Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy Research Articles

Enhanced Nitrous Oxide Decomposition on Zirconium-Supported Rhodium Catalysts by Iridium Augmentation.

The effective elimination of N2O from automobile exhaust at low temperatures poses significant challenges. Compared to other materials, supported RhOx catalysts exhibit high N2O decomposition activities, even in the presence of O2, CO2, and H2O. Metal additives can enhance the low-temperature N2O decomposition activities over supported RhOx catalysts; however, the enhancement mechanism and active sites require further investigation. In this study, we demonstrate the significant enhancement of the low-temperature N2O decomposition activity of a monoclinic ZrO2-supported Rh catalyst [Rh(1)/ZrO2] with Ir addition in the presence of N2O + O2 + CO2 + H2O. The promotional effect of Ir and the active sites on N2O decomposition in Rh(1)-Ir(1)/ZrO2 (Rh = 1 wt % and Ir = 1 wt %) were investigated by kinetic studies and in situ spectroscopic methods, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy, ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. These results indicate that both surface Rh and Ir species in Rh(1)-Ir(1)/ZrO2 were active sites for N2O catalytic decomposition at low temperatures, and Ir augmentation promoted the desorption of gaseous O2, which are regarded as key steps in N2O decomposition.

Application of Κ-Carrageenan for One-Pot Synthesis of Hybrids of Natural Curcumin with Iron and Copper: Stability Analysis and Application in Papilloscopy

In this study, hybrid materials were synthesized incorporating curcumin, Cu2+ or Fe3+, and Kappa-carrageenan as a reducing agent to improve stability, considering that curcumin has low thermal and solution stability, which limits its applications. Colorimetric analysis showed color changes in the hybrids, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy revealed band shifts in the hybrids, and infrared analysis indicated shifts in wavenumbers, suggesting changes in the vibrational state of curcumin after bonding with metal ions. These techniques confirmed the formation of hybrid materials. Thermogravimetric and chromatographic analyses demonstrated greater thermal and solution stability for the hybrids compared to curcumin. Additionally, the hybrid composites effectively developed natural and sebaceous latent fingerprints with good clarity and contrast on glass surfaces. Both composites performed similarly to commercial Gold® powder. When applied to surfaces representative of forensic scenarios, the composites were versatile, revealing sufficient fingerprint details for human identification on both porous and non-porous surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy images showed greater clarity in sebaceous and natural fingerprints developed with the Fe composite compared to the Cu composite.

Green Synthesis of Antibacterial CuO Nanoparticles Based on the Synergy Between Cornu aspersum Snail Mucus and Ascorbic Acid

Many biologically active compounds have been identified in the mucus of the garden snail Cornu aspersum, which are effective in the treatment of several diseases such as cancer, ulcers, wounds, etc. The incorporation of these compounds into the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuONPs-Muc) was demonstrated in our previous study. Based on the synergistic effect of two reducing agents—C. aspersum snail mucus and ascorbic acid (AsA)—on CuSO4.5H2O, which also act as stabilizers of the resulting compound, a new method for the “green” synthesis of CuONPs-Muc is presented. Using two reducing agents has several advantages, such as forming spherical nanoparticles with a diameter of about 150 nm and reducing the formation time of CuONPs-Muc to 3 h. Analyses by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) show the formation of CuONPs-Muc, composed of a mixture of copper and copper oxide. This was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Another important advantage of CuONPs obtained by the new method with two reducing agents is the stronger inhibitory effect on the bacterial growth of some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, compared to CuONPs-Muc prepared with only one reducing agent, i.e., a fraction of mucus with an MW > 20 kDa.

Atomically Precise Cu12 Nanoclusters with Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Properties.

