Search

The common polyol techniques were used for the synthesis of solo metallic morphology. Here we reported the single-step polyol-solvothermal strategy for the synthesis of zero, one, two, and three-dimension silver structure by simply switching the reaction pressure with the help of silver amount and halide ions. Silver seeds in the presence of Cl- ion, at 74.1 mmHg grow in [1 1 1] and at 97.4 mmHg grow in [1 1 0] direction for the formation of 0D-Ag and 1D-Ag respectively, by protecting (1 0 0) facet. Extra halide (Br-) presence at 93.2 mmHg imposes the seeds to grow [1 1 0], [1 0 0] direction for 2D-Ag, while at 97.4 mmHg grow only in [1 0 0] direction for 3D-Ag, due to etching and formation of single crystal seeds. This closed reaction system doesn’t need any kind of oxygen scavengers, inert gases, nor need to tune injection speed and stirring speed. This switching strategy can be implemented for the synthesis of other metallic morphologies.

The practical application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is hampered by the insulative nature of sulfur, sluggish electrochemical kinetics, and large volume variation, which result in capacity-fading at a large current density and poor cycling stability. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) aluminum photonic crystal encapsulating sulfur (APC@S) composite as a binder-free cathode for Li-S battery is reported. The 3D APC@S cathode can deliver a fantastic capacity of 1,517.8 mAh·g−1 at 0.5 C, and retains 712.7 mAh·g−1 after 1,500 cycles at 2 C with a decay rate of 0.02% per cycle. Even at a high rate of 5 C, the reversible capacity can still maintain at 680.7 mAh·g−1 after 1,000 cycles with a capacity retention of 74.8%. Furthermore, the assembled soft-packaged Li-S battery also exhibits high reversible capacity and stable cycling performance. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the 3D hierarchical and continuously porous structure and high conductive aluminum-wall, which can effectively trap polysulfides, confine the volume expansion on cycling, and accelerate electron/ion transfer. It is expected that this high conductive metal cathode has a great future for the application of energy storage devices.

With the advancement in nanotechnology, we are experiencing transformation in world order with deep insemination of nanoproducts from basic necessities to advanced electronics, health care products and medicines. Therefore, nanoproducts, however, can have negative side effects and must be strictly monitored to avoid negative outcomes. Future toxicity and safety challenges regarding nanomaterial incorporation into consumer products, including rapid addition of nanomaterials with diverse functionalities and attributes, highlight the limitations of traditional safety evaluation tools. Currently, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are envisioned for enhancing and improving the nano-bio-interaction simulation and modeling, and they extend to the post-marketing surveillance of nanomaterials in the real world. Thus, hyphenation of machine learning with biology and nanomaterials could provide exclusive insights into the perturbations of delicate biological functions after integration with nanomaterials. In this review, we discuss the potential of combining integrative omics with machine learning in profiling nanomaterial safety and risk assessment and provide guidance for regulatory authorities as well.

Crystal defects are crucially important in semiconductor photocatalysis. To improve the reactivity of photocatalysts and attain desirable solar energy conversion, crystal defect engineering has gained considerable attention in real catalysts. Herein, we engineered crystal defects and mediate oxygen vacancies in host Bi2WO6 crystal lattice via varying content of Ti dopant to fabricate single-unit-cell layered structure, resulting in enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic efficiency. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations verified that the substitution of Bi cation in the crystal structure of Bi2WO6 can induce a new defect level, and increase the density of states (DOS) at the valence band maximum, which not only improve the charge dynamic but also the electronic conductivity. Remarkably, the single-unit-cell layers Ti-doped Bi2WO6 structure casts profoundly improved photocatalytic performance towards ceftriaxone sodium degradation, Cr(VI) reduction, and particularly higher photocatalytic H2 production rate, with a 5.8-fold increase compared to bulk Bi2WO6. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical measurements unveil that the significantly higher charge migration and charge carrier dynamic counts for the elevated photocatalytic performance. After careful examination of experimental results, it was proved that the Ti doping mediated crystal defects, and engendered oxygen vacancies are critically important for controlling the photocatalytic performance of Bi2WO6.

