Nanocomposite Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Phytoextract-assisted synthesis of Fe2O3/MgO nanocomposites for efficient photocatalytic degradation of gentian violet

Organic-based pollutants are extensively released from various industries and they potentially harm the environment and human health. Photocatalysis is regarded as one of the most promising techniques for removal of organic contaminants from wastewater. Therefore, in this study, iron oxide-based nanocomposites were synthesized by an emerging green and sustainable method using Ethiopian endemic plant extract, Echinops kebericho M. as a capping and stabilizing agent. The phytoextract-assisted synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) α-Fe2O3 and nanocomposites (NCs) α-Fe2O3/MgO calcinated at a temperature of 400°C were characterized and used for their photocatalytic activities toward gentian violet (GV) dye degradation using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) at optimized catalyst dose, initial GV concentration, pH, and time conditions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis result revealed that the mean crystal size of α-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3/MgO is 11.2 and 15.4 nm, respectively. Characterization results of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) clearly showed the successful deposition of MgO on α-Fe2O3. The maximum degradation of GV, 96.2%, was observed by using α-Fe2O3/MgO after 60 min under visible light irradiation. Thus, synthesized NCs were shown to have better GV degradation efficiency in a shorter time as compared to the previously reported nanomaterials. The results revealed photocatalytic degradation using endemic plant extract-assisted synthesized NCs, α-Fe2O3/MgO, is considered a greener, simple, and more efficient method for the removal of organic dyes.

Integrated tetrahydroxyphthalocyanine-coated graphene decorated with ionic liquid-functionalized gold nanoparticles for highly sensitive and selective electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid in fruit juices.

Surface functionalization and the combined utilization of zero-dimensional and two-dimensional nanomaterials is an effective method to achieve highly sensitive detection for electrochemical analysis. Using an all-in-one strategy, phthalocyanine, gold nanoparticles, and ionic liquid were successively modified on the graphene surface as a highly integrated electrode modification material. Phthalocyanine can repair the defects of reduced graphene oxide by binding to the graphene structure surface through non-covalent functionalization. The combination of ionic liquid on the surface of gold nanoparticles can enhance their physical and chemical activity while preserving their stability. The obtained phthalocyanine-coated graphene nanosheets decorated with ionic liquid-functionalized gold nanoparticles nanocomposites had enhanced electrocatalysis and conductivity ability, and were used for highly sensitive electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid in fruit juices. Excellent results were obtained for the detection of ascorbic acid in thelinear range 0.05 to 50µmol/L with a detection limit of 6.80nmol/L (S/N = 3) and a sensitivity of 2.68μA μM-1cm-2, indicated that the proposed sensor strategy with multiple signal amplification can achieve higher detection sensitivity. Furthermore, the sensor was used to quantify ascorbic acid content in grapefruit and orange juice with good selectivity and accuracy. The highly integrated electroactive nanocomposites construction method described may also be used with other electrode modification materials and is anticipated to yield fresh perspectives on the advancement of ultrasensitive detection.

Free-Standing Nanocomposite Au@Graphene Oxide Continuous Flow Synthesis in Water for Degradation of Organic Dyes.

We have developed a rapid and facile method for preparing free-standing nanocomposite of gold nanoparticles with graphene oxide (Au@GO) in water under continuous flow in the absence of harsh reducing agents and any other auxiliary substances, as a method with favourable green chemistry metrics. This uses a vortex fluidic device (VFD) where induced mechanical energy and photo-contact electrification associated with the dynamic thin film in the rapidly rotating tube tilted at 45° while simultaneously UV irradiated (λ=254 nm, 20 W) results in decomposition of water to hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide with growth of the gold nanoparticles on the surface of the GO. We have established that the resulting Au@GO composite sheets rapidly catalyse the degradation of commercial dyes like methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) using the hydrogen peroxide generated in situ in the VFD. This process relies on active radicals generated through liquid-solid photo-contact electrification of water in the VFD which dramatically minimises the generation of waste in industrial applications, with the reaction having implications for wastewater treatment.

Two in One Gram Negative Antibacterial Agent and Organic Dye Photocatalyst from Green Synthesized Ocimum Sanctum-Based N and O Co-Doped Carbon Dot Silver Nanocomposite.

