Ultrasound-assisted Synthesis Method Research Articles

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of CoFe-LDH for the simultaneous electrochemical detection of dopamine and acetaminophen

Herein, CoFe layered double hydroxide composites (CoFe-LDH) were synthesised by a simple ultrasound assisted synthesis method. It has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. CoFe-LDH modified glass carbon electrode was used as dual-function sensors for DA and AP detection. The sensor exhibits a wide detection linear range for DA and AP (2 μM-900 μM), low detection limits (DA: 0.08 μM; AP: 0.37 μM) (S/N = 3). The sensitivity of CoFe-LDH/GCE for DA and AP were 0.54 μA μM−1 cm−2 and 0.55 μA μM−1 cm−2. And it shows good reproducibility, selectivity, and stability. In addition, the sensor demonstrated good recovery rates for the detection of DA and AP in human serum samples.

Development and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of a nanosponge formulation loaded with Boswellia carterii oil extracts for the enhanced anti-inflammatory activity for the management of respiratory allergies

Abstract Purpose In several nations, it has been known that Boswellia carterii (BC) plants have a long history of usage as an anti-inflammatory medicine. Our current study deals with the study of two different ways of extraction of BC volatile oil and fixed oil as main constituents (Octyl acetate, 46.46% and β-Boswellic acid, 10.21%, respectively), preparation, and evaluation of Nano sponges loaded with either dexamethasone (DEX) or B. carterii volatile/fixed oil mixture. Methods Nano sponges were created utilizing an ultrasound-assisted synthesis method. Using spectrophotometry, the entrapment efficiency (EE%) of drugs in Nano sponges was considered. Several techniques were used to characterize Nano sponges. Results EE% of drugs inside Nano sponges ranged from 99.15 ± 3.50 to 100% ± 4.76%. Particle size of Nano sponges ranged from 59.9 ± 26.3 to 229.2 ± 30.23 nm. Drugs released from Nano sponges bi-phasically according to Korsmeyer–Peppas model. The anti-inflammatory activity of either B. carterii oil mixture or Dexa salt and their Nano formulations (D4 and O1) in the treatment of respiratory allergy were evaluated in rat model mimicking chronic allergic respiratory diseases. Histopathologic examinations and measurement of Intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and Interleukin β4 (ILβ4) levels exposed that, the treatment significantly lowered the levels of the inflammatory biomarkers in treated rats and exhibited improved histopathologic profiles when compared to positive control group. Conclusion Boswellia oil and its Nano sponge formulation O1 as well as Dexa salt Nano sponge formulation D4 had promising therapeutic effects on upper and lower respiratory allergic conditions.

Enhancement of Surface Properties of 316L Stainless Steel with Silver Nanoparticles using Airbrush Spray Process

In this study, the surfaces of 316L stainless steel, which is frequently preferred in biomedical applications, were modified with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to improve their antibacterial and anticorrosive properties. Firstly, Ag NPs were synthesized using a completely green a plant-mediated ultrasound-assisted synthesis method and characterized. Next, Ag NPs were coated onto the surface of the 316L with the airbrush spray technique. The coated surfaces were examined by SEM, surface roughness, profilometer, optical microscope, electrochemical corrosion, and disk diffusion analyses. The average surface roughness values of the surface modified samples were found to be moderately suitable for use in biomaterials while exhibiting corrosion resistance and antibacterial resistance. The Ag NPs coating offers significant potential for biomedical applications.

Effect of SrTiO3 amount and ultrasonic disperse on the thickness of Bi2O3 nanosheets and the photocatalytic performance of the composite α-Bi2O3/SrTiO3

