X-ray Diffractogram Analysis Research Articles

Physical and enhanced photocatalytic MO dye degradation behaviour of Zn doped β-Ga2O3 microrods

This work explored the effects of Zn doping on the structural, micrographic, optical and photocatalytic behaviour of gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) microrods. The X-ray diffractogram (XRD) and Raman spectral analyses confirmed the monoclinic structure of β-Ga2O3, with a shift to lower angles in the XRD pattern indicating Zn incorporation into the Ga2O3 lattice. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed a rod-like shape, with the diameter decreasing from 604 nm to 573 nm with Zn doping. Further analysis using TEM, HR-TEM, SAED, EDX, and elemental mapping confirmed the shape, crystallinity, crystal structure, and elemental distribution. The interplanar spacings were measured as 0.4 and 0.2 nm, corresponding to the (002) and (−311) planes of β-Ga2O3. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS) showed a slight shift in the absorption edge, while photoluminescence (PL) analysis demonstrated strong UV and weak visible light emission. Photocatalytic results revealed a high efficiency of dye degradation,(i.e) 98 % (20 ppm) and 89 % (30 ppm) against methyl orange (MO) dye aqueous solution over 150 min, with a rate constant of 0.02/min and 0.01/min, respectively for 1.5 wt% Zn doping. This suggests that the Zn-doped material holds promise as a photocatalyst for wastewater treatment applications.

Characterization of extracted alpha cellulose from Manihot esculenta (cassava) peels as formulation aid for paracetamol tablet

Background: Alpha-cellulose as a pharmaceutical excipient can be employed as a binding agent in tablet formulation. Cassava peels husk are waste agricultural material and is being investigated for its α-cellulose for use in oral solid pharmaceutical formulation. Purpose: The objective of this study is to extract α-cellulose from cassava peels agro-industrial waste using a standard method, subject the extracted cassava peels cellulose and determine its phytochemical and physicochemical properties of formulated granules of paracetamol. Methods: Alpha-cellulose from cassava peel was extracted using alkali method. The fresh peels were prepared, milled into slurry and de-watered to obtain a coarse wet material, dried, milled and sieved to obtain very fine powdered particles. Phytochemical analysis and characterization of extracted α-cellulose powder were determined. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron micrographs (SEM), and x-ray diffractogram (XRD) analysis of extracted cassava peel cellulose were done. Paracetamol granules was prepared by wet granulation using varying concentrations of the binders. Results: DSC and XRD results revealed a semi-crystalline material with amorphous and crystalline regions. while the SEM showed a lumpy structure and reticular shape. Pre-compression evaluations of the formulated batches of paracetamol granules showed that cassava peels cellulose (CPC) have similar flow properties with those of microcrystalline cellulose BP (MCC) and acacia BP (ACA) powders respectively. The granules have free flow properties with average angles of repose (CPC ≤ 27.60 MCC < 26.90 and ACA ≤ 25.60), compressibility index (CPC ≤ 25, MCC ≤ 23 and ACA ≤ 21.7%), Hausner’s ratio (CPC ≤ 1.32, MCC ≤ 1.31, and ACA ≤ 1.27) respectively. Conclusion: The extracted cassava peel α-cellulose was found ideal as pharmaceutical excipient binder in oral solid dosage forms.

Enhanced magnetic behavior of LaFeO3 by co-doping with Nd3+ and V5+ substitution (La0.8Nd0.2Fe0.95V0.05O3)

To enhance the quality of applications of LaFeO3 (LFO) as a magnetoelectric multiferroic through the improvement of magnetic behaviour, co-doping of Nd3+ (20 %) and V5+ (5 %) was considered for partial substitution in place of La3+ and Fe3+, respectively. Co-doped sample of La0.8Nd0.2Fe0.95V0.05O3 (LNFVO) was prepared by solid state reaction method. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffractograms confirmed the formation as well as successful incorporation of dopants (Nd3+ and V5+) in La3+ and Fe3+ sites of the distorted perovskite structure with Pbnm space group. Morphological features including information related to crystallographic phase were examined by TEM. Distortion due to co-doping helped to achieve the stated objectives. Valence states of dopants and host cations were explored by analyzing XPS observations. Detailed magnetic measurements in the temperature range starting from 300 K down to 2 K suggested that magnetic property was drastically enhanced compared to that of the undoped, which was attributed to mismatch of valence states, ionic diameters etc. between dopants with host cations. The doped sample showed antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition at and below 19 K. All such findings related to magnetic property would be quite attractive for the improvement of multiferroic applications as the low value of magnetization of pristine sample of LFO restrict it to become a good magnetoelectric multiferroic.

