Facile Synthesis of Ni-MgO/CNT Nanocomposite for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

In this study, the pristine MgO, MgO/CNT and Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposites were processed using the impregnation and chemical vapor deposition methods and analyzed for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using the electrochemical water splitting process. Furthermore, the effect of nickel on the deposited carbon was systematically elaborated in this study. The highly conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) deposited on the metal surface of the Ni-MgO nanocomposite heterostructure provides a robust stability and superior electrocatalytic activity. The optimized Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite exhibited hierarchical, helical-shaped carbon nanotubes adorned on the surface of the Ni-MgO flakes, forming a hybrid metal-carbon network structure. The catalytic HER was carried out in a 1M alkaline KOH electrolyte, and the optimized Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite achieved a low (117 mV) overpotential value (ɳ) at 10 mA cm-2 and needed a low (116 mV/dec) Tafel value, denotes the Volmer-Heyrovsky pathway. Also, the high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) value of the Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite attained 515 cm2, which is favorable for the generation of abundant electroactive species, and the prepared electrocatalyst durability was also performed using a chronoamperometry test for the prolonged duration of 20 h at 10 mA cm-2 and exhibited good stability, with a 72% retention. Hence, the obtained results demonstrate that the optimized Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite is a highly active and cost-effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen energy production.

Biological evaluation of polycyclic chalcone based acrylamides in human MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cell lines.

Breast and cervical cancer account for the majority of cancer-narrated fatalities among women worldwide, necessitating the development of novel, effective therapeutic ways to combat the disease. In this study, we synthesized 6-methoxy naphthalene and anthracene-based acrylamide chalcone (NBA and ABA) and evaluated its activity for cell multiplication inhibition against two cancer cell lines from humans such as MCF-7 (Human Breast) and HeLa (Cervical) by MTT assay. Physiochemical characterization, such as FT-IR and NMR analyses, validated the synthesized NBA and ABA. Both NBA and ABA have shown antiproliferative action against two cancer cell lines, each with IC50 values of 38.46 and 48.25 µg/mL for HeLa cells and 38.02 and 36.35 µg/mL for MCF-7 cell lines. The results suggest that these acrylamide chalcones for cancer therapy at the lowest concentration. NBA and ABA could prevent cervical and breast cancer in-vitro, and their anti-cancer activity was closely related to methoxy-substituted naphthalene, anthracene ring, α, ß-unsaturated carbonyl and amide group. According to docking data, the NBA and ABA have dock scores ranging from -8.7 to -11.44 kcal/mol. The highest dock score for compound ABA was -11.58 kcal/mol and compound NBA was -10.77 kcal/mol with Braf (5VAM) binding site.

Investigation of EG-Bi2S3 nanorods photocatalytic activity under visible light for dye degradation from aquatic system.

Bi2S3, 5 ml EG-Bi2S3, and 10 ml EG-Bi2S3 were synthesized by employing solvothermal route. X-ray diffraction, UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence, Raman, scanning electron microscopic studies confirmed the structural, optical, morphological behaviors. The XRD pattern of Bi2S3, 5 ml EG-Bi2S3, and 10 ml EG-Bi2S3 was correlated well with JCPDS # 65-2435. The crystallite size was found to be 57, 49, and 40 nm. The photoluminescence spectra showed semiconducting property of prepared Bi2S3, 5 ml EG-Bi2S3, and 10 ml EG-Bi2S3. The absorption spectra of Bi2S3, 5 ml EG-Bi2S3, and 10 ml EG-Bi2S3 nanorods were well matched with the spectra of a previous report. The bandgap values of Bi2S3, 5 ml EG-Bi2S3, and 10 ml EG-Bi2S3 were calculated to be 1.56, 1.45, and 1.3 eV in reducing order. The morphology of Bi2S3, 5 ml EG-Bi2S3, and 10 ml EG-Bi2S3 samples showed the development of nanorods. The 10 ml EG-Bi2S3 sample showed better development of nanorods with the addition of ethylene glycol. The agglomeration was considerably reduced with the mixing of solvent. Bi2S3, 5 ml EG-Bi2S3, and 10 ml EG-Bi2S3 catalysts were added to the methylene blue dye solution and its photocatalytic properties were investigated by reducing toxic pollutants under light. The 10 ml EG-Bi2S3 sample with neutral pH and 0.1 g of catalyst was added and investigated which showed 86% of efficiency towards dye degradation. The narrow bandgap, defined morphology of 10 ml EG-Bi2S3, made a positive result towards efficient photocatalytic activity.

Quaternary Cu2FeSnS4/PVP/rGO Composite for Supercapacitor Applications.

