X-ray Powder Diffraction Analysis Research Articles

Unveiling Potential of Gallium Ferrite (GaFeO3) as an Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) serve as the backbone of modern technologies with ongoing efforts to enhance their performance and sustainability driving the exploration of new electrode materials. This study introduces a new type of alloy-conversion-based gallium ferrite (GFO: GaFeO3) as a potential anode material for Li-ion battery applications. The GFO was synthesized by a one-step mechanochemistry-assisted solid-state method. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of an orthorhombic phase with the Pc21 n space group. The photoelectron spectroscopy studies reveal the presence of Ga3+ and Fe3+ oxidation states of gallium and iron atoms in the GFO structure. The GFO was evaluated as an anode material for Li-ion battery applications, displaying a high discharge capacity of ∼887 mA h g-1 and retaining a stable capacity of ∼200 mA h g-1 over 450 cycles, with a Coulombic efficiency of 99.6 % at a current density of 100 mA g-1. Cyclic voltammetry studies confirm an alloy-conversion-based reaction mechanism in the GFO anode. Furthermore, density functional theory studies reveal the reaction mechanism during cycling and Li-ion diffusion pathways in the GFO anode. These results strongly suggest that the GFO could be an alternative anode material in LIBs.

Crystal Structure, Photophysical Properties and Antibacterial Activity of a Cd(II) Complex with Trans-2,3,4-Trimethoxycinnamic Acid and 4,4'-Bipyridine Ligands.

A new coordination polymer {[Cd(C12H13O5)2(4,4'-bpy)(H2O)2]}n (Cd-Tmca-bpy) was constructed with trans-2,3,4-Trimethoxycinnamic acid (HTmca) and 4,4'-Bipyridine (4,4'-bpy) ligands. This complex was structurally characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses. X-ray crystallography revealed that the complex was monoclinic, space group C2/c. The Cd(II) ion in the complex was six coordinated, adopting an octahedron geometry. The neighboring Cd(II) ions linked linear ligand 4,4'-bpy molecules to form an infinite 1D chain. The 1D chain was further interlinked by O-H···O and C-H···O hydrogen bonds, resulting in a 3-D supramolecular framework. Meanwhile, the photoluminescence spectrum of the Cd(II) complex at room temperature exhibited an emission maximum at 475 nm. Using the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method, the electronic absorption spectra of the Cd(II) complex was predicted. A good agreement was achieved between the predicted spectra and the experimental data. Bioactivity studies showed that the complex exhibited significant inhibition halos against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

Assessment and monitoring of leather effluent discharge from Dewas and Ranipet and their computational approach.

The swift pace of industrialization, urbanization, and burgeoning populations propel the surge in demand for manufactured goods and infrastructure. The wastewater produced during leather processing comprises a cocktail of organic and inorganic chemical contaminants that have the potential to affect the environment. This study focuses on conducting a comparative physico-chemical, analytical,in vitro, and in silicotoxicity assessment and monitoring of leather effluent discharged from two different areas, namely, Dewas and Ranipet. The physicochemical analysis of collected effluents revealed higher levels of biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, and heavy metals than the permissible limit fixed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The X-ray powder diffraction analysis of both samples identified the existence of crystalline and amorphous phases. The functional composition of compounds was identified through the analysis of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, which revealed the existence of C-H, O-H, N-H, C = O, C=C, and C≡C stretching vibrations. A variety of compound derivatives, including amines, organic acids, organometallic compounds, alcohols, hydrocarbons, esters, aldehydes, ketones, aromatic, and organogermanium, were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. An assessment and monitoring of the phytotoxicity of effluent on the germination of Vigna radiata seeds reveals that (100%) of both Dewas and Ranipet leather effluents inhibited seed germination by 33.34% and 100%. The incorporation of Absorption-Distribution-Metabolism-Excretion-Toxicity (ADMET) analysis improved comprehension of the toxicity profiles of the GC-MS-identified compounds. Moreover, the result of docking studies revealed that cytochrome P450 showed the highest binding affinity towards 1,3-benzodioxol-2-one, hexahydro-cis with an affinity score of - 7.1kcal/mol. The overall research revealed that the leather effluents from Dewas and Ranipet exhibit significant toxicity, highlighting the necessity of better wastewater management. In the future, innovative treatment methods and environmental friendly processes can be developed to minimize the detrimental effects of leather effluents.

