Optimal Synthesis Conditions Research Articles

Efficient removal of 4-chlorophenol by activation of peroxymonosulfate with synthesized high-performance MnOx/CBC catalysts

Effective activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) is critical to remove chlorophenols (CPs) in the well-used sulfate radical advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs). Though manganese oxides (MnOx) have shown remarkable performance in activating PMS in SR-AOPs, the ease of agglomeration and relatively low crystallinity of MnOx can seriously decreases their activation efficiency. In this study, Camellia oleifera shell-based biochar (CBC) was employed as the support to load MnOx to prevent agglomeration, using the so-called co-precipitation approach. At the same time, low-temperature carbothermal reduction was utilized to increase crystallinity of MnOx while still maintaining promising surface structure of CBC. Using 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) as a representative for CPs, the synthesized MnOx/CBC showed high performance in activating PMS for degradation of 4-CP, with removal percentage up to 84.28%. Furthermore, the effects of roasting time, mass ratio between biochar and Mn, and roasting temperature on synthesis of MnOx/CBC were systematically investigated through the response surface methodology, and the obtained quadratic multinomial regression model can well predict the optimal synthesis condition. Finally, the underlined PMS activation mechanism by MnOx/CBC was explored, where main reactive oxygen species involved in degradation were found to be SO4•−, •OH, 1O2 and O2•−, and a possible routine was proposed. Overall, this work demonstrates the great potential of MnOx/CBC for activation of PMS for removing CPs.

Preparation of NaA zeolite with graphite tailings and its adsorption of ammonia nitrogen.

Environmental pollution caused by the accumulation of graphite tailings (GT) is a significant global challenge. In this study, GT was utilized as a raw material to synthesize NaA zeolite (GTA), with synthesis conditions optimized. The synthesized GTA was characterized by SEM, EDS, BET, XRD, and FTIR, and its ammonia nitrogen (AN) adsorption performance was investigated under varying conditions, including dosage, pH, adsorption time, and temperature. The optimized synthesis conditions were an alkali melting temperature of 700°C, alkali-ore ratio of 1.2:1, aging time of 8h, hydrothermal temperature of 90°C, liquid-solid ratio of 6:1, and hydrothermal time of 8h, yielding a specific surface area of 36.62m2/g. In a 100mg/L AN solution at pH 7 and 30°C, GTA exhibited an adsorption capacity of 13.88mg/g within 1h. The adsorption process follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherm conforms to the Langmuir model, suggesting that the mechanism involves uniform monolayer adsorption on the surface. The adsorption of AN on zeolite is primarily controlled by chemical rather than physical adsorption. This study provides a foundation for the resource utilization of GT and AN treatment, with practical environmental implications.

Facile synthesis of Cu2O nano-microspheres anode for lithium-ion batteries

Transition metal oxide anode materials exhibit high theoretical specific capacities and can meet the energy density requirements through reasonable design. In this work, a facile wet-chemical method to fabricate Cu2O nano-microspheres anode for lithium-ion batteries with controllable size varied from 0.4 ∼ 1.2 μm is introduced, which basically using copper acetate as copper precursor and ascorbic acid as reducing agent. The solvent composition (DI water only or DI water:Ethanol = 1:1), solution alkalinity (amount of NaOH input), and synthesis temperature are investigated as factors affecting the size and morphology of Cu2O nano-microspheres. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. Nanoparticle cluster structure is observed in the reaction product with the bi-solvent system. With the optimized synthesis condition, the prepared Cu2O anode (size of ∼ 455 ± 41 nm) delivers an initial discharge capacity of 539 mAh/g at a current density of 0.5C, 100 cycles of cyclic discharge at 0.5C with a capacity retention rate of 84.73 %. At the current density of 2C, the specific capacity is 347 mAh/g. Even at a large current density of 5C, the specific capacity is still as high as 219 mAh/g, indicating good rate capability.

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.

