Enhanced removal of lead and zinc by a 3D aluminium sulphate-functionalised graphene aerogel as an effective adsorption system.

The discharge of heavy metals into the environment has adversely affected the aquatic ecosystem due to their toxic and non-biodegradable nature. In this research, a three-dimensional graphene oxide/carboxymethylcellulose/aluminium sulphate (GOCAS) aerogel was synthesised and evaluated as a novel means for lead and zinc removal. The GOCAS aerogel was prepared via ice-templating of graphene oxide with carboxymethylcellulose and aluminium sulphate as the crosslinking and functionalisation additives.

A cobalt oxide nanocubes interleaved reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode for amperometric detection of serotonin.

Cobalt oxide nanocubes incorporated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO-CoO) was prepared by using simple one-step hydrothermal route. Crystallinity and structural characteristics of the nanocomposite were analyzed and confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis, respectively. The cubical shape of the CoO nanostructures and the distribution of CoO nanocubes on the surface of rGO sheets were identified through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping analysis, respectively.

Ice-templated graphene oxide/chitosan aerogel as an effective adsorbent for sequestration of metanil yellow dye.

Graphene oxide/chitosan aerogel (GOCA) was prepared by a facile ice-templating technique without using any cross-linking reagent for metanil yellow dye sequestration. The adsorption performance of GOCA was investigated by varying the adsorbent mass, shaking speed, initial pH, contact time, concentration and temperature. The combined effects of adsorption parameters and the optimum conditions for dye removal were determined by response surface methodology.

One-step green hydrothermal synthesis of biocompatible graphene/TiO nanocomposites for non-enzymatic HO detection and their cytotoxicity effects on human keratinocyte and lung fibroblast cells.

Highly sensitive and selective immunosensors that can detect disease biomarkers at ultra-low levels in early stages are urgently needed to reduce mortality risks. A facile and efficient approach using sonochemical-assisted solvent graphene exfoliation and a hydrothermal synthesis method has been used to prepare graphene/titanium dioxide (G/TiO) nanocomposites. Nanocomposites containing different ratios of graphene and TiO precursors were prepared to determine the optimum composition of G/TiO that has the highest conductivity and electrocatalytic properties.

Sensitivity enhancement of graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite-based electrochemical impedance genosensor for single stranded RNA detection.

An efficient electrochemical impedance genosensing platform has been constructed based on graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite produced via a facile and green approach. Highly pristine graphene was synthesised from graphite through liquid phase sonication and then mixed with zinc acetate hexahydrate for the synthesis of graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite by solvothermal growth. The as-synthesised graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite was characterised with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) to evaluate its morphology, crystallinity, composition and purity.

Green synthesis of graphene-silver nanocomposites and its application as a potent marine antifouling agent.

Fouling of marine surfaces has been a perpetual problem ever since the days of the early sailors. The tenacious attachment of seaweed and invertebrates to man-made surfaces, notably on ship hulls, has incurred undesirable economic losses. Graphene receives great attention in the materials world for its unique combination of physical and chemical properties.

Sonochemical synthesis and characterization of CoO nanocrystals in the presence of the ionic liquid [EMIM][BF].

For the first time, a sonochemical process has been used to synthesis cobalt oxide CoO nanoflowers and nanorods morphology in the presence of the ionic liquid 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [EMIM][BF] as reaction media and morphology template. Different sonication time periods and different molar ratios of the ionic liquid (IL) were used to investigate their effects on the structural, optical, chemical and magnetic properties of the produced CoO nanoparticles. During synthesis process brown powder contains cobalt hydroxide Co(OH) and cobalt oxyhydroxide (Cobalt hydroxide oxide) CoO(OH) was formed, after calcination in air for 4h at 400°C a black powder of CoO nanoparticles was produced.

A Proof of Concept: Detection of Avian Influenza H5 Gene by a Graphene-Enhanced Electrochemical Genosensor.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 has been found to be the most virulent and deadliest virus strain, with capability of interspecies transmission to human infection. Most human HPAI H5N1 cases were diagnosed late in their illnesses for medical care, resulting in severe complications that led to death. In this study, a novel graphene-enhanced electrochemical DNA biosensor had been fabricated for the detection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicon derived from the haemagglutinin (H5) gene of the HPAI.

Facile hydrothermal growth graphene/ZnO nanocomposite for development of enhanced biosensor.

Graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite was synthesised via a facile, green and efficient approach consisted of novel liquid phase exfoliation and solvothermal growth for sensing application. Highly pristine graphene was synthesised through mild sonication treatment of graphite in a mixture of ethanol and water at an optimum ratio. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) affirmed the hydrothermal growth of pure zinc oxide nanoparticles from zinc nitrate hexahydrate precursor.

Structure deformation of indium oxide from nanoparticles into nanostructured polycrystalline films by in situ thermal radiation treatment.

A microstructure deformation of indium oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles by an in situ thermal radiation treatment in nitrous oxide plasma was investigated. The In2O3 nanoparticles were completely transformed into nanostructured In2O3 films upon 10 min of treatment time. The treated In2O3 nanoparticle sample showed improvement in crystallinity while maintaining a large surface area of nanostructure morphology.

Citric acid modified kenaf core fibres for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution.

Chemically modified kenaf core fibres were prepared via esterification in the presence of citric acid (CA). The adsorption kinetics and isotherm studies were carried out under different conditions to examine the adsorption efficiency of CA-treated kenaf core fibres towards methylene blue (MB). The adsorption capacity of the kenaf core fibres increased significantly after the citric acid treatment.