Simple Precipitation Method Research Articles

Visible light-driven photocatalytic and enzyme-like properties of novel AgBr/Ag2MoO4 for degradation of pollutants and improved antibacterial application

The manufacture of multiple catalytic materials is an important matter to solve environmental pollution and bacterial infection. AgBr/Ag2MoO4 nanoparticles with different molar ratios were prepared by a simple one-step precipitation method. The morphology and component of AgBr/Ag2MoO4 were analyzed by several characterizations means including XRD, XPS, and SEM et al., which showed that the loaded content of AgBr was different in different molar ratios. 1:1AgBr/Ag2MoO4 displayed better enzyme-like activity than that of the pure AgBr and Ag2MoO4. It can depict that 1:1AgBr/Ag2MoO4 possessed excellent photocatalytic activity with a 100% degradation rate of rhodamine B, and nearly 80% degradation rate of tetracycline hydrochloride. ∙O2– can be produced from the enzyme reaction system and the photocatalytic system, and ∙OH can be generated under visible light, which can successfully kill Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The sterilization rate of AgBr/Ag2MoO4 with visible light and H2O2 achieved 100% in a short time toward E. coli and S. aureus. The AgBr/Ag2MoO4 composite, as the bactericidal catalyst, with dual catalytic activities is a promising material in the field of environmental pollution and bacterial infection.

Enhancing pesticide droplet deposition through O/W Pickering Emulsion: Synergistic stabilization by Flower-like ZnO particles and polymer emulsifier

The effective deposition of pesticide droplets on the plant leaves is an important challenge. In this study, flower-like ZnO particles were fabricated via a simple precipitation method at room temperature and were chosen as a stabilizer for Pickering emulsions. A 3% mefentrifluconazole Pickering emulsion with 70 vol% water phase fractions can be easily prepared using 0.5 wt% ZnO particles and 0.1 wt% A-7 as a dual emulsifier, thereby reducing the dosage of conventional surfactants. The simultaneous adsorption of ZnO particles and A-7 at the oil–water interface in the form of a densely packed layer exhibits synergistic effect, preventing droplet coalescence via a steric mechanism. The Pickering emulsion effectively inhibits the rebounding of droplets and deposits on rice leaves with different inclination angles in 1.5 ms, following which it spreads to the maximum wetting area within 360 s. In addition, the flower-like ZnO particles can be inlaid and adhered to various micro-nanostructures on the surface of a rice leaf. Owing to the topology effects between each other, it is beneficial for droplets to deposit on the leaf surface. The average control efficacy reached 90.37%, thereby improving the effective utilization of pesticides. This study provides a new opportunity for the application of flower-like ZnO particles as Pickering emulsion stabilizer in the agricultural field.

Influence of polymer solution on the morphology and local structure of NH4ZnPO4 powders synthesized by a simple precipitation method at room temperature

Influence of polymer solution on the morphology and local structure of NH4ZnPO4 powders synthesized by a simple precipitation method at room temperature

Zinc Oxide Synthesis from Extreme Ratios of Zinc Acetate and Zinc Nitrate: Synergistic Morphology.

The synthesis of ZnO comprising different ratios of zinc acetate (ZA) and zinc nitrate (ZN) from the respective zinc precursor solutions was successfully completed via a simple precipitation method. Zinc oxide powders with different mole ratios of ZA/ZN were produced—80/1, 40/1, and 20/1. The crystallinity, microstructure, and optical properties of all produced ZnO powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry. The average agglomerated particle sizes of ZnO-80/1, ZnO-40/1, and ZnO-20/1 were measured at 655, 640, and 620 nm, respectively, using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The optical properties of ZnO were significantly affected by the extreme ratio differences in the zinc precursors. ZnO-80/1 was found to have a unique coral-sheet structure morphology, which resulted in its superior ability to reflect near-infrared (NIR) radiation compared to ZnO-40/1 and ZnO-20/1. The NIR-shielding performances of ZnO were assessed using a thermal insulation test, where coating with ZnO-80/1 could lower the inner temperature by 5.2 °C compared with the neat glass substrate. Due to the synergistic effects on morphology, ZnO-80/1 exhibited the property of enhanced NIR shielding in curtailing the internal building temperature, which allows for its utilization as an NIR-reflective pigment coating in the construction of building envelopes.

