X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer Research Articles

Efficacy of electrospun PAN/g-C3N4 nanofibers as a photocatalyst for the deterioration of hazardous azo dyes

PAN and PAN/g-C3N4 nanofibers were fabricated using the electrospinning technique. Meanwhile, g-C3N4 nanoflakes were synthesized using the thermal decomposition technique. The challenge of reusing powder catalysts was ultimately surmounted due to the use of dispersed g-C3N4. Characterization of the as-fabricated PAN/g-C3N4 NFs was performed employing wide-angle powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). According to morphological studies, g-C3N4 nanoflakes get uniformly decorated over PAN fibers with a greater specific surface area and smaller band gap than g-C3N4, exhibiting maximal uniformity in dispersion. Under solar light irradiation, PAN (71%), g-C3N4 (84%), and PAN/g-C3N4 nanofibers (95%) showed excellent photocatalytic performances for the degradation of Methyl orange dye (MO) in 120 min with 95% degradation. Similarly, PAN (61%), g-C3N4 (72%), and PAN/g-C3N4 nanofibers (91%) showed photocatalytic performances for the degradation of Congo red dye (CR) in 160 min with 91% degradation. This effective degradation was due to a shift in band gap with high porosity of PAN/g-C3N4 NFs compared to pure materials such as PAN and g-C3N4.

Mechanistic study of the effects of ultrafine grinding on the surface properties of anthracite coal particles and interface regulation on froth flotation under multifactorial influences

Anthracite, a valuable and scarce coal, typically requires systematic liberation for deep deashing, wherein the particle size reduces to the micron level upon ultrafine grinding. Changes in the physicochemical properties of anthracite particles induced by ultrafine grinding significantly impact subsequent flotation. Accordingly, in this study, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) system, an Opton IPCAS maceral analyzer, a high-sensitivity microelectromechanical balancer, and an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) were employed to investigate the changes in the physicochemical properties of the anthracite particle surface during ultrafine grinding. The flotation efficiency of ultrafine anthracite coal is determined by various factors such as the extent of sample liberation, surface wettability, and the state of inorganic mineral coatings. During the initial phase of ultrafine grinding, the comminution efficiency of the sample is high, leading to a progressive increase in the hydrophobicity. However, suboptimal flotation performance results from inadequate liberation. When the sample is liberated to an ultrafine scale, a higher degree of liberation is achieved. The particle surfaces become increasingly covered with inorganic minerals, accompanied by intensified oxidation, leading to a gradually reduced particle hydrophobicity that impaired the flotation performance. This study advances our knowledge on the mechanism by which ultrafine grinding alters the physicochemical properties of anthracite coal particles and affects the flotation processes. The theoretical framework of this study provides crucial insights for interface regulation in the preparation of ultra-low ash anthracite coal and ultrafine coal flotation.

Boosting potassium and sodium-ion storage performance by in-situ self-assembly of a Co-based π-d conjugated coordination polymer on graphene nanosheets

To obtain anode materials with good electrochemical performances in both potassium ion batteries (PIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), a Co-based π-d conjugated coordination polymer (Co-HHTP) is in-situ assembled on graphene (G) nanosheets using a facile one-step solvothermal method. The resulting Co-HHTP/G composite shows improved electrochemical performances over pure Co-HHTP. After 300 cycles of using as an anode of PIBs/SIBs for the first time, the reversible specific capacity of the Co-HHTP/G composite is found to be 381/277 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. After undergoing 500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1, the material's reversible specific capacities remain at 234/164 mAh g−1 for PIBs/SIBs. The improved performances of the Co-HHTP/G composite electrode are due to the incorporation of graphene. This incorporation not only reduces structural stacking and promotes active site utilization, but also increases electrical conductivity and structural stability. According to the ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) spectra, the Co-HHTP/G's energy storage mechanism throughout the process of potassisation/depotassisation is found to be linked to the aromatic rings presented in the organic ligands.

