X-ray Analysis Research Articles

Poly(allylamine)-adorned heptylcarboxymethyl galactomannan nanocarriers of canagliflozin for controlling type-2 diabetes: Optimization by Box-Behnken design and in vivo performance

In the past three decades, the prevalence of type-2 diabetes has arisen dramatically in countries of all income levels. A novel, most effective nanotechnology-based strategy may reduce the prevalence of diabetes. Recently, the shell-crosslinked polysaccharide-based micellar nanocarriers (MNCs) have shown great promise in terms of stability, controlled drug release, and improved in vivo performance. In this study, heptyl carboxymethyl guar gum was synthesized and characterized by ATR-FTIR, 1HNMR spectroscopy, surface charge, critical micelle concentration (23.9 μg/mL), and cytotoxicity analysis. Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the diameter, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency (DEE), and drug release characteristics of poly (allylamine)-crosslinked MNCs containing canagliflozin. The optimized MNCs revealed spherical morphology under TEM and had 149.3 nm diameter (PDI 21.2 %), +53.8 mV zeta potential, and 84 % DEE. The MNCs released about 63 % of the drug in 12 h under varying pH of the simulated gastrointestinal fluid. DSC and x-ray analyses suggested amorphous dispersion of drugs in the MNCs. CAM assay demonstrated the biocompatibility of the MNCs. The MNCs showed hemolysis of <1 %, 85 % mucin adsorption, and stability over three months. The MNCs demonstrated excellent anti-diabetic efficacy in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats, continuously lowering blood glucose levels up to 12 h.

Modulation of Properties in [1]Benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene Derivatives through Sulfur Oxidation.

This study explores the impact of sulfur oxidation on the structural, optical, and electronic properties of [1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (BTBT) derivatives, specifically focusing on 2,7-dibromo BTBT (2,7-diBr-BTBT) and its oxidized forms, 5,5-dioxide (2,7-diBr-BTBTDO) and 5,5,10,10-tetraoxide (2,7-diBr-BTBTTO). The bromination of BTBT followed by sequential oxidation with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid yielded the target compounds in good yields. They were characterized using a wide array of analytical techniques including different spectroscopic methods, X-ray analysis, thermal analysis, and quantum chemical calculations. The results revealed that sulfur oxidation significantly alters the crystal packing, thermal stability, and optoelectronic properties of BTBT derivatives. Notably, the oxidized forms exhibited increased thermal stability and enhanced emission properties, with quantum yields exceeding 99%. These findings provide valuable insights for designing advanced organic semiconductors and fluorescent materials with tunable properties, based on the BTBT core.

Supreme capture of Europium(ΙΙΙ) by silica-hyperbranched poly(ethylene imine) composites from aqueous solutions − A mechanistic study

Two bio-inspired variations of the sol–gel technique produced silica-hyperbranched poly (ethylene imine) (PEI) composite nanoparticles (NP) and xerogels (XG). Both methods are performed in ambient conditions and do not require toxic organic solvents or high temperatures. We have investigated the removal efficiency of trivalent europium by these two hybrid species in near-neutral aqueous solutions. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms, including data fitting with the pseudo-first and second order kinetic, and the Langmuir isotherm model are presented and discussed. Thermodynamic parameters indicate exothermic reaction (–180 kJ/mol for NP and –192 kJ/mol for XG, respectively) In addition, spectroscopic (Fourier Transform Infra-Red FTIR, Fluorescence Spectroscopy FS, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy XPS) and microscopic techniques (Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis EDX), as well as ζ-potential and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements, have been employed to evaluate the interaction mechanism between the surface active moieties and Eu(III). The extremely high and homogeneous dispersion of the amino and silicate groups of the composites has led to the highest capacity value (22 mmol/g or 3343 mg/g and 14 mol/g or 2128 mg/g for the two distinct forms of the nanoparticles and the xerogels, respectively) reported up to today implying a potential application for lanthanide recovery. The adsorption data along with the spectroscopic and microscopic indicate that the adsorption is well described by the Langmuir isotherm model and is based on the formation of inner- and outer-sphere complexes between Eu(III) the amine and −Si-O− moieties.

