Reusability Test Research Articles

Effect of functional monomers on the binding properties of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for selective recognition of dexamethasone

AbstractThis study examined the feasibility of removing dexamethasone (DEX) from aqueous solutions using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The binding energy, used to evaluate the affinity between imprinted molecule and functional monomer, was calculated for DEX using molecular simulation via the density functional theory method. From this approach, three different functional monomers were tested: methacrylic acid, N‐(Hydroxymethyl) acrylamide, and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate designated as MIP‐DEX1, MIP‐DEX2, MIP‐DEX3, respectively. All of them were prepared by the precipitation polymerization method, with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate used as the crosslinker. Moreover, the kinetics of adsorption and adsorption isotherms were evaluated using different models to assess the adsorption mechanisms of DEX on polymers. The results showed that equilibrium between the polymer and DEX is reached at 180 min, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 117.27 mg g−1 for sample MIP‐DEX3. The kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption of DEX on the polymers fits very well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Equilibrium data were best described by the Freundlich model, suggesting that the sorption process occurs on a heterogeneous surface of the polymer cavities. The thermodynamic study confirms the role of selectivity cavities, exhibited in the sample MIP‐DEX3. Reusability tests and application on real samples suggest that the synthesized polymers are promising adsorbents.Highlights The functional monomer was chosen using a semiempirical computational simulation. Three monomers were tested to study their influence on dexamethasone recognition. The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) prepared from 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate achieved the maximum analyte adsorption. Our MIP exhibited a selectivity constant of 41.11 in the presence of cortisone. The prepared MIP was successfully reused and tested for dexamethasone in real water samples.

Synthesis and characterization of L-Arg-polypyrrole@g-C3N4 nanocomposite for highly efficient removal of orange G dye: Mechanistic insights and RSM@BBD optimization

Dye pollution, specifically orange G dye (OG dye) has been substantial threat owing to its poisonous to both human health and ecosystems. Thus, developing adsorbents with high stability, strong adsorption efficiency, easy separation, and excellent regenerability remains a challenge. In the present research, L-Arg-PPy@g-C3N4 nanocomposite was crafted through an interfacial polymerization process. OG adsorption onto L-Arg-PPy@g-C3N4 was optimized in batch mode using response surface methodology coupled with box-Behnken design (RSM@BBD) to assess the adsorbent dose, pH and initial OG concentration. The developed composite proficiently eliminates 94.87 % of OG dye molecules at 1 g·L−1 with a reaction time approaching 60 min, with high uptake efficacy of 23.31 mg·g−1. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models effectively describe the adsorption process in both aqueous solution and wastewater. Based on XPS/FT-IR analysis, the OG dye mechanism is mainly driven by π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attractions. The adsorbent efficacy achieved 88.3 % removal in real wastewater treatment. This slight detriment was explained by the individual study of co-interfering ions. Reusability tests confirmed the adsorbent’s excellent regeneration capability for purifying wastewater containing OG dye molecules maintaining 73.8 % removal capacity during 4 cycles. These findings confirm the potential of the developed L-Arg-PPy@g-C3N4 as an effective filter for OG removal from wastewater.

A solar-powered electrocoagulation process with a novel CNT/silver nanowire coated basalt fabric cathode for effective oil/water separation: From fundamentals to application.

