Enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of porous ZnO coral-like nanoplates for organic dye degradation

ZnO nanomaterials have been extensively used as photocatalysts for the removal of pollutants in aqueous environments. This study explores the enhanced photocatalytic performance of porous ZnO coral-like nanoplates synthesized via a one-pot wet-chemical method and subsequent annealing treatment. Characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements confirmed the nanoplates' porous structure, single-crystal structure, 100 nm thickness, and 80 nm pore size. These unique structural characteristics of the ZnO coral-like nanoplates enabled effective photodegradation of the organic dye rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. Under simulated sunlight, the ZnO photocatalyst exhibited exceptional performance, achieving a 97.3% removal rate of RhB after 210 minutes of irradiation. The prepared ZnO photocatalyst also showed remarkable photostability and regeneration capability for RhB photodegradation with a decreased efficiency of less than 15% after eight testing cycles. The potential mechanism of the ZnO photocatalyst toward RhB degradation was also studied and is discussed in detail.

Synthesis and application of manganese-doped zinc oxide as a potential adsorbent for removal of Congo red dye from wastewater

Synthetic dyes are considered toxic compounds and as such are not easily removed by conventional water treatment processes. This study demonstrated the synthesis of pure and manganese- (Mn), silver- (Ag), and iron- (Fe) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles via the wet chemical route. In particular, it investigated the batch adsorption studies and physiochemical properties of synthesized pure and doped ZnO materials for removing toxic congo red (CR) dye. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the synthesis of the pure and doped ZnO materials. The batch adsorption investigation revealed adsorption efficiencies of 99.4% for CR dye at an optimal dose of 0.03 g/30 ml for Mn-doped ZnO at a solution pH of 2. The adsorption capacity of each of the synthesized materials was found to be in order Mn-doped ZnO (232.5 mg/g) > Ag-doped ZnO (222.2 mg/g) > pure ZnO (212.7 mg/g) > Fe-doped ZnO (208.3 mg/g). Both pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the Langmuir isotherm model accurately explained the adsorption behaviors of CR dye. As such, Van der Waal interactions, H-bonding, and electrostatic interaction were found to be the adsorption mechanisms responsible for dye removal. In addition, the desorption-regeneration investigation indicated the successful reuse of the exhausted Mn-doped ZnO material for five cycles of CR dye adsorption with an efficiency of 83.1%. Overall, this study has demonstrated that Mn-doped ZnO could be considered a viable adsorbent for the cleanup of dye-contaminated water.

Preparation of mesoporous ThO2 nanoparticles: Influence of calcination on morphology and visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine and methylene blue

The present article reports the synthesis of thoria nanoparticles (ThO₂ NPs) via sol-gel process and examines the effect of calcination temperature of ThO₂ on the morphology and photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine (IC) and methylene blue (MB) under visible-light. As-synthesized white crystals of ThO₂ were subjected to calcination at different temperatures, viz. 700 °C (TH-700), 800 °C (TH-800), and 900 °C (TH-900). The effect of calcination temperature on the structural, morphological, thermal, surface area-porosity, and optical properties of ThO₂ NPs were investigated by diverse analytical techniques. XRD patterns show the cubic-space group Fm-3m (225) with parameter a = 5.597 Å and reveals crystallite sizes increased with calcination temperature. The bandgap energy was found to be 1.85 eV, 2.33 eV, and 2.71 eV for TH-700, TH-800, and TH-900 NPs, respectively, calculated by Kubelka-Munk (KM) plot. SEM and TEM unveil that the sample TH-700 calcined at a low temperature of 700 °C yields assembled nanosheets, while at higher temperatures, i.e., 800 °C (TH-800) and 900 °C (TH-900), produces agglomerated nanomaterials. Further, TH-700 sample exhibits enhanced photocatalytic degradation within 120 min for both IC and MB dye than TH-800 and TH-900 counterparts. Among the dyes, IC shows improved photocatalytic efficiency than MB for TH-700, owing to the increased optical absorption and improved separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The reusability study of TH-700 reveals that the catalysts were stable up to four successive cycles with no drastic changes in photocatalytic efficiency. Also, systematic photodisintegration of IC was investigated by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Assessment of Performance of Photocatalytic Nanostructured Materials with Varied Morphology Based on Reaction Conditions