This study reports, successful synthesis of Oxygen(O) and Nitrogen(N) co-doped Ocimum Sanctum plant-based or tulsi carbon dots-silver nanoparticle nanocomposites (TCD-AgNP) for the development of an efficient, highly active, low-cost fingerprint antibacterial agent against gram-negative organisms and a highly efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue (MB). Green synthesized, high quantum yield (47 %), intensely blue fluorescent, highly stable N and O co-doped TCDs from carbonization technique of tulsi leaves is achieved without any chemical treatment or surface fascination which could act as an efficient green reducing agent for the development green TCD-AgNP nanocomposites. The novelty and advantage of this study is the development of highly stable, blue fluorescent, high quantum yield (40 %) environmental -friendly TCD-AgNP nanocomposite through reduction method by using green TCDs. TCD-AgNP nanocomposites were synthesized by varying the concentrations of AgNO3 into a fixed amount of green TCDs. Spectrochemical characteristics of synthesized TCDs and TCD-AgNP nanocomposites were investigated through UV-Vis absorbance, Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Zeta potential measurements confirming excellent fluorescence, unique stability and effective O and N doping. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images confirms that the synthesized TCDs and TCD-AgNP nanocomposites were spherical in shape with an average size of 6.3 nm and 11.5 nm respectively. The antibacterial studies proved that TCD-AgNP nanocomposites ware highly effective against Gram-negative (Serratia marcescens, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) microbial organisms and showed zones of inhibition 12, 9 and 18 mm as compared to streptomycin sulphate. Besides, TCD-AgNP nanocomposite was used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of MB (10 ppm) under sunlight irradiation for regular intervals of time at room temperature with a photodegradation efficiency of 95.63 % and a photocatalytic rate constant of 0.0195 min-1.

Co Cluster-Modified Ni Nanoparticles with Superior Light-Driven Thermocatalytic CO2 Reduction by CH4.

Excessive fossil burning causes energy shortages and contributes to the environmental crisis. Light-driven thermocatalytic CO2 reduction by methane (CRM) provides an effective strategy to conquer these two global challenges. Ni-based catalysts have been developed as candidates for CRM that are comparable to the noble metal catalysts. However, they are prone to deactivation due to the thermodynamically inevitable coking side reactions. Herein, we reported a novel Co-Ni/SiO2 nanocomposite of Co cluster-modified Ni nanoparticles, which greatly enhance the catalytic durability for light-driven thermocatalytic CRM. It exhibits high production rates of H2 (rH2) and CO (rCO, 22.8 and 26.7 mmol min-1 g-1, respectively), and very high light-to-fuel efficiency (ƞ) is achieved (26.8%). Co-Ni/SiO2 shows better catalytic durability than the referenced catalyst of Ni/SiO2. Based on the experimental results of TG-MS, TEM, and HRTEM, we revealed the origin of the significantly enhanced light-driven thermocatalytic activity and durability as well as the novel photoactivation. It was discovered that the focused irradiation markedly reduces the apparent activation energy of CO2 on the Co-Ni/SiO2 nanocomposite, thus significantly enhancing the light-driven thermocatalytic activity.

Immobilization of L-Asparaginase on biofunctionalized magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite: A promising approach for Enhanced Stability and reusability

The application of the amidohydrolase enzyme, L-asparaginase (ASNase), as a biocatalyst in the food and pharmaceutical industries has garnered significant interest. However, challenges such as hypersensitivity reactions, limited stability, and reusability under various operational conditions have hindered its cost-effective utilization. This paper introduces a novel nano-support for ASNase immobilization, namely the nanocomposite of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles and amino acid-decorated graphene oxide (GO-Asp-Fe3O4). Characterization using FTIR spectroscopy, FE-SEM, and TEM microscopy revealed the homogeneous distribution of iron oxide nanoparticles on the surface of GO sheets. The effects of carrier functionalization and carrier-to-protein ratio on the immobilization of ASNase were studied to optimize the immobilization conditions. The magnetized nanocomposite of ASNase exhibited a 4.4-fold lower Michaelis-Menten constant (Km), suggesting an enhanced affinity for the substrate. The immobilized ASNase demonstrated two to eight times higher thermostability compared to the free enzyme and showed an extremely extended pH stability range. Furthermore, the immobilized enzyme retained over 80 % of its initial bioactivity after eight repeated reaction cycles. These findings suggest that the immobilization of ASNase on GO-Asp- Fe3O4 nanocomposite could be a viable option for industrial applications.