Radiation driven synthesis of MnSe nanoparticles with dual luminescence and magnetic characteristics and its role in photocatalytic reactions

Many biomedical applications can greatly benefit from the combination of photoluminescence and magnetic properties of non-toxic manganese-based nanomaterials and thus, it demands for synthesizing such materials in an aqueous environment. The present work reports aqueous synthesis of starch-capped manganese selenide (MnSe) nanoparticles (NPs) through a steady-state gamma irradiation route under ambient pressure and room temperature. As radiolysis is considered as the cleanest method among available chemical approaches, we preferred to employ this technique and endeavored to establish optimal conditions of such synthesis. The as-produced MnSe nanocrystals demonstrated strong photoluminescence with a quantum yield of ca. 32% and co-existence of paramagnetic with antiferromagnetic behavior. To look into possible light-induced reactions with aromatic molecules, the effectiveness of synthesized particles on photo-induced degradation of dyes of similar structure was investigated. The proposed strategy may pave the way for synthesizing magneto-fluorescent nanoparticles in aqueous medium, which may find immense scope in nano-photonics and nano-biotechnology including biological assays, labelling and imaging.

Optimizing Synthesis of Anionic Surfactant‐Modified Carbon Black for Enhanced Ammonium Adsorption

The increasing levels of ammonium in wastewater pose serious environmental issues, highlighting the urgent need for effective adsorbents to facilitate its removal. Although conventional biological treatment methods have certain drawbacks, adsorption using carbonaceous materials, such as carbon black produced from waste tires, presents a promising alternative for ammonium removal. However, the use of these materials has not been thoroughly investigated. This study focuses on optimizing the synthesis of carbon black modified with anionic surfactants to improve its capacity for ammonium adsorption. Utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and a Box‐Behnken design, the optimization process examined key variables, including reaction time, surfactant concentration, carbon black dosage, and surfactant type. Comprehensive characterization of the adsorbent was conducted to analyze its surface properties, functional groups, morphology, and elemental composition. The regression models produced highly accurate results with an R2 value of 0.9437. The optimal synthesis conditions were identified as a 12.30‐hour reaction time, a surfactant concentration of 8 mmol/L of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and a carbon black dosage of 30 g, achieving an ammonium removal efficiency of 84.80%. This study offers a scalable solution for ammonium removal in wastewater, promising practical applications and future sustainable waste management research.

Optimization of AgNPs production from Fusarium oxysporum H39 and its effectiveness as nanopesticides facing Pectobacterium carotovorum

In response to the increasing shortage of agrochemicals in developing countries, which directly impacts farmers' livelihoods, this study investigates the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employ the enzymatic extract from a native strain of Fusarium oxysporum H39. These nanoparticles were assessed for their antibacterial efficacy facing potato tuber soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum. The optimal conditions for AgNP synthesis were determined to be a concentration of 3 mM, a pH of 10, and a temperature of 27°C over a 24-hour period. Under these conditions, spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 12.3 ± 4.3 nm were produced. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of organic compounds on the surface of the AgNPs, as evidenced by bands corresponding to C-O, C-N, and C-C bonds. The nanoparticles demonstrated significant nanopesticide activity facing the phytopathogenic bacterium P. carotovorum, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 25 ppm and 50 ppm identified through microdilution and macrodilution assays, respectively. Additionally, in controlled substrate tests, preventive treatment of tubers with a 100 ppm dose of AgNPs significantly reduced the weight of macerated tissue, the primary symptom of the disease.

