Enhanced heterogeneous activation of peroxydisulfate by S, N co-doped graphene via controlling S, N functionalization for the catalytic decolorization of dyes in water

3D porous sulfur and nitrogen co-doped graphene aerogel has been fabricated by a facile one-pot process. Both experimental and theoretical studies have demonstrated that sulfur and nitrogen co-doping could synergistically enhance the catalytic performance for activating peroxydisulfate (PDS) compared to the original and N doped graphene aerogels. The ratio of sulfur/nitrogen in the aerogel can be controlled by regulating the additions of thiourea and urea sources, and the aerogel with the S/N ratio of about 1:2.5 shows a better catalytic effect due to more significant changes in the electrostatic potential and the surface charge distribution, as revealed by the theoretical simulations. The radical quenching tests indicated that both SO₄·^- and ·OH radicals could be formed in the SN-rGO aerogel + PDS system and contribute most to RhB degradation.

Superior adsorption of 3D nanoporous architectures for Ni(ii) ions adsorption using polyvinyl alcohol as cross-linking agent and adsorption conveyor

In this study, we report a large-scale and low cost approach for the synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) polyvinyl alcohol/carbon nanotubes nanoporous architecture using self-assembly method. Polyvinyl alcohol, serving as a cross-linking agent and adsorption conveyor, could effectively interconnect carbon nanotubes sequentially and also effectively store Ni(ii) ions. An outstanding adsorption of 225.6 mg g⁻¹ was achieved for 3D nanoporous structure, which was 18-fold more than that for carbon nanotube powders and much higher than that for other sorbents reported in literature. In addition, it was found that 3D nanoporous architectures remained intact after adsorption, which could recollect resources and avoid carbon nanotube leakage into water. Therefore, the designed 3D nanoporous architectures have a good potential application in environmental protection.

In this study, we report a large-scale and low cost approach for the synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) polyvinyl alcohol/carbon nanotubes nanoporous architecture using self-assembly method.

Hierarchically structured magnesium based oxides: synthesis strategies and applications in organic pollutant remediation

In this highlight, we review the design and formation of MgO based hierarchical structures and cover some selected examples on their applications in adsorption of organic contaminants.

Multiphase TiO2nanostructures: a review of efficient synthesis, growth mechanism, probing capabilities, and applications in bio-safety and health

This review article provides an exhaustive overview of efficient synthesis, growth mechanism and research activities of multiphase TiO₂nanostructures to provide their structural, morphological, optical and biological properties co-relations.

Characterization of the surface properties of MgO using paper spray mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Significant advances have been made in the preparation of different morphologies of magnesium oxide (MgO), but the relationship between MgO morphology and its interactions with therapeutic drugs is rarely studied. Herein, we investigated the interactions between different morphologies of MgO and therapeutic drugs using paper spray mass spectrometry.

METHODS

Different morphologies of MgO including trapezoidal, needle-like, flower-like and nest-like structures were prepared through a facile precipitation method. The as-obtained MgO particles were then coated onto the surface of filter paper via vacuum filtration strategy. The coated papers with different morphologies of MgO were used as the substrates for paper spray mass spectrometry to explore the interactions between different MgO and therapeutic drugs.

RESULTS

Through investigating the interactions between different morphologies of MgO coated papers and therapeutic drugs, it demonstrated that, in contrast to the trapezoidal, needle-like and nest-like MgO coated papers, different drugs in dried blood spots (DBS) were more favourably eluted off from the paper coated with flower-like MgO due to its weaker surface basicity. Also, the signal intensities of different drugs during paper spray were highly dependent on their elution behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS

Paper spray mass spectrometry (MS) provides an avenue to elaborate the surface properties of MgO with different structures. The surface basicity of MgO played a crucial role in determining the elution behaviours of therapeutic drugs in DBS, and a more favourable elution behaviour tended to result in a higher MS signal. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Calcination temperature-dependent surface structure and physicochemical properties of magnesium oxide

The electrochemical performance of MgO particles is highly dependent on their crystal structures resulting from calcination at different temperatures.

Shape evolution of parallelogrammic magnesium oxalate controlled by phosphate species

The shape evolution of magnesium oxalate dihydrate to parallelogrammic micro-particles is closely related to the amount of Na₅P₃O₁₀ participating in the self-assembly of the layer-like parallelogram.

Hydrothermal–thermal conversion synthesis of hierarchical porous MgO microrods as efficient adsorbents for lead(ii) and chromium(vi) removal

High crystallinity porous MgO microrods were synthesized via a NaCl and NP-9 assisted calcination of the hydrothermally synthesized MgC₂O₄·2H₂O microrods, which exhibited satisfactory removal efficiency for Pb(ii) and Cr(vi) ions from aqueous solutions.