERS nanotags with MB solution to form the composite tracer, bridging two distinctive but complementary optical modalities. The feasibility of the composite tracer is demonstrated for SLN navigation on rabbit models. For the first time, we successfully visualize and localize multiple SLNs in the axilla of rhesus monkeys. Our study demonstrates the potential of combining MB with SERS nanotags for SLN navigation as the composite tracer, making a significant advancement toward the SLN biopsy in clinical applications.

AN EFFECT OF APICAL PREPARATION ON THE QUALITY OF ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

Relevance: The apical third of the root canal is difficult to access for high-quality endodontic treatment due to the complex anatomical and morphological structure of this area, which includes anastomoses, extra canals, apical deltas, various shapes of the apical foramen. Based on this, the accomplishment of suitable mechanical preparation of the apical part of the root canal remains one of the most complex and important tasks for successful endodontic treatment. Aim: to evaluate the impact of mechanical preparation of the lower third of the root canal on the quality of endodontic treatment. Materials and methods: 30 extracted teeth (incisors, premolars, molars), which root canals had been mechanical and medicamentous processing, were examined. All teeth were divided into two groups based on the extent of apical preparation: up to №25 and №50 according to ISO. The root canal obturation was done with the technique of vertical condensation of gutta-percha. The X-ray diagnostics was used to control the quality of obturation. Teeth from each group that met the inclusion criteria were placed in a solution of methylene blue. Then, transversal cuts were received with a separation disc. The degree of dye penetration into the dentin of the root canal was recorded on these cuts. Results: The study results demonstrated that the adhesion of the filling material to the walls of the root canal was significantly worse in the first group of teeth (apical enlargement up to 25/04), compared to the second group (apical enlargement to 50/04). Conclusion: The root canal enlargement only to №25 according to ISO is not enough for the complete removal of contaminated dentin and the accomplishment of high-quality obturation. The suitable mechanical preparation of the apical part with large sizes allows do more thorough irrigation of the root canal and subsequent obturation, which is a keystone for successful endodontic treatment.

Comparative performance of marking of small-diameter peripheral lung neoplasms by preoperative transthoracic use of methylene blue preparations and placement of an anchor marker system

The study compared marking of small-diameter peripheral lung neoplasms by preoperative transthoracic use of 1% aqueous methylene blue solution and placement of an anchor marker system. The study evaluated the results of treatment of 36 patients with pulmonary nodules, including 27 men and 9 women aged 52 to 76 years, who were examined and treated at the Surgical Clinic of the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy in 2020-2023. Marking of small-diameter peripheral lung neoplasms by transthoracic use of 1% aqueous methylene blue solution made possible to detect abnormalities and lesions and perform a biopsy in 73.3% of cases. The duration of the diagnostic procedures was 30 [20-40] minutes. No postoperative complications were reported. The mean length of stay in this group of patients was 8 [6; 12] patient days. Placement of an anchor marker system allowed detection and verification of lung lesions in 95% of cases. In addition, the duration of videothoracoscopic biopsies was also 30 [20-40] minutes. No complications or deaths were reported. The mean length of stay was 7 [5; 11] patient days. The use of anchor markers to label small peripheral pulmonary nodules in the preoperative phase has some significant advantages compared with dye injection techniques, such as shorter duration of lesion mapping (p = 0.046) and less manipulation complications (p = 0.04), as well as a higher frequency of lesion detection during minimally invasive procedures. When comparing various techniques for marking pulmonary lesions, it was found that mapping of small-diameter peripheral pulmonary infiltrates using anchor markers is characterized by high performance, greater safety, facilitates intraoperative navigation for biopsy of small-diameter peripheral pulmonary neoplasms, and is superior than transthoracic use of 1% aqueous methylene blue in terms of rates of detection of pulmonary nodules during minimally invasive procedures, duration of manipulation, and complication rates.

Effect of Glass Fiber Reinforcement on Marginal Microleakage in Class II Composite Restorations: An In Vitro Pilot Study.