Silver Nanoparticles Formed Directly on a Screen-Printed Electrode/Graphene Oxide: A One-Step Electrochemical Synthesis and an Effective 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol Electrochemical Sensor

Abstract A graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles (GO/AgNPs) nanocomposite was synthesized directly onto a screen-printed electrode (SPE) using a one-step electrochemical synthesis process. The obtained result is that the SPE electrode was modified by AgNPs with an average diameter of 11.5 nm which distributed evenly on GO sheets. A 0.01 M AgNO3 solution dropped onto the SPE/GO electrode and a chronoamperometry (CA) method with a potential of −1.2 V and a time period of 10 seconds were the optimal synthesis conditions. Then, the SPE/GO/AgNPs electrode was applied in developing an electrochemical sensor to detect 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) using a square wave voltammetry method. A reasonable cost, a wide linear range (0.05–1.0 mM), a low detection limit (0.85 μM), a high repeatability, a good selectivity, a high durability, and especially, a rapid detection time (< 1 minute) thanks to the ability to directly detect 2,4,6-TCP were the outstanding advantages of the fabricated electrochemical sensor. Moreover, the electrochemical sensor based on the SPE/GO/AgNPs electrode was also applied to detect 2,4,6-TCP in a tap water sample using a standard addition method.

An ultra-sensitive bimetallic based electrochemical sensor for analysis of total iron, total dissolved iron, and granular iron in coastal water

Different iron species play crucial roles in the biogeochemical cycle, so their determination is important. Electrochemical methods are among the most promising and easiest methods for the rapid on-site determination of different iron species. In this study, a new electrode—Au–Bi/ITO—based on the commercial indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode was etched and functionalized with bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) nanocomposites for voltammetric analysis of iron species in coastal water. After etching, the ITO electrode exhibits a higher number of attachment sites for the nanomaterials, thereby improving the stability of the resulting electrode, and the introduction of the nanomaterials improves the sensitivity of the electrode, making it easier to realize on-site detection. Under the synergistic effect of the two nanomaterials, the Au-Bi/ITO electrode showed excellent performance for the determination of different iron species in coastal water. Under the optimal conditions, the Au-Bi/ITO electrode peak current was linear in the concentration range from 5 nM to 1.5 μM with an ultralow detection limit of 1.4 nM. The results are consistent with certified values when the electrode is used for the determination of Fe(III) in certified reference materials. In summary, the Au-Bi/ITO electrode, with its high stability and sensitivity, has been successfully used for the direct determination of different Fe(III) species in coastal water via cathodic stripping voltammetry. This electrode is simple to prepare, easy to use, economical, and highly promising for future applications involving the rapid on-site detection of different iron species.

Improvement of antibacterial activity of AgNPs@PVA-PVP ternary nanocomposite films followed by gamma-ray irradiation treatment for biomedical applications

Our study investigates the influence of several doses of gamma rays on the antibacterial behavior of nanocomposite of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) doped in a blend of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP). AgNPs@PVA-PVP nanocomposite films were fabricated via laser ablation route, and then the synthesized films were subjected to various gamma ray's doses. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data shows a diffraction peak at 2θ = 38° assigned to the existence of AgNPs. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) results confirm the characteristic peak of silver nanoparticles at 425 nm. The cell viability and antibacterial behavior results confirmed the enhancement in the performance of AgNPs@PVA-PVP composite after irradiated to gamma rays. These values of cell viability have been raised by increasing the dose of gamma rays to 94.5 ± 6.5 % for dose at 70 kGy gamma rays. The values of the inhibition zone of microorganisms were enhanced by raising the doses of gamma rays to 19.5 ± 0.5 and 21.3 ± 0.6 against E. coli and S. aureus respectively specifically for nanocomposite with gamma dose 70 kGy. Thus, the improved antibacterial activity of AgNPs@PVA-PVP nanocomposite could be used in biomedical applications.

Selective IR wavelengths multichannel filter based on the one-dimensional topological photonic crystals comprising hyperbolic metamaterial

In this research article, we have theoretically introduced a one-dimensional topological photonic crystal (1D TPC) design to provide a better stability due to imperfections and fluctuations in geometry compared to the traditional PC structures. The considered structure is designed by the combination of two different PCs, i.e., PC1 and PC2. PC1 consists of two layers of silicon (Si) and magnesium fluoride (MgF2), while PC2 contains a multilayer stack of MgF2 and hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM). Interestingly, the HMM layer is introduced as a composite of a dielectric material of indium arsenide (InAs), and nanocomposite of Ag nanoparticles inside a hosting medium of Y2O3. The foundations of our theoretical framework are based on Effective Medium Theory (EMT), the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM), and the Maxwell-Garnett model. Our research primarily focuses on utilizing our design as a pass/stop band filter for near-infrared (NIR) applications. Notably, this proposed design exhibits significant stability in the face of imperfections and variations. Our numerical findings highlight the influence of several geometric parameters including the refractive index of hosting medium for Ag nanoparticles, thicknesses, and filling fraction on the characteristics of the resulting filter. Remarkably, the results also reveal the emergence of multiple resonance peaks that maintain high stability against geometric tolerances. We believe our work presents a finite photonic crystal (PC) whose wave localization properties are resilient to random geometric imperfections, making it suitable for NIR filtering applications.