Due to the correlation between structure and activity, even the photoelectric performance of simple materials can be improved by designing component structures reasonably. Taking α-Bi2O3/SrTiO3 as an example, this article reports a novel ultrasound assisted synthesis method for adjusting the thickness of α-Bi2O3 nanosheets (NSs) in heterojunctions. The continuous variation from ∼200 to ∼10 nm confirms that the thickness of NSs is limited by the amount of SrTiO3 added, and ultrasonic dispersion before calcination is a key initiative. Systematic tests indicate that the opto-electronic properties of the heterojunctions are highly thickness-dependent. The heterojunction with a thickness of ∼20 nm α-Bi2O3 NSs has a wider light absorption range (>550 nm), higher photocurrent response (52.8 μA cm−2), lower charge transfer resistance, and efficient catalytic ability for organic degradation (0.071 min−1 for 0.1 g·L−1 RhB). Various spectroscopic evidences display that Bi-O-Ti oxygen bridge bonds provides an efficient transport channel for photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, large specific surface area, and the built-in electric field of heterojunctions jointly accelerate the oxidation degree of pollutants. As high as 98.9% (0.1 g·L−1) and 55.9% (0.5 g·L−1) degradation efficiencies in 1 h, importantly, documented that the α-Bi2O3/SrTiO3 heterojunctions was competitive for the dispose of high-concentration [RhB] outlet water.

Enhancement in the therapeutic potential of lapatinib ditosylate against breast cancer by the use of β-cyclodextrin based ternary nanosponge system

The present investigation was performed to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of lapatinib ditosylate (LD) loaded nanosponge for the treatment of breast cancer. The study reports the fabrication of nanosponge by reaction of β-cyclodextrin with a cross-linking agent, diphenyl carbonate, at several molar ratios using the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method. The drug was loaded into the rightest nanosponge by lyophilization with and without 0.25% w/w polyvinylpyrrolidone. The significantly reduced crystallinity of developed formulations was established by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD). Morphological changes of LD, and formulations were compared by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) technique. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis were performed to establish the interacting groups of the host and guest molecules. It revealed interaction of the quinazoline ring, furan ring, and chlorobenzene functionality of LD with the hydroxyl group of β-cyclodextrin based nanosponge. Similar predictions were also obtained during their in-silico analysis. Saturation solubility and in vitro drug release studies revealed a 4.03-fold, and 2.43-fold rise in aqueous solubility, and dissolution of LD in the optimized formula (F2). The MCF-7 cell line study, too, revealed the higher efficiency of nanosponge formulations. The in vivo pharmacokinetic studies of optimized formulation illustrated 2.76-times, and 3.34-times enhancements in Cmax and oral bioavailability, respectively. Concomitant results were obtained during the in vivo studies performed using DMBA-induced breast cancer models in female Sprague Dawley rats. The tumor burden was found to be reduced to approximately 60% by the use of F2. The hematological parameters of animals treated with F2 were also improved. Histopathology of breast tissue excised from an F2-treated rat showed a reduced size of ductal epithelial cells associated with shrunken cribriform structures and cross-bridges. The in vivo toxicity studies also showcased reduced hepatotoxicity of the formulation. Altogether, it can be concluded that encapsulation of lapatinib ditosylate in β-cyclodextrin nanosponge has improved aqueous solubility, bioavailability and, in turn, therapeutic efficacy.

Process intensification of synthesis of metal organic framework particles assisted by ultrasound irradiation

This study synthesized UiO-66, a typical Zr-Metal Organic Framework (MOF), by using an ultrasound-assisted synthesis method to reduce the synthesis time. This method was short-time ultrasound irradiation at the initial stage of the reaction. As compared with average particle size of conventional solvothermal method (=192 nm), averaged particle size by the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method showed particle sizes that were smaller on average, ranging from 56 to 155 nm. In order to compare the relative reaction rates of the solvothermal method and the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method, the cloudiness of the reaction solution in the reactor was observed with a video camera, and the luminance was calculated from the images obtained by the video camera. It was found that the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method showed a faster increase in luminance and shorter induction time than the solvothermal method. The slope of the luminance increase during the transient period was also found to become increase with the addition of ultrasound, which also affects the growth of particles. Observation of the aliquoted reaction solution confirmed that particle growth was faster in the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method than in the solvothermal method. Numerical simulations were also performed using MATLAB ver. 5.5 to analyze the unique reaction field generated by ultrasound. Bubble radius and temperature inside a cavitation bubble was obtained using the Keller-Miksis equation, which reproduces the motion of a single bubble. The bubble radius expanded and contracted repeatedly according to the ultrasound sound pressure, and eventually collapsed. The temperature at the time of collapse was extremely high, exceeding 17,000 K. It was confirmed that the high-temperature reaction field generated by ultrasound irradiation promoted nucleation, leading to a reduction in particle size and induction time.