Synthesis of nanomaterials with specific morphology is an essential aspect for the optimisation of its properties and applications. The application of nanomaterials is being discussed in a wide range of areas, one of which is directly relevant to the environment through photocatalysis. To produce an effective photocatalyst for environmental applications, morphology plays an important role as it affects the surface area, interfaces, crystal facets and active sites, which ultimately affects efficiency. The method of synthesis and synthesis temperature can be the basic considerations for the evaluation of a particular nanomaterial. In this study, we have considered the aspects of morphology with a basic understanding and analyzed them in terms of nanomaterial efficacy in photocatalysis. Different morphologies of specific nanomaterials such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silver phosphate, cadmium sulphide and zinc titanate have been discussed to come to reasonable conclusions. Morphologies such as nanorods, nanoflower, nanospindles, nanosheets, nanospheres and nanoparticles were compared within and outside the domain of given nanomaterials. The different synthesis strategies adopted for a specific morphology have been compared with the photocatalytic performance. It has been observed that nanomaterials with similar band gaps show different performances, which can be linked with the reaction conditions and their nanomorphology as well. Materials with similar morphological structures show different photocatalytic performances. TiO₂ nanorods appear to have the best features of efficient photocatalyst, while the nanoflowers show very low efficiency. For CdS, the nanoflower is the best morphology for photocatalysis. It appears that high surface area is the key apart from the morphology, which controls the efficiency. The overall understanding by analyzing all the available information has enumerated a path to select an effective photocatalyst amongst the several nanomaterials available. Such an analysis and comparison is unique and has provided a handle to select the effective morphology of nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications.

Biosynthesized δ-Bi2O3 Nanoparticles from Crinum viviparum Flower Extract for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation and Molecular Docking

Bioinspired delta-bismuth oxide nanoparticles (δ-Bi₂O₃ NPs) have been synthesized using a greener reducing agent and surfactant via co-precipitation method. The originality of this work is the use of Crinum viviparum flower extract for the first time for the fabrication of NPs, which were further calcined at 800 °C to obtain δ-Bi₂O₃ NPs. Physicochemical studies such as FTIR spectroscopy and XPS confirmed the formation of Bi₂O₃ NPs, whereas XRD and Raman verified the formation of the cubic delta (δ) phase of Bi₂O₃ NPs. However, HRTEM revealed the spherical shape with diameter 10-20 nm, while BET studies expose mesoporous nature with a surface area of 71 m²/gm. The band gap for δ-Bi₂O₃ NPs was estimated to be 3.45 eV, which ensured δ-Bi₂O₃ to be a promising photocatalyst under visible-light irradiation. Therefore, based on the results of physicochemical studies, the bioinspired δ-Bi₂O₃ NPs were explored as active photocatalysts for the degradation of toxic dyes, viz., Thymol blue (TB) and Congo red (CR) under visible-light irradiation. The study showed 98.26% degradation of TB in 40 min and 69.67% degradation of CR in 80 min by δ-Bi₂O₃ NPs. The photogenerated holes and electrons were found responsible for this enhancement. Furthermore, molecular docking investigations were also performed for δ-Bi₂O₃ NPs to understand its biological function as New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) [PDB ID 5XP9] enzyme inhibitor, and studies revealed good interaction with various amino acid residues and found good hydrogen bonding with a fine pose energy of -3.851 kcal/mole.

Effect of calcination temperature on the morphology and catalytic properties of ZnO nanostructures fabricated from a chiral precursor for photodegradation of both cationic and anionic dyes

A chiral Zn MOF is fabricated into ZnO microflowers, polyhedrons and nanorods at three different temperatures and these are utilized for the photodegradation of methylene blue and Congo red.

Na-Ln Heterometallic Coordination Polymers: Structure Modulation by Na+ Concentration and Efficient Detection to Tetracycline Antibiotics and 4-(Phenylazo)aniline

On the basis of the lanthanide metalloligand [Ln(ODA)₃]^3- (H₂ODA = oxydiacetic acid), three new Na-Ln heterometallic coordination polymers, [Ln(ODA)₃Na₂]_n [Ln = Eu (1) and Gd (2)] and [Tb(ODA)₃Na₃(H₂O)₂]_n (3), had been assembled by adjusting the concentration of Na⁺ ions in the reaction system. The investigations of fluorescence sensing showed that 1 could be a ratiometric probe to detect tetracycline (TC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) with high sensitivity and low detection limits, 71.92 ppb for the former and 45.54 ppb for the latter, and 3 could selectively sense 4-(phenylazo)aniline through the turn-off pathway with 14.59 ppb of detection limits. Moreover, the competing and circulating experiments indicated that both 1 and 3 had satisfactory antiinterference and recyclability for the corresponding analytes. All of these results implied that 1 and 3 should be potential fluorescent sensors for the detection of TC/OTC and 4-(phenylazo)aniline, and the possible sensing mechanism had also been discussed in depth.

