Article
Chemistry, Analytical
B. Sathya Priya, Kanakaraj Aruchamy, Tae Hwan Oh, Balakrishna Avula, Imran Hasan, M. Shanthi
Summary: This study successfully degraded dye solutions by synthesizing and studying a ceramic-based nanomaterial catalyst. The nanomaterial showed excellent photocatalytic performance under direct sunlight, indicating its potential environmental application to improve water quality.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Humeyra Orucu, Sevcan Tabanli, Murat Erdem, Yavuz Ozturk, Gonul Eryurek
Summary: Gadolinium Gallium Garnet nanophosphors doped with Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ ions were synthesized and their color-tunable up-conversion emission was investigated. The average crystallite sizes were influenced by the annealing temperature, and the nanophosphors exhibited extreme near-infrared radiation, which could benefit tissue penetration and plant growth.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
P. Rychtowski, B. Tryba, D. Baranowska, B. Zielinska, H. Nishiguchi, M. Toyoda
Summary: Reduction of TiO2 has been studied under different conditions. The addition of ammonia solution followed by hydrothermal treatment and calcination in Ar resulted in the formation of surface defects such as hole traps and oxygen vacancies in the reduced TiO2. Heat-treatment under hydrogen gas produced the highest amount of reduced Ti3+ centers, leading to improved water splitting and enhanced photocatalytic properties. Hydrogen was found to be a stronger reducing agent than ammonia gas.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ermelinda Falletta, Anna Bruni, Marta Sartirana, Daria C. Boffito, Giuseppina Cerrato, Alessia Giordana, Ridha Djellabi, Erfan S. Khatibi, Claudia L. Bianchi
Summary: The development of innovative polyurethane-polyaniline/TiO2 modified floating materials for sorption and photodegradation of rhodamine B from water matrix under solar light irradiation was reported. The materials were fabricated with inexpensive and easy approaches and characterized properly. The photoactive floating PANI/TiO2 composites were found to be useful alternatives to common powder photocatalysts for the degradation of cationic dyes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sudipto Pal, Sanosh Kunjalukkal Padmanabhan, Amruth Kaitheri, Mauro Epifani, Antonio Licciulli
Summary: A solar light active photocatalyst was developed by coating silver phosphate (Ag3PO4) onto titania-silica (TiO2-SiO2) microspheres. The Ag3PO4 particles covered the surface of the TiO2-SiO2 microspheres, allowing the composites to absorb the entire visible light spectrum. The composite photocatalyst exhibited higher efficiency compared to its pristine counterparts and a benchmark commercial TiO2.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
P. Cheranmadevi, K. Saranya, P. Agilan, N. Rajendran
Summary: The corrosion resistance and high strength-to-density ratio of titanium and its alloys make them ideal materials for orthopedic implants. In this study, a combinational treatment of titanium was conducted to improve its corrosion resistance and promote osseointegration. The results showed that gadolinium-coated titanium nanotubes exhibited better corrosion resistance and enhanced cell viability compared to bare titanium. The findings suggest that gadolinium-coated titanium nanotubes have potential applications in the treatment of bone-related disorders.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Oumaima Mertah, Almudena Gomez-Aviles, Abdelhak Kherbeche, Carolina Belver, Jorge Bedia
Summary: Solar-light-assisted photocatalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) using TiO2@CuCo2O4 heterostructures was found to be an efficient method for degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water. The heterostructure with 20% of TiO2 achieved the highest SMX removal, and sulfate, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were found to be the main species involved in the degradation reaction.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ahlam Belgroune, Linda Aissani, Akram Alhussein, Mourad Zaabat, John Kiwi, Sami Rtimi
Summary: The bacterial inactivation kinetics of Escherichia coli (E. coli) by sputtered TiMoON and TiMoON-Ag films were studied under simulated solar light irradiation. The study found that genetically modified porinless E. coli degraded slower than normal E. coli due to the transfer of Ag+-ions from the Ag-films. The TiMoON-Ag films showed potential for disinfection of medical surfaces and devices under solar light.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiang Li, Qi Su, Huayu Yuan, Lin Zhang, Li'an Hou, Yuehu Wang, Baojun Liu, Bing Wang, Yancheng Li
Summary: The photocatalytic degradation of SMM by P-TiO2 was studied under simulated solar light, showing high efficiency and degradation performance within certain parameter ranges. The method demonstrated promising potential for water treatment and environmental pollution research.
