Shell Nanocomposites Research Articles

Tailoring the pore structure of iron oxide core@stellate mesoporous silica shell nanocomposites: effects on MRI and magnetic hyperthermia properties and applicability to anti-cancer therapies.

Core-shell nanocomposites made of iron oxide core (IO NPs) coated with mesoporous silica (MS) shells are promising theranostic agents. While the core is being used as an efficient heating nanoagent under alternating magnetic field (AMF) and near infra-red (NIR) light and as a suitable contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the MS shell is particularly relevant to ensure colloidal stability in a biological buffer and to transport a variety of therapeutics. However, a major challenge with such inorganic nanostructures is the design of adjustable silica structures, especially with tunable large pores which would be useful, for instance, for the delivery of large therapeutic biomolecule loading and further sustained release. Furthermore, the effect of tailoring a porous silica structure on the magneto- or photothermal dissipation still remains poorly investigated. In this work, we undertake an in-depth investigation of the growth of stellate mesoporous silica (STMS) shells around IO NPs cores and of their micro/mesoporous features respectively through time-lapse and in situ liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) and detailed nitrogen isotherm adsorption studies. We found here that the STMS shell features (thickness, pore size, surface area) can be finely tuned by simply controlling the sol-gel reaction time, affording a novel range of IO@STMS core@shell NPs. Finally, regarding the responses under alternating magnetic fields and NIR light which are evaluated as a function of the silica structure, IO@STMS NPs having a tunable silica shell structure are shown to be efficient as T2-weighted MRI agents and as heating agents for magneto- and photoinduced hyperthermia. Furthermore, such IO@STMS are found to display anti-cancer effects in pancreatic cancer cells under magnetic fields (both alternating and rotating).

Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4@SiO2@PDA@Ag core–shell nanoparticles and biological application on human lung cancer cell line and antibacterial strains

Novel magnetic and metallic nanoparticles garner much attention of researchers due to their biological, chemical and catalytic properties in many chemical reactions. In this study, we have successfully prepared a core–shell Fe3O4@SiO2@PDA nanocomposite wrapped with Ag using a simple synthesis method, characterised and tested on small cell lung cancer and antibacterial strains. Incorporating Ag in Fe3O4@SiO2@PDA provides promising advantages in biomedical applications. The magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with SiO2 to obtain negatively charged surface which is then coated with polydopamine (PDA). Then silver nanoparticles were assembled on Fe3O4@SiO2@PDA surface, which results in the formation core–shell nanocomposite. The synthesised nanocomposite were characterized using SEM-EDAX, dynamic light scattering, XRD, FT-IR and TEM. In this work, we report the anticancer activity of silver nanoparticles against H1299 lung cancer cell line using MTT assay. The cytotoxicity data revealed that the IC50 of Fe3O4@SiO2@PDA@Ag against H1299 lung cancer nanocomposites cells was 21.52 µg/mL. Furthermore, the biological data of nanocomposites against Gram-negative ‘Pseudomonas aeruginosa’ and Gram-positive ‘Staphylococcus aureus’ were carried out. The range of minimum inhibitory concentration was found to be 115 µg/mL where gentamicin was used as a standard drug. The synthesized AgNPs proves its supremacy as an efficient biomedical agent and AgNPs may act as potential beneficial molecule in lung cancer chemoprevention and antibacterial strains.

Process design, kinetics, simulation, and techno-economic analysis of biodiesel production from Pongamia pinnata seed oil using a magnetically recyclable acidic ionic liquid catalyst

