Volume 237, Issue 11

Photo-catalysis is a versatile method that is used to remediate water pollution and other issues related to the environment. Metal ferrite with a spinel structure, which is frequently used as a photocatalyst, is another solution for the remediation of environmental pollution. In this work, nanoparticles of cobalt ferrite (CoFe 2 O 4 ) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were prepared by sol-gel and co-precipitation methods, respectively. CoFe 2 O 4 /ZnO (CF/ZnO) and its ternary nanocomposite with CNTs (CF/ZnO@CNTs) were fabricated by a wet-chemical approach. The prepared materials were characterized by different characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–visible spectroscopy for the structural, functional group, and optical study respectively. Band gap values calculated for the prepared materials (CF, CF/ZnO, and CF/ZnO) were 2.45 eV, 3.37 eV, and 2.18 eV, respectively. Crystal violet and phenol were used for the evaluation of the photocatalytic efficiency of the prepared samples. In case of crystal violet photocatalytic degradation of the CF, ZnO and CF/ZnO was 21.43 %, 46.43 %, and 66.62 %, respectively. Whereas, CF/ZnO@CNTs outperformed all catalysts with 97.61 % degradation of crystal violet dye. The degradation of phenol by CF/ZnO and CF/ZnO@CNTs was 53.70 % and 83.33 %, respectively. The CF/ZnO@CNTs exhibit excellent photodegradation activity than other photocatalysts used. It is because of heterojunction fabrication and the presence of CNTs as they increase the life span of photo-generated species and enhance the surface area of the catalyst.

This work presents a simple co-precipitation method for making Zn-doped copper oxide (C 1− x (Zn) x O) that is nanostructured, porous, active in visible light, and highly conductive. The combined impacts of doping, structural modifications, and nanoscaled synthesis contribute to the development of a novel catalyst that has inherent characteristics. Physicochemical studies confirm the coexistence of all desired features in the C 1− x (Zn) x O photocatalyst. The formed photocatalyst’s dye-destroying and antimicrobial properties were carefully examined and compared to those of pristine copper oxide (PCO) that had not been doped. When tested against Escherichia coli (a “negative strain”) and Staphylococcus aureus (a “positive strain”), the antimicrobial properties of the C 1− x (Zn) x O photocatalyst were better than those of PCO and on par with those of commercially available drugs. Also, C 1− x (Zn) x O photocatalyst gets rid of reactive orange 4 (RO-4) dye more effectively and faster (0.023 min −1 ) than PCO photocatalyst (0.11 min −1 ) by using simple sorption and photocatalytic annihilation. The C 1− x (Zn) x O photocatalyst eliminated 90.25 % of RO-4 dye under visible light irradiation. Under identical circumstances, the PCO photocatalyst removed 65.12 % of the RO-4 dye. The boosted bactericidal and photocatalytic activity of the C 1− x (Zn) x O photocatalyst may be attributed to its larger surface area (56.5 m 2  g −1 ), good electrical conductivity (2.33 × 10 −3  S m −1 ), low bandgap (1.98 eV), and doping-induced structural defects. The developed features increase the light-capturing sites on the catalyst surface, improve the charge transport kinetics, enable the catalysts to harvest visible light, and limit the charge recombination process, allowing our photocatalyst to show exceptional bactericidal and dye annihilation activities. This study opens new avenues for developing metal-substituted metal oxides with porous nanostructures for environmental and ecological protection.

Considering the ecofriendly aspects of green synthesis, copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were produced using leaves extract of Citrullus colocynthis (Desert Gourd) as a reducing agent and CuSO 4 as a Cu precursor. The characterization of synthesized Cu NPs was performed using various techniques including UV-Visible spectroscopy (UVS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The tested NPs (face centered cubic) were determined to possess an average size of 17 ± 4.2 nm with spherical shape which exhibited highest absorption ( λ max ) at 560 nm. These NPs were assessed for their potential to function as a photocatalyst in degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light and a significant degradation (65 %) of MB dye was observed within irradiation period of 160 min. The Cu NPs displayed a promising antibacterial activity (ABA) against various bacterial cultures such as P. multocida, Botryococcus subtilis, S. aureus and Escherichia coli . While, appreciable antioxidant potential (AP) of tested nanoparticles was also revealed by various invitro antioxidant assays including total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoids contents (TFC) and diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The fabrication of Cu NPs through green route, the use of C. colocynthis extract is recommended as an effective antimicrobial, antioxidant and photocatalytic agent as green route offers various advantages over chemical synthesis.