Synthesis optimization of ZrO2 nanostructures for photocatalytic applications.

This study aims to optimize the synthesis of semiconductor zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles for future photocatalytic applications in degradation of pollutants in wastewater under ultraviolet (UV) light. The synthesis procedure of ZrO2 nanoparticles was optimized by examining the effects of synthesis methods (ultrasound-assisted, hydrothermal method in an autoclave and conventional precipitation), reaction time (2, 6, 10, and 18 h), ambient pH (3, 7, 10, 13), and surfactant type (anionic, cationic, and non-ionic), on the particle size and crystal phase of the nanomaterial. The characterization of the synthesized samples was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), high-contrast transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. Consequently, to synthesize ZrO2 nanoparticles with the smallest particle size and monoclinic/tetragonal phase, the experimental conditions were optimized as ultrasound-assisted synthesis method, pH 10, and 6 h reaction time without surfactant. Moreover, percentage yield, particle size, crystallinity, monoclinic and tetragonal volumes of ZrO2 nanostructures synthesized under optimized conditions were determined as 39.40%, approximately 9 nm, 46.77, 79%, and 21%, respectively. It has been determined that the particle sizes can be kept under control by controlling the phase composition of ZrO2 nanostructures by optimizing the synthesis parameters. Structural and morphological characterization results can be correlated to the photocatalytic application, showing the potential of this material for the photodegradation of organic dye pollutants.

Quercitrin loaded cyclodextrin based nanosponge as a promising approach for management of lung cancer and COVID-19

Lung cancer and pandemic acute respiratory disease, COVID-19, are examples of the most worldwide widespread diseases. The aim of the current study is to develop cyclodextrin based nanosponge (CD-NS) for loading the flavonoid drug, quercitrin (QCT). This is to improve its solubility in an attempt to enhance its activity against lung cancer as well as SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. Preparation of CD-NS was performed by ultrasound-assisted synthesis method. Two CDs were employed, namely, β cyclodextrin (βCD) and 2-hydroxy propyl-β-cyclodextrin (2-HPβCD) that were crosslinked with diphenyl carbonate, one at a time. QCT loaded CD-NS revealed entrapment efficiency and particle size ranged between 94.17 and 99.03% and 97.10–325.90 nm, respectively. QCT loaded 2-HPβCD-NS revealed smaller particle size compared with that of QCT loaded βCD-NS. Zeta potential absolute values of the prepared formulations were >20 mV, indicating physically stable nanosystems. The selected formulations were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy which proved the formation of QCT loaded CD-NS exhibiting porous structure. QCT exhibited partial and complete amorphization in βCD-NS and 2-HPβCD-NS, respectively. In vitro release revealed an improved release of QCT from CD-NS formulations. The biological activity of free QCT and QCT loaded CD-NS was investigated against lung cancer cell line A549 as well as SARS-CoV-2 virus. The results revealed that IC50 values of free QCT against lung cancer cell line A549 and SARS-CoV-2 were higher than those exhibited by QCT loaded CD-NS by 1.57–5.35 and 5.95–26.95 folds, respectively. QCT loaded 2-HPβCD-NS revealed enhanced in vitro release and superior biological activity compared with QCT loaded βCD-NS.

Hydroxyapatite modified ZIF-67 composite with abundant binding groups for the highly efficient and selective elimination of uranium (VI) from wastewater

