X-ray Mapping Research Articles

Impact of Ag concentration in As-S-Se chalcogenide on physical, topological and resistive switching properties

Physical properties of quaternary chalcogenide Agx(As40S30Se30)100-x, glasses were analyzed. Synthesis of the studied samples x = 6 - 9 at.% Ag was performed by melt quenching in cascade regime of heating. X-ray diffraction analysis verified amorphous character of the synthesized samples. Morphological characterization was carried out using a scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray mapping. The obtained results show that the density of the system increases upon silver incorporation in the glassy As40S30Se30 matrix, which is manifested through decrease of free volume percentage. Assessment of various physical and topological properties of prepared series of chalcogenide materials was done using theoretical models available in the literature. Specifically, compactness, average coordination number, constraint parameters, cross-linking density, floppy modes, number of lone–pair electrons are analyzed with addition of Ag atoms in the As40S30Se30 matrix. Average single bond energy and the mean bond energy were also discussed. The chemical bond approach model was used to study the cohesive energy of the studied Ag-containing As-S-Se samples. It is found that all studied parameters are dependent upon silver concentrations. Finally, the room-temperature memristive characteristics and compositional dependence on resistive switching properties in a wide range of Ag concentrations were examined in this paper.

Investigation of the effect of Ni and Cu variant MOF-74 in the Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) for efficient gas separation applications.

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been an emerging and promising membrane technology to contribute to different gas separation applications including carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) separation, because of their large surface areas and distinctive gas adsorption features. In this work, the fabrication process of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based MMMs was reported, in which 0.5 to 2 wt.% of each type of (Cu, Ni)-based MOF-74 variants were incorporated into a PDMS matrix in order to achieve high CO2/N2, O2/N2, and CO2/O2 separation efficiency. These MMMs and their nanofillers (MOF-74) were extensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) mapping, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), a single gas permeation testing system, and an ultimate tensile strength testing (UTS) unit in order to gain insight into their properties in relation to their gas separation performance. The 1 wt.% of both (Cu and Ni)-MOF-74@PDMS were selected as the most optimum MMMs due to their uniform morphology and enhanced tensile strength, which exhibited high CO2 permeabilities of 4432 Barrer (37.9% increase) and 4288 Barrer (33.5% increase), respectively. Furthermore, in the case of 1 wt.% Ni-MOF-74@PDMS, the CO2/N2, O2/N2, and CO2/O2 selectivities were also enhanced to 36.2 (141.6% increase), 3.2 (21.9% increase), and 11.25 (98.1% increase), respectively. While, in the case of 1 wt.% Cu-MOF-74@PDMS the CO2/N2 and O2/N2 selectivities showed an increment up-to 94.7 (531.5% increase) and 6.47 (145% increase), respectively, Whereas, at 0.5 wt.%, Cu-MOF-74@PDMS showed the best CO2/O2 selectivity of 25.26 (344.7% increase).

Deciphering the Morphological Origins of X-shaped Radio Galaxies: Numerical Modeling of Backflow versus Jet Reorientation

X-shaped radio galaxies (XRGs) develop when certain extragalactic jets deviate from their propagation path. An asymmetric ambient medium (backflow model) or complex active galactic nucleus activity (jet-reorientation model) enforcing the jet direction to deviate may cause these structures. In this context, the present investigation focuses on the modeling of XRGs by performing 3D relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations. We implement different jet-propagation models applying an initially identical jet-ambient medium configuration to understand distinctive features. This study, the first of its kind, demonstrates that all adopted models produce XRGs with notable properties, thereby challenging the notion of a universal model. Jet reorientation naturally explains several contentious properties of XRGs, including wing alignment along the ambient medium’s primary axis, development of collimated lobes, and the formation of noticeably longer wings than active lobes. These XRGs disrupt the cluster medium by generating isotropic shocks and channeling more energy than in the backflow scenario. Our synthetic thermal X-ray maps of the cluster medium reveal four clear elongated cavities associated with the wing-lobe alignment, regardless of projection effects, but they affect their age estimation. We show that the depth and geometric alignment of the evolved cavities may qualify as promising characteristics of XRGs, which may be used to disentangle different formation scenarios.