Two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitrides (2D g-C3N4) are promising photocatalysts for water splitting to hydrogen due to their non-toxicity and high stability. However, the bulk g-C3N4 has some intrinsic drawbacks, such as rapid electron–hole recombination and low charge-carrier mobility, resulting in poor photocatalytic activity. Here, 2,4-diamine-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine was employed as a precursor to regulating the assembly of melamine and cyanuric acid in water. The resulting g-C3N4 not only improved the visible light absorption and electron–hole separation but also provided more catalytic sites for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The modified g-C3N4 (CNP10-H) showed a hydrogen-releasing rate of 2184 μmol·g−1·h−1, much higher than the bulk g-C3N4.

Constructing a stable non-dendritic lithium metal anode is the key to the development of high-energy batteries in the future. Herein, we fabricated nitrogen-doped carbon photonic crystals in situ in the macropores of carbon papers as a porous skeleton and confined hosts for metallic lithium. The large specific surface area of the carbon photonic crystal reduces the current density of the electrode. The three-dimensional ordered microstructure promotes uniform charge distribution and uniform lithium deposition and inhibits the volume expansion of metallic lithium. The as-prepared lithium metal anode exhibits prominent electrochemical performance with a small hysteresis of less than 95 mV beyond 180 cycles at an extremely high current density of 15 mA cm-2. When the as-prepared lithium metal anode is coupled with the sulfur cathode, the obtained full cell displays enhanced capacitive properties and cycle life. Compared with the bare Li anode, the full cell exhibits more than 300 cycles of cell life and a 70 mA h g-1 higher discharge capacity.

Herein, we reported the adsorption and desorption of Pb(II) on l -lysine modified montmorillonite (L-Mt) with molecular dynamics simulation. l -lysine (Lys) modified montmorillonite (L-Mt) was prepared, characterized by various analytical techniques, and the simulation studies were performed to evaluate the interlayer structure and interaction properties of l -lysine and L-Mt. The results of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum suggested that Lys+ was intercalated into the interlayer of Na-montmorillonite (Na Mt) successfully. The batch adsorption experiments were implemented to study the adsorption capacity of Pb(II) on L-Mt in water. The maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) on the L-Mt (up to 43.3 mmol/100 g) were considerably higher than that on Na Mt (up to 15.3 mmol/100 g), at room temperature. The adsorption isotherms of both, L-Mt and Na Mt can fit the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption experiments showed that Pb(II) removal efficiency of L-Mt is better than Na Mt in acidic solution. The simulation results revealed the micro-mechanism of Lys+ inserted into the interlayer gallery of Na Mt. It can be deduced that lysine interacted with montmorillonite surface mainly through the protonated side-chain amino group rather than through the protonated main-chain amino group or deprotonated carboxyl group. These consequences are expected to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms occurring at the water/clay minerals interface at atom level, providing significant insight into the adsorption and retention of Pb(II) on L-Mt composite, and lead to relevant engineering applications while treating heavy metals of wastewater.

Metallic nanostructures play a vital role in the nanoscale engineering of flexible optoelectronic devices as active units. Due to the limited flexibility properties of nanoparticles, researchers are devoting much more attention nowadays to nanowires (NWs) for designing flexible transparent electrodes for different electronic devices. Silver NW (AgNW) possesses a 1D structure with a changeable aspect ratio. It also includes up-to-date properties for future optoelectronic devices, such as low cost, high conductivity, high transparency, and mechanical flexibility. In view of the increasing demand for AgNWs, commercial-scale synthesis of AgNWs is inevitable. However, high discrepancies among the published data have resulted in a major delay in its commercialization. Therefore, this review critically discusses the ignored factors that limit AgNW commercialization and provide possible solutions.

