Ultrasonic Synthesis Research Articles

Ultrasonic synthesis of Mn-Ni-Fe tri-metallic oxide anchored on polymer-grafted conductive carbon for rechargeable zinc-air battery

As a promising electrochemical energy device, a rechargeable zinc-air battery (RZAB) requires cost-effective cathode catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Some earth-abundant transition metal oxides have certain levels of bi-functional ORR/OER catalytic activities yet low electronic conductivities. The addition of high-electronic-conductivity material such as carbon black could result in another problem because there is low compatibility between metal oxide and carbon. In this work, polymer chains are ultrasonically prepared to act as binders to anchor metal-oxide active sites to porous domains of carbon black. The monomer N-isopropyl acrylamide is polymerized under ultrasonication instead of using conventional radical initiators which are dangerous and harmful. Reactive free radicals produced by ultrasonic irradiation can also help to form the Mn-Ni-Fe tri-metallic oxide. Thus, aided by the amide-type polymer as an adhesive, the tri-metallic oxide anchored on polymer-grafted carbon black prepared by ultrasonication possess a large number of metal-oxide active sites and hierarchical pores, contributing substantially to the enhanced ORR/OER electrocatalytic performance in the RZABs. Accordingly, this work provides interesting insight into the effective combination of inherently incompatible components for the fabrication of composite materials from an ultrasonic standpoint.

Ultraweak chemiluminescence enhanced on the surface of lanthanide metal–organic framework nanosheets synthesized by ultrasonic wave

In this paper, lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs, Ln = Ce, Gd, Ho) were facilely synthesized by ultrasonic method and applied in enhancing chemiluminescence (CL) emission of NaIO4-H2O2 system. The synthesized Ln-MOFs were characterized to be nanosheet-like shapes. Comparing with the NaIO4-H2O2 system without Ln-MOFs, the CL intensities of Ln-MOFs-NaIO4-H2O2 systems were enhanced 28, 32 and 67 times by Ce-MOFs, Gd-MOFs and Ho-MOFs, respectively. Catalytic properties of Ln-MOFs accounted for the improved performance in CL and increased the generation of some reactive oxygen species (ROS) (·O2−, 1O2 and ·OH) which induced CL enhancement. The large surface area of nanosheets and structural defects generated during the ultrasonic synthesis process could facilitate the exposure of catalytic active sites and ROS generation. This work gave insights into developing novel CL systems based on advanced materials with effective surfaces.

A Review of Biodiesel Production from Renewable Resources: Chemical Reactions

Biodiesel has become an attractive renewable fuel due to carbon footprint reduction. Greenhouse gas footprint is minimised when the locally available renewable feedstock is utilised for cleaner biodiesel production. This biodiesel has similar characteristics of diesel oil which allows its use in compression motors without extensive engine modifications. One of the greenest choices to address the ever growing demand for cleaner energy is renewable biomass power. Contemporary development and work have been aimed at transforming these bio-based resources into practical gas and liquid fuels that comply with the current petro-based chemical production infrastructure. Biodiesel is a prospective alternative to petroleum fuels due to its clean, renewable and ecologically beneficial characteristics. The transesterification cycle is applied to the processing of cleaner biodiesel manufacturing. Comprehensive research is underway to develop more effective biodiesel processing processes. The different new technologies are both solid catalysts and supercritical processes that are not catalytic. A review of the various methods used for the successful synthesis of biodiesel includes the homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzyme catalyst, microwave and ultrasonic synthesis followed by the supercritical synthesis of biodiesel. The chemical reactions of biodiesel, i.e. transesterification, esterification and interesterification have been presented by this paper and the merits and limitations of these chemical reactions for biodiesel discussed.