Preparation of magnetic core-shell Fe3O4@MBT-LDH composite and its application as an effective inhibitor for carbon steel

The core-shell structural Fe3O4@MBT-LDH was synthesized via the ion exchange method, with MBT (2-mercaptobenzothiazole) inhibitor ions intercalated lamellar ZnAlCe-LDH attaching closely to the Fe3O4 microspheres surface. The morphology, composition, structure, and magnetic properties of the composite were measured by transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The release behavior of MBT ions and corrosion inhibition performance of the Fe3O4@MBT-LDH under “no MF” (without an external magnetic field) and “MF ON” modes (under an external magnetic field) were measured by UV–vis spectroscopy, electrochemical tests, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). Calcinating the composite after the release test and redispersing the sintered products in MBT ions-containing solution, the composite was reestablished. Results showed that the Fe3O4@MBT-LDH possessed moderate MBT loadings amount (12.0%) and presented strong superparamagnetic properties with saturation magnetization (Ms) of 27.6 emu⋅g−1. The release behavior of the MBT− from the composite was sustainable and could be further slowed down by using an external magnetic field with changing the release mechanism. The release curve reached equilibrium with a longer time of 48 h and a lower release amount of 57.0% under MF ON mode than that of no MF mode with a time of 7 h and a release amount of 74.7%. The Fe3O4@MBT-LDH owned a good and long-term protection performance for Q235 carbon steel with maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency (ηe) of up to 93.30%. As a promising controlled-release inhibitor, it could be recycled and regenerated by simple treatment, still having high ηe higher than 80% and excellent magnetic properties with Ms of 21.47 emu⋅g−1 after five cycles. The corrosion mechanism for carbon steel was further analyzed by quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulation.

Preparation of Pickering emulsion stabilized by novel amphiphilic silicon quantum dots and its application in enhanced oil recovery

In this article, a three-step method was suggested for synthesizing amphiphilic silicon quantum dots (A-SiQDs) through a simple and mild reaction process. The A-SiQDs were used to stabilize the Pickering emulsion. The A-SiQDs were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The A-SiQDs had high interfacial modulus and can reduce the interfacial tension from 20.69 mN·m−1 to 1.97 mN·m−1. Moreover, A-SiQDs had the ability to alter the wettability of the core from oil-wet to water-wet. The Pickering emulsion stabilized by 0.2 wt% A-SiQDs can still maintain more than 70 % of the emulsion index (EI) after 30 days. And the Pickering emulsion exhibited excellent stability even at 90 ℃. It was found that the addition of salts can improve the stability of emulsion. The network structure formed by the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between A-SiQDs around the emulsion droplets results in enhancing shear resistance and stability of the Pickering emulsion. The Pickering emulsion flooding and microscopic visualization displacement results indicated that the Pickering emulsion can increase oil recovery by 17.9 % through reducing the water–oil mobility ratio and expanding the swept area. This paper proposes a simple and innovative method for the synthesis of A-SiQDs and also provides a new nanoparticle with better performance for stabilizing Pickering emulsion.

Preparation of a membrane-sealed cell for studying catalyst nanoparticles in flowing gas with high vacuum x-ray photoelectron spectrometer.

Here a sealing-style x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of the surface of a 1.0 wt. %Ni/TiO2 nanoparticle catalyst in a flowing mixture of CO and O2 at 1bar was performed with a graphene membrane-sealed Si3N4 window-based miniature cell. We report the details on how a commercial Si3N4 window is modified before assembling a graphene membrane, how single-layer graphene membranes are transferred from their metal supports to the modified Si3N4 window, how a modified Si3N4 window covered with a double-layer graphene membrane is assembled onto a blank cell cap, how a nanoparticle catalyst is introduced to the cell cap and then the cell cap is installed onto a cell body to form a complete reaction cell, and how a complete cell is interfaced with a high vacuum chamber of an XPS system before an XPS study of 1.0 wt. %Ni/TiO2 catalyst surface in a flowing mixture for 0.2bar CO and 0.8bar O2 is performed. How the characterization of a catalyst using this type of graphene membrane-sealed Si3N4 window-based miniature cell is relevant to the finding of the actual surface chemistry of a catalyst during catalysis is discussed.