Unlocking the potential of multicomponent mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles: An approach to enhanced ion therapy

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of a multicomponent mesoporous bioactive glass (MMBG) derived from the composition of 58S glass modified with copper, zinc, and boron. Morphological data revealed the presence of spherical particles with an average size of 616 nm and a specific surface area of 295 m2·g−1. X-ray diffractogram analysis confirmed the lack of long-range order in the MMBG, indicating the presence of a disordered vitreous structure characteristic of glass. The structural scenario of the bioactive glass MMBG reveals a characteristic configuration of borosilicate glasses, where the [BO4] polyhedra, along with SiO4 tetrahedra, constitute the backbone of the glassy matrix. Concerning zinc and copper ions, they function similarly to calcium in compensating for the remaining negative charges within the borosilicate network, behaving as typical network-modifying ions. The presence of these heavy ions, coupled with the formation of the borosilicate network in MMBG, led to a 20 % increase in density compared to 58S glass. Additionally, alterations in the chemical composition and structure of MMBG resulted in a reduction in molar volume compared to 58S, indicating a decrease in the volume occupied by one mole of oxygen in the glass matrix, thereby increasing the oxygen packing density. The pH studies reveal that changes in the chemical composition of MMBG did not compromise its chemical reactivity in aqueous environments. The capability of MMBG glass to act as a bioactive agent for ion therapy is evidenced by its ability to deliver Zn and Cu ions, as substantiated by the gradual disappearance of absorption in wavenumber range of 690–470 cm−1, attributed to the vibration of Zn-O and Cu-O bonds. Preliminary in vitro assay for bioactivity in SBF revealed that the formation of apatite layer on the surface of MMBG glass was notably thicker and denser compared to 58S glass. This result highlights the superior bioactive response of the MMBG bioactive glass, indicating its potential as an exceptionally favorable material for various biomedical applications.

Антимікробна та противірусна активність нанокомпозитів на основі поліелектролітних комплексів з наночастинками срібла

Recently, nanocomposite materials containing nanoparticles of metals such as silver, copper and zinc oxide have attracted most attention due to their pronounced pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory ability and high stability in extreme conditions. Polyelectrolyte complexes based on polymers of natural origin, namely polysaccharides of chitosan and pectin, which can stabilize nanoparticles of a smaller size than individual polymers have significant potential for creation of silver-containing nanocomposites. The aim of this article is to study the antimicrobial and antiviral activity of silver-containing nanocomposites based on polyelectrolyte complexes. Methods. Peculiarities of the structural organization of silver-containing nanocomposites were investigated by the method of wide-angle scattering on an XRD-7000 diffractometer. The morphology of Ag nanoparticles in polymer matrixes were studied by transmission electron microscopy method (transmission electron microscope JEOL 100 CXII). The antimicrobial activity of silver-containing nanocomposites was determined by agar diffusion assays against opportunistic pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity were investigated using the MTT method and staining by gentian violet. Results. Analysis of wide-angle X-ray diffractograms of silver-containing nanocomposites based on polyelectrolyte complexes Na-CMC (pectin) – chitosan showed that at reduction of Ag+ ions to metallic silver, there are two low-intensity diffraction maxima at 2θm ~ 380 and 440 in the diffractograms. These maxima correspond to the crystallographic planes of the face-centered cubic lattice of silver, are characterized by indices (111) and (200), respectively, and confirm the presence of metallic silver in the polymer system. Analysis of micrographs of silver-containing nanocomposites based on Na-CMC and chitosan showed that larger nanoparticles are formed with increasing the molecular weight of chitosan. The dependence of the size of silver nanoparticles on the wavelength of ultraviolet radiation at reduction of silver ion in polyelectrolyte-metal complexes Na-CMC–Ag+–chitosan of low molecular weight was also revealed. In particular, smaller particles are formed under irradiation by light with a shorter wavelength (λ =254 nm) than at λ=365 nm. Silver-containing nanocomposites Na-СMC-Ag-chitosan and pectin citrus-Ag-chitosan, obtained by reduction of Ag+ ions under ultraviolet irradiation at a wavelength λ = 365 nm and λ = 254 nm, exhibit high antimicrobial activity against the test cultures of microorganisms S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa C. albicans. No significant dependence of antimicrobial activity on the molecular weight of the studied samples was noted: the obtained data were within close limits and had close values. In addition, no dependence of antimicrobial activity on the type of investigated test cultures of microorganisms was observed either. Nanocomposites based on Na-CMC-chitosan (λ = 365 nm) inhibited infection titer HSV-1 by (3.72–5.45) lgTCID50/mL, whereas the decrease in titer during incubation with samples based on citrus pectin-chitosan was within (2.39–2.42) lgTCID50/mL. A dose-dependent relationship between molecular weight of chitosan and reduction of infection titer was observed. It was found that silver-containing nanocomposites formed by reduction of silver ions in polyelectrolyte-metal complexes under ultraviolet radiation of different wavelengths had no cytotoxic effect on cells of MDCK and BHK. Conclusions. The investigated silver-containing nanocomposites based on Na-CMC (pectin)-chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes show antimicrobial activity against test cultures of S. aureus, E. coli P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans along with antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 and influenza virus. It was established that the obtained nanocomposites did not show a cytotoxic effect on MDCK and BHK cells. The obtained data allow us to assert that investigated silver-containing nanocomposites are promising antimicrobial means for the development of new effective strategies against microorganisms and viruses and improvement of the population health.

