Recent advances in synthesis and characterization of iron-nickel bimetallic nanoparticles and their applications as photo-catalyst and fuel additive

Comparative catalytic analysis of non-biodegradable barium oxide nanoparticles and biodegradable barium oxide/sodium alginate nanocomposite against organic dyes

Novel-shaped non-biodegradable barium oxide nanoparticles (N-Bio-BaO NPs) were synthesized via the solvothermal method, while a biodegradable barium oxide/sodium alginate nanocomposite (Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC) was prepared using simple composition process. Characterization techniques confirmed the successful synthesis of both materials. XRD revealed a highly crystalline monoclinic structure for N-Bio-BaO NPs compared to Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC. SEM analysis showed N-Bio-BaO NPs exhibit a unique oblong, ellipsoidal morphology, while EDX confirmed the presence of Ba, O and Na. FTIR spectra indicated characteristic band at 692 cm-1 (BaO Stretching) and 1600 cm-1 (carboxylate ion COO- stretching). TGA revealed N-Bio-BaO NPs are thermally stable and non-biodegradable, while Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC is biodegradable, making it ideal for eco-friendly dye reduction applications. Catalytic performance was assessed through kinetic and statistical studies. Firstly, kinetic parameters including rate constant (kapp), percentage reduction, reduction time and half-life were analyzed. The kinetic parameters for MG with Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC surpassed those for MB, MO and N-Bio-BaO NPs. Secondly, a response surface methodology (RSM) statistical model was employed to compare the catalytic efficiencies of the materials, using 2D and 3D plots. RSM results demonstrated that Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC achieved a higher reduction efficacy of methyl green (MG) dye (92 %) compared to N-Bio-BaO NPs (78 %) from wastewater.

Studies on photocatalytic mineralization of organic pesticides by bimetallic Cu-Zn nanoparticles derived from Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) using green chemistry approach

Compared to monometallic nanoparticles, bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis and characterization have attracted more attention due to their superior environmental protection properties. In this study, we discuss the preparation and characterization of Cu-Zn bimetallic nanoparticles using Zinger extract, as well as their potential role in photocatalytic degradation of carbendazim, chlorpyrifos, monocrotophos, and cypermethrin. Surface properties were assessed with SEM and TEM, while UV-VIS, XRD, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize the materials. It was observed that higher pH conditions were more conducive to the development of stable Cu-Zn BMNPs with diameters ranging from 60 to 100 nm. UV-VIS spectroscopy showed that the Cu-Zn bimetallic nanoparticles photodegraded 53-95% of the pesticides, monocrotophos, chlorpyrifos, and carbendazim during the 24-72-h incubation period. A number of pesticides may be photocatalytically degraded by primary reactive radicals produced by nanoparticles. We propose that the use of bimetallic nanoparticles could be one alternative strategy for pesticide mineralization.