Construction of Mesoporous Aluminosilicate Thin Films on ITO Electrodes for Immobilizing a Cationic Ru(II) Water Oxidation Catalyst

AbstractAluminosilicate (Al‐SiO2) thin films with vertically aligned mesochannels were successfully synthesized on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) electrodes and employed for the immobilization of a cationic Ru(II) water oxidation catalyst without requiring linker groups. Optimal synthesis conditions yielded uniform mesoporous Al‐SiO2 films with tunable Al content, high surface area (568 m2/g), 3.94 nm pore size, and 155 nm thickness. Electrochemical studies confirmed the presence of the immobilized Ru complex undergoing diffusion‐controlled Ru(III/II) and Ru(IV/III) electron transfer. The Ru loading reached 4.71 nmol/cm2 at Si/Al=9.6, with higher Al content enhancing loading amounts via cation exchange. The Ru‐modified electrode exhibited high electrocatalytic water oxidation activity, achieving 75.3 % Faradaic efficiency and a turnover number of 298.6 for O2 evolution for 1 hour. This work provides a new approach to construct porous environments on an electrode surface to immobilize positively charged transition‐metal complexes as catalysts, offering potential applications in the development of electrocatalytic systems for energy conversion.

Synthesis and Evaluation of High-Temperature Resistant Polymer Plugging Agent for Water-Based Drilling Fluids.

As the exploration and development of deep wells have emerged as a key option to extract more oil and gas resources trapped underneath, high-temperature formations impose stringent requirements on the thermal stability of plugging agents used in water-based drilling fluids. In this work, β-cyclodextrin, with its unique conical toroidal rigid stable structure and internal hydrophobic and external hydrophilic special adsorption capacity, was first grafted with maleic anhydride to prepare a silicone polymer and then copolymerized with dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (DMDAAC) in the presence of coupling agent vinyltriethoxysilane (A151) and cross-linking divinylbenzene (DVD) to finally obtain a high-temperature resistant plugging agent (AMMD). Subsequently, the molecular structure was evidenced and the performance of AMMD was examined in the polysulfonate-base fluid via a series of tests including high-temperature high-pressure filtration loss, sand tray plugging, and drilling fluid displacement, and the results were compared with the counterpart Soltex under the same conditions. The optimal synthesis conditions for the plugging agent were found as total monomer concentration of 25%, initiator mass fraction of 1% (based on the mass of monomers), monomer feed ratio of m (DVD):m(A151):m(DMDAAC):m(MD) of 15:3:2:15, pH value of 10, reaction temperature of 75 °C, and reaction time of 4 h. FT-IR spectra indicated that the monomers used to prepare AMMD were successfully involved in the reaction for the design of the plugging agent structure. TGA showed that AMMD has a total weight loss of about 35.98% in the range of 284 to 453 °C. Moreover, the addition of 3%AMMD into the base fluid produced a 4.38-fold and 3.8-fold filtration loss control over 60 min at 200 °C using 400 and 800 mD sand trays, respectively, which were comparatively higher than the commercially available Soltex (ca. 3.72-fold and 3.14-fold, respectively, using 400 and 800 mD). This then contributed to AMMD's superior plugging performance in drilling fluid based on the drilling fluid displacement experiment, implying that AMMD could find potential use as a plugging agent in polysulfonate drilling fluid under severe geothermal conditions.

Comparative Analysis of Anodized TiO2 Nanotubes and Hydrothermally Synthesized TiO2 Nanotubes: Morphological, Structural, and Photoelectrochemical Properties.

This study presents a comparative analysis of anodization and hydrothermal techniques for synthesizing TiO2 nanotubes directly on titanium foil. It emphasizes its advantages as a substrate due to its superior conductivity and efficient charge transfer. Optimized synthesis conditions enable a thorough evaluation of the resulting nanotubes' morphology, structure, and optical properties, ultimately assessing their photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performances. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals differences in tube diameter and organization. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows a dominant anatase (101) crystal phase in both methods, with the hydrothermally synthesized nanotubes exhibiting a biphase structure after annealing at 500 °C. UV-Vis and photoluminescence analyses indicate slight variations in band gaps (around 0.02 eV) and recombination rates. The anodized TiO2 nanotubes, exhibiting superior hydrophilicity and order, demonstrate significantly enhanced photocatalytic degradation of a model pollutant, amido black (80 vs. 78%), and achieve a 0.1% higher photoconversion efficiency compared to the hydrothermally synthesized tubes. This study underscores the potential advantages of the anodization method for photocatalytic applications, particularly by demonstrating the efficacy of direct TiO2 nanotube growth on titanium foil for efficient photocatalysis.