Background: Polymerization shrinkage of composite resins affects the marginal closure of direct dental restorations. It is responsible for developing secondary caries and indirectly affects the survival rate of restorations. This study aims to investigate the null hypothesis, which states that there are no significant differences in the marginal microleakage of Class II restorations when examined in vitro using different dental adhesives, whether the restoration material used is a composite with glass fiber reinforcement or not. Methods: Class II cavities were prepared on both proximal surfaces of thirty-six extracted human molars. A single-component (Universal VivaPen) and a two-component (Futurabond DC) self-etch adhesive system were used for the restorations in the control group (Charisma Classic) and the experimental group (Charisma Classic with Interlig glass fiber strip). An oblique layering technique and a 40-s soft-start light-curing polymerization were used. After selective pre-isolation, the specimens were placed in a 0.2% methylene blue solution and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The teeth were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction, and two examiners examined and graded the extent of dye penetration. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: All the composite restorations reinforced with glass fiber showed significantly reduced dye infiltration compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was also observed between the two adhesives. Conclusions: The null hypothesis was rejected. Glass fiber strips significantly reduced composite restoration microleakage regardless of the adhesive. The marginal fit of the restoration was also influenced by the adhesive system used.

Green and Eco-Friendly Egg White–TiO2 Hydrogel with Enhanced Antimicrobial, Adsorptive, and Photocatalytic Properties

The design of multi-purpose decontaminants with environmentally friendly characteristics, low cost, and high efficiency in removing pollutants from the environment is an effective and economic strategy for maintaining the long-term development of the ecosystem. Based on the strategy of killing two birds with one stone, an egg white (EW)/TiO2 hydrogel with a porous structure is devised as a bio-adsorbent using waste eggs nearing their expiration date for simultaneously achieving the efficient removal of organic dyes and the inactivation of microorganisms from industrial wastewater. The characterizations of its morphology and composition using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory, energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) validate the successful synthesis of EW/TiO2. The maximum adsorption capacity of EW/TiO2 is 333.172 mg∙mL−1 according to the Langmuir model. The photodegradation of a methyl blue (MB) solution under irradiation via a xenon lamp is used to assess the photocatalytic behavior of EW/TiO2. Among the different samples, the 5 wt% TiO2-doped EW/TiO2 hydrogel shows an efficiency of 99% for 120 min of irradiation. Finally, the antibacterial properties of the EW/TiO2 hydrogel are evaluated by calculating its bacterial survival rate against Escherichia coli (E. coli). The EW/TiO2 photocatalyst exhibits a photocatalytic inactivation efficiency of 90.4%, indicating that the EW/TiO2 hydrogel possesses positive antibacterial activity via effectively inhibiting the growth of the bacteria, which is suitable for industrial wastewater treatment over a long period of time.

Application of nanocrystalline spinel MFe2O4, (M = Co and Cu) in waste water treatment

Abstract Transition metal spinel ferrites MFe2O4 (M = Cu and Co) were successfully synthesized following the co-precipitation method and their structural, optical, photocatalytic, antimicrobial and toxicity properties have been studied. The characterization of the title compound has been carried out using XRD, SEM, EDS, FT-IR and UV spectroscopy. The XRD studies confirmed a cubic spinel structure with the Fd-3m space group and CuFe2O4 and CoFe2O4 exist in the nanocrystalline size of 43 nm and 17 nm, respectively. The SEM images revealed the agglomerated nature of the ferrite nanoparticles, and the EDAX spectrum confirmed the elemental compositions of the samples and their purity. The FT-IR spectra indicated the presence of metal–oxygen stretching bands. The ferrite samples demonstrated photocatalytic activity in the visible region, as assessed by the degradation of methylene blue (MB), in an aqueous solution under visible irradiation. After 105 minutes, CuFe2O4 and CoFe2O4 catalysts exhibited degradation of 72% and 56% for the MB solution. Through broth dilution, MFe2O4 (M=Cu and Co) nanoparticles were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity using S. aureus and E. coli, as well as gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Studies indicated that CoFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibit better antibacterial activity when compared to CuFe2O4. However, the antifungal activity study indicated that CuFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibit better antifungal activity when compared to CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The toxicity of the nanomaterials was tested by mixing MFe2O4 (M = Cu and Co) with food and administering it orally to Drosophila melanogaster. The results indicated that the functionalized CuFe2O4 nanoparticles are non-toxic for the living organisms. Hence, optimized NCs have the potential for degrading dyes from polluted water as well as acting as antimicrobial agents by rupturing the cells of pathogens. They have potential applications in both environmental safety and biomedicine.&amp;#xD;