Assisted Synthesis of Poly(Amidoamine) Pamam G0 Dendrimers by Microwave, Ultrasound and Reflux as an Energy Sources Input

An efficient and novel step-by-step synthesis of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers by the divergent and method using ultrasound irradiation at room temperature is presented here. The results were compared with the conventional and microwave-assisted approach synthesis. The mass spectra analysis showed a major consumption of PAMAM G -0.5 (m/z 403.5) to obtain PAMAM G0, with an intensity below 10% by ultrasonic synthesis to difference of 30 and 50% of intensity in conventional and microwave synthesis, respectively. Also, a plausible mechanism is proposal in order to understand the byproducts formation in conventional and microwave synthesis, thus, the formation of defects occurs for PAMAM G0-arm cleave through of an alpha-beta breakdown of a betaine adduct generated in situ, decreasing the reaction yields.The structural analyses of the samples were carried out using FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic, and (ESI-MS) spectrometric analysis. The results showed that the ultrasound-assisted synthesis reduces the reaction time, prevents the formation of defective structures, and increases reaction yields.

Optimized ultra-sonication synthesis of activated-graphite-encapsulated 2D nanorod-like stannous tungstate for electrochemical determination of imipramine

Imipramine (IMPM) is a tricyclic antidepressant drug commonly used to treat a variety of depression and certain anxiety disorders. The trace level monitoring of IMPM is essential for human health because an overdose of IMPM can lead to major health problems. Herein, we report a novel approach to the optimized sonochemical synthesis of activated-graphite-encapsulated two-dimensional stannous tungstate (AGr-SW) nanocomposites in an aqueous medium without using a chemical activator. AGr-SW was synthesized via sonication at a frequency of 37 kHz and a maximum power of 150 W for 3 h at 70 °C. The synthesized AGr-SW was used to fabricate a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode for highly sensitive detection of IMPM. The AGr-SW electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical sensing ability for IMPM within a short linear range (0.01–27.5 µM). The limit of detection and sensitivity were 0.0031 µM and 1.032 µAµM−1 cm−2, respectively. The AGr-SW electrode was also used to accurately detect IMPM in a human urine sample.

Ultrasonic green synthesis of different nickel nanoparticles and their application in Cr(VI) removal studies

In the recent work, synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) was carried out by using leaves extract of Polyalthia longifolia and Ficus religiosa separately. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy illustrated the dominant functional groups in leaves extract and prepared nanoparticles. A single surface plasmon resonance peak is obtained in both cases. SEM revealed that both the synthesized nanoparticles were spherical in shape. Average particle size of NiNPs using extract of Polyalthia longifolia and Ficus religiosa was found to be 42.21 nm and 43.178 nm. Different factors were optimized on comparative basis for removal studies of hexavalent chromium. Optimum response for both the nanoparticles is observed at 25 °C with 10 mg/L of Cr (VI) solution at adsorbent dosage value of 10 mg under acidic conditions (4 pH). In regeneration studies, maximum desorption for Polyalthia longifolia (88.16%) and Ficus religiosa (87.84%) leaves extract based nanoparticles was observed with 0.1 M HCl.

Nano-emulsion of denak (Oliveria decumbens Vent.) essential oil: ultrasonic synthesis and antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum

Nano-emulsion of denak (Oliveria decumbens Vent.) essential oil: ultrasonic synthesis and antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum

Effect of Inorganic Nanocomposite Based Liners on Deodorization of Kimchi

This study aims to reduce the rancid odor generated during the fermentation process of kimchi by inserting zinc oxide (ZnO) into an inorganic porous material with a high surface area to decompose or adsorb the fermentation odor. ZnO activated by the presence of moisture exhibits decomposition of rancid odors. Mixed with Titanium dioxide (TiO2), a photocatalyst. To manufacture the packaging liner used in this study, NaOH, ZnCl2, and TiO2 powder were placed in a tank with diatomite and water. The sludge obtained via a hydrothermal ultrasonication synthesis was sintered in an oven. After being pin-milled and melt-blended, the powders were mixed with linear low-density polyethylene (L-LDPE) to make a masterbatch (M/B), which was further used to manufacture liners. A gas detector (GasTiger 2000) was used to investigate the total amount of sulfur compounds during fermentation and determine the reduction rate of the odor-causing compounds. The packaging liner cross-section and surface were investigated using a scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS) to observe the adsorption of sulfur compounds. A variety of sulfur compounds associated with the perceived unpleasant odor of kimchi were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For the analyses, kimchi was homogenized at room temperature and divided into several sample dishes. The performance of the liner was evaluated by comparing the total area of the GC-MS signals of major off-flavor sulfur compounds during the five days of fermentation at 20oC. As a result, Nano-grade inorganic compound liners reduced the sulfur content by 67 % on average, compared to ordinary polyethylene (PE) foam liners. Afterwards SEM-EDS was used to analyze the sulfur content adsorbed by the liners. The findings of this study strongly suggest that decomposition and adsorption of the odor-generating compounds occur more effectively in the newly-developed inorganic nanocomposite liners.

Ultrasound-Assisted Microencapsulation of Soybean Oil and Vitamin D Using Bare Glycogen Nanoparticles.

Ultrasonically synthesized core-shell microcapsules can be made of synthetic polymers or natural biopolymers, such as proteins and polysaccharides, and have found applications in food, drug delivery and cosmetics. This study reports on the ultrasonic synthesis of microcapsules using unmodified (natural) and biodegradable glycogen nanoparticles derived from various sources, such as rabbit and bovine liver, oyster and sweet corn, for the encapsulation of soybean oil and vitamin D. Depending on their source, glycogen nanoparticles exhibited differences in size and ‘bound’ proteins. We optimized various synthetic parameters, such as ultrasonic power, time and concentration of glycogens and the oil phase to obtain stable core-shell microcapsules. Particularly, under ultrasound-induced emulsification conditions (sonication time 45 s and sonication power 160 W), native glycogens formed microcapsules with diameter between 0.3 μm and 8 μm. It was found that the size of glycogen as well as the protein component play an important role in stabilizing the Pickering emulsion and the microcapsules shell. This study highlights that native glycogen nanoparticles without any further tedious chemical modification steps can be successfully used for the encapsulation of nutrients.

Strong Polarized Photoluminescence CsPbBr3 Nanowire Composite Films for UV Spectral Conversion Polarization Photodetector Enhancement.

In this work, we proposed a fluorescence conversion layer with polarization characteristics to enhance UV polarization detection for the first time. To achieve this goal, the colloidal lead halide CsPbBr3 nanowires (NWs) with appropriate lengths were synthesized by the method of ultrasonication synthesis assisted by the addition of hydrobromic acid (HBr) ligands. By adding HBr, the properties of synthesized NWs are improved, and due to the controllable perovskite-stretched NWs, polymer composite films were fabricated, which can generate photoluminescence (PL) with strong polarization. The optimized stretched composite film can achieve a polarization degree of 0.42 and dichroism ratio (I∥/I⊥) of 2.49 at 520 nm. Based on this film, an imaging system with polarization-selective properties and efficient UV spectral conversion was developed. The spectrum conversion of 266 to 520 nm luminescence wavelength was realized and sensitive to the polarization of incoming 266 nm UV light. The experimental results also showed that the response after spectral conversion is greatly improved, and different responsivities can correspond to different polarization states. This imaging system overcomes the insufficiency of the conventional charge coupled device (CCD), which makes it difficult to receive the optical signal for high-quality UV imaging. The use of light conversion films with polarization characteristics for polarized UV imaging is of great significance for improving the detection of solar-blind UV bands and the recognition of military targets.

