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Sunlight driven Mnn+-ZnO (n = 2, 4 and 7) nanohybrids were prepared via impregnation method using different metal precursors of variable oxidation state. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectra showed that the average hydrodynamic size decreased when precursor of higher Mn oxidation state was used. Moreover, the structural analysis revealed that Mn nanoparticles (5–10 nm, d = 0.13 nm) dispersed over ZnO support (20–30 nm, d = 0.39 nm) while KMnO4 was added for impregnation purpose. Interestingly, the co-catalyst (Mn) was loaded in + 2, +4 and + 7 oxidation state when MnSO4.H2O, MnO2 and KMnO4 respectively utilized for loading over ZnO surface, confirmed from X-ray photon spectroscopy. The potential of prepared nanocomposites were investigated for methylene blue (MB) degradation, an organic pollutant and it was observed that oxidation state of the co-catalyst largely influenced the photoactive-response of nanocomposites. Notably, Mn7+-ZnO degraded MB (98%) nearly 3.3 times higher as compared to bare ZnO and also higher than Mn4+-ZnO (91%) and Mn2+-ZnO (83%). The metal nanoparticles played a dual role in the photo-oxidative reaction by sensitizing the nanomaterial in the sunlight and suppressing the recombination rate of electrons-holes to enhance the reaction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydrothermally synthesized CeCuO3 perovskite nanomaterial has been used as a disinfectant against microorganisms causing urinary tract infections (UTIs). The synthesized CeCuO3 nanoparticles have been characterized by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques for the determination of the complete structure, morphology, and elemental compositions. The obtained in vitro disinfectant results show promising activity toward urinary tract infection microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]