COMPARISON OF NITROGEN-DOPED PHOTOCATALYTIC SURFACES SYNTHESIZED BY PVD AND SOL-GEL METHODS

The aim of this study was to produce photocatalytic TiO2–xNx coatings that can be active in visible light using different methods. Physical vapour deposition (PVD) and sol-gel methods were preferred for these coatings. Thin films were synthesized by dip coating on a glass substrate using the sol-gel method. In addition, thin glass film coatings were obtained by applying an arc for one minute to the glass films using the PVD method. Since the coating phase is important in terms of photoactivity, a phase analysis was performed using XRD. The obtained surfaces will be used in antibacterial applications. Therefore, the thickness of the coatings was determined with the X-Ray refraction method, and their optical band gap was measured. Based on these values, it was observed that nitrogen has a reducing effect on the optical band gap in titanium oxide-based coatings. The aim of nitrogen doping was to enhance photoactivity by adding an additional band between the valence band and conduction band of a photocatalytic surface. After these experiments using rhodamine-B and methylene blue solutions, specimens’ photocatalytic effects under fluorescent, sun and UV light were tested. It was determined that nitrogen’s decreasing effect on the optical band gap results in increased photoactivity with both PVD and sol-gel techniques. In addition, it was found that the coatings made with PVD exhibited a more controlled structure in a shorter time, while the production of sol-gel coatings was a much cheaper method, with low investment costs.

Comparative Evaluation of Crack Propagation During Root Canal Preparation in Primary Molar with Manual Instrumentation, ProTaper Universal and ProTaper Next Rotary File Systems: An in vitro Study.

Root canal preparation with rotary files causes dentinal cracks in root canals of primary teeth affecting their longevity. Nickel-titanium rotary files have been widely used for root canal preparation in primary teeth. The present study compared occurrence of dentinal microcracks in root canals of extracted primary molar teeth prepared using Hedstrom (H) files, ProTaper Universal rotary files, and ProTaper Next rotary file systems. In this in vitro experimental study, 80 primary molar mesial root canals were randomly divided into four groups of 20 canals each (n=20). Group I was prepared with H files. Group II was prepared with ProTaper Universal rotary files using shaping files SX and S2. Group III was instrumented with ProTaper Next rotary files X1 and X2 while Group IV was left unprepared and served as control. Roots were stained with 1% methylene blue solution and sectioned perpendicular to the long axis at 2mm, 4mm, and 6mm from the apical foramen. Slices obtained were examined under the stereomicroscope. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using chi square tests. Dentinal microcracks were observed in groups prepared using H files, ProTaper Universal, and ProTaper Next rotary files. Highest percentage of cracked root canals (20%) was seen in Group I, prepared by H files. These cracks were complete in nature, found in apical sections and statistically significant (p= 0.016). Group III prepared with ProTaper Next showed 10% dentinal cracks, followed by ProTaper Universal group with 5% cracked root canals. H files may be considered more aggressive at apical third due to complete cracks produced.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue by Engineering Tungstic Acid@ZIF‐67 Cocatalyst