Synergistic photocatalytic activity of PbS/clinoptilolite in ciprofloxacin photodegradation: An experimental design study

PbS was loaded in clinoptilolite nanoparticles (NCP) through the ion exchange and precipitation processes (PbS- NCP). XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, X-ray mapping, and DRS techniques were then used to identify the samples. The pHpzc of PbS- NCP was estimated at 7.1. The boosted photocatalytic activity of PbS- NCP was observed toward ciprofloxacin (CPX). The influencing variables' simultaneous interaction effects were then studied by experimental design via response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal RSM condition run included pH 7, a catalyst dose of 1/5 g/L, and 4/75 mg/L of CPX at an irradiation time of 17 min. After four reusing runs, the catalyst reused and retained about 76% of its initial activity.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of praseodymium (Pr)-doped ZnS QDs such as nanoparticles for optoelectronic applications.

Praseodymium (Pr)-doped ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized using a low-cost microwave-assisted technique and investigations on their structure, morphology, optical properties, Raman resonance, dielectric properties, and luminescence were conducted. Broad X-ray diffraction peaks suggested the formation of low-dimensional Pr-doped ZnS nanoparticles with a cubic structure that was validated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM)/high-resolution TEM analysis. The energy gaps were identified using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and it was found that the values varied between 3.54eV and 3.61eV for different samples. Vibrational experiments on Pr-doped ZnS nanoparticles revealed significant Raman modes at ~270 and ~350 cm-1 that were associated with optical phonon modes that are shifted to lower wavenumbers, indicating phonon confinement in the synthesized products. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of all samples demonstrated that the pure and Pr-doped ZnS nanoparticles were three-level laser active materials. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and mapping study confirmed the homogeneous presence of Pr in ZnS. TEM studies showed that the particles were of very small size and in the cubic phase. The samples had high dielectric constant values between 13 and 24 and low loss values, according to the dielectric analysis. With an increase in frequency and a change in the Pr content of ZnS, an intense peak could be seen in the PL spectra at a wavelength of 360 nm, and some other peaks observed corresponded to the transition of Pr3+ . The produced nanoparticles were appropriate for optoelectronic applications due to their short dimension, high energy gap, high dielectric constant, and low loss values.

Long-term in situ X-ray diffraction studies on ordinary Portland cement hydration with correlative X-ray mapping

Long-term <i>in situ</i> X-ray diffraction studies on ordinary Portland cement hydration with correlative X-ray mapping

Geology and mineral assemblages of the early Cambrian black shales in the South Qinling: Implications for vanadium and barium mineralization

Early Cambrian black shales in the South Qinling (SQL) of China constitute one of the world's most important vanadium- and barium-metallogenic belts. It is controversial on the enrichment mechanics of vanadium (V) and barium (Ba) mineralization. The V and Ba mineralization in the Xichuan area from the northern SQL is mainly hosted by shales and chert of the early Cambrian black shales. We conducted mineralogy and geochemistry studies to reveal the mineralization process. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) studies show V is enriched in jarosite, illite and chlorite in shales. The jarosite develops as concretions or flakes and shows close affinity with apatite, with biogenic structures. EPMA and X-ray maps indicate a V heterogenetic distribution within illite and chlorite. Barite occurs as spots and veins in the dark chert and siliceous shale. K-feldspar in shales occurs as columns and flakes with inhomogeneous Ba concentrations. Calcite is intergrown with quartz and Ba-enriched K-feldspar closely in the shales recording the fluctuation of pH values in the diagenetic stage. An acidity environment favors silicification, and increased pH leads to silica dissolution and calcification along with illitization and chloritization. Slightly enriched heavy rare earth elements, positive Eu anomalies, and fluorite from the shales and chert suggest the hydrothermal fluid has existed. Compared with the representative V and Ba deposits associated with black shales worldwide, these deposits occurred synchronously with extinction or anoxic events as both V and Ba mineralization are redox-dependent and associated with organisms. These events could lead to the initial enrichment of V and Ba. Our study suggests that V and Ba mineralization is mainly associated with pH fluctuation in the diagenetic and biogenic processes.

