Presence Of Nanocomposite Research Articles

Sonochemical synthesis of bismuth sulfide-based nanorods for hydrogen production

Bismuth-based nanostructures have been used as promising materials for catalytic hydrogen production. Herein, a sonochemical method was developed to prepare solid solutions like Bi2-xZn1.5xS3 in order to strengthen the Bi2S3 redox ability. Thioglycolic acid (TGA) was used as a complexing agent of Bi3+ to slow down Bi2S3 precipitation, making zinc insertion into the sulfide structure easier. The results of XRD, TEM, EDS, XPS, and DRS analyses suggest the formation of nanocomposites consisting of nanorods of Bi2-xZn1.5xS3 covered by ZnS nanoparticles, with bandgap widening from 1.16 eV (Bi2S3) to 2.37 eV (Bi1.53Zn0.6S3/ZnS/Zn(OH)2). The hydrogen generation in an ethanol aqueous solution was investigated under sonolysis, photocatalysis and simultaneous sonolysis and photocatalysis (sonophotocatalysis) in the presence of bismuth sulfide-based nanorods. The hybrid action of light and ultrasounds determined a remarkable synergistic effect on the hydrogen production of the solid solutions. The most outstanding results were found in the presence of nanocomposites containing Bi2-xZn1.5xS3, which can have an origin in better charge separation after zinc incorporation.

Photocatalytic water oxidation by iron and copper phthalocyanine complexes immobilized on Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 under visible light irradiation

In this research, the heterogeneous catalysts of Fe3O4@SiO@TiO‐FePc and Fe3O4@SiO@TiO‐ CuPcN (FePc = iron (II) phthalocyanine and CuPcN = copper (II) tetraazaphthalocyanine), termed respectively as nanocomposites 1 and 2, were prepared by immobilizing the FePc and CuPcN complexes on the Fe3O4@SiO@TiO surface and used for the photocatalytic water oxidation reaction. Since phthalocyanine complexes have received very little attention as photocatalysts for water oxidation, the advantage of the synthesized photocatalyst owes to the ability of the phthalocyanine complex grafted on the titanium substrate to oxidize water in the photocatalytic reaction. The prepared nanocomposites were then studied by diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopies, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, ultraviolet diffuse reflectance (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The photocatalytic response of water oxidation by nanocomposites 1 and 2 was investigated in the presence of silver nitrate as an electron recipient at ambient temperature. The progress of the water oxidation reaction was monitored with an oxygen meter. The amount of oxygen generated in the presence of nanocomposites 1 and 2 under visible light irradiation was found to be 2.6 and 2.1 mg L−1, respectively. Owing to the existence of magnetic material, these nanocomposites can be effortlessly removed from the response medium with an external magnet. The involved nanocomposites can be used up to three times in catalytic water oxidation reactions with no significant change in their photocatalytic activity.

Green synthesis of copper(II) oxide nanoparticles covered on multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed electrode as rapid electrochemical sensing platform for detection of doxepin

In the current research, a modified screen-printed electrode has been made by depositing a copper(II) oxide nanoparticle upon the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CuO/MWCNTs). Through the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and mapping, the characterization of the CuO/MWCNTs modifier was examined. The XRD analysis confirms the in-situ formation of copper(II) oxide nanoparticles with MWCNT. FESEM studies reveal the simultaneous existence of nanoparticles and nanotubes in the prepared nanocomposite material. This kind of morphological orientation has significantly improved the nanocomposite’s catalytic properties. Moreover, EDS analysis and elemental mapping depicts that the presence of nanocomposite containing the elements of Cu, O, and C mentioned. Examining the modified electrode's electrochemical activity revealed good stability and conductivity under a diffusion-controlled procedure, making it an ideal working electrode. Additionally, the doxepin oxidation process at the modified electrode’s surface, an antidepressant medicine, has been examined. The modified electrode had a high doxepin sensitivity at an applied voltage of 780 mV. With a detection limit of 0.17 nM (signal/noise = 3), linear range was also obtained over a wide concentration range of 0.001 µM to 400.0 µM (R2 = 0.9998). What's more, the modified electrode is very resistant to ion poisoning and efficiently prevents interference from the oxidation of typicalinterfering species. Moreover, the CuO/MWCNTs electrode has been utilized to measure the doxepin concentration in actual samples. Aside from having an improved electrocatalytic capability, the modified electrode also has a low working potential and good stability, as well as high sensitivity.