The efficacy of ammonium ionic liquid to inhibit the parasitic process for Al-air battery

The main objective of this study is to determine how effectively the ammonium ionic liquid (tris(2 hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate [THMA]+[MS]− works in minimizing parasitic reactions during Al-air battery discharge. The findings obtained indicate that the use of [THMA]+[MS]− reduced the rate of hydrogen gas output during the immersion of Al substrate in the 4.0 M KOH solution. The effectiveness of the ammonium ionic liquid under comparable conditions is confirmed using the linear cathodic polarization method. The addition of [THMA]+[MS]− to a pure 4.0 KOH solution improved the anodic efficiency and capacity density of the battery. Aside from being a novel study for [THMA]+[MS]− as electrolyte battery additives, theoretical research were employed to analyze the mechanism and data interpretation. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of inhibitor-Al interactions performed with Forcite's Materials Studio module add to the data that ammonium ionic [THMA]+[MS]− may suppress the parasite process. SEM, EDX, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) tests for Al electrodes under different circumstances following battery discharge at 20 mA cm−2 support the performance of [THMA]+[MS]−.

The Fabrication and Property Characterization of a Ho2YSbO7/Bi2MoO6 Heterojunction Photocatalyst and the Application of the Photodegradation of Diuron under Visible Light Irradiation.

A novel photocatalytic nanomaterial, Ho2YSbO7, was successfully synthesized for the first time using the solvothermal synthesis technique. In addition, a Ho2YSbO7/Bi2MoO6 heterojunction photocatalyst (HBHP) was prepared via the hydrothermal fabrication technique. Extensive characterizations of the synthesized samples were conducted using various instruments, such as an X-ray diffractometer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, a Raman spectrometer, a UV-visible spectrophotometer, an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and a transmission electron microscope, as well as X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, a photocurrent test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance. The photocatalytic activity of the HBHP was evaluated for the degradation of diuron (DRN) and the mineralization of total organic carbon (TOC) under visible light exposure for 152 min. Remarkable removal efficiencies were achieved, with 99.78% for DRN and 97.19% for TOC. Comparative analysis demonstrated that the HBHP exhibited markedly higher removal efficiencies for DRN compared to Ho2YSbO7, Bi2MoO6, or N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, with removal efficiencies 1.13 times, 1.21 times, or 2.95 times higher, respectively. Similarly, the HBHP demonstrated significantly higher removal efficiencies for TOC compared to Ho2YSbO7, Bi2MoO6, or N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, with removal efficiencies 1.17 times, 1.25 times, or 3.39 times higher, respectively. Furthermore, the HBHP demonstrated excellent stability and reusability. The mechanisms which could enhance the photocatalytic activity remarkably and the involvement of the major active species were comprehensively discussed, with superoxide radicals identified as the primary active species, followed by hydroxyl radicals and holes. The results of this study contribute to the advancement of efficient heterostructural materials and offer valuable insights into the development of sustainable remediation strategies for addressing DRN contamination.

Structure Damage on Cotton Fiber via Coupling Effect of Moisture Regains and Low Temperature

ABSTRACT The most crucial variables that influence the characteristics and quality of cotton fibers during the cotton growth and ginning processes are temperature and moisture regains. Here the cotton fiber samples were generated with pre-treatment using a synergistic strategy of moisture regains and low temperatures, the morphology and structure of the fibers with different pre-treatments were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry (13C NMR). Further, the mechanical properties of the cotton fibers were evaluated using LLY-06E tensile. The results shown that, with 3 days of freezing in -18℃, the linear density variation of the cotton fiber samples reached maximum, and the surface of the fibers showed noticeable fractures, local holes, and folded damage. Moreover, the low temperature and high moisture regain caused the internal water molecules of the cotton fibers interact in complex ways, altering the intermolecular forces but without changing the chemical composition. This research expands the temperature field of cotton fibers, particularly in the ginning process, by investigating the damage to the mechanical characteristics of cotton fibers caused by the combined effect of low temperature and moisture regain.