Synthesis, crystal structure, theoretical calculations, and corrosion study of thiazine[1,5]benzodiazepine

A derivative of 1,5-benzodiazepine, specifically 2-methyl-6-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-[1,3]thiazino[3,2-a]-1,5-benzodiazepin-1-one (TBD), was synthesized by a cyclization [3 + 3] reaction involving the 4-phenyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepine-2-thione and methacryloylchloride. The structure of TBD was characterized through various spectroscopic methods, including FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS, also it was confirmed by X-ray analysis. The corrosion inhibitory effectiveness of TBD for mild steel (MS) in 1 M HCl acid was inspected by the exploitation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic techniques. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were employed to study the adsorption behavior of TBD on the Fe (110) surface, providing insights into its inhibitory efficiency against MS corrosion. The simulations were also utilized to calculate the energy of adsorption of the inhibitor onto MS. A comprehensive theoretical investigation, employing density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6–311 G (d,p) level, was carried out to validate the experimental findings regarding the inhibition properties of the synthesized product and to elucidate the corrosion inhibition mechanism.

Superior adsorptive uptake of methylene blue pollutant by nanobiochar- impregnated-layered double hydroxides

Design and assembly of novel, sustainable, ecofriendly and low-cost nanobiosorbents by facile and green approaches are generally aimed to apply in remediation of toxic and nonbiodegradable pollutants from aquatic systems. Hence, the current study is directed to synthesize a novel nanobiosorbent by a facile solid–solid and microwave-assisted approach for direct impregnation of derived nanobiochar from pomegranate peels waste feedstock (PPNC) onto magnesium (II) aluminum (III)-layered double hydroxide (MgAl-LDH) for the generation of MgAl-LDHs@PPNC. This was initially characterized by several techniques to confirm the morphological and structural features. The particle size range was identified (13.47–41.78 nm) and the concluded elemental compositions were Al (9.49 %), Mg (19.33 %), C (25.4 %), and O (45.78 %) according to the energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The Fourier Transform-infrared (FT-IR) study denoted to several incorporated surface functionalities as –COOH, –OH, metal–O and others functionalities. MgAl-LDHs@PPNC exhibited a good surface area 275.57 m2g−1, while the zero-charge point was also detected at 6.0. Some experimental impacting conditions were testified and optimized by the batch removal system of methylene blue dye pollutant (MBDP) by MgAl-LDHs@PPNC. The concluded optimum conditions were figured out at pH 7.0, 15 min reaction duration, 25 mg nanobiosorbent dosage and 25 °C reaction temperature. Related expressions to isotherm and kinetic investigations were testified to confirm the most correlated experimental data to both Freundlich and pseudo-2nd-order expressions. Thermodynamic parameters were additionally computed to refer to the exothermal spontaneity trends in adsorptive reaction of MBDP onto MgAl-LDHs@PPNC. The evaluated nanobiosorbent is therefore, labeled with high stability to providing highly acceptable efficiency at 82.7–99.2 % (5 mgL−1) by the first-fifth regeneration processes. MgAl-LDHs@PPNC was finally afforded excellent removal uptake of MBDP (5 mgL−1) from real contaminated waters giving 93.17–98.27 %.

Phase identification and photophysical characteristics of vanadate-based nanophosphors for lighting and latent fingerprinting applications

Monoclinic structure-based Er3+-activated Ba2BiV3O11 nanophosphors have been developed via an easy and cost-efficacious urea-aided solution combustion (SC) procedure. Various spectroscopic and structural investigations thoroughly examine the produced powders. The crystal structure has been resolved by employing a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the Rietveld refinement practice. The developed powdered nanosamples are crystallized in a monoclinic crystal system with P21/a space group. Further, to evaluate the composition of elements and their relative distribution, energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis was performed. The band gap values for the host matrix and the optimal nanophosphors were measured using a DR spectrophotometer; the obtained values were 3.47 eV and 3.40 eV, respectively. The strongest excitation peak at 381 nm is closely-matched with the characteristic wavelength of commercialized near ultraviolet (NUV) based LEDs. The characteristic emission spectra of Ba2Bi1-xErxV3O11 (x = 0.01–0.1) phosphors show the strongest emission at 553 nm (4S3/2 → 4I15/2). Additionally, photometric parameters such as quantum efficiency (86 %), color coordinates (x = 0.2568 and y = 0.4551), and correlated color temperature (CCT = 7722 K) are obtained from PL data and are strongly advised for use in wLEDs, color displays, imaging, lighting, and latent fingerprint applications.

