Agglomeration Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Manipulating the interfacial integration mode of a bio-templated porous ZSM-5 platform with an Au/CuZnOx catalyst for enhanced efficiency and recycling stability in glycerol conversion to 1,3-dihydroxyacetone.

Despite the potential to significantly enhance the economic viability of biomass-based platforms through the selective conversion of glycerol to 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a formidable challenge persists in simultaneously achieving high catalytic activity and stability along this reaction pathway. Herein, we have devised a strategic approach to manipulate the interfacial integration within composite catalysts to address the performance trade-off. Through the modulation of the composite process involving a bio-templated porous ZSM-5 zeolite platform (bZ) and an Au/CuZnOx catalyst, three distinct interfacial bonding modes were achieved: physical milling, encapsulation by zeolite, and in situ growth on zeolite. The catalyst prepared via the physical milling mode (denoted as Au/CuZnOx@bZ) demonstrated remarkable catalytic efficiency with a glycerol conversion rate of 93% and a DHA selectivity of 86%. In particular, Au/CuZnOx@bZ maintained over 72% of glycerol conversion and DHA selectivity even after five cycles, exhibiting superior stability that surpasses the majority of current catalysts. The differences in interfacial integration modes play a crucial role in regulating the surface Au+ content and the reduction temperatures of the catalysts and minimizing Au nanoparticle agglomeration during cycling, as confirmed by comprehensive characterization and experimental analyses.

Enhanced mechanical, thermal, barrier, and antibacterial properties of polypropylene nanocomposites reinforced with nano‐silver carbon black

AbstractThis study investigates the incorporation of nano‐silver carbon black (AgCB) into polypropylene (PP) to develop nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical, thermal, barrier, and antibacterial properties. AgCB, synthesized with a carbon black‐to‐silver ratio of 19:1, was incorporated into PP at 0.5–5 wt% via melt blending. At 1 wt%, AgCB improved tensile strength by 21.5%, enhanced thermal stability, and reduced water vapor and oxygen permeability, achieving optimal performance with uniform dispersion. With increasing AgCB content, antibacterial activity improved significantly, achieving a sterilization rate exceeding 99.7%, although higher concentrations led to agglomeration, reducing mechanical and barrier performance. The dual function of AgCB as a nucleating agent and functional additive was demonstrated through DSC, WAXRD, and antibacterial tests. This work highlights the potential of AgCB as a cost‐effective filler for PP composites, suitable for applications requiring enhanced durability, barrier properties, and antimicrobial efficacy.Highlights Nano‐silver carbon black improves PP crystallinity and barrier performance. Optimal 1 wt% AgCB enhances PP's tensile strength and thermal stability. AgCB creates tortuous pathways, reducing water vapor and oxygen permeability. Low‐cost AgCB (CB:Ag = 19:1) achieves strong antibacterial activity (>99% efficacy). AgCB mitigates nanoparticle agglomeration, enhancing filler dispersion in PP.

Metal-organic cage crosslinked nanocomposites with enhanced high-temperature capacitive energy storage performance

Polymer dielectric materials are widely used in electrical and electronic systems, and there have been increasing demands on their dielectric properties at high temperatures. Incorporating inorganic nanoparticles into polymers is an effective approach to improving their dielectric properties. However, the agglomeration of inorganic nanoparticles and the destabilization of the organic-inorganic interface at high temperatures have limited the development of nanocomposites toward large-scale industrial production. In this work, we synthesize metal-organic cage crosslinked nanocomposites by incorporating self-assembled metal-organic cages with amino reaction sites into the polyetherimide matrix. The in-situ crosslinking by self-assembled metal-organic cages not only achieves a homogeneous distribution of inorganic components, but also constructs robust organic-inorganic interfaces, which avoids the interfacial losses of conventional nanocomposites and improves the breakdown strength at elevated temperatures. Ultimately, the developed nanocomposites exhibit exceptionally high energy densities of 7.53 J cm−3 (150 °C) and 4.55 J cm−3 (200 °C) with charge-discharge efficiency of 90%.

