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The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of isopropyl triisostearoyl titanate (KR-TTS) as a titanate coupling agent (TCA) on surface modification of TiO2 nanotube (TNT) material. From the physical and chemical studies that have been performed on the modified TiO2 nanotube, scanning electron microscope micrographs, energy-dispersive X-ray and viscosity indicated that there was significant reduction in particle aggregation of the modified TiO2 Nanotube. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that the functional group of the TCA reacted with the hydroxyl groups present on the surface of TiO2 nanotube resulting in an altered surface property from being hydrophilic to hydrophobic. X-ray diffraction indicated that crystalline structure did not change upon the modification with the coupling agent. Isopropyl triisostearoyl titanate (KR-TTS) is found to be superior in performance and has a significant effect on the dispersion and resolving of agglomeration. This paper presents the effect of surface modification with the TCA of isopropyl triisostearoyl titanate (KR-TTS) type on the TiO2 nanotube material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p -sulphonated calix[4]arene (p -SOCX) functionalized cellulose acetate/graphene oxide (CA/GO) nanofibers were successfully prepared via the electrospinning technique. The presence of p -SOCX within the fiber matrix was ascertained using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Carbon-Hydrogen-Nitrogen-Sulphur elemental analyses. Apparent changes in morphology of the samples were observed under scanning electron microscope where fiber diameters increased with increasing p -SOCX content. Preliminary dye removal test at different pH, dosage, and temperature of functionalized CA/GO nanofiber demonstrates enhanced adsorption capacity of methylene blue in presence of p -SOCX compared to pristine CA nanofiber and CA/GO nanofiber at an optimum pH 8. The highest removal efficiency obtained was 88.84% with initial methylene blue dye concentration of 10 mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 20 mg/10 mL, contact time of 30 min at room temperature ca. 293 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the effect of different carbon materials on the crystallization and melting behavior of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), UHMWPE composites were prepared by different carbon materials through solution mixing in this paper. UHMWPE was oxidized to improve the interfacial interaction between UHMWPE and carbon materials. The UHMWPE composites and oxidized UHMWPE composites were prepared using granular graphite particle (GP), graphite nanoplatelets (GNP), and flaky graphene oxide (GO) as fillers. The effect of the type and the content of carbon materials and the oxidization of UHMWPE on crystallization and melting temperatures, crystallinity, and crystal form of UHMWPE and oxidized UHMWPE composites was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that there are coexistence of the heterogeneous nucleation and the hindering effect of crystal growth by carbon materials for UHMWPE crystallization. The different influence of carbon materials on the crystallization and melting behavior of UHMWPE was discussed by the heterogeneous nucleation of carbon materials and the restriction of the macromolecular chain motion of UHMWPE by carbon materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's world of electronics, nanomaterial applications pose a challenge. The spin coating approach was used to create nanostructured ZnO with wurtzite structure in a recent study. Antimony doping, aluminum, and antimony codoping with 2.0 percent were used to make these films. The impact of doped and codoped films on structural, optical properties, and morphological has been examined using a variety of characterization approaches. A ZnO nanocrystal with a diameter of 20-30 nm was discovered using XRD (X-ray diffraction). According to SEM (scanning electron microscope) scans, the grain size is in the 80-120 nm region. The use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to detect elemental elements was studied, and the peak at 400-520 cm-1 was identified as ZnO. The optical properties of doped and codoped ZnO were checked, and it was discovered that antimony-doped ZnO has a larger band gap than Al and antimony-codoped ZnO. This proved that ZnO may be used in gas sensors and solar cells. The gas response of a static gas sensor system based on Sb-doped films was measured and compared to Al- and Sb-codoped films in the presence of ethanol vapor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organometallic perovskite is one of the potential materials in the various optoelectronic research fields. This study demonstrates the synthesis of CH3NH3PbI3 : ZnS microrods via one-step spin coating for optoelectronic applications. Incorporation of ZnS in the perovskite material caused bandgap variation in the visible wavelength range. Structural and chemical properties have been