Analysis on optical, thermal and third-order nonlinear properties of L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate single crystal

This research contributes valuable insights into the understanding of third-order nonlinear optical effects in L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (LHHC) single crystal, offering a foundation for future work in optimizing its properties for practical applications in the field of nonlinear optics. It presents a systematic analysis into the LHHC crystal properties harvested by slow evaporation solution (SEST) method. Originally, structure of the compound was confirmed through single crystal x-ray diffraction and powder x-ray diffraction analysis. FTIR analysis was performed to get information about molecular composition of the compound. The assessment of the optical quality of LHHC single crystal was done by UV–Visible and photoluminescence spectroscopies. TG-DTA was employed to assess the stability of the single crystal under different temperature conditions. Z-scan technique, with an open aperture (OA) & closed aperture (CA) configuration, was employed to comprehensively explore the third-order nonlinear response of LHHC single crystal. The nonlinear absorption coefficient β is determined to be 5.32 × 10−10 cm W−1. The NLR index (n2) is calculated as −2.72 × 10−15 cm2 W−1.

A new three-dimensional barium(II) coordination polymer constructed from N,N'-bis(glycinyl)pyromellitic diimide: microwave-assisted synthesis, structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and properties.

A new three-dimensional (3D) coordination polymer, namely, poly[diaqua[μ5-2,2'-(1,3,5,7-tetraoxo-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-f]isoindole-2,6-diyl)diacetato]barium(II)], [Ba(C14H6N2O8)(H2O)2]n, (I), has been synthesized by the microwave-irradiated reaction of Ba(NO3)2 with N,N'-bis(glycinyl)pyromellitic diimide {BGPD, namely, 2,2'-(1,3,5,7-tetraoxo-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-f]isoindole-2,6-diyl)diacetatic acid, H2L}. The title compound was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and powder X-ray diffraction analysis, as well as IR spectroscopy. In the crystal structure of (I), the BaII ion is nine-coordinated by six carboxylate O atoms from five symmetry-related L2- dianions and one imide O atom, as well as two water O atoms. The coordination geometry of the central BaII ion can be described as a spherical capped square antiprism. One carboxylate group of the ligand serves as a μ3-bridge linking the BaII cations into a one-dimensional polynuclear secondary building unit (SBU). Another carboxylate group of the ligand acts as a μ2-bridge connecting the 1D SBUs, thereby forming a two-dimensional (2D) SBU. The resulting 2D SBUs are extended into a 3D framework via the pyromellitic diimide moiety of the ligand as a spacer. The 3D Ba framework can be simplified as a 5-connected hexagonal boron nitride net (bnn) topology. The intermolecular interactions in the 3D framework were further investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis and the results show that the prominent interactions are H...O (45.1%), Ba...O (11.1%) and C...H (11.1%), as well as H...H (11.1%) contacts. The thermal stability, photoluminescence properties and UV-Vis absorption spectra of (I) were also investigated. The coordination polymer exhibits a fluorescence emission with a quantum yield of 0.071 and high thermal stability.

Multicolor Electrochemiluminescence of Binary Microcrystals of Iridium and Ruthenium Complexes.

We here report the multicolor electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of binary microcrystals prepared from a blue-emissive iridium complex 1 and an orange-emissive ruthenium complex 2. These materials display a plate-like morphology with high crystallinity, as demonstrated by microscopic and powder X-ray diffraction analyses. Under light excitation, these microcrystals exhibit gradient emission color changes as a result of the efficient energy transfer between two complexes. When modified on glass carbon electrodes, these microcrystals exhibit tunable ECLs with varied emission colors including sky-blue, white, orange, and red, depending the doping ratio of complex 2 and the applied potential. Furthermore, organic amines with different molecular sizes are used as the co-reactant to examine their influences on the ECL efficiency of the porous microcrystals of 1. The analysis on the luminance and RGB values of ECL suggests the existence of energy transfer in the generation of multicolor ECLs in these binary crystals.