X-ray structural study of membranes based on Na-CMC and CS-Cl for water purification

The level of environmental pollution is increasing year by year. Solving this problem requires the development and application of new effective technologies and materials for wastewater treatment and processing of accumulated waste. One of the alternative directions is membrane technologies, in particular, the development of biodegradable nanocomposite membranes. Anionic polyelectrolyte – Na-carboxymethyl cellulose with molecular weight Mw ~ 90000 and cationic polyelectrolyte – low molecular weight chitosan were used to create these membranes. Polymeric membranes were formed by mixing aqueous solutions of chitosan hydrochloride and Na-carboxymethylcellulose in different ratios. Analysis of X-ray diffractograms of polyelectrolyte complexes showed that with a gradual increase in the content of cationic polyelectrolyte from 5 % to 17 %, the structure of polyelectrolyte complexes changes dramatically. Whereas, the diffractograms of polyelectrolyte complexes with chitosan content from 29 % to 84 % are similar. The effectiveness of the obtained membranes was tested on a barometric device at different pressures. It was established that membranes based on polyelectrolyte complexes with a stoichiometric ratio of anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes turned out to be the most productive. The degree of water purification was checked by indicators of color selectivity. The obtained results allow us to conclude that with an increase in the duration of purification, the selectivity increases

Fractionation and physicochemical characterization of dietary fiber of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed.

Kenaf seeds are underutilized kenaf plant by-products, containing essential nutrients including dietary fiber (DF), which can be potentially utilized as food ingredients. The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of kenaf seed fiber fractions extracted from kenaf seed. Defatted kenaf seed powder yielded four DF fractions: alkali-soluble hemicellulose (146.4 g kg-1 ), calcium-bound pectin (10.3 g kg-1 ) and acid-soluble pectin (25.4 g kg-1 ) made up the soluble fibre fraction, whereas cellulose (202.2 g kg-1 ) comprised the insoluble fraction. All fractions were evaluated for their physicochemical properties. The DF fractions contained glucose, mannose, xylose and arabinose, and a small amount of uronic acid (1.2-2.7 g kg-1 ). The isolated pectin fractions had a low degree of esterification (14-30%). All the isolated DF fractions had high average molecular weights ranging from 0.3 to 4.3 × 106 g mol-1 . X-ray diffractogram analysis revealed that the fractions consisted mainly of an amorphous structure with a relative crystallinity ranging from 31.6% to 44.1%. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum of kenaf seed and its DF fractions showed typical absorption of polysaccharides, with the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, acetyl and methyl groups. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the raw material with the rigid structure resulted in soluble and insoluble DF fractions with more fragile and fibrous appearances, respectively. The soluble DF demonstrated greater flowability and compressibility than the insoluble fractions. These findings provide novel information on the DF fractions of kenaf seeds, which could be used as a potential new DF for the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Innovative Method for the Mass Preparation of α″-Fe16N2 Powders via Gas Atomization

