Implementation of ZnSnO3 nanosheets and their RE (Er, Eu, and Pr) materials: Enhanced photocatalytic activity

Novel Bi2WO6/ZnSnO3 heterojunction for the ultrasonic-vibration-driven piezocatalytic degradation of RhB

This study designed and prepared a new piezoelectric catalytic nanomaterial, Bi₂WO₆/ZnSnO₃, and applied it in piezocatalytic water purification. Results indicated that the composite had superior piezocatalytic efficiency and stability in rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under ultrasonic vibration. The Bi₂WO₆/ZnSnO₃ sample with 10% Bi₂WO₆ had the optimum activity with a degradation rate of 2.15 h^-1, which was 7.4 and 11.3 times that of ZnSnO₃ and Bi₂WO₆, respectively. Various characterizations were conducted to study the morphology, structure, and piezoelectric properties of the Bi₂WO₆/ZnSnO₃ composites and reveal the reasons for their improved piezocatalytic performance. Results showed that ZnSnO₃ cubes were dispersed throughout the surface of Bi₂WO₆ nanosheets, which enhanced the specific surface area and facilitated the piezocatalytic reaction. Additionally, type-II heterojunction structures formed at the contact interface of Bi₂WO₆ and ZnSnO₃, driving the migration of piezoelectric-induced electrons and holes. Accordingly, the separation efficiency of charge carriers improved, and the piezoelectric catalytic activity was significantly enhanced. This study may provide a potential composite catalyst and a promising idea for the design of highly efficient piezoelectric catalyst.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of a lanthanum doped CoFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposite for photodegradation of methylene blue organic dye

In this study, a 0.2CoFe2O4/0.8TiO2-5%La nanocomposite was synthesized by a co-precipitation and a hydrothermal method and then was applied as a high activity photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The 0.2CoFe2O4/0.8TiO2-5%La material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscope/transmission electron microscope and UV-Vis techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the material was initially investigated through the decomposition of methylene blue. The synthetic 0.2 CoFe2O4/0.8 TiO2-5% La showed excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. Methylene blue could be degraded by more than 99.14% after only 50 min.

Recent and Emerging Trends in Remediation of Methylene Blue Dye from Wastewater by Using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Due to the increased demand for clothes by the growing population, the dye-based sectors have seen fast growth in the recent decade. Among all the dyes, methylene blue dye is the most commonly used in textiles, resulting in dye effluent contamination. It is carcinogenic, which raises the stakes for the environment. The numerous sources of methylene blue dye and their effective treatment procedures are addressed in the current review. Even among nanoparticles, photocatalytic materials, such as TiO2, ZnO, and Fe3O4, have shown greater potential for photocatalytic methylene blue degradation. Such nano-sized metal oxides are the most ideal materials for the removal of water pollutants, as these materials are related to the qualities of flexibility, simplicity, efficiency, versatility, and high surface reactivity. The use of nanoparticles generated from waste materials to remediate methylene blue is highlighted in the present review.

Recent Advances in Synthesis and Degradation of Lignin and Lignin Nanoparticles and Their Emerging Applications in Nanotechnology

Lignin is an important commercially produced polymeric material. It is used extensively in both industrial and agricultural activities. Recently, it has drawn much attention from the scientific community. It is abundantly present in nature and has significant application in the production of biodegradable materials. Its wide usage includes drug delivery, polymers and several forms of emerging lignin nanoparticles. The synthesis of lignin nanoparticles is carried out in a controlled manner. The traditional manufacturing techniques are costly and often toxic and hazardous to the environment. This review article highlights simple, safe, climate-friendly and ecological approaches to the synthesis of lignin nanoparticles. The changeable, complex structure and recalcitrant nature of lignin makes it challenging to degrade. Researchers have discovered a small number of microorganisms that have developed enzymatic and non-enzymatic metabolic pathways to use lignin as a carbon source. These microbes show promising potential for the biodegradation of lignin. The degradation pathways of these microbes are also described, which makes the study of biological synthesis much easier. However, surface modification of lignin nanoparticles is something that is yet to be explored. This review elucidates the recent advances in the biodegradation of lignin in the ecological system. It includes the current approaches, methods for modification, new applications and research for the synthesis of lignin and lignin nanoparticles. Additionally, the intricacy of lignin’s structure, along with its chemical nature, is well-described. This article will help increase the understanding of the utilization of lignin as an economical and alternative-resource material. It will also aid in the minimization of solid waste arising from lignin.

