A novel Co/Zn-ferrite molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical assay for sensing of gallic acid in plant extracts, wine, and herbal supplement.

In this study, a new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensor platform was developed for the electrochemical determination of gallic acid (GAL) in plant extracts, wine, and herbal supplements. Gallic acid is known for its natural antioxidant properties, which play an important role in preventing cell deterioration that can lead to various diseases. In addition, gallic acid has therapeutic potential due to its anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. Accurate analysis of gallic acid in complex matrices, in mixed samples where different components coexist, is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this compound. Cobalt ferrite-zinc-dihydro caffeic acid (CFO_Zn_DHCA) nanoparticles, sphere-like in shape and 5 ± 1 nm in size, were incorporated into the MIP-based electrochemical sensor design to enhance the active surface area and porosity of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. The functional monomer chosen for this study was aminophenyl boronic acid (3-APBA). In the GAL/CFO_Zn_DHCA/3-APBA@MIP-GCE sensor, which was developed using photopolymerization (PP), 3-APBA as a functional monomer was designed, and obtained in the presence of basic monomer (HEMA), cross-linker (EGDMA), and initiator (2-hydroxy-2-methyl propiophenone) by keeping it under a UV lamp at 365 nm. It aims to detect GAL in real samples such as Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel, Camellia sinensis (green and black tea leaves), wine, and herbal supplements. Morphological and electrochemical characterizations of the designed GAL/CFO_Zn_DHCA/3-APBA@MIP-GCE sensor were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The linear range for the determination of GAL using the indirect method (5.0 mM [Fe(CN)6]-3/-4) was found to be 1.0 × 10-13 M-1.0 × 10-12 M, and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for standard solutions were calculated as 1.29 × 10-14 and 4.29 × 10-14 M, respectively. As a result of the study, the developed MIP-based electrochemical sensor was suitable for detecting GAL with high specificity, selectivity, and sensitivity. Recovery studies were performed to determine the practical applicability of the sensor, and the results were satisfactory. This innovative sensor platform stands out as a reliable and sensitive analytical tool for determining GAL.

Electrospun mesoporous Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 - CNT - hollow carbon ternary composite nanofibers as high performance electrodes for advanced symmetric supercapacitors.

Despite being potential electrode materials for supercapacitors, Spinel ferrites suffer from poor electronic conductivity and low specific capacity. We have addressed this limitation by synthesizing composite hollow carbon nanofibers (HCNF) embedded with nanostructured Nickel Zinc Ferrite (NZF) and Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT), through coaxial electrospinning. These ternary composite nanofibers NZF-CNT-HCNF have a high specific capacity of 833 C g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and have a capacity retention of 90% after 3000 cycles. This is much better than that of pure NZF fibers (180 C g-1) or hollow carbon nanofibers (96 C g-1), suggesting synergy between various constituents of the composite. A symmetric supercapacitor fabricated from NZF-CNT-HCNF composite nanofibers (30% NZF) has a high specific capacity of 302 C g-1 (302 A g-1) at a current density of 1 A g-1 and has a capacity retention of 95% after 5000 cycles. At the same current density, the device has a high energy density of 39 Whkg-1 and power density of 1000 Wkg-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. This performance can be attributed to high specific surface area (776 m2 g-1), mesoporosity (pore size ~ 4 nm) and high electrical conductivity of CNTs..

Sustainable synthesis of ZnO and FexOy nanoparticles and their nanocomposite ZnFe2O4: Comprehensive characterization and applications in antioxidant activity and antibiotics degradation efficiency.

This study focuses on developing and evaluating eco-friendly nanoparticles, specifically FexOy NPs, ZnO NPs, and a ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite (NC), for potential applications in environmental remediation and biomedicine. The nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed their crystalline structures with sizes of 20.3 nm for FexOy NPs, 22.1 nm for ZnO NPs, and 10.9 nm for ZnFe2O4 NC. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified functional groups, while UV-visible spectroscopy determined band gap energies of 2.35 eV, 3.38 eV, and 2.68 eV for FexOy NPs, ZnO NPs, and ZnFe2O4 NC, respectively. Morphological analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that FexOy NPs have cubic, hexagonal, and tetragonal forms, ZnO NPs are hexagonal nanorods, and ZnFe2O4 NC has a hexagonal-faced cubic structure. Antioxidant activity, assessed through the DPPH assay, revealed that ZnFe2O4 NC had the highest potency. Additionally, under sunlight irradiation, ZnFe2O4 NC demonstrated superior degradation of the antibiotic cephalexin (96 % within 30 min) compared to FexOy NPs (58.2 %) and ZnO NPs (52 %), with respective kinetic rate constants of 0.109 min-1, 0.029 min-1, and 0.025 min-1. These results highlight the nanoparticles' potential for environmental and biomedical applications.