Green Synthesis and Applications of ZnO and TiO2 Nanostructures

Over the last two decades, oxide nanostructures have been continuously evaluated and used in many technological applications. The advancement of the controlled synthesis approach to design desired morphology is a fundamental key to the discipline of material science and nanotechnology. These nanostructures can be prepared via different physical and chemical methods; however, a green and ecofriendly synthesis approach is a promising way to produce these nanostructures with desired properties with less risk of hazardous chemicals. In this regard, ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures are prominent candidates for various applications. Moreover, they are more efficient, non-toxic, and cost-effective. This review mainly focuses on the recent state-of-the-art advancements in the green synthesis approach for ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures and their applications. The first section summarizes the green synthesis approach to synthesize ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures via different routes such as solvothermal, hydrothermal, co-precipitation, and sol-gel using biological systems that are based on the principles of green chemistry. The second section demonstrates the application of ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures. The review also discusses the problems and future perspectives of green synthesis methods and the related issues posed and overlooked by the scientific community on the green approach to nanostructure oxides.

Pb doped ZnO nanoparticles for the sorption of Reactive Black 5 textile azo dye

In this study, Pb doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-gel technique for the sorption of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) textile dye in aqueous solution. The ZnO:Pb (2 and 4%) nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and cryogenic nitrogen adsorption method. The average size of the synthesized nanoparticles was less than 100 nm and the surface areas were 18.8 and 20.8 m²/g, respectively for ZnO:Pb 2% and ZnO:Pb 4%. Batch sorption experiments were performed for color removal of RB5 dye at ambient temperature and 30 mg/L dye concentration. The central composite design with response surface methodology was used to study the effect of sorption condition (pH, nanoparticles dose and contact time). The significance of independent variables and their interactions was tested by analysis of variance. The optimum conditions of color removal were pH = 7, 2 g/L dose of nanoparticles and a contact time of 79 min. The color removal performance was 79.4 and 98.1% for ZnO:Pb 2 and 4% respectively. The pseudo-second-order model described well the removal rates while the Langmuir model fitted well the adsorption isotherms.

Synthesis of a nanostructured pillar MOF with high adsorption capacity towards antibiotics pollutants from aqueous solution

In this study, various sonochemical conditions were applied to prepare the microsheets, nanosheets and nanoflowers of a metal-organic framework (MOF; [Zn₆(IDC)₄(OH)₂(Hprz)₂]_n) that is composed of Zn(II) cations coordinated with the linear N-donor piperazine (prz) and rigid planar imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylate (H₃IDC) ligands. The PXRD patterns approved purity of the samples and the FT-IR spectra related the detected bonds and functional groups to [Zn₆(IDC)₄(OH)₂(Hprz)₂]_n crystals. The morphological results indicated that any changes in the synthesis conditions can affect nucleation and morphology of the nanostructures. The prepared MOF nanosheets and nanoflowers (with particle size average of 95 and 116 nm, respectively) were employed to adsorb the ampicillin, amoxicillin and cloxacillin antibiotics. Then, the MOFs were calcined at 550 ℃ and atmospheric pressure to produce ZnO nanoparticles and the resultant nanoparticles were adopted to photodegrade the antibiotics. These nanoparticles can photodegrade 37% of the amoxicillin compounds within 180 min. Among the examined samples, the nanoflowers demonstrated the highest adsorption capacity by eliminating 92.5%, 88% and 89% of the antibiotic molecules from the 60-ppm amoxicillin, ampicillin and cloxacillin solutions, respectively. Also, these nanoflowers are thermally stable up to 365 ℃. The associated adsorption process was found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics, in the case of amoxicillin.

Hollow ZnO microspheres functionalized with electrochemical graphene oxide for the photodegradation of salicylic acid

Hollow ZnO microspheres were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method and then functionalized with graphene oxide (GO) flakes, previously obtained through electrochemical oxidation. Their photocatalytic activity toward the photodegradation of salicylic acid under UV light irradiation was evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Unfunctionalized microspheres and ZnO functionalized with chemically oxidized graphene were also studied as comparative terms. The hybrid materials of ZnO with both electrochemical and chemical GO gave a similar photodegradation yield of ∼28% against 18% of the non-functionalized microspheres. The similar degradation yields and rate constants obtained with the two GO synthetic methods indicate that electrochemical oxidation of GO represents an eco-friendly option over traditional methods for photocatalytic degradation systems.

Hollow ZnO microspheres were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method and then functionalized with graphene oxide (GO) flakes, previously obtained through electrochemical oxidation.