Facile Synthesis of Citric Acid Functionalized Fe3O4@Activated Carbon Magnetic Nanocomposite for Efficient Adsorption of Brilliant Green Dye from Wastewater

AbstractOwing to the impact of brilliant green dye on potable water contamination, citric acid functionalized magnetic nanocomposite in presence of activated carbon was prepared for easy, quick, and efficient removal of the dye from water. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to maximize the adsorption efficiency by optimizing contact time, initial dye concentration, pH, dosage, and salt concentration. The maximum efficiency of the citric acid functionalized Fe3O4@activated carbon was found to be 773 mg g−1. The efficiency of the monolayer adsorption process as depicted from the Langmuir model is explained based on the hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and porosity of the adsorbent. The adsorption process follows a pseudo‐second order kinetics model which can also be correlated to the relatively quick adsorption process. The saturation magnetization of the nanocomposites prepared in presence of activated carbon was found to be 35.2 emu/g, which makes it effective for quick magnetic separation. Built on the findings, we report an economical, efficient, and satisfactory alternative adsorbent for the abatement of brilliant green dye from coloured wastewater and contaminated water sources.

Experimental investigation of the effect of smart water and a novel synthetic nanocomposite on wettability alteration, interfacial tension reduction, and EOR

Recently, smart water (SmW) and nanocomposite (NC) flooding have shown good potential for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. Although SmW and NCs are found to influence the oil recovery, there are still some controversies regarding their performance on wettability alteration (WA). To address this important question, we synthesized new NC materials with high hydrophilic properties. In this research, in the first stage, a NC was synthesized. The obtained compound was known as (UiO-66-NH2/TiO2/ZnO) (UNTZ). For the identification of NC, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques were used. Furthermore, zeta-potential analysis was done to investigate the stability of nanofluids (NFs). To investigate the effect of NFs on oil recovery, 8 concentrations (1600, 1400, 1200, 900, 700, 500, 300, and 100 ppm) of UNTZ nanofluids were prepared. In the current work, to investigate the effectiveness of the combination of SmW (sulfate (SO42−) and calcium (Ca2+)) + NCs, tests such as interfacial tension (IFT), contact angle, and coreflooding were used. The results of contact angle tests showed improved SmWs capabilities in the presence of NCs that a very effective reduction was accessible and highly hydrophilic wettability was obtained when using SmWs with stable NC as a minimum contact angle of 28° was achieved. The findings of the coreflood experiment indicated that at SmW(SmW2sulfate) + 100 ppm NC and SmW(SmW2calcium) + 100 ppm NC concentrations, the NF enhanced the oil recovery by 9.8 and 5.9%, respectively. This research offers new findings that can help oil recovery by understanding smart water technology with nanoparticle (NPs) in reservoirs (carbonate).

Enhancement of characteristics of ester based insulating oil in the presence of nano composites

The development of reliable, environmentally safe and economically viable insulating oil for transformers is an endless effort of the electrical industry. Recent research is based on natural ester fluid, a green insulating oil that exhibits excellent dielectric performance and environment friendly characteristics. Mineral oil is a popular dielectric liquid used in transformers and switchgear. The environmental hazards caused by the oil have reached an alarming level and several incidents relating to transformer explosions have been reported worldwide, one major cause being the insulation failure. The requirement of an insulating liquid with fire safety and biodegradable nature has become a key concern of transformer manufacturers. One such kind of oil is Refined Coconut Oil having similar properties and characteristics as mineral oil. Refined coconut oil is commonly available as an environmentally friendly ester oil. In the present work, nano- fluids such as Nano MgO and nano BN have been added in different concentrations to identify their positive effects on improvement in the characteristics of mineral oil. It is also conclusively proved that nano-fluids are potential replacements for mineral oil since the qualities of the base oil were improved by the inclusion of nanoparticles.

