Optimal Parameters Research Articles

Optimization of multiple outputs of electric arc spray coating parameters for EN AW 7020-T6

Electric arc spray coating (EASC) is a method used to protect aluminum materials from corrosion, but there is no optimization in the literature using Al99.99 coating wire for EN AW 7020 alloy. The presented study aims to optimize the EASC process parameters (voltage, amperage, spray distance, and number of passes) for EN AW 7020-T6 aluminum samples. The experimental design of selected factors was made with Taguchi L9(34) orthogonal array and the aftermath of optimum values for coating were obtained with the TOPSIS multicriteria decision-making method. Output parameters respectively; pull-off strengths of coating were determined in compliance with the ASTM D4541 standard, the coating thicknesses were measured with a 3D profilometer, and the porosity values for cross-section were analyzed by optical microscope according to ASTM E2109 standard. After determining the optimum parameters, the substrates were coated and the crystallographic analysis of the coated samples was performed by XRD technique and electrochemical corrosion potential values were determined by galvanostat/potentiostat device in 3.5% NaCl solution. In exfoliation corrosion (EXCO) tests performed according to ASTM G34-1 standard, EXCO damage was detected on the surfaces of uncoated samples and graded as EA. In the EXCO tests with coated samples, no corrosion damages were observed on the coatings and they were rated with an N grade. The Al99.99 coating significantly improved the EXCO resistance of EN AW 7020-T6, reducing the corrosion rate by almost 100%. EXCO tests with uncoated and coated samples proved that the Al99.99 coating acts as a barrier to protect the substrate. Optimized Al99.99 coating offers a promising solution to improve the corrosion resistance of EN AW 7020-T6 aluminum alloys and extend their service life in harsh environments.

Biosorption of Chromium and Nickel from Industrial Oil Mill Wastewater Using Groundnut Pod Waste Activated Carbon

Groundnut shell activated carbon was developed and characterized by chemical activation using phosphoric acid (H3PO4) for the uptake of Cr and Ni in a batch biosorption process. The purpose of this study was to reduce the spread of heavy metals in industrial oil mill wastewater. In this study characterization of activated carbon using, surface chemistry (FTI-IR), surface area (BET), surface morphology, and elemental identification (SEM/EDX) were all carried out, and the BET surface area was 689.41 m2/g for groundnut shell activated carbon. This study was also executed to determine the optimum biosorption efficiency parameters for Cr and Ni removal using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to obtain maximum biosorption efficiency. The factors considered were temperature (25-55oC), adsorbent dosage (1-3 g) and contact time (1-2 hrs). Biosorption efficiency was the response. ANOVA analysis was carried out to analyse the most effective factor in experimental design response. The optimum conditions for removal of Cr and Ni were adsorbent dosage 0.40 g, contact time 1.1 hr and temperature 42.02 oC, which shows the maximum biosorption efficiency of 97.1% for Cr removal and 94.8% for Ni removal. Isotherm models analyses showed that the biosorption process was best fitted to Langmuir model and was physical. Results of the kinetic studies and thermodynamic parameters revealed that the biosorption process followed a pseudo-second-order, endothermic, and spontaneous in nature.

Optimal age replacement policies for [formula omitted]-out-of-[formula omitted] systems considering mission durations

In order to provide the required reliability of k-out-of-n systems during mission executing process, mission durations are integrated into age replacement policies for k-out-of-n systems. Then, the simple replacement, replacement first and replacement last are proposed respectively. In each replacement policy, optimum parameters are discussed analytically and numerical examples are given to demonstrate the accuracy of derivations. Via comparing with traditional replacement policies, the effectiveness of our suggested replacement policies is verified. Finally, the proposed policies are illustrated in maintaining the engine system of an unmanned copter, which aims to guide engineers to determine the best replacement policy in three situations.

Study on the Photoelectrocatalytic Performance of Ti/Ti-W-O Coating Photoelectrodes Prepared by the Microarc Oxidation Method.