Recycling of waste plastic combustion soot and diesel oil mixing to prepare a new collector to improve the performance of low-rank coal flotation

Clean utilization of soot pollution and low-rank coal has received extensive attention worldwide. In this study, soot from plastic combustion was mixed with diesel oil as a new collector (SPC-DO) to enhance the low-rank coal flotation. The flotation results showed that SPC-DO improved the flotation of low-rank coal more effectively than diesel oil, with a higher yield of fine coal and lower ash content. In addition, the results of the scanning electron microscope, contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements showed that the soot from plastic combustion has superhydrophobicity, and the oxygen-containing functional groups on its surface can interact with the hydroxyl groups on the low-rank coal surface to form hydrogen bonds, which in turn cover the hydrophilic sites. When applying SPC-DO as the collector, the soot from plastic combustion not only increased the hydrophobic sites on the LRC surface but also enhanced the adsorption effect of diesel oil on the low-rank coal surface.

Selective Hydrogenolysis of Furfuryl Alcohol to Pentanediol over Pt Supported on MgO

The catalytic conversion of naturally rich and renewable biomass into high-value chemicals is of great significance for pursuing a sustainable future and a green economy. The preparation of pentanediol from furfuryl alcohol is an important means of high-value conversion of biomass. The Pt-based catalyst supported on MgO was applied to the selective hydrogenation of biomass furfuryl alcohol to prepare pentanediol. By adjusting parameters such as catalyst loading, reduction temperature, reaction temperature, and pressure, a highly active catalyst was designed and the optimal catalytic hydrogenation conditions were determined. The hydrogenation experiment results showed that the selectivity of the 2Pt/MgO-200 catalyst for 1,2-pentanediol and 1,5-pentanediol reached 59.4% and 15.2%, respectively, under 160 °C and 1 MPa hydrogen pressure. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), CO2-temperature programmed desorption (CO2-TPD), and other methods. The characterization results indicate that the reduction temperature has a significant impact on the metal Pt, and an appropriate reduction temperature is beneficial for the hydrogenation performance of the catalyst. In addition, the basic sites on the carrier are also another important factor affecting the activity of the catalyst. In addition, stability tests were conducted on the catalyst, and the reasons for catalyst deactivation were studied using methods such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results showed that the activity of the catalyst decreased after five cycles, and the deactivation was due to the hydrolysis of the carrier, the increase in metal particle size, and the surface adsorption of organic matter.

Novel Anti-Wear Performance of Nano Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide in Boundary Lubrication Under High Temperature

Abstract In the operation of the machine, the tribological properties of the lubricant are apt to deteriorate with temperature elevation. Therefore, it is of great significance to seek a lubricant additive with good high-temperature tribological properties. In this study, the tribological performance of nano magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH) as a lubricant additive were investigated at 40–200 ℃ and the results show that the wear of the sliding surface lubricated by PAO10 with MSH as the additive is very slight. The worn surface was characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectrometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The experimental results display that the electrostatic adsorption between [Si4O10]4− released from MSH and steel surface contributes to the formation of SiO2 film; whereas ion exchange reaction between the phase transformation product of MSH in the contact zone and steel surface results in the chemical bonding Si–O–Fe, and the existence of the bonding facilitate the formation of the protective tribofilm with strong adhesion at high temperature.