Effect of different salinity on low permeability carbonate reservoir recovery using a new green polymeric nanocomposites

ABSTRACT Nanoparticles usage and altering mechanisms such as wettability alteration (CA) and interfacial tension (IFT) reduction in carbonate reservoirs are common methods used to recover more oil (nanoparticles-assisted enhanced oil recovery (EOR)) from these reservoirs. ZnO/SiO2/Xanthan as new nanocomposites were introduced at reservoir conditions and different salinity, and results were compared with commercial SiO2 nanoparticles in this study. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) tests were used for observing morphology and the crystal structure of reservoir. Then, nanocomposites and SiO2 nanocomposites at 0.05 wt. % were used for seeing IFT and CA parameters at reservoir conditions and different salinity. It was found that nanocomposites have better results during IFT and CA tests compared to SiO2 nanoparticles, and nanocomposites were selected for surveying the salinity effect in the presence of nanocomposites on low permeability carbonate porous media with imbibition tests. CA (2 SW, 10 SW) decreased from (86 ̊, 80 ̊) to (79 ̊, 78 ̊) and (75 ̊, 74 ̊) in the presence of nanocomposites and SiO2, respectively, at 60°C and 1800 Psi. Two other important factors that were changed effectively in the presence of nanocomposites were IFT and stability tests. Nanocomposites show stable behavior at different salinity (ZP at 10 SW: 31.37, ZP at 2 SW: −28.00), and IFT decreased in the presence of 2 SW and 10 SW (higher in 2 SW). Finally, recovery factor was increased at both 2 SW and 10 SW in the presence of nanocomposites and reservoir conditions (2SW: 25.1%, 10 SW: 34.1%).

Pectin-Coated Baclofen-Layered Zinc Hydroxide Nanohybrid as a Bio-Based Nanocomposite Carrier for Oral Delivery.

pH-sensitive pectin beads were proposed as a protective capsule for layered zinc hydroxide-drug (LZH-Drug) nanohybrids in the gastrointestinal tract in this paper. Baclofen was intercalated between LZH layers using the co-precipitation method as a model drug. By combining LZH-baclofen with pectin, the resulting nanohybrid (LZH-baclofen) was used to make bio-nanocomposite hydrogel beads. FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses were used to characterize the produced products. Baclofen anions are vertical to the LZH layers in the shape of a monolayer, according to the interlayer space of 19.6Å. The presence of nanocomposites is demonstrated by FTIR, which exhibits a peak at 3489 cm-1 for the OH group, 1564 and 1384 cm-1 for the-COO- vibration mode, indicating that baclofen is intercalated between the layered structures. After intercalation, baclofen's thermal stability is greatly improved. The nanohybrid is more compact, with agglomerates and flat surfaces of the intercalated substance, shown by SEM. In vitro release behaviors of baclofen from LZH and bio-nanocomposites in buffer solution were examined under pH values (pH = 1.2, 6.8, 7.4) chosen from a model of the passing materials through the gastrointestinal tract. For pectin encapsulated LZH-baclofen nanohybrid, drug release studies indicated superior protection against stomach pH and regulated release under intestinal tract conditions. Furthermore, nanohybrid and nanocomposite treatment of a normal fibroblast cell line resulted in cell survival up to 12.5 g/mL for a 24-h period, with inhibition reducing dose-dependently at higher concentrations. A novel intercalation molecule with a sustained release mode and improved toxicity against normal fibroblast cell lines has been produced as a result of the strong host-guest contacts between the LZH lattice and the baclofen anion. Further study into the utilization of brucite-like host materials in drug delivery systems should be based on these findings.

