Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xuezheng Guo, Yanqiao Ding, Chengyao Liang, Bingsheng Du, Chengjiu Zhao, Yiling Tan, Yijie Shi, Pinglei Zhang, Xi Yang, Yong He
Summary: Designing gas sensors sensitive to H2S for food spoilage evaluation is significant for automated quality control in the food industry. Traditional gas sensors are affected by humidity, so it is critical to develop H2S sensors based on novel materials that can operate effectively in humid conditions. In this study, tin diselenide nanosheets decorated with tungsten trioxide nanoparticles are used as sensing layers for H2S gas sensors. The composite sensor exhibits enhanced H2S response at high humidity levels and proves effective for evaluating spoilage of eggs.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Hizb Ullah Khan, Muhammad Tariq, Mutabar Shah, Sajid Ullah, Abdul Razaq Ahsan, Abdur Rahim, Jibran Iqbal, Renu Pasricha, Issam Ismail
Summary: In this research, a highly sensitive and stable capacitive humidity sensor based on PVP/WO3 nanocomposite was successfully developed. The sensor showed a high response of 44.73 nF/%RH, short response time (10 s) and recovery time (15 s), along with low hysteresis and excellent stability and repeatability.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Jianke Tang, Rongqian Meng, Yanfeng Xue, Shengjian Zhang, Qiaoling Li
Summary: A novel Ag3PO4/WO3•H2O composite was prepared and showed superior photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methylene blue and oxytetracycline under visible light irradiation, attributed to the efficient separation of photo-induced electron-hole pairs and matched band structure.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wei Tze Chong, Sze Mun Lam, Trong-Ming Don, Yit Thai Ong
Summary: This study aims to overcome the limitations of zinc oxide (ZnO) and create a highly efficient photocatalyst by developing a novel ternary tungsten trioxide (WO3)/carbon nanotubes (CNT)/ZnO composite photocatalyst through sol-gel and deposition methods. The presence of WO3 and CNT enhances the photocatalytic activity of the ternary composite photocatalyst for degrading MB and BSA, and the rate and efficiency of photodegradation increase with the loading of WO3. The 11 wt% WO3/CNT/ZnO composite photocatalyst achieves the highest photodegradation rate with complete degradation of MB and BSA in 120 and 150 minutes respectively, demonstrating good stability with at least 95% degradation of MB after four consecutive cycles.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING B-ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL SOLID-STATE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Li, Tingting Wang, Dongdong Huang, Chan Zheng, Yuekun Lai, Xueqing Xiao, Shuguang Cai, Wenzhe Chen
Summary: The hierarchical microstructure of hexagonal WO3·0.33H2O prepared by the hydrothermal method showed larger specific surface area and narrower bandgap compared to isolated nanorods. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the hierarchical microstructure can be attributed to its unique structure, making it suitable for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Banu Esencan Turkaslan, Aziz Kerim Celik, Ayca Dalbeyler, Nicholas Fantuzzi
Summary: Tungsten trioxide/graphene oxide (WO3/GO) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by in situ and ex situ chemical approaches. The in situ synthesized nanocomposites showed higher photocatalytic efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Bowen Dong, Yuqi Wan, Dan You, Qingrong Cheng, Zhiquan Pan
Summary: In order to address water resource pollution, the development of visible-light driven photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable energy systems. In this study, a novel WO3/Mn-ZIF-67 heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized using a simple template method. The heterostructure exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance for Tetracycline (TC) decomposition and hydrogen production compared to WO3 and Mn-ZIF-67 monomers. The improved efficiency was attributed to the improved light absorption efficiency of WO3, the enhanced photoelectric properties of doped Mn in ZIF-67, and efficient charge separation and migration at the interface between WO3 and Mn-ZIF-67.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Moses Gbenga Peleyeju, Elvera Logie Viljoen