Electrocoagulation (EC) has proven its high efficiency and environmental sustainability for treating several types of wastewaters. However, the primary drawbacks of the conventional EC process are the suitable electrode materials and the relatively high cost due to the requirement for electric energy. To overcome these practical challenges, this study investigated effective oil/water separation by a solar-powered electrocoagulation (SPEC) process using a novel highly conductive basalt fabric (BF) cathode. The BF cathode was fabricated using a simple approach: dip-coating in carbon nanotubes (CNT) dispersion, followed by a bath exhaustion coating in a silver nanowires (AgNws) solution, and its successful preparation was confirmed through several advanced characterization techniques. The effect of the CNT-AgNws coating on the electrical conductivity of the BF-CNT/AgNws was investigated using the four-probe tester. The BF-CNT/AgNws cathode exhibited a high conductivity of 1.66×104S/m, which indicates its applicability in the SPEC system. Under the operating conditions of applied voltage (25V), SPEC time (30min), stirring rate (150rpm), and NaCl concentration (1g/L), the experiment's results showed a high COD removal of 90.2±0.03 %, a low energy consumption of 1.28±0.01 kWh/kgCOD, and electrode consumption of 0.35±0.06kg/m3. In addition, due to the use of solar-powered energy, the overall cost was reduced by eliminating the electricity fees. Moreover, the reusability test results proved that the BF cathode has potential reusability in successive SPEC experiments while maintaining its performance. In conclusion, the obtained findings are very encouraging in designing novel EC cathodes for effective oily wastewater treatment at an industrial scale.

Intrinsic fluorescence hydrogels for ON/OFF screening of antidiabetic drugs: assessing α-glucosidase inhibition by acarbose.

Diabetes remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, significantly impacting mortality ratetables. The development of effective treatments for controlling glucose level in blood is critical to improve the quality of life of patients with diabetes. In this sense, smart optical sensors using hydrogels, responsive to external stimuli, have emerged as a revolutionary approach to diabetes care. In this study, changes in the optical properties of a hydrogel are employed for monitoring α-glucosidase activity, a critical enzyme involved in diabetes mellitus type II due to its role in breaking terminal α-glycosidic bonds, releasing α-glucose. The enzyme is encapsulated within a triazine-based hydrogel that exhibits intrinsic blue fluorescence. Upon hydrolysis of the substrate p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (p-NPG) by α-glucosidase, the fluorescence is quenched due to the release of p-nitrophenol (PNP). However, when exposed to potential antidiabetic drugs, the enzyme's activity is inhibited, and the hydrogel's fluorescence remains intact. This ON/OFF fluorescence-based assay enables rapid screening of drug candidates by evaluating their ability to inhibit α-glucosidase enzymatic activity. Sensor optimization involves conducting swelling studies, fluorescent assays, reusability tests and a trial with a real antidiabetic drug. This innovative approach holds potential for enhancing antidiabetic drug screening and management, offering a more accessible and efficient solution compared to traditional biosensors.

Enhanced Stability of Lactobacillus paracasei Aspartate Ammonia-Lyase via Electrospinning for Enzyme Immobilization

This study investigates the immobilization of Lactobacillus paracasei AAL (LpAAL) protein onto polyvinyl alcohol/nylon 6/chitosan nanofiber membranes using dextran polyaldehyde as a biodegradable cross-linker. Immobilization enhanced the enzyme’s stability, shifting its optimal reaction conditions from 40 °C to 45 °C and pH from 8.0 to 8.5. While immobilization slightly reduced its catalytic efficiency, it significantly improved enzyme stability and reusability. The immobilized enzyme retained 85% of its initial activity after 7 days of storage at room temperature, compared to 55% for the free enzyme. Reusability tests demonstrated that immobilized LpAAL protein maintained approximately 50% of its activity after six consecutive reaction cycles, highlighting its robustness over repeated use. These results underscore the advantages of nanofiber-based immobilization in enhancing enzyme stability and utility for industrial applications, offering a practical approach to overcoming the limitations associated with free enzyme systems.

Catalytic efficiency of GO-PANI nanocomposite in the synthesis of N-Aryl-1,4-Dihydropyridine and hydroquinoline derivatives

In this research, graphene oxide-polyaniline (GO-PANI) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and its catalytic performance was evaluated for the synthesis of N-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) and hydroquinoline derivatives. The GO nanosheets were prepared using the Hummers’ method, and in-situ polymerization of aniline was conducted with ammonium persulfate (APS) serving as the polymerization initiator. The synthesized nanocomposite demonstrated notable efficiency, achieving yields of 80–94% for 1,4-DHP derivatives and 84–96% for hydroquinoline derivatives. The GO-PANI nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized by various techniques, including Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), all of which confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. Furthermore, after ten cycles of reusability testing, the nanocomposite retained its high catalytic performance with no significant degradation. This findings indicate that the GO-PANI nanocomposite is a promising non-metal catalyst for the synthesis of N-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridine and hydroquinoline derivatives.

