Rapid biosynthesis and characterization of metallic gold nanoparticles by olea europea and their potential application in photoelectrocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

In recent years, photoelectrocatalysis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) has received considerable attention due to their potential to improve catalytic efficiency. Herein, ultra-small Au NPs were successfully synthesized in a single pot using olea europea leaf extract as a green reducing agent for the degradation of 4-nitrophenol. The TEM images showed uniform distribution and spherical shape of Au NPs with an average diameter of 5 nm.

Water Vapor Adsorption Capacity Loss of Molecular Sieves 4A, 5A, and 13X Resulting from Methanol and Heptane Exposure.

Zeolite-based molecular sieves are applied in industrial dehydration units for their high water uptake capacities and extremely low equilibrium pressure of water vapor. During their operational life, they tend to lose their water vapor adsorption capacity slowly. To optimize the usage of molecular sieves in dryer units, it is vital to understand the mechanism(s) leading to deactivation.