AbstractThe zeolitic imidazolate frameworks have gained significant attention in various applications owing to their exceptional surface area, customizable porosity, and excellent thermal and chemical stability, making them a remarkable nanomaterial. The present study involved the utilization of ultrasonic‐assisted techniques to integrate tungstic acid into the zeolitic imidazolate framework (TA@ZIF‐67) with the aim of augmenting the photocatalytic activity. The as‐synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic analysis to inspect the structural aspects and morphology. The reduction in particle size of TA@ZIF‐67 due to the incorporation of tungstic acid results in a higher surface area, leading to a significant improvement in the photocatalytic activity of ZIF‐67. The assessment of the photocatalytic performance of ZIF‐67 and TA@ZIF‐67 was conducted through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under sunlight. The degradation efficiency of ZIF‐67 and TA@ZIF‐67 was observed to be 61% and 85%, respectively, of the MB solution following a 60 min irradiation period. The investigation of the kinetics study based on rate constant values revealed that the utilization of TA@ZIF‐67 presented a greater efficiency in the removal of MB from an aqueous solution. The results pave a new avenue toward the design of MOF‐based photocatalysts for water treatments.

Acryloyl starch/carboxymethyl cellulose grafting copolymerization composite hydrogel for efficient adsorption of methylene blue

Abstract An efficient composite adsorbent was prepared based on acryloyl starch/carboxymethyl cellulose grafting copolymerization for the adsorptive removal of methylene blue. The developed composite hydrogels were characterized by means of FTIR, SEM (EDS-SEM), and XRD. Various parameters affecting the removal of methylene blue such as the type of adsorbents, pHs, the amount of adsorbents dosage, initial methylene blue concentration, and contact time were optimized using a series of batch adsorption experiments. The experimental data of the adsorption process were more fitted to Langmuir isotherm (R 2 = 0.9898) with a maximum adsorption capacity of 483.5 mg/g and batch kinetic experiments revealed that the adsorption process followed quasi-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption process was rapid and equilibrium was reached within 30 min. When the adsorption dosage is 0.2 g L−1, the adsorption yield for 100 mg L−1 methylene blue solution can reach 96.7 %. Therefore, acryloyl starch/carboxymethyl cellulose grafting copolymerization composite hydrogel present excellent adsorption efficiency, shows the potential application in future treatment of dyes wastewater.

Copper oxide nanoparticles-decorated cellulose acetate: Eco-friendly catalysts for reduction of toxic organic dyes in aqueous media

In this study, we aimed to gain insight into the potential of catalytic reduction using copper oxide nanoparticles decorated cellulose acetate as a biosupport (CuxO@CA) for the removal of specific pollutants. The prepared catalyst was submitted to a series of spectroscopy techniques for characterization purposes. The results of the catalytic tests on methylene orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) solutions suggest that the elimination efficiency may be influenced by several factors, including the catalyst dose and the concentration of the pollutant. Kinetic studies were also carried out, and the value of the rate constant Kapp derived from the pseudo-first-order kinetics was found to be highest for the prepared catalyst in a very short reaction time. The CuxO@CA catalyst was tested on a combination of MO/MB dyes, and the results indicated that it exhibited the highest catalytic activity in reducing and degrading these organic dyes in aqueous solutions, which is an encouraging outcome. Furthermore, the prepared catalyst demonstrated promising catalytic performance and exhibited the potential for recycling multiple times without significant loss of activity, which could be advantageous for large-scale production and practical use in water treatment.

Microleakage of luting cements in CAD/CAM pediatric zirconia crowns: an in vitro study