Enhanced removal of glyphosate from aqueous solution by nano-CaO2/AS composite: Oxidation and precipitation

The massive use and accumulation of glyphosate will cause a series of ecological and environmental problems, so there is an urgent need for effective treatment and recovery methods of glyphosate. In this research, based on the properties of CaO2 that can provide both reactive oxygen and Ca2+, nano-CaO2 was selected as the oxidant and precipitant. Meanwhile, an iron-containing alkaline soil (AS) was used as a dispersant for nano-CaO2 as well as a catalyst to reinforce the advanced oxidation. The nano-CaO2/AS composite with high reactivity was successfully prepared by a simple precipitation method. Due to the activation of OH• by the iron-containing substances, the addition of AS greatly enhanced the removal efficiency of glyphosate in the advanced oxidation system. The influences of composite dosage, initial pH value, coexisting substances, and initial glyphosate concentration on the degradation of glyphosate were investigated. The results indicated that acidic conditions were favorable for the advanced reaction process, and common coexisting substances had rarely adverse impacts on the removal of glyphosate. In addition, possible degradation mechanism of glyphosate was proposed based on the free radical quenching experiments and characterization analyses. The removal of glyphosate by nano-CaO2/AS composite was a synergistic action of advanced oxidation and precipitation, and OH• and O- 2• were the main active radicals involved in the reaction system. Most of glyphosate can be oxidized to inorganic anions. The HPO2- 4decomposed by glyphosate combined with Ca2+ dissolved from nano-CaO2 in solution to produce the precipitation of CaHPO4·2H2O. The solid precipitation was rich in available phosphorus and can be recycled as a phosphorus fertilizer, which could promote the plant growth. Therefore, the nano-CaO2/AS composite is a promising material for glyphosate wastewater treatment and phosphorus recovery.

Novel synthesis and characterization of crystalline fluorapatite from Moroccan phosphogypsum waste

In the present study, phosphogypsum waste (PG) was utilized to synthesize fluorapatite (FAP) via a simple precipitation method. The FAP was prepared using a novel mixing technique with anhydrite obtained from PG and phosphoric acid solution in the presence of pure fluoride ammonium in a Teflon reactor. The characteristics of the prepared FAP were investigated with various methods including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The FAP derived from PG exhibited a hexagonal structure with a particle size ranging from 1.5 to 9 μm along with a high purity. FAP also showed an excellent Ca/P ratio equals to 1.67. These results proved that the FAP was successfully synthesized from phosphogypsum waste.

Effect of morphology, crystallite size and optical band gap on photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanostructures for decolorization of R6G

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized in three different routes by simple precipitation method with zinc nitrate, zinc sulphate, sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide as starting materials. The synthesized samples were calcined at different temperatures for 2 h. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and Energy Dispersive Spectra (EDS) analysis. SEM images show various morphological structures of ZnO obtained in three different routes. The average crystallite sizes of the samples were calculated from FWHM of XRD peaks by using Debye-Scherrer’s formula and were found to be in nano range. The EDS analysis show high pure ZnO nanostructures were produced in all the three routes. The optical band gaps of all the samples were calculated from UV–Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopic studies. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was tested by the decolorization of Rhodamine 6G dye in aqueous solutions. The results obtained clearly showed that both synthetic method and calcination temperature have a significant effect on morphology which in turn influenced photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanostructures.

Facile Synthesis, Analysis of Physico-Chemical Properties and Tape Casting of Al2O3 Nanoparticles

Alumina (Al2O3) powder was synthesized by simple wet-chemical precipitation method. The phase study was done using XRD confirming the FCC phase. FTIR showed the presence of Al-O vibrations. Particle size analysis (PSA) confirmed the presence of particles in the range of 300 nm. The EDX confirmed the presence of Al and O elements in the samples only and no impurity elements. SEM exhibited the ultrafine nature of the particles. The tape casting of Al2O3 nanoparticles was carried out with suitable organic ingredients. Based on the trials, the best composition for alumina tape casting was optimized. The SEM of green alumina thin sheet resulted in good surface behaviour. Optimized composition may be used for fabricating thin Al2O3 based electrical components for application in electronics industry.