Novel poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) polymer functionalized montmorillonite: Physicochemical aspects and near-IR study of hydration properties

The novel functionalized montmorillonites (Mts) with non-ionic poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) and cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDDA) were created via an intercalation method with different loading ratio of both polymers. A comprehensive investigation into their physicochemical properties was conducted using Carbon analysis (CA), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Simultaneous thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) and BET-N2 adsorption analysis. The impact of hydration on PEtOx-Mts and PDDA-Mts was assessed through gravimetric analysis and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) spectroscopy. PXRD analysis revealed a significant increase in 001 diffraction of PDDA-Mt corresponding to a PDDA interlayer with a basal spacing ranging from 1.47 to 1.49 nm. Conversely, the basal spacing exceeding 2 nm for PEtOx suggested, that the PEtOx polymer was intercalated in a larger amount and packed in a less compact manner compared to PDDA. After modification of Na-Mt with PEtOx polymer, FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the carbonyl CO group (3265 and 1641 cm-1) and the stretching (2982, 2942 and 2883 cm-1) and bending (1480–1200 cm-1) vibrations of the CH2 and CH3 groups. The vibrations of CH groups were further verified following PDDA modification. NIR spectroscopy also confirmed the vibrational bands attributed to both modifiers after intercalation of PEtOx and PDDA. The results of BET-N2 adsorption revealed a significant decrease in the specific surface area (SSA) after intercalation with a non-ionic PEtOx polymer. On the contrary, in the case of saturation of Na-Mt with polycation PDDA, SSA increased slightly in two instances. TGA analysis confirmed greater weight loss for PEtOx-Mts compared to PDDA-Mts. Derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) revealed the release of physisorbed bound water around 100 °C, decomposition of the organic phase within the 250–550 °C range and dehydroxylation of OH groups around 550–800 °C in both cases. The results obtained from the gravimetry and NIR analysis indicated a greater hydrophobic nature for PEtOx-Mts compared to PDDA-Mts. These findings hold substantial potential for enhancing the properties of novel organo-montmorillonites, thereby facilitating their application as adsorbents for pollutants, surface coatings, biodegradable materials, fillers in polymer nanocomposites, drug carriers, anticancer agents and various other significant applications.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of cross-linked tragacanthin nanofibers as implants for delivery of cisplatin to hepatocellular carcinoma

There is growing interest in the use of electrospun polymeric nanofibers in drug delivery systems due to their remarkable surface-to-volume ratio, which enhances the processes of drug loading, specific cell binding and proliferation. The preferred polymers for drug delivery must be biocompatible and biodegradable. Gum tragacanth is one of the materials of choice for drug delivery. This work aimed at cross-linking the tragacanthin, the water-soluble fraction of gum tragacanth, with glutaraldehyde, synthesis of the cross-linked nanofibers and evaluating their properties to encapsulate and deliver a drug using caffeine as a model drug in the first place. The nanofibers were then loaded with cisplatin and evaluated against HepG2 cell line. The drug-loaded nanofibers (dia. 0.841 μm) were prepared by electrospinning using glutaraldehyde as the cross-linker and glycerol as a plasticizer and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, 1HNMR, powder X-ray diffraction analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. They released the encapsulated drugs in a sustained manner at pH 7.4 over 4.5 days (∼275 h with ∼80 % release) following Higuchi (cisplatin) and Hixon-Crowell (caffeine) kinetics. In a cytotoxicity assay against HepG2 cell line the cisplatin-loaded nanofibers exhibited enhanced activity compared to that with the standard cisplatin and in the caspase activity assay it activated caspase 3 to a higher extent and 8 and 9 to double the extent (4-fold) of cisplatin, suggesting a higher apoptotic activity by the nanoformulation than the standard cisplatin. Thus, nanoformulation appeared to be a potential candidate for treating hepatocellular carcinoma as an implant.

Efficient Removal of Mercury from Wastewater Solutions by a Nitrogen-Doped Hyper-Crosslinked Polyamine.

Mercury, a highly toxic metal and pollutant, poses a significant risk to human health and the environment. This study describes the synthesis of a new nitrogen-doped heteroaromatic hyper-crosslinked polyamine (HCPA) via the polycondensation of 2,6-diaminopyrazine and tris(4-formylphenyl)amine for the efficient removal of mercury ions from aqueous solutions. The HCPA polymer was characterized by solid-state 13C-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. A powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis showed that the polymer was semicrystalline in nature and stable up to 500 °C. Adsorption isotherms indicated that mercury adsorption occurred via mono- and multilayer adsorption by HCPA, as depicted by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models, with a maximum adsorption capacity of qm = 333.3 mg/g. Adsorption kinetic models suggested that the adsorption process was fast and effective, reaching equilibrium within 20 min. Thermodynamics of the adsorption process revealed that it was endothermic and spontaneous in nature due to the positive ΔH0 of 48 kJ/mol and negative ΔG0 values of -4.5 kJ/mol at 293 K. Wastewater treatment revealed 98% removal of mercury indicating the selective nature of HCPA. Finally, HCPA exhibited excellent performance and regeneration up to three cycles, demonstrating its great potential as an adsorbent for environmental remediation applications.