Tandem catalytic hydrogen gas generation and reduction of nitro aromatic derivatives via hydrolysis of ammonia borane over Ag NPs@ZIF-8 nanocomposites in aqueous media

In this research, three composites composed of ZIF-8 metal–organic framework and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with different mole ratios were successfully synthesized. The fabricated Ag NPs@ZIF-8 composites were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The composite Ag NPs@ZIF-8 (1:1 mol ratio) was also characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Catalytic activity of the Ag NPs@ZIF-8 composites in tandem hydrogen generation from ammonia borane (H3N-BH3) and reduction of nitro-aromatic derivatives was investigated in one-pot reactions. The rate of evaluated H2 gas from the hydrolysis of H3N-BH3 by the Ag NPs@ZIF-8 (1:1) composite was measured to be about 198.9 (mL/g−1.min−1) in these catalytic reactions. Various derivatives of nitro compounds, including electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups were converted to the corresponding amines with excellent yields by this catalytic system in less than one hour.

Effect of Rubidium on Solidification Parameters, Structure and Operational Characteristics of Eutectic Al-Si Alloy

Modification of the eutectic silicon in Al–Si alloys causes a structural transformation of the silicon phase from a needle-like to a fine fibrous morphology and is carried out extensively in the industry to improve mechanical properties of the alloys. The theories and mechanisms explaining the eutectic modification in Al–Si alloys are considered. We discuss the mechanism of eutectic rubidium modification in the light of experimental data obtained via quantitative X-ray spectral microanalysis and thermal analysis. X-ray mapping revealed that rubidium, which theoretically satisfies the adsorption mechanisms of silicon modification, had an effect on the silicon growth during solidification. Rubidium was distributed relatively homogeneously in the silicon phase. Microstructural studies have shown that rubidium effectively refines eutectic silicon, changing its morphology. Modification with rubidium extends the solidification range due to a decrease in the solidus temperature. The highest level of mechanical properties of the alloy under study was obtained with rubidium content in the range of 0.007–0.01%. We concluded that rubidium may be used as a modifier in Al-Si eutectic and pre-eutectic alloys. The duration of the modifying effect of rubidium in the Al-12wt%Si alloy melt and porosity in the alloy modified with rubidium were evaluated.

Effect of graphite on the self-sensing properties of cement and alkali-activated fly ash/slag based composite cementitious materials

This study investigated the self-sensing performances of cement and alkali-activated fly ash/slag (AAFS) systems with graphite powders as a conductive filler. Graphite powders must be evenly dispersed through the cement-based and AAFS matrices to obtain an adequate electrical response. The effects of graphite fineness on the fluidity, mechanical, rheological behavior, and cement hydration of cement paste were investigated. The finer graphite was found to have less effect on the mechanical property but seriously damaged the workability. Therefore, this research explored using four surfactants including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), sodium salt of polynaphthalene sulphonic acid (NNO), and Triton X-100 (TX100) as dispersing agents for fine graphite in cement. The combination of NNO and TX100 was found to be the ideal admixture for improving the fluidity of graphite-containing cementitious materials. Furthermore, cement- and AAFS-based composites were produced with the graphite dispersions, and several tests such as electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX) map analysis, mercury intrusion Porosimeter (MIP), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to investigate their intrinsic characteristic. The results concluded that AAFS had a better conductivity than cement due to the higher porosity in the range of very small pores (<6 nm) and the higher ion concentration contribution. Finally, the self-sensing behavior of the mortars was investigated under cyclic loading, and the self-sensing mechanism was proposed. The sensing properties of graphite composite mortars under compression load can be attributed to the combination of ionic, contact, and tunneling conduction.