Article
Dermatology
Simin Zhao, Ke Yao, Kangdong Liu, Limeng Huang, Yanan Jiang, Jian Li, Ziming Dong, Zigang Dong
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that the LTA4H inhibitor bestatin could suppress skin acute inflammation and carcinogenesis through inhibiting BLT1 and NF-KB p65 expressions, attenuating skin carcinogenesis. Topical application of a novel cream containing bestatin may open a helpful avenue for SSL-induced skin carcinogenesis.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Manuel Penas-Garzon, Wael H. M. Abdelraheem, Carolina Belver, Juan J. Rodriguez, Jorge Bedia, Dionysios D. Dionysiou
Summary: Novel carbon microspheres supported TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared for pharmaceutical degradation in water. Lignin, a biomass byproduct, was transformed into carbon microspheres and coated with TiO2, resulting in superior catalytic performance. The photocatalyst showed efficient degradation of pharmaceuticals under solar light.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaohu Lin, Wenming Zhou, Shiyi Li, Haifeng Fang, Shengjie Fu, Jingcheng Xu, Juwen Huang
Summary: Antibiotics, as common emerging contaminants, pose potential risks to aquatic ecology and human health due to their widespread and extensive use. This study investigated the photodegradation behaviors of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and enrofloxacin (ENR) in water under UV and simulated solar light. The degradation rates of SMX under the two light sources were 0.235 min(-1) and 0.024 min(-1), respectively, and ENR were 0.124 min(-1) and 0.043 min(-1), respectively. The study explored the effects of various factors on the photodegradation behaviors and proposed a potential photodegradation pathway. Understanding the characteristics and mechanisms of photodegradation of these antibiotics may contribute to the development of efficient techniques for their removal from water.
Article
Spectroscopy
Zeinab Ebrahimpour, Olena Pliekhova, Humberto Cabrera, Mahmoud Abdelhamid, Dorota Korte, Komlan Segbeya Gadedjisso-Tossou, Joseph Niemela, Urska Lavrencic Stangar, Mladen Franko
Summary: The experiments demonstrated that TiO2 and Cu/Zr modified TiO2 photocatalysts can efficiently degrade the dye RB19, with UV-Vis absorption spectrometry and thermal lens spectrometry used to elucidate the degradation mechanism. Under UV and simulated solar light, characteristic features such as bleaching of the dye and a slight blue shift in the absorption spectrum of RB19 were observed. Additionally, two different processes responsible for the dye degradation were identified, one under UV light and the other under simulated solar light with longer periods.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mina Yang, Haijing Zhang, Fei Chang, Xuefeng Hu
Summary: Chlorinated organic compounds are commonly found in saline waters, with their formation influenced by factors such as Cl-, pH, humic acid, electron donors, and particulate matter. A self-sensitized photochlorination reaction mechanism was proposed in this study.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Jiao Li, Jiao Shi, Yuanbiao Li, Zhanlai Ding, Jianguo Huang
Summary: This research presents the development of various ion doped metal oxides as photocatalysts with enhanced activity through a facile biomimetic synthesis strategy combined with the traditional sol-gel method. The Sn(5)-TiO2 sample with 5% Sn doping exhibits outstanding photocatalytic capacity, attributed to its three-dimensional hierarchical structure, surface hydroxyl groups, active sites, and light capturing and utilization efficiency.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zeid A. ALOthman, Najla AlMasoud, X. Y. Mbianda, Imran Ali
Summary: In this study, a gamma-cyclodextrin-graphene oxide nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized for the removal of tetracycline and chlortetracycline antibiotics from water. The sorption parameters and kinetics were optimized, and the thermodynamics and simulation studies were conducted. The results showed high removal efficiency, and the sorption followed Langmuir, Temkin, and D-Rs models. The simulation results confirmed the sorption mechanism involving hydrogen bonding and p-p interactions.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Murugalakshmi, G. Mamba, Sajid Ali Ansari, V Muthuraj, T. I. T. Nkambule
Summary: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of binary nanostructures comprising In2S3 and Yb2O3 as photocatalysts for water treatment. The photocatalytic activity is dependent on factors such as catalyst composition, dosage, contact time, and initial pollutant concentration. The enhanced activity is attributed to efficient visible light absorption and charge separation, leading to increased degradation rates of pollutants.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