Lithium-selenium (Li-Se) batteries suffer from the problems of polyselenides dissolution and volume expansion of active materials during the charge/discharge process. Moreover, the heavy atomic mass of selenium atoms limits the capacitive property of a Li-Se battery. Porous materials as the host for selenium particles reported by previous research studies are often disordered in pore structure and nonuniform in pore size. Herein, we report that a three-dimensional (3D) nitrogen-doped carbon photonic crystal (NCPC) with an ordered, interconnected structure was synthesized via a simple method to be the host of active materials. In addition, we prepared a Se-rich Se1-xSx by introducing a small amount of sulfur into a selenium ring to reduce the molecular mass but still keep the high electronic conductivity. As cathodes for a Li-Se battery, amorphous Se-rich Se1-xSx@NCPC composites exhibited high electrochemical performance with a specific capacity of 692 mA h g-1 at 0.1 Ag1-, an excellent rate capability of 526 mA h g-1 at 3 Ag1-, and an outstanding cycling property with an ultralow decay rate of 0.0132% per cycle at 0.6 Ag1- over 1000 cycles. Moreover, the pouch cell of Se1-xSx@NCPC composites also showed a good property with an energy of 253 Wh kg-1 at 0.1 Ag1- and an outstanding rate energy of 192 Wh kg-1 at 1.5 Ag1-, manifesting great potential in practical application.

Crystal defects are crucially important in semiconductor photocatalysis. To improve the reactivity of photocatalysts and attain desirable solar energy conversion, crystal defect engineering has gained considerable attention in real catalysts. Herein, we engineered crystal defects and mediate oxygen vacancies in host Bi

Freestanding bifunctional electrodes with outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) properties are of great significance for zinc-air batteries, attributed to the avoided use of organic binder and strong adhesion with substrates. Herein, a strategy is developed to fabricate freestanding bifunctional electrodes from the predeposited nickel nanoparticles (Ni-NCNT) on carbon fiber paper. The steric effect of monodispersed SiO

The natural insulating property and notorious pulverization of volume variation-induced materials during cycling pares the electrochemical activity of red phosphorous (RP) for lithium/sodium-ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs). To work out these issues, a tailored trimodal porous carbon support comprising highly ordered macropores and micro-mesoporous walls embedded with copper (Cu) nanoclusters (Cu-OMC) is proposed to confine RP. The construction of highly conductive copper-carbon wall facilitates fast electrons and ions transportation, while the interconnected and ordered porous structure not only creates enough space to resist the expansion effect of RP but also minimizes the ion diffusion length and enhances ion accessibility (the ion migration coefficient is ten times that of disordered porous carbon). Consequently, the resulting Cu-OMC@RP anode delivers a high reversible capacity (2498.7 mAh g

Fe-ZrO2 imbedded g-C3N4 was successfully prepaid by solvo-thermal method for the photo-degradation of anti-diabetic drug, acarbose (ACB). The synthesized material were characterized with the help of FT-IR-Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis-Spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, HPLC-MS and scanning electron microscopy. These characterization results indicated that the target materials was well prepared and photo-catalytically active. The target catalyst (Fe-ZrO2/g-C3N4) showed very high photo-degradation rate against acarbose (ACB) and rhodamine (RhB). Presence of heterojunction between FZ and GCN increased the surface area and light absorbance capability. HPLC-MS scrutiny indicated that photo-degradation process, under visible light, split the ACB into lot of intermediates and finally degraded completely.

In this study, we reported a novel type-I heterojunction between red phosphorus and graphitic carbon nitride under vacuum condition, which is a novel synthesis process. For preparing the red phosphorus composites, the vacuum condition is appropriate to prevent it from self-ignition. The prepared materials were analyzed with different analytic techniques for the confirmation of their heterojunctions and structure formation. The introduction of red phosphorus into graphitic carbon nitride, reduce the structural defects and increase the charge separation ability. After medication, the synthesized composite shows an enhanced photocatalytic activity against acute toxicity category-III non-color (MTSM, Metsulfuron methyl) and color (RhB), organic pollutants. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism (Mott-Schottky and VB-XPS) study reveal that red phosphorus /graphitic carbon nitride possess type-I heterojunction with enhanced catalytic behavior, due to the effective transformation of photo-generated electrons from CB of GCN to CB of RP with the help of heterojunctions and due to unmoved photo holes on VBs. Synthesized composites also maintained their performance after reused them in three cyclic form.

