Ultrasonic-assisted Method Research Articles

Comparative Study on the Extraction of Crude Fucoidan from Brown Seaweed using Conventional, Microwave and Ultrasound-Assisted Methods

Brown seaweeds are rich in fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide with antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The brown algae Sargassum sp. has not been thoroughly investigated for fucoidan extraction using various techniques and evaluations of their effects on extraction yield and its structural properties. The purpose of this study was to compare the structural characteristics and extraction yield of fucoidan from Sargassum sp. using conventional, microwave, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction methods. The results showed that a slightly higher yield was obtained by using the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method (2.772%) followed by the microwave-assisted extraction method (2.494%) and conventional extraction method (2.399%). However, the IC50 values for antioxidants were found to be lower (less value is preferable) for crude fucoidan obtained by microwave-assisted extraction method (175 ?g/ml) than for conventional (195 ?g/ml) and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods (230 ?g/ml). The crude fucoidan obtained from the three different extraction methods showed moderate antioxidant strength Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingSDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionDG 14: Life Below Water

Optimization of polysaccharide extraction from pumpkin seeds using ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic method

This study aimed to optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from seed pumpkins. Following initial single-factor experiments, the extraction process using ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic method was optimized through orthogonal experiments. Further optimization of extraction conditions was conducted using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design, ultimately identifying the optimal extraction parameters. Additionally, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, monosaccharide component analysis, polysaccharide molecular weight measurement, and NMR analysis were performed. Results indicated that ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction significantly enhanced the yield of polysaccharide, reaching up to 43.65%. The findings confirm that the combined use of enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasonication is an effective strategy for polysaccharide extraction.

Nano-Coating Loaded With Leaf and Flowers of Pelargonium graveolens Plant Extract Stabilized With Fenugreek Seed Gum and Soy Protein Isolate in Increasing the Shelf Life of Mutton Fillet.

In this study, the extract of leaf and flower of Pelargonium graveolens was obtained using an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The extraction yield and the content of phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol compounds in the flower extract were higher (13.93%, 74.97 mg GAE g DM-1, 31.93 mg QE g DM-1, and 9.08 mg QEE g DM-1) than leaf extract (10.69%, 67.46 mg GAE g DM-1, 23.04 mg QE g DM-1, and 11.34 mg QEE g DM-1). Both extracts demonstrated antioxidant properties in tests involving the scavenging of DPPH radicals and the ferric reduction assay. Extracts exhibited antimicrobial properties. MIC of flower extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 2500 and 5000, while MBC of leaf extract were 15,000, and 20,000 ppm, respectively. The concentration of 2000 ppm of extracts was encapsulated in fenugreek seed gum (FSG) and soy protein isolate (SPI) produced by the emulsification method. All nano-coatings exhibited a nanometric size range between 172.75 to 255.21 nm, and encapsulation efficiency higher than 80.0% (80.82% to 89.59%). The application of nano-coatings significantly reduced microbial counts and delayed lipid oxidation in mutton meat during 12 days of cold storage at 4°C, enhancing meat quality and extending shelf life. The inclusion of bioactive compounds like polyphenols in the coatings contributed to antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, decreasing pH levels and preventing spoilage. The findings indicated that the combination of edible FSG and SPI as wall materials with 2000 ppm of P. graveolens extract demonstrated efficacy in implementation bacterial growth and lipid oxidation in fresh mutton meat.

Thiol-Functionalized Cobalt Ferrite (CoFe2O4@MPTS) Nanoparticles as Cutting-Edge Adsorbents for Bovine Serum Albumin.

This paper describes the synthesis of CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles via a simple ultrasonic-assisted co-precipitation method and their functionalization with thiol groups using (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTS) as the functionalizing agent. The use of ultrasonic energy not only serves as a green energy source but also reduces the reaction time fivefold compared to conventional methods. The synthesized CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were characterized for their surface and internal properties using instrumental techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The functionalized nanoparticles were applied for the effective adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from a buffered aqueous medium. To enhance the adsorption performance, the influence of pH, amount of solid adsorbent, initial BSA concentration, shaking time, and temperature on protein adsorption was investigated. Lagergren pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics fitted the BSA adsorption data well, with an acceptable R² value of 0.976. Additionally, the BSA adsorption data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and it was concluded that the experimental data followed the Langmuir equation more closely than the Freundlich equation. At an initial pH of 5.57 (acetate buffer), the adsorption capacity (Q₀) for BSA protein was found to be 200mg/g. The thermodynamic study revealed ΔS° and ΔH° values of 17.40J/mol·K and - 45.37kJ/mol, respectively.

