Solution combustion synthesis: the relevant metrics for producing advanced and nanostructured photocatalysts

Mesoporous TiO2 and Fe-containing TiO2 prepared by solution combustion synthesis as catalysts for the photodegradation of paracetamol

Water pollution due to emerging contaminants, e.g., pharmaceuticals, is one of the most frequently discussed issues. Among them, paracetamol received great attention due to its physico-chemical properties, persistence, and adverse environmental effects. Different techniques were employed for its degradation and, among them, photodegradation is considered one of the most suitable to pursue the aim. This work aimed to synthesize mesoporous TiO2, even with the presence of iron, through a one-pot method, with an enhanced ability to abate paracetamol. Precisely, pure and iron-containing (3.5 wt%) TiO2 were successfully obtained employing an uncommon procedure for this kind of material, mainly solution combustion synthesis (SCS). Moreover, a traditional hydrothermal method and a commercial Degussa P25 were also investigated for comparison purposes. The samples were characterized through N2-physisorption at - 196 °C, XRD, XPS, EDX, DR UV-Vis, and FESEM analysis. The catalytic activity was investigated for the abatement of 10 ppm of paracetamol, under UV irradiation in acidic conditions (pH = 3) and in the presence of H2O2. As a whole, the best-performing catalysts were those obtained through the SCS procedure, highlighting a complete removal of the organic pollutant after 1 h in the case of Fe/TiO2_SCS, thanks to its highly defective structure and the presence of metal Fe. To better investigate the performance of both pure and Fe-containing SCS samples, further oxidation tests were performed at pH = 7 and in the absence of H2O2. Noteworthy, in these conditions, the two samples exhibited different behaviors, highlighting different mechanisms depending on the presence or absence of iron in the structure. Finally, a kinetic study was conducted, demonstrating that a first order is suitable for its abatement.

Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials

In the last few decades, the development and use of thin films and nanostructured materials to enhance physical and chemical properties of materials has been common practice in the field of materials science and engineering. The progress which has recently been made in tailoring the unique properties of thin films and nanostructured materials, such as a high surface area to volume ratio, surface charge, structure, anisotropic nature, and tunable functionalities, allow expanding the range of their possible applications from mechanical, structural, and protective coatings to electronics, energy storage systems, sensing, optoelectronics, catalysis, and biomedicine. Recent advances have also focused on the importance of electrochemistry in the fabrication and characterization of functional thin films and nanostructured materials, as well as various systems and devices based on these materials. Both cathodic and anodic processes are being extensively developed in order to elaborate new procedures and possibilities for the synthesis and characterization of thin films and nanostructured materials.

Efficient and recyclable Nd3+-doped CoFe2O4 for boosted visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye

Rare earth metal doping spinel ferrites offer excellent electronic, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties, but they have not been well explored for environmental mitigation. Herein, we report the facile fabrication of novel CoNd _x Fe_2-x O₄ (x = 0-0.05) photocatalysts based on Nd³⁺ incorporated into CoFe₂O₄ for the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The Nd³⁺ dopant considerably increased the specific surface area (35 m² g^-1) and enhanced the degradation performance (94.7%) of CoNd _x Fe_2-x O₄ catalysts. Nd³⁺-doped CoFe₂O₄ played a role in the formation of radicals, including ˙OH, h⁺, and ˙O₂ ^-. With high recyclability and performance, CoNd_0.05Fe_1.95O₄ nanoparticles can be efficient and reusable photocatalysts for degrading organic dyes, including Rhodamine B from wastewaters.

The status and natural impact of floriculture production in Ethiopia: a systematic review

Ethiopia's floriculture industry is exceedingly emerging, and, currently, it ranks as the sixth largest exporter of roses worldwide and second largest in Africa. Currently, many flowers, such as rose, gypsophila, carnations, and chrysanthemum, are growing. However, floriculture farms are contributing a high level of health risks and environmental problems in Ethiopia. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the status and impacts of floriculture industries in Ethiopia. The floriculture division is an emerging sector in Ethiopia, and the number of farms, income, job opportunities, and diversity of flowers are increasing. However, the health risks and environmental fates of the sector are also increasing. Ethiopian floriculture farms lack waste disposal technologies and workers' protective equipment and safety, and the chemicals, plastics, and corrugated irons used in the farms are carelessly disposed everywhere. Pesticides, plastics, and fertilizers are also freely discharged into water bodies and terrestrial land, which is causing the development of health risks; aquatic life hazards; and soil, water, and air pollution. However, Ethiopia has no strong and functional system or structure to control the impacts of floriculture farms. The government and the farm owners are not thoughtful about the environmental issues, health concerns, and socioeconomic impacts of the wastes. The government lacks regular control and assessment of farms, and the farms are engaging for their profit. Nevertheless, developed countries are currently using both natural and modern technologies to manage floricultural wastes. Ethiopia should therefore suggest manageable possible approaches and sound management strategies based on the findings of the analyses.

Ligand-induced synthesis of two Cu-based coordination polymers and derivation of carbon-coated metal oxide heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic degradation

In this study two new Cu-CPs have been constructed as precursors for the preparation of carbon-coated metal oxide heterojunctions. Moreover, we have used Mo metal as a doping agent to boost the photodegradation activity of the CP-derived carbon nanostructures.