CTAB and SDS assisted facile fabrication of SnO2 nanoparticles for effective degradation of carbamazepine from aqueous phase: A systematic and comparative study of their degradation performance.

In the present study, SnO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by chemical precipitation method using anhydrous aspartic acid and surfactant at two annealing temperatures, 300 °C and 600 °C. The effect of surfactants cationic CTAB and anionic SDS on the synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were studied elaborately. In this article, for the first time, SnO2 NPs were employed as an excellent photocatalyst in the degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ), a popular antiepileptic drug which is most commonly detected pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in municipal wastewater under UV-C light irradiation. Comparative studies between the photocatalytic activity of SnO2 NPs synthesized with CTAB (SC1) and SDS (SS1) on the degradation of the CBZ drug were investigated. Parameters like the effect of catalytic loading, initial concentration, pH and contact time were also studied for optimization. The results indicate that SC1 is a better photocatalyst with rate constant 6.66 × 10-2 min-1 than SS1 with rate 5.7 × 10-2 min-1. To determine the transformation product formed on the photodegradation LCMS (ESI) analysis was done. The synthesized SnO2 NPs can be recycled up to 8th cycles without any notable alteration in its photocatalytic activity.

Photocatalytic decomposition behavior and reaction pathways of organic compounds using Cu nanoparticles synthesized via a green route.

The present article depicts a green, facile and environmentally friendly biosynthetic methodology for the fabrication of Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) using an aqueous extract of Anas platyrhynchos egg shells. This method is free from the use of any external reducing agents, stabilizing agents, solvents and templates. The Cu NPs were characterized by UV-Vis, TEM, SAED, FTIR, XRD and SEM-EDX. The synthesized Cu NPs were predominantly spherical in nature with an average size of 5-18 nm. The EDX pattern revealed the presence of elemental copper in the Cu NPs. The prepared NPs were used for the remediation of three carcinogenic dyes, namely, Rose Bengal (RB), Methylene Blue (MB) and Methyl Violet 6B (MV6B) from aqueous solution. Approximately, 98.2, 93 and 96% of RB, MB and MV6B dye were degraded within 165, 135 and 150 min, respectively, using the synthesized Cu NPs. To acquire an improved understanding of the mechanistic details of the degradation products, the intermediates were identified using LC-MS. It is assumed that fragmentation of the oxy group takes place for RB, while for MB and MV6B, N-demethylation and N-demethylenation of the substituent on the amine group takes place. It is believed that finally, the conjugated chromophoric structure undergoes cleavage to form the mineralization products. The probable mechanisms for the degradation of the dyes have been presented. The high efficiency of NPs as photocatalysts has opened a promising application for the removal of hazardous dyes from industrial effluents.

Bio-inspired sustainable and green synthesis of plasmonic Ag/AgCl nanoparticles for enhanced degradation of organic compound from aqueous phase.

In the current study, we report the utilization of the biogenic potential of Benincasa hispida (ash gourd) peel extract for the synthesis of Ag embedded AgCl nanoparticles nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl NPs) without the use of any external organic solvents. The appearance of dark brown color from the pale yellow color confirmed the formation of Ag/AgCl nanoparticles which was further validated by absorbance peak using UV-visible spectroscopy. The phytochemicals (flavones) present in the B. hispida peel extract acts as a reducing/stabilizing agents. The morphology and size of the synthesized NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), selected area electron microscope (SAED) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). FT-IR spectra of the B. hispida peel extract and after the development of nanoparticles are determined to identify the functional groups responsible for the conversion of metal ions to metal nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles showed an excellent photocatalytic property in the degradation of toxic dye like malachite green oxalate under sunlight irradiation. For the first time, malachite green oxalate dye was degraded by Ag/AgCl nanoparticles under sunlight irradiation.

Photo-catalytic activity of Plasmonic Ag@AgCl nanoparticles (synthesized via a green route) for the effective degradation of Victoria Blue B from aqueous phase.

This study reports a green process for the fabrication of Ag@AgCl (silver@silver chloride) nanoparticles by using Aquilaria agallocha (AA) leaves juice without using any external reagents. The effect of various reaction parameters, such as reaction temperature, reaction time and concentration of Aquilaria agallocha leaves juice in the formation of nanoparticles have also been investigated. From the FTIR spectra of leaves juice and phytochemicals test, it was found that flavonoids present in the leaves are responsible for the reduction of Ag(+) ions to Ag(0) species and leads to the formation of Ag@AgCl NPs. The synthesized Ag@AgCl NPs were utilized for the removal of toxic and hazardous dyes, such as Victoria Blue B from aqueous phase. Approximately, 99.46% degradation of Victoria Blue B dye were observed with Ag@AgCl NPs. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the Ag@AgCl nanoparticles was unchanged after 5cycles of operation.