An electrochemical 3D platform using poly (alizarin red S) and magnetite nanoparticles for rapid recognition and determination of tryptophan enantiomers in whole blood samples

The construction of a simple and convenient electrochemical platform for the recognition of enantiomers is crucial for the life sciences and medical fields. Herein, a portable electrochemical 3D platform based on a carbon paste electrode modified (CPE) with poly (alizarin red S) (PARS) and magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) for the recognition and determination of tryptophan enantiomers from whole blood samples was developed. Several methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were used to evaluate the morphologies and electrochemical behaviors of the modified electrode. The synthesized magnetite nanoparticles are studied using SEM with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). Under the optimum experimental conditions, the current intensity ratio of d-Trp to l-Trp (ID/IL) was found to be 1.32 at PARS/Fe3O4NPs/CPE, according to the results of differential pulse voltammetry. Furthermore, the developed platform showed a good linear correlation between response current intensity and tryptophan enantiomer concentration, ranging from 0.001 to 0.2 mM. The detection limits for both d-Trp and l-Trp were found to be 0.3 µM. This study demonstrates that the designed platform is capable of rapidly detecting the enantiomeric ratio in a non-racemic tryptophan mixed solution. Finally, the proposed platform was used to identify the Trp enantiomers in human whole blood, confirming the effectiveness of the modified electrode in analyzing real samples. The electrochemical 3D platform is thus used not only to recognize tryptophan enantiomers but also exhibits a significant promise for practical uses.

The Influence of High-Energy Milling on the Phase Formation, Structural, and Photoluminescent Properties of CaWO4 Nanoparticles.

CaWO4 nanoparticles were obtained by facile mechanochemical synthesis at room temperature, applying two different milling speeds. Additionally, a solid-state reaction was employed to assess the phase composition, structural, and optical characteristics of CaWO4. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transition electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman, infrared (IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) reflectance, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The phase formation of CaWO4 was achieved after 1 and 5 h of applied milling speeds of 850 and 500 rpm, respectively. CaWO4 was also obtained after heat treatment at 900 °C for 12 h. TEM and X-ray analyses were used to calculate the average crystallite and grain size. The Raman and infrared spectroscopies revealed the main vibrations of the WO4 groups and indicated that more distorted structural units were formed when the compound was synthesized by the solid-state method. The calculated value of the optical band gap of CaWO4 significantly increased from 2.67 eV to 4.53 eV at lower and higher milling speeds, respectively. The determined optical band gap of CaWO4, prepared by a solid-state reaction, was 5.36 eV. Blue emission at 425 (422) nm was observed for all samples under an excitation wavelength of 230 nm. CaWO4 synthesized by the solid-state method had the highest emission intensity. It was established that the intensity of the PL peak depended on two factors: the morphology of the particles and the crystallite sizes. The calculated color coordinates of the CaWO4 samples were located in the blue region of the CIE diagram. This work demonstrates that materials with optical properties can be obtained simply and affordably using the mechanochemical method.