Ferrates (VI) ; Alternative products in water treatment : their electrochemical synthesis

This study focuses on determining the optimum conditions for the electrochemical generation of ferrates in concentrated NaOH solution. Various operating parameters, including electrolyte concentration, current density, temperature, electrolysis duration, and the composition and form of the anode, were investigated to enhance the yield of electrochemical ferrate (VI) ion production. The synthesized ferrates were characterized using UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopic techniques. Experimental results confirmed the formation of ferrate ions, with optimal synthesis conditions identified as follows: a current density of 11.96 mA/cm², NaOH concentration of 16 M, electrolysis time of 1 hour, temperature of 25°C, and the use of white cast iron as the anode material. These conditions were found to yield the highest efficiency for sodium ferrate production. The spectroscopic analysis effectively verified the presence of ferrate (VI) ions, providing valuable insights into the electrochemical synthesis process. This study contributes to the advancement of ferrate synthesis techniques, potentially offering an efficient route for large-scale production.

Synthesis of heterogeneous nanocomposite catalyst ZrO2@SBA-15 for formic acid production from hemicelluloses

Heterogeneous nanocomposite ZrO2@SBA-15 catalysts containing 10 wt. % of zirconium oxide were synthesized by two methods: co-condensation and incipient wetness impregnation. The silica support and catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, gas adsorption, FTIR-spectroscopy and other physicochemical methods. As a result of zirconia introduction into the silica wall, the mesostructured of SBA-15 is preserved, but the specific surface area and pore Volume are reduced. It was established that during one-stage co-condensation synthesis, the particle fibers shorten and stick together. The catalysts were tested in the process of catalytic hydrolysis-oxidation of hemicelluloses of aspen wood. The optimal formic acid synthesis conditions were determined: 150°С, 3 h. The highest formic acid yield obtained over the catalyst obtained by co-condensation under best reaction conditions was 28.4 wt. %.

Machine learning‐aided process design using limited experimental data: A microwave‐assisted ammonia synthesis case study

AbstractAn open research question lies in how machine learning (ML) can accelerate the design optimization of chemical processes which are at very early experimental development stage with limited data availability. As an example, this article investigates the design of an intensified microwave‐assisted ammonia production reactor with 46 experimental data. We present an integrated approach of neural networks and synthetic minority oversampling technique to quantify the nonlinear input‐output relationships of this process. For ammonia concentration predictions at discrete operating conditions, the approach demonstrates 96.1% average accuracy over other ML methods (e.g., support vector regression 84.2%). The approach has also been applied for continuous optimization, identifying the optimal synthesis conditions at 597.37 K, 0.55MPa with feed flow rate of 1.67 ×10−3 m3/s kg and hydrogen to nitrogen ratio of 1 which is consistent with experimental observations. The data‐driven model enables to integrate this reactor with existing ammonia production infrastructure and benchmark with conventional techniques.

Controlled Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles via QBD for Biomedical Applications

Introduction: Iron oxide nanoparticles have gained significant attention in pharmaceutical applications because of their unique properties. The hydrothermal method is employed for the synthesis of iron nanoparticles [IONPs], which offers advantages such as uniform composition and size distribution. Method: However, the size and properties of IONPs can be influenced by various factors. In this study, we utilized quality by design [QBD] via response surface methodology to investigate the impact of temperature, time, and pH on the size of hydrothermally prepared IONPs. The optimized synthesis conditions were determined, and the resulting nanoparticles were characterized using techniques such as dynamic light scattering [DLS], scanning electron microscopy [SEM], transmission electron microscopy [TEM], vibrating sample magnetometry [VSM], X-ray diffraction [XRD], and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy [FTIR]. Results: The findings contribute to a better understanding of the controlled synthesis of IONPs and their potential applications in nanomedicine. The XRD characterization revealed that the product was Fe3O4. The FTIR results indicate that Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with PEG- 400. The SEM and HRTEM images of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed that they were spherical and had a well-distributed size with an optimized hydrodynamic size of 65 nm. Conclusion: The magnetic properties of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles indicated that they exhibited ferromagnetic properties. These prepared nanoparticles are suitable for biomedical purposes, like serving as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging in different cancers and delivering drugs.

