Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Mechanism of selectivity of tri-n-octylmethylammonium chloride for vanadium

Ionic liquid (IL)-based extraction is a promising and environmentally benign separation technology. Processes for quaternary ammonium-based IL extraction of vanadium have been extensively studied, but the vanadium extraction mechanism has not been accurately confirmed. This study investigated vanadium extraction from sulphuric acid leachate of shale by solvent extraction with tri-n-octylmethylammonium chloride (TOMAC/CH3NClR3). The results indicated that 90.50 % of the vanadium extraction percentage comprised one stage under the optimal condition experiments. These experiments were carried out at pH 1.8; the IL phase consisted of 25 vol% TOMAC, 15 vol% TBP, and 60 vol% sulfonated kerosene; O/A phase ratio of 1:7.5; extraction time of 120 s. The forms of vanadium and impurities present were revealed by the solution chemistry, Medusa software simulation. The extraction mechanism of vanadium was investigated using ultraviolet spec-trophotometer (UV–Vis), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and hotometer matrix-assisted laser-resolved ionization time-of-flight mass spectra (MALDI-TOF-MS). Under extraction conditions at pH 1.8, vanadium was present as an anion in the form H2V10O4- 28 and HV10O5- 28. Since the extraction mechanism of TOMAC was anion exchange, the extracted vanadium was mainly present as the anionic complex [(CH3NR3)4·H2V10O4- 28]/[(CH3NR3)5·HV10O5- 28]. The ESP map of TOMAC and V (V) was calculated to confirm the reaction sites and was used to verify the anion exchange mechanism.

Effect of spin coating speeds on electrical and optical characteristic of perovskite SrTiO3 thin films prepared by sol-gel method

The perovskite strontium titanate (SrTiO3/STO) was prepared by the sol-gel process, and the STO thin film was deposited onto a glass substrate by the spin coating method. Effect of different spin coating speeds on the thickness, structural, optical, and electrical properties of the STO thin films was discussed. Five STO films with various spin coating parameters of 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000, and 10000 RPM were prepared. Thickness profilometer tests have shown that the thickness of the STO film changes from 802 nm at 10000 RPM to 1321 nm at 2000 RPM spin coating speed. The prepared STO films morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope. X-ray diffraction measurements have shown that crystalline STO films have been produced with a cubic perovskite structure. The optical properties of the prepared STO films were investigated using an ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer, and the results indicated that the STO film at 8000 and 4000 RPM spin speed show the lowest and the maximum optical band gap (2.83 and 2.90 eV, respectively). All STO films have absorption coefficient values higher than 103 cm−1. The prepared STO thin films had a refractive index between 2.40 and 2.42. The electrical characteristics of the prepared STO films were investigated using the four-point probe method, and it was found that as the spin coating speed increased from 2000 to 8000 RPM, the resistivity of the STO films reduced from 6.629∗1010 to 3.009∗1010 Ω. Moreover, the STO film at 8000 RPM spin speed has the best electrical conductivity (3.301∗10−5 S m−1).

Janus GO/BTA/PMMA Microcapsules for Biobased Self-Healing Anticorrosion Coatings with Ultrahigh Performance.

The giant reduction of the barrier properties due to self-healing microcapsules and the lack of real-time protection during the healing remained the main challenges in self-healing anticorrosion coatings. Herein, a facile strategy using Janus graphene oxide (GO) as a dense and flexible shell has been proposed to synergistically solve these challenges. Benzotriazole (BTA) was used to synthesize Janus GO at the oil-water interface, and Janus GO/BTA/poly(methyl methacrylate) microcapsules were prepared. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet spectrophotometer analysis confirmed the formation of a Janus GO structure with one surface hydrophilic and the other hydrophobic. The surface morphology of J-GO-capsules with a high GO coverage rate was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The high biobased content coating containing J-GO-capsules showed a low-frequency impedance value above 1010 as assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy after being immersed in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution for 60 days. In addition, the low-frequency impedance values of the coating were maintained after being scratched due to the self-healing properties of the J-GO-capsules as well as the real-time protective effect of the BTA. Biobased coatings with the best overall properties among all of the self-healing anticorrosion coatings were prepared.

