Enset starch-based biocomposite film reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay: Improved mechanical and barrier properties.

Improper disposal of traditional plastics leads to the generation of microplastics, resulting in severe pollution of land and oceans and posing a threat to human health and marine ecosystems. Hence, adopting eco-friendly bioplastics, particularly in food packaging, is essential. In this study, Enset starch-based biocomposite films, reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay at various ratios (0, 2.

Selective adsorption of cationic dye by κ-carrageenan-potato starch bio-hydrogel: Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies.

An eco-friendly κ-carrageenan/potato starch bio-hydrogel is designed for the efficient removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from water. The incorporation of potato starch was successfully confirmed through XRD, FT-IR, and SEM analysis, while TGA highlighted the hydrogel's thermal stability. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated excellent MB removal efficiency, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 116.

Engineering FeOOH/FeO@Carbon Interfaces With Biomass-Derived Carbon Nanodot/Iron Colloids for Efficient Redox-Modulated Dopamine Voltammetric Detection.

The Fe/Fe redox couple is effective for voltammetric detection of trace dopamine (DA). However, achieving adequate concentrations with high electroactive surface area (ECSA), DA affinity, and fast interfacial charge transfer is challenging. Consequently, most reported Fe-based sensors have a high nanomolar range detection limit (LOD).

Boron-Nitrogen-Edged Biomass-Derived Carbon: A Multifunctional Approach for Colorimetric Detection of HO, Flame Retardancy, and Triboelectric Nanogenerator.

Enhancing the concentration and type of nitrogen (N) dopants within the Sp-carbon domain of carbon recycled from biomass sources is an efficient approach to mimic CNT, GO, and rGO to activate oxidants such as HO, excluding toxic chemicals and limiting reaction steps. However, monitoring the kind and concentration of N species in the Sp-C domain is unlikely with thermal treatments only. A high temperature for graphitization reduces N moieties, leading to low electron density.

Amorphous FeSnO Nanosheets with Hierarchical Vacancies for Room-Temperature Sodium-Sulfur Batteries.

Room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries, noted for their low material costs and high energy density, are emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in various applications including power grids and standalone renewable energy systems. These batteries are commonly assembled with glass fiber membranes, which face significant challenges like the dissolution of polysulfides, sluggish sulfur conversion kinetics, and the growth of Na dendrites. Here, we develop an amorphous two-dimensional (2D) iron tin oxide (A-FeSnO) nanosheet with hierarchical vacancies, including abundant oxygen vacancies (Os) and nano-sized perforations, that can be assembled into a multifunctional layer overlaying commercial separators for RT Na-S batteries.

Leveraging Direct Pyrolysis for the Synthesis of 10 nm Monodispersed FeO/FeC NPS@Carbon to Improve SupercapacitANCE in Acidic Electrolyte.

The prevailing practice advocates pre-oxidation of electrospun Fe-salt/polymer nanofibers (Fe-salt/polymer Nf) before pyrolysis as advantageous in the production of high-performance FeO@carbon nanofibers supercapacitors (FeO@C). However, our study systematically challenges this notion by demonstrating that pre-oxidation facilitates the formation of polydispersed and large FeO nanoparticles (FeO@C) through "external" Fe Kirkendall diffusion from carbon, resulting in subpar electrochemical properties. To address this, direct pyrolysis of Fe-salt/polymer Nf is proposed, promoting "internal" Fe Kirkendall diffusion within carbon and providing substantial physical confinement, leading to the formation of monodispersed and small FeO nanoparticles (FeO@C).

Enhancing electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction efficiency through heat-induced metamorphosis of copper nanowires into copper oxide/copper nanotubes with tunable surface.

Electrochemical CO reduction reaction (CORR) presents a unique opportunity to convert carbon dioxide (CO) to value-added products while simultaneously storing renewable energy in the form of chemical energy. However, particle applications of this technology are limited due to the poor efficiency and product selectivity of the existing catalyst. In this study, we demonstrate a facile method for the heat-induced transformation of copper nanowires into CuO/Cu nanotubes with defect-enriched surfaces.

1-D Carbon Nano-Coils Derived from Almond Skin: Exhibiting Density of State, Diffusivity, Electron Transfer Rate, and Dopamine Redox Modulation Properties Akin to Graphene Oxide.

The quest to develop graphene-like biomass-carbon for advanced biomolecule redox modulation and sensing remains a challenge. The primary obstacle is the limited ability of biomass to undergo extensive graphitization during pyrolysis resulting in the formation of amorphous carbon materials with a small carbon-double-bond-carbon domain size (Lsp), density of state (LDOS), ion diffusivity (D), and electron transfer rate constant (Ks). Herein, using almond skin (AS) the morphology of biomass is demonstrated as the key to overcoming these limitations.