Experimental investigation of zinc ferrite/insulation oil nanofluid natural convection heat transfer, AC dielectric breakdown voltage, and thermophysical properties.

Improving the thermal and dielectric properties of insulation oil (INO) with nanoadditives is an important challenge, and achieving dispersion stability in these nanofluids is quite challenging, necessitating further investigation. The main goal of this study is the synthesis and use of the hydrophobicity of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles, which can improve both the thermal and dielectric properties of the INO. This oil is made from distillate (petroleum), including severely hydrotreated light naphthenic oil (75-85%) and severely hydrotreated light paraffinic oil (15-25%). A comprehensive investigation was carried out, involving the creation of nanofluids with ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles at various concentrations, and employing various characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), zeta potential analysis, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The KD2 Pro thermal analyzer was used to investigate the thermal characteristics, including the thermal conductivity coefficient (TCC) and volumetric heat capacity (VHC). Under free convection conditions, the free convection heat transfer coefficient (FCHTC) and Nusselt numbers (Nu) were evaluated, revealing enhancements ranging from 14.15 to 11.7%. Furthermore, the most significant improvement observed in the AC Breakdown voltage (BDV) for nanofluids containing 0.1 wt% of ZnFe2O4 amounted to 17.3%. The most significant finding of this study is the improvement in the heat transfer performance, AC BDV, and stability of the nanofluids.

Cubic structured zinc ferrite methodically incorporated into porous graphene sheets as a selective Electrocatalyst for electrochemical detection of Carbendazim.

Carbendazim (CBZ) insecticides have been widely employed, raising serious concerns about their impacts on human health and the environment. A facile hydrothermal technique was used to prepare a zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) combined with porous graphene oxide (PGO) as a nanocomposite for selective CBZ detection. The ZnFe2O4/PGO nanocomposite was then used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), an affordable platform for CBZ detection. Various spectroscopic techniques were employed to confirm the nanomaterial. The electrochemical properties were further investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The ZnFe2O4/PGO nanocomposite modified the glassy carbon electrode surface for CBZ detection. A broad linear response range of 0.0039 to 200 µM, high sensitivity (2.184 µAµM-1 cm-2), a low detection limit of 0.0013 µM, outstanding stability, repeatability, and practical applicability are the intriguing qualities of the ZnFe2O4/PGO-modified electrode for CBZ detection.

Composite Microgels Loaded with Doxorubicin-Conjugated Amine-Functionalized Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles for Stimuli-Responsive Sustained Drug Release.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to address the need for efficient drug delivery with high drug encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release. We aim to create nanoparticle-loaded microgels for potential applications in treatment development. Methods: We adopted the process of ionic gelation to generate microgels from sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose. These microgels were loaded with doxorubicin-conjugated amine-functionalized zinc ferrite nanoparticles (AZnFe-NPs). The systems were characterized using various techniques. Toxicity was evaluated in MCF-7 cells. In vitro release studies were conducted at different pH levels at 37 oC, with the drug release kinetics being analyzed using various models. Results: The drug encapsulation efficiency of the created carriers was as high as 70%. The nanoparticle-loaded microgels exhibited pH-responsive behavior and sustained drug release. Drug release from them was mediated via a non-Fickian type of diffusion. Conclusion: Given their high drug encapsulation efficiency, sustained drug release and pH-responsiveness, our nanoparticle-loaded microgels show promise as smart carriers for future treatment applications. Further development and research can significantly benefit the field of drug delivery and treatment development.

Preparation and Characterization of Zinc Ferrite and Gadolinium Iron Garnet Composite for Biomagnetic Applications.

Cancer is a major worldwide public health problem. Although there have already been astonishing advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, the scientific community continues to make huge efforts to develop new methods to treat cancer. The main objective of this work is to prepare, using a green sol-gel method with coconut water powder (CWP), a new nanocomposite with a mixture of Gd3Fe5O12 and ZnFe2O4, which has never been synthesized previously. Therefore, we carried out a structural (DTA-TG and X-ray diffraction), morphological (SEM), and magnetic (VSM and hyperthermia) characterization of the prepared samples. The prepared nanocomposite denoted a saturation magnetization of 11.56 emu/g at room temperature with a ferromagnetic behavior and with a specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 0.5 ± 0.2 (W/g). Regarding cytotoxicity, for concentrations < 10 mg/mL, it does not appear to be toxic. Although the obtained results were interesting, the high particle size was identified as a problem for the use of this nanocomposite.