The durability of pediatric zirconia crowns for primary teeth is influenced by the choice of luting cement, with the effectiveness of the cement being directly correlated to its ability to reduce microleakage. This in vitro study aimed to assess and compare the microleakage of custom-made zirconia crowns (CZCs) and prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZCs) on primary maxillary incisors when luted with self-adhesive resin cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and bioactive cement. Sixty primary maxillary incisors were prepared and allocated into two groups, each corresponding to the two types of crowns. These groups were further divided into three subgroups each to test the different luting cements. Following the cementation process and thermocycling, the specimens were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution for microleakage evaluation. The analysis involved sectioning the teeth and examining them under a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis, using two-way ANOVA and post hoc Dunnett T3 tests (p < 0.05), revealed significant differences in microleakage among the cements. The study found that PZCs luted with RMGIC showed the highest level of microleakage, whereas those luted with bioactive cement exhibited the lowest, positioning bioactive cement as the preferable choice for minimizing microleakage. This finding illustrates the critical importance of selecting appropriate luting cements to optimize the clinical outcomes of zirconia crown restorations in pediatric dentistry, focusing on reducing microleakage to ensure the restoration’s durability and success.

Solid phase extraction-diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy method for the detection of low concentrations of methylene blue pigment in aqueous matrices using MCM-41

The efficiency and high sensitivity of the combination between solid phase extraction (SPE) with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) as a method for the monitoring of emerging contaminants (ECs) in water, was evaluated and optimized through the detection of aqueous methylene blue (MB) at low concentrations using MCM-41 as solid active phase. Through the sol–gel route and post-synthetic treatments three mesoporous ordered silica with MCM-41 pores arrangement were synthesized and deeply characterized in order to determine the physicochemical properties of the mesoporous solid phases. One has silanol surface groups while the others feature a mixture of aminopropyl/silanol or methyl/silanol surface moieties. The batch separation experiments at pH = 7.0 ± 0.2 showed that the pristine and methylated MCM-41 solid phases had the highest affinities toward MB with removal efficiencies greater than 99 % for these samples, while the aminopropyl-modified MCM-41 retained only 32.5 %. MB detection by DRIFTS was done through the appearance of the absorption bands at 1488, 1390 and 1337 cm−1 associated with C–H and CS+ bending vibrations, with a limit of detection of 0.10 % w/w MB/MCM-41. When applied the SPE-DRIFTS method the necessary w/w ratio (0.10 %) was reached when a distilled water MB solution of 0.01 mg/L was passed through the SPE cartridge filled with 50 mg of MCM-41 and using a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. The MB detection limit was successfully evaluated in a real water sample extracted to from río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina. The method presented here features the advantage of avoiding the use of expensive and toxic solvents as well as extra handling steps which could interfere with the detection process. The findings here reported suggest great potential of MCM-41-based SPE step prior to DRIFTS for ECs detection.

Adsorption efficiency and photocatalytic activity of silver sulphide-activated carbon (Ag2S-AC) composites

BackgroundThis study investigates the adsorption efficiency and photocatalytic activity of silver sulphide-activated carbon (Ag2S-AC) composites derived from ground coffee waste (GCW). MethodsIn this work, GCW was preceding to carbonized at 500 ± 2°C for hours and formed biochar. Then, GCW was subjected to activation using hydrochloric acid (HCl), phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). The mixture was left to soak for 24 h at room temperature, followed by carbonization at 350 and 500˚C. In the meantime, the silver sulphide (Ag2S) was synthesized by using an ion exchange method. Sodium sulphide (Na2S) was used as sulphur source and mixed with silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sodium citrate (NaCit) for two hours, then dried in oven at 50 ± 2°C for 10 h. Next, the carbonized AC was subsequently combined with synthesized silver sulphide, resulting in the creation of Ag2S-activated carbon composites that functioned both as adsorbent and photocatalyst. Their capabilities as adsorbents and photocatalyst were studied by using copper ions (Cu2+) and methylene blue (MB) solution. Significance findingsBased on results, GCW and all the prepared activated carbons are in the amorphous phase, except for the Ag2S-AC composites, where the Ag2S peak reflection can be observed from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. GCW shows rough and dense surface morphology. The AC shows different pore sizes and structures depending on the chemical activators used, where AC-KOH shows the largest pore size (165.31 μm). The existence of micropores can be observed in all the activated carbon samples. For the adsorption of Cu2+, all samples show more than 99 % of the removal efficiency. While for photocatalytic testing, the Ag2S-H3PO4 sample shows the highest degradation rate (97.7 %) of MB solutions.