Simple synthesis of the novel Cu-CYA coordination polymer and its application as a green and recoverable catalyst for the asymmetric Hantzsch synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives

This study designed and fabricated a novel, Cu-containing coordination polymer system via a hydrothermal reaction of copper salt with cyanuric acid as a tridentate ligand. The prepared coordination polymer was investigated by XRD, BET, SEM, EDS, FT-IR, and X-ray mapping techniques. The prepared Cu-CYA coordination polymer exhibits good catalytic activity in the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines under gentle reaction conditions in short reaction times. Furthermore, this nanostructure afforded a few benefits, which include excessive yields, short reaction times, stability, easy methodology, easy workup, and greener situations. Furthermore, the activity of the recycled catalyst was examined for at least five cycles with a negligible loss of its activity.

Planophila laetevirens-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Optimization, Characterization, and Anticancer and Antibacterial Potentials.

Algal-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) opens the horizon for green and sustainable synthesis of NPs that can be used in many fields, such as medicine and industry. We extracellularly synthesized silver NPs (Ag-NPs) using the novel microalgae Planophila laetevirens under optimized conditions. The isolate was collected from freshwater/soil, purified, morphologically identified, and genetically identified using light, inverted light, scanning electron microscopy, and 18S rRNA sequencing. The phytochemicals in the algal extract were detected by GC-MS. Aqueous biomass extracts and cell-free media were used to reduce silver nitrate to Ag-NPs. To get small, uniformly shaped, and stable Ag-NPs, various abiotic parameters, including precursor concentration, the ratio between the reductant and precursor, temperature, time of temperature exposure, pH, illumination, and incubation time, were controlled during the synthesis of Ag-NPs. B-P@Ag-NPs and S-P@Ag-NPs (Ag-NPs synthesized using biomass and cell-free medium, respectively) were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and mapping, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and a zeta sizer. S-P@Ag-NPs had a smaller size (10.8 ± 0.3 nm) than B-P@Ag-NPs (19.0 ± 0.6 nm), while their shapes were uniform quasispherical (S-P@Ag-NPs) and spherical to oval (B-P@Ag-NPs). EDX and mapping analyses demonstrated that Ag was the dominant element in the B-P@Ag-NP and S-P@Ag-NP samples, while FTIR revealed the presence of O-H, C-H, N-H, and C-O groups, indicating that polysaccharides and proteins acted as reductants, while polysaccharides/fatty acids acted as stabilizers during the synthesis of NPs. The hydrodynamic diameters of B-P@Ag-NPs and S-P@Ag-NPs were 37.7 and 28.3 nm, respectively, with negative charges on their surfaces, suggesting their colloidal stability. Anticancer activities against colon cancer (Sw620 and HT-29 cells), breast cancer (MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells), and normal human fibroblasts (HFs) were screened using the MTT assay. B-P@Ag-NPs and S-P@Ag-NPs had a greater antiproliferative effect against colon cancer than against breast cancer, with biocompatibility against HFs. The biocidal effects of the B-P@Ag-NPs and S-P@Ag-NPs were evaluated against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus subtilis using agar well diffusion and resazurin dye assays. B-P@Ag-NPs and S-P@Ag-NPs caused higher growth inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria than of Gram-positive bacteria. B-P@Ag-NPs and S-P@Ag-NPs synthesized by P. laetevirens are promising antitumor and biocidal agents.

X-ray Maps in WDS and EDS: Comparing Low Voltage and Low Overvoltage Techniques on Intermetallic Phases.

X-ray Maps in WDS and EDS: Comparing Low Voltage and Low Overvoltage Techniques on Intermetallic Phases.

Long-term in situ X-ray Diffraction Studies on Ordinary Portland Cement Hydration with Correlative X-Ray Mapping.

Long-term in situ X-ray Diffraction Studies on Ordinary Portland Cement Hydration with Correlative X-Ray Mapping.