A magnetically recyclable polymeric acidic ionic liquid nanocatalyst was fabricated in response to the demand for economical and eco-friendly one-pot conversion of inexpensive oils to biodiesel. To achieve this, Fe3O4–SiO2 nanocomposites with Fe3O4 as the core and SiO2 as the shell were prepared, and polymeric acidic ionic liquid (PAIL) was grafted over the core–shell nanocomposite (Fe3O4-SiO2) to produce Fe3O4–SiO2–PAIL nanocatalyst. The characterization results demonstrated that Fe3O4–SiO2–PAIL nanocatalyst had a strong saturation magnetization of 19.16 emu/g, a large surface area of 13.067 m2/g, and a high acid loading of 6.1 mmol/g. The Fe3O4–SiO2–PAIL was used as a heterogeneous catalyst to transesterify Pongamia pinnata seed oil (PPO) into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The biodiesel yield was 94.89% under optimized reaction conditions of 6.14 % (w/w) catalyst loading, methanol:oil molar ratio of 12:12, 57.37 °C, and 1.67 h. The produced FAME complied with the ASTM specifications for biodiesel. The transesterification reaction exhibited a low activation energy of 28.298 KJ/mol with pseudo-first-order kinetics. The positive values of ΔH° and ΔG° indicated that the transesterification reaction was endothermic, endergonic, and non-spontaneous. The negative value of ΔS° illustrated that the reaction is less disordered. Furthermore, the reusability studies of the heterogeneous nanocatalyst was investigated. The Fe3O4-SiO2-PAIL nanocatalyst was successfully retrieved swiftly by magnetic force, with no discernible mass loss, and employed at least six additional times without significantly losing its catalytic activity. The techno-economic analysis was executed to investigate the technical and economical feasibility of 15 metric tonne/batch biodiesel production from Pongamia pinnata seed oil using the Fe3O4–SiO2–PAIL nanocatalyst. The economic reports demonstrated a positive NPV of 20,736,000 $/year, a gross margin of 9.41%, and a biodiesel minimum selling price of 0.926 $ with a payback period of 1.88 years. This work paves the way for the sustainable use of P. pinnata as a feedstock for biodiesel production using the Fe3O4–SiO2–PAIL nanocatalyst under specified circumstances.

Design, fabrication and characterization of mesoporous yolk–shell nanocomposites as a sustainable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for synthesis of ortho-aminocarbonitrile tetrahydronaphthalenes

A new structure of mesoporous spherical nanocomposites was designed and easily prepared from the reaction between NiCuFe2O4 nanoparticles and mesoporous silica in three steps. The prepared multi-yolk@shell NiCuFe2O4@mSiO2 mesoporous sphere was characterized by using FT-IR, XRD, VSM, EDX, BET, FE-SEM and HR-TEM techniques. This unique mesoporous nanocomposite sphere as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst has demonstrated highly catalytic activity for the green synthesis of tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives in 92–98% yields at reaction times of 60–75 min. This process was carried out through multi-component reaction of the cyclic ketone, malononitrile and aromatic aldehyde under solvent-free conditions. Furthermore, the procedure was optimized on the basis of catalyst loading amounts, various solvents and temperature conditions. This novel methodology exposes obvious benefits such as; catalyst reusability, easy reaction procedure, simplicity of work-up, excellent product yields and short reaction times.

Influence of preparation method on the structure, morphology, and conducting property of poly(m‐aminophenol)/silver nanocomposite

AbstractThe aim is to create a nanocomposite with well‐defined morphology having enhanced electronic characteristics, suitable for a diverse range of applications including sensors, supercapacitors, and electrode materials, among others. A composite consisting of the functional conjugated polymer, such as poly(m‐aminophenol), combined with silver nanoparticles, can be fabricated by meticulously regulating its structure, morphology, and properties. In the current research, three different morphologies, viz., nanoparticles distributed, nanofibrous, and core–shell were obtained following three different methods of preparation. The nanocomposite with a uniform distribution of 5.15 wt% small silver nanoparticles exhibited the highest average DC conductivity of 1.3 × 10−4 S cm−1. However, the nanofibrous composite with 2.79 wt% silver loading and core–shell nanocomposite with 5.59 wt% silver loading were found to have poor conductivities in order of 10−7 S cm−1. The electronic conduction of the nanocomposites prepared in three different methods was correlated with the structural features of the polymer matrix and the interfacial interaction between the components. This suggests that the nanocomposites with uniform distribution of small silver nanoparticles hold high potential as electronic material for a wide range of applications.Highlights Optimization of preparation of poly(m‐aminophenol)/silver nanocomposite. Investigation of structure and morphologies of the composites. Morphologies—nanocomposites, nanofiber composite, and core–shell composite. Highest average DC‐conductivity of nanocomposite obtained as 1.3 × 10−4 S cm−1. Conductivity in order of 10−7 S cm−1 was observed for the other two nanocomposites.