Removal of methylene blue from dye wastewater by cattail leaf-based porous carbon materials

ABSTRACT In this work, cattail leaf-based porous carbon materials (KCL-800-2 and PCL-500-2) with high specific surface were prepared from cattail leaf powder. The structure and morphology of cattail leaf-based porous carbon materials were characterized using SEM and BET. The results showed that the cattail leaf-based porous carbon materials have well-developed pore structure. The highest adsorption capacity of KCL (199.995 mg·g−1) was obtained with an alkaline-carbon ratio of 4:1, an activation temperature of 800°C and an activation time of 2 h. The highest adsorption capacity of PCL (92.0675 mg·g−1) was obtained with a phosphoric acid-carbon ratio of 2:1, an activation temperature of 500°C and an activation time of 2 h. The conditions for the adsorption of methylene blue on the KCL-800-2 and PCL-500-2 were investigated by a one-factor test. The optimization of the adsorption of methylene blue by KCL-800-2 and PCL-500-2 was carried out by a one-way test, and the results showed that the optimal adsorption conditions were temperature 298.15 K, PH 7, adsorption time 12 h, adsorbent dosage of 15, 20 mg, and the initial concentration of MB solution of 100 mg·L−1, 50 mg·L−1, and the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent under the conditions reached 127.3337 mg·g−1, 44.9886 mg·g−1 and 44.9886 mg·g−1, respectively. 44.9886 mg·g−1, respectively. The adsorption data of KCL-800-2 and PCL-500-2 on methylene blue (MB) fitted well with the Langmuir isothermal model and pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption process was a spontaneous, heat-absorbing entropy, monomolecular layer adsorption process.

Preparation of TiO2 hybrid SiO2 wall environment-friendly microcapsules based on interfacial polycondensation: Realize the integration of self-cleaning and self-healing functions

The purpose of this study is to extend the service life of decorative coating by repairing micro-cracks with self-healing microcapsules, while giving them hydrophobic self-cleaning and photocatalytic self-cleaning functions. The interfacial polycondensation approach was employed to synthesize TiO2/SiO2 hybrid microcapsules with self-cleaning and self-repairing capabilities. These microcapsules were made by employing TiO2 as the photocatalyst hybrid SiO2 wall material and linseed oil as the core material. The attributes of the microcapsules, including their particle characteristics, micromorphology, chemical structure, thermal stability, and self-cleaning properties, were evaluated. Additionally, the impacts of self-cleaning and self-repairing on coatings were also examined. The findings indicate that the microcapsules possess a rough surface, excellent sphericity, separation, and thermal stability, as well as a distinct core-shell structure. Moreover, the hybrid microcapsules exhibit a disintegration rate of over 70.0 % towards the 10.0 mg/L methylene blue solution. The contact angle can be augmented to 131.3°. At a microcapsule concentration of 20.0 % in the coating, the degradation rate of methylene blue is 44.4 %, the self-repairing rate of microcracks is as high as 58.7 %, and the contact angle measures 91.2°.

Highly Efficient Porous Glass Solar Water Evaporator

AbstractThe global water crisis, exacerbated by excessive use and pollution, has resulted in energy scarcity and threats. Solar desalination provides a sustainable fix, with researchers developing photothermal materials and designs to improve efficiency and sustainability. Glass materials, with their exceptional chemical stability, are suitable for extreme desalination in acidic and alkaline conditions. In this work, we have developed a porous glass evaporator (PGE) with exceptional water evaporation efficiency, achieved through a novel fabrication method that blends glass powders with soluble salts to create structure with continuous pores. The evaporator's microstructure comprises micrometer‐scale pores that form interconnected porous channels, facilitating efficient water transport and preventing salt deposition. Under one sun irradiation, the PGE exhibits superior solar evaporation performance in pure water, achieving a rate of 2.21 kg m−2 h−1, with an evaporation efficiency of 98%. In more complex media, such as seawater and methylene blue solution, the PGE also displays excellent evaporation capabilities, reaching rates of 2.08 and 2.47 kg m−2 h−1, respectively. Even after sustained alternation between acidic and alkaline treatments, the PGE retains an impressive evaporation rate of over 2.0 kg m−2 h−1, coupled with structural robustness, making it a promising candidate for practical applications in extreme environments.