FeC-coated biochar nanosheets as efficient bifunctional catalyst for electrochemical detection and reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

Herein, we present the exceptional performance of FeC-coated carbon sheets (FC) derived from the pyrolysis of waste biomass as a bifunctional catalyst for electrochemical detection and catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Despite having a lower surface area, larger particle size, and lesser N content, the FC material prepared at a calcination temperature of 900 °C (FC) outperforms the other samples. Deeper investigations revealed that the FC efficiently facilitates the charge transfer process and enhances the diffusion rate of 4-NP, leading to increased surface coverage of 4-NP on the surface of FC.

Laser-cum-KOH activation allows interfacial engineering of cardboard-derived carbon, tunable ionic states, and universal dye adsorption.

In this study, we demonstrate the preparation of laser-cum KOH-activated porous carbon with tunable ionic states, unique surface chemistry, and physical texture from renewable and environmentally friendly precursors (waste cardboard boxes). The adsorption performance of the engineered adsorbents is examined on the adsorption of methyl blue (MB, anionic) and methylene blue (MeB, cationic). The adsorption mechanism was determined using detailed batch adsorption, and the MB was adsorbed via the formation of ternary complexes, whereas the MeB was adsorbed through cation-π interaction.

Layer interfacing strategy to derive free standing CoFe@PANI bifunctional electrocatalyst towards oxygen evolution reaction and methanol oxidation reaction.

Developing inexpensive, highly electrochemically active, and stable catalysts towards electrochemical studies remains challenge for researchers. In this regard, binder-free CoFe@PANI composite electrocatalyst is deposited on nickel foam (NF) substrate via successive electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANI) and CoFe-LDH at Room temperature (RT). As deposited binder-free CoFe@PANI electrocatalyst displays high electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline media.

Modification of the electronic structure of g-CN using urea to enhance the visible light-assisted degradation of organic pollutants.

Graphitic carbon nitride has been proven to be a good candidate for using solar energy for photo-induced pollutant degradation. However, the high photo-induced holes-electron recombination rate, unfavorable morphology, and textural properties limited their application. In this study, we present a novel g-CN with a novel electronic structure and physiochemical properties by introducing a single nitrogen in the graphitic network of the g-CN through a novel method involving step-by-step co-polycondensation of melamine and urea.

Theoretical verification on adsorptive removal of caffeine by carbon and nitrogen-based surfaces: Role of charge transfer, π electron occupancy, and temperature.

Eliminating an emerging water pollutant, caffeine molecules, from an aqueous solution using carbon and nitrogen-based adsorbents is of significant interest to public health. These adsorbents have been shown to have decent adsorption capacity toward caffeine due to their surface functionality. Therefore, screening various carbon and nitrogen-based surfaces can be a better option for high-performance adsorbents to remove caffeine efficiently from wastewater.

Electronic structure modulation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using azo dye for inducing non-radical reaction: Effect of graphitic nitrogen and structural defect.

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) have a great potential for advanced oxidation process as a metal free catalyst. However, there catalytic activity is very low and needs to be appropriately tuned. Herein, we demonstrate a novel synthesis method for tuning the defect and surface functionality of MWCNT using azo dyes and the catalytic performance was tested for the degradation of different organic contaminates using PMS as an oxidant.

In situ construction of FeO@FeOOH for efficient electrocatalytic urea oxidation.

Substituting water oxidation half of water splitting with anodic oxidation of urea can reduce the cost of H production and provide an avenue for treating urea-rich wastewater. However, developing an efficient and stable electrocatalyst is necessary to overcome the indolent kinetics of the urea oxidation reaction (UOR). Accordingly, we have used the Schikorr reaction to deposit FeO particles on the nickel foam (FeO/NF).

Efficient imidazolium ionic liquid as a tri-functional robust catalyst for chemical fixation of CO into cyclic carbonates.

The recent increase in CO levels has had an extensive impact on the environment; hence an effective catalyst for chemical CO fixation into value-added products is demanded. This work demonstrates a simple approach towards the chemical fixation of CO to cyclic carbonates without solvent, metal and additives using one-pot synthesized tri-functional-imidazolium bromide ionic liquid. Herein, synthesized tri-functional-imidazolium-based ionic liquids, namely 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-vinyl-1H-imidazole-3-ium bromide ([VIMEtOH][Br] (24 and 72 h)), 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-vinyl-1H-imidazole-3-ium hydroxyl ([VIMEtOH][OH]) and poly 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-vinyl-1H-imidazole-3-ium bromide (poly [VIMEtOH][Br]), were used for the comprehensive investigation of chemical fixation of CO into cyclic carbonates and their physiochemical properties.