Electrochemical energy storage is a current research area to address energy challenges of the modern world. The Cu2FeSnS4/PVP/rGO-decorated nanocomposite using PVP as the surface ligand was explored in a simple one-step solvothermal route, for studying their electrochemical behavior by designing asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor devices. The full cell three-electrode arrangements delivered 748 C/g (62.36 mA h/g) at 5 mV/s employing CV and 328 F/g (45.55 mA h/g) at 0.5 A/g employing GCD for the Cu2FeSnS4/PVP/rGO electrode. The half-cell two-electrode device can endow with 73 W h/kg and 749 W/kg at 1 A/g energy and power density. Furthermore, two Cu2FeSnS4/PVP/rGO//AC asymmetric devices connected in series for illuminating a commercial red LED more than 1 min were explored. This work focuses the potential use of transition-metal chalcogenide composite and introduces a new material for designing high-performance supercapacitor applications.

NiMoO4 nanorods photocatalytic activity comparison under UV and visible light.

Waste water remediation is the ongoing hot research topic that can reduce the water scarcity all over the world. By reducing the pollutants in the waste water drawn from industries and other sources will be more useful for domestic purposes. To reduce the rate of pollutants in water may also help in improving the aquatic environment and decreases other side effects. Efficient and cost effective catalysts were in search for both dye degradation and water remediation treatment applications. NiMoO4 nanorods were prepared by employing co-precipitation method with different stirrer time (2 h, 4 h and 6 h). The formation of NiMoO4 was substantiated employing X-ray diffractometer analysis (XRD). Vibrational and rotational property of the samples was analyzed by FT-IR spectra and Raman spectra. The optical property was further confirmed by UV-vis spectral studies. Morphological analysis studies revealed growth of nanorods with 6 h stirrer time. The photocatalytic behavior of the obtained product was carried out under both UV light (364 nm) and visible light irradiation. The samples subjected to visible light environment showed better efficiency on degrading the methylene blue (MB) dye. The efficiency obtained under UV irradiation were 20%, 31%, 33%, 41% and efficiency obtained in visible light irradiation were 27%, 42%, 46%, 55% with respect to bare methylene blue (MB), MB with NiMoO4 (2 h), MB with NiMoO4 (4 h), MB with NiMoO4 (6 h) catalyst added. NiMoO4 sample with 6 h stirrer time and fine nanorods growth will be the good candidate for future use.

CoNiSe2 Nanostructures for Clean Energy Production.

Comparative investigation of the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity for clean energy production was performed by fabricating three different electrodes, namely, NiSe2, CoSe2, and CoNiSe2, synthesized by hydrothermal treatment. Cubic, orthorhombic, and hexagonal structures of NiSe2, CoSe2, and CoNiSe2 were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and also by other characterization studies. Perfect nanospheres, combination of distorted nanospheres and tiny nanoparticles, and sharp-edge nanostructures of NiSe2, CoSe2, and CoNiSe2 were explored by surface morphological images. Higher OER activity of the binary CoNiSe2 electrode was achieved as 188 mA/g current density with a comparatively low overpotential of 234 mV along with higher conductivity and low charge transfer resistance when compared to its unary NiSe2 and CoSe2 electrodes. A low Tafel slope value of 82 mV/dec was also achieved for the same binary CoNiSe2 electrode in a half-cell configuration. The overall 100% retention achieved for all of the fabricated electrodes in a stability test of OER activity suggested that the excellent optimum condition was obtained during the synthesis. This could definitely be a revelation in the synthesis of novel binary combinations of affordable metal selenides for clean energy production.

Bi2WO6 and FeWO4 Nanocatalysts for the Electrochemical Water Oxidation Process.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted nanocatalyst preparation was succeeded by employing a controlled solvothermal route to produce efficient electrodes for electrochemical water-splitting applications. Bi2WO6 and FeWO4 nanocatalysts have been confirmed through the strong signature of (113) and (111) crystal planes, respectively. The binding natures of Bi-W-O and Fe-W-O have been thoroughly discussed by employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy which confirmed the formation of Bi2WO6 and FeWO4. The freestanding nanoplate array morphology of Bi2WO6 and the fine nanosphere particle morphology of FeWO4 nanocatalysts were revealed by scanning electron microscopy images. With these confirmations, the fabrication of durable, long-term electrodes for electrochemical water splitting has been subjected to efficient oxidation of water, confirmed by obtaining 2.79 and 1.96 mA/g for 0.5 g PVP-assisted Bi2WO6 and FeWO4 nanocatalysts, respectively. The water oxidation mechanism of both nanocatalysts has been revealed with the support of 24 h stability test over continuous water oxidation and faster charge transfer achieved by the smaller Tafel slope values of 75 and 78 mV/dec, respectively. Generally, these nanocatalysts are utilized for photocatalytic applications. The present study revealed the PVP-assisted synthesis to produce electrocatalytically active nanocatalysts and their electrochemical water-splitting mechanism which will offer a pathway for research interests with regard to the production of multifunctional nanocatalysts for both electro- and photocatalytic applications in the near future.