Ultrasound assisted facile synthesis of Mn(II) and Cu(II) coordination polymers and their use as precursors for α-Mn3O4 and CuO nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties

A self-assembly of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate with Cu(II) and Mn(II) under ultrasonic and microwave irradiation gave the two coordination polymers [Cu(PDA)(H₂O)_1.5]n (1) and [Mn(PDA)(H₂O)_1.5]n (2). Their structures were characterized using IR, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopic methods. The corresponding α-Mn₃O₄ and CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by calcination of 1 and 2 in air at 600 °C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals a sphere-like morphology for the Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles. Shrinkage of the particle size from 90 nm (by conventional synthesis of the precursor) to 19 nm (ultrasonic-assisted) takes place, indicating the great effect of ultrasonication. CuO nanoparticles were of semispherical (conventional and ultrasonic-assisted methods) and hexagonal shapes (microwave irradiation) with an average diameter of 7, 15 and 25 nm, respectively. The catalytic performance of the coordination polymers towards degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was studied. Using the same dose, catalyst 1 proved to be more efficient in color removal of both MB and MO than catalyst 2 did. Recycling test for 2 showed that it is a recyclable catalyst with no structural changes over three recycling experiments.

The effect of different parameters under ultrasound irradiation for synthesis of new nanostructured Fe3O4@bio-MOF as an efficient anti-leishmanial in vitro and in vivo conditions

In this work, a magnetic bio-metal-organic framework (MBMOF) nanocomposite with porous-layer open morphology is synthesized through a simple sonochemical approach and its effects on Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) under both in vitro and in vivo conditions are investigated. The effects of sonication time, initial concentration of reagents and sonication power on size and morphology of MBMOF nanocomposites have been investigated and optimized. A comparison was then made between the structural information of the nanostructures and that of the bio-metal-organic framework crystals. Using the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) techniques, the prepared MBMOF nanocomposites were characterized. The mean numbers of promastigotes (cell/ml) in different MBMOF concentrations (3.12, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µg mL^-1) were determined by direct counting after 24, 48 and 72 h. Using MTT assays, the cytotoxic impacts of the MBMOF nanocomposites on promastigotes, intracellular amastigotes, and J774 macrophages were estimated. In order to investigate their therapeutic effects, the prepared MBMOF nanocomposites (25 and 12.5 µg mL^-1) were used as ointment three times a week to treat Leishmania major in BALB/c mice. The lesion size and weight of mice were assessed before and during the treatment. The parasitic loads were measured in spleen and liver through the culture. After 72 h, the INF-γ and IL-4 cytokines levels in the supernatant of the spleen culture were measured. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to attempt to synthesize the bio-MOFs through an in-situ sonosynthesis route under ultrasound irradiation and examine their cytotoxicity effects on Leishmania major under in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Morphology- and size-controlled synthesis of a metal-organic framework under ultrasound irradiation: An efficient carrier for pH responsive release of anti-cancer drugs and their applicability for adsorption of amoxicillin from aqueous solution

In this study, we have reported a biocompatible metal-organic framework (MOF) with ultra-high surface area, which we have shown to have uses as both a cancer treatment delivery system and for environmental applications. Using a sonochemical approach, highly flexible organic H₃BTCTB and ditopic 4,4'-BPDC ligands, along with modulators of acetic acid and pyridine were combined to prepare a Zn(II)-based metal-organic framework, DUT-32, [Zn₄O(BPDC)(BTCTB)_4/3(DEF)_39.7(H₂O)_11.3]. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize, the particle size, shape, and structure of the DUT-32. To show the effects of shape and size of DUT-32 micro/nano-structures on doxorubicin (DOX) drug release and amoxicillin (AMX) adsorption, time of sonication, initial reagent concentrations, irradiation frequency, and acetic acid to pyridine molar ratios were optimized. The drug-loaded DUT-32 was soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) and the drug release ratio was monitored through release time to perform in vitro drug release test. A slow and sustained release was observed for DUT-32 micro/nano-structures, having a considerable drug loading capacity. At the pH values 7.4-4.5, various profiles of pH-responsive release were achieved. Also, the prepared DUT-32 micro/nano-structures are found to be biocompatible with PC3 (prostate cancer) and HeLa (cervical cancer) cell lines, when tested by MTT assay. Moreover, DUT-32 micro/nano-structures were studied to show AMX adsorption from aqueous solution. Finally, kinetic studies indicated that AMX adsorption and drug release of DOX via this MOF are of first-order kinetics.

The NiGa-LDH@NiWO4 nanocomposite as an electrode material for pseudocapacitors

NiGa-LDH@X-NiWO₄ (X: 3, 5 or 10 wt% NiWO₄) nanocomposites were prepared at room temperature under mild conditions.