Bioaccumulation, biodistribution, and transformation of polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles in edible seaweeds

Seaweeds are recognised as a potential eco-friendly food source. However, some species have shown the capacity to bioaccumulate many substances of diverse nature, such as inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), which may have potentially harmful effects on them. Among these NPs, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used to enhance the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the final consumer products, such as textiles and food packages. Their potential release into the aquatic environment raises significant concern, increasing the probability of interaction with aquatic biota, such as macroalgae.In this work, we investigated the differences in bioaccumulation, biodistribution, and transformation of NPs as a function of seaweed species. We selected polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles (PVP-AgNPs) as model NP since they remain colloidally stable in seawater, focusing the study only on single particles and not on aggregates. The study was conducted on two different seaweed species with high commercial interest and value as human food: the red seaweed Palmaria palmata and the green seaweed Ulva fenestrata. Single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (spICP-MS) analysis showed high and similar bioaccumulation of PVP-AgNPs in both seaweeds, in the range of 109 NPs/g of seaweed. However, electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis demonstrated that their time-dependent distribution and transformation in the algal tissue, mainly dissolution and formation of sulfur-rich corona and/or sulfidation, highly depended on the seaweed type.These results indicate that special attention should be given to the presence and transformation of AgNPs in seaweeds intended for human consumption. Not only the dissolution degree but also the speciation of these NPs could heavily impact their bioaccessibility, bioavailability, biodistribution, and toxicity to humans after ingestion.

Facile sol–gel synthesis of trivalent Al3+-Gd3+ ions co-doped nanoscale cobalt spinel ferrite for magneto-electronic applications

The magnetic spinel ferrites nanomaterials simultaneously doped with multivalent cations have gained a lot of interest from many researchers during the last decade. Also, the doping of trivalent rare-earth ions in spinel ferrites is promising for many technological applications. Considering these facts, in this work we investigated the trivalent Al3+-Gd3+ ions co-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with nominal composition as CoFe2-2xAlxGdxO4 (x = 0.00, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.10). The sol–gel auto ignition route assisted by citric acid as a chelating agent was utilized to synthesize the series of nanoparticles. The Rietveld refined X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were analyzed to ensure the single-phase formation of nanoparticles with spinel cubic structure. The spherical-shaped grain morphology of the nanoparticles was indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The elemental analysis obtained by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) revealed stoichiometric formation of the samples along with high purity. The two prominent frequency modes analogous to the spinel ferrite structure were noted in the infrared spectra assuring the successful formation of all the samples. The soft magnetic behaviour with a lower coercivity of the prepared nanoparticles was confirmed by the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) technique. The DC electrical resistivity plots indicated that resistivity decreases with an increase in Al3+-Gd3+ co-doping. The dielectric studies of all the samples showed increasing behaviour with an increase in Al3+-Gd3+ co-doping. All the results suggest that the Al3+-Gd3+ co-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles can be useful for real-world applications, specifically in nanoelectronics devices.

Osteosynthesis by locking plate for proximal tibial fractures

IntroductionTreatment of proximal tibial fractures is known to be difficult. We report our own experience of the treatment of these fractures and evaluate our results. The hypothesis was that the clinical and radiological results were good. Material and MethodFrom January 2004 to October 2008, fourteen AO-type 41A2–3 and C1 fractures have been treated with a LCP locking plate (8 women and 6 men, average age 60.42). Plating was performed either with an open approach or a minimal invasive approach. Clinical and radiological follow-up was carried out looking for range of motion of the knee joint and autonomy level. ResultsMean follow-up was 32.63 months (12–70). Range of motion was maintained with a mean arch of 117.5° Autonomy was maintained in all cases. Professional, domestic and sports activities were unchanged. No infection or general complication occurred. Bone fusion was obtained in all cases after an average of 13.28 weeks. 6° of valgus deformation, already seen immediately postoperatively was observed once. Secondary displacement was observed in 6 cases, with an average of 2.83° Discussion-conclusionWe report good radiological results, with only one initial malalignment. The hypothesis was confirmed. However, X-ray analysis at consolidation shows 6 secondary displacements, without any satisfactory explanation. Though the clinical consequences of these malunions are minimal. Osteosynthesis with plate, in the sight of this study, yields good clinical results. Radiological evolution concerning the evolution of bone axes puts the emphasis on careful operative technique and adequate time to weight bearing. Level of evidenceretrospective study, IV

Carica Papaya leaf-infused metal oxide nanocomposite: a green approach towards water treatment and antibacterial applications