Zero-Sum Space on the Copper Surface Under Ultrasound

In the overlapped shell space between two adjacent cavitation bubbles, there theoretically exists a Zero-sum space without vibration due to the cavitation effect but still with pressure, high temperature and a high concentration of substances. Within the Zero-sum space, a stable environment for a chemical reaction is achievable under the ultrasound. In this work, some ring-shaped regions (outer diameter 48.90±3.5 μm, inner diameter 40.94±3.5 μm) on copper foil with distinctive morphology were investigated in the area covered by visible bubbles under ultrasound treatment in 1M NaOH for 3 h. The morphology and composition of these regions were found to be similar to that of sample fabricated in the same environment without ultrasound. It has confirmed the long-term existence of Zero-sum space and raised a hypothesis of Zero-sum space maintenance. This work may lead to release the ultrasonic synthesis from the limitation of ultrasonic frequency.

Incorporation of zinc ions towards low toxicity and high stability of organic-inorganic methyl ammonium lead bromide perovskite QDs via ultrasonication route for white-LEDs

B-site substitution perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) with amended stability and less toxicity have been acquainted in recent years. However, the PQDs comprising various B-site cations display low photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), instability, and require skimpy synthesis procedure. Herein, we have endeavored to introduce ultrasonication synthesis of MAPb1-xZnxBr3 PQDs as an auspicious route to stable PQDs with enhanced PLQY. The successful synthesis of PQDs resulted in a high PLQY (>93%), which is supposed to be owing to the decrease in non-radiative recombination centers. Furthermore, we have found that the structure, morphology, and emission properties are secured with the substitution of Zn2+. The PQDs have been integrated as color converting layers coated on blue light emitting diode (LED) chips, which exhibit white light with the wide color gamut of National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) 124%. The present research reveals a new synthesis route to obtain stable and efficient PQDs without negotiating color quality for display application.

Exploration of structural, thermal stability and band-gap tunability of organic and inorganic mixed cation (MA)1−x Cs x PbBr3 perovskite harvester via ultrasonication synthesis route

Extensive investigation over the last few years has been done on halide based perovskite light harvester due to higher power conversion efficiency but the thermal stability with organic cation i.e. methylamine is challenging for the commercialization. Therefore, for improved structural and thermal stability, it is significant to develop a mixed cation base perovskite compound. To improve the thermal and structural stability of the material and easy synthesis method for industrialization of the material, we have demonstrated the compositional engineering of MA/CsPbBr3 perovskite material via ultrasonication synthesis process. The x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, diffuse reflectance spectrometer and simultaneous thermal analyzer (STA) analysis were performed in order to understand the impact of the Cs+ into MAPbBr3 perovskite structure. Structural study reveals that up to 40% Cs+ incorporation into MAPbBr3 has pure Pm−3m cubic phase of perovskite compound with continuously increase in micro strain and lattice contraction. On the other hand, with increasing the concentration of Cs+ than MA+, optical band gap slightly increases. The thermodynamic behavior and thermal stability of the sample was studied with STA (differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetry). For the new generation optoelectronics with admirable stability, we believe that pure phase MA0.60Cs0.40PbBr3 perovskite compound may be a promising candidate.

Ultrasonic Synthesis and Biomedical Application of Mn0.5Zn0.5ErxYxFe2-2xO4 Nanoparticles.

In the present study, biocompatible manganese nanoparticles have been linked with zinc and iron molecules to prepare different derivatives of Mn0.5Zn0.5ErxYxFe2−2xO4 NPs (x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10), using an ultrasonication approach. The structure, surface morphology, and chemical compositions of Mn0.5Zn0.5ErxYxFe2−2xO4 NPs were elucidated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) techniques. The bioactivity of Mn0.5Zn0.5ErxYxFe2−2xO4 NPs on normal (HEK-293) and (HCT-116) colon cancer cell line was evaluated. The Mn0.5Zn0.5ErxYxFe2−2xO4 NPs treatment post 48 h resulted in a significant reduction in cells (via MTT assay, having an IC50 value between 0.88 µg/mL and 2.40 µg/mL). The specificity of Mn0.5Zn0.5ErxYxFe2−2xO4 NPs were studied by treating them on normal cells line (HEK-293). The results showed that Mn0.5Zn0.5ErxYxFe2−2xO4 NPs did not incur any effect on HEK-293, which suggests that Mn0.5Zn0.5ErxYxFe2−2xO4 NPs selectively targeted the colon cancerous cells. Using Candida albicans, antifungal activity was also studied by evaluating minimum inhibitory/fungicidal concentration (MIC/MFC) and the effect of nanomaterial on the germ tube formation, which exhibited that NPs significantly inhibited the growth and germ tube formation. The obtained results hold the potential to design nanoparticles that lead to efficient bioactivity.