Combined effect of gallic acid and zinc ferrite nanoparticles on wheat growth and yield under salinity stress.

Salinity stress significantly impacts crops, disrupting their water balance and nutrient uptake, reducing growth, yield, and overall plant health. High salinity in soil can adversely affect plants by disrupting their water balance. Excessive salt levels can lead to dehydration, hinder nutrient absorption, and damage plant cells, ultimately impairing growth and reducing crop yields. Gallic acid (GA) and zinc ferrite (ZnFNP) can effectively overcome this problem. GA can promote root growth, boost photosynthesis, and help plants absorb nutrients efficiently. However, their combined application as an amendment against drought still needs scientific justification. Zinc ferrite nanoparticles possess many beneficial properties for soil remediation and medical applications. That's why the current study used a combination of GA and ZnFNP as amendments to wheat. There were 4 treatments, i.e., 0, 10 µM GA, 15 µM GA, and 20 µM GA, without and with 5 µM ZnFNP applied in 4 replications following a completely randomized design. Results exhibited that 20 µM GA + 5 µM ZnFNP caused significant improvement in wheat shoot length (28.62%), shoot fresh weight (16.52%), shoot dry weight (11.38%), root length (3.64%), root fresh weight (14.72%), and root dry weight (9.71%) in contrast to the control. Significant enrichment in wheat chlorophyll a (19.76%), chlorophyll b (25.16%), total chlorophyll (21.35%), photosynthetic rate (12.72%), transpiration rate (10.09%), and stomatal conductance (15.25%) over the control validate the potential of 20 µM GA + 5 µM ZnFNP. Furthermore, improvement in N, P, and K concentration in grain and shoot verified the effective functioning of 20 µM GA + 5 µM ZnFNP compared to control. In conclusion, 20 µM GA + 5 µM ZnFNP can potentially improve the growth, chlorophyll contents and gas exchange attributes of wheat cultivated in salinity stress. More investigations are suggested to declare 20 µM GA + 5 µM ZnFNP as the best amendment for alleviating salinity stress in different cereal crops.

Impact of LaZnFe2O4 supported NiWO4@D400-MMT@CMS/MMA nanocomposites as a catalytic system in remediation of dyes from wastewater.

Herein, a novel nanocomposite based on lanthanum zinc ferrite and nickel tungstate was created by incorporation between (MMT-jeffamine-400) nanoparticles (NPs), chloromethyl styrene as a binder and polymethyl methacrylate monomer using solution polymerization. The as-designed nanocomposites were employed to confiscate xylenol orange "X.O" as an acidic dye and rhodamine B "RhB" as "an amphoteric dye" from colored wastewater. The impact of several parameters such as solution pH, initial dye concentration, the effect of time, and the effect of temperature was explored. The consequences indicated that the pure organoclay had negligible adsorption while that composed of organoclay with PMMA@CMS-polymer incorporated with LaZnFe2O4@NiWO4 particles detached more than 90% for xylenol orange (XO) and 93% for "rhodamine B" molecules. Electrostatic interactions are the predominant factor in the adsorption of cationic and amphoteric adsorbates, as proven by zeta-potential measurement. Additionally, the adsorbent may be regenerate and utilized up to five times with good adsorption capabilities by adding sodium hydroxide. As a result, the removal can be effectively accomplished using the nanocomposite as an adsorbent. The actual and theoretical adsorption capacity values for both dyes at all doses were closely matched, which supported the adsorption kinetics data that fit the pseudo-first order rate model well. The adsorption data's correlation values (0.995 for XO and 0.98 for RhB) indicated that both dyes' Langmuir adsorption would perform well. Furthermore, the adsorption of XO and RhB dyes on the adsorbent is confirmed to be a viable reaction by the negative values of ΔGo. The enhanced adsorbent material for the removal of amphoteric and anionic dyes from waste water is the synthesized LaZnFe2O4 supported NiWO4@D400-MMT@CMS/MMA nanocomposites, which exhibits a reusability affinity of up to five cycles.

Graphene Quantum Dots as Hole Extraction and Transfer Layer Empowering Solar Water Splitting of Catalyst-Coupled Zinc Ferrite Nanorods.