Multiplex electrochemical aptasensor for the simultaneous detection of linomycin and neomycin antibiotics

The escalating use of antibiotics across diverse sectors, including human healthcare, agriculture, and livestock, has led to their pervasive presence in the environment, raising concerns about their impact on ecosystems and human health. Traditional detection methods, reliant on high-performance liquid chromatography and immuno-assays, face challenges of complexity, cross-reactivity, and limited specificity. Aptamer-based biosensors offer a promising alternative, leveraging the specificity, stability, and cost-effectiveness of aptamers. Herein, we present a novel dual-screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) biosensor, modified with a nanocomposite of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs), for the label-free electrochemical detection of lincomycin and neomycin antibiotics. Lincomycin and neomycin, two antibiotics of environmental concern due to their widespread usage and potential ecological impact, were simultaneously detected using square wave voltammetry. The aptasensors showed high sensitivity with detection limits of 0.02 pg/mL and 0.035 pg/mL for lincomycin and neomycin, respectively. The developed biosensor exhibited high selectivity and reproducibility in detecting both antibiotics. This multiplex biosensing platform offers a promising strategy for efficient and cost-effective monitoring of antibiotic residues in environmental samples, addressing the critical need for robust detection methods in environmental monitoring and public health surveillance.

Magnetic hexadecylamine-graphene quantum dots-silver nanoparticle nanocomposite as adsorbents for the removal of phenanthrene and bacteria from aqueous solution

In this study, novel multifunctional magnetic silver nanoparticles complexed with hexadecylamine-functionalized sulfur- and nitrogen-co-doped graphene quantum dots (AgNPs@Fe3O4-C16SNGQDs) were tested for the removal of phenanthrene and as antibacterial agents from an aqueous solution. The resulting materials were successfully applied as adsorbents and antibacterial agents in batch adsorption and disk diffusion tests. An average Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 83.7 and 85.3 m2/g was obtained for AgNPs@Fe3O4 and AgNPs@Fe3O4-C16SNGQDs, respectively. Accordingly, adsorption capacity evaluated using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to be 4097.7 and 5965.7 mg/g for AgNPs@Fe3O4 and AgNPs@Fe3O4-C16SNGQDs, respectively, after 24 h mixing time. The modification of AgNPs@Fe3O4 with C16-SNGQDs facilitated higher adsorption performance at ambient temperature, which is more sustainable and cost-effective when considering large-scale use. Furthermore, C16-SNGQDs showed increased antibacterial activity against negatively charged bacterial strains, whereas AgNPs@Fe3O4-C16SNGQDs showed enhanced inhibition against gram-positive bacteria. Hence, multifunctional nanoparticles have the potential for microbial and chemical pollution remediation and could significantly improve current water treatment methods.

A Hybrid Nanocomposite of Silver Nanoparticles Embedded with End-of-Life Battery-Derived Sheets-Like Nitrogen and Sulfur-Doped Reduced-Graphene Oxide for Water Treatment and Antimicrobial Applications

A Hybrid Nanocomposite of Silver Nanoparticles Embedded with End-of-Life Battery-Derived Sheets-Like Nitrogen and Sulfur-Doped Reduced-Graphene Oxide for Water Treatment and Antimicrobial Applications

Potentiality graphene oxides-functionalized magnetic nanomaterials for RNA extraction from rabies and SARS-CoV-2 viruses

Nucleic acid extraction technologies are fundamental tools in studying pathogenic agents. In this work, we report the use of magnetic materials functionalized with graphene oxide (GO) to enhance the isolation of viral RNA in biological suspensions. Graphene oxides with different synthesis parameters were used as additives and support to potentiate the extraction and purification of RNA. As additives, graphene oxides with varying degrees of oxidation were synthesized and added to a commercial nucleic acid extraction kit. The graphene oxide with the best performance was functionalized with a nanocomposite of iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs/SiO2). The MIONPs were synthesized through the hydrothermal-assisted microwave method and were coated with silicon oxide using the Stöber method. Our results with GO5H showed it can isolate viral RNA up to 200 % more effectively than the commercial kit for Rabies (non-clinical samples) and SARS-CoV-2(clinical samples), due to the presence of oxygenized groups such as carboxyl groups and their affinity with single-stranded nucleic acids. The final nanocomposite (GO-MIONPs/ SiO2) prepared in this study has potential application for incorporation into viral RNA extraction protocols, as a low-cost and high-efficiency alternative.