Photoinduced cathodic protection is an environmentally friendly, economical, and sustainable technology that has been widely used in the corrosion protection of alloy materials. In this study, the corrosion-resistant Ti/Ti-W-O ceramic coatings are prepared by changing the concentration of additives, microarc oxidation voltage, pulse frequency, and time using titanium alloy (TC4) as the substrate and sodium tungstate (Na2WO4) as the main additive via the microarc oxidation (MAO) method. The optimum parameters were determined as follows: concentration of added salt (Na2WO4): 0.05 mol/L; reaction conditions: anode voltage 300 V, cathode voltage 30 V, duty cycle 1:1 (50%), frequency 800 Hz, and reaction time 5 min. They were evaluated from two perspectives: photocathodic protection and photocatalysis, respectively. The test results show that the composite coatings have more negative conduction band potentials, narrower band gaps, higher photocurrent densities, and smaller impedance arc radii under the same conditions as those analyzed in the electrochemical workstation test. In addition, the optimized Ti/Ti-W-O composite photoelectrode coupled with 304 stainless steel showed the largest negative shift in corrosion potential (447 mV vs) and improved degradation efficiency of the dyeing wastewater (improved by ∼20%). The above results demonstrate that the composite electrodes in this study exhibit good performance in photocathodic protection and photovoltaic synergy.

Designing Load-Bearing Bio-Inspired Materials for Simultaneous Static Properties and Dynamic Damping: Multi-Objective Optimization for Micro-Structure

Biological load-bearing materials, like the nacre in shells, have a unique staggered structure that supports their superior mechanical properties. Engineers have been encouraged to imitate it to create load-bearing bio-inspired materials which have excellent properties not present in conventional composites. To create such materials with desirable mechanical properties, the optimum structural parameters combination must be selected. Moreover, the optimal design of bio-inspired composites needs to take into account the trade-offs between various mechanical properties. In this paper, multi-objective optimization models were developed using structural parameters as design variables and mechanical properties as optimization objectives, including stiffness, strength, toughness, and dynamic damping. Using the NSGA-II optimization algorithm, a set of optimal solutions were solved. Additionally, three different structures in natural nacre were introduced in order to utilize the better structure when design bio-inspired materials. The range of optimal solutions that obtained using results from previous research were examined and explained why this collection of optimal solution ranges is better. Also, optimal solutions were compared with the structural features and mechanical properties of real nacre and artificial biomimetic composites to validate our models. Finally, the optimum design strategies can be obtained for nacre-like composites. Our research methodically proposes an optimization method for achieving load-bearing bio-inspired materials with excellent properties and creates a set of optimal solutions from which designers can select the one that best suits their preferences, allowing the fabricated materials to demonstrate preferred performance.

Evaluation of optimum process parameters based on specific cutting energy in turning for sustainability

Evaluation of optimum process parameters based on specific cutting energy in turning for sustainability

Statistical optimisation and analysis of biomass and exopolysaccharide production by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH30

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria with immunomodulatory potential are promising natural food additives. This study employs small-scale, 250 mL bioreactors combined with a central composite design to optimise two important bioprocess parameters, namely temperature and airflow, to achieve high yields of biomass and EPS from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH30 (L. rhamnosus LRH30). A quadratic model was determined to be the best fit for the production of both products. The optimum critical process parameters for maximised biomass were identified to be 37.01 °C with an airflow of 0.12 vvm, while optimum criteria was 20.1 °C with an airflow of 0.18 vvm for maximum EPS production. Under these optimized conditions, small-scale batch experiments yielded a biomass concentration of 10.1 g/L and an EPS yield of 520.2 mg/L. In comparison, scale-up experiments in 2L reactors resulted in a biomass concentration of 8.54 g/L (a reduction of 18%) and an EPS yield of 654.6 mg/L (an increase of 26%). The produced EPS was purified and characterised through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and showed characteristic peaks associated with polysaccharides. The immunomodulatory potential of the L. rhamnosus LRH30 cells and EPS was evaluated through cytokine and chemokine secretion in a J774A.1 murine macrophage, resulting in a predominantly anti-inflammatory effect of L. rhamnosus LRH30 and EPS.

