Cyclic Voltammetry Study and Solar Light Assisted Photocatalytic Activity of the CeFeO3/CeO2/Fe2O3 Composite

The semiconducting nature of CeFeO3/CeO2/Fe2O3 nanocomposite has permitted the degradation of the organic toxic dye methylene blue under the irradiation of ultraviolet and visible light portions of solar radiation. Fullprof-assisted Rietveld refinement analysis, performed using the Match software, has revealed the orthorhombic nature of CeFeO3. In addition, in the synthesized material, the cubic phase byproduct CeO2 was found due to the highly oxidizing nature of the cerium element. This occurred due to 6 min microwave irradiation because the microwave-assisted technique offered random distribution of heating during the supply of 800-W power for 30 s, followed by 12 cycles. Additionally, the presence of Fe2O3 was also confirmed through Match software-assisted Rietveld refinement analysis through phase matching. During the synthesis, a certain portion of the synthesized CeFeO3 experienced overheating, leading to phase transformation from CeFeO3 into Fe2O3 and CeO2. The unit cell compositions of CeFeO3, CeO2, and Fe2O3 were found in the sample material with 35.54%, 52.43%, and 12.03%, respectively. The appearance of a fingerprint absorption region in the FTIR spectrum around 577.36 and 535.38 cm-1 further confirmed the similarity of these values (577.36 and 535.38 cm-1) to those obtained from the calculated values obtained by substituting Rietveld refined bond length parameters. The fourth step process in the thermal analysis curve (TGA) revealed the oxidation process, which led to the destruction of the CeFeO3 phase, causing the transformation of CeFeO3 into two byproducts (CeO2 and Fe2O3). This oxidation process permitted in an observable weight gain, which is observed in the thermal analysis curve (TGA). A cyclic voltammetry study (the experimentally measured current-voltage characteristic curve) revealed slightly distorted semirectangular CV curves, confirming the pseudo-capacitive behavior of the synthesized composite.

Bioactive polysaccharides from Aegle marmelos fruit: Recent trends on extraction, bio-techno functionality, and food applications

Polysaccharides from non-conventional sources, such as fruits, have gained significant attention recently. Aegle marmelos (Bael), a non-conventional fruit, is an excellent source of biologically active components with potential indigenous therapeutic and food applications. Apart from polyphenolic components, this is an excellent source of mucilaginous polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are one the major components of bael fruit, having a high amount of galactose and glucuronic acid, which contributes to its potential therapeutic properties. Therefore, this review emphasizes the conventional and emerging techniques of polysaccharide extraction from bael fruit. Insight into the attributes of polysaccharide components, their techno-functional properties, characterization of bael fruit polysaccharide, emulsifying properties, binding properties, reduction of hazardous dyes, application of polysaccharides in film formation, application of polysaccharide as a nanocomposite, and biological activities of bael fruit polysaccharides are discussed. This review also systematically overviews the relationship between extraction techniques, structural characteristics, and biological activities. Additionally, recommendations, future perspectives, and new valuable insight towards better utilization of bael fruit polysaccharide have been given importance, which can be promoted in the long term.