Rhodamine B Research Articles

Micelle Assisted Multi‐Step Energy Relay in a Blend of Fluorophores as a Potential Light Harvesting System

We report a pH‐responsive system comprising three pH responsive fluorophores, 7‐Hydroxy coumarin (7HC), Fluorescein (Flu), and Rhodamine B (RhB) wherein an efficient two‐step Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) process is facilitated. Upon excitation of 7HC, energy is sequentially transferred from 7HC (primary donor) to Flu (primary acceptor) and then to RhB (secondary acceptor). The FRET processes were studied at pH 7 and 12 in the presence of surfactants: cationic Tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB), anionic Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), and neutral polyoxyethylene[4] lauryl ether (Brij 30). Differences in FRET efficiencies across surfactant media were interpreted by analyzing the solubilization sites of the fluorophores using UV‐Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The pH‐dependent FRET acted as an ON‐OFF switch, showing higher efficiency in alkaline media, particularly in TTAB micelles. Among the surfactant systems, the two‐step FRET was most efficient in alkaline TTAB micelles, with efficiencies of 50% for 7HC to Flu (FRET‐1), 30% for Flu to RhB (FRET‐2), and 23% for the overall transfer. At a donor‐to‐acceptor ratio of 1000/80/80, energy transfer efficiencies reached 74% for FRET‐1 and 84% for FRET‐2. This highlights TTAB micelles as promising scaffolds for efficient multi‐step FRET‐based artificial light‐harvesting systems.

Catalytic degradation of dyes using gold nanoparticles supported over chitosan coated cotton cloth composite

Abstract The increasing environmental threat posed by various dye contaminants in wastewater necessitates the development of efficient catalytic systems for their removal. This research work investigates the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on chitosan-coated cotton cloth (CH-CC) as a versatile catalyst for the reduction of hazardous dyes, specifically methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RB), and congo red (CR). The Au-CH-CC composite was prepared by treating CH-CC with HAuCl₄ and reducing the formed ions using sodium borohydride. XRD, SEM, and EDX were adopted as characterization techniques which confirmed the successful formation of gold nanoparticles. The catalytic performance was evaluated via UV-visible spectrophotometry, revealing rapid dye reductions of 93%, 86%, and 98% for MB, RB, and CR in 12, 9, and 6 minutes, respectively. Kinetic analysis indicated pseudo-first-order kinetics by using the Au-CH-CC as catalyst, with respective rate constants of 0.18, 0.23, and 0.54 min⁻¹. The recyclability of the catalyst was demonstrated by retaining activity across three successive cycles. The findings in this study reveal the potential of utilizing Au NPs on biomass-derived materials for environmentally friendly dye remediation, presenting a sustainable approach to mitigating pollution from synthetic dyes.

Adsorption Performance and Mechanistic Pathways of Raw Powdered Pine Cone Toward the Removal of Dye and Cr(VI)

ABSTRACTThis work aims to valorize pine cones powder (PCP), an agricultural waste, as a bioadsorbent for the removal of a cationic dye, Rhodamine B (RhB), and hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) from an aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transformed infrared (FTIR), and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) spectroscopy. Adsorption studies were carried out in a batch mode under different operating parameters like initial solution pH (2–11), adsorbent dosage (0.025–0.6 g), initial contaminant concentration (20–100 mg/L), temperature (283–328K), contact time (0–120 min), and ionic strength (NaCl, MgCl2, CuSO4, Na2SO4, and FeCl3). The optimum conditions for adsorption for Cr(VI) were; ([Cr(VI)] = 30 mg/L, pH = 2, adsorbent dose = 1.5 g/L, T = 25°C), and for RhB: ([RhB] = 30 mg/L, pH = 4.6, adsorbent dose = 4 g/L, T = 25°C). Under these conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities reached were 19.861 and 6.565 mg/g, for Cr(VI) and RhB, respectively. The inhibiting effect of the studied salts on RhB dye and metal ion removal is as follows: FeCl3 > CuSO4> MgCl2> Na2SO4> NaCl. The Freundlich isotherm described the best the adsorption of Cr (VI) and RhB onto PCP, since it gave the highest R2 values (R2 ≥ 0.983) associated with the lowest error values (χ2, RMSE, and Δq). The calculated Dubinin–Radushkevich mean energy (E) is less than 8 kJ/mol. It is 3.391 kJ/mol for Cr(VI) and 2.310 kJ/mol for RhB sorption, respectively, confirming the physical character of adsorption onto PCP sorbent. Experimental data for Cr(VI) and RhB ion adsorption onto PCP, fitted well the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.997). According to the thermodynamic analysis, the retention of Cr(VI) and RhB followed a physisorption, endothermic, and spontaneous process at all temperatures for Cr(VI), and at higher temperatures for RhB dye. These results suggest that raw PCP may be envisaged as a promising biosorbent for water remediation without the need of costly heat and activation processes as a cheap and sustainable adsorption process.