Flexible Ni-Foam-Based Electrode with Novel MoS2/NiO Nanocomposite for Superior Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract In the present work a simple and effective hydrothermal method has been used to synthesize a nanocomposite of nickel oxide and molybdenum disulphide. Structural and optical characterizations of the as-synthesised MoS2/NiO nanocomposite nanoparticles were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy techniques. The major peaks of MoS2 and NiO were detected in XRD, confirming the formation of composite. The reduced band gap 2.84 eV of MoS2/NiO nanocomposite as compared to pure NiO with 3.1 eV bandgap indicates a blue shift. Surface morphology of MoS2/NiO nanocomposite was measured using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, showing sheet-like structure with fine particle over laid on them. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to determine the processes of charge transfer in between electrodes, diffusion of molecules and ions within the electrolyte solution , and ion adsorption on an surface of electrode. The as-prepared composite shows enhanced specific capacitance of 246 F/g at scan rate of 20 mV/sec which was more than both base materials in pristine form. EIS results thus obtained may give a new direction for supercapacitor applications with the as-synthesized sample.

Evaluation of NiO nanoparticles infused Lup@CS nanocomposites for the degradation of Acridine orange and rose Bengal dyes

One of the most critical issues facing the globe today is the lack of readily available potable water, and scientists have made significant progress toward a solution. Compared to traditional treatment methods, nanotechnology-treated water is preferable because it eliminates dangerous microorganisms and organic pigments. In this study, we have fabricated Nickel Oxide - Lupeol loaded chitosan Nanoparticle (Lup@CS-NiO) nanocomposite via ionic gelation method and this nanocomposite was subjected to various characterization, that includes FTIR, FESEM, EDX, XRD, XPS, and UV–Vis to gain more information about the synthesized nanocomposite. We used visible light irradiation to examine the photodegradation of two organic dyes, Acridine Orange (AO) and Rose Bengal (RB), to determine how well the NiO/Lup@CS nanocomposites worked. The NiO/Lup@CS nanocomposites showed remarkable photocatalytic activity, long-term stability, and the rapid degradation of the dye solution to 85.98% (AO) and 86.46% (RB) in only 60 min. When compared to pure NiO nanoparticles, the degrading efficiency of the NiO/Lup@CS nanocomposites was much higher. In visible light irradiation studies using trapping, the reactive oxidative species involved in the photocatalytic process include superoxide radical anion (O2 radical) and OH radical. The photocatalyst was able to attain a 100% recovery rate by a simple hand-picking method, and it remained stable even after three uses. The study introduces a new Lup@CS nanocomposite that is loaded with NiO nanoparticles. It shows great effectiveness in breaking down the Acridine Orange and Rose Bengal dyes. The innovation's potential environmental effect is underscored by the fact that it provides a viable alternative for wastewater treatment.

An electrochemical/SERS dual-mode immunosensor using TMB/Au nanotag and Au@2D-MoS2 modified screen-printed electrode for sensitive detection of prostate cancer biomarker

This study describes a novel dual-mode immunosensor that combines electrochemical (EC) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) techniques for the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker associated with prostate cancer. The sensor consists of a nanocomposite of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) deposited on two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (Au@MoS2) modified on a working carbon electrode of a screen-printed electrode (SPE). Subsequently, the primary antibody (Ab1) is immobilized on the modified electrode, creating Ab1/Au@MoS2/SPE for specific recognition of the target PSA. In parallel, AuNPs are conjugated with a secondary antibody (Ab2) and a probe molecule, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), leading nanotags (TMB/Ab2/AuNPs) formation exhibiting strong SERS and EC responses. Upon the presence of the target, sandwich immunocomplexes can be formed through antigen-antibody interactions (Ab1-PSA-Ab2). The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique is employed for EC detection mode, while a handheld Raman spectrometer with a 785 nm excitation laser is utilized to collect SERS signals. The developed system demonstrates excellent selectivity and sensitivity, with low limits of detection (LODs) of 3.58 pg mL−1 and 4.83 pg mL−1 for EC and SERS sensing, respectively. Importantly, the dual-mode immunosensor proves effective quantifying PSA protein in human serum samples with good recovery. Given its high sensitivity and proficiency in analyzing biological samples, this proposed immunosensor holds promise as an alternative tool for the early diagnosis of cancers.