Facile synthesis of 2D CuO nanoleaves for the catalytic elimination of hazardous and toxic dyes from aqueous phase: a sustainable approach.

This article reports for the first time a facile, green synthesis of 2D CuO nanoleaves (NLs) using the amino acid, namely aspartic acid, and NaOH by a microwave heating method. The amino acid acts as a complexing/capping agent in the synthesis of CuO NLs. This method resulted in the formation of self-assembled 2D CuO NLs with an average length and width of ~300-400 and ~50-82 nm, respectively. The as-synthesized 2D CuO NLs were built up from the primary CuO nanoparticles by oriented attachment growth mechanism. The CuO NLs were characterized by an X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The optical properties were investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy. For the first time, rose bengal and eosin Y dyes were degraded photochemically by solar irradiation using CuO NLs as a photocatalyst. The synthesized CuO NLs act as an efficient photocatalyst in the degradation of rose bengal and eosin Y dye under direct sunlight. The degradation of both the dyes, namely rose bengal and eosin Y, took place within 120 and 45 min, respectively, using CuO NLs as a photocatalyst, whereas commercial CuO, SnO2 quantum dots (QDs), and commercial SnO2 took more than 120 and 45 min for the degradation of rose bengal and eosin Y, respectively. The synthesized CuO NLs showed a superior photocatalytic activity as compared to that of commercial CuO, SnO2 QDs, and commercial SnO2. The reusability of the CuO NLs as a photocatalyst in the degradation of dyes was investigated, and it was evident that the catalytic efficiency decreases to a small extent (5-6 %) after the fifth cycle of operation.

Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles for the efficient removal (degradation) of dye from aqueous phase.

The present work reports the utilization of a common household waste material (fish scales of Labeo rohita) for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. The method so developed was found to be green, environment-friendly, and economic. The fish scale extracts were acting as a stabilizing and reducing agents. This method avoids the use of external reducing and stabilizing agents, templates, and solvents. The compositional abundance of gelatin may be envisaged for the effective reductive as well as stabilizing potency. The mechanisms for the formation of nanoparticles have also been presented. The synthesized copper nanoparticles formed were predominantly spherical in nature with an average size of nanoparticles in the range of 25-37 nm. The copper nanoparticles showed characteristic Bragg's reflection planes of fcc which was supported by both selected area electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction pattern and showed surface plasmon resonance at 580 nm. Moreover, the energy dispersive spectroscopy pattern also revealed the presence of only elemental copper in the copper nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were used for the remediation of a carcinogenic and noxious textile dye, Methylene blue, from aqueous solution. Approximately, 96 % degradation of Methylene blue dye was observed within 135 min using copper nanoparticles. The probable mechanism for the degradation of the dye has been presented, and the degraded intermediates have been identified using the liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy technique. The high efficiency of nanoparticles as photocatalysts has opened a promising application for the removal of hazardous dye from industrial effluents contributing indirectly to environmental cleanup process.

A facile synthesis of Fe3O4-charcoal composite for the sorption of a hazardous dye from aquatic environment.

Herein, we synthesized Fe3O4-charcoal composite using chemical precipitation technique and utilized it for the sorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution. The synthesized composite was characterized by Infra-red spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The composite depicts absorption bands conforming to Fe-O, -OH, CO, and C-O vibrations. The composite was mesoporous in nature with a surface area of 387.30 m(2) g(-1). The observed diffraction planes correspond to face-centered cubic Fe3O4 and disordered graphitic carbon. The spherical Fe3O4 particles (average diameter ∼13.8 nm) were uniformly distributed in the carbon matrix of the charcoal. The saturation and remanent magnetizations demonstrate its potential for magnetic separation and reuse. The composite showed dye sorption capacities of 97.49 mg g(-1) and 90.85 mg g(-1) in batch and fixed-bed system. Pseudo-second order kinetics and Temkin isotherm best represented the sorption data. The sorption process was endothermic, spontaneous, and administered by electrostatic, π-π dispersive interactions, film, and intraparticle diffusion. Microwave irradiations followed by methanol elution regenerated the dye-loaded composite with nearly no loss in sorption capacity. The recovery of energy and potential utilization of bottom ash enhances the prospective of Fe3O4-charcoal composite for industrial applications.

