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Bi2MoO6 nanospheres with surface oxygen vacancies (SOVs) controlled by the calcination process were prepared in this study. Performance testing revealed that the Bi2MoO6-4 sample (Bi2MoO6 calcined at 350 °C for 4 h) with SOVs achieved a remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency up to 99.16% for Rhodamine B (RhB) within 50 min, which is 2.19 times higher than that of pure Bi2MoO6. The higher photocatalytic performance of the Bi2MoO6-4 sample is attributed to the SOVs' defect level located at the Bi2MoO6 bandgap, narrowing the bandgap to effectively promote the photogenerated charge separation. The promotion of photocarrier separation and electron were transferred due to the Bi–O bond breakage in the Bi2MoO6-4 [Bi2O2]2+ layer, which mediates the defect level of SOVs in the band structure. The density functional theory calculation results reveal the possible formation site of the oxygen vacancy and the vacancy-induced defect states. This study provides a new approach for fabricating new photocatalysts with surface oxygen defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO/g-C3N4 heterojunction modified with Ag nanoparticles (ZnO/CN/Ag) was synthesized by depositing ZnO nanorods/Ag nanoparticles onto g-C3N4 nanosheets. Under xenon lamp irradiation, 99% of Rhodamine B (RhB) was degraded by ZnO/CN/Ag-5% composite within 30 min, which was much higher than the degradation efficiency of ZnO and ZnO/CN. The synergistic effect of g-C3N4 and ZnO, along with the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag NPs, contributes to the improvement of photocatalytic performance. Ag nanoparticle provides another charge transfer path from g-C3N4 to ZnO, which speeds up the separation of electron–hole pairs. Meanwhile, the catalyst had good stability and recyclability. Finite-difference time-domain method and the density functional theory were used to obtain the charge transfer process. The photodegradation process has been studied in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn-like ZnO/Ag2S heterojunctions are designed and prepared by the solvothermal method and the subsequent covering process. They construct a type II core–shell heterojunction structure. This structure adjusts the relative positions of electron energy levels and generates a strong and broad absorption band, while emitting weak visible light. It also facilitates the transfer of photoexcited carriers through the interface and the confinement of the same by the different components of the nanostructure. Separation of electrons and holes makes them possible to drift to the surface of ZnO and Ag2S and to participate in the redox reactions. In addition, the presence of many defects produces many active sites on the surface of the lattice. So, the ZnO/Ag2S heterojunctions exhibit excellent photocatalytic properties in the first and second cycles of the photocatalytic process. It degrades 97.7% Rhodamine B only in 18 min. This study plays a significant role in promoting visible light catalysis, the efficiency of wastewater treatment technology, and the water environment on the earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver is widely used, but the pollution caused by silver ions is also a problem that cannot be ignored. Detection of heavy metal ions based on bulky and costly analytical instruments had been developed very maturely in the laboratory. At present, the main detection methods of silver ion concentration include inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectrometry. However, these testing methods have many problems to be solved, such as the high of instruments, high operating cost, numerous operational requirements, long testing time and complex processing technology. Nowadays, with the rapid and powerful development of smartphone technology, the new analytical methods based on smartphones equipped with a camera are being carried in the certain applied ideas. Here, the paper introduces a hand-held detection platform smartphone-based that allows the quantification of silver(I) ions with the detection limit of 0.659 mM. The Colour Grab software of android smartphone was applied to obtain R, G, B values of the photo of Rhodamine B solution remaining fluorescence, and then calculated the corresponding grey values by grey formula. The detection platform based on smart phones has the characteristics of cost-effective design and simple operation, as well as high sensitivity and selectivity. Therefore, compared with other detection methods, this method can be widely and conveniently applied to the detection of silver ions in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has demonstrated significant potential as a photocatalyst for the wastewater treatment. However, its wide bandgap leads to inefficient light utilization and rapid carrier recombination, which inhibits its photocatalytic activity. To overcome these limitations, we employed a hydrothermal method to synthesize Ag/ZnO composite microspheres with different concentrations of Ag nanoparticles. By utilizing Ag complexed with ZnO, the Ag/ZnO composite photocatalysts were made to have a narrower bandgap and a broadened light response range, as well as the red-shift phenomenon at the absorption edge. In addition, Ag nanoparticles can act as electron traps to efficiently capture electrons and minimize the recombination of photoexcited carriers for improved photocatalytic performance. Compared with other concentrations of ZnO microspheres and pure ZnO microspheres, the 5% Ag/ZnO composite microspheres exhibited excellent degradation performance when exposed to a xenon lamp, with 90.1% degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) solution in 100 min. Incorporating trapping agents in experimental studies has indicated that the RhB degradation process is significantly influenced by •O 2 − , while the impact of •OH and h + were relatively weak. Thus, Ag/ZnO nanocomposites hold great promise as materials for use in wastewater treatment. Ag nanoparticles were doped in ZnO porous spheres which was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method, which effectively improved the photocatalytic activity of pure ZnO, and the degradation efficiency of RhB reached 90.1% in 100 min. A possible photocatalytic mechanism is also proposed by different characterization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The highly dispersed small-size metal co-catalysts can effectively improve the photocatalytic efficiency of semiconductor photocatalysts by separating photogenerated electrons and enriching active sites. However, this system tends to aggregate in the absence of carrier, resulting in the decrease of active sites. Here, MOF-derived carbon skeleton (MDCS) encapsulated Ni nanoparticles (Ni@MDCS) and BiOBr was loaded onto carbonized cellulose fibers (CCF) with the help of polydopamine (PDA) to construct high-performance and recyclable photocatalytic paper for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in water. The characterization results showed that MDCS promoted good dispersion of Ni nanoparticles and provided sufficient active sites. And Ni@MDCS as a co-catalyst accelerated the separation of photogenerated carriers in BiOBr. The PDA improved the loading state of Ni@MDCS on CCF and converted into N -doped C in the carbonization process for further increasing the transfer efficiency of photogenerated electrons. In the composite paper, the stable loading of Ni@MDCS/BiOBr hybrid on CCF improved the dispersion and reusability of photocatalyst. The degradation rate of rhodamine B on CCF/PDA-C/Ni@MDCS/BiOBr paper was as high as 94.6 % after 60 min visible light irradiation, which was about 2.5 times higher than that of CCF/BiOBr paper. During 10 cycles, CCF/PDA-C/Ni@MDCS/BiOBr paper maintained high photocatalytic efficiency and good structural stability. This study provides a new way for developing high-performance and recyclable photocatalytic paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dye removal effect of the anisotropic polysaccharide-ZIF-8 aerogel via adsorption and catalysis was observed, highlighting the great potential of the hybrid aerogel as a highly effective, sustainable, and low energy-consuming environmental remediation material. The hybrid aerogel with remarkable mechanical strength has excellent prospects for regeneration to extend its lifespan. [Display omitted] Assembling microscopic metal–organic frameworks into macroscopic polymeric scaffolds to develop highly renewable materials has been a promising yet challenging area of research. Herein, chitosan (CS) blended with nano-cellulose (NC) was unidirectionally transformed into an aerogel with oriented macropores and then biomineralized with zeolite imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) to form a hierarchical structured chitosan-nanocellulose/zeolite imidazolate frameworks-8 (CS-NC-ZIF-8) hybrid aerogel. Incorporating ZIF-8 significantly increases the versatility and mechanical strength with a Young's modulus of 14.18 MPa of the CS-NC aerogel. The incorporation of ZIF-8 into the aerogel not only enhances its adsorption capacity for methylene blue, rhodamine B, acid fuchsin, and methyl orange, but