G. Mamba, P. J. Mafa, V. Muthuraj, A. Mashayekh-Salehi, S. Royer, T. I. T. Nkambule, S. Rtimi
Summary: In recent years, ABO(3) perovskite materials have been widely used in heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for water treatment and disinfection due to their remarkable catalytic properties. This review provides an overview of the synthesis strategies, structure, and properties of ABO(3) materials, and discusses their recent applications in various AOPs, including photocatalysis, Fenton/photo-Fenton, persulphate activation, sonocatalysis/sonophotocatalysis, catalytic/photocatalytic ozonation, piezocatalysis/piezo photocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalytic oxidation. The catalytic activity of ABO(3) perovskites can be modulated through synthesis protocol, doping, heterojunction formation, and the incorporation of carbon nanomaterials. Moreover, the combination of ABO(3) materials with oxidants such as persulphate, H2O2, and O-3 enhances the activity of hybrid processes. The review also discusses the mechanisms of charge carriers' formation and transfer in ABO(3-)mediated AOPs.
MATERIALS TODAY NANO
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Cabangani Donga, Shivani B. Mishraz, Alaa S. Abd-El-Azie, Llyod N. Ndlovu, Ajay K. Mishra, Alex T. Kuvarega
Summary: In this study, magnetic graphene oxide was synthesized and used for the adsorption of three heavy metals. The magnetic graphene oxide was prepared by coupling magnetic nanosilica with graphene oxide using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane as a functionalizing agent. The experimental results showed that the Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2/GO nanoadsorbents exhibited excellent adsorption performance and stability.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC AND ORGANOMETALLIC POLYMERS AND MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benjamin Moses Filip Jones, Gcina Mamba, D. Maruthamani, V. Muthuraj
Summary: The study successfully prepared Nb2O5RGO/MoO3 ternary nano-composites and revealed the mechanism of their enhanced photocatalytic activity through a series of characterizations and tests. The results showed that the composite exhibited the best photocatalytic activity at 10 wt% MoO3, with removal rates of 85.4% and 88.2% for ciprofloxacin and sulfasalazine, respectively.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Gcina D. Vilakati, Awande S. Mtsetfwa, Lihle D. Mafu, Gcina Mamba, Derrick S. Dlamini, Machawe M. Motsa
Summary: Pre-synthesized sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride nanoparticles were incorporated into polysulfone casting solution to fabricate mixed matrix membranes. The addition of nanoparticles increased surface roughness, enhanced membrane wettability and porosity, and improved bovine serum albumin rejection. The modified membranes showed potential for water separation and purification.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ntakadzeni Madima, Kebede K. Kefeni, Alex T. Kuvarega, Shivani B. Mishra, Ajay K. Mishra
Summary: A highly efficient magnetic recyclable Z-scheme ternary Fe3O4/TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst was designed through the hydrothermal method. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized and showed superior photocatalytic degradation efficiency for organic dyes and Cr(VI) under simulated solar light irradiation. The increase in photocatalytic activity of the ternary photocatalyst was attributed to the enhancement in electron-hole pair separation and the construction of the Z-scheme heterojunction structure. The results suggest that ternary photocatalysts have potential applications in real-world wastewater treatment.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sabastian Simbarashe Mukonza, Nhamo Chaukura, Ajay Kumar Mishra
Summary: A global freshwater pollution catastrophe is emerging due to pollutants of emerging concern. Conventional water treatment methods are unable to effectively remove pharmaceuticals and dye house effluent from aquatic systems. This study presents an innovative wastewater treatment method based on solar-light-responsive semiconductor-based photocatalysts as a potential solution to this issue.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Linda Aissani, Akram Alhussein, Abdul Wasy Zia, Gcina Mamba, Sami Rtimi
Summary: The current economic and ecological situation encourages the use of steel to push technological limits and offer more cost-effective products. The addition of small amounts of chemical elements and different treatment methods can enhance the properties of steel and protect its surface. The magnetron sputtering deposition process is a versatile option for thin film growth on various substrates.