In this work, nanoscale hydroxyapatite (HAP)-modified ZIF-67 composite, HAP/ZIF-67, with abundant functional groups for uranium(VI) binding was synthesized via a facile ultrasound-assisted synthesis method. The prepared HAP/ZIF-67 was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, FT-IR and XPS techniques, and was applied to eliminate uranium(VI) from aqueous solutions under various conditions, i.e., pH, coexisting ions, temperature and contact time. The results indicate that the abundant Co-OH, -CN- and -NH- binding groups originating from the ZIF-67 and the Ca-OH and PO43- derived from loaded nanoscale HAP synergistically endowed HAP/ZIF-67 with the excellent U(VI) adsorption capacity of 453.1 mg/g, which is 2.55 and 1.78 times that of pristine HAP and ZIF-67. HAP/ZIF-67 showed high adsorption selectivity toward U(VI), and the U(VI) elimination efficiency for real wastewater by HAP/ZIF-67 reached 97.29%. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were well simulated by the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively, suggesting that U(VI) adsorption was an endothermic monolayer chemisorption process. The adsorption mechanism of U (VI) by HAP/ZIF-67 was dominated by surface complexation process. This work is expected to provide an effective strategy for developing HAP-modified MOFs absorbent to be used for the highly efficient elimination of radionuclides from wastewater.

Synthesis of biodiesel from waste cooking oil using a pulsed high-intensity ultrasound method

ABSTRACT Biodiesel is widely recognized as an environmentally friendly biofuel. The key to the industrial production of biodiesel is the cost of components, especially that of the feedstock. In this study, a green pulsed ultrasound-assisted synthesis method for biodiesel production is reported. The biodiesel was prepared from waste cooking oil by transesterification in the presence of KOH, a homogeneous catalyst, under pulsed high-intensity ultrasonic treatment. The effects of various experimental parameters such as catalyst type, catalyst dosage, molar ratio of oil to methanol, temperature, ultrasonic power, and ultrasonic pulse mode were investigated. The results demonstrated that KOH had high catalytic performance compared to a heterogeneous K3PO4 catalyst for the transesterification of waste cooking oil. The yield of biodiesel reached up to 91.5% in 120 min of reaction time under the most optimal reaction conditions. The reaction conditions included a catalyst dose of 3% KOH, oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:6, temperature of 55°C, ultrasonic intensity of 260 W, and pulse mode of 9 s on/1 s off. Kinetic studies were conducted to obtain the rate constants at various reaction temperatures. The kinetic rate constant was observed to increase with increasing temperatures, and the activation energy for the ultrasonic method was calculated to be 35.9 kJ/mol. Hence, this green method shows great potential for applications in biodiesel production.

Facile sonochemical synthesis of CdS/COF heterostructured nanocomposites and their enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Bisphenol-A

• The CdS/COF photocatalyst was fabricated by ultrasound-assisted synthesis method. • The n-p heterojunction of CdS/COF is beneficial to the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. • 0.5 wt% CdS/COF exhibits an excellent photocatalytic efficiency to degrade Bisphenol A. In this study, new CdS/COF heterostructured nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via a facile sonochemical irradiation method and characterized in detail with SEM, HR-TEM, XPS, Raman spectra, XRD, P-L-spectra, UV–visible spectra, and BET specific surface area. CdS were successfully attached to the surface of the COF (covalent organic framework). Furthermore, the specific surface area of heterostructured CdS/COF increased from 51 to 600 m 2 /g by adding different amounts of COF from 0 wt% to 10 wt%. The results indicate that the enhanced photocatalytic degradation performances of BPA by CdS are achieved by the addition of COF. In an irradiation time of 3 h, the removal rate of BPA increased from 40.61% to 85.68%. Furthermore, among the various prepared CdS/COF heterostructured nanomaterials 0.5 wt% CdS/COF has the highest photocatalytic activity at pH = 7 and dosage of 0.3 g/L. Besides, the main active radicals of h + and O 2 − are the significant radicals in the photocatalytic reaction for BPA degradation, which is confirmed by using radicals trapping experiments. Besides, 0.5 wt% CdS/COF has been demonstrated with the photocatalytic stability and reusability of degrading BPA by using cycling analysis.

Preferential intermolecular interactions in a racemic mixture of amino acid Schiff base, conformational structures in solid state, and DFT studies

In this work, we report the green synthesis of a Shiff base [N-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthylidene)-l-phenylalanine (1)] derived from an α-amino acid through an ultrasound-assisted synthesis method with excellent chemical yield in a short period of time.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of some novel 1,3,8-Triazaspiro[4.5]decane urea derivatives

Abstract Some novel 1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one urea derivatives were constructed under ultrasound-assisted synthesis method by the reacting of 1-phenyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one with different substituted isocyanates. This method has providing environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, short reaction time and greater selectivity under ambient conditions. The synthesized derivatives were characterized by various spectral data such as FTIR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis.

