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Nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) Nanoparticles have been synthesized by a simple surfactant-free electrochemical method at room temperature using iron plates as the cathode and anode electrode. nickel sulfate hexahydrate solution used as the electrolyte has a concentration of 0.04 M and pH 10. The voltage applied varied from 6, 9, and 12 V. We found that voltage and hydroxyl ions (OH-) presence have an important role in the formation of nickel ferrite nanoparticles. Particle size can be controlled by voltage. Nickel ferrite nanoparticles were produced in the form of gray powder and exhibited ferromagnetic properties. Material produced exhibits spinel oxide characteristics that confirms nickel ferrite presence. Nickel ferrite produced are nearly spherical with narrow size distribution having the size that can be classified as nanomaterial. Good electrochemical performance is legitimately observed for NiFe2O4 prepared in this work. This simple method is promising as a facile synthesis method for nickel ferrite nanoparticles.

The interfacial solar steam generator presents a viable and environmentally conscious solution for generating fresh water from seawater. The interfacial solar steam generator is accomplished through the integration of a photothermal material with a supporting material, resulting in a bilayer structure. In general, the efficiency of achieving a bilayer structure by the coating of a photothermal material on the surface of a substrate is limited. This is due to the potential for separation and variations in coating thickness, which can result in a drop in the rate of evaporation. In this study, a bilayer structure was successfully obtained through the implementation of a co-gelation technique utilizing a biomass-derived substrate, aerogel cellulose, and magnetite (Fe3O4) as photothermal materials. Additionally, we investigate the impact of magnetic fields on the evaporation rate of photothermal materials. The bilayer solar steam generator obtained demonstrates a notable evaporation rate of 1.87 kg.m-2h-1, which is sufficient to meet the daily water requirements of individuals.

The effect of sulfonic agents on the performance of solid acid catalysts in esterification reactions of long-chain fatty acids has been studied. Herein, sulfonated activated carbon with sulfanilic acid (SAC-SA) and sulfuric acid (SAC-SO4) as a sulfonic agent were prepared and used for esterification reaction to convert long-chain fatty acids into methyl esters within 5 h at 65°C. The obtained SAC-SA has a higher surface area than SAC-SO4 of 1301.981 and 1182.096 m2/g, respectively. When SAC-SO4 and SAC-SA catalysts were applied to the esterification reaction, the FAME product conversion results were 74.47 and 46.98 %, respectively. The physical property of SAC-SO4 has more macropores size distribution than mesopores size based on the BJH method. Large pore size on the catalyst will support the diffusion of large organic molecules to improve catalytic ability. The pore size determines the performance of solid acid catalysts, especially in long-chain fatty acid reactants for biodiesel production.