The two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (2D g-C3N4) shows excellent photocatalytic performance due to its graphene-like structure, unique electronic and optical property. However, the 2D g-C3N4 suffers from lower visible light utilization because of the quantum size effect. Herein, a new approach was developed to prepare the surface nitrogen modified 2D g-C3N4 nanosheets (NCNS) through a facile hydrothermal treatment route. The as-obtained NCNS exhibited a high hydrogen evolution rate of 19.8 mmol h−1 g−1 with a turnover number (TON) of 642.39 in 5 h, and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 10.7% at 420 nm was superior to the g-C3N4 different morphological regulation. The surface nitrogen modification prompted electron delocalization of two-dimensional electron system, leading to accelerating photon-generated carrier separation and transportation efficiency.

3-D composite materials containing nanorods of copper–biphenylamines framework at the exterior of Ag doped g-C3N4, to reduce colorless/refractory and colored organic contaminants, with prominent improvement in catalytic action was witnessed for 3-D composite 5% Ag/g-C3N4/Cu(BA), in contrast to original g-C3N4. The improved samples forced electrons colonizing in upper CB and holes colonizing in lower VB, hence improving redox reaction supremacy of the charge carriers. 5% Ag/g-C3N4/Cu(BA) can easily degrade 100% to 99.5% of MO & RhB solutions in 60 min and 73% of phenol and 57% of TCP were degraded. Whereas the degradation efficacies of 5% Ag/g-C3N4/Cu(BN), 5% Ag/g-C3N4/Cu(PD), 5% Ag/g-C3N4 and g-C3N4 are inferior related to 5% Ag/g-C3N4/Cu(BA). The resilient dynamic reactive species (O2−, h+, 1O2, OH), directly caused mineralization of MO, RhB, phenol and TCP. The kapp for 5% Ag/g-C3N4/Cu(BA) also showed superiority over other modified samples. The above results are advantageous for the expansion of a modified catalyst in a wholesale amount and its use. TEM, SEM, EDS elemental mapping, XRD, UV–vis, XPS, and VBXPS studies confirmed that Cu(BA) and 5% Ag/g-C3N4 display close communication with each other. This investigation delivers an innovative approach for extremely worthwhile composite photocatalyst enterprises for environmental remediation.

The remediation of wastewater containing Pb2+ has attracted much attention due to the harm of Pb2+ to the environment and human health. A promising adsorbent, functionalized montmorillonite modified with a ligand diethylenetriamine (DETA) was prepared under mild reaction conditions. The modified montmorillonite (DETA-MMT) and nature montmorillonite (Na-MMT) were then characterized with the help of XRD, FTIR, TG/DTG, and BET. It was revealed that the modifier DETA was successfully inserted into interlayers of montmorillonite, as demonstrated by the characterizations. Batch adsorption experiments of Pb2+ onto Na-MMT and DETA-MMT in solutions were studied as a function of various parameters, such as pH, contact time, initial concentration, and temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity of DETA-MMT was 61.1 mg g–1, which had more than doubled compared with that of Na-MMT. The adsorption thermodynamics of Pb2+ by DETA-MMT was studied, and it showed a endothermic process. The adsorption kinetics of two sample...