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4/ɑ-MnO2 nanocomposite for photodegradation of organic dye

An ultrasound assisted method for synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4/ɑ-MnO2 nanocomposite has been investigated. The synthesized Fe3O4/ɑ-MnO2 nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray Diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis. The photocatalytic property of the nanocomposite was tested by analyzing degradation of crystal violet in the presence of solar and UV–vis irradiation. The optimum conditions for the photocatalytic process were determined. Fe3O4/ɑ-MnO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst was easily recovered through magnetic separation. The reusability of the catalyst was also explored. The results demonstrated ∼100 % photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet dye under solar irradiation and UV–vis irradiation within 70 min and 50 min respectively at pH 9. The experimental data fitted well with Lagergren’s first order reaction.

Enhanced photoactivity of cerium tungstate-modified graphitic carbon nitride heterojunction photocatalyst for the photodegradation of moxifloxacin

Design and optimization of visible-light-driven photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants is an important step towards environmental decontamination. In this study, wolframite cerium tungstate (Ce2(WO4)3, (CW)) hybridized with g-C3N4 (CN) nanosheets was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route followed by an ultrasound-assisted synthesis method. The prepared Ce2(WO4)3@ g-C3N4 (CW@CN) heterojunction was investigated for photocatalytic degradation of the antibiotic moxifloxacin (MXF) under visible light irradiation. Structural, morphological, and optical properties as well as chemical composition of the as-synthesized heterojunction were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL). MXF photocatalytic degradation by the binary nanostructure (Ce2(WO4)3@ g-C3N4) (94.1%) was the highest compared to g-C3N4 (53.6%) and Ce2(WO4)3 (46.4%). Such enhanced activity could be ascribed to efficient suppression of the charge carriers’ recombination, leading to adequate formation of the reactive species responsible for MXF degradation. Furthermore, the Ce2(WO4)3@ g-C3N4 heterojunction showed remarkable stability over five consecutive cycles, with only 11.5% reduction after the 5th cycle. This work established the potential applicability of Ce2(WO4)3@ g-C3N4 nanostructures towards photocatalytic removal of MXF.

Efficient removal of uranium (VI) by 3D hierarchical Mg/Fe-LDH supported nanoscale hydroxyapatite: A synthetic experimental and mechanism studies

Abstract 3D hierarchical Mg/Fe-LDH supported nanoscale hydroxyapatite materials (Mg/Fe-LDHs@nHAP) were facilely synthesized by the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method. Various techniques for characterization, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurements, disclosed that Mg/Fe-LDHs@nHAP composites had hierarchical layered structure with large BET surface area (231.4 m2/g) as well as plentiful phosphate-containing and hydroxyl-containing groups. The results of batch adsorption experiments showed that U(VI) removal by Mg/Fe-LDHs@nHAP composites was less influenced by other coexisting ions, suggesting the high selectivity of U(VI) by Mg/Fe-LDHs@nHAP composites. The pseudo-second-order models and intra-particle diffusion model can well represent the removal kinetics of U(VI) on Mg/Fe-LDHs@nHAP, and the maximum U(VI) capture capacity of Mg/Fe-LDHs@nHAP reached 845.16 mg/g calculated by Langmuir model at pH = 6.0 and 298 K. The regeneration experiment demonstrated that Mg/Fe-LDHs@nHAP composites held good stability and reusability for extraction of U(VI). The removal mechanisms of U(VI) on Mg/Fe-LDHs@nHAP involved ion exchange, surface complexation and dissolution-precipitation by XPS, EDX and FT-IR spectra investigation. According to the XRD analysis, the absorbed U(VI) was finally formed into a chernikovite precipitate with a flower-like shape induced by phosphate-containing groups. The work indicated that the as-synthesized Mg/Fe-LDHs@nHAP composites are effective adsorbents for the removal of U(IV) in wastewater.