The iron nitride materials, especially α″-Fe16N2, are considered one of the most promising candidates for future rare-earth-free magnets. However, the mass production of α″-Fe16N2 powders as a raw material for permanent magnets is still challenging. In this work, starting from iron lumps as a raw material, we have managed to prepare the α″-Fe16N2 powders via the gas atomization method, followed by subsequent nitriding in an ammonia–hydrogen gas mixture stream. The particle size was controlled by changing the gas atomization preparation conditions. X-ray diffractograms (XRD) analyses show that the prepared powders are composed of α″-Fe16N2 and α-Fe phases. The α″-Fe16N2 volume ratio increases with decreasing powder size and increasing nitriding time, reaching a maximum of 57% α″-Fe16N2 phase in powders with size below 32 ± 3 μm after 96 h nitridation. The saturation magnetization reaches the value of 237 emu/g and a reasonable coercivity value of 884 Oe. Compared to the saturation magnetization values of α-Fe powders, the α″-Fe16N2 powders prepared through our proposed approach show an increase of up to 10% in saturation and demonstrate the possibility of mass production of α″-Fe16N2 powders as precursors of permanent magnets without rare earths.

Study of AC Susceptibility of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 at Different Frequencies

In the present work, the structural and ac magnetic susceptibility as a function of temperature at different frequencies of perovskite type La08Sr0.2MnO3 (LSMO) compound have been discussed. Conventional solid-state route was used to synthesize LSMO compound. Orthorhombic crystal structure with Pnma space group of the compound was witnessed from the analysis of X-ray diffractograms by Rietveld refinement. The real (χꞌ) and imaginary (χꞌꞌ) part of the ac susceptibility of the compound have been studied. The real part of magnetic susceptibility (χꞌ) of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 sample increases as temperature decrease. This indicates that the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic phase transition occurs. At different frequencies, i.e. 100Hz and 500Hz the Curie temperature Tc are 326K and 336K respectively. Peaks observed in the imaginary part χꞌꞌ) of magnetic susceptibility plot indicate the presence of sample inhomogeneity.

3D interconnected porous PMMA scaffold integrating with advanced nanostructured CaP-based biomaterials for rapid bone repair and regeneration

Bioactive scaffolds with polymer and nanostructured bioactive glass-based composites are promising materials for regenerative applications in consequence of close mimics of natural bone composition. Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a highly preferred thermoplastic polymer for orthopedic applications as it has good biocompatibility. Different kinds of bioactive, biodegradable as well as biocompatible biomaterial composites such as Bioglass (BG), Hydroxyapatite (Hap), and Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) can be integrated with PMMA, so as to augment the bioactivity, porosity as well as regeneration of hard tissues in human body. Among the bioactive glass, 60S BG (Bioactive glass with 60 percentage of Silica without Sodium ions) is better materials among aforementioned systems owning to mechanical stability as well as controlled bioactive material. In this work, the fabrication of PMMA-CaP (calcium phosphate)-based scaffolds were carried out by Thermal Induced Phase Separation method (TIPS). X-ray diffractogram analysis (XRD) is used to examine the physiochemical properties of the scaffolds that evidently reveal the presence of calcium phosphate besides calcium phosphate silicate phases. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) studies obviously exhibited the microstructure of the scaffolds as well as their interconnected porous morphology. The PMMA/60S BG/TCP (C50) scaffold has the maximum pore size, measuring 77 ± 23 μm, while the average pore size ranges from 50 ± 20 to 80 ± 23 μm. By performing a liquid displacement method, the C50 scaffold is found to have the largest porosity of 50%, high hydrophilicity of 118.16°, and a compression test reveals the scaffolds to have a maximum compressive strength of 0.16 MPa. The emergence of bone-like apatite on the scaffold surface after 1st and 21st days of SBF immersion is further supported by in vitro bioactivity studies. Cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility analyses undoubtedly confirmed the biocompatibility behavior of PMMA-based bioactive scaffolds. Nano-CT investigation demonstrates that PMMA-CaP scaffolds provide more or less alike morphologies of composites that resemble the natural bone. Therefore, this combination of scaffolds could be considered as potential biomaterials for bone regeneration application. This detailed study promisingly demonstrates the eminence of the unique scaffolds in the direction of regenerative medicines.