Improving Simultaneous Water Alternative Associate Gas Tests in the Presence of Newly Synthesized γ-Al2O3/ZnO/Urea Nano-Composites: An Experimental Core Flooding Tests.

Nano-composites positively impact subsurface porous media's properties during enhanced oil recovery. In this paper, γ-Al2O3/ZnO/urea nano-composites were selected to improve simultaneous water alternative associate gas (SWAG) tests based on better results in comparison to pure γ-Al2O3 in the static phase. According to the interfacial tension (lowest), contact angle (lowest), zeta potential (highest absolute value), and viscosity (lowest) tests in the presence of nano-composites, 80 ppm was chosen as the optimum concentration (OP) to perform SWAG experiments. The interfacial tension (mN m-1) and contact angle (°) values of nano-fluids at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 ppm were higher than that of alumina and were (27.50, 130.12), (24.38, 80.32), (21.63, 70.98), (15.63, 40.69), (10.75, 8.50), and (6.80, 46.01) mN m-1, respectively. It was evident that considering effective, efficient parameters before performing the main SWAG test was important, and due to using OP, the recovery factor increased from 55.9 to 83.1% at a constant SWAG ratio (1:1) and temperature (40 °C). Furthermore, higher instant oil and lower produced water were seen as OP during the nano-composite-assisted SWAG test at 80 ppm.

Solvatochromism of a silver-epoxy nanocomposite dispersed in organic solvents

Solvent-dependent colorimetric properties of coupled plasmonic silver nanoparticles have significant interest in sensing devices for biological and environmental applications. In this work, the solvatochromism of silver-epoxy nanocomposites was studied in aprotic solvents having different dielectric constants like acetone, N, N-dimethylformamide, and dimethylsulphoxide. Triangular silver nanoprisms with sharp corners, truncated triangular silver nanoprisms and stacks of elongated silver nanoparticles with strong coupling plasmonic may be obtained by simple dispersion of the nanocomposites in presence of these solvents, respectively. The color and hues parameters of the assemblies were originated by a solvent-induced coalescence mechanism involving seeds of silver nanoparticles in fresh and aged epoxy nanocomposites. Overall, the results showed that the dielectric constant of the solvent has an important impact on the optical properties, size distribution, morphology, and stability of the silver nanoparticles dispersed in epoxy resin.

Silica/polyacrylamide nanocomposite for inhibition of asphaltene precipitation from unstable crude oils

Among various flow assurance problems, asphaltene precipitation is a major issue. This study aims to evaluate the potential application of silica-polyacrylamide nanocomposite to inhibit asphaltene precipitation for the first time. The nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques. The inhibitory effect of nanocomposites in water-based nanofluid on two unstable crude oils was evaluated using viscometry, asphaltene dispersion test, dynamic light scattering, and polarized microscopy techniques. The viscosity measurements indicate that nanocomposites postpone asphaltene onset of precipitation from 34 to 44 and 23 to 36 vol% nC7 for crude oil A and B, respectively. The maximum dispersion efficiency of nanocomposite was 69% and 79% at the 1% and 2.5% nanofluid volume dosages for crude oil A and B, respectively. Dynamic Light Scattering and microscopy results indicated the asphaltene size change to lower values in the presence of nanocomposites. Polyacrylamide attached to the silica surface promotes a surface with efficient functional groups that increase the asphaltene adsorption. Asphaltene adsorption leads to decreased aggregate size and controlling the asphaltene precipitation. The prepared nanocomposite was evaluated as an efficient dispersant and inhibitor that reveals the potential application of Silica-polyacrylamide for handling the asphaltene precipitation in reservoirs.