Ligand-stabilized metal nanoclusters with atomic precision are considered to be promising materials in the field of light-emitting and harvesting. Among these, nanoclusters with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties are highly sought after. While several gold and silver nanoclusters with TADF properties have been reported in recent years, research on copper counterparts has significantly lagged behind. In this study, we present the synthesis, total structure determination, and photoluminescent properties of a copper cluster with TADF properties. The cluster, with the molecular formula (PPh4)[Cu12(NO3)6(AdmS)6] (PPh4 is tetraphenylphosphine tetraphenylboron, and AdmSH is adamantanethiol), was obtained in a single reaction in the presence of air and fully characterized using electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis). The molecular structure of the cluster, as determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis, reveals the stabilization of a Cu12 core (layer-by-layer growth mode of Cu3@Cu6@Cu3) with 6 NO3- and 6 AdmS- ligands acting as stabilizing ligands. Interestingly, the cluster exhibits photoluminescence in both crystalline and solution states and displays typical TADF characteristics within the temperature range of 163-243 K. This study not only presents a pioneering example of copper nanoclusters with TADF properties but also highlights the promising future of copper clusters in material science.

Development and Validation of UV Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Antidibetic Drug

Analytical Chemistry is the branch of science that uses advance technologies in determining the composition by analytical technique . The scientific field of analytical chemistry employs cutting-edge technologies to ascertain composition using analytical techniques. It is possible to attain both quantitative and qualitative outcomes. The process of obtaining accurate and dependable analytical data heavily relies on analytical tools.[1,2] A quantitative analytical method called ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy calculates the amount of light that a chemical material absorbs in the visible and ultraviolet portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. It's a fundamental method for describing molecules and one of the most used approaches for quantitative analysis.[3]

Modification of a silicate xerogel with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide for the adsorption of tartrazine yellow dye

Synthetic dyes present in industrial wastewater cause adverse effects on aquatic organisms and humans. Tartrazine yellow (TY) is an anionic dye used in textiles, cosmetics, and food industries, which has adverse effects on diet consumption. An alternative method for removing residues from wastewater is the adsorption process using silica xerogels. Though the use of silica materials as adsorbents of dyes has already been studied, xerogels used for this purpose have not yet completely known. The work reported here describes the study of the adsorption capacities of two silica xerogels, prepared by the sol-gel method via acid catalysis, for TY from its aqueous solutions. These two silica xerogels were synthesized using tetraethylorthosilicate as a precursor. The first was named silica xerogel unmodified (SiO2-UN), and the second was modified with a surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), named SiO2-CTAB. The adsorption process was realized using Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The pseudo-second-order model best described the adsorption kinetics. The equilibrium data fit well to the Freundlich adsorption isotherm for SiO2-UN while for SiO2-CTAB, the results best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model. SiO2-CTAB had a higher maximum adsorption mass value of 9,62 mg g-1 for TY than SiO2-UN, which could be attributed to electrostatic interactions. The results indicate the potential use of SiO2-CTAB as adsorbent for TY.

Rapid Determination of Acylcarnitine Metabolic Diseases by Trifluoroacetic Acid-Doped Extraction Coupled with Nanoelectrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

Newborn screening for acylcarnitine-related inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) is a critical test after birth. Conventional extraction methods require shaking with heating, centrifugation, nitrogen blowing, redissolution, etc., and the total time is more than 1 h. Herein, a small amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)-doped extraction method for acylcarnitines coupled with nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry was developed. This simplified approach successfully quantified 21 acylcarnitines in both serum and dried blood spot samples through a fast, three-step process requiring only 7 min, achieving nearly 1-2 orders of magnitude in sensitivity enhancement compared with conventional methods. The performance was further verified by the recommended liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry procedure. Furthermore, the TFA-doped extraction technique was tested on serum and whole blood samples from six healthy individuals. Mechanistic studies using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that TFA promotes the coprecipitation of proteins and inorganic salts. These findings suggest that TFA-doped extraction with nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry is a rapid, sensitive alternative for acylcarnitine screening, highlighting its considerable potential for clinical newborn IMD screening applications.

Optical Acidity and Basicity Diagnostics of Molten Salt for the Evaluations of Salt Properties and Local Structure.