Investigation of frequency and temperature dependent impedance, modulus and conductivity properties of MgO@SiO2 core shell nanocomposites

In this paper, a detailed investigation of electrical and conductivity behavior of MgO@SiO2 core shell nanocomposites (MgO@SiO2 CSN) in the frequency range between 1 Hz and 1 MHz at selected temperatures was reported. The powder XRD analysis unveiled a face-centered cubic structure with Fm-3 m space group and the FTIR spectra identified Mg-O and Si-O-Si vibrational bands. The oxidation states of the elements were studied employing XPS technique. TEM analysis confirmed the core shell formation with average particle size of 113.3 ± 3.1 nm with the shell thickness measuring 7.4 ± 1.1 nm. The existence of the dielectric dispersion is ascribed to the Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization. The Nyquist plots indicate the presence of grain effects with negative temperature coefficient of resistance with non-Debye type of relaxation. The activation energy of 0.388 eV with a negative slope of 4.49, indicate that oxygen vacancies may have contributed to conduction mechanism.

Fluorescence-enhanced dual signal lateral flow immunoassay for flexible and ultrasensitive detection of monkeypox virus

The outbreak of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) worldwide in 2022 highlights the need for a rapid and low-cost MPXV detection tool for effectively monitoring and controlling monkeypox disease. In this study, we developed a flexible lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) with strong colorimetric and enhanced fluorescence dual-signal output for the rapid, on-site, and highly sensitive detection of the MPXV antigen in different scenarios. A multilayered SiO2-Au core dual-quantum dot (QD) shell nanocomposite (named SiO2-Au/DQD), which consists of a large SiO2 core (~ 200 nm), one layer of density-controlled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, 20 nm), and thousands of small QDs, was fabricated instead of a traditional colorimetric nanotag (i.e., AuNPs) and a fluorescent nanotag (QD nanobead) to simultaneously provide good stability, strong colorimetric ability and superior fluorescence intensity. With the dual-signal output LFIA, we achieved the specific screening of the MPXV antigen (A29L) in 15 min, with detection limits of 0.5 and 0.0021 ng/mL for the colorimetric and fluorometric modes, respectively. Moreover, the colorimetric mode of SiO2-Au/DQD-LFIA exhibits the same sensitivity as the traditional AuNP- LFIA, whereas the overall sensitivity of this method on the basis of the fluorescent signal can achieve 238- and 3.3-fold improvements in sensitivity for MPXV compared with the AuNP-based LFIA and ELISA methods, respectively, indicating the powerful performance and good versatility of the dual-signal method in the point-of-care testing of the MPXV.

Thermally induced Fe2O3 spikes decorated Ag/Fe2O3 nanocomposite fabrication for anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activities

In the context of anti-cellular catalytic permutations, the development of thermally-induced nanotechnology is of great importance. In this study, iron oxides (Fe2O3) decorated silver (Ag) core–shell nanocomposite was prepared using a green thermal decomposition process without using any additional chemicals. The nanocomposite was characterized for its composition, phase interactions, morphology, and stability using spectroscopic, thermogravimetric, and microscopic techniques. The resultant nanocomposite were also investigated against different types of bacteria and cancer cell lines. Both Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella spp., E. coli, and Pseudomonas) growth was inhibited by the Ag/Fe2O3 nanocomposite. The highest 19 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI) was found for Staphylococcus aureus by the combined effect of Ag and Fe2O3. The antibiofilm efficacy of the prepared nanocomposites showed biofilm destruction of 82.56% Staphylococcus aureus and 51.06% Klebsiella spp. Furthermore, the nanocomposite resulted in 80–90% death of Hela and BHK-21 cells but displayed lower cell toxicity in the case of the Vero cell line. This pathway of nanocomposites preparation with particle surface engineering would open new doors in the fields of nanobiotechnology and nanobiomedical applications.