Recent Trends in Fascinating Applications of Nanotechnology in Allied Health Sciences

The increased advancement in nanosciences in recent times has led to fascinating innovations. It has potential applications for altering the structural, surface, and physicochemical properties of nano-ranged metamaterials. The adaptable optical, structural, and surface characteristics of the nanoscopic regimes enhance the quality of integrated nanodevices and sensors. These are further used in optoelectronics, biomedicines, and catalysis. The use of nanomaterials for constructing nano-biosensors and various other organic and inorganic functional nanomaterials is quite promising. They have excellent electronic and surface-to-volume reactivity. Their various applications include metal and metal-oxides-based nanoparticles, clusters, wires, and 2D nanosheets as carbon nanotubes. More recently, hybrid nanomaterials are being developed to regulate sensing functionalities in the field of nanomedicine and the pharmaceutical industry. They are used as nano-markers, templates, and targeted agents. Moreover, the mechanical strength, chemical stability, durability, and flexibility of the hybrid nanomaterials make them appropriate for developing a healthy life for humans. This consists of a variety of applications, such as drug delivery, antimicrobial impacts, nutrition, orthopedics, dentistry, and fluorescence fabrics. This review article caters to the essential importance of nanoscience for biomedical applications and information for health science and research. The fundamental characteristics and functionalities of nanomaterials for particular biomedical uses are specifically addressed here.

Recent Advances on Properties and Utility of Nanomaterials Generated from Industrial and Biological Activities

Today is the era of nanoscience and nanotechnology, which find applications in the field of medicine, electronics, and environmental remediation. Even though nanotechnology is in its emerging phase, it continues to provide solutions to numerous challenges. Nanotechnology and nanoparticles are found to be very effective because of their unique chemical and physical properties and high surface area, but their high cost is one of the major hurdles to its wider application. So, the synthesis of nanomaterials, especially 2D nanomaterials from industrial, agricultural, and other biological activities, could provide a cost-effective technique. The nanomaterials synthesized from such waste not only minimize pollution, but also provide an eco-friendly approach towards the utilization of the waste. In the present review work, emphasis has been given to the types of nanomaterials, different methods for the synthesis of 2D nanomaterials from the waste generated from industries, agriculture, and their application in electronics, medicine, and catalysis.

Synthesis and Characterization of Pyrochlore-Type Praseodymium Stannate Nanoparticles: An Effective Electrocatalyst for Detection of Nitrofurazone Drug in Biological Samples

Apart from perovskites, the development of different types of pyrochlore oxides is highly focused on various electrochemical applications in recent times. Based on this, we have synthesized pyrochlore-type praseodymium stannate nanoparticles (Pr₂Sn₂O₇ NPs) by using a coprecipitation method and further investigated by different analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Followed by this, we have designed a unique and novel electrochemical sensor for nitrofurazone detection, by modifying the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with the prepared Pr₂Sn₂O₇ NPs. For that, the electrochemical experiments were performed by using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques. The Pr₂Sn₂O₇ NPs modified GCE exhibits high sensitivity (2.11 μA μM^-1 cm^-2), selectivity, dynamic linear ranges (0.01-24 μM and 32-332 μM), and lower detection limit (4 nM). Furthermore, the Pr₂Sn₂O₇ NPs demonstrated promising real sample analysis with good recovery results in biological samples (human urine and blood serum) which showed better results than the noble metal catalysts. Based on these results, the present work gives clear evidence that the pyrochlore oxides are highly suitable electrode materials for performing outstanding catalytic activity toward electrochemical sensors.

The fate of oxygen on graphene-catalyst in the photocatalytic water splitting reaction

This paper reveals the transformation of oxygen on graphene in the water splitting process and for the first time, points out a step by step dehydrogenation process with the intermediates OH–C and O–C, and finally CO2.