Electrochemical Performance of ß-Nis@Ni(OH)2 Nanocomposite for Water Splitting Applications.

Investigation on the formation mechanism of the ß-NiS@Ni(OH)2 nanocomposite electrode for electrochemical water splitting application was attempted with the use of the hydrothermal processing technique. Formation of single-phase ß-NiS, Ni(OH)2 and composite-phase ß-NiS@Ni(OH)2 has been thoroughly analyzed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) spectra. Three different kinds of morphologies such as rock-like agglomerated nanoparticles, uniformly stacked nanogills, and uniform nanoplates for ß-NiS, Ni(OH)2, and ß-NiS@Ni(OH)2 materials, respectively, were confirmed by SEM images. The characteristic vibration modes of ß-NiS, Ni(OH)2, and ß-NiS@Ni(OH)2 nanocomposites were confirmed from Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Near band edge emission and intrinsic vacancies present in the nanocomposites were retrieved by photoluminescence spectra. The optical band gaps of the synthesized nanocomposites were calculated as 2.1, 2.5, and 2.2 eV for ß-NiS, Ni(OH)2, and ß-NiS@Ni(OH)2 products, respectively. The high-performance electrochemical water splitting was achieved for the ß-NiS@Ni(OH)2 nanocomposite as 240 mA/g at 10 mV/s from a linear sweep voltammogram study. The faster charge mobile mechanism of the same electrode was confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectra and a Tafel slope value of 53 mV/dec. The 18 h of stability was achieved with 95% retention, which was also reported for the NiS@Ni(OH)2 nanocomposite for continuous electrochemical water splitting applications.

Selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor for Pd2+ using coumarin 460 for real-time and biological applications.

The efficient fluorescent property of coumarin 460 (C460) is utilized to sense the Pd2+ selectively and sensitively. Fabrication of a sensor strip using commercial adhesive tape is achieved and the detection of Pd2+ is attempted using a handy UV torch. The naked eye detection in solution state using UV chamber is also attempted. The calculated high binding constant values support the strong stable complex formation of Pd2+ with C460. The detection limit up to 2.5 × 10-7 M is achieved using fluorescence spectrometer, which is considerably low from the WHO's recommendation. The response of coumarin 460 with various cations also studied. The quenching is further studied by the lifetime measurements. The binding mechanism is clearly explained by the 1H NMR titration. The sensing mechanism is established as ICT. C460 strip's Pd2+ quenching detection is further confirmed by solid-state PL study. The in-vitro response of Pd2+ in a living cell is also studied using fluorescent imaging studies by means of HeLa cell lines and this probe is very compatible with biological environments. It could be applicable to sense trace amounts of a Pd2+ ion from various industries. Compared with previous reports, this one is very cheap, sensitive, selective and suitable for biological systems.

Facile and novel synthetic method to prepare nano molybdenum and its catalytic activity.

This study reports on a facile and economical synthetic method to prepare nano molybdenum by solid-state reaction technique. Metallic nano molybdenum was synthesised from molybdenum trioxide, molybdenum IV oxide and molybdenum VI oxide through thermal decomposition technique. Metallic nano molybdenum prepared from molybdenum IV oxide was used to study the catalytic effect of molybdenum nanoparticles on the growth of Anabaena sp. The increase in concentration of nano molybdenum from 0.1 to 100% in BG11 (N⁻ Mo⁻ + nano Mo) medium increases heterocyst frequency. The chlorophyll and protein content in Anabaena sp. was found to improve when compared with bulk molybdenum particles and showed a positive influence to be used as a nano nutrient for Anabaena sp.

Application of silica nanoparticles in maize to enhance fungal resistance.

In this study, maize treated with nanosilica (20-40 nm) is screened for resistance against phytopathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger and compared with that of bulk silica. The resistivity is measured for disease index and expression of plant responsive compounds such as total phenols, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. The results indicate that nanosilica-treated plant shows a higher expression of phenolic compounds (2056 and 743 mg/ml) and a lower expression of stress-responsive enzymes against both the fungi. Maize expresses more resistance to Aspergillus spp., than Fusarium spp. These results show significantly higher resistance in maize treated with nanosilica than with bulk, especially at 10 and 15 kg/ha. In addition, hydrophobic potential and silica accumulation percentage of nanosilica treated maize (86.18° and 19.14%) are higher than bulk silica treatment. Hence, silica nanoparticles can be used as an alternative potent antifungal agent against phytopathogens.