Synergistic coupling of NiCo-LDH in high-performance supercapacitors via hydrothermal method: Optimal utilization of the potential window

Enhancing the efficiency of layered nickel-cobalt double hydroxides (NiCo-LDH) as electrode materials represented a promising strategy for advancing supercapacitor technology and improving energy storage systems. However, achieving optimal synthesis conditions and addressing the inherent limitations of NiCo-LDH remained critical challenges. In this study, we developed a novel hydrothermal approach to fabricate ultrathin NiCo-LDH nanosheets with a highly porous architecture. In the present study, we have introduced a hydrothermal methodology aimed at the fabrication of ultrathin NiCo-LDH nanosheets characterized by an intricate and highly porous architecture. This innovative approach entailed the simultaneous deposition of nickel and cobalt hydroxides in the presence of ammonium fluoride, a technique that not only streamlined the synthesis process, but also markedly augmented the electrochemical performance of the resultant material. These effects collectively contributed to improved electron transport and structural stability. The optimized NiCo-LDH-18 electrode achieved an exceptional specific capacitance of 2266.6 F g⁻1 and an energy density of 104.8 W h kg⁻1, with a remarkable 93.19 % capacitance retention after 40,000 cycles. Additionally, the potential window of the system closely approximated its theoretical maximum, reaching 96.88 % at a current density of 10 A g⁻1. This refined synthesis strategy offered a significant advancement in supercapacitor performance and stability. By overcoming the inherent drawbacks of traditional supercapacitors, the developed materials provided an effective solution for meeting the growing demand for storage devices with high energy density.

Adjustment of temperature sensitivity using hydrophilic materials to develop superabsorbent polymers based on poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) as a temperature‐sensitive material

AbstractPoly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm) is a temperature‐sensitive material with a fast temperature response and a low critical solubilization temperature (LCST) of approximately 32°C, but it swells only 20–40 times after absorbing water. To enhance its water‐absorption properties, we introduced hydrophilic monomers into the NIPAm monomer to prepare a ternary copolymerized superabsorbent polymer. In addition, we characterized this copolymer using various techniques and analyzed its temperature‐sensitive and water‐absorbing properties. The results showed that the optimal synthesis conditions consisted of m(NIPAm):m(AMPS) = 4, 1.5% initiator, 0.3% cross‐linking agent, and 1.0% quaternized ammonium chitosan, which ensured the significant temperature sensitivity of the water‐absorbent resin. Under these conditions, the swelling ratio of the water‐absorbing resin reached 235.3 times, the LCST value was 44.6°C, the water retention rate was 84.9% at 25°C after 12 h, and the shrinkage ratio reached 81.7% at 60°C after 3 h, and 97.6% after 12 h. The resulting material could be rapidly dehydrated at high temperatures and presented clear temperature‐sensitive characteristics while maintaining excellent water‐absorbing properties.

Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Spherical Maghemite Nanoparticles with Tunable Size and Surface Chemistry.

We report the synthesis of uniform populations of spherical maghemite nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of iron precursors with tunable diameters centered at 3.3, 7.5, and 12.0 nm and tunable surface chemistry. The three stabilizing ligands were fatty acids with three different alkyl chain lengths (18, 12, and 8 carbon atoms). The unprecedented accurate control of the surface chemistry is made possible by the use of three types of iron complexes, that is, iron oleate (C18), iron dodecanoate (C12), and iron octanoate (C8), associated with fatty acid ligands having the same alkyl chain length, that is, oleic acid (C18), dodecanoic acid (C12), and octanoic acid (C8). Since the thermal decomposition of the iron precursor varies with the chain length, no general rules can be applied to control the nanoparticle size, but optimal synthesis conditions have been investigated to induce the growth of nanoparticles with three different surface chemistries, keeping the diameters centered at 3.3, 7.5, and 12.0 nm. Finally, structural characterization of the nine populations of maghemite nanoparticles was performed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and magnetic properties were determined by using SQUID magnetometry.