Facile hydrothermal synthesis and continuously improved sonophotocatalytic performance of PO4-doped Bi2WO6 nanoplates

The doping of ionic group composed of various atoms can play a great role in regulating electronic structure, optimizing light absorption capacity, and enhancing the catalytic performance of semiconductor catalysts. Herein, we took a urea-precipitate assisting hydrothermal route for preparing PO4-doped Bi2WO6 nanoplates and discussed the effect of the ionic group doping on the sonophotocatalytic performance toward the degradation of pollutant. The result of the X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) measurements revealed that abundant oxygen vacancies were formed in PO4-doped Bi2WO6 owing to the incorporation of the ionic group, which would contribute to the regulation of electronic structure and activated carriers’ migration rate. The sonophotocatalytic activity toward the removal of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) was investigated under visible-light coupling with ultrasonic irradiation. The results showed that PO4-doped Bi2WO6 nanoplates possessed higher sonophotocatalytic degradation rate than pure Bi2WO6. More interestingly, the TCH removal efficiency was continuously improved over PO4-doped Bi2WO6 nanoplates with the assistance of the sulfate radical-mediated technique. Based on the comprehensive discussion and analysis, a possible enhancement mechanism of the sonophotocatalytic behavior was proposed for PO4-doped Bi2WO6 nanoplates catalyst in the presence of peroxymonosulfate.

Clozapine-laden carbon dots delivered to the brain via an intranasal pathway: Synthesis, characterization, ex vivo, and in vivo studies

Clozapine, which is widely used to treat schizophrenia, shows low bioavailability due to poor solubility and high first-pass metabolism. The study aimed to design clozapine-loaded carbon dots (CDs) to enhance availability of the clozapine to the brain via intranasal pathway. The CDs were synthesized by pyrolysis of citric acid and urea at 200 °C by hydrothermal technique and characterized by photoluminescence, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR). The optimized clozapine-loaded CDs (CLZ-CDs-1:3–200) showed a quasi-spherical shape (9–12 nm) with stable blue fluorescence. The CDs showed high drug solubilization capacity (1.5 mg drug in 1 mg/ml CDs) with strong electrostatic interaction with clozapine (drug loading efficiency = 94.74%). The ex vivo release study performed using nasal goat mucosa showed sustained release of clozapine (43.89%) from CLZ-CDs-1:3–200 for 30 h. The ciliotoxicity study (histopathology) confirmed no toxicity to the nasal mucosal tissues using CDs. In the rat model (in vivo pharmacokinetic study), when CDs were administrated by the intranasal route, a significantly higher concentration of clozapine in the brain tissue (Cmax = 58.07 ± 5.36 μg/g and AUCt (µg/h*g) = 105.76 ± 12.31) was noted within a short time (tmax = 1 h) compared to clozapine suspension administered by intravenous route (Cmax = 20.99 ± 3.91 μg/g, AUC t (µg/h*g) = 56.89 ± 12.31, and tmax = 4 h). The high value of drug targeting efficiency (DTE, 486%) index and direct transport percentage (DTP, 58%) indicates the direct entry of clozapine-CDs in the brain via the olfactory route. In conclusion, designed CDs demonstrated a promising dosage form for targeted nose-to-brain delivery of clozapine for the effective treatment of schizophrenia.

Musa balbisiana colla banana flower derived magnetic heterogeneous nanocatalyst for cleaner biodiesel production from jatropha oil

Banana flower has been used to create a very effective magnetically separable basic heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the production of sustainable biodiesel using jatropha oil. The potentiality of the innovative catalyst was assessed through the study performed by fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The magnetic nanocatalyst appeared as quasi spherical and core/shell structure, with a mean size of 19.47 nm. The catalyst's significant calcium (3.5%) and potassium (32.4%) contents indicates that the catalyst is quite basic in nature. With a catalyst load and methanol to oil ratio of 6 wt% and 9:1 respectively at 60 °C, the synthesized basic nanocatalyst produced 97.2 ± 1.15% biodiesel yield in 60 ± 2 min. It was discovered that the catalyst's basicity and surface area were 0.612 mmol/g and 64.4 m2 g−1 respectively. The transesterification reaction proceeded via pseudo-first order kinetics with an activation energy (Ea) of 33.25 kJ mol−1. The transesterification process exhibits endergonic and non-spontaneous behaviour as suggested by the values of entropy change (ΔS) and enthalpy change (ΔH) as 20.785 and −4.43 kJ mol−1 K−1 respectively. The catalyst showed promising catalytic stability and reactivity up to 3rd cycle with sufficient magnetization value of 17.43 emu/g and potassium content of 22.38% which endorsed biodiesel yield of 91.5% at 3rd cycle.