PREPARATION OF HIGH QUALITY NANOCOMPOSITES OF CuO/TiO2 WITH Ar+ IONS IRRADIATION WITH ENHANCED PHOTOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES

In this research work, nanocomposites of CuO/TiO2 were initially fabricated using drop casting method. Later on, these nanocomposites were irradiated for the first time by a beam of Argon ions (Ar[Formula: see text] by keeping the fluence rates of [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], respectively. In order to observe structural and optical properties of un-irradiated and irradiated nanocomposites, Raman Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Photoluminescence (PL) and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) analysis were performed. From Raman analysis, vibration modes confirmed the presence of different phases of TiO2 and CuO. EDX analysis clearly demonstrates the presence of Cu, Ti, and O peaks. SEM images depict agglomerated spherical nanoparticles having diameters in the range of 40–94[Formula: see text]nm. From TEM analysis, mean diameter of 56.1[Formula: see text]nm is observed for unirradiated and 33.7[Formula: see text]nm for Ar[Formula: see text] irradiated CuO/TiO2 nanoparticles in nanocomposite for fluence rates of [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text]. HR-TEM and SAED images represent the polycrystalline nature of these nanocomposites. Among the three peaks of PL spectra in UV–Visible region, first two peaks were observed at 356[Formula: see text]nm, and 419[Formula: see text]nm but the third peak is little shifted from 488[Formula: see text]nm with the increase in fluence rate. Values of band gap are reduced from 3.29[Formula: see text]eV to 3.17[Formula: see text]eV as the fluence rate is increased, as calculated from results of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.

An innovative electrochemical platform based on graphene for rapid screening of cancer drugs in blood plasma

This study introduces a new electrochemical platform for the rapid and sensitive detection of the potent anticancer drug epirubicin (EPB) in blood plasma. The platform utilizes a graphene/Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE), which was synthesized through a simple one-pot method where ZnO nanoparticles were dispersed onto graphene sheets. The graphene/ZnO/GCE nanocomposite was characterized using advanced techniques such as FE-SEM, EDS, XRD, FT-IR, and XPS in order to analyze its structural properties. The graphene/ZnO/GCE electrode exhibited minimal interference and demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity in detecting EPB. The sensor's selectivity was validated by a recovery rate exceeding 98.40 % and a relative standard deviation below 4.65 %. The limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 6.0 nM and 9.0 nM, respectively, indicating the sensor's high sensitivity within a practical concentration range. With a sensitivity of 1.09509 µA/µM, the sensor exhibited a linear response to EPB concentrations ranging from 4.0 to 730.0 μM. Furthermore, successful detection of EPB in serum samples with a recovery rate exceeding 98.40 % underscores the practical utility of the graphene/ZnO/GCE sensor. The detailed characterization of the graphene/ZnO/GCE nanocomposite provides insights into its structural and chemical attributes, furthering its potential for biomedical applications.

Highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B by immobilizing CdS quantum dots on ZnCr-layered double hydroxide nanosheets

The removal of Rhodamine B (RhB), a commonly encountered cationic dye in heavily contaminated wastewater streams, from wastewater effluents presents a significant challenge. Herein, we focus on developing an innovative ternary nanocomposite of zinc oxide nanoparticles, quantum dots of cadmium sulfide (CdS QDs), and zinc-chromium carbonate layered double hydroxide nanosheets (ZnCr–CO3-LDH NSs) via a sonochemical synthesis route. The synthesized ternary nanocomposite, CdS QDs@ZnO/ZnCr–CO3-LDH referred to as CZC-LDH, exhibits remarkable photodegradation performance of rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV-A radiation. A comprehensive investigation into the photocatalytic efficiency and characteristics of CZC-LDH was conducted using various analytical techniques, including XRD, FESEM, DRS, XPS, HR-TEM, PL, and BET (surface area analysis). Results indicate that CZC-LDH demonstrates superior photocatalytic efficiency, achieving 98.26 % degradation of RhB within 3-h only. Moreover, the influence of different scavengers on CZC-LDH photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated to elucidate the plausible RhB photocatalytic degradation pathway. The as-prepared CZC-LDH exhibits exceptional photocatalytic performance, stability, and reusability, positioning it as a promising candidate to previously reported photocatalysts in literature.