Effects of Spray Adjuvants on Droplet Deposition Characteristics in Litchi Trees under UAV Spraying Operations

In the last decade, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for plant protection have rapidly developed worldwide as a new method for pesticide application, especially in China and other Asian countries. To improve the deposition quality in UAV applications, adding appropriate types of spray adjuvants into pesticide solutions is one of the most effective ways to facilitate droplet deposition and control efficacy. At present, research on spray adjuvants for UAVs are mainly based on droplet drift and laboratory tests. Few studies have been conducted on the physicochemical properties of spray adjuvants and the effects of droplet deposition characteristics. To explore the properties of four different kinds of spray adjuvants (Mai Fei, Bei Datong, G-2801, and Agrospred 910) and the deposition characteristics of spray adjuvants on litchi leaves, an automatic surface tension meter, a contact angle measuring device, an ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer, and a DJI AGRAS T30 plant protection UAV was used to measure the surface tension, contact angle, and droplet deposition characteristics on litchi under UAV spraying operations. The results showed that the addition of spray adjuvants could significantly reduce the surface tension of the solution. The surface tension value of the solution after adding the spray additives was reduced by 53.1–68.9% compared with the control solution. Among them, the Agrospred 910 spray adjuvant had the best effect on reducing the surface tension of the solution. The contact angle of the control solution on the litchi leaves varied from 80.15° to 72.76°. With the increase in time, the contact angle of the spray adjuvant solution gradually decreased, the Agrospred 910 spray adjuvant had the best effect, and the contact angle decreased from 40.44° to 20.23° after the droplets fell on the litchi leaves for 60 s. The adjuvant solutions increased the droplet size, but the uniformity of the droplet size decreased. The Dv0.5 of different spray solutions ranged from 97.3 to 117.8 μm, which belonged to the fine or very fine droplets, and the Dv0.5 of adjuvants solutions were significantly greater than that of the control solution. The RSs of adjuvant solutions were very similar and ranged from 0.92 to 0.96, all of which were significantly greater than the result of the control solution (0.57). Compared with the deposition of the control solution, the Mai Fei, Bei Datong, and G-2801 solutions clearly increased spray deposition, with total depositions of 0.776, 0.705, and 0.721 μL/cm2, which are all greater than the total deposition of the control solution of 0.645 μL/cm2. The addition of tank-mixed adjuvants could effectively increase the uniformity of the spray deposition, and all the average CVs of adjuvant solutions were lower than 96.86%. On the whole, Mai Fei performed best in increasing the spray deposition and promoting penetration, followed by Bei Datong and G-2801. Meanwhile, the test can also provide a reference for improving the utilization rate of UAV pesticide applications.

Evaluation of peroxide release during nonvital bleaching using three different coronal barriers: An in vitro study.

Peroxide from bleaching agents can cause external cervical resorption. An intracoronal barrier is used to prevent leakage of bleaching agents into the periradicular space. This study aims to determine and compare the amount of peroxide released, during non vital bleaching at the end of 1st and 3rd day using Glass ionomer cement (GIC), Mineral Trioxide aggregate (ProRoot MTA) and Biodentine as intracoronal barriers. Forty-five single-rooted teeth were selected for the study and root canal therapy was performed. Three millimeters of the coronal gutta-percha were removed and according to the coronal barrier placed, samples were divided into Group A: GIC, Group B: ProRoot MTA, and Group C: Biodentine. Nonvital bleaching was done using sodium perborate and 30% H2O2. Peroxide released at the end of the 1st and 3rd day was analyzed using potassium iodide and ultraviolet spectrophotometer. This was done using the Wilcoxon matched pair test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. No significant difference in intergroup comparison at the end of 1st and 3rd day, respectively (P > 0.05), a significant difference was found in the MTA group at follow-up dates (P < 0.05). All the three tested materials (GIC, MTA, and Biodentine) may be preferred as intracoronal barrier for nonvital bleaching.