also facilitates the generation of electrons from water that can be transferred to degrade > 90 % of malachite green within 90 min in each catalytic cycle, and this capability was maintained for at least 10 consecutive cycles. Remarkably, the hybrid aerogel was highly renewable after the adsorption of cationic dyes and catalytic removal of malachite green. With its facile production process, high removal efficiency, affordable and green nature, and excellent regeneration feasibility, the CS-NC-ZIF-8 aerogel stands as a promising solution for addressing challenges associated with dye-contaminated water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the visible light active performance of Bi2ZnB2O7 (BBZO) was significantly enhanced through the formation of a composite with few layer MoS2. The resultant MoS2@BBZO catalyst was employed in both photocatalysis and photodetector applications. Comprehensive structural and morphological analyses of the MoS2@BBZO catalyst were conducted using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy. The estimated band gaps of BBZO and the composite were found to be 2.8 eV and 1.74 eV, respectively. Rhodamine B degradation studies demonstrated that the catalyst achieved 75% degradation within 30 min. Additionally, the photodetector application was investigated, revealing rapid photo-switching capabilities and an increased photocurrent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this novel research study, S-scheme Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /ZnO heterojunctions were fabricated for photocatalytic destructing of rhodamine B dye under low cost natural sunlight of 1000 W power. Spherical Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 nanoparticles with wide band gap energy of 3.15 eV and diameter of 26 nm were deposited onto ZnO nanoparticles in ultrasonic bath of 300 W power. Photoluminescence [PL], Mapping, N 2 –adsorption–desorption isotherm, diffuse reflectance spectrum [DRS], high resolution transmission electron microscopy [HRTEM], X-ray diffraction [XRD] and energy dispersive X-ray [EDX] were employed to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of the solid specimen. PL and DRS analysis implied that introducing various proportions of Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 on ZnO surface enhanced the absorbability of visible light radiations and improved the charge carrier separation and transportation efficiency. The photocatalytic experimental results implied that ZnBiCO1 heterojunction containing 1 wt % Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 was responsible for destructing 97 % of RhB dye in 180 min. The scavenger experiments and the photoluminescence analysis of terephthalic acid revealed the production of reactive oxygen species as direct evidence for S-scheme charge transportation mechanism. The purpose of this innovative research is concerned with construction of an efficient S-scheme heterojunction with auspicious oxidative and reductive power for eliminating rhodamine B dye as cationic pollutant model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDetection of ethanolamines (ETAs) is of great importance due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment. Herein, a simple turn-on aptasensor is designed for the sensitive and selective determination of ETA based on an aptamer-functionalized MIL-100 (Fe) (Apt-MIL-100) metal-organic framework (MOF) and Rhodamine B (RhB) as a fluorescence probe. It was found that the ETA molecule causes the release of RhB from Apt-MIL-100 (Fe) through selective binding with its aptamer. The fluorescence signal showed a linear relationship with ETA concentration in the range of 10-500 pM. This aptasensor showed successful application for ETA determination in wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel multi‐stimulus responsive RGB fluorescent organic molecule, RTPE‐NH2, was designed and synthesized based on the combination of aggregation‐induced emission tetraphenylethylene (TPE) luminophore and acid‐responsive fluorescent molecular switch Rhodamine B. RTPE‐NH2 exhibits aggregation‐induced emission behavior, as well as UV irradiation‐stimulus and acid‐stimulus responsive fluorescence properties. It could emit orange‐red (R), green(G), and blue(B) light in both solution and PMMA film under 365 nm excitation. The dark through‐bond energy transfer (DTBET) mechanism was proposed and supported by control experiments and TD‐DFT calculations. The synthesis and application of RTPE‐NH2 could accelerate the development of organic smart materials with high sensitivity and excellent optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiamine detection has been developed using Copper-Metal Organic Frameworks (CuMOF) and Rhodamine B-complexed Graphene Oxide (RhGO), facilitating both direct and indirect fluorescence-based sensing of thiamine. Both these methods are less cumbersome and sensitive fluorometric methods which are developed from less expensive materials. CuMOF offered the oxidation route of thiamine to thiochrome, which is a fluorescence compound; through which thiamine was detected conveniently by measuring thiochrome. On the other hand, rhodamine B bound graphene oxide–RhGO, released rhodamine B upon interaction with the thiamine through the competitive binding against the rhodamine B located on the graphene oxide, which allowed us to develop a facile sensor for thiamine in DMF. Moreover, the sensitivity of the sensor was improved through the encapsulation effect with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]). The limits of detection (LOD) for CuMOF and RhGO with CB[7] were determined to be 48.39 × 10–8 M and 68.33 × 10–8 M, respectively. The sensing ability of RhGO was effectively utilized in commercially available thiamine drugs, and its performance was evaluated against other hydrochloride drugs such as metformin, ciprofloxacin, and cetirizine demonstrating its suitability for real-time sample analysis. This approach provides a practical solution for both analytical and pharmaceutical laboratories. Overall, two different detection methods for thiamine have been developed with good selectivity and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxides with distinct properties can be integrated into a cellulose matrix, providing a promising approach to improve the performance of cellulose materials and expand their applications in photocatalysis. This research focuses on the development of a new biomaterial by incorporating hematite (α-Fe2O3) into the crushed leaves of the palm tree Washingtonia filifera, both in their raw form and as cellulose extracted from the same plant. The incorporation of α-Fe2O3 was carried out hydrothermally. The palm leaves, extracted cellulose and synthesized composites were characterized by thermal analysis (TG) and FT-IR spectroscopy. FT-IR spectra revealed peaks at 524 and 449 cm−1 in the synthesized material, attributed to the vibrational deformation of the Fe–O bond. In contrast to the TG profile of raw palm leaves, the thermogram of the composite showed single-step degradation at 343 °C, indicating chemical modification of the cellulose matrix and successful incorporation of hematite into lignocellulose. The SEM image showed that the grains of α-Fe2O3 are homogeneously incorporated in the matrix. The second part of the study examines hematite (α-Fe2O3) functioning as a sensitizer. It was characterized optically with a gap Eg of 1.94 eV and electrochemically, with a flat band potential of − 0.45 VSCE. The conduction band (− 0.65 VSCE) is more cathodic than the O2/O2•− level. As an application, the prepared materials were effectively tested in the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B, 10 ppm). A reduction of 60% was reached under visible irradiation (23 mW cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel strategy was used to successfully remove rhodamine B dye from contaminated water by combining magnetized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with myrrh gum as an adsorbent. The shape and structure of the prepared adsorbent were charecterized using X-ray powder diffraction analysis, FTIR, SEM, and TEM. A batch approach was used to study the effect of the adsorbent on rhodamine B removal, and several variables were considered, including pH, agitation time, and adsorbent dosage. The findings revealed that rhodamine B dye removal was best at a basic pH of 8, with a 0.05 g adsorbent dosage, within 30 min. Different models were utilized to analyze the isotherm data obtained during the investigations. The adsorbent exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for rhodamine B removal, reaching 332.22 mg/g. The regression analysis indicated appropriate adsorption kinetics with a pseudo-second order kinetics and an R2 value of 0.999. The thermodynamic analysis specified that the removal process exhibits endothermic characteristics, spontaneous behavior, and involves chemisorption. The obtained results demonstrate the efficacy of the adsorbent in the context of water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterogeneous sonocatalysis is considered as an impressive remediation approach to eliminate the dyeing wastewaters. Among the efficient sonocatalytic