A novel and highly efficient ternary mpg-C3N4/BiVO4/TiO2 composite was successfully synthesized and characterized with regard to structure, chemical composition, optical properties and degradation application. The photocatalytic activities of as-prepared samples were evaluated by the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue (MB), practical effluent from alkylation and amination steps in 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) production. Compared with TiO2, BiVO4, and mpg-C3N4, the binary composites TiO2/BiVO4 and the ternary mpg-C3N4/BiVO4/TiO2 composites exhibited the higher photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. Compared to solo mpg-C3N4 and BiVO4, the photocatalytic efficiency of g-C3N4/TiO2/BiVO4 raised up to 94%. The catalytic activity of g-C3N4/TiO2/BiVO4 against TATB (alkylation and amination) also confirms its efficiency by creating intermediate which were detected by Q-TOF-MS. The thermal stability and photo-stability of the produced composites were investigated. From the view of practical application, mpg-C3N4/BiVO4/TiO2 displayed superior photostability after five times recycle. The mechanism research showed the fitting of band structure among BiVO4, g-C3N4, and TiO2. The presence of mpg-C3N4 and BiVO4 can notably adjust the band gap energy and the synergy effects of them can prolong the lifetime of the charge carrier.

Lithium batteries with high electrode thickness always possess a poor battery property due to electrode polarization along the thickness direction. Herein, a concept that the electrode polarization can be reduced through the fabrication of 3D ordered interconnected nanostructure in the electrode is put forward. A nitrogen-doped carbon photonic crystal (NCPC) with the ordered interconnected nanostructure is used in the electrode to prove the concept. NCPC can provide a fast charge transfer rate along the thickness direction and a uniform distribution for electrons and lithium ions, resulting in diminishing the concentration polarization and concentration gradient. When NCPC works for lithium-sulfur battery, the thick electrode achieves a fast charge transfer rate and a small voltage gap as well as the thin electrode. The 200 µm thick sulfur cathode obtains a specific capacity (87%) as high as 100 µm thick sulfur cathode. In contrast, the capacity ratio of the electrode made by the traditional coating method is only 45%.

A novel metal free, graphitic carbon nitride self-type heterojunction was successfully created. A self-type heterojunction between two different kind of graphitic carbon nitride with a promote charge separation ability, one was prepared by solvothermal using the dicyandiamide as precursor and other was prepared by direct heating from melamine precursor. This synthesis process is facile, economical and environment friendly. The confirmation of synthesis and heterojunction formation was based on the X-ray-Diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photocurrent. The potential difference in heterojunction between different types of g-C 3 N 4 is the main acting power for the proficient separation and transformation of photo generated charges. Degradation results indicated that, the removal of antibiotic from effluents, graphitic carbon nitride heterojunction (GCN-DM) pointedly enhanced the visible light catalytic activity over solo graphitic carbon nitride (GCN-D, GCN-M). The improved photocatalytic behaviour of heterojunction may be due to charge separation and transfer ability with prolong lifetime of photo-generated charge carrier. The results also indicated that the optical and surface area properties also play a significance role in enhancement of photo-catalytical ability of target photo-catalyst.

Hollow graphitic carbon nitride (HCN) ZrO2/g-C3N4 hybrid composites (HCN–ZR) and the target catalyst Fe/ZrO2/g-C3N4 (HCN–FZR) were prepared successfully by a solvo-thermal method and evaluated for photo-degradation of organic pollutants, i.e. MO, and herbicides, metsulfuron methyl (MTSM). These materials were characterized by a variety of techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, HPLC-MS and scanning electron microscopy. The characterization and degradation results showed that FZR particles are well distributed on the surface of HCN to give a photo-catalytically active material. Photodegradation split MTSM completely into a lot of intermediate products, as depicted in the HPLC-MS results. Mooring of FZR on HCN increased the surface-area and light absorption capability of HCN–FZR, due to heterojunction formation between the semiconductors, which retarded electron–hole recombination and enhanced the photo-activity.

