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The massive use of synthetic citric acid (CA) has resulted in huge burden on its disposal from the expired food and pharmaceutical products. Adsorption of CA was investigated over aminopropyl functionalized ordered mesoporous silica (SBA/APTS) by varying different parameters wherein the best optimized condition showed up to 95% CA adsorption. Electron microscopy showed the presence of CA adsorbed sites over functionalized silica, further supported by thermogravimetric and volumetric analysis. Under the best optimized condition, the mechanism of adsorption was also proposed. Separation of CA over SBA/APTS from expired lime juice showed 40% removal capacity. The adsorption measurements were best fitted on Langmuir isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacity as 133.34 mg of CA per g of adsorbate (SBA/APTS).

An efficient, mild catalyst was employed for the synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones via condensation of aldehyde, ethyl acetoacetate, and urea/thiourea in the presence of silica polymer nanocomposite functionalized with polyphosphoric acid. The present methodology offers an advantage of being mild and highly selective wherein a three-component reaction proceeds proficiently because of the synergistic role of the hydrophobic polymer and the acidic sites functionalized on silica, which allows easy removal of water molecule formed during the reaction.

We present a pioneer study depicting a significant improvement in the photoluminescence (PL) intensity and display of an expeditious electro-optic response of ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) when doped with graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Significant threefold enhancement in PL intensity of GQDs/FLC composite material can be ascribed to the additive combination of emissions from GQDs and FLCs. Furthermore, promptness in electro-optical response by a factor of 34% can be attributed to the lowering of rotational viscosity of the FLC material due to the incorporation of GQDs. These results would certainly be helpful in realisation of highly luminescent and faster generation of LC systems.