remediation, nanocomposite sonocatalysts have grabbed special attention in recent years. In the presence research, the novel MIL-101(Fe)/ZrO2/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite as a magnetically retrievable catalyst was elaborated using the ultrasound-assisted hydrothermal route and its sonocatalytic performance was tested applying the methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), congo red (CR), and methyl orange (MO) organic dyes under US/H2O2 system. The as-fabricated nanocomposite is well identified via FESEM, TEM, EDX, EDX elemental dot mappings, AFM, FTIR, XRD, BET, UV-Vis DRS, and VSM. The sonocatalytic destruction outcomes have demonstrated that the MIL-101(Fe)/ZrO2/MnFe2O4 shows appreciable performance for the destruction of MB, RhB, CR, and MO with the yields of 98.17%, 96.35%, 93.40%, and 89.82%, respectively under the optimized conditions of irradiation time of 7 min, dye concentration of 25 mg/L, catalyst amount of 10 mg, US power intensity of 100 W, H2O2 concentration of 4 mM, pH of 7, and temperature of 25 ± 1 °C. The fitted kinetic curves were exhibited a first-order model and the half-life time (t1/2) and reaction rate constant (kapp) of the MB sonodestruction were determined to be 1.20 min and 0.5768 min−1 employing the MIL-101(Fe)/ZrO2/MnFe2O4/US/H2O2 system, respectively. The free •OH radicals were having a crucial role in the MB sonodestruction reaction, affirmed via quenching the experiments. Besides, the reusing experiments indicate that the MIL-101(Fe)/ZrO2/MnFe2O4 represents propitious stability and long durability and reminded more than 93% after four cycles. The metal-organic framework MIL-101(Fe)/ZrO2/MnFe2O4 heterojunction magnetically retrievable nanocomposite was successfully prepared and used as a new sonocatalyst for the destruction of MB, RhB, CR, and MO toxic organic dye pollutants from water medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the large specific surface area and strong van der Waals force, bulk aggregation of nano- TiO2 immediately occurs when it is mixed with fresh cement mixture, limiting its reinforcing efficiency to cement-based materials. This study proposes a novel strategy to improve the mechanical and photocatalytic properties of cement mortar using nano- TiO2 hydrosol instead of conventional nano- TiO2 powder. Compared with pure mortar, the 28-day compressive and flexural strength of mortar with 0.6% by weight nano- TiO2 hydrosol were enhanced by 51% and 15%, respectively, the water absorption and chloride ion diffusion coefficient were decreased by 21% and 31%, respectively. The observed improvements were attributed to the denser microstructure and enhanced micromechanical properties in the bulk matrix and around interfacial transition zone (ITZ), resulting from the better dispersion of nano- TiO2 hydrosol in alkaline environment. In addition, compared with the mortar with nano- TiO2 powder, the degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B and NO by the mortar with nano- TiO2 hydrosol (0.6% by weight) was enhanced by 18.3% and 17.1% at 28 days, respectively. The enhancement resulted from the higher intrinsic photocatalytic activity and larger exposed surface area of nano- TiO2 hydrosol due to better dispersion. The research outcomes demonstrate the potential of using nano- TiO2 hydrosol in cement mortar to significantly increase the mechanical strength, durability, and photocatalytic activity, which can lead to the development of cement-based constructions with the integrated design of functionality and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present research examines the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) using Ag–Ag2SeO3/Ppy nanocomposite as stable photocatalyst with assistance of visible light. Accordingly, FE-SEM, XRD, DRS, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photocurrent response, PL, FTIR, and EDS represent detail of composition and characterization of present photocatalyst. The maximum photo-decomposition efficiency of MB and RhB is 90.51% and 82.86% respectively. To attain practical knowledge about main and interaction part of variables, the optimization was undertaken by central composite design (CCD). Accordingly, as seen as by analyzing experimental results, highest output was achieved at 20 and 15 mg L−1 of RhB and MB using 0.02 g of photocatalyst, pH = 8 and 25 min agitation in the exposure of LED, respectively. Criterion for Judgment about significant terms was undertaken by analysis of variance according to the P value to estimate suitability of the model. At best operational conditions, kinetic parameter assigned to photodegradation and experimental results follow first-order model. Finally, contribution of active species and reproducibility and stability of response assigned to current method were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation behavior of cationic methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and auramine O (AO) dyes in their ternary aqueous solution, as a model of multicomponent mixture closely imitating a real wastewater, was investigated in great detail. In this study, 100 nm anatase TiO2 nanoparticles irradiated using 365 nm light were utilized to generate reactive oxygen species capable of oxidizing and degrading unselectively the dyes into small fragments of organic compounds. The underlying kinetics and mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of the dyes were elucidated based on the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic, Weber–Morris intraparticle diffusion, and Smoluchowski diffusion-limited reaction models. The simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of the dyes in their ternary mixture at different irradiation times, catalyst dosages, initial concentrations, pHs of medium, and molarity ratios clearly suggested the dominance of MB in the photocatalytic degradation process due to its faster diffusion over RhB and AO. Increasing temperature or adding a small amount of hydrogen peroxide further highlighted the advantage of MB in the photocatalytic degradation. Overall results revealed a general concept that the molecular structure, especially planarity and electron donating power of attached groups, plays an important role in controlling diffusion dynamics, immobilization, and efficiency of photocatalytic degradation of dyes in multicomponent wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a facile synthesis of Ce4+ -doped ZrO2/ZnO nanocomposites by a simple ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method. The ZrO2/ZnO:x mol% Ce4+ composites were then characterized by x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), The ζ potential, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and elemental mapping, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results indicated that the ZrO2/ZnO:x%Ce4+ composites have nanospherical morphology with average particle sizes less than 50 nm and bandgap values of 3.13–3.17 eV. The XPS spectrum confirmed the existence of a Ce4+/Ce3+ pair, which effectively prevents e–/h+ recombination, contributing to the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes of photocatalysts. The Ce4+-doped ZrO2/ZnO composites gave the high degradation, 66.88–91.23%, for Rhodamine B under visible-light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new bromeliad flower-like CdS photocatalyst was prepared using an easy hydrothermal technique based on dye adsorption for the photocatalytic destruction of organic contaminants under visible-light irradiation. The synthesized photocatalyst was characterized using a variety of analytical methods. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed that the synthesized CdS photocatalyst exhibited a hexagonal phase. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the novel bromeliad flower-like morphology of the synthesized CdS. High-resolution (HR)-TEM images revealed the interior structure and the (002) plane lattice spacing of the wurtzite structure of the photocatalyst. The specific surface area was found to be 33.96 m2g−1. Ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared (UV-Vis NIR) spectroscopy revealed a greater photocatalytic response in the visible region. The visible-light photodegradation of crystal violet (CV), rhodamine B (RhB), and methylene blue (MB) dye in the presence of the photocatalyst displayed high decolorization efficiency, with 96%, 96%, and 88% degradation of CV, RhB, and MB at 35 min, 115 min, and 145 min, respectively, under the same conditions. The photocatalytic degradation of CV dye was better than the degradation of RhB and MB dyes. Based on these results, a plausible photocatalytic mechanism is proposed for the bromeliad flower-like CdS photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic dye pollutants present in wastewater pose a significant global challenge. Among pollutants, the synthetic dye Rhodamine B (RB) stands out due to its non-biodegradable nature and associated neurotoxic, carcinogenic, and respiratory irritant properties. Extensive research has been conducted on the efficacy of adsorption and photodegradation techniques for the removal of RB from wastewater. While adsorption and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have gained considerable attention for their effectiveness in recent years, the underlying behaviors and mechanisms of these technologies remain incompletely understood. Therefore, a comprehensive summary of recent research progress in this domain is imperative to clarify the basics and present the up-to-date achievements. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamentals, advancements, and future trajectories of RB wastewater treatment technologies, mainly encompassing adsorption and photodegradation. This work starts with a general introduction of outlining the sources, toxicity, and diverse applicable removal strategies. Subsequently, it thoroughly examines crucial techniques within non-photochemical, photochemical, and adsorption technologies, such as UV light assisted AOP, catalyst assisted AOP, ozonation, Fenton system, electrochemical AOP, and adsorption technology. The primary objective is to furnish a broad overview of these techniques, elucidating their effectiveness, limitations, and applicability. Following this, the review encapsulates state-of-theart computational simulations pertaining to RB adsorption and interactions with clays and other adsorbents. Lastly, it delves into column adsorption of RB dye, and elucidates various influencing factors, including bed height, feed concentration, pollutant (RB) feeding or flow rate, and column regeneration. This panoramic review aims to provide valuable insights into suitable techniques, research gaps, and the applicability of nonphotochemical, photochemical, and adsorption technologies in the treatment of wastewater containing RB dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape-stable phase change materials (SSPCMs) are excellent for thermal energy storage applications. This study presents the first novel fluorescent switchable bio-smart SSPCMs incorporating waste. We used poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as the phase change material combined with leather waste (LW) and poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA). These composites achieved a relatively high shape fixity ratio (62–70%) and 100% shape recovery in both air (70 °C) and water (37 °C). They remained stable over a wide temperature range (−28.2 to 220 °C) and had high phase change enthalpies (86.8–149.7 J g−1). Composite PGL721 fully healed at 70 °C within 1.5 hours. By adding fluorescein and rhodamine B to PGL721, we created smart fluorescent SSPCMs, namely, FSSPCM1 and FSSPCM2. FSSPCM1 exhibited ON–OFF–ON fluorescence with heating, while FSSPCM2 showed ON–OFF fluorescence in the presence of Fe3+ ion (0.7 M). These smart fluorescent materials have promising applications in biomedical, textile, and soft robotic sensors and thermal storage application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As efficient activators of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), cobalt ions play an important role in the degradation of organic pollutants. It is imperative to synthesize PMS activators from low-cost materials with uniform structures to improve the catalytic efficiency and cycle life and reduce the cost of wastewater treatment, which has practical importance. In this work, alkali-activated slag geopolymer microsphere-supported Co catalysts (Co-GMs) were synthesized via a simple solution impregnation method and used for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The Co-GM/PMS system is highly efficient, and the degradation rate of RhB (40 mg/L) reached 99.8% within only 10 min. Moreover, Co-GM has a wide pH range from 3 to 9 and good anti-interference performance for other ions, as well as low Co2+ leaching (0.809 mg/L) and favorable reusability. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were explored via radical quenching experiments and electron spin-resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, which revealed determined that the major ROS involved in the degradation of RhB are 1O2 and SO4·−. The synergistic effect of free and nonfree radicals plays an important role during degradation. Moreover, four probable degradation pathways were proposed via liquid‒phase mass spectrometry (LC‒MS). The results revealed that the removal rate of total organic carbon (TOC) reached 74.2% within 60 min. This research innovatively proposed the application of geopolymer composite catalysts in advanced oxidation and developed an ultralow-cost PMS activator for highly efficient degradation of RhB, which represents a new choice for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezocatalysis is capable of harnessing mechanical energy for environmental remediation, which is regarded as a green and promising technology to be exploited. Piezoceramics are struggling to be used as highly efficient piezocatalysts due to their grain size reaching tens of micrometers usually. Herein, a feasible and straightforward method is proposed to turn piezoceramic powders into highly efficient piezocatalysts by integrating size optimization and oxygen vacancy modulation. This strategy is validated by treating lead‐free Sr0.5Ba0.5Nb2O6 (SBN) piezoceramic powders with high‐energy ball‐milling (hBM). The rate constant k value of 46.95 × 10−3 min−1 for rhodamine B (RhB) piezocatalytic degradation of SBN‐hBM‐12h is almost 18 times higher than that of pristine SBN. Besides, the SBN‐hBM‐12 h catalyst performed superior antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli. The enhanced piezocatalytic efficiency is attributed to the introduced abundant oxygen vacancies absorbing and activating O2 into reactive oxygen species. Well‐modulated oxygen vacancy concentration can effectively accelerate the generation and separation of free carriers. However, the excess oxygen vacancies in SBN render the weakened piezoresponse thus suppressing the piezocatalytic activity. This study elucidates the critical role of oxygen vacancies in piezocatalysis and provides insights into the development of efficient piezocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green‐light driven photocatalytic N‐deethylation reaction of Rhodamine B (RhB) on a TiO2 film was investigated by UV‐vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies, in addition to HPLC and HR‐MS, to ascertain the nature of the reaction products. The evolution of the photocatalytic reaction was chemometrically analyzed using Multivariate Curve Resolution—Alternating Least Squares (MCR‐ALS) of the spectroscopic data to obtain the kinetic and spectral decomposition of the RhB derivatives involved in the reaction. This was then compared with the results obtained by standard HPLC analysis. The MCR‐ALS analysis yielded satisfactory spectral and kinetic profiles for RhB and the fully deethylated product, Rhodamine 110. However, the spectral profiles for the N‐triethyl (3EtRh) and the mixture of the two isomeric N‐diethyl (2EtRh) derivatives exhibited some spectral distortions due to significant spectral overlap between these compounds. In contrast to the HPLC analysis, the MCR‐ALS could not resolve the N‐ethylrhodamine (EtRh) derivative. The deethylation reactions occurred via independent zero‐order steps at the surface of TiO2, indicating that the RhB degradation reaction is governed by the adsorption–desorption equilibrium of the dye and derivatives on the photocatalyst surface, thereby enhancing the diffusion of compounds on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination due to significant industrialization and urbanization has drawn the attention of numerous researchers to water remediation techniques like photocatalysis. The intriguing characteristics of silicon nanowires (SiNWs), like light trapping and catalytic activity for the removal of textile dyes, have drawn attention to this material. In this work, the synthesis of SiNWs and their modifications with metal particles like copper or silver with different concentrations has been reported. Metal‐assisted chemical etching, a cost‐effective and easy method, is used to synthesis SiNWs with an optimized aspect ratio. The as‐prepared materials and it photocatalysis performance are studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission and transmission electron microscope (FESEM, TEM), and UV–visible spectroscopy. The XRD confirms the presence of the copper particles on SiNWs. The FESEM image reveals the formation of flower‐like structures with different morphologies for silver and copper‐modified SiNWs. The as‐prepared samples have shown efficacy in removing Rhodamine‐B by the process of photocatalysis under irradiation with UV light. It has been observed that when the concentration of the copper nanoparticles is increased, a significant increase in the photocatalytic activity is obtained. The removal efficiency came within the range of 50–65%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is crucial for various biological processes in humans, animals, and plants, making precise and efficient monitoring of iron ion concentrations essential. To address this need, a cellulose‐based smart fluorescent material (NCC@NH2@RB) with a conjugated structure is designed and synthesized for the rapid and sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions. This sensor features core‐shell nanoparticles