Introducing a new method of using nanocomposites for preventing asphaltene aggregation during real static and dynamic natural depletion tests

ABSTRACT The recent use of nanoparticles (NPs) to adsorb asphaltene from oil in the oil reservoir has been recognized by researchers as an effective method. The present study shows a new synthetic nanocomposite (NC) called zirconia-zinc-copper for the removal of asphaltene deposits. The NC structure was determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. In this study, to investigate the reduction of permeability/porosity in porous media, dynamic natural depletion (DND) experiments in the presence of nanocomposites (NCs) under static conditions were used. Also, in the presence of NCs, isotherm models, CO2-oil (CO) IFT tests, and DND tests at the static phase were performed. In the following, the results were compared with zirconia NPs. The results showed that the mean particle diameter of NCs was measured by TEM analysis, about 27 nm. On the other hand, XRD analysis confirmed the TEM results. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of Zirconia, Zinc, Copper, and Oxygen elements in the synthetic NC structure. Also, FT-IR analysis shows the presence of zinc oxide (ZnO) and Copper oxide (CuO) peaks well. In addition, it was observed that the properties of ZrO2-ZnO NCs were well improved using copper doping. The results of adsorption data in the presence of NC and zirconiaNPs showed that the above data are more consistent with Langmuir (LI) isotherm than Freundlich (FI) isotherm. In this regard, NCs had a higher absorption rate in batch experiments than zirconia. There were two different slopes in the IFT CO reading in the static phase, where the pressure increased from 200 Psi to 2600 Psi. Also, the second slope (1700 Psi-2600 Psi) was slower than the first slope (200 Psi-1700 Psi) due to the accumulation of asphaltene. The slope ratio of 2 to 1 after adding NC and zirconia NPs increased from 19.8% to 24.1% and 26.5%, respectively. In general, the results showed in this study that NCs absorb more asphaltene than zirconia NPs. NCs reduced asphaltene precipitation (AP) more than zirconia during natural depletion experiments. In this regard, NCs were selected for natural depletion experiments. Finally, asphaltene deposits, which occur in the dynamic phase, decreased after adding NC, and, finally, the porosity/permeability parameters improved well.

Thermally stable nanoclay and functionalized graphene oxide integrated SPEEK nanocomposite membranes for direct methanol fuel cell application

Membrane-based fuel cells, particularly methanol-based fuel cells, are thriving areas with high efficiency, less material consumption, and low emission of pollutants. But commercial membranes have less thermal withstanding ability and high cost, so alternative polymeric membranes have been developed with desired properties to overcome this issue. The SPEEK membrane was fabricated with halloysite nanoclay and functionalized graphene oxide (f-GO) nanocomposites at various concentrations via dry phase inversion. The sulfonic acid group in the SPEEK and silane functionalization of GO enhanced the Ion exchange capacity from 0.22 to 0.35 meq/g which enhances the proton conductivity. Furthermore, the thermal stability and hydrophilicity of the pristine SPEEK membrane were reformed with addition of halloysite nanoclay and f-GO in SPEEK membrane. The presence of nanocomposite on the surface of the SPEEK membranes was confirmed via scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The 3 wt% halloysite nanoclay and 2 wt% of f-GO composite membrane was hold the 0.47 mS cm−1 of proton conductivity and 72.2 mW cm−2 of power density, whereas pristine SPEEK membrane was 0.31 mS cm−1 and 28 mW cm−2, respectively. The 3 wt% halloysite incorporated SPEEK membrane and 1.5 wt% f-GO incorporated SPEEK membrane was shown better proton conductivity, which act as a prominent membrane for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications.

