Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by sol-gel and microwave-assisted sol-gel methods and their photocatalytic properties.

Although the microwave-assisted sol-gel method is quite frequently used for the preparation of oxide nanostructures, the synergism of the reaction pathways is not fully explained. However, state-of-the-art theoretical and practical results of high novelty can be achieved by continuously evaluating the as-synthesized materials. The present paper presents a comparative study of Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by both sol-gel and microwave-assisted sol-gel methods.

Improved Photocatalytic Activity of Dion-Jacobson-Type Tantalate Perovskites Modified with FeCl.

A rapid and feasible approach was used to develop visible-light-driven-type Dion-Jacobson perovskites by the modification of the RbLaTaO host (RbLTO) with FeCl through the molten salt route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization showed that FeCl-modified layered perovskite (e.g.

Is there a promoting role for artificial sweeteners in the evolution of bladder cancer? A meta-analysis of current literature.

Introduction: Urinary bladder cancer is a frequent neoplasia in the urogenital system. Ageing and smoking are the two main risk factors, however, some chemical agents such as artificial sweeteners could act as initiators or promoters.

Evidence Acquisition: After identifying trends in scientific literature, we conducted a wide search in PubMed database and a meta-analysis was performed on extracted data to determine the role of artificial sweeteners in the development of urinary bladder cancer.

Antibacterial Activity of PVA Hydrogels Embedding Oxide Nanostructures Sensitized by Noble Metals and Ruthenium Dye.

Nanostructured oxides (SiO, TiO) were synthesized using the sol-gel method and modified with noble metal nanoparticles (Pt, Au) and ruthenium dye to enhance light harvesting and promote the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species, namely singlet oxygen (O) and hydroxyl radical (•OH). The resulting nanostructures were embedded in a transparent polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. Morphological and structural characterization of the bare and modified oxides was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).