Visible Light-Driven Direct Z-Scheme Ho2SmSbO7/YbDyBiNbO7 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Efficient Degradation of Fenitrothion.

A highly versatile Z-scheme heterostructure, Ho2SmSbO7/YbDyBiNbO7 (HYO), was synthesized using an ultrasonic-assisted solvent thermal method. The HYO heterojunction, composed of dual A2B2O7 compounds, exhibits superior separation of photogenerated carriers due to its efficient Z-scheme mechanism. The synergistic properties of Ho2SmSbO7 and YbDyBiNbO7, particularly the excellent visible light absorption, enable HYO to achieve exceptional photocatalytic performance in the degradation of fenitrothion (FNT). Specifically, HYO demonstrated an outstanding removal efficiency of 99.83% for FNT and a mineralization rate of 98.77% for total organic carbon (TOC) during the degradation process. Comparative analyses revealed that HYO significantly outperformed other photocatalysts, including Ho2SmSbO7, YbDyBiNbO7, and N-doped TiO2, achieving removal rates that were 1.10, 1.20, and 2.97 times higher for FNT, respectively. For TOC mineralization, HYO exhibited even greater enhancements, with rates 1.13, 1.26, and 3.37 times higher than those of the aforementioned catalysts. Additionally, the stability and durability of HYO were systematically evaluated, confirming its potential applicability in practical scenarios. Trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance analyses were conducted to identify the active species generated by HYO, specifically hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O2-), and holes (h+). This facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanisms and pathways associated with FNT. In conclusion, this study represents a substantial contribution to the advancement of efficient Z-scheme heterostructure and offers critical insights for the development of sustainable remediation approaches aimed at mitigating FNT contamination.

Comprehensive analysis of phytochemical extraction of betalains from Beta vulgaris L. pomace using conventional, enzyme-assisted and ultrasonic-assisted methods

Comprehensive analysis of phytochemical extraction of betalains from Beta vulgaris L. pomace using conventional, enzyme-assisted and ultrasonic-assisted methods

Hollow amorphous N-doped TiO2 microspheres with uniform shell thickness and high carrier separation efficiency for photocatalytic of high-concentration Cr(VI)

Due to the low quantum efficiency, pure N-doped TiO2 (NTO) is still ineffective for catalyzing high concentrations of pollutants. In this study, a novel hollow amorphous NTO photocatalyst (AH-NTO) was synthesized by ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method and applied to photocatalysis of high-concentration chromium-containing wastewater. The hollow structure was constructed using a three-dimensional Fe3O4 template, and the shell layer thickness changed regularly compared to the stirring method, suggesting that ultrasound contributes to the formation of a uniform shell. Meanwhile, the low crystallization kinetics induced by the ultrasound-assisted low-temperature hydrolysis process enhance the generation and stability of amorphous NTO. Characterization of the system demonstrated that the hollow amorphous structure improved visible-light utilization efficiency (∼70 % light transmittance) and specific surface area (182.95 m2 g−1). Furthermore, the optimal photocatalyst exhibited a high photogenerated carrier signal (0.231 μA cm−2), low interface resistance (374.8 Ω), and a strong oxygen vacancy signal (∼0.38 a.u.), which provides favorable conditions for the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. Based on these properties, the photocatalyst effectively treated wastewater containing 0.274 g L−1 of Cr(VI). The removal efficiency decreased by only 0.18 % over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating excellent cycle stability and activity. Therefore, this work provides a practical case for treating high-concentration pollutants.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticle-incorporated nanohydroxyapatite and calcium and phosphate ion clusters for biomimetic remineralization of enamel and dentin