Enhanced solar water oxidation by CoWO4-WO3 heterojunction photoanode

Tungsten oxide (WO3) is a low band-gap semiconductor with valence band maximum favorably located for photo-electrochemical water oxidation under sunlight but its performance suffers from fast recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes. In order to suppress recombination and reduce photocorrosion, herein, we report the fabrication of a facile heterojunction photoanode design by combining n-type WO3 nanoplates with p-type cobalt tungstate (CoWO4) nanocuboids produced by simple chemical precipitation methods followed by their successive deposition on a FTO glass substrate. The hybrid photoanode not only exhibited a reduction of the onset potential but also demonstrated up to 2.4 times increase in the photocurrent density compared to those with the bare WO3 electrode when tested for photo-electrochemical (PEC) water oxidation using techniques such as linear sweep voltammetry, transient photo amperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under 1.5 AM G simulated solar light. The band aligned hybrid design of the photoanode helped to suppress the recombination of electrons and holes before utilization in water oxidation. In addition, the use of back illumination ensured the avoidance of light shading of primary photo absorber (WO3) by the co-catalyst (CoWO4) as well as reduced photocorrosion of WO 3by electrolyte leading to enhanced and stabilized photocurrent. Thus, the CoWO4 -WO3 based novel photoanode developed in this work shows good promise as a facile, low-cost and durable photoanode for PEC water oxidation, especially at low bias as confirmed by the two-terminal measurements.

Synthesis and functionalization of silver ferrite (AgFe2O3) nanoparticles with l-methionine: In vivo toxicity studies against Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

In the present study, silver ferrite nanoparticles (AgFe2O3 NPs) were synthesized by a simple and rapid solution precipitation method using ammonium hydroxide as a complexing agent. AgFe2O3 NPs were conjugated with folic acid and l-methionine for in vivo administration to Drosophila melanogaster (DM) flies. The drug conjugated AgFe2O3 NPs were characterized by using different physicochemical techniques such as UV–Visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle size distribution (DLS), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis. SEM images reveal the nearly spherical shaped AgFe2O3 NPs (ф 25–30 nm), while energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reveals the expected elemental composition. On the DM flies’ model (observation from 3 to 50 days), the results reveal that drug conjugated AgFe2O3 NPs have good repeatability and are less toxic. Furthermore, functionalized NPs of concentrations 0.25 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM were administered orally, but no significant differences in viability, fecundity, or locomotory assay were identified up to 0.5 mM. The drug loading and releasing efficiency were tested, and the amount of drug released was highest at pH 5.3 (the normal ambient setting for intravenous neuron drugs), followed by pH 7.2 and pH 6.8. This study showed that the functionalized AgFe2O3 NPs are safe to use in living organisms. As a result, they can be used as a drug delivery carrier in many disease models, including neural delivery.

Development and validation of LC-MS/MS method for amlexanox in rat plasma and its application in preclinical pharmacokinetics.

Amlexanox, an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent, has been widely used clinically for the treatment of canker sores, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Recently, amlexanox has received considerable attention in curing nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases and hepatitis virus infection. Herein, we first established a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrum (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of amlexanox in rat plasma. Propranolol was used as the internal standard (IS). Using a simple protein precipitation method, the amlexanox and IS were separated with Capcell Pak C18 column (2.0 × 50 mm, 5μm) and eluted with water and acetonitrile each containing 0.1% formic acid using gradient elution condition at a flow rate of 0.4mL·min-1 . Amlexanox and IS were detected by a triple quadrupole mass in multiple reactive monitoring (MRM) under the transitions of m/z 299.2 → 281.2 and m/z 259.9 → 116.1 with positive electrospray ionization, respectively. The calibration curves of amlexanox were established with the range of 50 to 2000 ng·mL-1 (r2 > 0.99). The validation method consisted of selectivity, accuracy, precision, carryover effect, matrix effect, recovery, dilution effect, and stability. The fully validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of amlexanox in Wistar rats.

Synthesis of lignin nanoparticles employing acid precipitation method and its application to enhance the mechanical, UV-barrier and antioxidant properties of chitosan films

Lignin nanoparticles were obtained by a simple acid precipitation method from lignin KOH alkali solution and used as a reinforcing agent to prepare chitosan based lignin nanoparticles nanocomposite films. The effect of lignin nanoparticles concentrations (3, 5, 10, 15 and 30% v/v chitosan solution) on structural, mechanical, water vapor, ultra-violet light barrier, thermal and antioxidant properties of chitosan nanocomposite films was investigated. Particle size analysis reveals that the lignin nanoparticles are formed with an average size of 55 nm. The tensile strength and modulus were increased by 86 and 93%, respectively, in the presence of 15% of lignin nanoparticles compared to the values of chitosan film. The water vapor transmission rate of chitosan-lignin nanoparticles nanocomposite film reduced (32% for 15% LNPs) up to 15% concentrations. The ultraviolet barrier properties of the chitosan films were increased with an increase in the concentration of lignin nanoparticles. Lignin nanoparticles reinforced chitosan films were also significantly enhanced with antioxidant activity in comparison with neat chitosan film.