Sonochemical synthesis of ortho‐aminocarbonitrile tetrahydronaphthalenes using mesoporous yolk–shell nanocomposites as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst and evaluation of their in vitro antimicrobial activities

A mobile Ca/Mg core was formed inside the silica shell of mesoporous yolk–shell nanocomposites (CaO‐MgO@SiO2). This new structure of hollow mesoporous silica spheres has been successfully synthesized inside the inner cavity. The used carbon spheres as a rigid template in the multi‐step synthetic process are covered with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and a mixture of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Then, the tetrahydronaphthalenes were synergistically synthesized using CaO‐MgO@SiO2 nanocomposites as a nanocatalyst under ultrasound irradiation. By this technique, the required items could be produced with a high to excellent efficiency between 90% and 98% and the reaction times of 5–15 min. As an effective and reusable catalyst in multicomponent processes, the CaO‐MgO@SiO2 catalyst exhibits high reactivity. The FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and melting point methods were used to identify all of the products. Moreover, FT‐IR, XRD, FE‐SEM, EDS, Mapping, and HR‐TEM techniques are used to characterize the prepared catalysts. Also, in vitro antibacterial activity of some synthetic compounds was evaluated.

(Magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone))/chitosan (core/shell)/shell nanocomposites with potential applications in hyperthermia cancer therapy

Magnetic (core/shell)/shell nanoparticles are promising tools for biomedical applications based on hyperthermia. In this work, magnetite particles were obtained by chemical coprecipitation and were used in the preparation of a (magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone)/chitosan nanocomposite. That (core/shell)/shell nanostructure was characterized by electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electrophoresis, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The effect on the heating efficiency of the nanocomposite at different magnetic field strengths were investigated finding that, even at low field strengths, the hyperthermia range was reached rapidly. Negligible toxicity of the particles was postulated given their null effect on blood components. These magneto-polymer composite particles could find a promising application in antitumor magnetic hyperthermia.

Synthesis and evaluation of core–shell nanocomposites for the photodegradation of liner alkyl-benzene sulfonate water contaminations

Linear alkyl-benzene sulfonate surfactants (LAS) are a major pollutant source of sewage and wastewater. They trigger severe impact on the environmental fauna and flora. Current research explores the synthesis of three different core–shell nanocomposites (CSNCs) containing titania through an inexpensive oxidative polymerization technique. The fabricated CSNCs were evaluated for the photocatalytic degradation of LAS water contaminations. The selected CSNCs investigated for this study were the TiO2/poly(aniline-co-pyrrole) and TiO2/ poly(aniline-co-3-Me-thiophene) as well as the TiO2/terpolymer (aniline-pyrrole-m-aminobenzoic acid). The structure of the formed nanocomposites was confirmed by varied characterization spectroscopy. The core–shell structure of the nanocomposites was confirmed by scanning electron micrographs and transmission electron microscopy. The CSNCs exhibited intensive photo catalytic degradation efficacy toward LAS under visible light exposure in comparison with the exposure in their absence. The parameters optimizing their photovoltaic degradation efficiency were assessed. The presented approach implies that an effective, economical, and environmentally friendly synthetic setup was achieved to produce novel CSNCs with high potential as LAS photodegradation agents.

Design of CuO @ SiO2 core shell nanocomposites and its applications to photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye

In this work, photocatalytic behavior of CuO@SiO2 core shell nanocomposites (CuO@SiO2 CSNs) is reported. The formation and structure of the prepared samples were confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. UV analysis revealed that the incorporation of SiO2 onto CuO resulted in a notable decrease in the bandgap energy from 3.2 eV to 2.8 eV, along with a reduction in the rate of electron-hole recombination and in consequence of that CuO@SiO2 CSNs demonstrated an impressive degradation rate of 92% for Rhodamine B (Rh B), while CuO Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited a relatively lower rate of 80%. The BET surface area analysis revealed that CuO@SiO2 CSNs had a greater surface area of 68.418 m³/g as opposed to 9.364 m³/g for CuO NPs, which contributed to the former's remarkable catalytic performance.

