Search

Water pollution from dyes is a major environmental challenge, demanding advanced materials for efficient degradation. In this study, we synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using an aqueous extract of Senegalia catechu leaves and evaluated their photocatalytic activity in methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under sunlight irradiation. The IONPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). XRD pattern showed a highly crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 34.7 nm, while SEM images revealed predominantly spherical particles with uneven surface texture. Photocatalytic efficiency exceeded 80% MB dye degradation after 120 min of sunlight exposure. Optimization of catalyst dose, pH, dye concentration, and other parameters is essential for maximizing degradation efficiency. The IONPs demonstrated reusability over four degradation cycles, retaining effective photocatalytic performance. This study underscores the potential of green-synthesized IONPs as eco-friendly photocatalysts for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal and photoreduction/deposition methods were used to fabricate Ag nanoparticles (NPs) decorated CoMoO4 rods. Improvement of charge transfer and transportation of ions by making heterostructure was proved by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Linear sweep voltammetry results revealed a fivefold enhancement of current density by fabricating heterostructure. The lowest Tafel slope (112 mV/dec) for heterostructure compared with CoMoO4 (273 mV/dec) suggested the improvement of electrocatalytic performance. The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction was performed on an H-type cell. The CoMoO4 electrocatalyst possessed the Faraday efficiencies (FEs) of CO and CH4 up to 56.80% and 19.80%, respectively at − 1.3 V versus RHE. In addition, Ag NPs decorated CoMoO4 electrocatalyst showed FEs for CO, CH4, and C2H6 were 35.30%, 11.40%, and 44.20%, respectively, at the same potential. It is found that CO2 reduction products shifted from CO/CH4 to C2H6 when the Ag NPs deposited on the CoMoO4 electrocatalyst. In addition, it demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic stability after a prolonged 25 h amperometric test at − 1.3 V versus RHE. It can be attributed to a synergistic effect between the Ag NPs and CoMoO4 rods. This study highlights the cooperation between Ag NPs on CoMoO4 components and provides new insight into the design of heterostructure as an efficient, stable catalyst towards electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO, CH4, and C2H6 products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) serve as the backbone of modern technologies with ongoing efforts to enhance their performance and sustainability driving the exploration of new electrode materials. This study introduces a new type of alloy-conversion-based gallium ferrite (GFO: GaFeO 3 ) as a potential anode material for Li-ion battery applications. The GFO was synthesized by a one-step mechanochemistry-assisted solid-state method. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of an orthorhombic phase with the Pc 2 1 n space group. The photoelectron spectroscopy studies reveal the presence of Ga 3+ and Fe 3+ oxidation states of gallium and iron atoms in the GFO structure. The GFO was evaluated as an anode material for Li-ion battery applications, displaying a high discharge capacity of ∼887 mA h g -1 and retaining a stable capacity of ∼200 mA h g -1 over 450 cycles, with a Coulombic efficiency of 99.6 % at a current density of 100 mA g -1 . Cyclic voltammetry studies confirm an alloy-conversion-based reaction mechanism in the GFO anode. Furthermore, density functional theory studies reveal the reaction mechanism during cycling and Li-ion diffusion pathways in the GFO anode. These results strongly suggest that the GFO could be an alternative anode material in LIBs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)