Hydrogel‐based metal–organic frameworks doped into Mn/Ni oxide for the effective removal of ciprofloxacin antibiotic from water

AbstractThis study aimed to synthesize and evaluate the adsorption properties of a novel, recyclable, and environmentally friendly nanocomposite containing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and a biopolymer hydrogel infused with a nanocatalyst. Copper MOFs were prepared via aqueous synthesis. A green nanocatalyst composed of Mn/Ni oxide was synthesized utilizing the Dalbergia sissoo plant. Hydrogel‐based Mn/Ni oxide doped CuMOFs (doped‐CuMOFs/Hy) were finally prepared. The structure and composition of doped‐CuMOFs/Hy have been confirmed through various characterization analyses. The doped‐CuMOFs/Hy effectively removed 99% of the ciprofloxacin (CIP) from the aqueous solution under optimal conditions of pH 8, a 60‐minute duration, an adsorbent dose of 0.03 g, and a CIP concentration of 25 mg/L. It had a maximum adsorption capacity of 4525.29 mg/g. The mechanism was summarized by linear and non‐linear isotherm and kinetic models. The reusability test after five cycles showed 81% CIP removal. Successfully implementing this material in industrial water systems could have a significant impact on environmental research. Additionally, its cost‐effectiveness would provide substantial benefits to global economy.

Sustainable Nitrophenol Reduction Using Ce-MOF-808-Supported Bimetallic Nanoparticles Optimized by Response Surface Methodology

This study presents the development and optimization of Ce-MOF-808 nanocrystals supported by metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles (Au, Ag, and Pd) for the efficient reduction of nitrophenol. Using a sol-immobilization method, we synthesized a series of catalysts, including Au/Ce-MOF-808, Au-Ag/Ce-MOF-808, and Au-Pd/Ce-MOF-808, and evaluated their catalytic efficacy of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction using NaBH₄ under mild conditions. Initially, effects of time (1-18 min), and catalyst dose (1-6 mg) on the reduction of nitrophenol were investigated through the one-factor-at-a-time experiment. Furthermore, the optimized experimental conditions (reduction time of 18 min, and catalyst dose 4.5 mg) were obtained using response surface methodology (RSM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric assessment (TGA) further confirmed the robust interaction between metal nanoparticles and the Ce-MOF-808 framework, contributing to enhanced thermal stability and electron transfer capabilities. Among these, the Au-Ag/Ce-MOF-808 composite exhibited the highest catalytic activity, achieving a 98.3% conversion of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) within 18 minutes. Kinetic studies confirmed the superior catalytic performance of Au-Ag/Ce-MOF-808, with a rate constant (kapp) of 0.100 min⁻1 and a reduced half-life of 9.6 minutes, highlighting the synergistic effects of Au and Ag nanoparticles in enhancing electron transfer and increasing active sites. The reusability tests demonstrated that Au-Ag/Ce-MOF-808 maintained high catalytic activity over five consecutive cycles, indicating its stability and suitability for continuous use. These findings underscore the potential of metal-modified Ce-MOF-808 catalysts for sustainable environmental applications, offering high efficiency, durability, and the ability to operate under mild conditions.

Efficient lead ion removal from aqueous solutions for wastewater treatment using a novel cross-linked alginate-rice husk ash-graphene oxide-chitosan nanocomposite.