Comparative photocatalytic degradation of cationic rhodamine B and anionic bromocresol green using reduced ZnO: A detailed kinetic modeling approach.

The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), a cationic dye, and bromocresol green (BCG), an anionic dye, was investigated using oxygen vacancy-enriched ZnO as the catalyst. These dyes were selected due to their differing charges and molecular structures, allowing for a deeper exploration of how these characteristics impact the degradation process. The catalyst was prepared by reducing ZnO with 10% H2/Ar gas at 500°C, and the introduction of oxygen vacancies was confirmed using various characterization techniques. A detailed kinetic model was developed to track dye degradation, accounting for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation simultaneously, both in solution and on the catalyst surface. The model incorporated the effect of pH on adsorption by considering the dissociation behavior of the dyes and their respective pKa values. The study revealed that degradation primarily occurs on the catalyst surface at acidic pH, while at basic pH, degradation is more pronounced in the solution. DFT calculations supported these findings, showing that the electrostatic potential of the dyes shifts depending on pH, influencing their interaction with hydroxyl radicals or the catalyst surface. Quantum yield calculations indicate peak values of 6.32 10-5 molecules per photon for RhB at pH 11, and 4.20 10-5 for BCG at pH 3.

Preparation and characterization of Ru-TiO2/PC/Fe3O4 composite catalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance and magnetic recoverability under simulated solar light.

This research focuses on the development of a novel Ru-doped TiO2/grapefruit peel biochar/Fe3O4 (Ru-TiO2/PC/Fe3O4) composite catalyst, which exhibits exceptional photocatalytic efficacy under simulated solar light irradiation. The catalyst is highly effective in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), as well as actual industrial dye wastewater (IDW), and can be recovered magnetically for multiple reuse cycles. Significantly, the PCTRF-100 sample exhibited degradation efficiencies of 99.4% for RhB and 99.8% for MB within 60 min, and 98.04% for MO within 120 min. In the case of actual dye wastewater, a reduction in chemical oxygen demand from 1540 mg L-1 to 784 mg L-1 was achieved within 300 min, corresponding to a degradation rate of 46.81%. The remarkable photocatalytic activity observed is primarily attributed to the synergistic interactions among Ru-TiO2, biochar, and Fe3O4, which effectively facilitate the separation and migration of electron-hole pairs in TiO2.

Design and Synthesis of Phthalocyanine-Sensitized Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysts: A Dual-Pathway Study.

Phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO2 significantly enhances photocatalytic performance, but the method of phthalocyanine immobilization also plays a crucial role in its performance. In order to investigate the effect of the binding strategy of phthalocyanine and TiO2 on photocatalytic performance, a dual-pathway study has been conducted. On the one hand, zinc-tetra (N-carbonylacrylic) aminephthalocyanine (Pc) was directly grafted onto the surface of Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 (FST). On the other hand, Pc was immobilized on a silane coupling agent ((3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane) grafted onto the surface of the FST. Through photocatalytic experiments on the two types of composite materials synthesized, the results showed that the photocatalyst obtained by directly sensitizing Pc (FSTP) exhibited better performance on rhodamine B(RhB) removal than did the other photocatalyst using the silane coupling agent (FSTAP). Further mechanistic studies showed that directly sensitized FSTP exhibited more efficient photogenerated electron-hole pair separation, whereas FSTAP linked by a silane coupling agent created an additional transport distance that might greatly affect the photogenerated electron transport. Therefore, the dual-pathway research in this work provides new guidance for efficiently constructing phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO2 photocatalysts.