Studies on the preparation of a sufficient carrier from egg protein and carrageenan for cellulase with optimization and application

Egg protein (EP) concentration, pH, and glutaraldehyde (GA) concentration were optimized using Box Behnken design (BBD) to prepare GA-EP-Carr (Carrageenan) beads as a carrier for Aspergillus niger MK981235 cellulase. It was recommended that the concentrations of GA, and EP be set at 11.21% (w/v), 8% (w/w), and pH 3, respectively. It was determined that 60 °C and 2% for free form and 60 °C and 3% for im-cellulase were the optimum temperature and CMC concentration parameters for maximum enzyme activity. Free and im-cellulase were determined to have Km and Vmax of 2.22 mg.ml-1 and 1.76 µmol.ml-1.min-1, and 4.55 mg.ml-1 and 3.33 µmol.ml-1.min-1, respectively. Covalent coupling of A. niger cellulase to GA- EP- Carr beads improved its thermodynamic parameters T1/2 and D-values by 2.48, 2.01, and 2.36 times at 40, 50, and 60 °C, respectively. GA- EP- Carr im-cellulase was 100% active for 60 days at 4 °C and can be used for CMC hydrolysis for 20 successive cycles. GA- EP- Carr im-cellulase showed remarkable efficiency in the clarification of mango, peach, grape, and orange juices emphasized by TSS (total soluble solids), turbidity, and reducing sugar measurements for 3 successive cycles. GA- EP- Carr im-cellulase can be applied with high efficiency in juice industry.

Recent metaheuristics on control parameter determination

Metaheuristics have been widely used in recent years for tuning control parameters since they have a simple structure, are easy to apply, and provide efficient solutions. In this study, control of a two-wheeled mobile robot using the inverted pendulum principle is proposed. The performances of nine recent metaheuristics (Political Optimizer, Equilibrium Optimizer, Aquila Optimizer, Flow Directional Algorithm, Cheetah Optimizer, Golden Jackal Optimizer, Artificial Rabbit Optimization, Gazelle Optimizer, and Pelican Optimization) have been investigated for the balancing and speed control of a two-wheeled vehicle. In this context, a framework consisting of two cascaded PI controllers is designed to provide balance and speed control of the two-wheeled vehicle. The performances of the recent metaheuristics are also compared with previously introduced effective metaheuristic algorithms for further evaluation. The parameters of the controllers are tuned by using these metaheuristics. In experimental studies, quantitative and qualitative analyses are performed for evaluation of the metaheuristics. The dynamic system properties, convergence curves, computational times, and statistical results are provided to prove optimal control performances. The results show that 11 out of 14 compared algorithms produce similar optimal results in speed and balance control of the two-wheeled vehicle. The rest of them do not provide satisfactory results for the tuning of optimum control parameters of the two-wheeled vehicle.

Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction Process for Production of Polyphenol-Rich Crude Extract from Cinnamomum iners Leaves

Cinnamomum iners Reinw. ex Blume has long been recognized as a plant with food and medicinal uses. This study was designed to optimize the MAE process to produce a high-value, polyphenol-rich crude extract from cinnamon leaves (PCL). The primary goal was to apply response surface methodology (RSM) with a face-centered central composite design (FCCD) to identify the ideal conditions for microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Key factors such as the MAE time, microwave power, and solid-to-liquid ratio were examined to produce a polyphenol-rich crude extract from C. iners leaves. The resulting extracts were assessed for extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. The results showed that MAE using a methanol solvent had a significant impact on antioxidant compound levels. The R2 values for all responses, yield, TPC, TFC, and DPPH radical scavenging activity were 0.9497, 0.9494, 0.9199, and 0.9570, respectively, indicating that the developed quadratic polynomial models were accurate and suitable for analyzing MAE parameter interactions. The optimum MAE parameters were determined to be an MAE time of 25 min, microwave power of 214.24 W, and plant leaf–solvent ratio of 1:195.76 g/mL. In these optimized MAE conditions, the predicted extraction yield, TPC, TFC, and IC50 of DPPH scavenging were 18.56%, 22.86 mg GAE/g, 13.89 mg QE/g, and 83.30 µg/mL, respectively. The enhanced efficiency of MAE comes from microwave-induced heating, which disrupts cell walls for faster compound release, making it more effective and time-efficient than traditional HRE for polyphenol extraction. This study demonstrated that polyphenols can be efficiently extracted from C. iners using MAE, producing a valuable extract with potential as a natural preservative in food and a skin-protective, anti-aging ingredient in cosmetics.