functionalized with rhodamine B (RB), using (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as a linker. The resulting fluorescent probe, composed of nanocrystalline cellulose and RB, exhibits strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, making it an effective tool for Fe3+ ion detection in water. When Fe3+ ions are introduced into a solution containing NCC@NH2@RB, they bind with weak‐field ligands such as nitrogen and oxygen in the probe's structure, forming complexes. This interaction involves high‐spin coordination and leads to the self‐assembly of Fe3+ ions on the surface of NCC@NH2@RB. The process generates single electrons, increasing paramagnetism and quenching the fluorescence. The NCC@NH2@RB fluorescent probe has a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 µM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.03 µM with linearity at concentrations of 1.0 × 10−4–2.5 × 10−3 m. This fluorescence quenching effect is specific to Fe3+ ions, ensuring that the probe remains unaffected by other metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the advancement of industrialization, water pollution has become an alarming global issue. Many organic dyes, such as crystal violet and rhodamine B, present in industrial wastewater are causing severe health problems. Both of these dyes are carcinogenic. For their degradation, ferrites are synthesized in this research. Ferrites have high absorbing potential in visible regions and fast movement of charge carrier species. Therefore, the ferrites are potentially used in photocatalysis to purify contaminated water. Graphitic carbon nitride shows enhanced separation of charges, which lowers the rate of recombination of charge carrier species. Lithium nickel ferrite, lithium nickel ferrite doped with terbium, and its composite with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) are synthesized by sol-gel and ultra-sonication methods, respectively. The prepared samples are analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky analysis. The bandgap of LiNiFe 2 O 4 and LiNiTbFe 2 O 4 was 2.35 eV, and 1.87 eV, respectively. LiNiTbFe 2 O 4 @g-C 3 N 4 degraded 86 % crystal violet and 83 % rhodamine B in 120 min. The LiNiTbFe 2 O 4 @g-C 3 N 4 composite showed the maximum degradation and can be potentially used in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of activated carbon was obtained from rape straw by chemical modification with phosphoric acid (H3PO4). The activated carbon was characterized and the adsorption capacity for Rhodamine B (RhB) from water was analysed. The SEM images showed that PRC-40 is a porous material and the BET analysis revealed a high surface area of 1720 m2/g with the coexistence of micropores and mesopores. The FTIR spectra determined the presence of oxygenated functional groups at its surface. The XPS spectra revealed that the content of carboxyl and metaphosphate groups in the modified activated carbon significantly increased, and this is conducive to the adsorption reaction. The XRD pattern showed the amorphous nature of carbon. The effect of significant parameters, such as the concentration of H3PO4 for modification and pH value, has been discussed. The kinetic data showed that the pseudo-second-order model is predominant. Besides, the Langmuir model was compatible well with the equilibrium data, and the maximum adsorption capacity of the activated carbon modified by H3PO4 was 2882.84 mg/g. Therefore, agricultural waste and rape straw can be used to prepare effective adsorbents for the application with the removal of dye from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, mesoporous materials (MCM-41 and MCM-48) were synthesized and functionalized with an acid group through a post-synthetic modification method. A mononuclear Zn complex [Zn(dmp)Cl2] (dmp = neocuprine) was also prepared and incorporated into a functionalized mesoporous material. Extensive characterization of the material married was carried out using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to evaluate the characteristics of modified materials. The characterization results revealed that the post-synthetic modification did not alter the phase purity, crystallinity, or morphology of the mesoporous materials while confirming the successful grafting of the desired sulphonic acid functionality and Zn complex. The Zn complex-grafted-functionalized mesoporous materials were then assessed for their photo-degradation using methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RB). The results demonstrated exceptional photo-degradation efficiency of the modified materials under sunlight. Within 15 min, 10 mg/ml of dye concentration, and adsorbent dosage 0.15 mg/ml and 0.1 mg/ml, degradation efficiencies of 99% and 92%, were achieved for MB using M-48-S-Zn1 and M-41-S-Zn1, respectively. Similarly, 91% and 78% degradation rates were achieved within 30 min for RB using the same materials. The modified mesoporous materials exhibited a remarkable degradation performance even in challenging environments, including highly acidic, basic, and salt-concentrated conditions. This highlights the versatility and robustness of the modified materials in different environmental scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work obtained zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using organic components extracted from Waltheria americana at different concentrations. ZnO materials were subsequently applied in the photodegradation of two cationic dyes, Rhodamine B (RB) and methylene blue (MB), at different doses of catalyst and pH. The crystallinity and hexagonal Wurtzite structure of ZnO were established through XRD analysis. The Zn–O bond in the ZnO NPs was confirmed in the FTIR, with the characteristic signals observed in the fingerprint region at ~ 400 cm−1. SEM and TEM revealed the formation of quasi-spherical particles with an average size ranging from 2 to 12 nm, depending on extract concentrations during synthesis. UV–Vis studies indicated the optical bandgap of ZnO, with values below 3 eV, also dependent on extract concentration. PL analysis revealed the recombination of free excitons and defects in ZnO. Photocatalytic studies of ZnO materials demonstrated excellent degradation efficiency of RB and MB dyes, which was influenced by the extract concentration of NPs, while the degradation of MB was enhanced with a 1:1 dye-to-catalyst ratio under acidic conditions. In contrast, due to RB more complex structure, an increased ratio of 1:1 to 1:3 and acidic pH conditions improved its degradation. Green-synthesized ZnO NPs using photocatalysis techniques exhibit significant potential as eco-friendly alternatives for removing contaminants from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on Pinus radiata sawdust (Fe2O3@PS) using a Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract. The morphology and structure of Fe2O3@PS were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance. The adsorption capacity of the system was evaluated by testing its ability to remove the Rhodamine B (RhB) dye. The optimization of the system was carried out using the Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and the response surface methodology (steepest ascent and the Box–Behnken design), which provided information on the main parameters affecting the adsorption process. The PBD results showed that the most important parameters for the removal of RhB using Fe2O3@PS were the removal time, the RhB concentration, and the initial pH of the system. The reusability of Fe2O3@PS under optimal conditions was tested and it was found to maintain its efficiency after five cycles of use. The efficiency and rate of RhB removal observed at pH values near 7.0 were found to be predominantly influenced by electrostatic interactions. In contrast, the analyses conducted at pH values near 8.3 exhibited reduced influence from electrostatic attractions, with π–π interactions and hydrogen bonds emerging as dominant forces. At pH values exceeding 8.3, all potential interactions between RhB and Fe2O3@PS exhibited diminished strength. This research provides valuable information on the formation of eco-friendly nanoparticles immobilized on a forest residue such as sawdust, which can effectively remove organic pollutants like RhB. This contributes to the valorization of resources and the search for solutions to water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we synthesized a fluorescent material by modifying the C-2 amino group of carboxymethyl chitosan with a rhodamine B derivative, which was proposed and demonstrated using 1H NMR and FT-IR measurements. A series of experiments including selectivity, sensitivity, reversibility, pH, and water content were conducted to investigate the fluorometric and colorimetric properties of the grafted polymer. Utilizing a Fe3+-induced ring-opening mechanism of the rhodamine B spirolactam, we found that the grafted polymer exhibited a highly selective fluorescence response to Fe3+, with enhanced fluorescence at 583 nm compared to other tested metal ions and anions, accompanied by the characteristic absorption peak of rhodamine B that appeared at 561 nm with a noticeable color change from colorless to pink, facilitating visual observation. Additionally, the modified probe, composed of carboxymethyl chitosan, was easily regenerated through treatment with EDTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile wet chemical approach was adopted to synthesize zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron (II, III) oxide, followed by the synthesis of ZnO–TiO2–Fe3O4 nanocomposite via physical mixing. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to investigate various physical and chemical characteristics of the prepared samples. Furthermore, the catalytic reduction of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (Rh B) dyes was carried out using prepared nanomaterials as catalysts under UV–visible light illumination. It was observed that the degradation efficiency of the nanocomposite was equivalent to or slightly better than TiO2 nanoparticles and higher than ZnO nanoparticles against both dye solutions. Its removal efficiency using an external magnetic field is much higher than that of the constituent nanoparticles, owing to its higher saturation magnetization. So, the obtained results suggest that the produced nanocomposite can be employed as a high‐potential catalyst for reducing organic dyes and pollutants in wastewater treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An energy-saving method that recycles valuables from spent anodes was proposed. • PVDF binder was deactivated at 150 °C using eutectic NaOH-KOH as roasting medium. • Apart from graphite, 93.2 % of lithium was extracted during water-washing process. • Recycled graphite was reused directly as an environmental catalyst. The effective recovery of valuables from anodes coming from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is of great importance to ensure resource supply and reduce the environmental burden for recycling. In this work, a simple and low energy consumption roasting method was proposed by employing low-temperature eutectic NaOH-KOH as reaction medium, in order to simultaneously separate graphite from Cu foils, extract lithium from it and set it up for reuse as environmental catalyst through one-step water washing process. Our results show that polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) was effectively deactivated due to dehydrofluorination/carbonization at a relatively low temperature and short time (150 °C, 20 min) when a mass ratio of 1:1 for eutectic NaOH-KOH to spent LIBs anodes was used, yielding 97.3 % of graphite detached. Moreover, a remarkable lithium extraction efficiency of 93.2 % was simultaneously obtained. Afterwards, the reusability of the recycled graphite was tested by employing it as a catalyst for the treatment of a contaminant organic dye (Rhodamine B) in the presence of NaClO. Our results show that a superior NaClO activation was obtained with the addition of recycled graphite, being this fact closely associated to the abundant active sites formed during the long-term charging/discharging cycles in the original battery. The alkaline-mediated roasting process presented in this work presents an energy-saving scheme to efficiently recover useful components from spent anodes, whereas the reusability example highlighted a useful option for repurposing the severely damaged graphite as an environmental catalyst rather than disposing it in landfills, turning waste into a valuable material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Combining tetragonal BTO nanoparticles and 2D MXene nanosheets creates BTO-MX, which can degrade 90 % of RhB in 15 min. • MXene nanosheets enhance electrical conductivity and energy conversion rate during advanced oxidation process. • The heterogeneous structure of BTO-MX provides sufficient active sites, aiding in the adsorption and degradation of RhB. • The synergistically piezo-photocatalytic properties enabled by efficient carrier generation and separation in BTO-MX. Piezo-photocatalysis combines photocatalysis and piezoelectric effects to enhance catalytic efficiency by creating an internal electric field in the photocatalyst, improving carrier separation and overall performance. This study presents a high-performance piezo-photocatalyst for efficient dye degradation using a synergistic barium titanate (BTO)-MXene composite. The composite was synthesized via a facile method, combining the unique properties of BTO nanoparticles with the high conductivity of MXene. The structural and morphological analysis confirmed the successful formation of the composite, with well-dispersed BTO nanoparticles on the MXene surface. The piezo-photocatalytic activity of the composite was evaluated using a typical dye solution (Rhodamine B: RhB) under ultraviolet irradiation and mechanical agitation. The results revealed a remarkable enhancement in dye degradation (90 % in 15 min for piezo-photocatalysis) compared to individual stimuli (58.2 % for photocatalysis and 95.8 % in 90 min for piezocatalysis), highlighting the synergistic effects between BTO and MXene. The enhanced catalytic performance was attributed to the efficient charge separation and transfer facilitated by the composite's structure, leading to increased reactive species generation and dye molecule degradation. Furthermore, the composite exhibited excellent stability and reusability, showcasing its potential for practical applications in wastewater treatment. Overall, this work represents a promising strategy for designing high-performance synergistic catalysts, addressing the pressing need for sustainable solutions in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the unique spatial structure and property of three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) materials, the heterostructure of semiconductors was constructed on the surface of the materials to realize the high-efficiency photocatalytic performance of composites. In this study, Ag/AgI@Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /3DOM TiO 2 photocatalyst with plasmon resonance effect and double Z-scheme heterostructure was synthesized by hydrothermal method and in situ deposition method. Under full spectrum irradiation, the optimized photocatalyst could remove 99.8% of Rhodamine B (RhB). In addition, the composite has the best photocatalytic hydrogen production ability in the photocatalytic hydrolysis of water, with the yield of 127.3 μmol g−1h−1. This remarkable performance is attributed to the synergy between the 3DOM framework and the double Z-scheme heterojunction. The former enhanced the ability of light capture and provided abundant active sites for surface reaction, while the latter promoted the spatial separation of photocarrier and enhanced the redox ability. In addition, the enhancement of photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgI@Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /3DOM TiO 2 composites is attributed to the enhancement of visible light utilization by AgI photosensitization and the enhancement of charge transfer in multi-component heterostructure by Ag as electron medium. This work combines the advantages of three-dimensional ordered structure and double Z-scheme heterojunction, and provides a new possibility for the design of efficient photocatalysts for pollutant removal. The unique three-dimensional ordered structure of Ag/AgI@Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /3DOM TiO 2 composite increases the active site of photocatalytic reaction. The local surface plasmonic resonance effect generated by Ag particles and the photosensitization of silver iodide improves the utilization rate of visible light. Meanwhile, Ag, as an electronic medium, promotes charge transfer in the dual Z-scheme heterostructures. Therefore, the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate and photocatalytic performance are improved. [Display omitted] • Ag/AgI@Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /3DOM TiO 2 were prepared by the colloid-crystal template combined with hydrothermal method. • The unique three-dimensional ordered structure of composites provides more active sites. • The SPR effect of Ag particles and the photosensitization of silver iodide improves the utilization rate of visible light. • Ag promotes charge transfer in dual Z-scheme heterostructures. • The photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgI@Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /3DOM TiO 2 is much higher than that of TiO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is an invasive alien species in the United Kingdom (UK). The economic impact of grey squirrels on England and Wales forestry is estimated to be around £37 million ($47 million USD) per year, and the presence of this species has caused the decline of the native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) due to interspecific competition and transmission of diseases. Oral contraceptives, delivered in baits, are being developed to control the number of grey squirrels in the UK. Bait uptake can be affected by many factors that must be understood to develop effective delivery methods. As sexually mature females drive population growth, targeting these females with oral contraceptives should be a priority to maximize the impacts of oral contraceptives on grey squirrel populations. This study