Analogous to the aqueous solution where the pH of the solvent affects its multiple behaviors, the optical acidity and basicity of molten salts also greatly influence their thermophysical and thermochemical properties. In the study, we develop ion probes to quantitatively determine the acidity-basicity scale of molten NaCl-xAlCl3 (x = 1.5-2.1) salt using in situ ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. With the accumulation of acidity-basicity data of NaCl-AlCl3 molten salt for a variety of compositions, the correlation between the acidity-basicity of salt and its measured fundamental properties is derived. To understand the physical and chemical features controlling the acidity-basicity variations, the local structures of NaCl-xAlCl3 molten salts with different chemical compositions are investigated in terms of bonded complexes and coordination numbers. The comprehensive understanding of the correlation between composition, acidity-basicity, fundamental properties, and local structures of molten salt can serve for the full screening and online monitoring of salt melt in extreme environments by simply measuring the salt acidity-basicity as developed in this study.

Distribution Characteristic and Environment Response of DOM in Different Regions of Northern City

To explore the source information and composition characteristics of dissolved organic matter （DOM） in different regions of water bodies in northern cities, considering the urban water system of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province as an example, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy （UV-vis） and three-dimensional fluorescence parallel factor analysis （EEM-PARAFAC） were used to explain the optical parameters, abundance, and proportion of different components of DOM in water bodies of different regions. The results showed that： ① The concentrations of NO3--N, NO2--N, NH4+-N, TN, TP, and COD in the upstream were significantly lower than those in urban water bodies and downstream （P<0.01）, and TSIM increased after the water entered the city. ② The ultraviolet parameter a254 indicated that the concentration of DOM significantly increased after entering the city （P<0.001）. E2/E3 showed that the relative molecular weight of DOM in different regions was： upstream<urban water<downstream, and the SR of DOM in different regions was >1, indicating that the main source of DOM was endogenous input. ③ Three fluorescent components were identified, namely C1 （visible light region fulvic acid）, C2 （tryptophan）, and C3 （long wave humic substance）. The upstream and urban water bodies were mainly composed of protein-like components （C2）, while the downstream humic substances （C1+C3） accounted for a relatively high proportion （80.1%）. The PCA analysis showed significant spatial distribution differences. According to the results, SR>1, FI>1.8, and HIX<4 indicated that DOM exhibited low humification and strong autogenesis in different regions. ④ A significant correlation （P<0.01） was observed between C1 and C3 in the upstream and downstream. C1, C2, and C3 in urban water bodies were all significantly correlated （P<0.01）. In addition, C1 and C3 posed a significant correlation with NO3--N in different regional water bodies. RDA indicated that NO2--N, TDN, TDP, and COD were the main environmental driving factors for DOM distributions. In summary, the multiple pressures of the city exhibited a significant influence on the spectral properties of DOM in the flowing water system.

Fluorescent Heterocyclic Compound-Loaded Bi2Se3-Polysorbate Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

This study introduces a novel approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment by developing Bi2Se3-Polysorbate nanoparticles as a multifunctional platform for photothermal therapy and targeted drug delivery. The Bi2Se3-Polysorbates nanoparticles are engineered as innovative photosensitive drug carriers, enhancing biocompatibility through the combination of Bi2Se3 and Polysorbates. Characterization techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy confirm the successful synthesis of the nanoparticles. In a breakthrough step, these nanoparticles are combined with a novel heterocyclic drug (drug-1), verified by single-crystal analysis, to create the Bi2Se3-Polysorbates@drug-1 composite. Biological evaluations show that the system significantly inhibits cell proliferation in NSCLC cells, and molecular docking studies reveal that drug-1 interacts with the target protein through hydrogen bonds, halogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions, suggesting promising anti-cancer activity. This research presents a novel multifunctional nanoplatform for effective drug delivery and offers a new strategy for the treatment of NSCLC, demonstrating significant advancements in cancer therapy.

Characterization of Hemoglobin Variants by Capillary Electrophoresis, UV-Vis, and FTIR Spectroscopy.