Structural, Morphological, and Dielectric Properties of Gd3+ modified LaPO4 Ceramics

Gd3+ modified LaPO4 (Gd x La1-x PO4, where x = 0.02, 0.04 & 0.06) ceramics have been prepared using Auto Combustion. X-Ray diffractograms analysis shows that samples exhibits pure monoclinic structural phase upto x = 0.04 without presence of any other secondary phases whereas in x = 0.6, some secondary phases appears. The FESEM micrographs show grain growth, densification along with compactness of grains whereas EDS micrographs confirm the presence of elements according to stoichiometric proportion. Elemental mapping gives information about uniform distribution of elements. The dielectric relaxation behavior of prepared ceramics confirms from Cole-Cole model whereas dielectric loss gives information about conductivity of samples which has also be confirmed from conductivity profile.

Inexpensive production of hydrophobic and corrosion resistant titania-silica composite coatings for deep water sandwich pipe applications

ABSTRACT In this study, a multifunctional coating that may be both hydrophobic and corrosion-protective for aluminium sandwich pipes for deep sea applications is developed using the sol–gel dip-coating method. Tiania/silica composite gels were synthesised via sol–gel synthesis, and coatings were deposited on aluminium sandwich pipe substrates using a lab-manufactured dip-coater. XRD (X-Ray Diffractogram) analysis of the as-deposited coatings on the aluminium sandwich pipe revealed anatase phase of titania and amorphous nature of silica with a broad peak at Bragg angle 25°. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy on the dip coated aluminium substrate revealed Si-O-Ti and Ti-O-Ti stretching vibrations at wavenumbers 906 cm−1 and 768 cm−1, respectively. Wetting investigation on the composite titania-silica coated aluminium substrate utilising the sessile drop technique supported the 123°Contact angle while interacting with a water droplet. Additionally, corrosion resistance examination on the coating was done using sodium chloride solution with salt spray test as per ASTM B117 and indicated no development of white and red rust on the dip coated composite titania-silica aluminium substrate.

Synthesis, structural, morphological and optical properties of environment friendly yellow inorganic pigment Bi4Zr3O12

This study reports on the structural, morphological, microstructural, electronic and optical properties of 5 nm (annealed at 300 °C) and 8 nm (annealed at 500 °C) sized nanocrystals of yellow inorganic pigment Bi4Zr3O12 prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion technique. Increase in the annealing temperature from 300 °C to 500 °C does not led to structural phase change but results in minor shifts in the 2θ position of Bragg peaks towards the higher angle side, which is attributed to reduction in the unit cell volume due to well crystallization. Phase pure formation and well crystallization of 8 nm sized Bi4Zr3O12 pigment in the fluorite type fcc symmetry in the space group Fm3‾m (No. 225) have been revealed first time by detailed Rietveld profile refinement of the X-ray diffractogram, FTIR, SAED and HRTEM analysis. The FESEM micrographs showed micro-flower type morphology of the rod shaped nanocrystals of the Bi4Zr3O12 pigments. EDS and XPS analysis confirmed the stoichiometry of the constituent elements present in the Bi4Zr3O12 pigments. XPS analysis evaluated +3, +4 and −2 oxidation states of the Bi, Zr and oxygen ions respectively and also rule out presence of organic species in the two pigments. ESR, Fluorescence and XPS analysis affirmed formation of oxygen vacancies in the two pigments. UV–Vis–NIR optical reflectance data showed marginal increment in the optical band gap upon raising the annealing temperature but 8 nm sized Bi4Zr3O12 nanocrystals have shown greater reflectance in comparison to 5 nm sized Bi4Zr3O12 nanocrystals. The photoluminescence spectroscopic analysis and CIE coordinates along with CCT values showed that yellow Bi4Zr3O12 pigment could be useful for optical devices and yellow pigment applications.