investigated whether sex, age, or reproductive status affected bait uptake by grey squirrels. We fitted 138 squirrels with passive integrated transponders (PIT‐tags) in 4 woodland sites in the UK and measured bait uptake using squirrel‐specific bait dispensers (hoppers) fitted with PIT‐tag readers and baited with hazelnut paste and the biomarker rhodamine B for 5 days in 2018 and 2022. Overall, 49% of squirrels consumed bait from the hoppers and bait was most likely to be consumed by reproductively active females. Immature squirrels made more visits per day to hoppers and visited more hoppers per day compared with adults, though the results for immature animals were highly variable. Sex, age, and reproductive status were not found to affect bait uptake in grey squirrels at the density of squirrels (3.9–6.3/ha) and bait hoppers (3/ha) tested in this study. The results confirmed that it should be possible to deliver oral contraceptives equally to different individuals within populations of grey squirrels within a relatively short period. The findings of this study could be used to inform targeted interventions aimed at delivering baits containing contraceptives or vaccines to grey squirrels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, ZnO, CuO, and CuO-ZnO nanomaterials have been synthesized via green and facile route using Argyreia nervosa leaf extract. The structural, morphological, optical, chemical, and textural characteristics of as-synthesized nanostructures were investigated using different techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD); field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM); transmission electron microscopy (TEM);UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET)/Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH); and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Results obtained from the characterization study showed that the ZnO, CuO, and CuO-ZnO were successfully synthesized using the leaf extract of A. nervosa. The results exhibited the homogeneously growth of CuO particles on the surface of ZnO particles in a spherical-like shapes. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the synthesized nanostructures was investigated adopting Rhodamine B dye as an aqueous polluted model. The results have shown that the CuO-ZnO (10%) nanocomposite was the most efficient photocatalyst compared to other samples. The factors affecting the photodegradation process such as the effect of irradiation time (0–180 min), photocatalyst dose (0.4–1.4 g/L), initial RhB concentration (5–20 ppm), and the solution pH (3–11) were tested. The maximum photocatalytic degradation efficiency achieved was 90.25%. Additionally, reuse experiments proved that the CuO-ZnO (10%) photocatalyst retained 72.8% of its initial efficiency after recycling for five cycles. Finally, the results revealed that the most reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for the degradation of RhB are hydroxyl radicals (•OH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to valorize C. demersum, a common aquatic plant in lakes, ponds, and quiet streams with little use. FeCl3 -impregnated C. demersum was directly pyrolyzed to yield iron oxide-loaded biochar (IO/BC). Analytical results revealed that 3.19 wt% Fe existed in the resulting composite, including predominant hematite (a-Fe2 O3 ) and minor magnetite (Fe3 O4 ). Moreover, the total pore volume (Vtotal) and the specific surface area (SBET) of IO/BC were 0.091 cm3 /g and 113 m2 /g, respectively. IO/BC was subsequently explored for catalytic rhodamine B (RhB) degradation using H2 O2 . At pH 3.0, 30 °C, 1.00 g/L IO/BC partly eliminated 18% RhB (20 ppm), corresponding to an adsorption capacity of 3.6 mg/g. Upon the addition of 120 ppm H2 O2, total RhB removal reached 92% after 90 min. Furthermore, RhB treatment was consistent with the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The rate constant (k) at 30 °C was 0.0260 min-1, and the activation energy (Ea ) was 72 kJ/mol. Overall, the findings highlighted the catalytic potential of IO/BC prepared from C. demersum for Fenton-like degradation of RhB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon nanotubes/zinc oxide (CNTs/ZnO) nanocomposites were immobilized on the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membrane for highly reutilization rate in photocatalytic degradation of RhodamineB (RhB) based on the combination of electrospinning and ultrasonication treatment. The results revealed that the CNTs are successfully compounded with ZnO, and the surface of nanofibers was uniformly covered with CNTs/ZnO nanoparticles. Under visible light irradiation, the CNTs/ZnO@PVA nanocomposites displayed excellent photocatalytic activity with 98.4% of RhB degradation rate within 3 h illumination. In comparison with pure PVA, and CNTs/ZnO with equivalent loading capacity on CNTs/ZnO@PVA film suspended in aqueous solution, the synthesized CNTs/ZnO@PVA film degrades RhB dye more efficiently. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of CNTs/ZnO@PVA nanocomposites did not change significantly even after five recycles, indicating a certain degree of reusability. The mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity was proposed. The as‐prepared flexible CNTs/ZnO@PVA nanocomposites could be employed as a promising material for the practical photocatalytic degradation of wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the visible light‐assisted photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) dye using MoS2–CdS nanocomposite. Two crucial operational parameters, illumination time and the weight ratio of MoS2 to CdS, are systematically examined. Approximately, 91.9% of Rh B solution with a concentration of 10 mg/L is degraded by the MoS2–CdS photocatalyst under 60 min of illumination, with a photocatalyst dosage of 0.5 g/L. The results are consistent with a pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model, wherein the degradation rate constant of CdS increases fourfold after amalgamation with MoS2. The formation of the composite with MoS2 results in 1.72 times increase in the apparent quantum yield and 3.15 times decrease in the electrical energy consumption per order of CdS nanorods under similar experimental conditions. The investigation also comprehensively explores the reactive species responsible for Rh B degradation under visible light in the presence of MoS2–CdS photocatalyst. This analysis confirms that both hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals play a dominant role in Rh B degradation. These findings underscore the potential practical applications of MoS2–CdS nanorods in eco‐friendly water treatment technologies, offering efficient and sustainable solutions to contemporary environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alkaline treatment synthesis of titania/titanate nanotubes (TNTs) requires highly concentrated alkaline solutions (≥ 10 mol/L), which pose environmental and productivity limitations. In contrast, a bottom-up synthesis method for peroxo-titanate nanotubes (PTNTs) has been developed. This method offers two advantages: it can synthesize materials using low-concentration alkaline solutions (1.5 mol/L) and produce photocatalytic materials that are responsive to visible light. In general, the higher the crystallinity of a catalyst, the better its properties. However, PTNTs synthesized at temperatures close to their boiling point (around 100 °C) exhibit low crystallinity. This study hypothesizes a hydrothermal synthesis method at higher temperatures will enhance the crystallinity and photocatalytic performance of PTNTs, synthesizing them at temperatures ranging from 120 to 200 °C using a method capable of exceeding the boiling point. Higher synthesis temperatures resulted in improved morphological and crystallographic properties of the PTNTs. However, the formation of peroxo-bonding, crucial for visible light responsiveness, decreased. Nevertheless, peroxo-bonding formation was still achievable at the highest temperature of 200 °C, and the sample exhibited the best Rhodamine B (Rh B) photodegradation performance under visible light due to its enhanced specific surface area and crystallinity. This study highlights the novelty and environmental significance of hydrothermally synthesized PTNTs as superior photocatalysts by optimizing the synthesis temperature while using lower concentration alkaline solutions. Highlights: High-temperature hydrothermal synthesis significantly enhances the crystallinity and surface area of peroxo-titanate nanotubes (PTNTs). Optimized PTNTs achieve a 98.2% Rhodamine B degradation rate under visible light, outperforming conventional photocatalysts. The use of low-concentration alkaline solutions in PTNT synthesis presents a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. This study demonstrates the potential of PTNTs as superior photocatalysts by balancing crystallinity and peroxo-bonding formation through temperature optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study explores the controlled synthesis of a novel Fe3O4@C magnetic nanocomposite derived from FeBTC metal–organic framework (MOF) and its application as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of