Aim: The present study aimed to synthesize and characterize magnetic nanoparticle incorporated nanohydroxyapatite (MNHAP), calcium and phosphate ion clusters (CPICs), and their combination with MNHAP. Materials and Methods: Nanohydroxyapatite (NHAP), magnetite (Fe3O4), and magnetic nanoparticle-incorporated nanohydroxyapatite (MNHAP) were synthesized using wet precipitation method, co-precipitation method, and ultrasonic-assisted mechanical stirring methods, respectively. CPIC was synthesized by centrifugation method. Their characterizations were analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) crystallography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The biocompatibility of MNHAP was assessed through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Results: XRD substantiated the presence of diffraction peaks, indicating crystallinity in all synthesized samples. Functional groups in NHAP and MNHAP were confirmed through FTIR analysis. VSM analysis demonstrated superparamagnetic behavior in both MNHAP and Fe3O4. Transmission electron microscope images unveiled the needle-like crystals for NHAP, rod-shaped crystals for MNHAP, and polyhedral shapes for CPIC combined with MNHAP (CPIC + MNHAP). MNHAP exhibited biocompatibility up to 200 µg. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, MNHAP and CPIC + MNHAP may be suitable for the repair of initial caries lesions.

Preparation of pCL-20/PTFE-Al composites for sensibility reduction and combustion improvement

The high sensitivity of high explosive hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) limits its applicability, and the performance optimization brought by the synergistic effect between nanothermite and CL-20 is expected to expand its application prospects. In this study, polydopamine (PDA) was introduced to modify CL-20 (denoted as pCL-20), and a quasi-core/shell pCL-20/polytetrafluoroethylene-aluminum (pCL-20/PTFE-Al) composite was successfully prepared by ultrasonic-assisted composite method. The performance characterization results demonstrate that the composite exhibits significantly better decomposition heat release than the mixed sample, a reduction in combustion time from 408 ms to 268 ms, a more stable combustion flame, and more focused energy release. At the same time, the comparison of composite combustion with different condition variables reflects the combustion advantages of the selected proportional conditions in this study. The characteristic drop height (H50) increased from 24.05 cm to 42.15 cm, the explosive percentage of friction sensitivity reduced from 100 % to 70 %, and the sensitivity of the composite sample decreased significantly when compared to the raw CL-20. It improves the combustion performance while reducing the sensitivity, thereby enhancing the application potential and providing a reference for the high-energy desensitization of energetic materials.

Flavonoids from Ougan (Citrus suavissima Hort. ex Tanaka) peel exert hypoglycemic potency through inhibiting insulin resistance in HepG2 cells and regulating gut microbiota in diabetic mice

To fully and value-addedly utilize the citrus peel resource, flavonoids were extracted and purified from peel powder of Ougan (Citrus suavissima Hort. ex Tanaka) using an ultrasonic assisted ethanol solution extraction method and AB-8 macroporous resin purification. The obtained flavonoid extract from peel of Ougan (FEPO) was used for the hypoglycemic experiments in vitro and in vivo on glucose consumption in insulin resistance model HepG2 cells and streptozotocin induced diabetes model mice. A significant reduction of glucose consumption in the model cells while a significant increase in the treated were found in a dose-dependent manner, compared to 5.2241 ± 0.2201 mmol/L of the normal cells (P < 0.05). When the FEPO concentration was 80 μg/mL, the cell glucose consumption was 4.4055 ± 0.1772 mmol/L. Compared with those in the model group (diabetic mice), the fasting blood glucose in the FEPO intervened mice was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). FEPO intervention caused decreased levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and increased HDL-C and insulin contents in the serums as well as ameliorative histopathology of the liver, kidney, and pancreas in diabetic mice. FEPO improved the gut microbiota structure of diabetic mouse by regulating its composition, especially significantly increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Ileibacterium, unclassified_f_Lachnospiracea, Romboutsia, norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Faecalibaculum and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 (P < 0.05), while decreasing that of norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Candidatus_Saccharimonas. In conclusion, FEPO had good hypoglycemic efficacies both in vitro and in vivo as well as gut microbiota regulating effect.

Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Chitosan Film with Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Leaf Extract Prepared Via 3D-Printing Method.