Nanostructure of TiO\(_{2}\) and WO\(_{3}\) multilayer films deposited on ITO glass for electrochromic enhanced photocatalytic activity

The photocatalytic activity (PA) by electrochromic (EC) enhancement of single and multilayer films of TiO2, WO3, TiO2/WO3, and WO3/TiO2 was investigated. All films were deposited from metal on an ITO glass substrate using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering via an oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique at 85°. Subsequently, a thermal oxidation (TO) process at 500℃ was applied for the samples to form metal oxide films. The morphology, elemental composition, crystal structure, and optical properties were studied by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and UV-vis spectroscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic properties were investigated by showing the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) solution as an organic pollutant that was examined under ultraviolet irradiation of 300 µW∙cm‒2. The film samples were investigated by comparing the pre-color and colored states that were achieved through the EC process. The EC properties of WO3 led to increased charge insertion on the film surface. This observation was further supported by cyclic voltammetry (CV) testing, which revealed a higher current density for the thin film samples. The photodegradation results showed that the samples in the colored state exhibited a significantly higher degradation rate of MB compared to the pre-color state.

Fe3C@Fe decorated carbonized wood Fiber catalyst for organic dyes degradation: Preparation, characterization and mechanism

The extensive use of organic dyes has led to significant water pollution. Using lignocellulosic waste as a precursor for catalysts preparation for sewage remediation presents an effective alternative with numerous advantages in sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility. In this work, wood fiber waste collected from wood processing plants was decorated with Prussian blue (PB) and then annealed to produce carbonized wood fiber catalyst (Fe3C@Fe-CB). In the presence of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), the prepared catalyst could achieve over 98.69 % efficiency in degrading methylene blue (MB) solutions (20 mg/L) in 60 min across a pH range of 3 to 11. Electrochemical test and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis respectively verified that electron transfer pathway and radical pathway were the key factors for the degradation of MB. Cyclic degradation tests demonstrated that the degradation efficiency remained above 93.67 % after five recycling experiments. Moreover, the used magnetic catalyst can be easily recycled by magnet. This study proposed a facile and sustainable carbonized wood fiber catalyst decorated by Fe3C@Fe-CB, which could realize efficient elimination of organic dyes. Moreover, we offered a novel choice for dyes-polluted water treatment and paving a new route for converting low-value lignocellulosic waste to high-value utilizations.

Fabrication and separation performances of composite membranes containing copper ferrite photocatalysts on graphene oxide nanosheets

An innovative approach thatintegrates photocatalysis, adsorption, and membrane separation processes was presented to degrade pollutants simultaneously during the filtration process. Firstly, a one-pot method was employed to prepare 3D graphene oxide/carbon quantum dot/copper ferrite (G/CFQ) photocatalysts. Then, the M−G/CFQ membrane was fabricated by intercalating 3D G/CFQ photocatalysts between 2D graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets using a negative pressure filtration technique. The time-dependent flux and MB residual rate results revealed that the M−G/CFQ membrane exhibited superior photocatalytic capabilities, particularly in alkaline environments. Furthermore, M−G/CFQ, when used without reaching adsorption saturation and under illumination, displayed outstanding long-term operational catalytic degradation capabilities. For a 5 ppm methylene blue (MB) solution at pH of 7, 10, and 12, the filtrate residue rates were only 8.63 %, 4.44 %, and 1.61 % respectively within 6 h. The versatility, stability, and exceptional properties of M−G/CFQ make it a promising candidate for large-scale water treatment applications, contributing significantly to the conservation of clean water resources and environmental sustainability.