Methylamine Separations Enabled by Cooperative Ligand Insertion in Copper-Carboxylate Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Monomethylamine (NH2CH3), dimethylamine (NH(CH3)2), and trimethylamine (N(CH3)3) are important chemical feedstocks that are produced industrially as an azeotropic mixture and must be separated using an energy-intensive thermal distillation. While solid adsorbents have been proposed as alternatives to distillation for separating various industrial gas mixtures, methylamine separations remain largely unexplored in this context. Here, we investigate two isoreticular frameworks Cu(cyhdc) (cyhdc2- = trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) and Cu(bdc) (bdc2- = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) as prospective candidates for this challenging separation, motivated by the recent discovery that Cu(cyhdc) reversibly captures ammonia through a unique framework-to-coordination polymer phase change. Through a combination of gas adsorption and powder X-ray diffraction analyses, we find that Cu(cyhdc) and Cu(bdc) reversibly bind large quantities of mono- and dimethylamine through framework-to-coordination polymer phase change mechanisms, although both frameworks adsorb only moderate amounts of trimethylamine via physisorption. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of select mono- and dimethylamine containing phases suggests that the number of hydrogen bond donors available and the linker donor strength are key factors influencing amine uptake. Finally, investigation of the tricomponent adsorption behavior of both materials reveals that Cu(cyhdc) is selective for the capture of monomethylamine from a range of mono-, di-, and trimethylamine mixtures.

Synthesis and annealing effect of structural, morphology, optical, and magnetic properties of tin telluride (SnTe)

This study explored the structural, vibrational, morphological, optical, and magnetic characteristics of both as-grown and annealed single crystals of tin telluride (SnTe), employing diverse analytical techniques. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis shows the cubic lattice structure of SnTe with consistent lattice parameters across different temperatures, along with the phase transition phenomenon. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) elucidates temperature-induced shifts in vibrational modes, indicating sensitivity to thermal stimuli. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals layer-by-layer growth patterns and temperature-dependent variations in crystal morphology. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) confirms the synthesized crystals' high purity and slight tellurium-rich composition. Optical band gap measurements demonstrate an increase in band gap upon annealing, attributed to valence band convergence. Field-dependent magnetization (M − H) curves exhibit ferromagnetic properties at ambient temperature, which escalate with increasing annealing temperature. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra reveal spin mobility and exchange coupling, with variations in the g-factor suggesting the presence of additional spin entropy. These observations offer significant insights into the complex properties of SnTe, which are crucial for its potential applications across various technological fields.

Simple Fabrication and Unique Fiber Growth Mechanism of Copper(I) 4-Toluenethiolate-Based Fibrous Coordination Polymer.

Coordination polymers (CPs) exhibit various distinctive properties owing to the metals incorporated in their main chains. These properties make CPs appealing for applications in optoelectronic devices and sensors and as precursors for inorganic materials with controlled morphologies. However, only a few CPs form fibrous structures, and the fabrication methods require complicated procedures, thus, limiting their range of applications. In this study, we report the easily feasible fabrication of fibrous CP, specifically, copper(I) 4-toluenethiolate (CuSArMe), and investigate its unique fiber growth mechanism. The reaction of CuI and 4-toluenethiol in acetonitrile in the presence of triethylamine quickly produced aggregated CuSArMe particles. With continuous stirring at ambient temperature (∼20 °C), wavy fibers grew from the surface of the aggregates, eventually forming an entangled fibrous structure. Structural evaluations of CuSArMe using powder X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the regularity of the crystal phase increased as the morphology changed from aggregated particles to fibrous structures, suggesting that the transformation was a crystallization-driven process. Additionally, the conversion of fibrous CuSArMe to Cu2S, a known semiconductor, was demonstrated while maintaining the fiber-like structure and providing the desired materials.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles embedded into melamine polyaminal networks as antibacterial and anticancer active agents