The combination of natural polymers and plant extract attracted much attention thanks to its valuable biological activities. This study presents the preparation and characterization of chitosan (CS) film containing Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract. In which, the Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract (SLE) with polyphenol-rich fractions was extracted by an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The prepared chitosan/polyphenol-rich fractions film (CSPPF) was characterized using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water absorption analysis. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the CSPPF were assessed using the agar well diffusion method and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays, respectively. Besides, the release of the extract from the CSPPF as well as the drug release kinetics was also tested. The Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract enhanced the antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and enhanced the anti-inflammatory activity as well as the swelling ability of the CSPPF. The CSPPF containing 1 wt.% of SLE can inhibit 77.70 % NO with an IC50 value of 19.40 μg/mL.

NMR Analysis of Pulegone in Food Products

Pulegone is a monoterpene ketone found in a variety of mint species. It has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In previous studies, pulegone in food was analyzed exclusively via GC-MS, while 1H NMR methods were limited to essential oils. The aim of this study was to develop an NMR method for the detection and quantification of pulegone in essential oils and foods. A mixture of methanol-d4/chloroform-d1 in a 1:1 ratio (v/v) was identified as the most effective solvent for separating pulegone signals. The essential oils were subjected to analysis at this solvent-mixture ratio. The extraction of pulegone was required for food analysis, and the steam distillation method proved to be more effective than the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The highest pulegone concentrations were identified in pennyroyal oil and muña oil, whereas lower levels were observed in other matrices, including corn mint oil and select food items. A toxicological assessment showed that the amount consumed did not exert any adverse effects on human health.

The g-C3N4 @Cdo/ZnO Ternary Composite: Photocatalysis, Kinetics and Acute Toxicity Studies

Binary and ternary nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized by precipitation and through facile one-pot ultrasonicassisted methods to serve as photocatalysts for treatment of wastewater as well as their toxicity toward aquaticorganism (Nile tilapia). The crystalline structure, band gap energy and functional groups of these materials werecharacterized by XRD, UV-Vis, and FT-IR instrumental techniques. Based on the UV-Vis study, the band gap ofZnO/CdO (ZC) to hybrid g-C3N4@ZnO/CdO (GZC) nanocomposite was reduced from 3.41 eV to 3.21 eV, sug-gesting good charge carrier mobility. Photocatalytic degradation performances of ZC and GZC were furtherassessed by conducting methyl red (MR) photodegradation reaction using UV light. The highest degradationefficiency was achieved for GZC NCs (97.78%) than ZC (89.41%) in 2 h. The values of free energy, and enthalpywere negative; showing spontaneous photodegradation of MR. The kinetics of photodegradation follows pseudo-first-order reaction with rate order of 0.0713 min1 . The HO* and O2 * were main active species for the photo-degradation of MR. The toxicity of NCs calculated and the lethal concentration (LC50 ) was 113 ppm after 12 h.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Electrodeposition of Cu-TiO2 Nanocomposite Coatings with Long-Term Antibacterial Activity.

Bacterial adhesion, colonization, and spread on aluminum alloy surfaces pose significant risks to human health and public safety. To address these issues, this investigation employed an ultrasonic-assisted electrodeposition method to synthesize long-lasting antibacterial Cu-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings on porous anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) substrates. Leveraging the cavitation effect of ultrasound, this approach fostered the dispersive incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles into the resulting composite coating, thereby expediting the crystallization process of electrodeposition and refining the granular structure. With an optimal concentration of 4 g/L of TiO2 nanoparticles, the resultant C-4T composite coating displayed a dense and homogeneous microstructure, with TiO2 nanoparticles predominantly localized at the grain boundaries of Cu grains. Rigorous testing revealed that the surface of the C-4T sample maintained an enduring antibacterial efficacy of 96.8%, even after the outer Cu-TiO2 layer was worn away. This high level of durability stems from the continuous release of Cu ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the coating's composite region (CR) composed of a porous AAO film and Cu-TiO2. The porous AAO film, serving as "nanocontainers," offers an ideal deposition carrier for the uniform Cu-TiO2 composite coating. These agents actively disrupt the integrity and chemical composition of Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells, leading to significant bacterial cell damage and death, thereby conferring superior and persistent antibacterial effects even after specific polishing. This study advances the field of durable antibacterial surface treatments and opens avenues for the sanitary use of nanocomposite coatings in the public health and medical sectors.