observed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optical and electrical properties were studied via UV-Vis spectroscopy and impedance analyzer. The addition of ZnS caused to increase the optical absorption coefficient from ∼104 cm−1 to ∼105 cm−1. The bandgaps of the thin films were calculated using the Tauc relation and electrical method, obtained in the range 1.51 eV–1.64 eV, suitable for various optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We proposed a colorimetric immunosensor based on g-C3N4@Fe3O4 nanocomposite-mediated transformation strategy for sensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The g-C3N4@Fe3O4 nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectra (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Fe3+ derived from g-C3N4@Fe3O4 nanocomposite could combine with sodium salicylate to form purple complex products. Based on this color development, the sandwich colorimetric immunoassay was built by utilizing g-C3N4@Fe3O4 nanocomposite as nanolabels on the microplate. With the increasement of CEA concentration, the purple color showed a gradient change. Under optimal conditions, the linearity range is 0.001–50 ng/mL with the detection limit of 0.35 pg/mL for CEA. More importantly, the colorimetric immunoassay has good selectivity, specificity, repeatability, and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation deals with the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles in an ecofriendly manner using leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata. Green-synthesized copper nanoparticles were studied for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and catalytic activity. The leaves were powdered and extracted with water and added to copper sulphate solution. The reduction of copper ions to nanoparticles was preliminarily identified by the color change of the reaction mixture. The synthesized nanoparticle was characterized by using a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer at a different wavelength with different time intervals. Functional groups available on the surface of the nanoparticle were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Surface roughness was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed six distinct intense peaks indicating the crystalline nature of synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) demonstrated polydispersed nanoparticles formed in the reaction process. The antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated by an agar well diffusion assay against pathogenic bacteria. The antioxidant activity showed the excellent reduction of DPPH free radicals by nanoparticles. These results confirmed that copper nanoparticles serve as an alternative therapeutic agent over conventional drugs. Moreover, copper nanoparticles were also used to study the effect on the dye degradation process of methyl red and eosin dyes. Copper nanoparticles effectively remove the dyes with high efficiency up to 92% and 95% of methyl red and eosin dye, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigment compounds with hypoglycemic effects are a widely researched topic, but there is almost no research evaluation on eumelanin in ink. Melanin in cuttlefish juice is used as an antibacterial, hemostatic, and other active natural medicine and food additive. This study is the first to compare the extraction method of alkali‐extracted eumelanin and enzyme‐extracted eumelanin and to analyze their hypoglycemic activities. The structures of the extracted samples were analyzed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐vis), X‐ray, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The purity of the extracted samples was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the enzyme extraction yield and purity of eumelanin were 88.3% and 91.62%, and the alkali extraction yield and purity of eumelanin were 16.82% and 58.57%, respectively. Enzyme extraction of eumelanin can significantly inhibit α‐glycosidase enzyme and α‐amylase activity, promote the utilization of glucose in cells, and increase hepatic glycogen synthesis. Eumelanin (0.8 mg/ml) was selected as the effective concentration. This study provides a technical reference for the extraction, determination, and hypoglycemic activity of eumelanin. Novelty impact statement: This study is the first to compare the extraction method of alkali‐assisted extraction of eumelanin and enzymatic‐assisted extraction of eumelanin and to analyze their hypoglycemic activities.The extraction yield and purity of enzyme‐assisted extraction of eumelanin extraction is much higher than that of alkali‐assisted extraction of eumelanin.Eumelanin from squid ink has the effect of accelerating the utilization of glucose and the effect of enzyme‐assisted extraction of eumelanin is slightly better than alkali‐assisted extraction of eumelanin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling wastes and providing their use in useful fields attract attention every day. In our study, with the extract prepared from the parts of the Cynara scolymus L. (artichoke) plant that