rhodamine dye from wastewater. The FeBTC MOF was first synthesized and then thermally decomposed in a controlled oxygen atmosphere at 375°C (1 h) to form the Fe3O4@C nanocomposite with a magnetic Fe3O4 core embedded in a porous carbon matrix. A comprehensive characterization of the nanocomposite was performed using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the successful formation and to evaluate its structural and morphological properties. The morphological investigation revealed that the particles of Fe3O4 had a spherical shape with diameter of 10–15 nm. The carbon coating appeared as a thin amorphous layer surrounding the Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The adsorption capacity of Fe3O4@C for rhodamine B (RhB) dye was assessed under various conditions, including different pH values, contact times, initial dye concentrations, and temperatures. Complete dye removal was attained in 45 min using 50 mg of the nanocomposite and 50 mL of 5.0 ppm RhB at the optimum pH of 9.1. Under the same experimental conditions, the highest adsorption capacity of 13.0 mg/g was obtained, but using 15.0 mg of the nanocomposite. Fe3O4@C nanocomposite exhibits high adsorption efficiency, with a maximum removal capacity of 100%, which is clearly superior to many conventional adsorbents. This performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the magnetic Fe3O4 and the large surface area of the carbon matrix. Kinetic models were employed to understand the adsorption mechanism. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo‐second‐order model. The reusability of the adsorbent was tested over multiple cycles and showed a minimal loss of performance (drops to 93.0% after five removal cycles). The study demonstrates that the Fe3O4@C nanocomposite is a promising candidate for the effective removal of organic dyes from wastewater, offering potential benefits for environmental remediation and sustainable water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic reduction of organic pollutants using metal nanoparticles (MNPs) as nanocatalyst is a promising approach. The widespread application of MNPs have led to an increase demand for their production. The green biosynthesis of MNPs using microbes is becoming increasingly important as they are benign and environmentally friendly. In this work, Deinococcus wulumuqiensis (D. wulumuqiensis) with high resistance to stresses was applied for the green preparation of different MNPs, including palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs), silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), and Pd−Ag bimetallic nanoparticles (Pd−Ag BNPs). The resultant MNPs exhibited a face‐centered cubic structure, with average size of 6.70 (Pd NPs), 6.24 (Ag NPs), and 6.13 nm (Pd−Ag BNPs), respectively. FT‐IR spectra indicated that the proteins and polysaccharides expressed by D. wulumuqiensis could potentially contributed to the formation of MNPs. The application of as‐prepared biocatalyst in catalytic degradation of pollutant dyes demonstrated that Pd−Ag BNPs had greater degradation ability of 4‐nitrophenol (95.1 %) and Rhodamine B (85.1 %) than monometallic nanoparticles. The pseudo‐first‐order kinetics results further indicated the superior catalytic ability of Pd−Ag BNPs, with rate constant of 0.450±0.009 (4‐nitrophenol) and 1.54×10−2 min−1 (Rhodamine B), respectively. Thus, the present study confirms that D. wulumuqiensis represents a promising candidate for the biosynthesis of Pd‐based nanoparticles with small size, which exhibited potential applications as bionanocatalyst in the degradation of water pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realization of persistent luminescence and in particular circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of organic radicals remains a challenge due to their sensitivity to oxygen at ambient conditions and elusive excited state chirality control. Here, it is reported that UV‐irradiation on a supramolecular gel from a chiral triarylamine derivative, TPA‐Ala, led to the formation of luminescent radicals with bright CPL. TPA‐Ala can form an organogel in chloroform with blue emission and supramolecular chirality as demonstrated by both CD and CPL signals. Upon UV 365 nm irradiation, an emission color change from blue to cyan is observed due to the formation of photo‐induced radicals. Interestingly, it is found that the supramolecular gel radicals showed stable luminescence with a lifetime ≈ 10 days in dark environments and inverted CPL, which represents a scarce example with persistent CPL from doublet‐state due to oxygen isolation ability of the gel network. Furthermore, doping a guest dye, Rhodamine B (RhB), into the supramolecular gel (RhB/TPA‐Ala = 30% in molar ratio) successfully obtained a transient white‐light CPL through the superposition of photo‐induced radical and guest dye emissions. This work provides a useful methodology for the fabrication of radical‐based CPL materials via a supramolecular assembly approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to enhance the piezocatalytic activity of ZnO by modifying it with a thin carbon layer (TCL). The composite catalysts were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. The tightly adhered TCL served as an effective electron transfer medium, enabling the rapid migration of piezoinduced charge carriers from the ZnO to the catalyst surface, thereby facilitating the catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The optimized TCL/ZnO sample exhibits an RhB degradation rate 13.4 times higher than that of pure ZnO. This work demonstrates that TCL/ZnO has significant potential in piezocatalytic water purification and offers new insights into the design of efficient piezocatalytic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnCo2O4/ZnO composites nanomaterials were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The morphologies and structures of ZnCo2O4/ZnO composites nanomaterials were studied by using different reaction temperature. The results indicated that the morphology of ZnCo2O4/ZnO composites nanomaterials can be controlled and changed effectively by reaction temperature. A reasonable growth mechanism for ZnCo2O4/ZnO composites nanomaterials by hydrothermal processes was proposed. Moreover, photocatalytic degradation properties of ZnCo2O4/ZnO composites under visible light were evaluated by degradation of common organic dye Rhodamine B (RhB solution). The results showed that ZnCo2O4/ZnO composites grown at a hydrothermal temperature of 160 °C had the excellent selective catalytic ability to RhB solution with photocatalytic efficiency of 95% in 60 min. The method conducted in this work could be expanded to other composite nanomaterials with controllable morphology and structure to further improve the photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen peroxide–based Fenton reaction can effectively degrade many small-molecule fluorescent dyes, leading to notable alterations in fluorescence signals. Additionally, the two-dimensional black phosphorus/platinum nanocomposite (BP/Pt) demonstrates exceptional catalase (CAT) characteristics. Based on these, a colorimetric-fluorescence dual-mode signal output pattern based on BP/Pt-Fenton reaction-rhodamine B tandem reaction system is reported. The physical adsorption property of the BP/Pt nanozymes was utilized to couple with antibodies, thus constructing a novel dual-mode nanozyme-based immuno-sensing assay (NISA). By using the migratory antibiotic enrofloxacin (ENR) as the target, the NISA provided highly sensitive detection with the detection limits of 0.058 ng/mL for colorimetric-mode and 0.025 ng/mL for fluorescence-mode and achieved accurate quantitative detection in environmental water and crucian carp samples. This work provides an innovative design for monitoring antibiotics in the environment and broadens the idea for the application of nanozymes and Fenton systems in immunosensing assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we attempt to remove 3‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol fatty acid ester (3‐MCPD ester) from palm oil with developed composite adsorbent (Tween80 modified activated carbon [AC]), and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectrometer, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen content adsorption‐desorption and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the modifications. We further examined the adsorption capability of the composite adsorbent for 3‐MCPD ester and found that the highest removal efficiency was 87.36% (5.3% of adsorbent dose at 104°C for 29 min). This is approximately three times higher than that of pristine AC, implying that the composite can be employed as a novel adsorbent for 3‐MCPD ester reduction. Along with the adsorption mechanism of Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Temkin models were also tested. It has been suggested that Freundlich model could best describe the adsorption process. Adsorption was found to be well‐fitted by pseudo‐second‐order kinetics according to the kinetic study. An endothermic and spontaneous adsorption mechanism was demonstrated by the thermodynamic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]