In this study, the influence of magnetic content of NiFe 1.93 Dy 0.07 O 4 spinel ferrite on the structural, morphological, optical, and magneto-dielectric properties of BaTiO 3 materials was investigated. NiFe 1.93 Dy 0.07 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles and BaTiO 3 dielectric materials were firstly synthesized using the hydrothermal method and sol–gel auto-combustion route, respectively. Then, different contents of the magnetic nanoparticles were added to BaTiO 3 to form a series of BaTiO 3 /(NiFe 1.93 Dy 0.07 O 4 ) x samples (abbreviated as BTO/(NDFO) x ) with x  = 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 100 %. The analysis of the structure via X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique revealed a transformation from a tetragonal structure for the pristine BTO sample to a cubic structure upon the inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles. The morphological observations and chemical composition analyses via scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with EDX system showed the successful formulation of biphasic products. The optical properties were investigated, and it was found that the inclusion of the magnetic phase diminishes the bandgap energy ( E g ) of final BTO/(NDFO) x samples. Furthermore, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used to investigate the magnetization properties. The values of saturation magnetization ( M S ) and remanent ( M r ) magnetization are rising with the increase of magnetic phase content. However, the coercivity ( H c ) does not show a regular variation with the increase of NDFO content. The dielectric properties were also investigated for different BaTiO 3 /(NiFe 1.93 Dy 0.07 O 4 ) x samples. The obtained results showed that the real permittivity ( ε ′) and dielectric tangent loss (tan  δ ) increased with increasing temperature. Remarkably, the addition of magnetic content provokes a reduction in tan  δ values compared to the pristine BTO sample. The lowest values of tan  δ and highest frequency stability were noticed in the sample added with 10 % of magnetic phase. The impedance and modulus were also determined and discussed.

In this study, a novel hybrid organic-inorganic compound, 4-(ammoniummethyl)pyridinium tetracholoraobaltate(II) monohydrate, with non-centrosymmetric properties have been synthesized and characterized by several techniques of powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared IR and UV–Visible spectroscopies, and calorimetric (DSC) and the thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The crystallization of this hybrid compound was found in a monoclinic system with a P 2 1 space group. Additionally, the optimized structures of cation, anion and compound by using hybrid B3LYP method with 6-311++G(d,p) and 6-31+G(d) basis sets shown good correlations with the experimental data and the complete vibrational assignments and force constants are reported for three species. The surface morphology and the micrographs were checked by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV–Visible absorption spectrum has been used to study the optical properties and the energy gap of our compound. Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis associated matched up with 2D fingerprint plots were used to confirm the existence of intermolecular and non-covalent interactions in the compound and confirmed by several topological approaches: Quantum Theory of Atom-in-Molecules (QTAIM), reduced density gradient (RDG) and molecular electrostatic potential surface (MEP). The frontier molecular orbitals HOMO and LUMO have been investigated for chemical reactivity and kinetic stability.

In this research work, cellulose was isolated from Dodonaea viscosa plant by means of various chemical processes followed by the preparation of nanocellulose through sulfuric acid hydrolysis. These chemical processes begin with the removal of non-cellulosic material such as lignin, pectin, crude wax, and hemicellulose followed by alkaline treatment and chlorine-free bleaching methods. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the successful isolation of cellulosic material after removing hemicellulose, lignin, and other extractives. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) elucidated the thermal degradation profile of the cellulose-based materials obtained after various chemical procedures at each step. Additionally, nanocellulose was prepared from cellulosic material using acid hydrolysis, and its structural and thermal properties were discussed. Nanocellulose extraction from the lignocellulosic biomass sources and its further utilization has been the subject of intensive research as the global community needs the use of green chemistry principles in recent life. Nanocellulosic material due to its unique characteristics and properties is of great importance and has many applications in various industries, including materials science and engineering.

The present study investigates the physicochemical and biological properties of a novel inorganic-organic hybrid material called (2R,5S)-2,5-dimethylpiperazine-1,4-diium dinitrate (RSDPN). This material was synthesized under mild conditions and crystallized to the monoclinic system with space group P 2 1 / c . The organic portion of the structure forms bifurcated N–H⋯O and weak C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds with the nitrate anions, resulting in wavy layers parallel to the (100) plane. The integration of organic and inorganic elements in the RSDPN compound is evident through infrared absorption spectroscopy. In order to comprehensively examine the structural, electrical, and biological properties, a DFT approach was employed. Various analysis techniques such as Hirshfeld surfaces analysis (HS), Atoms-In-Molecules (AIM), Reduced Density Gradient (RDG), and Electron Localized Function (ELF) were utilized to visualize and quantify the intermolecular interactions and types of hydrogen bonds that contribute to the stability and cohesion of the structure. The title compound exhibits remarkable stability and strong electrophilic activity, both of which are common characteristics in physiologically active compounds, as indicated by frontier orbital analysis. Thermal examination revealed a two-stage breakdown process where the substance ignites, producing volatile fumes and a dark carbonaceous residue. Molecular docking analysis suggests that RSDPN inhibitors hold potential for the treatment of Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, this study provides a detailed experimental and theoretical investigation of the RSDPN compound, shedding light on its physicochemical and biological properties, and highlighting its potential applications in the field of therapeutic intervention for neurodegenerative disorders.