Hydroxypicolinic acid tethered on magnetite core-silica shell (HPCA@SiO@FeO) as an effective and reusable adsorbent for practical Co(II) recovery.

The soaring demand and future supply risk for cobalt (Co) necessitate more efficient adsorbents for its recycling from electronic wastes, as a cheaper and less hazardous option for its production. Herein, a magnetic adsorbent covalently tethered with 5-hydroxypicolinic acid (HPCA) as Co(II) ligand was developed. The magnetic component (FeO) was protected with silica (SiO), then silanized with chloroalkyl linker and subsequently functionalized with HPCA via S2 nucleophilic substitution (HPCA@SiO@FeO).

Critical Review, Recent Updates on Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) and Its Derivatives for Electrochemical Water Splitting.

Design and construction of low-cost electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity and long-term stability is a challenging task in the field of catalysis. Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are promising candidates as precursor materials in the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage applications. This review starts with a summary of basic concepts and key evaluation parameters involved in the electrochemical water-splitting reaction.

Ground coffee waste-derived carbon for adsorptive removal of caffeine: Effect of surface chemistry and porous structure.

Carbon-based adsorbents show high adsorption capacity towards caffeine due to their porosity and surface functionality. However, the main limiting factor for high performance has not been addressed; furthermore, the adsorption interaction with different active sites needs to be explored. In this study, we synthesized a hierarchical porous nitrogen-doped carbon with unique surface functionality by single-step calcination of coffee waste with KOH under N.

Hyper-crosslinked tetraphenylborate as a regenerable sorbent for Cs sequestration in aqueous media through cation-π interactions.

Practical adsorbents that could efficiently collect radioactive Cesium (Cs) are critically important in achieving proper management and treatment measures for nuclear wastes. Herein, a hyper-crosslinked tetraphenylborate-based adsorbent (TPB-X) was prepared by reacting TPB anions as Cs binding sites with dimethoxymethane (DMM) as crosslinker. The most efficient TPB-X synthesis was attained at 1:4 TPB/DMM mole ratio with sorbent yield of 81.

Electrochemically engineered zinc(iron)oxyhydroxide/zinc ferrite heterostructure with interfacial microstructure and hydrophilicity ideal for supercapacitors.

Zinc ferrite@nickel foam (ZF@Nf) is a potential commercial supercapacitor electrode due to its large theoretical capacity, abundant elemental composition, excellent conductivity, and stability. However, deficient active sites limit its specific capacitance (SC). Herein, we demonstrate that engineering ZF's interfacial microstructure and hydrophilicity mitigate this limitation.

Synergetic effect of ZnCoO/inorganic salt as a sustainable catalyst system for CO utilization.

Currently, it is essential to consider the rapidly increasing emission of CO into the atmosphere, causing major environmental issues such as climate change and global warming. In this work, we have developed the binary catalyst system (ZnCoO/inorganic salt) for chemical fixation of CO with epoxides into cyclic carbonates without solvent, and all reactions were performed on a large scale using a 100 ml batch reactor. Two mesoporous catalysts of ZnCoO with different architecture, such as flakes (ZnCo-F) and spheres (ZnCo-S) were synthesized and utilized as a heterogeneous catalyst for cycloaddition reaction.

Engineered Ionene/PNIPAM Hybrid Dual-Response Material Generating Tunable and Unique Optical Modes for Adaptive Solar Transmittance Modulation.

A hybrid smart window exhibiting dual chromic response properties based on an ionene/polymer material is successfully engineered. Thermochromic poly(-isopropylacrylamide) is integrated with an electrochromic viologen-tethered ionene, also acting as an electrolyte, to produce a smart window that can adaptively control solar visible light transmittance in response to multiple stimuli. This new blend allows the formation of unique reversible optical states, namely, "clear", "amber", "cloudy", and "grainy" states, which are passively triggered by environmental temperature and actively induced by external potential or simultaneously by both.

Methylcellulose/tannic acid complex particles coated on alginate hydrogel scaffold via Pickering for removal of methylene blue from aqueous and quinoline from non-aqueous media.

Adsorbents reported for liquid phase decontamination under both aqueous and non-aqueous media are all dispersed phase sorbents that further require a tedious separation step post adsorption. Herein, a monolith, highly porous, and mechanically robust scaffold was synthesized for the adsorption of pollutants from both aqueous and non-aqueous media with facile separation and regeneration. Methylcellulose-tannic acid complex particles were prepared and systematically decorated on the surface of interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) scaffold via Pickering emulsion.