On the Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Para-nitro Aniline-based Reactive Dye

The dye was synthesized by nitration of aniline to para-nitro aniline, diazotization and coupling reactions. The melting point of the para-nitro aniline was taken to yield 147ºC. The result from the GC-MS shows that the compound with the highest relative abundance of 100% showed a molecular ion peak of 129.4 compounds which correspond to lower relative abundance. Also from the GC-MS result, the two peaks of masses 57.5 g and 83.4 g respectively correspond to fragments of the samples. Ultra-violet spectrophotometer was used to determine the absorption of the dye. The para-nitro aniline dye as synthesized showed the highest absorbance of 2.214 at 220 nanometers. The dye was applied to pure cotton and cellulose. The percentage shift of the dye toward the fabric i.e. percentage exhaustion of the dye was calculated to yield 73% which shows that the reactive dye has high exhaustion value. Fastness test was carried out on the dyed fabric to characterize the material’s color resistance to fading and running. These tests are heat, light and wash fastness which is rated 1-5 according to Ukponwam and Odilora (2000) where 1 shows poor fastness and 5 very good fastness. The wash, heat and light fastness of 4, 5 and 5 respectively shows that the dyed fabric has an excellent fastness to washing, heating and sun drying.

Porous GaP/g‐C3N4 Photoanode for Enhanced Hydrogen Production

AbstractThe g‐C3N4 decorated porous gallium phosphide have been fabricated by a facile electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. The morphology, element composition and light absorption of the GaP/g‐C3N4 photoanode were observed using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometer, respectively. When acting as photoanode, porous GaP/g‐C3N4 serves as a direct Z‐scheme system, where photogenerated holes in GaP are expended by electrons generated from the g‐C3N4, inhibiting the corrosion of GaP. Therefore, the porous GaP/g‐C3N4 showed a larger photocurrent density, which is 2.1 times as large as that of the porous GaP without g‐C3N4, and a more stable photocurrent density for over 10000 s (at 0 V vs RHE). Thus, this work delivers a practical way to improve the photoelectrochemical stability and property of III–V semiconductor materials, which could be used in solar energy conversion fields.

Characterization of Carbamide Peroxide: Stability Studies, and Degradation Kinetics under Isothermal Conditions for Industrial Application

Background: Carbamide peroxide (CP) is a hydrogen peroxide derivative bonded with urea. It is a solid substitute for liquid hydrogen peroxide in the chemical, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, mainly as a disinfectant and bleaching application. However, it has an unstable nature, and there are scant studies on CP thermal analysis. Objective: This study focuses on CP thermal analysis and degradation behavior. Methods: CP was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transformed infrared, diffraction by X-ray, as well as, thermal and photodegradation was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Results: CP was characterized with a sharp endothermic event (88.50 oC; ΔH= -643.20 J.g-1), and a thermal decomposition behavior in a four-steps process. The pattern diffraction presented sharp peaks at 2θ: 15.2, 25.1 and 26.0o. The Arrhenius plot obtained by isothermal thermogravimetric analysis showed a linear relation with temperature in two steps. The first step the activation energy values was Ea = 45.73 J.mol-1.K-1. The thermal degradation recovery was 3.29% after 5 days, and 11.31% against 97.4% under the dark control to photostability. Conclusion: The study contributed to characterizing the CP and the results suggest that degradation depends on the surface transition state and the ternary formed system (CP-urea-water) and that the temperature influenced this system. The data were obtained through quick and easy techniques, which use wispy raw material and presented a significant result that can be used by the entire industry in the development of new formulations.

Effect of Li+ on luminescence properties and thermal stability of glass ceramics containing SrMoO4