Structural properties and impedance spectroscopic study of La0.67Ca0.2Ba0.13Fe1−xMnxO3 with x = 0, 0.03 and 0.06 nanoparticles prepared by the self-combustion method for energy storage and microwave devices

In this work, we have developed a series of materials AFe1−xMnxO3 (A= La0.67Ca0.13Ba0.2) with x = 0, 0.03 and 0.06 by the self-combustion method using glycine and annealed at 1173 K. Analysis of X-ray diffractograms shows that these compounds crystallize in the same cubic structure with the same space group Pm3̅m. Morphology and EDS analysis confirm the presence of all the elements and attests to the purity of these compounds. Electrical measurements show that at low temperatures, these compounds obey Jonscher's modified law, whereas above 420 K they obey Jonscher's classical law. The adjustment of the Nyquist diagrams leads to modeling these samples at low temperatures by two electric circuits connected in series (Rg//CPEg) + (Rgb//CPEgb) reflecting the contributions of the grains and the grain boundaries. Dielectric analysis indicates high permittivity and low loss suggesting that these compounds are good candidates for use in the electronic systems industry and supercapacitor applications.

Recycled and Nickel- or Cobalt-Doped Lead Materials from Lead Acid Battery: Voltammetric and Spectroscopic Studies.

The active mass of the plates of aspent car battery with higher wear after an efficient desulfatization can be used as sources of a new electrode. This paper proposes the recycling of spent electrodes from a lead acid battery and the incorporation of NiO or Co3O4 contents by the melt-quenching method in order to enrich the electrochemical properties. The analysis of X-ray diffractograms indicates the gradual decrease in the sulfated crystalline phases, respectively, 4PbO·PbSO4 and PbO·PbSO4 phases, until their disappearance for higher dopant concentrations. Infrared (IR) spectra show a decreasing trend in the intensity of the bands corresponding to the sulfate ions and a conversion of [PbO3] pyramidal units into [PbO4] tetrahedral units by doping with high dopant levels, yielding to the apparition of the PbO2 crystalline phase. The observed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra confirm three signals located on the gyromagnetic factor, g~2, 2.2 and 8 assigned to the nickel ions in higher oxidation states as well as the metallic nickel nanoparticles. This compositional evolution can be explained by considering a process of the drastic reduction in nickel ions from the superior oxidation states to metallic nickel. The linewidth and the intensity of the resonance lines situated at about g~2, 2.17, 4.22 and 7.8 are attributed to the Co+2 ions from the EPR data. The best reversibility of the cyclic voltammograms was highlighted for the samples with x = 10 mol% of NiO and 15 mol% of Co3O4, which are recommended as suitable in applications as new electrodes for the lead acid battery.

Fabrication of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles under different spectral lights transforms physio chemical, biological, and nanozymatic properties

Fabrication of iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) with different spectral lights was carried out to unveil the effect of change in the wavelength of Photons. NPs were synthesized by co-precipitation technique exposed to different light regimes (dark environment, daylight, and colored lights (blue, green, yellow, and red) from light emitting diodes (LEDs) at room temperature. X-ray diffractogram (XRD) analysis revealed that the synthesized NPs were hematite (α-Fe2 O3) with rhombohedral structure while scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study demonstrate the spherical and nano-disk like surface morphology. An increase in the size of NPs from 20.61 nm to 28.87 nm was observed with the increase in the wavelength of light. The elemental composition and surface chemistry of NPs were studied from energy-dispersive x-ray diffractive (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra. Maximum free radical quenching activity and total antioxidant potential were found by red light synthesized NPs (13.72%, and 36.72 ± 1.06 µg AAE/mg, respectively). The dark environment synthesized NPs had the maximum reduction potential (20.20 ± 0.4 µg AAE/mg). The highest metal chelating and cation radical scavenging was observed by blue light (41.48%) and daylight (9.71%) synthesized NPs respectively. α-Fe2O3 NPs showed significant enzyme inhibitory effects on urease, lipase, and alpha-amylase. The NPs also exhibited intrinsic peroxidase-like activity. Green and red light synthesized α-Fe2O3 NPs displayed the strongest antibacterial activity (12 mm) against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. This study is considered a novel step toward the synthesis of hematite (α-Fe2O3) NPs under LEDs with specific physio-chemical and biological properties to be employed in biological, environmental, and agricultural fields.