Evaluation of Permeable Piles Foundation Performance in Liquefiable Soils under Seismic Loading

The use of permeable piles as an effective drainage method in liquefiable sites has become widely accepted. In this study, the seismic response of both the liquefiable soil and the pile was simulated using FLAC3D software to validate the anti-liquefaction performance of the permeable pile. A group of permeable piles designed according to the China foundation code were numerically modeled with various opening ratios (i.e. area of openings/total surficial area). The numerical results showed that the permeable pile is able to enhance liquefaction resistance by dissipating excess pore water through the drainage holes. The bending moments and axial force of the permeable pile decrease but the ultimate bearing capacity increases in the process of drainage. It is found that the excess pore water pressure ratio (EPWPR) of soil around permeable pile under seismic loading reduces rapidly with increasing opening ratio, but the excess pore water pressure tends to keep nearly a stable level once the opening ratio is beyond a critical value of 0.5%. As a result, the critical value of the opening ratio may be considered as the optimum parameter to design the permeable pile against liquefaction.

Synthesis and Machining Characteristics Evaluation of Silicon Nitride Made Magnesium Alloy Composites

<div>The advantages of magnesium alloy composites over traditional engineering materials include their high strength and lightweight for automotive applications. The proposed work is to compose the AZ61 alloy composite configured with 0–12% silicon nitride (Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>) via semisolid-state stir processing assisted with a (sulfur hexafluoride—SF6) inert environment. The prepared AZ61 alloy and AZ61/4% Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, AZ61/8% Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, and AZ61/12% Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> are machined by electrical discharge machining (EDM) under varied source parameters such as pulse On/Off (T<sub>on</sub>/T<sub>off</sub> <sub> </sub>) time (100–115/30–45 μs), and composition of composite. The impact of EDM source parameters on metal removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) is measured. For finding the optimum source for higher MRR and good surface quality of EDM surface, the ANOVA optimization tool with L16 design is executed and analyzed via a general linear model approach. With the influence of ANOVA, the T<sub>on</sub>/T<sub>off</sub> and composite composition found 95.42%/1.27% and 0.36% impact for MRR and 30.74%/21.01%/18.27% of T<sub>on</sub>, T<sub>off</sub>, and Ra. The optimum parameters for electrical discharge machining have been determined, and the composite material of AZ61/8% Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> has been identified as having a favorable MRR/Ra value compared to other materials.</div>

Effect of Polypropylene and Straw Fiber Materials on the Unconfined Compressive Strength of Tailings and Wasted Stone Mixed Backfill.

Ensuring the mechanical performance of backfill materials while reducing cementation costs is a key challenge in mine backfill research. To address this, fiber materials such as polypropylene (PP) fiber and rice straw (RS) fiber have been incorporated into cement-based mixtures for mine backfilling. This study investigates the effects of PP and RS fibers on the mechanical properties, flow characteristics, and microstructure of Tailings and Wasted Stone Mixed Backfill (TWSMB). A series of orthogonal experiments were designed to evaluate the influence of variables, including the cement-sand ratio, solid mass concentration, wasted stone mass concentration, fiber content, and fiber length on the TWSMB properties. The results indicate that the influence of cement-sand ratio and solid mass concentration have a more significant impact on strength than fibers, though the fibers show a stronger effect than the wasted stone mass concentration. Both fiber types enhanced the strength of the specimens, with PP fiber exhibiting a stronger reinforcing effect than RS fiber. Furthermore, the effect of PP fiber content was more pronounced than that of fiber length, whereas the opposite trend was observed for RS fiber. The optimum fiber parameter levels were determined for each type: PP fiber performed best at a mass concentration of 1.5% and a length of 6 mm, while RS fiber showed optimal performance at a mass concentration of 1.0% and a length of 5-10 mm. Macroscopic damage analysis indicated that the structural integrity and residual compressive strength of the TWSMB specimens were preserved even after surpassing the ultimate compressive strength, due to the crack-bridging effect of the fibers. Microstructural analysis showed that PP fiber-reinforced specimens exhibited a dense structure formed through reactions with other hydration products. In contrast, the surface of RS fibers was nearly fully encapsulated by hydration products, resulting in the formation of a physical skeleton structure. This study provides new insights into minimizing cement consumption and reducing backfilling costs in mining operations.