is not suitable for human consumption, silver nanoparticles were easily synthesized in an ec-friendly, energy-free way. Characterization of the obtained nanoparticles was done with a UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis.), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential analysis data. In these data, it was determined that AgNPs have a maximum absorbance at 458.8 nm wavelength, a crystal nanosize of 28.78 nm, and a spherical appearance. The zeta potential of (-) 16.9 mV indicates that silver nanoparticles exhibit a stable structure. Particles show antimicrobial effects on pathogenic species at concentrations of 0.03-0.25 μg/ml, and it was determined by using the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) microdilution method. By examining their cytotoxic effects on U118, CaCo-2, and Skov-3 cancer cell lines and healthy HDF cell lines by the MTT method, concentrations of inhibitive effects on survival were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A series of anion exchange membranes (quaternized chitosan/cation metal‐organic framework [MIL‐X‐QCS]) were prepared via purposeful inserting the cationic metal‐organic framework as the multifunctional filler into quaternized chitosan (QCS). The successful preparation of the anion exchange membrane was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). In this research, we converted the charge‐balanced MOFs skeleton Cr‐MIL‐101 into the cationic metal skeleton (Cr‐MIL‐101)+Cl− by anion stripping, and cooperated with quaternary amine groups to construct a high‐speed OH− transmission channel. The introduction of a rigid MOF structure reduces the water uptake and swelling ratio of the composite membrane by 27% and 37%, respectively. At 80°C, the OH− conductivity of the MIL‐9‐QCS membrane (The composite membrane doped with 9 wt% Cr‐MIL‐101 crystals) reaches 2.30 × 10−2 S·cm−1 and the power density reached its maximum (90.2 mW·cm−2), and the tensile strength reaches 20.12 MPa, which was higher than 18.7 MPa of Nafion‐115 membrane. The spatial network structure of MOFs reduced the methanol permeability of MIL‐9‐QCS membrane by 24% compared with the original QCS membrane. Furthermore, the MIL‐9‐QCS composite membrane exhibited excellent alkali stability, where after being soaked in 2 mol L−1 NaOH solution at 60°C for 240 hours, its OH− conductivity still reached 77% of the initial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, a green and high‐efficiency adsorbent was synthesized. First, magnetic cellulose (Fe3O4/CMC) was prepared by coprecipitation method and then it was compounded with functional graphene oxide (GO) to prepare magnetic cellulose‐supported GO composite (Fe3O4/CMC/GO). As prepared composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometer, thermogravimetric, scanning electron microscope, Brunner‐Emmett‐Teller, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The adsorption properties were studied, and the effects of time, temperature, pH, and initial concentration on the adsorption process were investigated. The adsorption mechanism was also discussed. The results showed that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and the Langmuir model were more consistent with the adsorption process of Cu2+ by adsorbents. The whole adsorption process was a spontaneous endothermic process, and the adsorption capacity reached the maximum (199.98 mg·g−1) when the pH was 6 to 7, the initial concentration was 200 mg·L−1, and the temperature was 318 K. The high adsorption rate (86.68%) can still be achieved after 5 cycles of adsorption‐desorption with 1 mol·L−1 dilute hydrochloric acid as eluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrifood by-products are a key element within Europe's sustainable strategies. Valorization and reuse of zero-waste technologies are becoming more popular, and they are commonly named as "second-generation food waste management." The present study is directed to the valuable extracts of "green" organic compounds from the by-products of fruit and berry/vegetable crops, which can be revalorized in sustainable chemical technology and engineering, namely, in the production of "green" synthesis of nanoparticles and for the inhibition of corrosion and scaling of metals in corrosive media. Numerous types of agrifood by-products (rapeseed pomace, sugar beet pulp, fodder radish cake, grape pomace, and pomegranate peels) were investigated. The waste extracts for corrosion and scale inhibitors of mild steel in tap water were prepared by the conventional extraction method that uses 2-propanol and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Inhibition of scaling and corrosion was investigated in thermal scaling conditions on the surface of the electrode manufactured from mild steel. The LPR technique was applied to measure the corrosion rate, and the scaling rate was determined gravimetrically. The extracts were found to inhibit the corrosion rate 2-3 times, while only radish cake extract inhibited both the corrosion and scaling rates. The waste extracts to produce nanoparticles were prepared by the ultrasound-assisted water extraction with subsequent oxidation by oxygen purge and characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). The aqueous grape pomace and pomegranate peel extracts were screened for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The reduction capacity of the extracts was assessed using ferric reducing power (FRAP) and phosphomolybdenum (PM) assays. AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The particle size of AgNPs ranged between 40 and 50 nm. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was tested against Escherichia coli using the agar diffusion method and optical density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis approach was successful used extract was successful in preparing bimetallic zero-valent Iron/Copper nanoparticles [FB-nZVFe/Cu]. Scanning Electron Microscope [SEM], Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy [FTIR], and Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy [EDX] showing the synthesizing of FB-nZVFe/Cu. The removal efficiency of Caffeine [5 mg L−1] reached 86% under the conditions [0.2 g L−1, 45 min, and pH 5]. The adsorption data are more appropriate by the Langmuir model [R2 = 0.9987] with qmax = 34.34 mg g −1. Kinetic results showed that Caffeine uptake is following pseudo-second-order. Langmuir and pseudo-second-order are more appropriate in linear and non-linear models. Overall, FB-Fe/Cu is a committed green substance for removal Caffeine from aqueous solutions. Functional parameters affect investigated using the Linear regression analysis, we found them to account for over 98% of the variables affecting the removal procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt is a common cause of damage to building materials used in cultural and historical buildings. The damage to aged wood in historical wooden buildings has not been extensively studied, resulting in the need for a more detailed analysis. In this work, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, a typical historical wooden structure, was taken as the research object. Multichemical analyses were conducted to evaluate and understand the salt-induced damage to the aged wood using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, sulphur K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and attenuated total reflectance fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The results showed the presence of invasive salt crystallisations and ions in the aged samples. The source of these invasive elements was deduced by identifying the type, amount, and valency of the elements; they were found to be derived from environmental factors such as acid rain and atmospheric pollutant. The unique damage mechanism and route induced by salt in historical buildings made of wood were summarised; the damage was attributed to the accumulation of sulphate salt causing hydrolysis of the carbohydrates and salt crystallisation resulting in mechanical damage. This interdisciplinary study is significant for decision making in studies related to the preservation and evaluation of historical wooden buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of Rhodamine B onto CT269DR resin has been studied through static and dynamic experiments. The effects of shaking speed, resin dosage, and pH on adsorption were investigated by static experiments. The external mass transfer rate remains substantially unchanged when the shaking speed exceeds 160 r min−1. The optimal pH range is 5–8, and an increase of resin dosage can directly improve the percentage of removal of Rhodamine B. The equilibrium isotherm data of Rhodamine B on CT269DR resin fit the Langmuir adsorption isotherm well. The thermodynamics parameters, Δ H = 69.93 kJ mol−1, Δ S = 326.73 J mol−1 K−1, and Δ G < 0, demonstrate that the adsorption of Rhodamine B onto CT269DR resin is spontaneous and endothermic. The pseudo first-order kinetic model can be successfully used to represent the adsorption process and the activation energy is 25.7 kJ mol−1. The dynamic experiments show that the breakthrough point is advanced when the flow rate increases and the bed adsorption capacity increases with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the desorption using the solution of 2% NaOH is suitable for desorption and reusing process, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis reveals that used resin has good wear resistance and chemical stability. The results confirm that CT269DR resin can be employed as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of Rhodamine B from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene nanoplatelets were successfully prepared from graphite powder by simple and scalable thermal shock combined with ball milling methods. The formation of the graphene nanoplatelets were observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopes and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller methods with the much smaller number of layers and the considerable increase of specific surface area in comparison to the initial expanded graphite