This research introduces an innovative composite, the cross-linked alginate-rice husk ash-graphene oxide-chitosan nanoparticles (CL-ARCG-CNP), designed for the effective adsorption of lead ions (Pb2+) in water treatment applications. Comprehensive characterization was performed using techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR TEM), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. These analyses revealed notable structural and morphological features. The CL-ARCG-CNP composite demonstrated a significant surface area of approximately 148.44m2/g, achieving an impressive adsorption capacity of 242.5mg/g and a removal efficiency of 95.2% after 240min of contact duration. The adsorption process conformed to the Freundlich isotherm model (R2: 0.998) and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2: 0.9992). Thermodynamic studies confirmed the spontaneity and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. Reusability tests showed that the composite could be reused for up to five cycles with minimal loss in adsorption capacity. These findings indicate that the CL-ARCG-CNP composite is highly effective for the removal of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions, making it a promising material for wastewater treatment.

Amine-modified Ni-DOBDC MOF for CO2 capture: CO2 adsorption capacity and reusability

Background: Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have risen significantly due to the extensive use of fossil fuels, necessitating the development of effective CO₂ capture and conversion techniques. Adsorption using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) has shown great potential due to their high CO₂ adsorption capacity, particularly Ni-based MOFs. Enhancing their adsorption efficiency remains a key research focus to improve sustainability in CO₂ capture applications. Methods: Ni-based MOF (Ni-DOBDC) was synthesized using the solvothermal method, employing DMF as the solvent and 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (DOBDC) as the organic ligand. To enhance CO₂ adsorption capacity, Ni-DOBDC was further modified with ethylenediamine (EDA) via post-synthetic modification. Structural characterization was performed using XRD, confirming similarity to the Ni-DOBDC reference (CCDC 288477), and FTIR, which showed enhanced absorbance peaks. SEM-EDX analysis revealed a flower-like morphology with an average particle size of 0.75 μm. CO₂ adsorption tests were conducted on Ni-DOBDC and EDA/Ni-DOBDC (10%) using the titration method under controlled conditions. Findings: The CO₂ adsorption capacity of Ni-DOBDC and EDA/Ni-DOBDC was tested at 70°C with a CO₂ concentration of 50% in N₂. EDA modification significantly improved CO₂ adsorption capacity, with EDA/Ni-DOBDC achieving 9.95 mmol g⁻¹ compared to pristine Ni-DOBDC’s 6.44 mmol g⁻¹. However, Ni-DOBDC exhibited better regeneration ability in a three-cycle reusability test, likely due to EDA leaching during regeneration. Conclusion: EDA-modified Ni-DOBDC demonstrates enhanced CO₂ adsorption capacity, making it a promising material for CO₂ capture applications. However, its reduced regeneration stability suggests the need for further optimization to improve long-term performance. Future studies should explore strategies to minimize EDA leaching while maintaining high adsorption efficiency. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides new insights into improving Ni-based MOF performance for CO₂ capture through post-synthetic modification with EDA. The findings highlight a trade-off between increased adsorption capacity and material stability, emphasizing the need for further refinement in MOF functionalization strategies.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of antimony oxide nanoparticles for the determination of trace cadmium in mulberry leaf tea matrices by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry

In this study, a rapid, sensitive and accurate analytical method was optimized for the determination of trace levels of cadmium (Cd) by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) after antimony oxide nanoparticles (AO-NPs)-based dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE). The AO-NPs were synthesized with a specific microwave temperature program, and they exhibited high purity and good surface morphology, making them appropriate sorbent material for the preconcentration/separation of a heavy metal. All experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized univariately. Under the optimum operational conditions (35 mL sample volume, 0.75 mL of pH 8.0 buffer, 15 mg of sorbent, 5 s vortex and 100 µL of 1.0 M of HNO3), the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) values were determined as 0.27 and 0.89 µg L−1, respectively. Thanks to the developed method, a 164.8-fold improvement in the sensitivity of the conventional FAAS system was achieved. Reusability tests showed that the AO-NPs can be employed 5 times. The feasibility of the method was confirmed by recovery tests with mulberry leaf tea matrices, and good recovery results between 77.6 and 115.8% were obtained using the matrix matching calibration method.