Application of magnetized MOF‐74 to phthalate esters extraction from Chinese liquor

In this study, magnetized MOF-74 (Ni) was prepared using an ultrasound-assisted synthesis method. This novel functional magnetic adsorbent was characterized using various techniques. Using the prepared material as adsorbents, a magnetic solid-phase extraction method coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography was proposed for determining four phthalate esters in Chinese liquor samples. The extraction parameters, including solution pH, adsorbent amount, extraction time, and eluent type and volume, were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, proposed method showed good linearity within the range of 1.53-200 μg/L for diphenyl phthalate, 2.03-200 μg/L for butyl benzyl phthalate, 7.02-200 μg/L for diamyl phthalate, and 6.03-200 μg/L for dicyclohexyl phthalate, with correlation coefficients>0.9944, low limits of detection (0.46-2.10 μg/L, S/N=3), and good extraction repeatability (relative standard deviations of 3.7%, n=6). This method was successfully used to analyze phthalate esters in Chinese liquor samples with recoveries of 74.4-104.8%. Two phthalate esters were detected in two samples, both at concentrations that satisfied the Chinese national standard, indicating this method has practical application prospects. The extraction efficiency of this method was also compared with conventional solid-phase extraction using commercial C18 cartridges. The results demonstrated that the proposed magnetic solid-phase extraction is a simple, time-saving, efficient, and low-cost method.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NATEGLINIDE NANOSPONGES

The objective of the present study was to produce extended release nateglinide nanosponges for oral delivery. Preparation of nanosponges leads to solubility enhancement. Nateglinide is a BCS Class II drug, having low solubility. So, to increase the solubility of nateglinide it is formulated into nanosponges. Nanosponges using ethyl cellulose as a polymer and dichloromethane as a cross-linker were prepared successfully by ultra-sound assisted synthesis method. The effects of different drug: placebo ratios on the physical characteristics of the nanosponges as well as the drug content and in vitro drug release of the nanosponges were investigated. Particle size analysis and surface morphology of nanosponges were performed. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy of nanosponges showed that they were spongy in nature. The particle size was found to be in the range 46.37 - 97.23 nm out of which particle size of the optimized formulation was 51.79 nm and the drug content was found to 79.43 %. The optimized nanosponge formulations were selected for preparing nanosponge tablets for extended drug delivery by oral route. These tablets were prepared using xanthan gum and PVP K-30 and were evaluated by pre-compression and post-compression parameters. The nateglinide nanosponges tablet formulation were studied for different parameters using Design Expert Software. All formulations were evaluated for in vitro drug release analyzed according to various release kinetic models and it was found that it follows zero order release kinetics.

Facile preparation of nanocubes zinc-based metal-organic framework by an ultrasound-assisted synthesis method; precursor for the fabrication of zinc oxide octahedral nanostructures

Synthesis of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials via ultrasound (US) irradiation involves shorter reaction times and offers enhanced control of particle size and morphology compared to conventional electric (CE) heating. Nanocubes of an interpenetrated pillared-layer Zn(II) metal-organic framework, [Zn2(NH2-BDC)2(4-bpdh)]·3DMF (TMU-16-NH2) (NH2-BDC=amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, 4-bpdh=2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-3,4-diaza-2,4-hexadiene, DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide), have been synthesized by US process and characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. The role of initial reagent concentrations and power levels of US irradiation and also reaction time, on size and morphology of nanostructure TMU-16-NH2 have been studied. Moreover, ZnO octahedral nanoparticles were simply prepared through direct pyrolysis of the TMU-16-NH2 nanocubes asa precursor at 520°C without any surfactant or capping molecules.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of high-efficiency Ag3PO4/CeO2 heterojunction photocatalyst

The Ag3PO4/CeO2 heterojunction photocatalyst prepared by an ultrasound-assisted method exhibits an enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure Ag3PO4, CeO2, and Ag3PO4/CeO2 obtained without ultrasound action. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis), and the effects of ultrasound on the physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4/CeO2 are discussed. Results show that the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method significantly improves the photocatalytic ability. The mechanism about the improvement was discussed in details.