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In low- to middle-income communities, the lack of affordability of conventional sanitary products during menstrual cycles can cause psychological and health issues, ultimately affecting their quality of life. It is crucial to develop alternative products that are affordable and accessible to all while also promoting menstrual health and hygiene. Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are a vital component in current disposable sanitary pads and nappies. However, these SAPs are often non-biodegradable and non-biocompatible. Therefore, the use of eco-friendly materials for the production of SAPs is gaining popularity in the hygiene industry, as it offers a means to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact associated with traditional SAPs made from non-renewable petroleum-based materials. SAPs made from polysaccharides often have naturally occurring antibacterial properties, making them appealing for commercial applications in sanitary products such as sanitary pads. In addition, the move toward reusable sanitary pads with antibacterial properties can significantly reduce waste generated by single-use products and prevent the growth of bacteria, improving the safety and hygiene of the product. Furthermore, computational modeling and artificial intelligence are now important tools in SAP synthesis, providing advantages such as predicting polymer properties, rationalizing synthesis pathways, and improving quality control. These tools can reduce synthesis costs by eliminating the need for trial-and-error approaches in polymer synthesis, ultimately promoting more affordable products for end users. Overall, these advancements in polymer synthesis and material design can help to create a more sustainable industry and promote menstrual hygiene and product accessibility to those who need it most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nano-sized metal hexacyanoferrates of the formula KxMy[Fe(CN)6]z·qH2O, where M = Co, Ni or Cu (and x, y, z and q are stoichiometric numbers), were prepared by reverse emulsion. The resulting nano-materials were characterized utilizing physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. Evaluation of Fourier-transformed infrared absorption peaks located in the C≡N stretching frequency area 2050-2200 cm−1 confirmed the presence of the metal-cyano-chains with mixed oxidation states for both metals in the samples (FeII/III-C≡N-MII/III). Ratios of the different oxidation states of each metal could be calculated from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, Co1.12II/Co0.56III:Fe0.44II/Fe0.56III, Ni0.52II/Ni0.46III:Fe0.46II/Fe0.54III and Cu0.65II/Cu1.26III:Fe0.50II/Fe0.50III. After modification of glassy carbon and carbon paste electrodes with the metal hexacyanoferrates, the electrochemical properties of these modified electrodes were investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry. The potential application of these electrodes as electrocatalysts for the oxidation of hydrazine was investigated. Lastly, the use of the metal hexacyanoferrates as potential heterogeneous catalysts for the solvent-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol using the environmentally friendly oxidant, H2O2, was explored.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of metal hexacyanometallate nanoparticles KxMy[M′(CN)6]z·qH2O, with M=M′=Co (1) or Fe (2), M=Co and M′=Fe (3) and M=Fe and M′=Co (4) were prepared by either co-precipitation or reverse micro-emulsion. These nanoparticles were characterised by ATR FTIR, TEM and XPS, which revealed the presence of CoII/III and/or FeII/III within the compounds. The average binding energies found for the Co 2p3/2 photoelectron lines for CoII and CoIII were ca. 781.7 and 782.9 eV respectively, while the binding energies for FeII and FeIII of the Fe 2p3/2 photoelectron lines were located at 709.5 and 711.4 eV. TEM reveal the particle size ranged between 180 and 520 nm. The eight different compounds’ catalytic activity were tested for the solvent-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. The progression of the reaction was monitored using ATR FTIR, by following the appearance of the carbonyl stretching frequency of the oxidation products, which showed the formation of not only benzyl aldehyde but also benzyl benzoate, which is the condensation product of benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid (another oxidation product). The TOF of the catalytic oxidation reaction was correlated with the mean particle diameter, % occurrence of CoII/III and/or FeII/III, total metal electronegativity and the degree of covalence of the Co- and Fe-ligand bond.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]