Sustainable synthesis and environmental application of chitosan-Ocimum basilicum leaves-ZnO composite membrane for permanganate ion removal in wastewater treatment.

This study introduces a novel and environmentally friendly method for developing a cross-linked chitosan-Ocimum basilicum leaves-ZnO (ChOBLZnO) composite membrane, specifically designed for the adsorption of permanganate ions (MnO4-) from wastewater. Various characterization techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, were employed to confirm the membrane's synthesis quality, structural integrity, and surface properties crucial for adsorption. The BET analysis revealed a surface area of 228.64 m2/g, indicating a highly porous structure. The membrane exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 142.8mg/g and an outstanding removal efficiency of 98.5%. The adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order model, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.998, while the Freundlich isotherm model provided the most accurate fit for the adsorption behavior, with an R2 of 0.995. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic, with negative Gibbs free energy and positive enthalpy and entropy values. Reusability tests showed that the ChOBLZnO composite membrane maintained a high removal efficiency across five cycles, with minimal performance loss. These results demonstrate the ChOBLZnO composite membrane's potential as an efficient and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment, offering both high efficiency and durability.

Design and Performance Evaluation of CuBTC MOF-Functionalized Copper Mesh-Based Oil Collector for Efficient Oil-Spill Remediation

Oil spills pose severe ecological risks and resource losses, with only 2%–6% of the spilled oil typically recovered despite advancements in cleanup techniques. To address this challenge, an oil-collecting vessel featuring a copper mesh functionalized with perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane-modified copper benzene tricarboxylate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) was developed. This mesh exhibited superhydrophobic properties (water contact angle ~150˚, sliding angle <10˚) while maintaining a ~0˚ contact angle for oil. This selective wettability enabled the efficient separation of oil from oil–water mixtures, achieving up to 100% separation efficiency. The mesh was also effective in separating non-polar liquids such as hexane and chloroform from multi-phase mixtures. Utilizing a horizontal filtration approach, the vessel was floated on the mixture surface, taking advantage of low static pressures to accommodate larger-pore meshes. The effect of mesh pore size on oil collection was studied, and meshes with 279-µm pores achieved the highest oil influx rates (up to 162,469L/h-m² for hexane), while maintaining water resistance (hydrostatic pressure ~800Pa). Reusability tests demonstrated the mesh’s robustness, with efficiencies near 100% after 10 cycles. Water contact angle measurements and FTIR analysis confirmed stability during continuous use, even after exposure to harsh alkaline environments and solvents. Mechanical durability tests further highlighted thermal stability up to 250˚C and consistent separation performance after significant abrasion. This study presents a promising solution to oil spill remediation, advancing recovery efficiency with a durable and versatile approach.

Valorization of dairy waste scum oil and rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst towards cleaner production of biodiesel: A waste-to-energy approach

This study surveys the valorization of dairy waste scum oils (DWSO) to synthesis biodiesel using a novel rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst. The rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst was synthesized through a facile impregnation method and characterized by BET, XRD, FTIR, EDX, CO2/TPD, TEM, and FESEM to confirm its structural and morphological features. Transesterification of DWSO was conducted under optimized conditions, achieving a maximum biodiesel yield of 97.42% at temperature of 62.36°C, methanol/DWSO proportion of 11:12, and nanocatalyst loading of 2.76wt.% within 2.85h. Kinetic studies revealed that the transesterification reaction follows a pseudo-first-order model with an activation energy of 100.34kJ/mol. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the reaction is endothermic (ΔH = 100.26kJ/mol) and non-spontaneous (ΔG = -11043.6kJ/mol) at the studied temperature range, suggesting the requirement of external heat to drive the process. Reusability tests demonstrated that the rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst retains over 86% of its initial activity after seven cycles, highlighting its potential for practical applications. This study highlights the dual benefits of utilizing agro-industrial waste for both feedstock and catalyst support, promoting a cleaner and economically viable approach for biodiesel generation.