Biochars-inlaided nano zero-valent iron reactors: A tool for visualized analysis of soil-nanomaterials micro-interfacial interaction in soil remediation process.

It is a great challenge to depict the evolution process of soil-nanomaterials micro-interfaces during soil remediation. A novel biochar loaded nano zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) reactor with low density, high reactivity and suitable magnetism was prepared using the method we established. Fe0 nanoparticles (NPs) with the size <10nm uniformly embedded in a layer of porous carbon networks, which attached firmly in the pores and outer surface of biochars. The BC-nZVI reactors efficiently degraded and mineralized pentachlorophenol (PCP) in soil in a wide pH range within 72h at room temperature. BC-nZVI were easily collected from soil using sieving method or floating technology followed with magnetic separation. The evolution of interfacial properties of BC-nZVI was measured using XPS, Raman spectroscopy, XRD and SEM-EDS. Even supported by BCs, aggregation and oxidation of Fe NPs inevitably took place on the outer surface of BC-nZVI in PCP remediation process. For BC-nZVIFeSO4 prepared via traditional impregnation and carbothermal method, severe agglomeration and various aging products of Fe NPs were seen in the pores as well. Due to the protection of porous carbon networks, Fe NPs aggregation was greatly mitigated in the pores of BC-nZVI and the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio on BC-nZVI surface was still as high as the fresh one. Meanwhile, about 10-20% of carbon matrix was oxidized and turned into amorphous carbon. The Fe NPs corrosion products, broken carbon phase, and K+ of BC-nZVI reactors were released into soil and had little effect or even enhanced the soil bacterial community diversity and biomass. However, the BC-nZVI itself showed certain adverse effect to soil microbes.

Enhanced catalytic transfer hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol using formaldehyde: MnO2-supported Ag nanohybrids with tuned d-band structure.

The catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol (4-NP) to p-aminophenol (4-AP) is important in fine chemical synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical, dye, and agrochemical industries. Sustainable methods are increasingly prioritized in these fields. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) using formaldehyde (HCHO) as a hydrogen donor presents a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative due to its low-toxicity by-products and ease of handling. In this study, we developed manganese dioxide (MnO2)-supported silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) as an efficient catalyst for the CTH of 4-NP using HCHO. The MnO2 support prevents the agglomeration of Ag NPs and acts as an electron-acceptor matrix, enhancing the adsorption and activation of HCHO and facilitating the formation of active hydrogen (H*). Structural characterization and density functional theory (DFT) simulations confirmed electron transfer from Ag to MnO2 in the Ag/MnO2 nanohybrids, driven by their distinct work functions. This electron transfer results in a depletion of electrons in the Ag 4d orbitals, shifting its valence configuration from 4d10 to 4d10-x, creating electron-deficient Ag sites that promote HCHO activation, thereby improving the CTH process. The optimized 15% Ag/MnO2 catalyst demonstrated enhanced catalytic hydrogenation of 4-NP with HCHO, achieving a turnover frequency of 3.83min-1. This study highlights the potential of Ag-based nanohybrids in improving catalytic performance for HCHO-assisted CTH by tuning the d-band structure with suitable oxide supports.

Pb-free metal oxide-based epoxy resin nanocomposites for radiation protection: Physical evaluation analysis approach.