Mitigation of Mycotoxin Content by a Single-Screw Extruder in Triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extrusion processing parameters-moisture content (M = 20 and 24%), feeding rate (FR = 20 and 25 kg/h), and screw speed (SS = 300, 390 and 480 RPM), on the content of deoxynivalenol (DON), 15-Acetyl Deoxynivalenol (15-AcDON), 3-Acetyl Deoxynivalenol (3-AcDON), HT-2 Toxin (HT-2), tentoxin (TEN) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), using a pilot single-screw extruder in whole-grain triticale flour. The temperature at the end plate of the extruder ranged between 97.6 and 141 °C, the absolute pressure was from 0.10 to 0.42 MPa, the mean retention time of material in the barrel was between 16 and 35 s, and the specific energy consumption was from 91.5 to 186.6 Wh/kg. According to the standard score, the optimum parameters for the reduction of the content of analysed mycotoxins were M = 24 g/100 g, FR = 25 kg/h, SS = 480 RPM, with a reduction of 3.80, 60.7, 61.5, 86.5, 47.7, and 55.9% for DON, 3-AcDON, 15-AcDON, HT-2, TEN, and AME, respectively. Under these conditions, the bulk density, pellet hardness, water absorption index, and water solubility index of the pellet were 0.352 g/mL, 13.7 kg, 8.96 g/g, and 14.9 g/100 g, respectively.

Catalytic epoxidation of waste palm kernel oil using in situ performic acid formation

AbstractThe use of renewable resources in the epoxidation process can reduce the dependence on non‐renewable petroleum resources and contribute to a more environmentally friendly chemical industry. This study aims to investigate the epoxidation of waste palm kernel oil as a renewable feedstock. The synthesis of epoxidized waste palm kernel oil was conducted by reacting waste palm kernel oil, formic acid, and hydrogen peroxide in a one‐pot system. Currently, there is no reported literature on the simultaneous application of a catalyst for the epoxidation of waste palm kernel oil derived from industrial waste. The optimum process parameters were determined, including hydrogen peroxide to waste palm kernel oil molar ratio (1.5:1), formic acid to waste palm kernel oil molar ratio (0.5:1), and stirring speed (300 rpm). The optimum relative conversion to oxirane of epoxidized waste palm kernel oil was 88%. A mathematical model was developed using numerical integration based on the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method as follows: = 0.894 mol·L−1·min−1, = 7.420 mol·L−1·min−1, and = 0.086 mol·L−1·min−1. Based on the findings of the kinetic study, the kinetic model was validated due to its minimal simulation error.

Optimization of laser process parameters and improved corrosion behaviour of LZ/YSZ thermal barrier coating

Abstract Laser processing the surfaces of plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings is one of the methods used to improve the corrosion resistance of the coatings. However, laser glazing alone is not sufficient to fully protect coatings from corrosion. In this study, optimum laser surface modification parameters were determined for plasma-sprayed LZ/YSZ double-layer thermal barrier coatings. The coating surface, whose entire surface was scanned with optimum parameters, was modified with nano YSZ using the electrophoretic deposition technique. Thus, the network cracks formed during laser glazing were filled with nano YSZ. The coating modified by laser and electrophoretic deposition processes was subjected to corrosion tests. As a result of the characterizations, it was determined that the optimum laser surface modification parameters for LZ/YSZ thermal barrier coatings were 200 mm laser distance, 120 scan speed, and 28w laser power. With these parameters, discontinuities on the as-sprayed coating surface were eliminated. A dense layer was successfully created on the LZ layer. As a result of the corrosion tests, it was determined that modifying the laser-glazed surface with nano YSZ reduced the penetration depth of corrosive contaminants. Thus, the glassy melt and hot corrosion resistance of LZ/YSZ thermal barrier coatings was increased.

"Theory of Pore Conflation" and "Shubhjyot's equation" in the treatment of Brilliant green dye-contaminated water using Jamun leaves biochar

This study investigates the adsorption of Brilliant Green (BG) dye onto biochar derived from Syzygium cumini (Jamun) leaves (JLB). Biochar was produced via pyrolysis at 800 °C and examined employing various methods, including Scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, Raman spectroscopy, Zeta potential and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optimum parameters for BG dye adsorption, determined by batch adsorption studies, were a temperature of 80 °C, an initial dye concentration of 500 mg L−1, a contact period of 30 min, and an agitation speed of 400 RPM. The maximum adsorption capacity of JLB for BG was 243.90 mg g−1. It was found that the adsorption process adhered to the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics, revealing heterogeneous adsorption with chemisorption. A novel "Theory of Pore Conflation" was proposed to explain enhanced adsorption at higher temperatures, supported by SEM and FTIR analyses. Additionally, a new equation termed "Shubhjyot's equation" was introduced to account for time dependency in adsorption capacity calculations. The thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that the process is endothermic and spontaneous. Isopropanol was the most effective organic solvent for desorption studies, demonstrating biochar regeneration potential for up to five cycles. Phytotoxicity and cyto-genotoxicity assessments demonstrated the environmental safety of JLB compared to BG dye. The use of JLB production offers a way to repurpose agricultural waste, contributing to circular economy principles. This extensive study demonstrates JLB's promise as an effective, economical, and environmentally safe adsorbent for wastewater treatment that eliminates textile dyes.Graphical