Despite the narrow band gap energy, the performance of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) as a photoharvester for solar-driven water splitting is significantly hindered due to its sluggish charge transfer and severe charge recombination. This work reports the fabrication of a hybrid nanostructured hydrogenated ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical water-oxidation activity through coupling N-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as a hole transfer layer and Co-Pi as a catalyst. The GQDs not only reduce the surface-mediated nonradiative electron-hole pair recombination but also induce a built-in interfacial electric field leading to a favorable band alignment at the ZFO/GQDs interface, helping rapid photogenerated hole separation and serving as a conducting hole transfer highway, improve the hole transportation into the Co-Pi catalyst for enhanced water oxidation reaction kinetics. The optimized ZFO/GQD/Co-Pi hybrid photoanode delivers a 23-fold photocurrent enhancement at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a significant 360 mV reduction in the onset potential, reaching 0.65 VRHE compared with the ZFO photoanode under 1 sun illumination in a neutral electrolytic environment. This investigation underscores the mechanism of synergistic interplay between the hole transport layer and cocatalyst in boosting the solar-illuminated water-splitting activity of the ZFO photoanode.

Efficient removal of crystal violet dye from water using zinc ferrite-polyaniline nanocomposites.

Nanomaterials are widely employed in wastewater treatment, among which nanoferrites and their composites hold significant prominence. This study adopts a green approach to synthesize zinc ferrite nanoparticles, subsequently integrating them with polyaniline (PANI) to fabricate the ZnFe2O4-PANI nanocomposite. Characterization of the prepared ZnFe2O4-PANI nanocomposite was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. Using Scherrer's equation, the crystallite size of the synthesized zinc ferrite nanoparticles was found to be 17.67 nm. SEM micrographs of the ZnFe2O4-PANI nanocomposite revealed that in situ polymerization of ZnFe2O4 with polyaniline transforms the amorphous surface morphology of the polymer into a homogeneous nanoparticle structure. The adsorption of crystal violet (CV) dye onto the surface of the ZnFe2O4-PANI nanocomposite depends on pH, adsorbent dosage, temperature, concentration levels and duration. The Langmuir adsorption model fitted the data well, indicating adherence to a pseudo-second-order kinetic pattern. Thermodynamic values ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° indicated that the adsorption process occurred spontaneously. Advantages and disadvantages of the technique have also been highlighted. Mechanism of adsorption is discussed. From the obtained results, it is evident that the ZnFe2O4-PANI nanocomposite holds promise as a sorbent for the removal of dye from wastewater.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial activity of spinel structured transition metal ferrites supported on reduced graphene oxide against pathogenic strains of bacteria and fungi.

One of the global challenges for living things is to provide pollution and harmful microbes-free environment. In this study, magnetically retrievable spinel-structured manganese zinc ferrite (Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) (MZF) was synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. Further, the MZF with different weight percentages (10 wt%, 50 wt%, and 80 wt%) were supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The phase purity and morphology of MZF and MZF/rGO nanocomposite were confirmed by x-ray diffraction technique and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman, UV-visible spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses of the as-synthesized nanocomposites were examined for the detection of various chemical groups, band gap, and thermal properties, respectively. The MZF/rGO nanocomposite exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal activity againstEggerthella lenta, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,andCandida albicanscompared to bare MZF and rGO. The high surface area of rGO plays a crucible role in antimicrobial analysis. Additionally, the antibacterial and antifungal activity is compared by synthesizing various metal ferrites such as MnFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, and Fe3O4. The 50 wt% MZF/rGO nanocomposite exhibits significantly high antibacterial activity. However, 10 wt% MZF/rGO nanocomposite shows good antifungal activity than Fe3O4, MnFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, MnZnFe2O4, 50 wt%, and 80 wt% MZF/rGO nanocomposites. These findings suggest that the prepared ferrite nanocomposites hold promise for microbial inhibition.