MXene decorated ZnO-tetrapod for efficient degradation of Methyl Orange, Methylene Blue, and Rhodamine B dyes

For the first time, Methyl Orange (MO), Methylene Blue (MB), and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes degradation using MXene decorated ZnO-tetrapod (MZT) has been reported. MXene was derived from MAX phase using HF etching and ZT was produced using flame transport synthesis (FTS) technique. MXene was decorated on ZT using blending and sonication of deionized water consisting of MXene and ZT. The MZT was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, Tauc plot analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurement, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) to ensure the successful decoration. The dye degradation capability of the MZT was tested against three dyes: MO, MB, and RhB. Photodegradation tests under sunlight showed RhB had the highest efficiency (77.60 %), followed by MO (76.79 %) and MB (50.83 %), respectively. The kinetic rate constants confirmed RhB’s superior degradation. Furthermore, Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy revealed oxygen vacancies, enhancing photocatalytic performance. MZT maintained high efficiency, with less than 20 % loss after 4 cycles, demonstrating its potential for repeated use in wastewater treatment and environmental pollution mitigation. The results reveal the potential of MZT in photocatalytic degradation of harmful organic dyes, very promising solution for combating environmental pollution.

Synergistic and efficient photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B and tetracycline in wastewater based on novel S-scheme heterojunction phosphotungstic Acid@MIL-101(Cr).

To efficiently treat rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline (TC) in wastewater, MIL-101(Cr) was prepared by hydrothermal method and encapsulated with phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40, abbreviated as PTA) to form an S-scheme heterojunction PTA@MIL-101(Cr)-x (P@M-x, x=50, 100, 150, 200). The experimental results showed that after 180min under visible light at pH 7, the degradation rates of RhB and TC were 97.81% and 99.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the cycling experiments have showed that the P@M-100S-scheme heterojunction exhibits good stability. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations theoretically verified the experimental results and elucidated the electrons migrate to MIL-101(Cr) and hole enrichment on the PTA surface. It was also revealed that the P@M-x photocatalyst belongs to the S-scheme heterojunction. Moreover, •O2- and h+ had been identified as the main active constituents during the photocatalytic degradation process. The synergistic effect of MIL-101(Cr) and PTA enhances the visible light absorption of P@M-x S-scheme heterojunction, resulting in more efficient electron transfer ability and faster photoreaction rate, thereby improved its photocatalytic performance. This study provides a potential solution for addressing aromatic pollutants in water.

Preparation of a CNF porous membrane and in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).

We prepared a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based porous membrane with three dimensional cellular structures. CNF was concentrated via a surfactant-induced assembly by mixing CNF with a cationic surfactant, domiphen bromide (DB). Furthermore, they were accumulated by centrifugation to obtain a CNF-DB sol. Next, when the CNF-DB sol was naturally dried, a membrane composed of densely packed CNF was obtained. On the other hand, when the CNF-DB sol was freeze-dried, a porous membrane with the anisotropic cellular structure could be obtained. The interspace between layered CNF sheets was tunable by the DB concentration in the assembly process and the centrifugal force in the accumulation process. FT-IR analysis of the porous membrane showed the formation of hydrogen bonds between the CNF, resulting in facilitation of crosslinking of the CNF and formation of the cellular structures. The obtained CNF-DB membrane exhibited high water resistance. They showed a high ability to absorb hydrophobic dyes such as Nile red and rhodamine B (RhB) due to the presence of the hydrophobic core of DB micelles. Then, the release of RhB could be controlled by the ionic strength in the medium. In addition, they possessed a high ability to adsorb cationic metals such as Ag ions due to the presence of carboxyl moieties of CNF. Next, in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out by employing the CNF-DB membrane as a template for Ag ion adsorption and reduction. Deposition of AgNPs could be observed on the CNF-DB membrane, which suppressed aggregation of AgNPs. Almost all AgNPs were arrayed apart from each other to generate the hotspots, which could enhance surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of AgNPs. Such an AgNPs-CNF composite membrane could be applied for a label-free analysis of adsorbed RhB.

THE HIGHLY EFFICIENT BiOCl/KBiO3 p-n HETEROJUNCTION PHOTO-CATALYSTS UNDER VISIBLE LIGHT IRRADIATION

BiOCl/KBiO3 p-n heterostructures with hierarchical mesoporous architectures were successfully synthesized via a facile in situ method. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) results indicate the formation of heterojunctions between BiOCl and KBiO3. The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared samples was investigated by the degradation of dye Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. BiOCl/KBiO3 composite has never been used to photodegrade the RhB which is a common dye and very difficult to degrade. The results demonstrated that KBiO3 combined with proper amount of BiOCl nanosheets exhibited high efficiency in the photocatalytic process, and BiOCl/KBiO3 with the molar ratio of 70/30 demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity due to its large surface area, excellent charge separation characteristics and the suppressed recombination of electron-hole pairs. The results of active species detection reveal that the superoxide radical anions (O2-), hydroxyl free radicals (·OH), photogenerated holes (h+) and photogenerated electrons (e-) reactive species work together for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB. A possible and new mechanism of photocatalysis that differs from other teams was also explored and proposed. The present study will benefit the development of the new p-n heterojunction photocatalysts and would be of great importance to meet ever-increasing environmental demands in the future.