Effect of nanosilica and silicon sources on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, soil nutrients and maize seed germination.

The study was aimed at evaluating the effect of nanosilica and different sources of silicon on soil properties, total bacterial population and maize seed germination. Nanosilica was synthesised using rice husk and characterised. Silica powder was amorphous (50 nm) with >99.9% purity. Sodium silicate treated soil inhibited plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in contrast to nanosilica and other bulk sources. Surface property and effect of soil nutrient content of nanosilica treatment were improved. Colony forming unit (CFU) was doubled in the presence of nanosilica from 4 × 105 CFU (control) to 8 × 105 CFU per gram of soil. The silica and protein content of bacterial biomass clearly showed an increase in uptake of silica with an increase in nanosilica concentration. Nanosilica promoted seed germination percentage (100%) in maize than conventional Si sources. These studies show that nanosilica has favourable effect on beneficial bacterial population and nutrient value of soil.

Preparation and characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite nanomaterials for liver cancer cell treatment.

Nano-hydroxyapatite was synthesized by means of the hydrothermal treatment. The effects of nano-hydroxyapatite material on the behaviour of G2 liver cancer cells were explored. About 50% of cell viability was lost in nHAp material treated cells at 200 degrees C @ 5 h, followed by -30% in nHAp treated cells at 100 degrees C @ 5 h. Compared with control, nHAp material treated cells at 200 degrees C @ 5 h showed 60% and nHAp material treated cells at 100 degrees C @ 5 h showed 15% morphological change. Moreover, 50% of cell death was observed at 24 h incubation with nHAp material treated at 200 degrees C @ 5 h cells and 56% cell death at 48 h incubation and hence alters and disturbs the growth of cancer cells. In contrast, the nHAp material treated at 100 degrees C @ 5 h protects the cells and could be used for liver cancer cell treatment.

Impact of nano and bulk ZrO2, TiO2 particles on soil nutrient contents and PGPR.

Currently, nanometal oxides are used extensively in different industries such as medicine, cosmetics and food. The increased consumption of nanoparticles (NPs) leads the necessity to understand the fate of the nanoparticles in the environment. The present study focused on the ecotoxicological behaviour of bulk and nano ZrO2 (Zirconia) and TiO2 (Titania) particles on PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria), soil and its nutrient contents. The microbial susceptibility study showed that nano TiO2 had 13 +/- 0.9 mm (B. megaterium), 15 +/- 0.2 mm (P. fluorescens), 16 +/- 0.2 mm (A. vinelandii) and 12 +/- 0.3 mm (B. brevis) zones of inhibition. However, nano and bulk ZrO2 particles were non-toxic to PGPR. In addition, it was found that toxicity varied depends on the medium of reaction. The soil study showed that nano TiO2 was found to be highly toxic, whereas bulk TiO2 was less toxic towards soil bacterial populations at 1000 mg L(-1). In contrast, nano and bulk ZrO2 were found to be inert at 1000 mg L(-1). The observed zeta potential and hydrophobicity of TiO2 particles causes more toxic than ZrO2 in parallel with particle size. However, nano TiO2 decreases the microbial population as well as nutrient level of the soil but not zirconia. Our finding shows that the mechanism of toxicity depends on size, hydrophobic potential and zeta potential of the metal oxide particles. Thus, it is necessary to take safety measures during the disposal and use of such toxic nanoparticles in the soil to prevent their hazardous effects.

Screening of in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant potential and bioactivity of nano- and micro-ZrO2 and -TiO2 particles.

Nanometal oxides are used in tissue engineering and implants. The increased use of nanoparticles suggests the need to study their adverse effects on biological systems. The present investigation explores in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant potential, and bioactivity of nano- and micro-particles such as zirconia (ZrO2) and titania (TiO2) on biological systems such as National Institute of Health (NIH) 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts cell line, di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) iminoazanium (DPPH) and simulated body fluid (SBF). The cell line viability % indicated that nano ZrO2 and TiO2 were less toxic than microparticles up to 200µgml(-1). DPPH assay revealed that the free radical scavenging potential of tested particles were higher for nano ZrO2 (76.9%) and nano TiO2 (73.3%) at 100mg than that for micron size particles. Calcium deposition percentage of micro- and nano-ZrO2 particles, after SBF study, showed 0.066% and 0.094% respectively, whereas for micro- and nano-TiO2, it was 0.251% and 0.615% respectively. FTIR results showed a good bioactivity through hydroxyapatite formation. The present investigation clearly shows that nanoparticles possess good antioxidant potential and better biocompatibility under in vitro conditions which are dose and size dependent. Hence, cytotoxicity itself is not promising evaluation method for toxicity rather than particles individual characterisation using antioxidant and bioactivity analysis.