Photocatalytic degradation of nevirapine with a heterostructure of few-layer black phosphorus coupled with niobium (V) oxide nanoflowers (FL-BP@NbO).

The degradation and removal of antiviral drugs in water has emerged remains a major challenge. This work presents, the photodegradation of nevirapine (NVP) with a novel p-n heterostructure of FL-BP@NbO nanoparticles synthesized via hydrothermal method. Several characterization techniques revealed a successful formation of the heterostructure with well aligned band positions that promoted excellent separation of charge carriers.

Intercalation of NbO nano-flowers into the walls of few-layer black phosphorus creating a heterostructure of FL-BP@NbO with the potential for environmental application.

Herein we report the successful exfoliation of few-layer BP (FL-BP) from bulk BP via ultrasonication in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). FL-BP exhibited an orthorhombic phase structure similar to that of bulk BP with weak electrostatic out-of-plane interactions and strong ionic in-plane bonds. The weakened out-of-plane bonds allowed the intercalation of Nb2O5 nano-flowers that were hydrothermally synthesized, forming an intimate contact with the exfoliated BP.

Are carbon nanotube effects on green algae caused by shading and agglomeration?

Due to growing production, carbon nanotubes (CNT) may soon be found in a broad range of products and thus in the environment. In this work, an algal growth test was developed to determine effects of pristine and oxidized CNT on the green algae Chlorella vulgaris and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. CNT suspensions were prepared in algal test medium and characterized taking into account the suspension age, the reduced light transmittance of nanoparticle suspensions defined as shading of CNT and quantified by UV/vis spectroscopy, and the agglomeration of the CNT and of the algal cells.