NIR laser-activated multifunctional nanocomposites for cascade low-temperature photothermal and oxygen-irrelevant thermodynamic therapy

Osteosarcoma, occurring most frequently in adolescents, are highly malignant bone tumor and prone to develop local recurrence and long-distance metastasis. Therefore, new comprehensive therapeutic strategies for osteosarcoma are urgently needed. Different from traditional photothermal therapy (PTT), low temperature PTT (LTPTT) not only brings less heat damages to the surrounding normal tissues but also prevent tumor metastasis. Nevertheless, its therapeutic effects are severely attenuated due to the tumor thermo-resistance induced by the overexpression of heat shock protein (HSP). In our work, an acid-responsive core–shell nanocomposite was fabricated for cancer therapy. The nanoplatform can independently encapsulate alkyl radical initiator 2,2-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane]-dihydroch-loride (AIPH) in the mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) core and HSP inhibitor (gambogic acid, GA) in the zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) microporous shell, called MPDA/AIPH@ZIF-8/GA (MAZG), which could achieve the combined functions of LTPTT and thermodynamic therapy (TDT). After endocytosing by tumor cells, the pH-responsive degradation of the ZIF-8 coating stimulates the rapid release of GA, which can effectively inhibit HSP expression in advance, and then simultaneously enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of LTPTT. Further, both in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that the as-synthesized MAZG nanocomposite exhibited favorable biosafety and remarkable tumor growth inhibition.

Tailoring Morphology in Hydrothermally Synthesized CdS/ZnS Nanocomposites for Extraordinary Photocatalytic H2 Generation via Type-II Heterojunction

CdS@ZnS core shell nanocomposites were prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal route. The morphology of the composite was tuned by simply changing the Zn2+ precursor concentration. To characterize the samples prepared, various techniques were employed, including XRD, FESEM, TEM, XPS and UV-vis DRS. The band gaps of CdS and ZnS were measured to be 2.26 and 3.32 eV, respectively. Compared with pure CdS, the CdS@ZnS samples exhibited a slight blue shift, which indicated an increased band gap of 2.29 eV. The CdS@ZnS core shell composites exhibited efficient photocatalytic performance for H2 generation under simulated sunlight illumination in contrast to pure CdS and ZnS. Additionally, an optimized H2 generation rate (14.44 mmol·h−1·g−1cat) was acquired at CdS@ZnS-2, which was approximately 4.6 times greater than that of pure CdS (3.12 mmol·h−1·g−1cat). Moreover, CdS@ZnS heterojunction also showed good photocatalytic stability. The process of charge separation over the photocatalysts was investigated using photoelectrochemical analysis. The findings indicate that the CdS@ZnS nanocomposite has efficient charge separation efficiency. The higher H2 generation activity and stability for CdS@ZnS photocatalysts can be attributed to the intimate interface in the CdS@ZnS core–shell structure, which promoted the light absorption intensity and photoinduced charge separation efficiency. It is expected that this study will offer valuable insights into the development of efficient core shell composite photocatalysts.

Porous prussian blue analogs derived nickel-iron bimetallic phosphide nanocubes on conductive hollow mesoporous carbon nanospheres for stable and flexible high-performance supercapacitor electrode

Nickel-iron bimetallic phosphide (Ni-Fe-P) is the ideal battery-type materials for supercapacitor in virtue of high theoretical specific capacitance. Nevertheless, its actual adhibition is astricted on account of inferior rate capability and cyclic stability. Herein, we constructed hierarchical core–shell nanocomposites with hollow mesoporous carbon nanospheres (HMCS) packaged via prussian blue analogs derived Ni-Fe-P nanocubes (Ni-Fe-P@HMCS), as a positive electrode for hybrid supercapacitor (HSC). Profiting from the cooperative effects of Ni-Fe-P nanocubes with small size and good dispersibility, and HMCS with continuously conductive network, the Ni-Fe-P@HMCS composite electrode with abundantly porous architectures presents an ultrahigh gravimetric specific capacity for 739.8 C g−1 under 1 A g−1. Specially, the Ni-Fe-P@HMCS electrode presents outstanding rate capability of 78.4% (1 A g−1 to 20 A g−1) and cyclic constancy for 105% after 5000 cycles. Density functional theory implies that the composite electrode possesses higher electrical conductivity than bare Ni-Fe-P electrode by reason of the incremental charge density, and the electrons transferring from NiFe3P4 to HMCS layers. Additionally, the assembled Ni-Fe-P@HMCS//HMCS HSC facility delivers the high energy density for 64.1 Wh kg−1, remarkable flexibility and mechanical stability. Thus, this work proffers a viable and efficacious measure to construct ultra-stability electrode for high-performance portable electronic facilities.