High-Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries Based on Multidimensional Graphene-CNT-Nanosulfur Hybrid Cathodes

Although lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are one of the promising candidates for next-generation energy storage, their practical implementation is limited by rapid capacity fading due to lithium polysulfide (LiPSs) formation and the low electronic conductivity of sulfur. Herein, we report a high-performance lithium-sulfur battery based on multidimensional cathode architecture consisting of nanosulfur, graphene nanoplatelets (2D) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (1D). The ultrasonic synthesis method results in the generation of sulfur nanoparticles and their intercalation into the multilayered graphene nanoplatelets. The optimized multidimensional graphene-sulfur-CNT hybrid cathode (GNS58-CNT10) demonstrated a high specific capacity (1067 mAh g−1 @ 50 mA g−1), rate performance (539 @ 1 A g−1), coulombic efficiency (~95%) and cycling stability (726 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles @ 200 mA g−1) compared to the reference cathode. Superior electrochemical performances are credited to the encapsulation of nanosulfur between the individual layers of graphene nanoplatelets with high electronic conductivity, and effective polysulfide trapping by MWCNT bundles.

Ultrasonic synthesis of bismuth-organic framework intercalated carbon nanofibers: A dual electrocatalyst for trace-level monitoring of nitro hazards

Environmental nitro hazards (NO2− and NO) are important contaminants in food and aquatic environments. Consumption of excessive nitro hazards can trigger a bio-oxidation reaction between hemoglobin (Fe2+) and methemoglobin (Fe3+) through an irreversible mechanism and restrict oxygen transport, which can lead to death. Therefore, the quantitative determination of nitro hazards is essential. The present study describes the quantitative determination of NO2− and NO using Bi-MOF intercalated carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The CNFs-Bi-MOF nanocomposite was prepared by a simple and effective ultrasonic synthetic route. The synthesized nanocomposite was evaluated using various spectral and microscopic techniques. FE-SEM and TEM results revealed the biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid MOF (Bi-MOF) with an irregular rod-like structure. The composite showed intensely incorporated Bi-MOF with CNFs. The XPS result strongly confirmed that the oxidation state of the framework metal site was Bi3+. The composite modified on the GCE and then used for electrocatalytic oxidation of NO2− and NO. The CNFs-Bi-MOF/GCE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity with minimized overpotential for the oxidation of NO2− and NO. The CNFs-Bi-MOF/GCE displayed a wide linear range from 2 nM – 2 mM and 10 nM – 1 mM with LODs of 0.184 nM and 3.463 nM for NO2− and NO, respectively. Finally, the method was used in environmental effluent and tap water samples for the quantitative determination of nitro hazards.

Additive-free aerobic C-H oxidation through a defect-engineered Ce-MOF catalytic system

Ce-UiO-66 MOF, namely cerium-organic framework was prepared through a fast and efficient method under ultrasonic radiation. After preparation, it was identified using some different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as PXRD, FT-IR, TG/DTA, BET, BJH, and FE-SEM. The catalytic activity of Ce-UiO-66 MOF was checked in aerobic oxidation of methyl arenas, alcohols and styrene derivatives in a sustainable circumstance with no additives. Moreover, its catalytic activity was surveyed influenced by a number of variables in the ultrasonic synthesis method. Some parameters such as solvent, base, temperature, amount of the catalyst and time were also tested to optimize the aerobic oxidation reaction. After the 10th run, the recycled Ce-MOF showed an acceptable efficiency, which proved its high reusability and stability under optimized conditions. Furthermore, the Ce-UiO-66 was investigated structurally by PXRD method which demonstrated the catalyst stability after the aerobic oxidation reaction. • Aerobic oxidation of methyl arenes, alcohols, and styrene derivatives. • Simple and efficient synthesis method for defect-engineered Ce-MOF preparation. • Using a non-precious metal catalyst for the aerobic oxidation process. • Air as a green oxidant for the oxidation process. • Using inert solvents to increase oxygen solubility and efficiency.