Efficient construction of high-quality sulfonated porous aromatic frameworks by optimizing the swelling state of porous structures.

Conventional post-modification methods usually face the fundamental challenge of balancing the high content of functional groups and large surface area for porous organic polymers (POPs). The reason, presumably, stems from ineffective and insufficient swelling of the porous structure of POP materials, which is detrimental to mass transfer and modification of functional groups, especially with large-sized ones. It is important to note that significant differences exist in the porous structures of POP materials in a solvent-free state after thermal activation and solvent swelling state. Herein, we propose that the improvement of the swelling state of the porous structure of POP materials is more conducive to obtaining high-quality sulfonated POP materials, and employ a one-pot modification strategy for preparing sulfonated porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) to prove the proposal. These results show that the specific surface area of the resulting polymer is 580 m2 g-1 with a sulfur content of up to 13.2 wt%, which is superior to most sulfonated porous materials and the control sample. More importantly, we have also shown that the same conclusion is reached by performing similar treatments on hyper-crosslinked polymers (HCPs) and conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), proving that our hypothesis is effective and feasible when compared to the conventional post-sulfonation method. The excellent hydrophilicity, rich content of sulfonic acid groups, high specific surface area and hierarchical pore structure make the resulting polymer an ideal adsorbent for micro-pollutants in water. The maximum adsorption capacities for Rhodamine B (RhB), Methylene Blue (MB), Tetracycline (TC) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) are 1075 mg g-1, 1020 mg g-1, 826 mg g-1 and 1134 mg g-1, respectively. This study not only demonstrates the preparation of efficient sulfonated porous adsorbents for the efficient removal of cationic dyes and antibiotics but also illustrates an effective method for constructing high-quality functional POP materials by optimizing the swelling state of the porous structure.

Novel Microwave‐Assisted Combustion Synthesis of AlFeO3 for Sonodegradation of Pollutants; Quantum Simulation of Adsorption on AlFeO3 Using Monte Carlo Adsorption Locator

AbstractThis study introduces a novel microwave‐assisted combustion method for synthesizing AlFeO3 perovskite, a promising catalyst for environmental remediation. The synthesized perovskite was characterized using various techniques: FT‐IR, XRD, XRF, BET, VSM, EDAX, DRS, Raman, and FE‐SEM. The optimal operating conditions for Rhodamine B(RhB), Remazol Golden Yellow RNL (RGY), and α‐lipoic acid (ALA) ultrasonic degradation processes were established (30, 15, and 20 mg/L), (5, 5, and 9), and (1.00, 1.75, and 1.50 g/L), respectively. The addition of oxidants like H2O2 and K2S2O8 significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the catalyst were assessed. Computational simulations using Monte Carlo adsorption locator were conducted to investigate pollutant molecules adsorption, orientation, and interaction energy on the catalyst surface, revealing spontaneous adsorption with negative binding energies. This study provides valuable insights into the potential application of AlFeO3 perovskite as an effective catalyst for environmental remediation.

Fabrication of shaddock peel biochar mediated Cd0.8Zn0.2S nanocomposite and synergistic adsorptive-photocatalytic performance for pollutant removal

Developing inexpensive, eco-friendly and efficient catalysts is the key to photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants from wastewater. In this paper, a novel pre-treatment activated shaddock peel biochar mediated hexagonal Cd0.8Zn0.2S composite photocatalyst (CZS/BC) was fabricated by hydrothermal method and comprehensively characterized. The photocatalytic performance was assessed by degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. Compared with the pristine Cd0.8Zn0.2S (CZS), the doping of shaddock peel biochar (BC) not only significantly reduces the band gap energy (Eg) of the CZS, but also significantly improves the adsorption and photocatalytic performance. Under the synergistic action of adsorption and photocatalysis, the optimal CZS/BC-0.3 sample exhibited the best removal performance, and could almost completely eliminate RhB pollutant within 50min with good stability, possessing great application potential in practical environmental remediation. The removal efficiency was 6.4 folds higher than pristine CZS. Studies on photocatalytic mechanism showed that photocatalysis was mainly predominated by •O2- and h+ induced pathways, and the enhancement of photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the formation of hexagonal CZS, with biochar as an electron bridge and trap, the photogenerated carrier can be separated more effectively, thus enhancing the photocatalytic performance. This work provides a new idea for constructing new composite photocatalysts using BC as electron transport bridge.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of carbonized polymer dots/CdS quantum dots/Bi2WO6 Z-scheme heterojunctions: Enhancing photocatalytic environmental remediation via dual-quantum dot heterostructures.