material. The other characterizations such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction methods of graphene nanoplatelets showed unchanged structure. These graphene nanoplatelets were combined with aluminum trihydroxide and zinc borate to prepare flame-retardant polycarbonate plastic and chlorine-sulfonated polyethylene rubber. The prepared composites showed the improvement of flame resistance properties with V0 level according to the UL-94 test method, and the limiting oxygen index value was higher than 27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon (AC) prepared from activation of ground peach stones with phosphoric acid under flowing air was used as a support for CeO2 and ZnO nanoparticles through hydrothermal method at 200°C for 120 min and followed by the calcination at 400°C for 180 min. The produced samples were named as AC, CeO2-AC, and ZnO-AC, respectively. The characterization of samples was made by means of scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area. A remarkable impact on the surface, structural, and textural properties of AC support was obtained as a result of loading for CeO2 or ZnO. Results of X-ray diffraction showed that nanocrystallines CeO2 and ZnO phases on the AC support were formed. Removal efficiency of the prepared samples was investigated through adsorption, photodegradation, and wet peroxide oxidation processes using Maxilon Red basic dye (MR). Accordingly, the prepared samples exhibited different removal behaviors towards MR dye depending on the total surface area and type of catalyst; for example, the maximum removal of MR dye was found in the following orders: AC>ZnO-AC>CeO2-AC, CeO2-AC>ZnO-AC>AC, and AC>CeO2- AC>ZnO-AC via adsorption, photodegradation, and catalytic oxidation with H2O2, respectively. It was found that photodegradation process was the best when compared with the other methods. The photocatalytic activity of CeO2-AC catalyst was the highest. The reusability tests showed that CeO2-AC exhibited superior photocatalytic performance and stability till the fourth run as compared to photocatalytic activity of ZnO-AC which decreased from 90% to 78% in the fourth run. Therefore, the prepared CeO2-AC catalyst is more effective than ZnO-AC as confirmed by reusability tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schiff-bases of chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)/silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as antimicrobial agents against two Gram +ve bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram −ve bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in addition to Candida albicans as a fungus. The in situ reactions of CS and/or CMCS with some pyrazole aldehyde derivatives in acidic media containing silver nitrate to yield silver nanoparticles loaded onto CS and CMCS/Schiff-bases were carried out. Characterizations of the prepared compounds via FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and TGA were carried out. Schiff-bases/silver nanoparticles of CS and CMCS showed higher antimicrobial activity than the blank CS and CMCS. The presence of AgNO3 (3% wt%) displayed high antibacterial efficiencies with inhibition zones in the extent of 19–39 mm. TEM analysis showed that the size of the silver nanoparticles is in the range of 4–28 nm for the prepared nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical, thermal, swelling, and release properties of chitosan-gelatin (CG) films have been investigated in order to verify the influence of UV and gamma radiation on the stability of the films. Thin films of chitosan and gelatin (1 : 3, w/w) that were radiated with 100 krad of gamma dose showed the best performance and the TS values reached 25, 45, and 49 MPa, respectively, for chitosan, gelatin, and blend. The corresponding highest TS values were 23, 42, and 45 MPa, respectively, for 10 passes of UV radiation. The effect of radiation over gelatin, chitosan, and CG blend caused modification in the arrangement of molecules in the crystal lattice that is significant by XRD analysis. Surfaces of the films were also investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies further revealed structural changes of the films. These changes were attributed to understanding the behavior of the irradiated chitosan, gelatin, and CG blend on application of thermal energy using DSC and TGA studies, water uptake of the films in aqueous medium, and soil degradation properties to observe the best possibility for its application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical, thermal, swelling, and release properties of chitosan-gelatin (CG) films have been investigated in order to verify the influence of UV and gamma radiation on the stability of the films. Thin films of chitosan and gelatin (1 : 3, w/w) that were radiated with 100 krad of gamma dose showed the best performance and the TS values reached 25, 45, and 49MPa, respectively, for chitosan, gelatin, and blend. The corresponding highest TS values were 23, 42, and 45MPa, respectively, for 10 passes of UV radiation. The effect of radiation over