Synthesis of Photocatalyst Based on WO3 Applying for the Treatment of Tetracycline Antibiotics

In this paper, WO3/g-C3N4 photocatalysts were fabricated by ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method at different mole ratios of WO3/g-C3N4. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) results indicated that WO3/g-C3N4 photocatalyst with the WO3/g-C3N4 mole ratio of 1/1 (WC-1) showed visible light absorption ability and prevented electron-hole recombination rate better than WO3, g-C3N4 and other composites. The photocatalytic activities of synthesized photocatalysts were investigated by the photocatalytic oxidation of tetracycline (TC) antibiotics under visible light. The degradation efficiency of TC in aqueous environment by the WC-1 was 79.35% after 180 minutes. This value was higher than those of other materials. The improvement in photocatalytic property of the WO3/g-C3N4 was due to the efficient generation of electrons and holes.

In-vitro Antioxidant, and In-vivo Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Allamanda blanchetii Leaf Extract in Rats.

This study assessed the In-vitro Antioxidant and In-vivo Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Allamanda blanchetii Leaf Extract in Rats. Diverse pharmacological applications of plants from the Apocynaceae family are reported in the literature. Allamanda blanchetii; an ornamental species belonging to the Apocynaceae family, is characterized by diverse biological activities, i.e. antioxidant, cyto-toxic, thrombolytic, membrane-stabilizing, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative effects. This species represents a perennial flora that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Ultrasonication-assisted method used for plant extraction. The ex-tracts were subjected to phytochemical screening tests, followed by total phenolic content analysis, using gallic acid as a standard. The antioxidant activity was examined by DPPH scavenging and FRAP assays. The acetic acid-induced writhing test, tail flick, and Hot plate method were used for the determination of analgesic activity. Anti-inflammatory activity by following carrageenan-induced paw edema Results: ABLE treatments show analgesic effectiveness against the acid-induced pain source, tail flick, and hot plate methods at different doses of ABLE 400,200,100 mg/kg results showed respectively- 55.32, 38.67, and 22.85 (% inhibition), 89.47%, 62.57 %, 49.57%, and 100%, 92.40%, 65.33% response after 180 min of drug administration. ABLE 400 and 200 mg/kg exhibit effective results (1.43± 0.005 and 1.50± 0.008) against carra-geenan-induced intoxication. The fundamental components of antioxidants that can aid in the reduction of free radicals include phenol, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Applying DPPH and FRAP, ABLE exhibits remarkable antioxidant activity. When it comes to both centrally and periph-erally acting analgesics, ABLE exhibits highly effective activity. Methanolic ABLE had a noticeable impact on paw edema caused by carrageenan. Antioxidants, alkaloids, and gly-cosides were present in methanolic ABLE, which allowed it to efficiently combat inflam-matory mediators and the cause of pain. Ultrasonic assistance is beneficial in isolating active metabolites in plants, with phenolic compounds exhibiting antioxidant activity. ABLE, a plant with 55% squalene, ef-fectively combats inflammatory mediators and pain. Further investigation is needed to iden-tify biomarkers in the plant.

Innovative multiphase ultrasonic-assisted method for high-purity, stable, and cost-effective copper nanowire synthesis

The synthesis of copper nanowires (CuNWs) using modified polyols with hexadecylamine or octadecylamine as capping agents, known for their ease of operation, rapid reaction, and suitability for mass production, often encounters challenges such as the presence of copper particles, numerous copper nanorods, difficulty in purifying organic compounds, and air instability as by-products. In addressing these issues, this study introduces an innovative multiphase ultrasonic-assisted separation method. By utilizing ultrasound to accelerate the dissolution of hexadecylamine and facilitate the separation movement of CuNWs and by-products in hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases, the aim of achieving high purification of CuNWs is realized. Through the introduction of an ultra-thin hexadecylamine layer (~ 3.5 nm) on the surface of CuNWs and leveraging the active adsorption of silver seed crystals, combined with the control CuNWs reaction concentration, silver-coated CuNWs with a dense and uniform surface thickness of 12–15 nm are obtained. By enhancing purity, stability, and cost-effectiveness, this research represents a significant advancement in the field of one-dimensional nanowires and their devices.