The fabrication of dual-quantum dot heterostructures offers a promising strategy to enhance the environmental remediation performance of photocatalysts. Herein, a Bi2WO6-based Z-scheme heterojunction was constructed by incorporating carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) and CdS quantum dots (QDs) via a microwave-assisted solvothermal method. The 1wt% CPDs/CdS QDs/Bi2WO6 (CCBW-1) composite achieved optimal Cr(VI) removal, reaching 97.7% within 30min under 10W LED light, with rate constants 4.4, 2.8, and 10.1 times higher than those of pristine Bi2WO6, CdS QDs/Bi2WO6, and 3% CPDs/Bi2WO6, respectively. Notably, the composite also demonstrated 96.9% Cr(VI) and 98.1% Rhodamine B (RhB) removal within 30min in a mixed Cr(VI) and RhB solution. The formation of strong BiS and WOCd bonds at the Bi2WO6CdS QD interface facilitates intimate interfacial contacts and creates atomic-scale "highways" that accelerate charge transfer. Additionally, the electron-donating effects of the NH2 and OH functional groups on the CPDs further enhance carrier transfer efficiency. The Z-scheme electron transport pathway enables CCBW-1 to capitalize on the deep reduction potentials and extended light absorption of the dual-QDs, allowing them to act synergistically as active centers. By integrating experimental data with theoretical calculations, the photocatalytic mechanism, potential intermediates, photodegradation pathway, and biological toxicity were comprehensively elucidated.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of polyaniline nanoparticles for efficient dye degradation under simulated sunlight.

This study investigates the effectiveness of polyaniline oxide (PANI) nanoparticles as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dyes under visible light irradiation. Known for their stability and adjustable conductivity, PANI nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal method using P123 surfactants, followed by calcination. The morphology, structural phase, and optical properties of the synthesized PANI materials were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results indicated that the synthesized PANI nanoparticles agglomerated into spherical particles with an average size of 70-80 nm. The photocatalytic properties of PANI materials were evaluated by the decolorization of rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) under simulated sunlight irradiation. The PANI photocatalyst was found to be highly effective in removing MB dye, achieving a removal efficiency of approximately 97.09% with a rate constant of 2.08 × 10-2 min-1. In comparison, the removal efficiency for RhB was about 58.01%. Additionally, the mechanism behind the photocatalytic degradation of MB dye by PANI was investigated and discussed. The study highlights the photostability and reproducibility of PANI nanoparticles through recycling experiments, contributing to the development of sustainable photocatalytic materials for efficient water treatment.

Nanofluid-peroxydisulfate integrated volumetric solar interfacial evaporation system for water evaporation and organic pollutant removal

Solar evaporation exhibits significant potential for the treatment of high-salt organic wastewater. However, it's also confronted with challenges due to the accumulation of organic pollutants and salts in the concentrated wastewater following evaporation, which compromises the long-term stability of evaporation unit and complicates subsequent treatment processes. To address these challenges, a volumetric solar interfacial evaporation (V-SIE) system by integrating Fe3O4-H2O nanofluids and peroxydisulfate (PDS) were proposed in this study. In V-SIE system, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared as solar receivers to form a volume-absorbing solar energy interface and enhance evaporation efficiency. The results show that the evaporation rate was 1.412 kg/(m2·h) and the solar efficiency reached 93.75% as the temperature rose to 57.2 ℃. Additionally, the high thermal conductivity of Fe3O4 facilitated the effective heat transfer to the fluid and provided sufficient thermal energy to activate PDS, thereby removing 99.3% of Rhodamine B (RhB). Fe3O4 NPs effectively promoted the generation of reactive species including SO4•−, •OH, O2•− and 1O2 from PDS and the four main stages including N-de-ethylation, chromophore cleavage, ring-opening, and mineralization were proposed as the possible degradation pathway of RhB. This study provides a reference for developing V-SIE system and highlights the positive effect of nanofluids in advanced oxidation processes.