Carboxylic acid-based fuel mediated sustainable one-pot fabrication of CaFe2O4 with enhanced adsorptive elimination of hazardous dye

The present work successfully demonstrated the morphological variation of CaFe2O4 (CFO) concerning various fuels (carboxylic acid groups contain compounds) using a one-step combustion technique. The SEM analysis of the CFO suggests the formation of sharp-edge rocky crystals to highly agglomerated porous clumps concerning the role of fuel. The x-ray diffraction analysis suggests that all samples of CFO are nanocrystalline orthorhombic structure constituted <50 nm. The BET and EDX analysis discloses that CFO s surface area and element composition is highly depend on the fuel molecule (reducer). The CFO performs efficacious in the adsorptive removal of hazardous dye Acid Fuchsin (AF) from an aqueous medium in a slightly acidic environment (pH 6). The AF removal was engaged with the batch adsorption method and optimized the process’s essential parameters (amount of adsorbent, initial AF concentration, and time) were optimized to achieve the utmost efficiency. The AF adsorption was well described by the Langmuir isotherm with outstanding adsorption capacity in the order of CFO-OA (Oxalic acid) (866) < CFO-TA (Tartaric acid) (1063) < CFO-CA (Citric acid) (1504) < CFO-MA (Malonic acid) (1656 mg/g). The adsorption energies were estimated from the Dubinin-Radushkevich model, indicating that adsorption occurs via the chemical process. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model was better at explaining the uptake of AF, and the Intraparticle diffusion model indicated that pore diffusion was the rate-controlling step. The reusability test shows that the CFO has high efficiency up to five regeneration cycles. Thus, the work suggests that CFO could be an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative adsorbent for wastewater treatment.

Facet engineering in Au nanoparticles buried in Cu2O nanocubes for enhanced catalytic degradation of rhodamine B and larvicidal application

Water systems around the world are significantly impacted by organic pollutants from industrial activities. In this study, we report a novel and promising approach utilizing a cost-effective and simple chemical co-precipitation method for the synthesis of Cu2O@Au nanocubes. The characterization of these nanocubes was conducted using various advanced techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence (PL). These analyses revealed the formation of crystalline nanocube-structured catalyst, confirming their purity, chemical state, and electronic structure. The synthesized Cu2O@Au nanocubes, particularly with 5 % Au over Cu2O, showed the highest catalytic efficiency in degrading Rhodamine B (RhB), achieving about 99.6 % degradation in 7 min. The deposition of Au significantly enhanced the electron mobility, thereby increasing the catalytic efficiency of the catalyst. GC/MS analysis performed to identify the intermediates formed and a possible degradation pathway of RhB was proposed. In addition, the toxicity of intermediates also evaluated by ECOSAR software. Reusability tests were conducted to assess the consistency and practical application of Cu2O@Au-5 % nanocubes. The results indicated high stability and sustained catalytic performance over multiple cycles. Additionally, the multifunctional properties of the synthesized material were validated through larvicidal activity tests, demonstrating its potential for broader environmental applications. Overall, Cu2O@Au-5 % presents a highly efficient and versatile catalyst for environmental remediation and other practical applications, demonstrating significant potential for large-scale use. These findings underscore the promise of Cu2O@Au as a multifunctional catalyst, capable of delivering substantial advancements in both environmental and public health domains.

Facile Synthesis of Polypyrrole-Decorated RGO-CuS Nanocomposite for Efficient Nickel Removal from Wastewater.