Dy3+, Eu3+ co-doped glass ceramics (GCs) containing SrMoO4 crystalline phase were prepared by melt-curing-crystallization method. The most favorable heat treatment conditions for the glass ceramics were found to be 610 °C/2 h by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet spectrophotometer (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The best doping concentrations of Dy3+ and Eu3+ in this glass ceramic were 0.8 % and 0.6 %, concentration quenching caused by dipole-dipole interactions occurs when the content of rare earth ions in GCs continues to increase. The chromaticity coordinates of the Dy3+- Eu3+ co-doped glass ceramics changed from cool white light to warm white light with the addition of Eu3+ concentration. At the optimal doping concentration (0.8 % Dy3+-0.6 % Eu3+), the chromaticity coordinate of glass ceramics is (0.3972, 0.3331), and the related color temperature is 3047 K. The luminescence intensity can still reach about 80 % of room temperature at 180 °C, and its thermal quenching activation energy is 0.233 eV. This suggests that glass ceramics have excellent thermal stability. After adding an appropriate amount of Li+, the crystalline phase of the glass ceramics remained unchanged and the luminous intensity of the glass ceramics increased by a factor of about 1.4 in the same environment. The thermal quenching activation energy of the glass ceramic doped with 0.2 % Li+-0.8 % Dy3+-0.6 % Eu3+ was 0.344 eV. The experimental results indicate that GCs has potential application prospects in the field of solid-state lighting.

One-step synthesis and characterization of Y2O3 nanoparticles via emulsion detonation method

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles have critical applications in many industries, including ceramics, optics, and biomedicine. However, conventional synthesis methods are typically cumbersome and time-consuming. Herein, a novel emulsion detonation method successfully achieved the one-step synthesis of Y2O3 nanoparticles. In this method, yttrium nitrate hexahydrate was uniformly dispersed in the emulsion explosive as a precursor and an auxiliary oxidizer. After the emulsion explosive was detonated in a detonation chamber, the detonation products were collected, purified and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, Raman spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, field emission transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The results show that the as-synthesized powders are high-purity cubic phase yttrium oxide nanoparticles with a spherical-like morphology and an average particle size of approximately 30 nm. These Y2O3 nanoparticles have a wide (5.53 eV) energy band gap, close to the conventional methods. Based on detonation theory, thermochemical theory, and characterization results, this text discussed the mechanism of the Y2O3 nanoparticles synthesized by the emulsion detonation method. During detonation, the formation of the Y2O3 nanoparticles underwent three stages: the formation of the Y2O3 molecules by the collision of Y and O ions, the formation of the crystal nucleus at supersaturation concentration, and crystal growth. This study provides a novel, cost-effective method for efficiently synthesizing Y2O3 nanoparticles.

Biogenic carbon quantum dots from marine endophytic fungi (Aspergillus flavus) to enhance the curcumin production and growth in Curcuma longa L

In this study, we have investigated the effect of carbon quantum dots (FM-CQDs) synthesized from marine fungal extract on Curcuma longa to improve the plant growth and curcumin production. The isolated fungus, Aspergillus flavus has produced a high amount of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (0.025 mg g-1), when treated with tryptophan. CQDs were synthesized from the A. flavus extract and it was characterized using ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer (UV–Vis) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The synthesized CQDs were excited at 365 nm in an UV–Vis and the HR-TEM analysis showed approximately 7.4 nm in size with a spherical shape. Both fungal crude extract (FCE) at 0–100 mg L−1 and FM-CQDs 0–5 mg L−1 concentrations were tested on C. longa. About 80 mg L−1 concentration FCE treated plants has shown a maximum height of 21 cm and FM-CQDs at 4 mg L−1 exhibited a maximum height of 25 cm compared to control. The FM-CQDs significantly increased the photosynthetic pigments such as total chlorophyll (1.08 mg g−1 FW) and carotenoids (17.32 mg g−1 FW) in C. longa. Further, antioxidant enzyme analysis confirmed that the optimum concentrations of both extracts did not have any toxic effects on the plants. FM-CQDs treated plants increased the curcumin content up to 0.060 mg g−1 by HPLC analysis. Semi quantitative analysis revealed that FCE and FM-CQDs significantly upregulated ClCURS1 gene expression in curcumin production.

IL-12-Overexpressed Nanoparticles Suppress the Proliferation of Melanoma Through Inducing ICD and Activating DC, CD8+ T, and CD4+ T Cells.