Silver nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into a melamine-based polymer, resulting in the synthesis of (Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN) through a reverse double solvent approach. The synthesised Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN polymer underwent extensive characterisation through Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis. PXRD analysis confirmed the successful encapsulation of Ag nanoparticles and provided insights into the amorphous nature of the polymer following encapsulation. SEM and EDX analyses further corroborated the presence and distribution of Ag nanoparticles on the polymer surface. The biological efficacy of the Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN polymer was evaluated through antibacterial, anti-breast cancer, and biocompatibility assays. The results demonstrated notable antibacterial and anticancer activities, with significant efficacy against bacterial strains and breast cancer cells. Biocompatibility assessments indicated acceptable compatibility, particularly at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, compared to untreated control cells. These findings suggest that Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN has considerable potential as a candidate for cancer-targeted and antimicrobial drug delivery systems. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the melamine-based polymer enhances the safety profile of these systems in in vivo conditions, making them a viable option for advanced therapeutic applications.

3D printed tinidazole tablets coupled with melt-extrusion techniques for formulating child friendly medicines

This study investigates the feasibility of fabrication of poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Kollidon®25)-mediated filaments for producing tinidazole (TNZ)-loaded, customizable, child-friendly tablets (with varying shapes and sizes) using hot melt extrusion (HME) coupled with fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. Kollidon®25, chosen for its ability to enhance the dissolution of TNZ (a BCS Class II drug), was evaluated for polymer-drug compatibility through Hansen solubility, polarity, and interaction parameter analyses, confirming good miscibility and affinity between TNZ and Kollidon®25. Placebo- and TNZ-loaded filaments were prepared in different ratios using HME, followed by the development of 3D-printed tablets via FDM. The fabricated batches of placebo and TNZ-loaded 3D tablets were characterized, and it was found that they had an average weight variation of 270.41 ± 7.44 mg and 270.87 ± 9.33 mg, hardness of 155.01 ± 11.79 N and 265.3 ± 7.62 N, and friability of 0.1583 ± 0.0011 % and 0.2254 ± 0.0013 %. Amorphization was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a layer-by-layer pattern with tiny fractures on the tablet surfaces, which enhanced media penetration, resulting in improved dissolution profiles. The TNZ release profile showed complete 100 % release within 2.0 h in a gastric acidic medium. These findings support the potential of Kollidon®25 to create customizable, child-friendly, 3D-printed dosage forms with different shapes and sizes for TNZ delivery, offering a unique approach to paediatric medications.

Investigation on the synthesis conditions of poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) hollow fiber membrane with high gas permeability and strong tensile strength

Investigation on the synthesis conditions of poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) hollow fiber membrane with high gas permeability and strong tensile strength

Robust Ag-Co bimetallic nanoparticles: Dual role in catalytic and triboelectric performance

Bimetallic nanoparticles are of great significance in numerous areas due to their unique properties and diverse applications. In the present study, silver (Ag) and cobalt (Co) monometallic nanoparticles (MNPs) and AgCo bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs), are synthesized using a simple wet chemical route. Various analytical techniques are adopted for the confirmation of the BNPs. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis revealed the formation of FCC-structure. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) micrographs confirmed the bimetallic nature and Janus structure. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit higher catalytic activity for degrading 4-nitrophenol dye. Recognizing the potential of metal nanoparticles to significantly boost the efficiency of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG), the synthesized AgCo bimetallic nanoparticles are incorporated into polymer matrix to meticulously analyze the impact on the triboelectric performance. Interestingly, TENG with a higher composite quantity of 8 ml BNPs exhibited greater performance, generating an output voltage of about 270.52 V and a current of 5.24 µA. Hence, the procured synergistic BNPs show their promising avenue towards both water treatment and energy harvesting applications.

Spark plasma sintering of cenosphere-derived Cs/Sr-aluminosilicates for 137Cs and 90Sr immobilization in mineral-like ceramics