The present research aims to develop green and sustainable corrosion inhibitors based on plant extract. Herein, we have screened the inhibitory performance of Psoralea corylifolia (Badranj Boya) (PCS) seeds in chloride-polluted simulated concrete pore solution (SCPS) for the protection of steel rebar. Electrochemical experiments manifest that PCS can restrain reactions of the cathode and anode of steel rebar. The results reveal that the inhibitory performance magnitude is 95.1 % at 75 mg/L dosing amount after 72 h dipping time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) examination support the creation of an inhibitive layer of PCS over the steel rebar surface. Furthermore, adsorbed PCS over the steel rebar was justified via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Finally, PCS is a green and long-term efficient corrosion inhibitor for concrete structures.

In this work, Raphanus caudatus (radish pod) leaves biomass was used as an adsorbent for the removal of crystal violet (CV) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dye from water medium. Adsorption process was performed by changing different adsorption factors such as adsorbent dose, agitation time, adsorbate concentration, pH and temperature to get maximum removal of dyes. It was observed that R. caudatus leaves biomass showed 48.7 and 19.0 mg/g value of adsorption capacity for CV and RhB dyes, respectively. High adsorption capacity value for CV was observed due to its less complex structure and small sized molecules as compared to the RhB dye molecules. Dyes removal process followed pseudo second order with the values of regression factor ( R 2 ) found as 0.999 and 0.998 for CV and RhB, respectively. Values of R 2 were found as 0.999 and 0.998 for the removal of CV and RhB respectively while following the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. It illustrates the single layered dye molecules adsorption over the homogeneous surface of the adsorbent. Value of enthalpy (ΔH°) was found as 11.983 and 12.28 kJ/mol for CV and RhB, respectively. It indicates endothermic nature of the process along with the increased entropy at the surface of the adsorbent during the process. Increase of salt concentration in adsorption medium caused the decreased percentage removal of dyes. Reported adsorbent also showed potential for the removal of toxic dyes from industrial wastewater.

In recent years, Morus sp. (mulberry) has acquired a special importance due to its phytochemical composition and its beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and immuno-modulatory effects. The various parts of Morus sp., such as its fruits, leaves, twigs, and roots, are recognized as abundant sources of secondary metabolites, with the leaves containing significant amounts of glycosylated flavonols like quercetin and kaempferol, along with chlorogenic acid as the primary phenolic compound. Overall, it can be considered a multi utility plant and can be exploited as an alternative therapy in various ailments. Xanthine oxidase (XO) is the key enzyme for high serum urate levels which is the main cause of developing gout. Under the urate lowering therapy, allopurinol and febuxostat are the main XO inhibitors used to treat gout. However, mild to severe side effects of these synthetic XO inhibitors lead to finding an effective natural alternative without having any side effects. The present study was designed to find out phytochemical analysis and antigout properties of leaves of white mulberry plant. The phytochemical analysis was performed on quantitative and qualitative basis. The qualitative basis indicated the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, saponins and Anthraquinone. Biochemical regulation of extracts on anti-gout property using XO inhibition study. Microbial XO was isolated from the Bacillus pumilus to study the anti-gout effects of plant extracts qualitatively on xanthine – NBT plate. Additionally, image analysis studies revealed more clear aspects toward the inhibition studies by plant extracts. The XO activity observed varied from 2.89 to 13.80 μM of uric acid formed/min/ml of enzyme used. Ethanolic extract of mulberry leaves (EEML) showed higher XO inhibition than allopurinol. This is associated with its total polyphenol content, which ranged from 81.25 to 103.12 mg GAE/g of dried extract used, as reported in the case of EEML. The present study is the very first report of relating polyphenol content of EEML with the anti-gout property. EEML is a potential candidate for anti-gout property due to the presence of higher amounts of total polyphenol content and B. pumilus is the best source to extract microbial XO.