Efficient wastewater treatment, particularly the removal of heavy metal ions, remains a challenging priority in environmental remediation. This study introduces a novel sandwich-structured nanocomposite, RGO-CuS-PPy, composed of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), copper sulfide (CuS), and polypyrrole (PPy), synthesized via a straightforward hydrothermal method. The unique combination of RGO, CuS, and PPy offers enhanced adsorption capacity for Ni(II) ions due to RGO's high surface area and CuS's active binding sites, supported by PPy's structural stability contributions. This study is among the first to explore this specific nanocomposite architecture for Ni(II) removal, achieving an adsorption capacity of 166.67 mg/g and a high removal efficiency of 94.9% within 210 min for 55 mg/L of Ni(II) concentration at pH 6 and adsorbent dose of 3 mg/15 mL. The kinetic analysis shows the best fitted time-dependent experimental data with the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption. Isotherm studies confirmed the Langmuir model as the best fit, yielding a high monolayer adsorption capacity of 166.67 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis shows the adsorption process was endothermic (ΔH° = 80.23 kJ/mol) and spontaneous (ΔG° ranging from -6.985 to -14.399 kJ/mol). Additionally, reusability tests using 0.1 M HCl for desorption demonstrated good reusability, emphasizing the RGO-CuS-PPy nanocomposite's potential as a sustainable adsorbent for Ni(II) removal in wastewater treatment applications.

Biomechanical validation of the field-expedient pelvic splint

IntroductionMorbidity and mortality from pelvic ring injuries can be mitigated by early and effective external pelvic stabilisation. The field-expedient pelvic splint (FEPS) is a recently described technique to improvise an...

Experimental and theoretical insights into the adsorption mechanism of methylene blue on the (002) WO3 surface

This work investigates the efficiency of green-synthesized WO3 nanoflakes for the removal of methylene blue dye. The synthesis of WO3 nanoflakes using Hyphaene thebaica fruit extract results in a material with a specific surface area of 13 m2/g and an average pore size of 19.3 nm. A combined theoretical and experimental study exhibits a complete understanding of the MB adsorption mechanism onto WO3 nanoflakes. Adsorption studies revealed a maximum methylene blue adsorption capacity of 78.14 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order model was the best to describe the adsorption kinetics with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99, suggesting chemisorption. The intra-particle diffusion study supported a two-stage process involving surface adsorption and intra-particle diffusion. Molecular dynamic simulations confirmes the electrostatic attraction mechanism between MB and the (002) WO3 surface, with the most favorable adsorption energy calculated as -0.68 eV. The electrokinetic study confirmed that the WO3 nanoflakes have a strongly negative zeta potential of -31.5 mV and a uniform particle size of around 510 nm. The analysis of adsorption isotherms exhibits a complex adsorption mechanism between WO3 and MB, involving both electrostatic attraction and physical adsorption. The WO3 nanoflakes maintained 90% of their adsorption efficiency after five cycles, according to the reusability tests.

Preparation of amorphous Nd/Dy-based metal organic framework@MXene for solar driven selective photocatalytic and serving as sensor for fluorescence quenching detection, and biological activity

The development of a new Neodymium/Dysprosium metal–organic framework, referred to as Nd/Dy-BTC MOF, based on benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, has been achieved through an in situ growth process on 2D transition metal carbides (MXene) surfaces. This synthesis was conducted via a solvothermal method utilizing a solvent mixture of water, ethanol, and dimethylformamide. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the framework’s efficacy as a photocatalyst for the degradation of anionic dye, as well as its potential for sensing certain explosives. The Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene has been characterized by various analysis techniques. The prepared Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene was utilized as catalyst in selective degradation of methyl orange dye. The study examined the influence of pH and catalyst concentration, revealing that the catalyst achieves peak efficiency of 93.55% when exposed to sunlight in an acidic medium. The reusability of the catalyst shows the highest efficient photocatalyst after four cycles of reusability. The detection of explosives, specifically 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, through photoluminescence techniques has been conducted, utilizing the Stern-Volmer equation to evaluate the quenching efficiency. The findings indicated remarkable efficiency and selectivity of Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, achieving a quenching efficiency of 91%. Furthermore, the reusability tests demonstrated that Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene exhibits outstanding recyclability, maintaining performance over five cycles. The antibacterial activity of Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene was investigated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains due to indication of medicine properties of Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene. These results paves a way for manufacturing innnovation in near future.