Exposure to mid-energy radiation poses significant health risks, necessitating the development of effective shielding materials. Traditional lead-based shields, while effective, have significant drawbacks including toxicity and environmental concerns. This study investigates the potential of lead-free epoxy resin nanocomposites, incorporating bismuth oxide, nickel oxide, and cerium oxide, for mid-energy radiation protection. Nanocomposites were fabricated using an open mold casting technique, and their physical properties were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. Further morphological analysis was conducted using a compound microscope and image processing software, ImageJ, to investigate the distribution of the particles on the polymer matrix. The radiation shielding effectiveness of the composites was evaluated using Na-22, Cs-137, and Mn-54 gamma sources in a gamma spectroscopy setup in Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. The results revealed that pure epoxy resin exhibited higher attenuation coefficients compared to the modified composites, primarily due to the challenges in achieving uniform dispersion of metal oxides within the polymer matrix. Agglomeration of nickel oxide nanoparticles was particularly noted, leading to reduced shielding performance. Average mass attenuation coefficients obtained in this experimental setup reached up to 0.08-0.1 cm2/g for energy range 500-900 keV. Radiation protection efficiency (RPE) measurements indicated that pure epoxy resin achieved an RPE of approximately 6% across different sources, highlighting its potential for practical applications in medical imaging, industrial radiography, environmental monitoring, and nuclear power plants. This study underscores the importance of nanoparticle dispersion and provides insights into the development of lightweight, lead-free, and efficient radiation shielding materials. Future work should focus on optimizing synthesis methods to improve homogeneity and radiation protection efficacy of polymer-based composites.

“Grafting to” Rubber Composite for Elastic Dielectric Material

AbstractIn addition to traditional rubber applications, 1,4‐cis‐polyisoprene (cis‐PI) has been utilized in wearable electronics. While synthetic PI typically exhibits lower durability compared to natural rubber (NR), high‐molecular‐weight cis‐PI compensates by offering improved mechanical properties and chemical resistance. The group proposes using a commercial cis‐PI with high molecular weight of 250 000 g mol−1 (PI250K‐C) grafted onto modified nanoparticle structures including silicon dioxide (mSiO2), rutile titanium dioxide (mRTiO2), and anatase titanium dioxide (mATiO2) as an insulator in organic field effect transistors (OFETs) due to its naturally low dielectric constant. The nanoparticles are pretreated with a coupling agent to improve adhesion and prevent aggregation. Rubber composite films, designated X%‐mY‐PI250K‐C (where X = 10, 20, 30% and Y = mSiO2, mRTiO2, mATiO2), are fabricated using sulfur vulcanization. The modified films demonstrate excellent mechanical stress (1.15 ± 0.1 MPa) and elasticity, enduring 50 loading–unloading cycles without residual strain. In contrast, rubber composites produced from simple blending show half the mechanical stress at 0.7 ± 0.3 MPa, which is attributed to nanoparticle agglomeration observed in SEM and EDX results. Additionally, mRTiO2 nanoparticles significantly increase the dielectric constant of PI250K‐C from 2.12 to 12.93, enhancing electrical performance for TFT applications. This study underscores the effectiveness of the “grafting to” approach for producing robust rubber composites, highlighting the importance of nanoparticle selection and fabrication precision for stretchable organic electronics.

Wet chemical synthesis of nanohydroxyapatite within poly(sodium sulfonated butylene fumarate‐co‐acrylic acid) as bone scaffold: effects of sulfonate and carboxylic acid groups

AbstractThis study investigates the synthesis, nucleation and modification of biodegradable poly(sodium sulfonated butylene fumarate‐co‐acrylic acid)/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, with a focus on the effects of incorporating hydrophilic sulfonate and carboxylic acid groups. Poly(butylene fumarate) was sulfonated at varying degrees and used to form nanocomposites through in situ nucleation of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) in a simulated body fluid solution. Critical parameters such as water absorption, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, nanoparticle dispersion and biocompatibility were evaluated. Water uptake ratios ranged from 2.72 to 6.88 g g−1, while compressive modulus values increased up to 25.9 times compared with the corresponding homopolymers, demonstrating improved mechanical stability. Despite the formation of over 80% nanoparticles, well‐distributed nHA, with sizes averaging 39 ± 13 nm, was achieved through the incorporation of sulfonated groups, preventing nanoparticle agglomeration within the scaffold matrix. Additionally, the scaffolds supported human dermal fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, with cell viability remaining high throughout the culture period. These results suggest that the developed nanocomposite scaffolds offer enhanced biocompatibility, mechanical strength and osteogenic potential, making them promising candidates for bone tissue regeneration applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Thermal Performance of Selected Nanofluids in Combination with Heat Transfer Inserts