Power-efficient and high-performance potential of pentacene transistors enabled by metal-nitride gate insulators fabricated with nitrogen plasma

The demand for next-generation organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) with low operating voltage is becoming gradually attractive in many application areas, such as flexible/wearable medical sensors and stretchable electronics. While using high dielectric materials is a potent approach, it often results in a decline in field-effect mobility or on/off ratio. Unfortunately, achieving low-voltage operation has hindered practical applications, compromising device performance. Here, we discovered for the first time a novel class of low-driving voltage pentacene transistors adopting gate insulators composed of nitrogen-plasma-reacted AlNx, TiNx, and TaNx. This exciting discovery is simple, affordable, environmentally friendly, and secure. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) analysis reveals that the as-formed metal nitrides are composited with certain native oxide components, exhibiting outstanding leakage current blocking capacity and a high dielectric constant. Further, the surface energy of metal nitrides was altered by applying a thin layer of poly-(4-vinylphenol) (PVP). This modification improved the growth of pentacene grains and the insulator/pentacene interface. The best devices by comprehensive evaluation, the TiNx samples, achieve a high average of field-effect mobility ∼1.41 cm2/Vs, a subthreshold swing of 0.19 V/dec, an on/off current ratio of ∼104, and a turn-on voltage close to 0 V, which shows promising potential candidates for the flexible electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, and neuromorphic application.

Red mud-based CoFe2O4 activated by ball milling as effective peroxymonosulfate activator for the degradation of lomefloxacin hydrochloride: Preparation & activation, application and degradation mechanism

In this study, red mud-based CoFe2O4 (CoFe2O4/RM) was firstly prepared via a sol–gel method, and then activated through ball milling to obtain the catalyst of Ball-milled CoFe2O4/RM (BM-CoFe2O4/RM). The BM-CoFe2O4/RM catalyst was applied as a high-efficiency activator of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of lomefloxacin hydrochloride (LOM-HCl). The LOM-HCl (100 mg/L) could be removed 86.36 % after 12 min treatment under the optimal reaction parameters (BM-CoFe2O4/RM dosage of 1.33 g/L, PMS concentration of 5 mmol/L and nature pH 6.59 ± 0.1). The comparative experiments revealed that the apparent rate constant of LOM-HCl degradation of BM-CoFe2O4/RM (0.1091 min−1) was approximately 1.6 times that of CoFe2O4/RM (0.0701 min−1). A series of characterizations demonstrated that the physicochemical properties of CoFe2O4/RM, including defective structures, crystallinity of high active components, exposures of Co (II) and Fe (II) and electrical conductivity, could be improved via ball milling, causing the increase of the catalytic activity of CoFe2O4/RM. Combined with the results of Electron spin resonance (ESR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and quenching experiments, the possible catalytic mechanism of PMS activated by BM-CoFe2O4/RM for LOM-HCl degradation was proposed. Combined with the density functional theory (DFT) calculation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS), the possible vulnerable sites and possible degradation pathways of LOM-HCl were obtained. The recycling experiments and XPS demonstrated that BM-CoFe2O4/RM had good stability, and the catalytic activity of the BM-CoFe2O4/RM after use could be regenerated by thermal treatment. The biological toxic experiment suggested that the toxicity of LOM-HCl solution treated by the BM-CoFe2O4/RM + PMS system was effectively reduced. The work not only provides a simple and high-efficiency method for improving the catalytic activity of CoFe2O4/RM, but also opens novel insights into the Ball-milled CoFe2O4/RM as an effective PMS activator for antibiotic wastewater treatment.