Tailoring of Ultrasmall NiMnO3 Nanoparticles: Optimizing Synthesis Conditions and Solvent Effects

Nickel manganese oxide (NiMnO3) combines magnetic and dielectric properties, making it a promising material for sensor and supercapacitor applications, as well as for catalytic water splitting. The efficiency of its utilization is notably influenced by particle size. In this study, we investigate the influence of thermal treatment parameters on the phase composition of products from alkali co-precipitation of nickel and manganese (II) ions and identify optimal conditions for synthesizing phase-pure nickel manganese oxide. Ultrafine nanoparticles of NiMnO3 (with sizes as small as 2 nm) are obtained via liquid-phase ultrasonic dispersion, exhibiting a narrow size distribution. A systematic exploration of the solvent nature (water, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide) on the efficiency of ultrasonic dispersion of NiMnO3 nanoparticles is provided. It is demonstrated that particle size is influenced not only by absorbed acoustic power, dependent on the physical properties of the used solvent (boiling temperature, gas solubility, viscosity, density) but also by the chemical stability of the solvent under prolonged ultrasonic treatment. Our findings provide insights for designing ultrasonic treatment protocols for nanoparticle dispersions with tailored particle sizes.

Synthesis and Characterization of Acacia-Stabilized Doxorubicin-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Therapy.

The targeted delivery of drugs is vital in breast cancer treatment due to its ability to produce long-lasting therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. This study reports the successful development of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)-loaded colloidal gold nanoparticles stabilized with acacia gum (AG). Optimization studies varied AG concentrations (0.25% to 3% w/v) to determine optimal conditions for nanoparticle synthesis. The resulting acacia stabilized gold nanoparticles (AGNPs) were characterized using various techniques including high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a higher release rate of DOX in sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) compared to phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4), suggesting an enhanced therapeutic efficacy in acidic tumor environments. Cytotoxicity of DOX-AGNPs and free DOX was assessed in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The DOX-AGNPs exhibited significantly greater cytotoxicity, indicating enhanced efficacy in targeting cancer cells. This enhancement suggests that adsorbing DOX on the surface of gold nanoparticles can improve drug delivery and effectiveness, potentially reducing side effects compared to pure DOX and traditional delivery methods. Stability tests conducted over six months at 25±1°C showed significant changes in particle size and PDI, suggesting limited stability under these conditions. Overall, the acacia-stabilized gold nanoparticles synthesized in this study exhibit promising characteristics for drug delivery applications, particularly in cancer therapy, with effective drug loading, controlled release, and favorable physicochemical properties.

Environmentally-friendly synthesis of platinum nanoparticles: phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of Cichorium intybus in different solvents

Cichorium intybus, a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family, has long been utilized in traditional medicine across South and North Africa. This study explores the phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of C. intybus leaf extracts and develops a green synthesis method for platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using these extracts. Extracts were prepared using five solvent systems: 80% methanol, 80% ethanol, 100% methanol, 100% ethanol, and de-ionized water. The 80% methanolic extract showed the highest yield (12.79 g/100 g DW), total phenolic content (93.24 mg GAE/g DW), and total flavonoid content (8.92 mg CE/g DW). Antioxidant activity assays revealed that the 80% methanolic extract had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Additionally, the green synthesis of PtNPs was achieved using C. intybus extracts, indicated by a color change and a surface plasmon resonance band at 295 nm in UV–visible spectroscopy. Optimal synthesis conditions were pH 9, 120 min reaction time, and 90 °C. UV–visible and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis and stability of the PtNPs. These findings highlight the medicinal importance of Cichorium intybus and present a sustainable approach for synthesizing platinum nanoparticles, offering significant contributions to phytochemistry and nanotechnology.