Two methods of heat transfer enhancement that have received considerable interest in recent years are nanofluids and heat transfer inserts. Comparatively few studies have evaluated the performance of systems with heat transfer inserts and nanofluids used in combination. In this study, heat transfer enhancement effects of alumina/water (Al2O3/H2O), copper oxide/cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide/water (CuO/H2O/CTAB), and activated carbon/arabinogalactan/water (C/H2O/ARB) nanofluids both with and without hiTRAN® inserts were investigated using double-pipe heat exchangers in a customized experimental rig. The increase in heat transfer rates due to the nanoparticles (1% by mass of the nanofluids) was comparable in magnitude to the increase observed for the inserts without nanoparticles (i.e. water only), however, the friction factors of the inserts in water were considerably higher than for the nanofluids. The effects of the two heat transfer enhancement methods appeared to be additive when inserts were used in conjunction with nanoparticles. Of the three nanofluids the C/H2O/CTAB nanofluid had the best thermal enhancement assessed using the most commonly applied enhancement index, both with and without inserts. Due to agglomeration of nanoparticles, particularly for the Al2O3/H2O nanofluid that did not have a surfactant, the nanofluids were much less practical to deal with than the inserts.

Preparation of manganese-doped carbon quantum dots@halloysite nanotube composites films for advanced UV shielding properties.

The development of ultraviolet (UV) shielding materials is of great importance to protect human health and prevent the degradation of organic matter. However, the synthesis of highly efficient UV shielding polymer nanocomposites is currently limited by the agglomeration of inorganic anti-UV nanoparticles (NPs) within the polymer matrix and the limited absorption spectrum of UV shielding agents. In this study, highly effective manganese doped carbon quantum dots@halloysite nanotube composites (Mn-CDs@HNTs/PAS) were successfully synthesized by loading manganese-doped carbon quantum dots (Mn-CDs) into UV shielding effective halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) via the solvothermal method, followed by polymerization modification (PAS). The results show that inorganic NPs are evenly dispersed into the polymer matrix. The resulting UV shielding film prepared by mixing Mn-CDs@HNTs/PAS composites with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shows enhanced UV absorption and thermal stability compared with pure PVC film. It thus appears that Mn-CDs@HNTs/PAS composites have a promising future in UV protection.

Fabrication of 3D Functional Nanocomposites Through Post-Doping of Two-Photon Microprinted Nanoporous Architectures.

Two-photon lithography (TPL) enables the fabrication of complex 3D structures with sub-micrometer precision. Incorporation of new functionalities into TPL-printed structures is key to advance their applications. A prevalent approach to achieve this is by directly adding functional nanomaterials into the photoresist (called "pre-doping"), which has several inherent challenges including material compatibility, light scattering, and nanoparticle agglomeration. Here, a conceptually different "post-doping" strategy is proposed, where the functionality of the TPL-printed architectures is achieved by impregnating functional materials into their nanoporous 3D mimics. Using the principle of polymerization-induced phase separation, TPL printing of complex microarchitectures with well-defined nanoporous structures having pores of ≈420nm is realized, which allows spontaneous impregnation of functional liquids via capillary effect. Importantly, unlike the "pre-doping" approach that requires printing optimization for each photoresist, this strategy is highly versatile in terms of functionalities possible. As a proof-of-concept, the impregnation of several functional liquids into TPL-printed porous microstructures is demonstrated: a fluorinated-lubricant, an ionic liquid, and three types of fluorescent liquids, conferring the microstructures with slippery, conductive, and localized fluorescence properties, respectively. Such versatility to fabricate complex microstructures with tailorable and localized functionalities is expected to open new possibilities in wide fields including bionics, electronics, and cell biology.