3D NiCoW Metallic Compound Nano-Network Structure Catalytic Material for Urea Oxidation.

Urea shows promise as an alternative substrate to water oxidation in electrolyzers, and replacing OER with the Urea Oxidation Reaction (UOR, theoretical potential of 0.37 V vs. RHE) can significantly increase hydrogen production efficiency. Additionally, the decomposition of urea can help reduce environmental pollution. This paper improves the inherent activity of catalytic materials through morphology and electronic modulation by incorporating tungsten (W), which accelerates electron transfer, enhances the electronic structure of neighboring atoms to create a synergistic effect, and regulates the adsorption process of active sites and intermediates. NiCoW catalytic materials with an ultra-thin nanosheet structure were prepared using an ultrasonic-assisted NaBH4 reduction method. The results show that during the OER process, NiCoW catalytic materials have a potential of only 1.53 V at a current density of 10 mA/cm2, while the UOR process under the same conditions requires a lower potential of 1.31 V, demonstrating superior catalytic performance. In a mixed electrolyte of 1 M KOH and 0.5 M urea, overall water splitting also shows excellent performance. Therefore, the designed NiCoW electrocatalyst, with its high catalytic activity, provides valuable insights for enhancing the efficiency of water electrolysis for hydrogen production and holds practical research significance.

Study on the photocatalytic properties of the ternary ZnO/MgAl-LDH/FeOOH composite photocatalyst with a Type-II and S-scheme linked carrier migration mechanism in degrading TC solution

The synthesis of high-performance photocatalysts represents a pivotal aspect of research into photocatalytic degradation technology. In order to address this need, a novel ZnO/MgAl-LDH/FeOOH ternary composite photocatalyst has been synthesized via a multi-step process involving the hydrothermal, calcination and ultrasonic-assisted wet impregnation methods. The ternary composite photocatalyst was observed to demonstrate effective separation of photogenerated carriers in photocatalysis, following a Type-II and S-scheme linked carrier migration mechanism. An examination of the photocatalytic characteristics of the composite photocatalyst in the degradation of a tetracycline (TC) solution revealed that the reduction of •O2- radicals and the oxidation of •OH radicals resulted in the effective degradation of the TC solution. The degradation efficiency of the TC solution under the photocatalysis of the ternary composite photocatalyst was observed to be 1.54, 1.11 and 3.15 times that of the single-component samples of ZnO, MgAl-LDH and FeOOH, respectively, in 30 min. Moreover, the degradation pathway of TC molecules under the photocatalysis of the composite has been elucidated. The research findings provide a foundation for further investigation into this composite photocatalyst.

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Highly Porous CeO2-Doped Zr Nanoparticles for Supercapacitor Applications.

The aim of this work was to develop an ultrasonic-assisted synthesis method for the fabrication of CeO2-doped Zr nanoparticles that would improve the performance of supercapacitor electrodes. This method, which eliminates the need for high-temperature calcination, involves embedding CeO2 into Zr nanoparticles through 1 hr (CeO2-Zr-1) and 2 hrs (CeO2-Zr-2) of ultrasonic irradiation, resulting in the formation of nanostructures with significant improvements in their electrochemical properties. Through physicochemical analysis, we observed that the CeO2-doped Zr nanoparticles, particularly those treated for 2 hrs (CeO2-Zr-2), exhibit superior crystalline phase purity, optimal chemical surface composition, minimal agglomeration with particle sizes below 50 nm, and an impressive average surface area of 178 m2/g. Compared to the 1 hr irradiation samples (CeO2-Zr-1) and undoped CeO2 nanoparticles, the (CeO2-Zr-2) electrodes demonstrated a remarkable capacitance of 198 Fg-1 at a current density of 1 A/g while maintaining ~94.9% of their capacity after 3750 cycles. This indicates not only good reversibility but also exceptional stability. In (CeO2-Zr-2) samples, the nanospherical structure achieved through ultrasonic synthesis is responsible for the enhanced capacitive behavior and stability, along with the synergistic effects caused by Zr doping, which improves the CeO2 nanoparticle conductivity to a significant extent. Surface areas of the electrodes are larger due to the combination of these two materials, which contribute to their superior performance.