The drug resistance and low response rates of immunotherapy limit its application. This study aimed to construct a new nanoparticle (CaCO3-polydopamine-polyethylenimine, CPP) to effectively deliver interleukin-12 (IL-12) and suppress cancer progress through immunotherapy. The size distribution of CPP and its zeta potential were measured using a Malvern Zetasizer Nano-ZS90. The morphology and electrophoresis tentative delay of CPP were analyzed using a JEM-1400 transmission electron microscope and an ultraviolet spectrophotometer, respectively. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. Proteins were analyzed by Western blot. IL-12 and HMGB1 levels were estimated by ELISA kits. Live/dead staining assay was performed using a Calcein-AM/PI kit. ATP production was detected using an ATP assay kit. The xenografts in vivo were estimated in C57BL/6 mice. The levels of CD80+/CD86+, CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ were analyzed by flow cytometry. CPP could effectively express EGFP or IL-12 and increase ROS levels. Laser treatment promoted CPP-IL-12 induced the number of dead or apoptotic cell. CPP-IL-12 and laser could further enhance CALR levels and extracellular HMGB1 levels and decrease intracellular HMGB1 and ATP levels, indicating that it may induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). The tumors and weights of xenografts in CPP-IL-12 or laser-treated mice were significantly reduced than in controls. The IL-12 expression, the CD80+/CD86+ expression of DC from lymph glands, and the number of CD3+/CD8+T or CD3+/CD4+T cells from the spleen increased in CPP-IL-12-treated or laser-treated xenografts compared with controls. The levels of granzyme B, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in the serum of CPP-IL-12-treated mice increased. Interestingly, CPP-IL-12 treatment in local xenografts in the back of mice could effectively inhibit the growth of the distant untreated tumor. The novel CPP-IL-12 could overexpress IL-12 in melanoma cells and achieve immunotherapy to melanoma through inducing ICD, activating CD4+ T cell, and enhancing the function of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells.

Modified Release of Acetaminophen from Matrix Tablet Formulations: Influence of Tablet Geometry

Background: Acetaminophen (APAP) or paracetamol is a widely used over-the-counter, analgesic (common conditions treated include headaches, backache, toothache, muscle aches, arthritis, sore throat etc.) and antipyretic drug. It can be administered orally, in the form of a tablet (plain, effervescent, orodispersable, etc.) or liquid, rectally in the form of a suppository or by injection (intravenously or intramuscularly). It is well absorbed orally with a plasma elimination half-life ranging from 1 to 4 h. The modified release oral formulation can prolong its therapeutic effects by maintaining APAP average plasma concentrations. Objective: In the context of this work, two APAP formulation tablets with different geometries were produced from standard pharmaceutical excipients to investigate the role of altered tablet geometry in modified oral drug delivery. Methods: APAP tablets were prepared by direct compression, using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K15M), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, MW: 55,000) and magnesium stearate, as ingredients. The release profiles were probed in aqueous dissolution media (pH 1.2 and 6.8) to simulate the conditions in the gastrointestinal tract in a United States Pharmacopeia (USP) dissolution paddle apparatus II and analyzed using an ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer (λmax = 244 nm). Results: The results indicated that the tablets were within the acceptable range of all evaluation parameters (tablet dimensions, drug content, weight variation, and breaking force) as defined by the international standards stated in the US Pharmacopoeia. The dissolution results showed that the APAP’s release profile was controlled by the tablets’ different geometries and, specifically the surface area (SA) and the surface area/volume (SA/V) ratio of the different tablets. The tablets with smaller SA/V ratios and SA showed slower drug release, indicative of a modified release motif. Conclusion: Altered tablet geometry plays an important role in APAP-modified oral drug delivery.

Hydration mechanism and photocatalytic antibacterial performance of cement-based composites modified by hydrophilic nano-TiO2 particles