A 3D Carbon Architecture Encapsulation Strategy for Boosting the Performance of Nickel Disulfide as an Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Nickel disulfide (NiS2) nanoparticles are encapsulated within nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon nanosheets, which are grown onto carbon nanofibers to form an array structure (NiS2/C@CNF), resulting in a self-supporting film. This encapsulated structure not only prevents the agglomeration of NiS2 nanoparticles, but also memorably buffers its volume changes during charge/discharge cycles, thereby maintaining structural integrity. The nitrogen and sulfur co-doping enhances electronic conductivity and facilitates the faster ion transport of the carbon backbone, improving the low conductivity of the NiS2/C@CNF anodes. Consequently, the NiS2/C@CNF electrode exhibits a remarkable rate ability, reaching 55.4% of its capacity at 5 A g-1 compared to that at 0.1 A g-1, alongside an impressive cycling stability, with 89.9% capacity retention over 1500 cycles at 2 A g-1. This work underscores the efficacy of the 3D carbon backbone encapsulation strategy for enhancing the sodium storage property of transition metal-based anodes.

Biofabrication of rhamnolipid biosurfactant for nanoparticle stabilization and chitosan immobilized lipase: A green detergent additive

AbstractBiosurfactants prevent agglomeration of nanoparticles by reducing the surface tension and offer stability over time by forming a stable layer on the surface of nanoparticles. The current study focuses on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNP) coated with a rhamnolipid biosurfactant (BS) and its use as an additive in fabric cleaning detergent. Rhamnolipids were extracted from a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain, Pa84, that was isolated from a halophilic environment, Sambhar Salt Lake, Rajasthan, India. The reduction of silver ions was achieved by the rhamnolipid‐coated SNP (BS‐SNP). BS, SNP, and BS‐SNP demonstrated antibacterial efficacy against a variety of microorganisms. Lipase, present in the crude biosurfactant, was immobilized on modified chitosan microbeads (Ch‐BS‐SNP) and used for washing fabrics. The conjugate was found to be effective as a laundry detergent additive. The immobilized lipase showed high relative activity ranging from 66% to 110% and performed better than free lipase or standards. Our results highlight a potential claim for a commercially viable laundry detergent additive.

Citric acid based (CQDs/TiO2) nanocomposites against SARS-COV-2: theoretical, photocatalytic and computational studies

In the last decade, carbon quantum dots (CQDs), a novel class of carbon-based nanomaterials, have received increasing attention due to their distinct properties. Carbon Quantum Dots/Titanium Dioxide (CQDs/TiO2) Nanocomposites were reported as potent compounds against SARS-COV-2. In this manuscript, citric acid is the carbon precursor used to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CQDs). Using a green approach, the synthesized CQD fabricates the Carbon Quantum Dots/Titanium Dioxide (CQDs/TiO2) Nanocomposites. Synthesized composites were characterized by using a UV–visible spectrophotometer, Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX). Methylene blue was used to check the Photocatalytic activity of synthesized (CQDs/TiO2) nanocomposites of different concentrations. Computational modeling of agglomerates of CQD and TiO2 nanoparticles with the formula TiO2…….. Ti253O506 demonstrated two stages of the nanocomposite formation, including the formation of agglomerates with the neutral and salt-like structures with the total gain in the Gibbs free energy − 38.397 kcal/mole. In silico, Molecular docking studies of citric acid were evaluated against SARS-COV-2 protein to understand their mechanism and key amino acid interactions along with standard drug remdesivir. The photocatalytic activity of CQDs/TiO2 showed extremely promising results. Based on this study, the proposed mechanism of action of these compounds is reported. A detailed investigation of CQDs/TiO2 against SARS-CoV-2 is needed, which is another part of the research in our next manuscript.