In this study, a promising method of spark plasma sintering (SPS) was investigated for the fabrication of ceramic matrices designed for the reliable immobilization of highly radioactive radionuclides 137Cs and 90Sr. The ceramic matrices were derived from a mixed composition of two aluminosilicate mineral-like phases – pollucite (Cs,Na)AlSi2O6 and gehlenite Sr2Al2SiO7. The originality of the developed approach lies in the utilization of hydrothermal synthesis for obtaining granulated precursor material. Hollow aluminosilicate microspheres (cenospheres) from coal fly ash served as the initial raw material, which were treated with alkaline solutions containing Cs+ and Sr2+ ions as simulants for the corresponding radionuclides. This method facilitated the achievement of high efficiency in cation removal from solutions exceeding 98 %. For a comprehensive examination of the composition and morphology of cenosphere-derived precursor particles, and the influence of sintering temperature on phase and structure formation of ceramic matrices under non-equilibrium conditions of spark plasma heating, various analytical techniques were employed. These included thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), powdered X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), as well as the method of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption for determining the specific surface area. The obtained ceramic samples exhibited high values of specific density (2.688–2.915 g/cm³), compressive strength (666–808 MPa), and Vickers microhardness (1.8–2.5 GPa), attesting to their high quality and stability. The results of the hydrolytic stability assessment revealed that the leaching rates of Cs+ and Sr2+ ions from the ceramics are extremely low, within the range of 10−5–10−6 g/cm²·day. These values fully satisfy the requirements of GOST R 50926–96 and the international standard ISO 6961:1982 for solidified forms of high-level waste.

Antibacterial Efficacy and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized via Methanolic Extract of Fomes fomentarius L. Fr.

Green synthesis employs environmentally friendly, biodegradable substances for the production of nanomaterials. This study aims to develop an innovative method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a methanolic extract of Fomes fomentarius L. Fr. as the reducing agent and to assess the potential antibacterial properties of the resulting nanoparticles. The successful synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed through characterization techniques such as UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The UV-Vis analysis revealed an absorption peak at 423 nm, while FT-IR identified key phytochemical compounds involved in the reduction process. PXRD analysis indicated a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure with prominent peaks observed at 2θ = 38°, 44.6°, 64.6°, and 78°, confirming the crystalline nature of the AgNPs, with a crystallite diameter of approximately 24 nm, consistent with TEM analysis. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, particularly against S. aureus, with higher efficacy against gram-positive bacteria.

Tailoring the luminescent and structural behaviors of pH-driven PPy/gC3N4/ZrO2 nanocomposite as an emissive layer material for OLED application

The polymeric nanocomposites were synthesized via an in-situ polymerization method, optimized through pH adjustment of zirconium oxide rather than concentration variation. X-ray powder diffraction analysis revealed phase transitions and average crystallite sizes ranging from approximately 6.52–9.16 nm, depending on the pH levels. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy tool is used to analyze the granular nanosheets and nanoparticles like the microstructure of polypyrrole, graphitic carbon nitride and zirconium oxide at a high resolution. UV–visible spectroscopy determined an optical bandgap energy of about 2.44 eV, a refractive index of 2.17, and an optical conductivity of 3.15 × 1010 S/cm2. Forster resonance energy transfer between Zirconium dioxide and graphitic carbon nitride significantly enhanced photoluminescence emission. PL emission and color purity (45 %) of the optimized sample were examined using photoluminescence data. Electrical conductivity of ∼15.9 × 10−4 S/cm and dielectric constant of ∼14.77 were obtained from I to V and LCR meter measurements. These properties indicate that the pH-driven nanocomposite exhibits optimized electron-hole recombination rates, electrical conductivity, and suitable bandgap energy, making its potential impact as an emissive layer material for OLED applications.

Extraction and characterisation of sodium alginate from the Southern African seaweed Ecklonia maxima

Abstract Ecklonia maxima is an endemic South African seaweed with numerous commercially valuable compounds, including sodium alginate. This polysaccharide contains 1,4-linked β-d-mannuronic (M) and α-l-guluronic acid (G) residues, and has enormous health and food applications and benefits for biomedicine. In this study, acid extraction of sodium alginate from Ecklonia maxima was performed, and its chemical and physical properties were compared with commercial sodium alginate. A yield of 58.7 % (w/w of dry alga) sodium alginate was recovered from the seaweed. As expected, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses of sodium alginate revealed the presence of M and G residues in the polysaccharide. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy revealed an M/G ratio of 1.86 from the extracted sodium alginate. The viscosity average molecular weight of sodium alginate was 429 kDa using the Mark–Houwink–Sakurada equation. Three-dimensional conformational analysis by Congo red and CD spectroscopy suggested that sodium alginate exhibits a triple-helix conformation in solution. Furthermore, X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed that the alginate has an amorphous structure. Sodium alginate extracted from E. maxima found on the coasts of Southern Africa exhibits a high mannuronic content and high viscosity, potentially beneficial for drug delivery and biomedical applications.