Facile ultrasonic synthesis of silver-based bimetal nanoparticles for efficient catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

A facile ultrasonically driven Silver based bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) were synthesized in high yield by chemical reduction technique with tri-sodium citrate as the reducing material. The structures of these BNPs were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). It was found that the BNPs catalysts particle size of the Ag-Pt BNPs (20–30 nm), Ag-Au BNPs (30 nm) Ag-Pd BNPs (15 nm) were formed respectively. The BNPs have shown excellent catalytic efficiency as demonstrated via the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NPh) by sodium borohydride. The catalytic efficiency of the synthesized BNPs were in the order of Ag-Pd > Ag-Au > Ag-Pt. The enhanced higher catalytic efficiency properties of Ag-Pd BNPs catalysts were attributed to the synergistic effects of high surface area, porous and hollow structures. The synthesized BNPs were eco-friendly, efficient to removal of toxic chemical from the environment and high yields.

Controlled ultrasonic synthesis of TiO2@C3N4 nanocomposites with porphyrin as a solid-state electron mediator: A promising material for pollutant discoloration under visible light

This work describes a new ternary nanocomposite of TiO2 nanospheres decorated on the surface of graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4)-porphyrin (TCP) via the sonochemical method (WUC-D22H, Daihan Scientific, Korea). The ultrasonic frequency and power were 20 kHz and 100 W, respectively. The structure and morphology of the synthesized nanocomposites were systematically characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, UV-DRS, and mapping analysis. Compared to its single and binary components, the ternary nanocomposite TiO2@C3N4-TCP clearly shows higher photocatalytic action against Rhodamine B (Rh–B) dye contaminants in the visible region. Ternary nanocomposite TiO2@C3N4-TCP catalysts have good stability and reusability for four successive photocatalytic discoloration tests. These materials consist of synergistic nanocomposites with enhanced visible light adsorption, effective charge separation, and low rate recombination dynamics. In addition, it has been clarified that hydroxyl and superoxide radical active species play some auxiliary roles, whereas the holes play the main role in the photodiscoloration of Rh–B. Moreover, as expected this work presents a novel approach towards advanced ternary nanocomposites in visible light adsorption aimed at the photodecomposition of pollutants via the photocatalytic process.

Review: The Comparison of Clay Modifier (Cloisite Types) in Various Epoxy-Clay Nanocomposite Synthesis Methods

Nanocomposites are a new material discovery in the 21st century. One of the nanocomposite materials which are useful in life is epoxy-clay nanocomposites. Epoxy clay nanocomposites have a reasonably wide application in industrial fields such as aerospace, defense, automobile, etc. The purpose of writing this review is to conduct a literature review on mechanical properties in various Cloisite as a filler of Epoxy-clay Nanocomposites. There are several examples of cloisite, namely Cloisite 10A, Cloisite 15A, Cloisite 20A, Cloisite 25A, Cloisite 30B, and Cloisite 93A. Cloisite has the advantage of producing mechanical properties, especially in the tensile modulus and strength, which is more increased than conventional reinforcing materials. These methods' synthesis results were then characterized using TEM, SEM, XRD, and other tests to determine their mechanical properties. The material parameters resulting from nanocomposites' synthesis are well seen from the high Tensile strength and modulus values. The highest increase in mechanical properties was found in the cloisite 93A by the ultrasonic synthesis method or mechanical stirring based on the study results.