Morphology-controlled mesoporous core–shell carbon nanospheres decorated with Cu nanoparticles as highly efficient and reusable catalyst

Environmental pollution caused by industrial waste has recently become a serious issue. Therefore, effective pollutant removal using nanotechnology is required, in which catalysts based on precious metals, such as Pt, Ag, Au, and Pd, are widely utilized. However, the manufacturing costs of precious metal catalysts are high. In this study, copper, a promising metal for catalysis, is evaluated as an alternative to precious metal catalysts because of its low cost, high efficiency, and abundant natural reserves. However, nanoparticle agglomeration is problematic when evaluating the catalytic performance of isolated metal nanoparticles. To solve this problem and maintain a high catalytic activity of Cu, in this study, Cu was loaded on a mesoporous carbon support derived from a carbon precursor with a core–shell structure. The core–shell-structured carbon precursor was obtained by coating resorcinol-formaldehyde polymer spheres as the core with a 50 nm thick polydopamine shell with 10 nm mesopores through π–π stacking interactions. A copper precursor was used to form Cu(OH)2 on the surface of the support, and then the nanocomposite was synthesized at 500 °C for 2 h. The synthesized copper-carbon nanocomposite exhibits high catalytic activity owing to its high specific surface area, porosity, and accessible internal space. It exhibits excellent catalytic activity and stability, along with excellent reusability, in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol using NaBH4. Moreover, excellent catalytic activity, exceeding 99 %, was achieved in the reduction of another organic dye, methylene blue.

Highly dispersive nickel vanadium oxide nanoparticles anchored on nickel cobalt phosphate micron-sheets as cathodes for high-energy hybrid supercapacitor devices

The effective strategies of customizing suitable orientation and rationalizing structures are significant for developing high-performance energy storage materials applied in supercapacitors, which are regarded as promising clean energy storage devices. To obtain highly efficient MOF (metal-organic framework)-derived phosphate electrode, it is necessary to combine it with highly conductive materials for a synergistical effect. So, in this work, the Ni-Co DH (double hydroxide) is used as sacrificial template to prepare MOF through a reverse strategy, which makes a foundation for shaping anisotropic orientation to impede structural stack. The Ni3V2O8 nanoparticles are dispersedly anchored on NiCo-P micron-sheet through a conversion from nanostructured MOF/Ni3V2O8. The evolution in structural size avoids agglomeration of Ni3V2O8 nanoparticles, which also leads to shaggy and intact NiCo-P micron-sheets, thereby improving fully contact with electrolyte. As a result, the obtained NiCo-P/Ni3V2O8 with abundant electroactive sites and valences displays extraordinary specific capacitance of 2520 F g−1 (1134 mA h g−1) at 1 A g−1 with capacitance retention of 89.05 % even when the current density increases to 10 A g−1. The NiCo-P/Ni3V2O8 and AC as cathode and anode, respectively, are assembled into a hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) device to fulfil requirement for high-performance supercapacitor devices. As-made NiCo-P/Ni3V2O8//AC HSC delivers preeminent specific energy density (SE) of 65 Wh Kg−1 at specific power density (SP) of 750 W Kg−1.

New insight on the role of banana plant (Musa acuminata Cavendish) template in low-temperature synthesis of hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a highly biocompatible biomaterial widely used in biomedicine. Green template-based synthesis offers an eco-friendly approach to control nanoparticle morphology and agglomeration. The phytochemicals of banana plant parts are promising green templates for HA synthesis. Hydrothermal method was employed for HA synthesis, followed by FTIR, SEM, XRD, and PSA characterization. FTIR revealed water absorption in HAK150 and HAP150, while HAB150 showed minimal or absent absorption. SEM displayed cauliflower-like particle surface morphology. XRD indicated HAB150’s highest % crystallinity at 79.14 %, with a size of 26.05 nm. PSA showed the smallest HA particle size in HAB150 (1.30 µm), and HAK150 exhibited the lowest polydispersity index (0.789).

