Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis of Cu and Cu/Ni Nanoparticles on NaP Zeolite Support as Antibacterial Agents

Triphenyl methyl phosphonium tosylate as an efficient phase transfer catalyst for ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization of liquid fuel

The novel phosphonium-based ionic liquid (IL), triphenyl methyl phosphonium tosylate ([TPMP][Tos]), has been synthesized and applied as a phase transfer catalyst (PTC) in the ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAODS). Oxidation of model fuel (MF) containing dibenzothiophene (DBT) was carried out using an equimolar mixture of H₂O₂-CH₃COOH as an oxidant at 40-70 °C in the presence of IL. The sulfur compound is converted into polar sulfone, and the maximum desulfurization efficiency was examined. The effect of process parameters such as reaction temperature, reaction time, molar ratio of oxidant to sulfur (n(O/S)), and the mass ratio of ionic liquid to model fuel (m(IL/MF)) was studied, and the conditions for maximizing the DBT conversion rate were found. Maximum conversion (> 99%) was obtained at a temperature of 70 °C with m(IL/MF) of 0.8. The oxidation reactivity of various sulfur compounds was studied at different time intervals. To verify the effect of ionic liquid and ultrasound irradiation, extractive desulfurization (EDS), oxidative desulfurization (ODS), and UAODS in the presence of IL were carried out. The experimental results show that the UAODS process gives the highest desulfurization efficiency. A kinetic study was performed to estimate the rate constant and the order of oxidation reaction.

Synthesis of Zeolite from Electrolytic Manganese Residue: Investigation on the Variation of the Propert of Zeolite during the Conversion Process

In this study, the cation exchange capacity (CEC); phosphate immobilization capacity (PIC); and chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characteristics of the synthesized electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) based zeolite (EMRZ) were systematically investigated during the synthesis process. By varying synthesis conditions, different zeolites with different purity were generated, and it was proven that a lower Si/Al ratio, relatively higher temperature, and relatively longer time favored the synthesis of zeolite. Besides, the decrease in Si/Al ratio and variation within a narrow range contributed to the forming of Al rich zeolite. Meanwhile, the discrepancy of CEC and PIC of EMRZ contributed to the case in which various elements in EMRZ do have an impact on CEC (Na2O element and type of zeolite) and PIC (calcium and iron components). Moreover, the synthesis conditions were optimized and evaluated in terms of their CEC, specific surface area (SSA), and crystallinity. According to the analyses using XRD, FE-SEM, and XRF and the SSA analysis, the EMRZ (mainly zeolite A, LTA) synthesized under the optimum conditions (initial Si/Al ratio of 1.5, at 100°C, for 1.5 h) was found to be mainly composed of highly ordered cubic zeolites A crystals with a Si/Al ratio of 1.02 and a CEC of 3.45 meq/g.

Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Applications

Highly effective antimicrobial agents are needed to control the emergence of new bacterial strains, their increased proliferation capability, and antibacterial resistance that severely impact public health, and several industries including water, food, textiles, and oil and gas. Recently, bimetallic nanoparticles, formed via integration of two different metals, have appeared particularly promising with antibacterial efficiencies surpassing that of monometallic counterparts due to synergistic effects, broad range of physiochemical properties, and diverse mechanisms of action. This work aims to provide a review on developed bimetallic and supported bimetallic systems emphasizing in particular on the relation between synthesis routes, properties, and resulting efficiency. Bimetallic nanostructures on graphene, zeolites, clays, fibers, polymers, as well as non-supported bimetallic nanoparticles are reviewed, their synthesis methods and resulting properties are illustrated, along with their antimicrobial activity and potential against different strains of microbes.