Understanding the effects of annealing induced structural transformations on the UVC absorbance and other optical properties of RF sputter deposited Ga2O3 thin films

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is a transparent material with high absorption in the UVC region of the electromagnetic spectrum and hence is a very important candidate in the field of short wavelength optical device fabrication. A proper understanding of the different optical parameters is necessary for developing more efficient coatings and devices. In this work, changes in the optical behavior of Ga2O3 thin films due to post-deposition annealing (at temperatures 300 °C–900 °C) are discussed in detail. Structural, surface morphological and compositional modifications of the films are identified using the x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectrometer techniques, respectively. At 900 °C, a highly stable monoclinic β phase of Ga2O3 is obtained. The optical transmittance spectra acquired using UV–Vis spectroscopy indicate an improved UVC absorbance of the β-Ga2O3 films with an excellent visible transmittance (>80%). The structural transformation from amorphous to crystalline β-Ga2O3 phase and the associated reduction in defect density is found to modify other optical attributes, like the bandgap energy, Urbach energy, dispersion parameters, etc.

Exploring the emulsification potential of chitosan modified with phenolic acids: Emulsifying properties, functional activities, and application in curcumin encapsulation

This study successfully grafted caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid into chitosan through a coupling reaction, yielding grafting ratio of 8.93 % for caffeic acid grafted chitosan (CA-GC) and 9.15 % for 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid grafted chitosan (DHB-GC) at an optimal concentration of 4 mmol phenolic acids. The characterization of modified chitosans through ultraviolet visible spectrometer (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and x-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) confirmed the successful grafting of phenolic acids. In the subsequent step of emulsion preparation, confocal laser scanning microscope images confirmed the formation of O/W (oil-in-water) emulsions. The phenolic acid-grafted chitosans exhibited better emulsification properties compared to native chitosan, such as reduced droplet size, more uniform emulsion droplet distribution, increased ζ-potential, and enhanced emulsifying activity and stability. Moreover, the modified chitosans demonstrated increased antioxidant activities (evidenced by DPPH and β-carotene assays) and displayed greater antimicrobial effects against E. coli and S. aureus. Its efficacy in curcumin encapsulation was also notable, with improved encapsulation efficiency, sustained release rates, and enhanced storage and photostability. These findings hint at the potential of modified chitosans as an effective emulsifier.

Self-assembled coating with a metal-polyphenolic network for intraocular lens modification to prevent posterior capsule opacification

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a main complication after cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOLs) implantation and is attributed to residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) migrating to the IOL surface and posterior capsules. IOL surface modification has been a newly-developing research filed in recent years; however, the applicability and economical acquisition of modified materials remain unsolved. In this study, we first applied a metal-polyphenolic network coating with a self-assembly technique on the IOL surface by using tannic acid (TA) combined with AlCl3, which are easily acquire and applying on the IOL surface to solve the IOL transmittance affair. Using wound healing and Transwell assay to verify AZD0364 inhibits cell migration ( P < 0.05), the lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage inflammation model to verify pterostilbene (PTE) inhibits the inflammatory reaction ( P < 0.01). By optimizes its self-assembly coating parameters and calculating its drug release kinetics, we successfully loaded these two drugs on the coating, named TA (AZD0364/PTE) IOL. Its surface morphology characteristics were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, x-ray photoelectron spectrometer and water contact angle. The optical performance was carefully investigated by optical instruments and equipment (n= 3). The in vitro results showed that TA (AZD0364/PTE) IOL can significantly inhibit cell adhesion and acute inflammation (n= 3, P < 0.0001). Importantly, after in vivo implantation for 28 d with eight rabbits PCO models in two groups, the TA (AZD0364/PTE) IOL group maintained clear refracting media and decreased the inflammatory reaction compared with the original IOL group ( P < 0.05). This study provides a new applicable and economical strategy for preventing PCO and offers a reference for the next generation of IOLs that benefit cataract patients.