For the first time we have successfully constructed semi conductive copper–biphenylamines framework hybrid photocatalysts to degrade organic pollutants. Cu complexes sensitized photocatalysts of g-C3N4, i.e. CN-Cu(BN), CN-Cu(PD) and CN-Cu(BA), have been successfully tested for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible light illumination, and a significant enhancement in catalytic activity was observed for CN-Cu(BA) in comparison to pristine g-C3N4. The modified material creates a charge separation with the electrons populating the higher CB and the holes the lower VB, thus enhancing the redox reaction power of the charge carriers. CN-Cu (BA) can easily degrade 99% of RhB in 1.5 hours and 60% of phenol in 2 hours. While the degradation efficiency of CN-Cu(BN), CN-Cu(PD) and g-C3N4 is lower than that of CN-Cu(BA). The kobs for CN-Cu(BN) is 0.01985 min−1, 5.2 times higher than that of g-C3N4, and that of CN-Cu(BA) is 0.0292 min−1 which is 7.55 times greater than that of pristine g-C3N4. These degradation outcomes are favourable for developing a modified catalyst in bulk amount and its application. The strong holes can directly degrade RhB and phenol. Promoting the injection of electrons from g-C3N4 into the copper unit as well as strengthening the electronic interactions between the two units enhanced its activity.

Crystal defects have been broadly regarded to modulate the photoreactivity of semiconductors, mostly concerning the crystal and electronic structure of materials. On the other hand, oxygen defect-engineering is a fundamental approach to improve the photolysis activity of materials. Herein, an interactive hybrid intermediate strategy with oxygen defect-engineering was utilized to fabricate atomically-thin Ti-doped Bi2MoO6 nanosheets. Experimental results unveil that the well-engineered ultrathin Ti-doped Bi2MoO6 nanosheets tune the morphology, visible light absorption, local atomic and electronic band structure of Bi2MoO6. Importantly, the Ti-doping hugely affects the BET specific surface area and porosity of Ti-Bi2MoO6 (72 m2 g−1) in contrast to bulk Bi2MoO6, which is 19 m2 g−1. Furthermore, the density functional theory calculations were carried out to explore the effect of Ti-doping on electronic band structure and the surface charge distribution in Ti-Bi2MoO6. It was found, rather than acting as a recombination center for photogenerated charge carriers, the defect caused by Ti doping mediated O vacancies in the crystal structure of Bi2MoO6, which favors the photogenerated charge carriers transfer and enhances the photocatalytic reactivity due to delocalized nature. With the advantages of atomically-thin structure Ti-Bi2MoO6 nanosheets, the synergistic effect of ultrathin thickness of Ti-Bi2MoO6 and oxygen vacancies has remarkably improved the photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of nitrofurantoin, and photoreduction of Cr(VI) in a highly acidic and alkaline medium. The present work opens a door for enhancing the photolysis performance of Bi2MoO6-based photocatalysts with excellent photolysis activity in the various environmental remediation processes.

This study focused on the fabrication of a peculiar 3D/2D ZnIn2S4/oxygen-doped graphitic carbon nitride (ZnIn2S4/SO-GCN) through a simple hydrothermal method. The flower-like morphology of hexagonal ZnIn2S4 disperse on the SO-GCN nanosheets are evidenced by XRD, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were intensively applied for the visible light photocatalytic removal of aqueous phase 2,4-D. The heterojunction creation and the well-developed combined interface between ZnIn2S4 and SO-GCN significantly increases its photogenerated charge separation capability. The photo-degradation mechanism disclose that the heterojunction has improved catalytic degradation activity, due to efficient transferring of photogenerated electron-holes pairs. Under visible-light irradiation, these nanocomposites showed 3–5 times higher degradation rate of 2,4-D (i.e. 0.0112/min, by 30%-ZnIn2S4/SO-GCN), as compared to solo ZnIn2S4 and SO-GCN, attributed to the composite’s synergistic effect in unique 3D/2D heterojunction, that accelerates the electron-hole separation. The h+ and •OH species contribute a noteworthy role in the degradation process of 2,4-D over 30%-ZnIn2S4/SO-GCN. In addition, the synthesized nanocomposites sustained their reusability performance in five cyclic run. Our research have implications of constructing 3D/2D nanocomposites which is beneficial for scalable solution of efficient photocatalysts.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively being used in state-of-the-art nano-based therapies, modern electronics, and consumer products, so can be released into the environment with enhancement interaction with humans. Hence, the exposures to these multifunctional NPs lead to changes in protein structure and functionality, raising serious health issues. This study thoroughly investigated the interaction and adsorption of catalase (CAT) with HfO2-NPs by circular dichroism (CD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. The results indicate that HfO2 NPs cause fluorescence quenching in CAT by a static quenching mechanism. The negative values of Vant Hoff thermodynamic expressions (ΔH o , ΔS o , and ΔG o ) corroborate the spontaneity and exothermic nature of static quenching driven by van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. Also, FTIR, UV-CD, and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques confirmed that HfO2 NPs binding could induce microenvironment perturbations leading to secondary and tertiary conformation changes in CAT. Furthermore, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the significant changes in the microenvironment around tryptophan (Trp) residue caused by HfO2 NPs. The time depending denaturing of CAT biochemistry through HfO2-NPs was investigated by assaying catalase activity elucidates the potential toxic action of HfO2-NPs at the macromolecular level. Briefly, this provides an empathetic knowledge of the nanotoxicity and likely health effects of HfO2 NPs exposure.