Hemoglobinopathies, hereditary disorders affecting the structure or production of hemoglobin, were detected by routine HbA1c measurements by capillary electrophoresis (CE) at the University Hospital Motol, Prague. The potential of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for the detection and characterization of hemoglobinopathies was investigated. FTIR spectra were recorded with a very high resolution (0.5cm-1) with 128 scans. The broad amide I peak, located at 1700-1600cm-1, can be formed by superimposition of the conformational structures of hemoglobin. These secondary protein structures were subjected to mathematical analysis. The application of band narrowing techniques, followed by curve fitting and integration processes, provided the basis for the quantitative estimation of protein secondary structure. As a result, unambiguous differences in UV-Vis spectra among patients with presumably normal hemoglobin, an HbC or a hemoglobin S/hemoglobin G (HbS/HbG)-Philadelphia variant could not be demonstrated. However, FTIR spectra indicated slight differences in α-helix, β-turns, β-sheet, or random coil secondary hemoglobin structures for these mutations. In the spectral wavenumber range of 950-850cm-1, there were some obvious FTIR differences at specific wavenumbers between patients with normal hemoglobin and those with the HbC variant. Further investigations are needed with a sufficient number of hemoglobin variants to elucidate the potency of FTIR spectroscopy for the characterization of hemoglobinopathies.

Analysis of the structural and optical characteristics of ZnSe thin films as interface layer

This research reveals the results of a comprehensive analysis of the optical and structural features of zinc selenide (ZnSe) thin film. The studied film was synthesized using the thermal evaporation method after preparation on the glass substrate. The film’s structural characteristics, which have been determined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirm the polycrystalline nature of the films with a predominant cubic zinc-blende structure. The surface morphology investigated through SEM reveals a uniform grain distribution with minimal surface defects, indicating high-quality film formation. In order to examine the optical characteristics, the ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy method is used in a spectral range between 300 and 900 nm. In this way, the ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy data are utilized to obtain optical features such as extinction coefficient (k), optical band gap (Eg), refractive index (n), absorption coefficient (α), and optical conductivity (σopt). These optical properties are assessed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, revealing a direct band gap of approximately 2.88 eV, which is consistent with the bulk properties of ZnSe and suitable for optoelectronic applications. The results of this study clearly show that the studied ZnSe film can be used for optoelectronic device applications.

Detecting ferric oxide adulteration in chilli Powder: A Multimodal analytical approach for enhanced food safety

Chilli powder, a widely used spice in global cuisine, faces rampant adulteration, posing significant health risks to consumers. One common adulterant is ferric oxide red, challenging to identify through visual inspection alone. To address this, a study was conducted to detect ferric oxide red in chili powder using various analytical techniques. Samples of chili powder, sourced from diverse locations, were adulterated with varying amounts of ferric oxide red. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) were employed for analysis. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic peaks of chili powder at 1385 cm−1, 1600 cm−1, and 2935 cm−1, alongside peaks indicative of ferric oxide red at 460 cm−1 and 540 cm−1. Raman spectra displayed peaks at 260 cm−1, 615 cm−1, and 1315 cm−1 for chili powder and at 225 cm−1, 306 cm−1, and 670 cm−1 for ferric oxide red. UV–Vis spectra exhibited an absorption band at 478 nm for ferric oxide red. Elemental mapping analysis further differentiated adulterated and unadulterated samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) and soft independent modelling of class analogy (SIMCA) effectively distinguished between them based on spectral data. These findings underscore the efficacy of the proposed analytical methods in detecting ferric oxide red adulteration in chilli powder, ensuring its safety and quality.

Tuning the optical properties of gold nanoparticles via photoactive liquid crystalline azo ligands.