This study successfully synthesized ZnO–CuO nanocomposite using the hydrothermal method with Carica papaya leaf extract. The incorporation of the leaf extract significantly enhanced the nanocomposite properties, a novel approach in scientific research. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transmission Infrared spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis, confirmed a cubic crystal structure with an average size of 22.37 nm. The Fourier Transmission Infrared spectrum revealed distinctive vibrations at 627, 661, and 751 cm−1 corresponding to ZnO–CuO nanocomposite corresponding to stretching and vibration modes. SEM images confirmed a cubic-like and irregular structure. The nanocomposite exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity, degrading methylene blue dye by 96.73% within 120 min under visible light. Additionally, they showed significant antimicrobial activity, inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm) and Klebsiella pneumonia (17 mm). The results highlight the efficiency of Carica papaya leaf-derived ZnO–CuO nanocomposite for environmental and health challenges.Graphical abstract

Homoleptic nickel(II)-dithiocarbamates as potent homogeneous electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction: Effect of positional isomeric –OH group on electrocatalytic properties

Three positional isomeric homoleptic Ni(II) dithiocarbamate complexes having general formula [Ni(L)2] (L=N-benzyl-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl) dithiocarbamate (Ni-1); N-benzyl-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl) dithiocarbamate (Ni-2) and N-benzyl-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) dithiocarbamate (Ni-3)) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV–Vis., multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The single crystal X-ray analysis for Ni-2 reveals distorted square planar geometry around Ni(II), that is satisfied by four sulfur centers of two N-benzyl-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl) dithiocarbamate ligands. The nature of weak interactions in Ni-2 have been explored using Hirshfeld surface analysis, which suggest that the percentage contribution of O···H interactions is more than S···H interactions. These complexes have been employed as homogeneous catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction suggesting turnover frequency (TOF) of 566.2, 457.2 and 867.9 s−1 for Ni-1, Ni-2 and Ni-3, respectively on adding 30 mM trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Also, the overpotential (η) values for Ni-1, Ni-2 and Ni-3 are 0.862, 0.872 and 0.723 V, respectively. The variation in the electrocatalytic properties was explained on the basis of theoretical calculations which suggested that the para-OH isomer complex possess relatively larger HOMO-LUMO energy gap, compared to ortho-OH and meta-OH isomeric complexes and indicated the relative less stable nature of para-OH isomer complex and its better susceptibility towards electrons at a lower negative potential.

Mechanisms and elemental partitioning during simultaneous dephosphorization and reduction of Fe-O-P melts by hydrogen plasma

The major obstacle to render steelmaking more sustainable is undoubtedly the decarbonization of its process chains. Accompanied by this challenge, the scarcity of high-grade iron ores to be exploited as feedstock is a near reality. This creates a massive dilemma that will force steelmakers to produce green steel from low-grade iron ores. The hydrogen plasma smelting reduction of iron ores (HPSR) emerges as an attractive CO2-lean pathway to produce iron, where the ore is exposed to a reducing hydrogen-containing plasma (Ar-10 % H2) to get simultaneously melted and reduced. Here, we investigate the reduction of low-quality and low-cost model hematite ore samples containing 0.79 wt.% P via HPSR using an electric arc furnace (EAF). The dephosphorization mechanism of the ore was monitored by inspecting the evolving microstructure of the fast-solidified samples, condensed gas on the surface of electrostatic filters installed inside the EAF, as well as quantifying the corresponding P concentration in all constituents (i.e., unreduced oxides, iron and gas). We found that most of the P evaporates already in the beginning of the process (2 min) where the global O concentration in the melt varies from ∼29 to 21 wt.%. The remaining quantities of P, together with other minor gangue-related impurities (especially Si), allocates within the interdendritic domains of the partially reduced samples, as revealed by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and atom probe tomography (APT). Complementary thermodynamic modelling underpins the experimental observations, revealing that the evaporation of P is a thermodynamically-driven process, and it is dependent on the oxygen content of the melt. About 97 % dephosphorization was achieved, and only residual amounts of P were found within metallic iron domains, as revealed by APT and chemical analysis of the bulk iron (0.07 wt.% P). Our work aims at providing novel scientific-based perspectives in iron and steelmaking, permitting the production of clean and sustainable iron without the need for secondary metallurgical steps to remove undesired impurities.