Fabrication of visible light active Sn-doped ZnS@CuO composites for wastewater remediation

Recently, research on photocatalysis has become indispensable in tackling the key global environmental issues caused by rapid urbanization and industrialization. In the present work, novel Sn-doped ZnS@CuO composites were designed for visible light driven wastewater remediation and explored the optimum concentration of CuO with enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. The study aimed to tailor the optical response of the photocatalysts to utilize the visible spectrum with enhanced performance against organic pollutants. For the development of Sn-doped ZnS@CuO composites, CuO flowers were prepared via a simple hydrothermal technique, whereas a chemical co-precipitation procedure was used to create Sn-doped ZnS nanoparticles (NPs). The X-ray diffraction confirmed the monoclinic phase of CuO, whilst ZnS crystallized in a wurtzite structure. The diffraction patterns of the Sn-doped ZnS@CuO composites comprised of Sn-doped ZnS and CuO co-existing phases. The crystallite sizes were determined to be in the range between 8-28 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy further confirmed the elemental information of the photocatalysts. The FESEM images demonstrated a flower-like morphology for CuO, while Sn-doped ZnS revealed agglomeration of NPs. Furthermore, the optical response of Sn-doped ZnS@CuO composites was significantly improved towards the visible region with the addition of CuO. Particularly, the Sn-doped ZnS@CuO composites with a 75 % CuO ratio (marked as W1) revealed an outstanding methylene blue (MB) removal efficiency of 96 %. The current work suggests that the novel Sn-doped ZnS@CuO composites can be utilized for the degradation of toxic pollutants from the aquatic environment.

Electrical and Optical Studies of Polymer Electrolyte (PVA+KI) Films Doped with CuO Nanofillers

In this study, we investigate the impact of copper oxide (CuO) nanofillers on the electrical and structural properties of polymer composite electrolyte films. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Potassium iodide (KI) were chosen for the polymer electrolyte and nano-CuO was synthesized and used as nano-filler in the PVA-KI matrix. PVA-KI films are doped with varying concentrations of CuO nanoparticles to explore their influence on the film's conductivity, dielectric behaviour, and optical transmittance. Electrical measurements reveal that the addition of CuO nanofillers significantly enhances the ionic conductivity of the PVA-KI matrix. The conductivity increases with the concentration of CuO up to an optimal doping level, beyond which it decreases, likely due to agglomeration of nanoparticles. The dielectric constant and loss tangent also show a notable dependence on the CuO content, reflecting improved charge transport and polarization effects within the films. The combined electrical and optical data suggest that CuO nanofillers can be effectively utilized to tailor the properties of PVA-KI polymer electrolytes for various applications, including energy storage and optoelectronic devices. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of ion conduction and light interaction in doped polymer systems, paving the way for further research and optimization of functional polymer-based materials.

Fabrication of an antibacterial polybenzimidazole/Ag@UiO-66-NH2 mixed matrix membrane for dye-salt separation: Solvent evaporation effects

In textile water treatment, nanofiltration membranes are susceptible to biofilm layer formation on their surface due to microbial colonization, which can significantly reduce the separation efficiency of the membrane. Therefore, maintaining long-term antimicrobial efficacy of the membrane is of paramount importance. In this study, UiO-66-NH2 nanoparticles were fabricated via the solvothermal method, then Ag-loaded UiO-66-NH2 (Ag@UiO-66-NH2) nanoparticles were produced by stirring and reduction with silver nitrate solution, and the nanoparticles were integrated into the polybenzimidazole (PBI) matrix through a blending process to fabricate mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with antimicrobial properties. During the preparation of mixed matrix membranes, the phenomenon of nanoparticle agglomeration on the membrane surface is frequently encountered. In order to solve this problem, we used solvent evaporation and cross-linking post-treatment methods to further improve the compatibility between the membrane and the particles, the membranes showed a good water flux (53.7 L·m−2·h−1), excellent separation capabilities for dyes and salts, NaCl rejection (9.50 %), Na2SO4 rejection (12.70 %), MgCl2 rejection (7.44 %), MgSO4 rejection (9.34 %), Crystal violet, Acid fuchsin, Congo red, Coomassie brilliant blue and Acid red 94 dyes rejection (all over 99 %). And the antibacterial rate is 98.7 % against E. coli and 99.1 % against S. aureus and it has the function of long-term stable Ag+ release.