In the field of modern nanoscience, the ability to tailor the properties of nanoparticles is essential for advancing their applications. A key approach for achieving this control involves manipulating surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to modify optical properties. This study introduces a novel method for synthesizing gold nanoparticles capped with photoactive liquid crystalline azo ligands, accomplished without reducing agents. Comprehensive structural characterization was performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Photophysical investigations, including time-dependent UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, provided insights into the modulation of SPR. The mesomorphic behavior of the azo ligands was examined through polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), revealing a chiral lamellar superstructure confirmed by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Notably, the photoactive azo ligands demonstrated significant control over SPR peak modulation, enabling precise manipulation of nanoparticle size and arrangement. This research highlights the potential of photoactive ligands in the design of nanoparticles with tailored optical properties, paving the way for innovative applications in various fields.

Structural, Surface, and Optical Properties of Nitrogen-Doped Al:ZnO (NAZO) Thin Films Produced by a Thermionic Vacuum Arc Deposition Technology

Nitrogen (N)-doped Al:ZnO (NAZO) thin films were deposited on glass and indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass by a thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) technique. The structural, surface morphology, and optical properties of the produced thin films were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The microstructure properties of the produced thin films on two substrates were compared, and metal oxide phases were observed in the XRD patterns and photoluminescence spectra. 2.75, 3.10, and 3.30 eV band gaps were detected. The transmittance values were approximately 90% and 60% for the film deposited onto uncoated and ITO-coated glass, respectively. According to field-emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images, the crystallite size is nanoscale, and its dimensions are approximately 60 and 20 nm for the film deposited onto uncoated and ITO-coated glass substrates, respectively. Atomic ratios of zinc/aluminum were 9.25/0.56, and 5.42/0.22 for uncoated and ITO-coated glass substrate, respectively. All samples were coated with the same coating process, and no post-annealing process was applied to the sample.

Dielectric Characteristics of Iridium Substituted Co0.05-xTi0.95O2 Dilute Magnetic Semiconductors for Electrical Device Applications

In the current study, a cost effective solid-state method have been used to prepare iridium (Ir) substituted and cobalt doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS) materials {i.e.; IrxCo0.05-xTi0.95O2; 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.05 DMS}. The impact of Ir substitution on structural, optical and dielectric properties for the prepared IrxCo0.05-xTi0.95O2; 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.05 DMS samples have been investigated using X-ray diffractometer, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and LCR (inductor, capacitor and resistor) meter, respectively. The structural analysis confirms the tetragonal rutile phase formation with space group p42/mnm-136, while the values of band gap energy increase with increasing Ir concentrations in prepared DMS materials and band gap value approaches the band gap energy of void band gap materials for large applications. The dielectric constant and tangent loss have been studied as a mapping of frequency (20Hz - 20MHz) at room temperature. Both the dielectric constant and tangent loss linearly decrease with increase in applied frequency and become stable at high frequency values, therefore, these DMS materials could be beneficial for storage and electrical device applications.

Dye Contaminant Removal: Adsorption on Thermoplastic Starch/Kraft Lignin Composites and Photodegradation

This study investigated the removal of contaminants in water by adsorption on thermoplastic starch (TPS) and kraft lignin (KL) composites. A study on the desorption of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes in water was also carried out, followed by the photodegradation of solutions containing dissolved dyes. Initially, the surface morphology of the TPS and TPS-KL films was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, revealing advantageous characteristics for efficient adsorption of contaminants. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis made it possible to characterize the TPS and TPS-KL composites. The results demonstrate the reversibility of the process and confirm the lack of permanent chemical modification in the polymer matrix, indicating that the adsorption/desorption process is physical rather than chemical. This suggests that the adsorbent material can be reused without losing its fundamental structural properties. Furthermore, the study allows for verification of the chemical changes on the surfaces of the materials involved. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) results show that for MO, both substrates exhibited low adsorption capacity, with efficiency values close to 20%. In contrast, for MB, both composite materials displayed excellent dye adsorption rates, achieving efficiencies of 78% or higher. The photodegradation of adsorbed dyes revealed promising results.

Comparison of physical, mechanical, and optical properties between thermoplastic materials and 3-dimensional printing resins for orthodontic clear retainers.