Activated charcoal-magnetic nanocomposite for remediation of simulated dye polluted wastewater.

Herein, we report a straightforward way to fabricate activated charcoal-magnetic nanocomposite (AC-MNC) by chemical precipitation for the sequestration of methylene blue (MB) from a simulated solution. The synthesised nanocomposite was characterised by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. A good uniformity in the spherical AC-MNC particles is observed from a TEM image with an average particle size diameter of around 25 nm. AC-MNC possesses a specific surface area of 387.28 m2 g(-1) with easy dispersibility and magnetic separation. The nanocomposite demonstrates an MB sequestration capacity of 147.71 mg g(-1). The high efficiency of the nanocomposite is rationalised on the basis of H-bonding and electrostatic interaction between the electropositive N-atom of MB and electronegative oxygen-containing functional groups on the composite surface. Moreover, the exhausted AC-MNC can be efficiently regenerated by microwave irradiation followed by elution with methanol. The renewed nanocomposite showed good reusability. Thus, the synthesised AC-MNC proved to be an interesting and potential material for the remediation of MB-contaminated aqueous solution.

High-value utilization of egg shell to synthesize Silver and Gold-Silver core shell nanoparticles and their application for the degradation of hazardous dyes from aqueous phase-A green approach.

The common household material, egg shell of Anas platyrhynchos is utilized for the synthesis of Silver and Gold-Silver core shell nanoparticles using greener, environment friendly and economic way. The egg shell extracts were acting as a stabilizing and reducing agents. This method avoids the use of external reducing and stabilizing agents, templates and solvents. The effects of various reaction parameters, such as reaction temperature, concentration in the formation of nanoparticles have also been investigated. The compositional abundance of gelatin may be envisaged for the effective reductive as well as stabilizing potency. The mechanisms for the formation of NPs have also been presented. The synthesized Ag NPs formed were predominantly spherical in nature with an average size of particles in the range of 6-26 nm. While, Au-Ag core shell nanoparticles formed were spherical and oval shaped, within a narrow size spectrum of 9-18 nm. Both the Ag NPs Au-and Ag core shell nanoparticles showed characteristic Bragg's reflection planes of fcc structure and surface plasmon resonance at 430 nm and 365 nm, respectively. The NPs were utilized for the removal of toxic and hazardous dyes, such as Rose Bengal, Methyl Violet 6 B and Methylene Blue from aqueous phase. Approximately 98.2%, 98.4% and 97% degradations of Rose Bengal, Methyl Violet 6 B, and Methylene Blue were observed with Ag NPs, while the percentage degradation of these dyes was 97.3%, 97.6% and 96% with Au-Ag NPs, respectively. Therefore, the present study has opened up an innovative way for synthesizing Ag NPs and Au-Ag bimetallic nanostructures of different morphologies and sizes involving the utilization of egg shell extract. The high efficiency of the NPs as photocatalysts has opened a promising application for the removal of hazardous dyes from the industrial effluents.

A novel and green process for the production of tin oxide quantum dots and its application as a photocatalyst for the degradation of dyes from aqueous phase.

Green synthesis of SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) was developed by microwave heating method using the amino acids, namely, aspartic and glutamic acid. This method resulted in the formation of spherical SnO2 quantum dots with an average diameter less than the exciton Bohr radius of SnO2. The average diameter of SnO2 quantum dots formed using glutamic acid is ∼1.6 nm and is smaller than that formed using aspartic acid (∼2.6 nm). In the electronic spectra, a clear blue shift in the band gap energy from 4.33 to 4.4 eV is observed with a decrease in particle size (2.6-1.6 nm) due to three dimensional quantum confinement effects. The synthesized SnO2 QDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The optical properties were investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy. The synthesized SnO2 QDs act as an efficient photocatalyst in the degradation of Rose Bengal and Eosin Y dye under direct sunlight. For the first time, Rose Bengal dye was degraded using SnO2 QDs as a photocatalyst by solar irradiation.

A novel and greener approach for shape controlled synthesis of gold and gold-silver core shell nanostructure and their application in optical coatings.