A novel graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) bridge between two semiconductors (AgBr and graphitic carbon nitride) was created to boost photoelectrochemical performance. The heterojunction created makes the whole system a Z-scheme catalyst. For the construction of this catalyst, the syringe pump methodology was adopted and different analytical techniques were used for the confirmation of structure and morphology. High angle annular dark field (HAADF), dark field (DF), DF-4 and DF-2 techniques, using Z-contrast phenomena, confirmed the heterostructure (ABGCN) and its composition. The constructed structure showed an enhanced photoelectrochemical and catalytic property against ‘acute toxicity category-III (MM)’ and ‘category-IV (tetracycline hydrochloride (TH))’ organic pollutants. The constructed catalyst degraded the MM in 57 min and the TH in 35 min with degradation rates of 0.01489 min−1 and 0.02387 min−1, respectively, due to the accumulation of photogenerated electrons on the conduction band (CB) of g-C3N4 and photogenerated holes on the valence band (VB) of AgBr by the transformation of charges through the graphene bridge. An ion trapping study also revealed that ·O2 and h+ were the active species which actively participated in the photocatalytic reaction.

Graphitic-carbon nitride with spherical morphology (SCN) was synthesized via very simple one step solvothermal method. Prepared photocatalyst was carefully analyzed by different techniques such as FTIR-infrared spectra, XPS, X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These analysis results indicated that the synthesized material possess the structure of graphitic carbon nitride with a novel morphology. The degradation ability of spherical g-C3N4 was checked by degrading an antibiotic (i.e. Tetracycline hydrochloride, TC-HCl). SCN shows the degradation rate (0.0357 min−1) much higher as compare to traditionally prepared graphitic carbon nitride (0.0047 min−1). Moreover, recycling tests showed that the SCN possess good stability and reusability.

Single-crystal nickel micro-particles have been synthesized using oleylamine which perform both functions, as solvent and as reductant, along with nickel nitrate hexahydrate as the metallic salt and C-TAB as a surfactant. SEM imaging and X-ray techniques were used to confirm the presence of the single-crystal structure of nickel micro-particles. The effect of crystallinity on field-based and especially temperature based magnetic properties resulting in higher curie temperatures of nickel micro-particles was also analyzed. Their morphology and magnetic properties were compared with commercially obtained nickel micro-particles and a variety of other nickel microparticles prepared by using different surfactants in the same system.