This study investigated the physical, mechanical, and optical properties of 3-dimensional (3D) printing resins compared with thermoplastic materials to evaluate their suitability for the fabrication of orthodontic clear retainers. Samples were prepared from thermoplastic sheets (Duran [Scheu-Dental GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany] and Zendura [Bay Materials LLC, Fremont, Calif]) and biocompatible 3D-printing resins (Dental LT Clear V2 [Formlabs Inc, Somerville, Mass] and OrthoFlex [Nextdent BV, Soesterberg, The Netherlands]) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and water sorption tests. Mechanical properties were assessed by tensile tests and hardness under 3 different conditions: dry, wet (24-hour water immersion), and aged (thermocyled for 10,000 cycles). Surface characteristics were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and 3D confocal imaging, respectively. Optical properties were assessed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and color stability tests by immersion into various staining solutions. The mechanical properties of the 3D-printing resins were more markedly altered in different testing conditions (dry, wet, and aged) than in thermoplastic materials. The surface roughness, transparency, and color stability of 3D-printing resins are significantly inferior, especially NextDent OrthoFlex. The evaluated 3D-printing resins are more brittle and less ductile compared with the thermoplastic materials. The 3D-printing resins also do not meet the clinical thresholds of surface roughness and optical properties for the fabrication of orthodontic clear retainers. Further postprocessing of the 3D-printing resins may be required to improve these properties.

Bio-fabrication of chitosan-stabilized magnesium oxide nanomaterials: Investigation of photocatalytic, in vitro cytotoxicity activities and apoptosis in oral squamous carcinoma cells.

A bio-fabrication approach is a novel way to develop chitosan-stabilized magnesium oxide nanomaterials (cMgO-NMs). The process involves utilizing polymeric chitosan as the reducing and stabilizing agent. The characteristics of the developed cMgO-NMs were determined using various spectroscopical techniques. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed crucial functional groups, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) spectrum showed nanomaterial development with a peak at 358 nm, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern confirmed a pure cubic crystalline structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images depicted spherical shape, while energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed Mg presence. The photocatalytic efficacy of these nanomaterials in degrading dye methylene blue (MB) was examined, and the findings demonstrated the remarkable proficiency of cMgO-NMs in breaking down the dye. The cytotoxic effects of cMgO-NMs were assessed for the first time on PCI-9A and PCI-13 cancer cell lines, yielding an IC50 value of 51 μg/mL and 42 μg/mL. The cMgO-NMs treated PCI-9A and PCI-13 cancer cells morphological changes were observed via acridine orange and ethidium bromide and DAPI staining assay, and apoptotic mode of cell death was examined through flow cytometry and comet assay. Polymeric chitosan proved effective in extensive cMgO-NMs production, showing potential as an anticancer drug, although requiring further preclinical development.

SYNTHESIS OF Zn-Fe BIMETALLIC ZIFs AND STUDY OF THE PHOTOCATALYTIC NITROGEN FIXATION PERFORMANCE

In recent years, in-depth studies of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) materials have revealed that they have many unique properties and uses. Zn-Fe bimetallic ZIFs with bimetallic active centers can be designed and fabricated based on ZIF-8 with good water resistance. The structure, composition, and photoelectrochemical properties of the Zn-Fe bimetallic ZIFs were systematically analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL). The bimetallic Zn-Fe ZIFs exhibited strong light absorption properties in the visible region at 390 nm, and the forbidden bandwidths were greatly reduced compared to those of ZIF-8. The photoelectrochemical properties of bimetallic Zn-Fe ZIFs and the separation and migration efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers can be optimized by adjusting the amount of metal introduced. The highest average photocatalytic rate of 1363.53 μmol L-1 g-1 h-1 was observed for bimetallic Zn-Fe ZIFs when Zn:Fe = 1:0.3. Finally, the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance of Zn-Fe bimetallic ZIFs is discussed.