A bifunctional catalyst from waste eggshells and its application in biodiesel synthesis from waste cooking oil

Improvement in biofuel synthesis technology could facilitate widespread utilization of biodiesel, and an efficient operation in terms of cost. Catalyst enhancement through mineralization of waste biogenic material is vital for biodiesel production. In this study, biodiesel production was from waste cooking oil (WCO) using a bifunctional catalyst synthesized from waste eggshells and ferric sulfate. The CaO precursor developed from calcined eggshell at 800 °C for 3 h was impregnated with ferric sulfate at a ratio of 1:1. The Bifunctional catalyst synthesized was characterized using an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The bifunctional catalyst was applied in a one-pot reaction of WCO and methanol to produce biodiesel. The reaction was modeled using the Taguchi orthogonal array design to maximize biodiesel production. The heterogeneous catalyst contained Ca (20.7 %), Fe (18.5 %), S (4.5 %), and O (54.8 %). The identified crystalline phases are CaSO4/Fe2O3 and CaSO4.0.5H2O/Fe2O3. A maximum biodiesel yield of 89.94 wt% was observed under the operating conditions of methanol/oil molar of 5:1, time of 45 min, temperature of 70 °C, and catalyst amount of 4 wt%. The reusability of the catalyst was established for (four) 4 cycles without further treatment. The synthesized biodiesel met the standard specifications. Hence, the synthesized catalyst proved effective in the transesterification of oil with a moderately high free fatty acid, thereby the bifunctional catalyst could expedite biodiesel production from waste cooking oil, and this biofuel could serve as fuel in powering diesel engines.

The Influence of Lanthanum Admixture on Microstructure and Electrophysical Properties of Lead-Free Barium Iron Niobate Ceramics.

This article presents the research results of lead-free Ba1-3/2xLax(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 (BFNxLa) ceramic materials doped with La (x = 0.00-0.06) obtained via the solid-state reaction method. The tests of the BFNxLa ceramic samples included structural (X-ray), morphological (SEM, EDS, EPMA), DC electrical conductivity, and dielectric measurements. For all BFNxLa ceramic samples, the X-ray tests revealed a perovskite-type cubic structure with the space group Pm3¯m. In the case of the samples with the highest amount of lanthanum, i.e., for x = 0.04 (BFN4La) and x = 0.06 (BFN6La), the X-ray analysis also showed a small amount of pyrochlore LaNbO4 secondary phase. In the microstructure of BFNxLa ceramic samples, the average grain size decreases with increasing La content, affecting their dielectric properties. The BFN ceramics show relaxation properties, diffusion phase transition, and very high permittivity at room temperature (56,750 for 1 kHz). The admixture of lanthanum diminishes the permittivity values but effectively reduces the dielectric loss and electrical conductivity of the BFNxLa ceramic samples. All BFNxLa samples show a Debye-like relaxation behavior at lower frequencies; the frequency dispersion of the dielectric constant becomes weaker with increasing admixtures of lanthanum. Research has shown that using an appropriate amount of lanthanum introduced to BFN can obtain high permittivity values while decreasing dielectric loss and electrical conductivity, which predisposes them to energy storage applications.

Effects of NaF versus SDF treatment on microhardness of artificial radiation caries at cervical and root areas.

This study aimed to compare the effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and fluoride varnish (NaF) on the Vickers microhardness (VHN) of enamel and dentin after radiotherapy and pH-cycling. Human premolars were cut longitudinally, embedded and serially polished. The VHN of enamel/dentin and irradiated enamel/dentin were evaluated. The irradiated specimens were treated with either NaF or SDF, subjected to pH-cycling then VHN test for 4 days. Consequently, they were subjected to energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Radiation adversely affect enamel VHN (p<0.05), whereas dentin VHN was not affected (p>0.05). After pH-cycling, a significant decrease in dentin VHN was observed on day 2 for all groups, whereas enamel VHN was significantly decreased in the control group on day 4. SDF-treated enamel demonstrated higher VHN than that of NaF on day 3. Caries prevention effect of SDF and NaF were observed on enamel, where SDF was proved to be superior to NaF.