Freestanding bifunctional electrodes with outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) properties are of great significance for zinc-air batteries, attributed to the avoided use of organic binder and strong adhesion with substrates. Herein, a strategy is developed to fabricate freestanding bifunctional electrodes from the predeposited nickel nanoparticles (Ni-NCNT) on carbon fiber paper. The steric effect of monodispersed SiO2 nanospheres limits the configuration of carbon atoms forming 3D interconnected nanotubes with uniformly distributed NiN2 active sites. The bifunctional electrodes (Ni-NCNT) demonstrate ideal ORR and OER properties. The zinc-air batteries assembled with Ni-NCNT directly exhibit extremely outstanding long term stability (2250 cycles with 10 mA cm-2 charge/discharge current density) along with high power density of 120 mV cm-2 and specific capacity of 834.1 mA h g-1 . This work provides a new view to optimize the distribution of active sites and the electrode structure.

Superfine paramagnetic nickel particles were synthesized by using different anionic and cation surfactants in the presence of propylene glycol. Surfactants including gum arabic, gelatin, PVP and tri-sodium citrate were used. SEM analysis proved that the morphology of nickel particles was perfectly spherical with little agglomeration. The morphology of microspheres was changed with variation of anionic and cationic surfactants, but majorly the spherical shape of nickel particles was retained. The purity of superfine nickel particles was also confirmed with EDS results which confirmed the presence of superfine nickel particles. The XRD analysis results also indicated the presence of "fcc" crystal in the superfine particles. The magnetic field analysis designated the existence of magnetic properties in synthesized superfine nickel particles. Surface area properties were also measured with the help of BET analysis which determined the enhanced catalytic property of these particles. Overall the synthesized nickel superfine microspheres possesses improved morphology and magnetic properties with the addition of PVP as surfactant as compared to gum arabic, gelatin, and tri-sodium citrate.

The flower like microrods (MR) of α-Bi2O3 defined as (MR-Bi2O3) and ultrathin g-C3N4(UT-C3N4) p-n junction was successfully prepared by loading different concentrations of UT-C3N4 over MR-Bi2O3. Their morphology and structure were thoroughly studied by XRD, SEM, XPS, TEM, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, FT-IR and PL spectra. The results showed that the UT-C3N4 has been wrapped in the flower like MR-Bi2O3. The designing of the p-n junction of UT- C3N4 and MR-Bi2O3 can enhance the separation efficiency of the electron-hole pairs. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB was drastically increased by designing of the p-n junction that is due to the photogenerated electron–hole pair's separation efficiency.

Exfoliation of porous g-C3N4 has been proved a very effective way to prepare g-C3N4 nanosheets (2D layered materials). Here, we present an environment-friendly, high-efficiency and easy scale-up preparation method of curly leaf-like g-C3N4 nanosheets (CL-CN) by liquid-phase exfoliation of honeycomb-like porous g-C3N4 (HP-CN). Two-dimensional curly nanosheets have induced excellent physicochemical properties, i.e. large surface area, high fluorescence quantum efficiency, wide band gap and good water-dispersibility. The photocatalytic performance of CL-CN in degradation of RhB under visible light is much better than that of honeycomb-like porous g-C3N4 and bulk g-C3N4. The improved photocatalytic performance of CL-CN is well explained by the improved physicochemical properties and photocatalytic mechanism. In addition, CL-CN being a 2D layered material with excellent photoluminescence characteristic and non-toxic behavior can be widely applied in bio-medicine, bio-imaging and biosensors field.

In the title compound, C17H19NO4S, the terminal ethyl group is disordered over two sets of sites, with refined site occupancies of 0.536 (7) and 0.464 (7). The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 81.92 (12)°. The molecular conformation is stabilized by intramolecular N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, which generate S(6) motifs. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the b axis.

The title molecule, C16H14N2O4S, adopts an L-shaped conformation, with the central C—S—N—C torsion angle being −69.1 (3)°. The two benzene rings form a dihedral angle of 89.94 (15)°. The molecular conformation may be influenced by a weak intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond which generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along the b axis. Weak C—H...N hydrogen bonds connect the chains into a two-dimensional network parallel to (011). The crystal studied was an inversion twin, the ratio of components being 0.7 (1):0.3 (1).