Summary: Photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) is an advanced oxidation water treatment technology that focuses on finding photocatalytic materials with excellent photo (electro)catalytic properties, with tungsten trioxide (WO3) being one of the most promising photocatalysts for solar water treatment technology. Studies have shown that semiconductors and their composites can be used to catalyze the degradation of organic pollutants in water.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zheng Li, Dongzhi Zhang, Xingwei Wang, Xichen Liu, Yan Yang, Chen Du, Jingyu Guo, Yating Zhang
Summary: In this study, a high-sensitive WO3/MXene composite based gas sensor was developed. The morphology, crystal structure, and chemical composition of the pure WO3, MXene and WO3/MXene composite were analyzed, confirming the successful synthesis of these materials. The gas-sensing performance of the WO3/MXene sensor showed excellent response, fast response/recovery time, repeatability, selectivity, and short-term and long-term stability for trimethylamine detection at room temperature. Additionally, a tag type gas detection device based on NFC technology was developed for non-contact testing in hazardous gas environments.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ermelinda Falletta, Claudia Letizia Bianchi, Franca Morazzoni, Alessandra Polissi, Flavia Di Vincenzo, Ignazio Renato Bellobono
Summary: The increased air pollution has raised global concerns about its impact on the environment and human health. This study investigated the photocatalytic degradation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the inactivation of Escherichia coli using TiO2/WO3 composites. The results showed that the performance of the composites in NOx degradation under visible light was influenced by the WO3 content, while E. coli could not be degraded under visible light irradiation of the composites.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aron agoston, Laszlo Janovak
Summary: The development of catalysts has a significant impact on science as they can effectively eliminate contaminants. This study focuses on the creation of SrTiO3-based photocatalysts, which lacks comprehensive literature. Here, we report the easy preparation of a structure-modified SrTiO3 photocatalyst by incorporating CuWO4. The CuWO4-modified samples showed over two times higher photo-oxidation of phenol compared to pure SrTiO3, and the highest activity was observed in the CWS2.5 sample due to increased charge separation recombination time.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Igor A. Nechepurenko, Daria P. Kulikova, Vladimir V. Kornienko, Konstantin N. Afanasiev, Landzhik A. Shekoyan, Alexander V. Baryshev, Alexander V. Dorofeenko
Summary: The proposed method analyzes the time evolution of reflection spectra to determine the complex dielectric permittivity dynamics in gasochromic oxides, as well as to estimate the diffusion coefficient in gasochromic oxide layers. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of this method in hydrogen-sensitive trilayers, with response times and detection limits achieved for hydrogen concentrations. The study emphasizes the importance of retrieving the dielectric permittivity dynamics of WO3 for accurately evaluating response times in gasochromic nanostructures.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiyang Zeng, Qian Rong, Bin Xiao, Baoye Zi, Xinya Kuang, Xiyu Deng, Yiwen Ma, Zhenlin Song, Genlin Zhang, Jin Zhang, Qingju Liu
Summary: A ppb-level TEA gas sensor based on Co3O4/WO3 p-n heterojunction was reported, showing excellent sensing performance and selectivity with linear response to TEA concentration. Experimental results indicated a detection limit of 0.6 ppb, with Co3O4 improving electron separation/transport efficiency and accelerating TEA oxidation rate.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianjun Niu, Yien Du, Jing He, Xiaodong Li, Guangming Wen
Summary: In this study, WO3 nanocrystals with different crystal facets were prepared using a simple hydrothermal treatment method, and their properties were characterized comprehensively. The pH7.0-WO3 nanocrystals with co-exposed {202} and {020} facets exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity.