Applications of zeolite-zirconia-copper nanocomposites as a new asphaltene inhibitor for improving permeability reduction during CO2 flooding

Using nanoparticles for adsorbing asphaltene was known as an efficient method among researchers for crude oil upgrading. In this study, zeolite-zirconia-copper nanocomposites (NCs) have been synthesized and characterized with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). Then, CO2-oil interfacial tension (IFT) tests, Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, asphaltene precipitation tests at static phase, and dynamic CO2 flooding tests were performed in the presence of NCs and the results were compared with zeolite nanoparticles. Based on the characterization results, zirconia-copper particles were distributed at the surface of zeolite with total dimensions less than 30 nm, and the specific surface areas of the NCs (327.82 m2/g) was less than the pure zeolite (369.48 m2/g). It was seen that NCs had a greater asphaltene adsorption capacity and the application of decreasing asphaltene precipitation was higher in comparison to the zeolite nanoparticles. Accordingly, NCs were selected for performing dynamic CO2 tests and investigation of the permeability and porosity reduction parameters at obtained static condition. After adding NCs at the dynamic phase, asphaltene depositions that occured after CO2 injection was decreased and permeability/porosity reduction parameters were improved.

PANI-ZnO/Pt–Ru electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation: Synthesis, characterization, electrocatalytic performance and artificial neural network modeling

In methanol oxidation, fabrication of novel electrocatalysts consisted of a lower loading of precious metals like platinum and ruthenium as well as possessing great electrocatalytic performance is of interest. One approach is to use an appropriate substrate. In this study, Polyaniline-Zinc oxide (PANI-ZnO) nanocomposites were prepared by polymerization method. Then, PANI-ZnO/Pt–Ru electrocatalyst was fabricated using the synthesized nanocomposites as a platinum and ruthenium (Pt–Ru) substrate. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was applied to study the morphology of the samples, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to evaluate their phase structure and chemical groups, respectively. Electrochemical behaviors of fabricated PANI-ZnO/Pt–Ru electrocatalyst in the oxidation of methanol were specified via linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and chronoamperometry (CA) methods. The current density of PANI-ZnO/Pt–Ru was 91.14 mA/cm2, which was about 15% greater than the current density of Pt/Ru. This reflects the high catalytic performance of the electrocatalyst in the presence of nanocomposites. The electrochemically active surface area of the PANI-ZnO/Pt–Ru and Pt–Ru electrocatalysts are 37.72 m2/g and 21.22 m2/g, respectively. This increase is due to the specific morphology in the structure of nanocomposites. In general, these findings exhibited that the presence of PANI-ZnO support could enhance the catalytic performance and stability of Pt–Ru electrocatalysts. Besides, artificial neural network (ANN) model was used to predict the rate-determining reaction in methanol oxidation at different electrodes and the results indicated the efficiency of the model for forecasting.

Green and sustainable biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle (ION) from pomegranate seed and the development of highly reinforced ION based natural rubber (NR) nanocomposite in presence of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as compatibilizer

This research article explores a green and sustainable approach for the biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) from a natural source of non-edible waste part, seed of pomegranate fruit and the studies its application in natural rubber (NR) as reinforcing filler along with a compatibilizer, ENR. The formation of naturally deep brown colored ION was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis. The experimental studies shows that the combination of only 1 part per hundred parts of rubber (phr) of the ION and 3phr of ENR can outstandingly increase the overall tensile strength (TS) by nearly 41% and improve others cure and mechanical properties of the NR composite. The cure properties like the maximum rheometric torque (R∞) and the cure rate index (CRI) are increased and the vulcanization time is saved by nearly 24%. The mechanical properties like the modulus at 100%, 300% elongation and the EB (%) are improved in presence of 1phr ION and 3phr of ENR. The thermal aging resistance and thermal stability of the NR composites are also improved in presence of both the ION and the ENR. The compatibility among the ION, ENR and NR was confirmed by analyzing the thermodynamic parameters ΔG and ΔS. The morphology of the nanocomposite was studied by FESEM analysis which confirms the uniform distribution of ION throughout composite matrix. The improvement in the thermal stability of the NR composite is confirmed by the oxidative thermal aging behavior and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) & derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG).

Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of PPy/SnO2 nanocomposite

In this paper, Polypyrrole-tin oxide (PPy/SnO2) nanocomposite was prepared by the facile chemical polymerization technique and characterized using different techniques. From the powder XRD technique, the average crystallite size, crystallinity, and diffraction pattern of PPy/SnO2 were obtained. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and UV–Visible (UV–Vis) absorbance spectroscopies revealed the presence of band for SnO2/PPy and the presence of nanocomposites (SnO2 and PPy) particles in the molecular structure, respectively. The surface morphology and elemental compositions have been determined by field emissionscanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It shows the aggregate and hollow nanospheres of PPy/SnO2. Two model contaminant dyes, Rhodamine B (RhB) and Congo Red (CR) were selected for evaluating the photocatalytic activity of PPy/SnO2 nanocomposites and the result showed that RhB was degraded by 63.6% while CR was decomposed by 93.4% in 90 min irradiation under visible light. The corresponding reaction rate constants were 0.0309 and 0.0112 min−1 and that the synthesized composite shows promising results for practical application in water and wastewater treatment.

Preparation of PP/PP-g-MAH/C15A Nanocomposite by Melt Extrusion Process and Comparative Study of its Mechanical and Non-Isothermal Crystallization Behaviour

Nanocomposite films have been prepared by melt blending method with the help of twin screw extruder using polymer polypropylene(PP)nucleating agent like organically modified nanoclay at optimum loading condition. Compatibilizers such as polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) were used for better compatibility between polymer matrix and filler. The effect of organoclay on nucleation effect and subsequent incremental values in mechanical and thermal behavior of different nanocomposite films has been investigated and explained with justifications. The tensile properties have shown to be improved in presence of clay nanoparticles due to resistance exerted by clay layers against plastic deformation of the polymer. Thermal properties measured by differential scanning calorimeter shows increased crystallization temperature of the nanocomposites in presence of clay particles and compatibilizer of optimum concentration.

Structure-properties relation in thermoplastic polymer/silica nanocomposites in presence of stearic acid as modifier agent

In the present study, several polypropylene/silica nanocomposites (PP/SiO2), containing 3 and 5 wt.% of untreated silica nanoparticles in presence of stearic acid (SA) as modifier agent, were prepared by melt mixing. Various analyses were used to characterize the dispersion and the properties of nanocomposites. Mechanical properties were found to increase and to be mainly affected by the content of silica and modifier agent. For the tensile modulus and yield point, a maximum was observed, corresponding to the samples in presence of 1% SA. In addition, an improvement in thermal stability and impact strength was obtained.

Photo-treatment of TNT wastewater in the presence of nanocomposite of WO3/Fe3O4

The nanocomposite of WO3/Fe3O4 was prepared using a facile precipitation method and characterized by several techniques. XRD patterns showed a magnetite and a monoclinic structure, respectively, for Fe3O4 and WO3 particles. Formation of WO3/Fe3O4 nanocomposite proved using EDX spectra and also EDX element maps indicated the uniform distribution of Fe, W, and O atoms in the prepared nanocomposite. The SEM image approved a spherical shape for nanocomposite particles. Band-gap energy of WO3/Fe3O4 obtained 1.2 eV using DRS spectra. The room temperature hysteresis loops showed magnetization 21.21 emu/g for WO3/Fe3O4 particles. The synthesized magnetite photocatalyst used in treatment of yellow water as one of the effluents of the production process of TNT. Central composite experimental design applied for optimization of independent variables such as pH of the sample, dose of photocatalyst and amount of pollutant. Photodegradation efficiencies were calculated by reducing the COD values of the samples. The p-values of studied variables obtained <0.05 in ANOVA (analysis of variance) results which indicates their impact on photodegradation efficiency. The F-value and p-value of proposed model for photodegradation process were 29.65 and <0.05, respectively, in 95% confidence level. Also, the p-value of “lack-of-fit” (>0.05) showed that predicted data of the proposed model fit to actual experimental response data. A 65% reduction in the COD value of a sample was achieved under optimized conditions of pH 5, dose of photocatalyst 1.0 g⋅L−1 and amount of pollutant 20 mg⋅L−1.