Synergistic enhancement of the dynamic impact damage resistance and energy absorption of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fiber reinforced composites with multiple plasma modification

AbstractThe study reveals the dynamic impact damage resistance and energy absorption of oxygen/argon/nitrogen multiple plasma modified ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber reinforced composites. The interface bonding properties and impact resistance of the composite were studied by microsphere debonding test, low‐velocity and high‐velocity impact test. The modified parameters are optimized based on quadratic polynomial equation. The impact resistance of the composite was evaluated from the aspects of ballistic limit velocity, failure mode and energy dissipation mechanism. The results showed that compared with untreated composites, the depth of dents and damage area of multiple plasma modified composites were reduced by 43.53% and 11.73%, respectively. The energy absorption and limit velocity of high‐velocity impact were increased by 14.64% and 25.58%, respectively. The modified composites formed an energy dissipation mechanism dominated by fiber breakage. The impact damage resistance and energy absorption of UHMWPE fiber reinforced composites were enhanced with multiple plasma modification.Highlights Multiple plasma modification enhance synergistic energy absorption of composites. The optimum treatment parameters of composites plasma modification were analyzed. Interface bonding properties were evaluated from microscopic perspective.

Ni-Co doped TiO2 catalyst for efficient photocatalytic degradation of Malachite Green under UV and direct sunlight.

In the present study, combustion-synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles were wet impregnated with Ni, Co, and Ni-Co, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of synthesized catalysts was evaluated against Malachite Green dye. The synthesized materials were characterized for crystallite size, surface morphology, elemental composition, and band gap using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and ultra-violet diffused reflectance spectroscopy, respectively. The optimum parameters for maximum degradation were found by examining the effects of catalyst loading, initialdye concentration, and light intensity. A comparative analysis of Ni-doped, Co-doped, and Ni-Co-doped TiO2 photocatalysts wasconducted. The results indicate superior photocatalytic activity of Ni-Co doped TiO2 among the catalysts investigated under UV light. The degradation kinetics was studied, and the underlying degradation mechanism was proposed with the help of LC-MS analysis. Furthermore, a comparative study on the degradation under solar radiation using Ni-Co/TiO2 was conducted.

Ultrasound‐assisted sol–gel synthesis of N‐TiO2, Fe‐TiO2, and TiO2 with application in treatment of a commercial effluent

AbstractBACKGROUNDNitrogen doped titanium dioxide (N‐TiO2), iron doped titanium dioxide (Fe‐TiO2), and undoped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocatalysts were synthesized using sol–gel method aided with ultrasound (US). The effects of duty cycle, US‐power, and US irradiation time on catalyst characteristics were investigated so as to establish the best synthesis conditions.RESULTSThe optimum parameters for minimum mean size of catalyst particles were 60% duty cycle, 100 W power, and 20 min as irradiation time. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the primary phase of all nanocatalysts was anatase with crystallite size as 46.29 nm, 54.32 nm, and 56.17 nm for N‐TiO2, Fe‐TiO2, and undoped TiO2, respectively. Field electron scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) images confirmed that N‐TiO2 is a mixture of TiO2 microspheres and rice‐like structures whereas Fe‐TiO2 and undoped TiO2 were spherical. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study showed that both N‐TiO2 and Fe‐TiO2 exhibited minor shifts to lower binding energies when compared to the spectra of undoped TiO2. The application studies for obtained catalysts using simple ultrasonic horn and disc horn coupled with oxidants revealed best results (51.67% reduction in COD) using disc horn for N‐TiO2 catalyst obtained using ultrasound at pH of 12 and addition of a 20 mL per L−1 dose of H2O2.CONCLUSIONDoping TiO2 with metal and non‐metal ions coupled with using ultrasound in synthesis improved the catalytic activity with maximum COD reduction of commercial effluent obtained for disk horn + N‐TiO2 + H2O2 based approach. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).