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Cheng-Lan Lin, An Chen
Summary: This study fabricates solid-state electrochromic devices (ECDs) with polyaniline and tungsten trioxide electrodes and succinonitrile/polyethylene glycol composite electrolytes. The EC properties of the devices, including modulation ability, response time, efficiency, and cycling stability, are investigated. The results demonstrate that the Pani-WO3 ECD using a SN/PEG composite electrolyte containing 10.0 wt% PEG exhibits the best performance.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Azeez Olayiwola Idris, Seyi Philemon Akanji, Benjamin O. O. Orimolade, Foluke Omobola Grace Olorundare, Shohreh Azizi, Bhekie Mamba, Malik Maaza
Summary: The continuous development in nanotechnology has brought new vitality to device fabrication, especially biosensor design for biomedical applications. Nanomaterials, with their excellent characteristics such as biocompatibility, electrical and thermal conductivity, large surface area, and catalytic activity, are considered promising materials for immobilization in the development of high-impact biosensors. This review focuses on the efficient use of nanomaterials as immobilization candidates for biosensor fabrication. It discusses the implementation of various carbon nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanodots) and MXenes, as well as their synergistic effect when combined with metal oxide nanomaterials. The review also covers the challenges, synthesis origins, and chemistry behind incorporating nanomaterials with other materials for biosensor design, as well as the prospects for their development and application.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdelaziz Ait Abdelkadir, Jean-Louis Victor, Guillaume Vignaud, Corinne Marcel, Mustapha Sahal, Malik Maaza, Mohamed Chaker, Alain Gibaud
Summary: In this paper, the optical and structural properties of undoped and W-doped V1-xWxO2 vanadium dioxide thin films were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the transition from monoclinic to rutile phase and a coexistence of phases for tungsten-doped VO2. The study also revealed the decrease of transition temperature from 69.6°C to 41.6°C with increasing tungsten concentration.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hamza Elsayed Ahmad Mohamed, Ali Talha Khalil, Khaoula Hkiri, Muhammad Ayaz, Jamil Anwar Abbasi, Abdul Sadiq, Farhat Ullah, Asif Nawaz, Ikram Ullah, Malik Maaza
Summary: Spherical erbium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Hyphaene thebaica fruits via a one-step bioreduction process. The HT-Er2O3 NPS showed potential for antidiabetic treatment based on their physicochemical and morphological characteristics.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
I. Ngom, N. M. Ndiaye, N. F. Sylla, S. Dieng, B. D. Ngom, M. Maaza
Summary: Three aqueous solutions derived from Moringa oleifera (M.O) flowers, seeds, and leaves were used for the biosynthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs). These nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, and were found to crystallize in a face centered-cubic single Bunsenite phase. NiO@flowers had the smallest average crystallite size of 18.5 nm, while NiO@seeds had 29.0 nm and NiO@leaves had 21.7 nm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that NiO@flowers had non-uniform, spherically agglomerated nano-crystals, while NiO@seeds had highly coalescent nanograins and NiO@leaves had irregularly connected microcavities with small nanograins.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Razieh Morad, Mahmood Akbari, Malik Maaza
Summary: This study uses density functional theory calculations to investigate the chemical reactivity descriptors of proposed drugs for COVID-19. The structure optimization and analysis of frontier orbitals reveal the importance of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) in molecular interactions and reactivity. The polarizability is higher in complex drugs such as Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir, and Ivermectin, and the calculated energy gap suggests that larger gaps correspond to lower reactivity and higher stability.
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Tingkai Zhao, Malik Maaza, Patrizia Bocchetta
Summary: Fuel cell efficiency can be enhanced by using progressive electrodes and electrolytes, including green nanomaterials and green technologies. The replacement of platinum-based electrodes with green materials and nanocomposites through green fabrication approaches leads to the development of environmentally friendly fuel cells. The application of green nanocomposites in fuel cell electrode and electrolyte materials, along with green synthesis techniques, has demonstrated significant improvements in morphology, impedance, resistance, power density, current density, electrochemical features, proton conductivity, and overall efficiency. The future importance and challenges of utilizing green nanocomposites in electrodes and electrolytes to achieve efficient fuel cells are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Haripriya Rama, Busiswa Ndaba, Malik Maaza, Mokhotjwa Simon Dhlamini, Nicolene Cochrane, Ashira Roopnarain
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different extraction methods on the recovery of phytochemicals and antioxidants from de-kernelled marula seeds. The results showed that the decoction method for 30 minutes produced extracts with the highest content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, sugars, and organic acids. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups typically present in these compounds. The study concluded that the decoction method increased the solubility, variety, and yield of phytochemicals and antioxidants, potentially paving the way for their utilization in the food industry. Rating: 8/10