Photoluminescence Study of Up-Conversion Phosphor La2(MoO4)3 Yb3+, Er3+ Prepared by Precipitation Method

Up-conversion phosphors of La 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 : Yb 3+ , Er 3+ with different concentration of Erbium were prepared by a simple precipitation method. The crystal structure, surface morphology, elemental composition, and photoluminescence properties were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) and Photoluminescence spectroscopy respectively. XRD spectra show a high degree of crystallinity in all samples. SEM images show rod-like structures present in the samples. EDAX analysis confirms the presence of dopants (Yb 3+ and Er 3+ ) in the host matrix (La 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 ). Upon excitation by 980 nm infrared radiation, all the samples give emission peaks between 524 – 533 nm in the bluish-green region, 546 – 555 nm in the green region and 659 – 672 nm in the red region which are attributed to the 2 H 11/2 → 4 I 15/2 , 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 and 4 F 9/2 → 4 I 15/2 transitions of Er 3+ ions respectively.

Cu-ZnO nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange

Photocatalytic degradation of textile dye derivative Methyl Orange (M.O) has been studied in aqueous medium using 2% copper doped zinc oxide (2% Cu-ZnO) nanoparticles under UV irradiation. Simple inexpensive chemical precipitation method was used for synthesis of pure and copper doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles pure and copper doped zinc oxide was characterized by X-ray Diffraction Technique (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis. The prepared nanoparticles were hexagonal wurzite structure. Photocatalytic efficiency of 2% Cu-ZnO were evaluated by studying mineralization of methyl orange (M.O.) as a model compound. The M.O. kinetics degradation was investigated under different parameters such as pH of the medium, catalyst dosage, M.O concentration, intensity of light etc. In addition reusability aspects of nanoparticles where also studied, which reveals that reused nanoparticles exhibited same results as that of virgin particles. Copyright © 2018 VBRI Press.

Organic-inorganic hybrid hole transport layers with SnS doping boost the performance of perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated excellent photovoltaic performance which currently rival the long-standing silicon solar cells’ efficiency. However, the relatively poor device operational stability of PSCs still limits their future commercialization. Binary sulfide is a category of materials with promising optoelectrical properties, which shows the potential to improve both the efficiency and stability of PSCs. Here we demonstrate that the inorganic tin monosulfide (SnS) can be an efficient dopant in 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxy-phenylamine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD) to form a composite hole transport layer (HTL) for PSCs. SnS nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized through a simple chemical precipitation method exhibit good crystallization and suitable band matching with the perovskites. The introduction of SnS NPs in Spiro-OMTAD HTLs enhanced charge extraction, reduced trap state density, and shallowed trap state energy level of the devices based on the composite HTLs. Therefore, the resulting solar cells employing SnS-doped spiro-OMeTAD HTLs delivered an improved stabilized power output efficiency of 21.75% as well as enhanced long-term stability and operational stability. Our results provide a simple method to modify the conventional spiro-OMeTAD and obtain PSCs with both high efficiency and good stability.

Efficient surfactant modified copper oxide nanoparticles for solar light driven water purification

Nanostructured materials find a number of applications due to their inimitable physical and chemical properties. In the current work copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) and surfactant assisted CuO nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple precipitation method from corresponding copper salts. Triton X-100 and cetyl alcohol were used as surfactants to modify the properties of CuO nanoparticles. The synthesized materials were characterized by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The thermal stability and morphology of the CuO NPs were investigated via thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, respectively. The analysis of results confirmed that nano sized regime CuO materials were successfully synthesized via a simple, inexpensive and reproducible procedure. Additionally, catalytic test of the CuO NPs was performed to check their ability to use in reducing environmental hazardous species i.e. methylene blue (MB) dye from water bodies. For this, the CuO NPs were employed for photocatalytic degradation of MB dye under sunlight which showed tremendous catalytic properties of CuO NPs for degradation of dye in an aqueous media. In aqueous medium, the CuOcal. Showed maximum degradation efficiency of 85.0%, whereas at a basic pH of 12, CuO-Triton-Xcal. Showed a degradation efficiency of 100%. • CuO nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple and dexterously method in the presence of Triton X-100 and Cetyl alcohol. • The synthesized nanomaterials were successfully employed towards Methylene blue photodegradation, for water purification. • The Triton X-100 modified CuO Nanomaterials exhibited the highest photodegradation activity.