Water treatment waste as supplementary cementitious material

The increase in demand for treated water causes the generation of waste from its process - Water Treatment Plant Sludge - WTS, to rise gradually. Alternatives are needed for the reuse of this waste in other chains, with Civil Construction being a segment that incorporates waste in techniques and products. This sludge is composed of soils that incorporate lime and aluminates in the phase of physical treatment of water. This work exposes the viability of using water treatment sludge with secondary cementitious potential, where sludge sample was calcined at 750 °C for three hours. Tests were produced comparing the finely ground calcined material with blast furnace slag. The results of X-ray diffractogram analysis showed that the material formed with calcination is metakaolinite. Thermogravimetric analyses indicated that the temperature plateau and the applied energy rate (calcination time) provided adequate dehydroxylation of the residue in the range of 507 °C to 580 °C. The effective pozzolanic was evaluated in the methods of Brazilian standards under the performance for compression with partial replacement of cement by 25%. The test results showed a high pozzolanic strength of WTS, close to the minimum standards required (90%) by the methods used, reaching 89% of the reference strength with the 100% calcined material sample and 92% and 96% obtained with WTS samples mixed with 32% and 50% of blast furnace slag, respectively. Demonstrating the technical feasibility of using the waste as a supplementary cementitious material in the incorporation of cement and in the production of mortars and concretes. The results obtained also expose that this waste can be used in low environmental impact concrete technology - LC3 for example, to be further studied in future research.

Investigation of Magnetic, Electrical and Optical Properties of Soft-Hard Ferrite Composite Synthesized by Sol-Gel Technique

Soft and hard composites of ferrites with compositional formula (NiFe2O4)100-x – (BaFe12O19)x (where x = 0,20,50,60,80,100) were prepared using sol-gel method. The samples were calcined individually at 900 °C and composites in the required proportions were sintered at 1100 °C in a conventional furnace. The coexistence of NiFe2O4 and BaFe12O19 composites has been confirmed by the X-ray diffraction studies and found to be without any impurities. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffractograms corroborates hexagonal phase with P63/mmc space group for Barium hexaferrite and cubic phase with Fd-3m:2 space group for Nickle ferrite. The surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the micrographs are observed to indicate well distributed grains in the exchange coupled composites. Grains of nano-size about 100–300 nm are formed for the composites. The magnetic properties have been studied by VSM and electric properties were studied by measuring the dielectric constant at room temperature. UV; FTIR studies of the samples are exhibiting fundamental absorption bands.

Influence of ionic liquid (IL) treatment conditions in the regeneration of cellulose with different crystallinity

In this study, we treated microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimmidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) to elucidate the effects that IL treatment conditions have on the properties of amorphized cellulose (AC). Analysis of X-ray diffractograms confirmed that after 20 min of IL treatment AC crystallinity was reduced from 77.7 to 57.1%. After 10 h of IL treatment, AC crystallinity decreased to 29.6%. Chemical and morphological changes in the regenerated AC were determined via FT-IR and SEM studies. The rapid transformation of crystalline cellulose domains into amorphous domains is linked to the small MCC particle size (20 μm) and the presence of a moisture-free condition during IL treatment. Thermal stability of the treated cellulose, as determined by TGA and DSC profiling, decreased as the crystallinity index decreased. The high tunability of cellulose crystallinity by IL treatment provides a facile way for designing more efficient hybrid bioactive materials for biomedical applications.Graphical abstract

Histopathological and hematological investigations of mice model inoculated with nickel oxide nanoparticles and bacterial pathogens: In-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial studies

The Paeonia emodi (P. emodi) leaf extract was manipulated for the phytogenic fabrication of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) for in-vivo and in-vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli: (ATCC #: 15224)) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus (ATCC #: 6538)). The surface area was found to be 78 m2/g andwas determined by the BET method using N2 adsorption–desorption data. The cubic geometrical shape of NiO NPs was confirmed through X-ray diffractogram (XRD) analysis, and the enumerated crystallite size is 22.37 nm. The microstructure analysis was carried out via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas the elemental composition was investigated by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The band gap energy of 1.93 eV was determined on the basis of the transmittance edge seen in the diffuse reflectance (DRS) spectrum. The surface functional moieties were identified by manipulating Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) value for E. coli (7.02 μg/mL) was found to be higher than that for S. aureus (3.51 μg/mL), whereas the dose-dependent in-vitro analysis was also carried out. In both bacteria, 3 × 107 CFUs was the tolerable concentration that causes maximum infection (no death) in mice. To explore the in-vivo therapeutic effectiveness of NiO NPs, 11 pm suspension was injected as the tolerated dose. The haematological and histopathological analysis discloses that the significant reduction in the bacterial infection was seen after the synchronous inoculation of NiO NPs and the bacterial suspensions.