MXene nanosheets woven in polyacrylonitrile nanofiber yarns aligned spider web as a highly efficient sorbent for in-tube solid phase microextraction of beta-blockers from biofluids

The use of electrospinning has received much attention in the production of nanofiber webs due to its advantages such as flexibility and simplicity. The direct electrospinning of nanofibers in an aligned or twisted form and the production of nanofiber yarns can turn nanofibers into woven fabrics, which leads to an increase in the diversity of nanofiber applications and improves their end-use possibilities. In this work, a victorious nanofiber yarn spinning system was used with the help of a rotating funnel. Yarn formation was studied using a composited polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/MXene polymer solution ejected from two oppositely charged nozzles. Finaly their application for packed-in-tube solid-phase microextraction of β-blocker drugs from biofluids was demonstrated. The separation and quantification of analytes were performed by HPLC-UV instrument. The 3D-yarn PAN/MXene sorbent exhibited high flexibility, porosity, sorbent loading, mechanical stability, and a long lifetime. The characterization of the final nanofiber was carried out utilizing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray mapping, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. Various parameters that affect the extraction efficiency, such as extraction time, pH, ionic strength and flow rate of sample solution, and type, volume and flow rate of eluent, were investigated and optimized. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection were obtained in the range of 1.5–3.0 μg L−1. This method demonstrated appropriate linearity for β-blockers in the range of 5.0–1000.0 μg L−1, with coefficients of determination greater than 0.990. The inter- and intra-assay precisions (RSDs, for n = 3) are in the range of 2.5–3.5%, and 4.5–5.2%, respectively. Finally, the validated method was put in an application for the analysis of atenolol, propranolol and betaxolol in human urine and saliva samples at different hours and acceptable relative recoveries were obtained in the range of 89.5% to 110.4%.

Structural, optical, and electrical properties of cellulose/titanate nanosheets composite with enhanced protection against gamma irradiation

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as a promising functional filler in nanocomposites due to their unique anisotropy and resilience to harsh conditions. We report herein the use of Ti0.91O2 nanosheets as a protective component against γ-irradiation to cellulose paper. The titanate nanosheets were prepared via a sequence of solid-state synthesis of lepidocrocite-type Cs0.7Ti1.825O4, proton exchange to H0.7Ti1.825O4·H2O, and exfoliation with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide. The nanosheets were incorporated into the commercial cellulose filter paper by a simple dip coating up to 0.6 mg cm−2, equivalent to 10 wt% TiO2. The nanosheets distribution was demonstrated by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is found that γ-irradiation (up to 50 kGy) destroyed the cellulose Iβ crystallinity of uncoated paper, but this is less pronounced in the cellulose/titanate nanosheets composite. This was also confirmed by the lack of a 235 nm-absorption characteristics of irradiation-induced decomposition product(s) in nanosheets-containing papers, which also exhibit UVA shielding property. The coated samples remained white while the uncoated ones were darkened with γ-irradiation. In addition, the nanosheets-coated papers showed dielectric permittivity, loss tangent, and AC conductivity which were invariant of the γ-dose, unlike those from the uncoated ones. Our work demonstrates the use of lead-free Ti0.91O2 nanosheets as a γ-shielding component to slow down/prevent structural, optical, and electrical properties damages in cellulose paper, which could extend to other nature-derived materials.

Europium metal-organic frameworks: Synthesis, characterization, and application as fluorescence sensors for the detection of Cu2+, Ni2+ cations and T3, T4 hormones

The solvothermal approach was used to create a novel Eu metal-organic framework (Eu-MOF) based on 1,4-benzendicarboxylic acid (TPA), 1,10-phenanthroline, and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)/H2O. Structural analysis of Eu-MOF, Fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) methods. Using the fluorescence properties of the synthesized Eu-MOF, its use as a fluorescence sensor in the determination of different analytes, such as organic molecules (T3-T4 hormone, ascorbic acid, and glucose) and metal ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Ni2+, Cr3+, Al3+, Fe3+), was investigated. Fluorescence experiments revealed that Cu2+, Ni2+ cations, as well as T3 and T4 hormones, quenched the fluorescence of Eu-MOF. Turn-off luminescence can be induced by 10 μM Cu2+, 30 μM Ni2+ cations, 500 nM T3, and 800 nM T4 hormones. Fluorescence quenching efficiencies were calculated for Cu2+, Ni2+, T3, and T4 99.7%, 99.6%, 98.7%, and 98.2%, respectively.

High-Resolution Cathodoluminescence Images of Igneous and Metamorphic Monazite.