Green and facile synthetic methods have gained marvellous fame for the production of polyhedral, anisotropic and spherical gold, and gold-silver bimetallic nanostructures. The useful pivotal characteristics of a green procedure are the usage of environment benign solvent medium, reducing and stabilising agents, and shorter reaction time. We describe here a novel, and greener method for the production of gold and gold-silver core shell nanostructures using aqueous fish scales extract of the Labeo rohita. The effect of various reaction parameters, such as temperature and concentration for the synthesis of the nanostructures were studied. Results indicated that triangular and decahedron gold nanostructures were formed at a lower temperature (40°C) and concentration (10%). While, icosahedral and spherical gold nanostructures were produced at a comparatively higher temperature (100°C) and concentration (40%). The study also revealed that the core-shell bimetallic nanostructures with different morphologies (spherical and oval-shape) were formed at different ratios of chloroaurate and silver nitrate solution. Thus, the present study indicated a simple shape controlled synthesis of gold and gold silver core-shell nanostructures. The synthesised gold nanotriangles were coated over the glass substrate and found to be highly efficient in absorbing infra-red radiations for potential architectural applications. Therefore, the study demonstrated the facile usage of gold nanotriangles for optical coatings. The present strategy depicted the dual functional ability of the fish scale extract as reducing and stabilising agents. This strategy also eliminates the usage of hazardous chemicals, toxic solvents and harsh reducing and stabilizing agents.

A novel green and template free approach for the synthesis of gold nanorice and its utilization as a catalyst for the degradation of hazardous dye.

Herein, we describe a simple, green and template free method for the production of rice shaped gold nanostructures using an aqueous extract of the egg shells of Anas platyrhynchos. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction pattern (SAED) and FT-IR studies. The UV-visible spectrum of the synthesized gold nanostructures showed a transverse mode surface plasmon resonance peaks (SPR) at around 540nm and a longitudinal mode at 880nm. The TEM and SAED pattern confirmed the morphology, size and crystallographic structure of the synthesized gold nanorice. The synthesized gold nanorice was utilized for the removal of a toxic Eosin Y dye by photodegradation. It was observed that the dye was degraded completely within 1h and the percentage efficiency was found to be 96.1%.

A novel approach for the synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles and its application as a catalyst in the reduction and photodegradation of organic compounds.

Tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles of sizes ∼4.5, ∼10 and ∼30 nm were successfully synthesized by a simple chemical precipitation method using amino acid, glycine which acts as a complexing agent and surfactant, namely sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a stabilizing agent, at various calcination temperatures of 200, 400 and 600°C. This method resulted in the formation of spherical SnO2 nanoparticles and the size of the nanoparticles was found to be a factor of calcination temperature. The spherical SnO2 nanoparticles show a tetragonal rutile crystalline structure. A dramatic increase in band gap energy (3.8-4.21 eV) was observed with a decrease in grain size (30-4.5 nm) due to three dimensional quantum confinement effect shown by the synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles. SnO2 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The optical properties were investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy. These SnO2 nanoparticles were employed as catalyst for the reduction of p-nitro phenol to p-amino phenol in aqueous medium for the first time. The synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles act as an efficient photocatalyst in the degradation of methyl violet 6B dye under direct sunlight. For the first time, methyl violet 6B dye was degraded by SnO2 nanoparticles under direct sunlight.

Lignocellulosic-derived modified agricultural waste: development, characterisation and implementation in sequestering pyridine from aqueous solutions.

The development and characterisation of modified agricultural waste (MAW) by H3PO4 activation is addressed in this study for sequestering pyridine from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent is characterised by carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen content of 55.53%, 3.28% and 0.98% respectively. The adsorbent also shows acidic (carboxylic, lactonic, phenolic groups) and basic carbon surface functionalities, functional groups viz. hydroxyl, carboxylic acid and bounded water molecules, BET surface area of 1254.67 m(2) g(-1), heterogeneous surface morphology and graphite like XRD patterns. Adsorption of pyridine is executed to evaluate the adsorptive uptake in batch (q(e)=107.18 mg g(-1)) as well as in column system (q(e)=140.94 mg g(-1)). The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics with the Langmuir isotherm best representing the equilibrium adsorption data. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH(o)=9.39 kJ mol(-1), ΔG(o)=-5.99 kJ mol(-1), ΔS(o)=50.76 J K(-1) mol(-1)) confirm the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process with increase in randomness at solid/solution interface. The adsorption mechanism is governed by electrostatic and π-π dispersive interactions as well as by a two stage diffusion phenomena. Thermally regenerated spent MAW exhibited better adsorption efficiency for five adsorption-desorption cycles than chemically regenerated. The low-cost of MAW (USD 10.714 per kg) and favourable adsorption parameters justifies its use in the adsorptive removal of pyridine.

Biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the fish scales of Labeo rohita and their application as catalysts for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds.

In this article, a cleaner, greener, cheaper and environment friendly method for the generation of self assembled silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) applying a simple irradiation technique using the aqueous extract of the fish scales (which is considered as a waste material) of Labeo rohita is described. Gelatin is considered as the major ingredient responsible for the reduction as well as stabilisation of the self assembled Ag NPs. The size and morphology of the individual Ag NPs can be tuned by controlling the various reaction parameters, such as temperature, concentration, and pH. Studies showed that on increasing concentration and pH Ag NPs size decreases, while on increasing temperature, Ag NPs size increases. The present process does not need any external reducing agent, like sodium borohydride or hydrazine or others and gelatin itself can play a dual role: a 'reducing agent' and 'stabilisation agent' for the formation of gelatin-Ag NPs colloidal dispersion. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterised by Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analyses. The synthesized Ag NPs was used to study the catalytic reduction of various aromatic nitro compounds in aqueous and three different micellar media. The hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction between the micelle and the substrate is responsible for the catalytic activity of the nanoparticles in micelle.

Industrial wastes as low-cost potential adsorbents for the treatment of wastewater laden with heavy metals.

Industrial wastes, such as, fly ash, blast furnace slag and sludge, black liquor lignin, red mud, and waste slurry, etc. are currently being investigated as potential adsorbents for the removal of the heavy metals from wastewater. It was found that modified industrial wastes showed higher adsorption capacity. The application of low-cost adsorbents obtained from the industrial wastes as a replacement for costly conventional methods of removing heavy metal ions from wastewater has been reviewed. The adsorption mechanism, influencing factors, favorable conditions, and competitive ions etc. on the adsorption of heavy metals have also been discussed in this article. From the review, it is evident that certain industrial waste materials have demonstrated high removal capacities for the heavy metals laden with wastewater. However, it is to be mentioned that adsorption capacities of the adsorbents vary depending on the characteristics of the adsorbents, the extent of chemical modification and the concentration of adsorbates. There are also few issues and drawbacks on the utilization of industrial wastes as low-cost adsorbents that have been addressed. In order to find out the practical utilization of industrial waste as low-cost adsorbents on the commercial scale, more research should be conducted in this direction.

Proximate analyses and predicting HHV of chars obtained from cocracking of petroleum vacuum residue with coal, plastics and biomass.

Higher heating value (HHV) and analysis of chars obtained from cocracking of petroleum vacuum residue (XVR) with coal (SC), biomass (BG, CL) and plastics (PP, PS, BL) are important which define the energy content and determine the clean and efficient use of these chars. The main aim of the present study is to analyze the char obtained from cocracking in terms of their proximate analysis data and determination of the HHV of the chars. The char obtained from XVR+PP cocracking showed a HHV of 32.84 MJ/kg, whereas that from CL cracking showed a HHV of 18.52 MJ/kg. The experimentally determined heating values of the char samples obtained from cocracking have been correlated with the theoretical equation based on proximate analysis data. There exists a variety of correlations for predicting HHV from proximate analysis of fuels. Based upon proximate analysis data, the models were tested. The best results show coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.965 and average absolute and bias error of 3.07% and 0.41%, respectively. The heating values obtained from the model were in good agreement with that obtained by experiment. Proximate analysis of the chars obtained from the cocracking of XVR with coal, biomass and plastics showed that there exists a definite interaction of the reactive species, when they were cocracked together.

Adsorption of phenols from wastewater.

The present work involves an investigation of the possible use of coal, residual coal, and residual coal treated with H3PO4 as a means of removal of phenol from wastewater. The study was realized using batch experiments, with synthetic wastewater having phenol concentration of 1000 ppm. Other low-cost adsorbents such as petroleum coke, coke breeze, rice husk, and rice husk char have also been used. The effect of system variables such as pH, contact time, and temperature has been investigated. The suitability of the Freundlich, Langmuir, and Redlich-Peterson adsorption models to the equilibrium data was investigated for each phenol-adsorbent system. The results showed that the equilibrium data for all the phenol-sorbent systems fitted the Redlich-Peterson model best. Kinetic modeling of removal of phenols was done using the Lagergren first-order rate expression. A series of column experiments were performed to determine the breakthrough curves.