Synthesis of UiO-66-Pyca-CuO by a Simple and Novel Method: MOF-based Metal Thin Film as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Synthesis of α-Aminonitriles.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly UiO-66-NH2, are employed as catalysts in many industrial catalyst applications. As converting catalysts into thin film significantly increases their catalytic properties, we report a general approach to synthesizing MOF thin films (UiO-66-Pyca-CuO). First, functionalization of UiO-66-NH2 was done with 3-pyridine carboxaldehyde by the postsynthesis method, and then, UiO-66-Pyca was entangled on the surface of copper oxide nanoparticles with a modern strategy (MOF thin film). The morphology and structure of the synthesized UiO-66-Pyca-CuO were determined by using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, elemental analyses of CHNOS, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We studied the catalytic action of the UiO-66-Pyca-CuO thin film in the synthesis of α-aminonitriles via Strecker reaction. Our studies show that this catalysis can be a suitable catalyst in the synthesis of α-aminonitriles because of having advantages such as using the solvent being environmentally friendly, easy separation of the catalyst (only by picking up the MOF thin film from inside the solution), the reaction at room temperature, high yield, and reusability.

Tailored solar collector coatings: Synthesis and characterization of CuFe2O4/PANI nanocomposites

This work successfully synthesized CuFe2O4 nanoparticles and CuFe2O4/PANI nanocomposites via a simple chemical precipitation method followed by in-situ polymerization. The main objective is to investigate the solar selective properties of these novel nanomaterials for solar collector applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize phase structure and crystallite sizes. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV–vis spectroscopy were performed to examine the morphology and optical characteristics of the nanostructures. XRD confirmed the development of spinel copper ferrite nanoparticles and copper ferrite/PANI nanocomposites with average crystallite sizes of 20.64 ± 4.04 nm, consistent with FT-IR and Raman results. Optical direct band gaps, estimated using Tauc plots, ranged from 2.7 eV to 3.3 eV for copper ferrite nanoparticles and reduced to 2.5 eV–3.0 eV with polyaniline inclusion. Reflectance spectra showed that CuFe₂O₄/PANI nanocomposites exhibited strong solar absorptance (αs) of 95 % in the visible spectrum and reduced emittance (εt) of 1 % in the infrared region, with a superior selectivity of 96.28 %. These nanocomposites can emerge as a novel class of selective coating materials with outstanding selective optical properties.

Design, characterizations, and antimicrobial activity of sustainable home furnishing-based waste fabric treated using biobased nanocomposite

Clothing and textile industries are major contributors to environmental pollution including textile manufacturing through garment production, spinning, weaving, and dyeing. In this context, the sustainability textile industry is a big challenge and contributes to serving a large segment of society. Also, textile wastes could be used as a raw material for added-value products. Herein, in this study, recycling of residues fabric was treated with antimicrobial nanocomposite to reach the best use of exhausts and obtain multifunction products of aesthetic via the technical design of the waste raw materials. Besides, solving the unemployment problem by opening fields for small industry projects capable of producing high-value textile artifacts, especially when treated against microbes, can be applied to home furnishings. The waste fabric was treated via green synthesis nanocomposite based on chitosan and in situ prepared ZnONPs and cross-linked with tannic acid. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using physicochemical analysis including attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Additionally, the nanocomposite and treated fabric topographical behavior were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attachment with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and images were processed to evaluate the roughness structure. Additionally, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were performed to ensure the size and stability of the nanocomposite. The obtained results affirmed the green synthesis of nanocomposite with a size around 130 nm, as well as the doped ZnONPs average size of 26 nm and treated waste fabric, performed a promising attraction between nanocomposite and fabric fibers. Moreover, the antimicrobial study observed excellent activity of nanocomposite against bacteria and unicellular fungi as well.