In this paper, the hydration process of cement paste with hydrophilic nano-TiO2 particles was studied by microcalorimeter and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the hydration mechanism was explored based on Krstulovic-Dabic kinetic model. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic activity and antibacterial properties of TiO2-modified cement pastes were investigated by ultraviolet spectrophotometer and enzyme activity analyzer respectively. The results show that TiO2 nanoparticles can promote the hydration rate of cement in the acceleration stage, increase the cumulative heat release of early hydration, but delay the hydration process in the later stage. The Krstulovic-Dabic model can effectively simulate the hydration process of cement pastes with TiO2. Nano-TiO2 helps to increase the hydration rate of the crystal nucleation and growth process (NG) and shorten the duration of phase boundary reaction process (I), but has a negative impact on ion diffusion process (D). The functional relationship between the resistivity ρ of TiO2 cement-based composites and the hydration kinetic parameters was established: ρ(t)=−1k1ln[β1+t50t−t0].The degree of hydration of cement can be assessed by electrochemical in-situ non-destructive monitoring of the sample. In addition, the photocatalytic oxidation rate of TiO2-modified cement-based composites was up to 69.4%. Compared with the control sample without nano TiO2, the antibacterial ability was increased by 72.35%. In this paper, nano-TiO2 was applied to cement system, which provided a new idea for the preparation and application of photocatalytic antibacterial cement-based composites.

Investigating the Growth Rate of Tetraselmis Algae and its Effect on Nitrogen Removal From Aquaculture Wastewater

Background: This research investigated the ability of Tetraselmis microalgae to remove nitrates from aquaculture centers’ wastewater. Specifically, this study aimed to investigate the amount of nitrogen reduction by Tetraselmis microalgae under laboratory conditions. Therefore, algal density, chlorophyll a, specific growth rate, nitrate, and ammonia levels were investigated. Methods: Tetraselmis microalgae was planted under laboratory conditions with constant density of 2000 mL including 1900 mL of distilled water and 100 mL of stock to investigate the refining effects for 15 days. Along to the test steps, the concentration of the mentioned factors was determined using standard methods and ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Results: The results showed that algal density, chlorophyll concentration, and specific growth rate performed better than others in the pilot plants containing wastewater. Also, use of the studied algae caused a 50% reduction in ammonia and 80% in nitrate from aquaculture center wastewater. The data modeling showed that the above-mentioned microalgae were effective in reduction of nitrogen from aquaculture center wastewater as much as 75%. Conclusion: The results showed that the species can reduce organic substances in the wastewater of aquaculture center and their discharge into the environment.

Effects of Voltage and Treatment Time of Pulsed Electric Field on Electroporation in Rhizoctonia solani.

The pulsed electric field (PEF) of μs duration can induce electroporation by causing permanent damage to the membrane, leading to cell death. The microbe was treated by a homemade PEF generator instrument. The sterilization effect of PEF on the Rhizoctonia solani was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the leakage of the intracellular contents was measured with a conductometer and an ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The increases in the electrical conductivity and the optical density (OD) value indicated that the cell membrane was damaged, and the intracellular contents overflowed. As a result, according to our experimental conditions, the optimum condition was the high-pulsed electric voltage of 26kV, and the treatment time was 4min. It could be concluded that the PEF could damage the cell membrane, and the ratio of electroporation reached 100%, which provides a new method of killing R. solani efficiently.

Preparation and properties of modified POD membranes by polycarboxylic acids copolymerization

A series of X-POD polymers were prepared by condensation reaction of terephthalic dihydrazide and four different polycarboxylic acids in polyphosphoric acid (PPA) as solvent, and the corresponding membranes were formed by phase inversion method. The modified X-POD polymer structures have changed from linear structure to multidimensional network structure, which has great influence on the quality and performance of the membranes. The membrane structures were characterized by FTIR, and the thermal stability of the samples was determined by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The ultraviolet transmittance and fluorescence properties of membranes were tested by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The crystallinity and orientation of the samples were observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface and cross-sectional morphology of the membranes were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, the oxidation and water absorption properties of the membranes were collected, and the mechanical properties of the membranes were tested. Overall, X-POD membranes show good mechanical properties, chemical inertness and thermal stability. The quality and mechanical properties of X-POD membranes demonstrated varying degrees of improvement. Notably, the mechanical properties of II-POD and III-POD membranes were enhanced by 244.52% and 203.66%, respectively. X-POD membranes exhibit high strength and excellent toughness, rendering them a highly promising material for membrane applications in the market.

Investigating the Effect of Ph Variation on the Optoelectronic and Structural Properties of Electrodeposited Copper Selenide Thin Films.