Controllable Synthesis of MIL-101(Cr)@TiO2 Core–Shell Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Controllable Synthesis of MIL-101(Cr)@TiO₂ Core–Shell Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Defective core–shell NiCo2S4/MnO2 nanocomposites for high performance solid-state hybrid supercapacitors

The roles of oxygen vacancies to enhance the electrochemical performance were not clearly explained in comprehensive research. Herein, the vertically oriented NiCo2S4/MnO2 core–shell nanocomposites are in situ grown on the nickel foam (NF) surface and activated by oxygen vacancy engineering via a chemical reduction method. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) results show the shell-MnO2 is well coated on the core-NiCo2S4. The hierarchical core–shell nanostructures synergistically increase conductivity and provide rich faradaic redox chemical reactions. Moreover, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations further indicate that the electronic properties and structure properties in NiCo2S4/MnO2 electrode of reduction for 60 min (NiCo2S4/MnO2-60) are effectively adjusted by introducing oxygen vacancies. Impressively, the NiCo2S4/MnO2-60 electrode delivers substantially appreciable areal capacity of 2.13 mAh·cm−2 couple with superior rate capability. The as-prepared high-performance electrode material can assemble into solid-state hybrid supercapacitor. The fabricated NiCo2S4/MnO2-60//AC device exhibits an exceptional energy density of 43.16 Wh·kg−1 at a power density of 384.21 W·kg−1 and satisfactory cyclic stability of 92.1 % at current density of 10 mA·cm−2 after 10,000 cycles. In general, the work demonstrates the significance of NiCo2S4/MnO2-60 as a highly redox active electrode material for future practical application in supercapacitors.

Monodispersed In2O3@ZIF-8 core–shell nanocomposite with selectivity and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Monodispersed In2O3@ZIF-8 core–shell nanocomposite with selectivity and enhanced photocatalytic activity

APPLICATION OF MAIZE STARCH-PEANUT SHELL NANOCOMPOSITE PACKAGING ON MUSHROOM UNDER VARYING MOISTURE, THICKNESS, AND COLD STORAGE

In this research, a maize starch-peanut shell nanocomposite film was applied to package mushroom under varying moisture, thickness, and cold temperature conditions. The film was developed by congealing 18 g starch, 0.38 g peanut nanoparticles, 16 g glycerol in 300 ml distilled water at 70oC, and its thermal, mechanical, barrier and microstructural behaviors were determined using standard methods. The film was applied to package oyster mushroom by varying the thickness (5– 10 mm) and moisture content (77.18 –91.14 %, wb) of the product, and thereafter storing it under 4– 8 oC cold temperature condition. The results revealed ~ 5% weight fraction degradation at ≤ 310 oC with endothermic peaks occurring at 250 oC and 400 oC, which corresponds to phase transition points where the film was thermally stable. The deformation pattern of the film at atomic level mimics a natural plastic material, with a heterogeneous particle size distribution across the film matrix. The permeability coefficients were 0.68× 10-10, 2.10× 10-10 and 14.0× 10-10 cm3 (STP) cm/cm2scm Hg for nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon-dioxide, gases, respectively. Also, the microbial load of the packaged product significantly decreased with an increase pH, moisture, and temperature (p< 0.05). Thus, the film can be suitable for mushroom packaging.

Novel in situ synthesis of quaternary core–shell metallic sulfide nanocomposites for degradation of organic dyes and hydrogen production

Abstract Environmental remediation of toxic organic pollutants on catalytic degradation has gained much attention. Organic dyes and fossil fuels as pollutants are the two major problems nowadays. The efficient and targeted eradication of organic dye from water systems is a critical global concern for the treatment of both drinking water and wastewater. In this study, ZnO–ZnS–CdO–CdS quaternary core–shell nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized using Ricinus communis as a stabilizing agent and hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. UV-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence confirmed the formation of NCs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups, while scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the morphology of nanomaterials was spherical and poly distributed. X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the crystalline nature of prepared samples. The prepared nanocatalysts were used in the production of hydrogen gas from green sources of the Brassica campestris leaf extract and the degradation of Congo red and methyl red dyes. Overall, the photocatalytic performance of NCs and their design was successful. The prepared catalysts were not only active in the degradation of a single substrate but also in the degradation of a mixture of dyes.