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin O. Orimolade, Adewale O. Oladipo, Azeez O. Idris, Feleni Usisipho, Shohreh Azizi, Malik Maaza, Sogolo L. Lebelo, Bhekie B. Mamba
Summary: In recent years, there has been a focus on making water safer and cleaner by eliminating pharmaceutical residues, particularly fluoroquinolone antibiotics, from wastewater. Electrochemical technologies, such as photoelectrocatalysis, electro-Fenton, electrocoagulation, and electrochemical oxidation, have been found to be effective in removing these pharmaceuticals from wastewater. This review discusses the recent progress in the application of these electrochemical processes for the degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, highlighting their fundamentals, results, advantages, limitations, and recommendations for future improvements. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers in the selection of suitable electrochemical techniques for pharmaceutical removal from wastewater.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Annah M. Ondieki, Zephania Birech, Kenneth A. Kaduki, Peter W. Mwangi, Nancy M. Mwenze, Moses Juma, Carolyne Jeptoo, M. S. Dlamini, Malik Maaza
Summary: This research introduces surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates based on colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by laser ablation of silver granules. The optimal parameters were determined by investigating the effects of laser power, pulse repetition frequency, and ablation duration on the Surface Plasmon Resonance peak of AgNPs solutions. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized and found to have potential applications in forensics, drug efficacy monitoring, disease diagnostics, and pathogen detection.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Azeez Olayiwola Idris, Benjamin Orimolade, Lynn Dennany, Bhekie Mamba, Shohreh Azizi, K. Kaviyarasu, Malik Maaza
Summary: This review explores the use of electrochemistry techniques in monitoring organic contaminants in water. The electrochemistry approach offers simplicity, portability, cost-effectiveness, and improved sensitivity. Traditional techniques for quantifying organic pollutants have limitations such as high costs, longer analysis times, and the need for skilled personnel. The electrochemistry approach provides a potential solution for on-site monitoring of organic contaminants.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
N. Matinise, N. Botha, I. G. Madiba, M. Maaza
Summary: This study presents the use of bismuth ferrite nanomaterial (BiFeO3) prepared by a green method using Moringa oleifera natural extract as an anode material for supercapacitor application. The electrochemical properties of the nanomaterial at the modified electrode relative to the unmodified electrode were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge-discharge methods. The results showed that the GCE/BiFeO3 electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, making it an ideal electrode material for supercapacitance applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shohreh Azizi, Maryam Sarkhosh, Ilunga Kamika, Touhami Mokrani, Malik Maaza
Summary: The study examined the cost-effective degradation of trimipramine (TIR) using UV/Sulfite/ZnO (USZ) in both conventional and baffled photocatalytic reactors (BPCR). The optimal conditions for high TRI degradation (97.4%) were a 2:1:100 Sulfite/ZnO/TRI molar ratio, pH 7, and a 30-minute reaction time. In the BPCR reactor, the measured rate constant (k(obs)) and reaction rate (r(obs)) increased by approximately 17% and 50% respectively, as the TRI concentration increased. The intermediate materials formed were analyzed, and most of them were found to be simple linear compounds. The introduction of baffles in the reactor led to decreased electrical energy consumption and total system cost, while the UZS procedure effectively reduced BOD and COD levels.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
N. L. Botha, K. J. Cloete, G. G. Welegergs, M. Akbari, R. Morad, L. Kotsedi, N. Matinise, R. Bucher, S. Azizi, M. Maaza
Summary: This study used molecular dynamics computational modelling to bioengineer a nano-scaled 2-D hydronium jarosite. A phyto-engineering approach using green nano-chemistry and agro-waste in the form of avocado seed natural extract was utilized to synthesize this unique mineral. The nanoproduct exhibited a quasi-2D structure and showed significant electrochemical, electroconductive, and diamagnetic behaviors.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
M. E. M. Eisa, J. A. Mars, S. Naidoo, R. A. Shibrain, K. J. Cloete, M. Maaza
Summary: Trace elements have significant effects on both dental health and human health. This study analyzed the levels of toxic and trace elements in teeth from male and female participants in Sudan. The elemental profile and distribution in tooth enamel were determined using mu-PIXE analysis, and the main elements found were Na, Mg, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, and Sr.
ANALYTICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. Reza, M. Maaza, M. S. Islam
Summary: We conducted a pressure-driven study on zinc pyrovanadate (Zn2V2O7) using the density functional theory (DFT). Zn2V2O7 exists in a monoclinic structure (alpha-phase) under normal pressure. Four high-pressure phases (beta, gamma, kappa, and delta) were observed at 0.7, 3.8, 4.8, and 5.3 GPa, respectively. These phases exhibit mechanical stability, elastic anisotropy, and malleability. The compressibility of Zn2V2O7 is higher compared to other meta- and pyrovanadates. The energy dispersion analysis suggests that these phases are indirect band gap semiconductors with wide band gap energies. The band gap energies generally decrease with increasing pressure, except for the kappa-phase. The effective masses and band gap values obtained from the band structures are consistent with the optical absorption spectra.