gelatin, chitosan, and CG blend caused modification in the arrangement of molecules in the crystal lattice that is significant by XRD analysis. Surfaces of the films were also investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies further revealed structural changes of the films. These changes were attributed to understanding the behavior of the irradiated chitosan, gelatin, and CG blend on application of thermal energy using DSC and TGA studies, water uptake of the films in aqueousmedium, and soil degradation properties to observe the best possibility for its application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Polyaniline (PAn) and copolymer of aniline with 3-amino benzoic acid was synthesized by dispersion polymerization in the presence of ammonium peroxydisulfate as an oxidant and hydroxypropylcellulose as a stabilizer. The product polymers were characterized by a number of techniques including UV-vis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The prepared polymer was then tested for the antibacterial properties against Gram-negative bacteria; ( E. coli (PTCC 1398) and P. aeruginosa (PTCC 1310)) and Gram-positive bacteria ( S. aureus (ATCC 25923)). The antibacterial properties were assessed by the disk diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The results clearly showed that colloidal PAn strongly inhibits the growth of wild-type E. coli (19 ± 0.5 mm) followed by P. aeruginosa (17 ± 0.5 mm) and S. aureus (17 ± 0.5 mm) bacteria. Poly(aniline- co-3-aminobenzoic acid) (PAn3ABA) in comparison with the pristine PAn showed moderate antibacterial activity against E. coli (11 ± 0.5 mm) followed by P. aeruginosa (10 ± 0.5 mm) and S. aureus (7 ± 0.5 mm). It was found that the MIC values of colloidal PAn and PAn3ABA against E. coli were 0.62 and 1.25 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the MBC value of colloidal PAn and PAn3ABA against E. coli was of same value (1.25 mg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The passivation process is of significant importance to produce high-efficiency black silicon solar cell due to its unique microstructure. The black silicon has been produced by plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) process. And the Silicon nitride films were deposited by inline plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) to be used as the passivation layer for black silicon solar cell. The microstructure and physical properties of silicon nitride films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), spectroscopic ellipsometry, and the microwave photoconductance decay (μ-PCD) method. With optimizing the PECVD parameters, the conversion efficiency of black silicon solar cell can reach as high as 16.25%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, chitosan and PVA were blended at different proportions (considering chitosan as the main component) in solution forms. The chemical structure and the morphology of the obtained blend films were investigated using FTIR and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The thermal stability of the blend films were also studied using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Our results showed that chitosan and PVA form a compatible blend and their films displayed homogenous and smooth surface properties compared to their individual pure components. The blending of PVA with chitosan at all proportions was found to highly enhance the swelling of the obtained films compared to that of pure chitosan one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ultrasonic treatment was evaluated to develop an efficient preparation method of cellulose with controllable molecular weight (Mw) and preferable functional properties. Our results showed that the physical approach could prominently reduce the mean Mw of cellulose from 68.07 to 6.82 KDa via 30‐hr ultrasonic treatment. The morphology and structure of the samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and laser diffraction, indicating a slight change in structure and notable modification in morphology caused by ultrasonic treatment. Interestingly, the ultrasonic‐treated cellulose exhibited much better physicochemical properties. For example, with a 30‐hr ultrasonic treatment, the cholesterol‐binding capacities of cellulose were increased about 2.42‐fold at pH 7.0 and 1.96‐fold at pH 2.0. The findings demonstrated that cellulose treated by ultrasonic processing could have a great potential for applications in the biomedical and food industries. Practical applications: As a major source of insoluble fiber, cellulose has already been recommended for its possible benefits to human health, leading to numerous efforts for its applications in food industry and biomedical engineering. In this work, we successfully controlled Wm of cellulose via ultrasonic treatment, and the ultrasonic‐treated cellulose exhibited improved functional and physicochemical properties. The positive effect of ultrasound may be useful for functional modification and utilization of cellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]