Monazite is one of the most important dating accessory minerals for deciphering geological processes. The growth history of monazite can be identified by its internal structure; thus, high-resolution imaging is necessary for in situ U-Th-Pb dating. In this study, cathodoluminescence (CL) techniques were optimized via the key parameters of working distance, accelerating voltage, and beam current and were then applied to monazites from igneous and metamorphic rocks. The CL images of igneous monazites show concentric oscillatory zoning, whereas those of metamorphic monazites clearly show homogeneous, patchy, or core-rim structures. CL imaging is a more effective approach than back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging for the observation of the internal structure of monazite and may yield additional information. CL can add to the interpretation of X-ray maps and the two techniques that may complement each other. The CL spectra of monazite consist of broad peaks and sets of narrow emission rare earth element 3+ (REE3+) peaks (Gd3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, and Sm3+). The microstructures observed via CL imaging techniques can show a certain relationship between light REE (LREE) and U, Th, and Si in some igneous monazites and heavy REE (HREE) variation in some metamorphic monazites.

Performance and mechanism of simultaneous Sb(III) and Cd(II) removal from water by Fe-Mn binary oxide/bone char.

A novel Fe-Mn binary oxide (FMBO)/bone char composite (FMBC) was synthesized and utilized to simultaneously adsorb Sb(III) and Cd(II) from aqueous phase in this study. The successful loading of Fe-Mn binary oxide on the bone char surface was revealed by the results of scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction patterns, and energy dispersive spectroscopy of FMBC. The FMBC exhibited remarkable ability of simultaneous removing Sb(III) and Cd(II) from aqueous, and the presence of Cd(II) enhanced Langmuir theoretical maximum adsorption capacity for Sb(III) significantly from 67.8 to 209.0mg/g. Besides, FMBC could efficiently remove Sb(III) and Cd(II) in the wide initial pH range of 2-7. The influences of ionic strength, co-existing anions, humic acid, and temperature on the adsorption of Sb(III) and Cd(II), and the application potential of FMBC in actual groundwater were investigated. The main mechanisms of Sb(III) and Cd(II) adsorption onto FMBC involved redox, electrostatic interaction, surface complexation, ion exchange, and precipitation. The result of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mapping spectrum analysis revealed that Mn(III) on FMBC played the key role in the Sb(III) oxidation, while FeOOH worked as the adsorption sites of FMBC. Meanwhile, the hydroxyapatite on FMBC also contributed to the removal of Cd(II). The presence of Cd(II) not only increased the positive charge on the surface of FMBC but also formed the Fe-Sb-Cd ternary complex, promoting the removal of Sb. This work provides valuable information for the application of FMBO/bone char as a cost-effective adsorbent to remediate co-pollution of Sb(III) and Cd(II) in aqueous environment.

Nanohybrid of antimonene@Ti3C2Tx-based electrochemical aptasensor for lead detection

Lead ions (Pb2+), as one of many common heavy metallic environmental pollutants, can cause serious side-effects and result in chronic poisoning to people's health, so it is highly significant to monitor Pb2+ efficiently and sensitively. Here, we proposed an antimonene@Ti3C2Tx nanohybrid-based electrochemical aptamer sensor (aptasensor) for high sensitive Pb2+ determination. The sensing platform of nanohybrid was synthesized by ultrasonication, possessing the advantages of both antimonene and Ti3C2Tx, which not only can vastly enlarge the sensing signal of the proposed aptasensor, but also greatly simplified its manufacturing flow, because antimonene can strongly interact with aptamer through noncovalently bound. The surface morphology and microarchitecture of the nanohybrid were perused by several methods such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray mapping spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscope (AFM). Under optimal empirical conditions, the proposed aptasensor exhibited a wide linear correlation of the current signals with the logarithm of CPb2+ (Log CPb2+) over the span from 1 × 10−12 to 1 × 10−7 M and provided a trace discernment limit of 3.3 × 10−13 M. Moreover, the constructed aptasensor displayed superior repeatability, great consistency, eminent selectivity, and beneficial reproducibility, implying its extreme potential application for water quality control and the environmental monitoring of Pb2+.