Influence of Eucalyptus Leaves Extract on Antibacterial Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles

AbstractIn the current research work, zinc oxide nano particles are synthesized by simple precipitation method and studied its antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity can be successfully enhanced for some kind of bacterium after the addition of eucalyptus leaves extract. The structural, morphological, and elemental properties of synthesized material and the effect of eucalyptus leaves extract on these properties are studied by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning electron Microscopy (FESEM), and elemental analysis (EDAX). Enhanced crystalline size and porosity is observed after the addition of eucalyptus leaves extract while synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO). In addition, eucalyptus leaves extract assists to avoid agglomeration of ZnO nano particles. Role of eucalyptus leaves extract in the antibacterial activity of synthesized ZnO nano particles are studied against gram positive bacterium (Bacillus) and gram negative bacterium (Escherichia coli). It reveals that after addition of eucalyptus leaves extract, antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria (Bacillus) is enhanced. However, it does not show any antibacterial activity on a gram negative bacterium (E. coli). The eucalyptus leaves extract may be responsible for the resistance against E. coli.

Soft Chemical Synthesis and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Cobalt-Doped Gd2O3 Nanoparticles

Gd2-xCoxO3-δ (where x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple chemical precipitation method. XRD data revealed the presence of a cubic crystalline structure in the samples. FTIR data showed a peak at 441 cm−1 which is due to Gd-O vibration mode. Particle size analysis indicated particles in the range of 290.5–616.6 nm. SEM studies revealed agglomeration of particles. The presence of cobalt dopant with varying compositions was further confirmed from EDX. The band gap of Gd2-xCoxO3-δwas found to be in the range of 3.57 − 4.93 eV.

A new sensitive HPLC/UV method for simultaneous determination of paclitaxel, sorafenib and omeprazole in standard solutions and spiked plasma: Application to in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of paclitaxel polymeric nanoformulations

Purpose: To develop a simple, novel, sensitive and rapid reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of paclitaxel, sorafenib and omeprazole in standard solutions and spiked human plasma and its application to the in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of paclitaxel polymeric nanoparticle formulations.Methods: The method was tested for the assessment of paclitaxel, omeprazole and sorafenib using tamoxifen citrate as internal standard. The analysis was performed at a wavelength of 235 nm using Thermo HS C18 column, 40 °C column oven temperature, acetonitrile and water (70:30 v/v, pH 3.37 adjusted with phosphoric acid) as a mobile phase and at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. All analytes were extracted by simple protein precipitation method using acetonitrile. The linearity was assessed in the concentration range of 1 - 2000 ng/mL for paclitaxel, omeprazole and sorafenib.Results: The developed chromatographic method effectively separated omeprazole, paclitaxel, sorafenib and IS with retention time of 3.93, 5.18, 6.43 and 9.93 min, respectively. The chromatograms of the three target compounds and IS showed good resolution and peak separation. The LOD of the method was 1, 5 and. 5 ng/mL while the LOQ was 2, 7.5 and 10 ng/mL, for paclitaxel, sorafenib and omeprazole, respectively.Conclusion: The proposed RP-HPLC–UV method for the assessment of paclitaxel, sorafenib and omeprazole in standard solutions and spiked plasma is simple, economical, sensitive and robust. The method is also suitable for the analysis of paclitaxel in nanoformulations and for its pharmacokinetic studies in an animal model.

Substantial Impact of Precipitants and Dispersant on the Structural and Optical Properties of CeO2 Nanoparticles

Cerium oxide nanoparticles are prepared by simple precipitation method with various precipitants. The prepared samples are analyzed by XRD, FT-IR and PL. XRD confirms the occurrence of single-phase polycrystalline cubic fluorite structure with dominant orientation along (111) direction. The sharp band at 1415 cm-1 originated from –CH3 deformation and –CH2 scissoring vibrations of PVP, also A strong band at 848 and 400 cm-1 due to the envelope of the phonon band of the metal oxide (Ce-O) network obtained from FT-IR spectra. PL spectra exhibit the presence of strong blue and weak blue-green emission in the visible region. Additions of PVP strongly distress the peaks intensity of the samples.