Enhanced photocatalytic dye detoxification by banana peel derived enzyme inherited ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite: Validation by soil health and seed germination analyses

Enhanced photocatalytic dye detoxification by banana peel derived enzyme inherited ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite: Validation by soil health and seed germination analyses

Solar Light-Driven Efficient Degradation of Organic Pollutants Mediated by S-Scheme MoS2@TiO2-Layered Structures.

This study focuses on achieving high photocatalytic activity using MoS2/TiO2 heterostructures (MOT). To this end, MoS2 and TiO2 were synthesized by employing hydrothermal synthesis techniques, and then MoS2/TiO2 heterostructures were synthesized by using 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 ratios of MoS2 and TiO2, respectively. While the structural and electronic changes for the 1:2 and 1:3 ratios were relatively minor, significant modifications in bandgaps and morphology were observed for the 1:1 and 1:4 ratios. Thus, this study presents a comparative analysis of the photocatalytic performance of the 1:1 (MOT11) and 1:4 (MOT14) heterostructures. The formation of these heterostructures was confirmed through Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Notably, the bandgaps of MOT11 and MOT14 were red-shifted to 1.66-1.25 eV and 1.01-1.68 eV, respectively, indicating improved visible-light absorption capabilities. The photocatalytic activity of MOT11 and MOT14 was evaluated through the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated solar irradiation. MOT11 demonstrated a high degradation efficiency of 98.9% within 60 min, while MOT14 achieved 98.21% degradation after 90 min of irradiation. The significance of this study lies in its demonstration that a facile synthesis route and a small proportion of MoS2 in the heterostructure can achieve excellent photocatalytic degradation performance under solar light. After MS-analysis, S-Scheme has been suggested, which has also been complimented by the scavenger tests. Additionally, the improved photocatalytic properties of MOT11 and MOT14 suggest their potential for future applications in hydrogen generation and water splitting, offering a pathway towards sustainable and clean energy production.

Facile Synthesis of Silsesquioxane-Based Hybrid Crosslinked Polymers via One-Step Amine-Ene Reaction for Efficient Adsorption of Various Pollutants.

The rapid advancement of industrial production has led to an increase in water pollutants, posing a significant threat to public health. With the deepening of research on pollutant adsorbents. The application of silsesquioxane-based cross-linked polymer networks in water pollution treatment has gradually attracted people's attention. This study introduces two new crosslinked hybrid network, PCS-OB and PCS-OP, which were created through one-step amine-ene reaction between octa(aminophenyl) silsesquioxane (OAPS) and bismaleimide or N, N'-1,3-phenylenedimaleimide. The synthesized hybrid networks were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The successful synthesis of the material is proved. PCS-OB and PCS-OP exhibited remarkable efficiency in the adsorption and removal of contaminants such as antibiotics, dyes, and iodine from wastewater. The maximum adsorbents for Rhodamine B (RhB), iodine vapor and berberine hydrochloride (BCH) were 1069 mg g-1, 1590 mg g-1 and 294mg g-1, respectively. In conclusion, this work proves that PCS-OB and PCS-OP have broad application prospects in pollutant treatment.

Facile Hydrothermal Assisted Basic Catalyzed Sol Gel Synthesis for Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle from Alkali Silicate Solutions Using Dual Structural Templates.

This work presents a novel hydrothermally aided sol-gel method for preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with a narrow particle size distribution and varied pore sizes. The method was carried out in alkaline media in presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as dual templates and permitted the synthesis of spherical mesoporous silica with a high surface area (1011.42 m2/g). The MSN materials were characterized by FTIR, Thermogravimetric (TG), Nitrogen adsorption and desorption and Field emission scanning electron microscopic analysis (FESEM). The materials feasibility as solid phase adsorbent has been demonstrated using cationic dyes; Rhodamine B (RB) and methylene blue (MB) as models. Due to the large surface area and variable pore width, the adsorption behaviors toward cationic dyes showed outstanding removal efficiency and a rapid sorption rate. The adsorption isotherms of RB and MB were well-fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich models, while the kinetic behaviours adhered closely to the pseudo-second-order pattern. The maximum adsorption capacities were determined to be 256 mg/g for MB and 110.3 mg/g for RB. The findings suggest that MSNs hold significant potential as solid-phase nanosorbents for the extraction and purification of dye pollutants, particularly in the analysis and treatment of effluents containing cationic dyes.