Review
Polymer Science
Amir Hossein Mostafavi, Ajay Kumar Mishra, Fausto Gallucci, Jong Hak Kim, Mathias Ulbricht, Anna Maria Coclite, Seyed Saeid Hosseini
Summary: This review introduces various promising chemical and physical surface modification techniques for tailoring the characteristics of thin films and membranes. It focuses on the application of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques and discusses the impact of process parameters on the quality and properties of deposition. The review highlights the significance of CVD-based membranes and thin films for industrial applications.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Masoumeh Golshan, Na Tian, Gcina Mamba, Babak Kakavandi
Summary: This study successfully prepared a magnetic spinel of CuFe2O4, which exhibited a synergetic effect with photocatalytic PMS oxidation and effectively degraded the recalcitrant benzotriazole (BTA).
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ritika Sharma, Sanjeev Kumar, Ravinder Kumar, Prasanta Kumar Sahu, Vandana Kumari, Ajay Kumar Mishra, Vinod Kumar
Summary: Environmental adulteration is a growing concern due to wastewater effluents, with carcinogenic dyes being major contaminants. Nanotechnology has shown potential for efficient degradation of these dyes. This study explores the photocatalytic degradation of dyes using N-doped SnO2 nanoparticles and found promising results.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Muhammad Sarfraz Arshad, Xavier Yangkou Mbianda, Imran Ali, Wanbing Guan, Tariq Kamal, Kimmo Kauhaniemi, Syed Zulqadar Hassan, Ghulam Yasin
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of nanomaterials in solid oxide fuel cells and the enhancement of active sites for electrode reactions through nanoengineering and composite approaches. The use of nanotechnology enables environmentally friendly and sustainable manufacturing processes for SOFCs. Additionally, the paper provides an overview of the applications of SOFCs, notable research institutions and companies, and future challenges and perspectives.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Oranso T. Mahlangu, Gcina Mamba, Bhekie B. Mamba
Summary: In this study, graphene oxide-zinc oxide (GO-ZnO) nanocomposite photocatalytic membranes were fabricated using a novel double casting phase inversion method. The incorporation of GO-ZnO improved the hydrophilicity of the membranes, while the addition of PVP increased the pure water flux. Conversely, increasing GO-ZnO concentration improved the rejection of salt and drugs. Furthermore, the GO-ZnO/PVP membrane displayed the highest photocatalytic degradation performance. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential to improve both membrane filtration and photocatalytic properties through tailored membrane synthesis.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bambesiwe M. May, Mokae F. Bambo, Seyed Saeid Hosseini, Unathi Sidwaba, Edward N. Nxumalo, Ajay K. Mishra
Summary: Heavy metal contamination is a significant environmental threat, with water environments being particularly vulnerable. This review highlights the use of non-cadmium photo-luminescent I-III-VI ternary quantum dots (QDs) as fluorescent detectors for heavy metal ions in water. The optical properties and synthesis methods of these QDs are summarized, along with the various detection mechanisms involved. The potential applications in environmental remediation and the associated challenges are also discussed.