Tailoring Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticle Surface Coating for Macrophage-Affinity Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, while macrophages as key players in plaque progression and destabilization are promising targets for atherosclerotic plaque imaging. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) has emerged as a powerful noninvasive imaging technique for the evaluation of atherosclerotic plaques within arterial walls. However, the visualization of macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques presents considerable challenges due to the intricate pathophysiology of the disease and the dynamic behavior of these cells. Biocompatible ferrite nanoparticles with diverse surface ligands possess the potential to exhibit distinct relaxivity and cellular affinity, enabling improved imaging capabilities for macrophages in atherosclerosis. In this work, we report macrophage-affinity nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of atherosclerosis via tailoring nanoparticle surface coating. The ultrasmall zinc ferrite nanoparticles (Zn0.4Fe2.6O4) as T1 contrast agents were synthesized and modified with dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid, and phosphorylated polyethylene glycol to adjust their surface charges to be positively, negatively, and neutrally charged, respectively. In vitro MRI evaluation shows that the T1 relaxivity for different surface charged Zn0.4Fe2.6O4 nanoparticles was three higher than that of the clinically used Gd-DTPA. Furthermore, in vivo atherosclerotic plaque MR imaging indicates that positively charged Zn0.4Fe2.6O4 showed superior MRI efficacy on carotid atherosclerosis than the other two, which is ascribed to high affinity to macrophages of positively charged nanoparticles. This work provides improved diagnostic capability and a better understanding of the molecular imaging of atherosclerosis.

The Electrical Conductivity, EMI Absorption Shielding Performance, Curing Process, and Mechanical Properties of Rubber Composites.

Three types of composites were tested for electromagnetic interference (EMI) absorption shielding effectiveness, the curing process, and their physical-mechanical properties. For the first type of composites, nickel-zinc ferrite, manganese-zinc ferrite, and both fillers in their mutual combinations were incorporated into acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. The overall content of the filler, or fillers, was kept at 200 phr. Then, carbon black or carbon fibers were incorporated into each rubber formulation at a constant loading of-25 phr, while the content of magnetic fillers was unchanged, at -200 phr. This work focused on the understanding of correlations between the electromagnetic shielding parameters and electrical conductivity of composites in relation to their EMI absorption shielding effectiveness. The absorption shielding abilities of materials were evaluated within a frequency bandwidth from 1 MHz to 6 GHz. This study revealed good correlation among permittivity, conductivity, and EMI absorption effectiveness. Although the absorption shielding efficiency of composites filled only with ferrites seems to be the highest, the absorption maxima of those composites reached over 6 GHz. The application of carbon-based fillers resulted in the higher electrical conductivity and higher permittivity of composites, which was reflected in their lower absorption shielding performance. However, the composites filled with ferrites and carbon-based fillers absorbed electromagnetic radiation within the desired frequency range. The presence of carbon-based fillers caused improvement in the tensile behavior of composites. This study also demonstrated that the higher the ratio of nickel-zinc ferrite in combined magnetic fillers, the better the absorption shielding efficiency.

Smart Design of ZnFe and ZnFe@Fe Nanoparticles for MRI-Tracked Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy: Challenging Classical Theories of Nanoparticles Growth and Nanomagnetism.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) hold the potential to exert significant influence on fighting cancer through their theranostics capabilities as contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and as mediators for magnetic hyperthermia (MH). In addition, these capabilities can be improved by doping IONPs with other elements. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of single-core and alloy ZnFe novel magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), with improved magnetic properties and more efficient magnetic-to-heat conversion, are reported. Remarkably, the results challenge classical nucleation and growth theories, which cannot fully predict the final size/shape of these nanoparticles and, consequently, their magnetic properties, implying the need for further studies to better understand the nanomagnetism phenomenon. On the other hand, leveraging the enhanced properties of these new NPs, successful tumor therapy by MH is achieved following their intravenous administration and tumor accumulation via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Notably, these results are obtained using a single low dose of MNPs and a single exposure to clinically suitable alternating magnetic fields (AMF). Therefore, as far as the authors are aware, for the first time, the successful application of intravenously administered MNPs for MRI-tracked MH tumor therapy in passively targeted tumor xenografts using clinically suitable conditions is demonstrated.

Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticle Coatings on Austenitic Alloy Steel.

The phase transition of austenitic stainless steel of commercial label CL20ES and zinc ferrite nanoparticles was studied in an oxidative atmosphere of dry air to develop a low-cost, effective technique for covering-layer fabrication. CL20ES powder and zinc ferrite powder were mechanically mixed. This mixture was studied in an atmosphere of dry air at different annealing temperatures from room temperature to 900 °C. The employed characterization techniques are X-ray powder diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy in the transmission geometry, and scanning electron microscopy with elemental mapping. The fabricated layers were also characterized by surface-specific techniques such as conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy and grazing incidence X-ray powder diffraction. The analyzed powder mixture shows resistance against oxidation in dry air and high temperatures. These results were employed to produce zinc ferrite covering layers on 3D-printed cylinders of CL20ES. The results show a predisposition of zinc ferrite to be recrystallized at temperatures above 350 °C without the production of corrosive substances on steel. The zinc ferrite layers were analyzed by an ultrasonic hardness tester as well, which proved the hardness enhancement.