Copper Selenide (CuSe) thin film compound semiconductors have been deposited onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting substrates using electrodeposition technique through various electrolytic bath pH values of 2.00, 2.20, and 2.40. The deposition was carried out in potentiostatic mode using a 2-electrode system set-up at room temperature for 15 minutes at the cathodic voltage of 500 mV. The electrical and the optical properties of the thin films were carried out using photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells and ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer respectively. CuSe thin film possesses a p-type electrical conductivity and the sample grown at semiconductor and a pH of 2.2 was recorded to have the highest PEC signal and highest photo and dark currents that brings forth its maximum power. The energy band gap values of the electrodeposited CuSe thin films were observed to be 2.30 eV, 2.20 eV, and 2.00 eV at bath pH values of 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 respectively. The optical band obtained at the various pH decreases as pH increases and these band gap values agree with the bulk band gap of CuSe. The preferred orientation peak of electrodeposited CuSe layers exists as klockmannite (CuSe) and the highest peak intensity for the preferred orientation peak occurred at pH of 2.20. At this pH value, the electrodeposited CuSe layers have the highest crystallite sizes.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities Evaluation, Phytochemical Characterisation of Rhizome from Angiopteris helferiana and Barks from Saurauia fasciculata in Nepal

Ethnomedicinally, more than 2000 plants were found to be used in Nepal. Among them, the red colored rhizome of Angiopteris helferiana and the bark of Saurauia fasciculata have been used widely to treat muscle fatigue, bone pain, fever, postpartum hemorrhage, and thirst by healers in Kaski and Tanahun districts, Nepal. However, scientific evidence towards their traditional uses is lacking till December, 2023. Therefore, we report the phytochemicals, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total carbohydrate content (TCC), antioxidant and antibacterial activities of A. helferiana and S. fasciculata extracts. Phytochemical analysis indicated that A. helferiana and S. fasciculata extracts were potential sources of chemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, and carbohydrates. The TPC, TFC, and TCC of extracts were determined by using an ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer. Among the extracts tested, A. helferiana extracts showed the highest phenolic and carbohydrate contents of 208.33 ± 12.96 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g and 564.16 ± 2.92 mg of D‐glucose equivalent/g of dry extract, respectively. Similarly, S. fasciculata revealed the highest flavonoid content of 30.35 ± 0.1 mg quercetin equivalent/g of dry extract. The extract of A. helferiana and S. fasciculata exhibited potent antioxidant activity by scavenging 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radicals with an IC50 of 25.9 µg/ml and 31.07 µg/ml, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the A. helferiana and S. fasciculata extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli was determined using an agar‐well diffusion protocol that revealed the potential antibacterial activity of A. helferiana against E. coli. The present study will help validate the traditional uses of A. helferiana rhizomes and S. fasciculata barks as a healing medicine and inspire the researcher towards further research, development, and formulation.

Investigating the Effect of Ph Variation on the Optoelectronic and Structural Properties of Electrodeposited Copper Selenide Thin Films.

Copper Selenide (CuSe) thin film compound semiconductors have been deposited onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting substrates using electrodeposition technique through various electrolytic bath pH values of 2.00, 2.20, and 2.40. The deposition was carried out in potentiostatic mode using a 2-electrode system set-up at room temperature for 15 minutes at the cathodic voltage of 500 mV. The electrical and the optical properties of the thin films were carried out using photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells and ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer respectively. CuSe thin film possesses a p-type electrical conductivity and the sample grown at semiconductor and a pH of 2.2 was recorded to have the highest PEC signal and highest photo and dark currents that brings forth its maximum power. The energy band gap values of the electrodeposited CuSe thin films were observed to be 2.30 eV, 2.20 eV, and 2.00 eV at bath pH values of 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 respectively. The optical band obtained at the various pH decreases as pH increases and these band gap values agree with the bulk band gap of CuSe. The preferred orientation peak of electrodeposited CuSe layers exists as klockmannite (CuSe) and the highest peak intensity for the preferred orientation peak occurred at pH of 2.20. At this pH value, the electrodeposited CuSe layers have the highest crystallite sizes.