Autocombustion Route Derived Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles as Chemiresistive Sensor for Detection of Alcohol Vapors.

Prolonged exposure to alcohol vapors can have detrimental effects on human health, potentially leading to eye irritation, dizziness, and in some cases, damage to the nervous system. The present article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding on the synthesis and characterization of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles, as well as their interactions with a range of alcohol vapors, including methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol. These alcohols differ in their molecular weight, boiling points, diffusivity, and other properties. The study reveals the semiconducting ZnFe2O4 nanoparticulate sensor's capability for reversible, repeatable, and sensitive detection of alcohol vapors. The sensor exhibits the highest response to ethanol within operating temperature range (225-300 °C). An attempt is made to establish a correlation between the properties of the target analytes and the observed sensing signals. Additionally, the response conductance transients of ZnFe2O4 under the exposure to the studied alcohol vapors are modeled based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood adsorption mechanism. The characteristic time constants obtained from this modeling are justified with respect to the properties of the analytes.

Biogenic Punica granatum Flower Extract Assisted ZnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4-Cu Composites for Excellent Photocatalytic Degradation of RhB Dye.

Globally, the textile industry contributes to pollution through accidental discharges or discharge of contaminated wastewater into waterways, significantly affecting water quality. These pollutants, including dye molecules, are environmental hazards for aquatic and terrestrial life. The field of visible light-mediated photocatalysis has experienced rapid growth, driven by the utilization of photocatalysts that can absorb low-energy visible light and effectively degrade dyes. In the present study, we report a simple method to controllably synthesize Fe2O3, ZnO, and ZnFe2O4 using the one-pot synthesis method. In the subsequent step, copper (Cu) was deposited on the surface of ZnFe2O4 (forming ZnFe2O4-Cu) using a facile, green, and cost-effective method. The synthesized samples were characterized using various techniques, including XRD, UV-Vis DRS, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, HR-TEM, XPS, PL, and BET analysis. These techniques were employed to investigate the composition, morphology, structure, and photophysical properties of as-prepared samples. The ZnFe2O4-Cu nanocomposite demonstrated efficient photocatalytic activity for degrading RhB dye pollutants under visible light. The photocatalyst was successfully reused for three consecutive cycles without significantly decreasing performance. Furthermore, during the study, the radical scavenging test emphasized the role of different radicals in the degradation of dye pollutants. This research has the potential to enable the efficient production of high-performance photocatalysts that can rapidly eliminate ecologically harmful dyes from aqueous solutions.

Emerging Trends in Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Environmental Applications.

Over the last few decades, the application of nanoparticles (NPs) gained immense attention towards environmental and biomedical applications. NPs are ultra-small particles having size ranges from 1 to 100 nm. NPs loaded with therapeutic or imaging compounds have proved a versatile approach towards healthcare improvements. Among various inorganic NPs, zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) NPs are considered as non-toxic and having an improved drug delivery characteristics . Several studies have reported broader applications of ZnFe2O4 NPs for treating carcinoma and various infectious diseases. Additionally, these NPs are beneficial for reducing organic and inorganic environmental pollutants. This review discusses about various methods to fabricate ZnFe2O4 NPs and their physicochemical properties. Further, their biomedical and environmental applications have also been explored comprehensively.

Synthesis of ZnFe2O4 Nanospheres with Tunable Morphology for Lithium Storage.

ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) nanospheres with complex structures have been synthesized by a one-step simple solvothermal method using two different types of precursors-metal chlorides and nitrates -and were fully characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, and EDS. The ZFO nanospheres synthesized from chloride salts (ZFO_C) were loose with a size range of 100-200 nm, while the ZFO nanospheres synthesized from nitrate salts (ZFO_N) were dense with a size range of 300-500 nm but consisted of smaller nanoplates. The different morphologies may be caused by the different hydrolysis rates and different stabilizing effects of chloride and nitrate ions interacting with the facets of forming nanoparticles. Electrochemical tests of nitrate-based ZFO nanospheres as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries demonstrated their higher cyclic stability. The ZFO_C and ZFO_N samples have initial specific discharge/charge capacities of 1354/1020 and 1357/954 mAh∙g-1, respectively, with coulombic efficiencies of 75% and 71%. By the 100th cycle, ZFO_N has a capacity of 276 mAh∙g-1, and for ZFO_C, only 210 mAh∙g-1 remains after 100 cycles.