Chemically activated cocoa leaves biochar (CLB) was successfully prepared from fallen cocoa leaves (CLs) ZnCl-activation and pyrolysis at 700 °C for sequestration of toxic crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solution. CLs and CLB were characterized using elemental analysis (CHN/O), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimum conditions for effective removal of CV dye from aqueous solution (75.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe release of unspent dyes from industries constitutes hazard and environmental challenges. For rapid and efficient removal of Congo red from aqueous solutions, a composite was prepared from coconut husk, raw clay, Fe(II) and Fe(II) compounds. Adsorption variables (initial pH of the solution, contact time, temperature and initial concentration of Congo red) were varied to understand the characteristics and mechanisms of the adsorption process.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEthylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-functionalized graphene was synthesized from Nigerian coal using a chemical exfoliation method and the graphene was applied for the removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions. The synthesized coal graphene and the raw coal were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, measurement of pHpzc (pH of point of zero charge), and Boehm titrations. The SEM data revealed surface roughness which is enhanced in the prepared graphene while the EDX revealed an increase in carbon content, the main constituent of graphene, from about 26% in the raw coal to about 80% in the prepared graphene.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn this work, SiO/NbO (SiNb) material was prepared using sol-gel method and employed as adsorbent for removal of crystal violet dye (CV). The material was characterized using nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, FTIR spectroscopy, pH, and SEM-EDS. The analysis of N isotherms revealed the presence of micro- and mesopores in the SiNb sample with specific surface area as high as 747 m g.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrowave-induced chemical activation process was used to prepare an activated carbon from cocoa shell for efficient removal of two anti-inflammatories, sodium diclofenac (DFC) and nimesulide (NM), from aqueous solutions. A paste was obtained from a mixture of cocoa shell and inorganic components; with a ratio of inorganic: organic of 1 (CSC-1.0).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA macromolecule, CML, was obtained by purifying and carboxy-methylating the lignin generated from acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse during bioethanol production from biomass. The CMLs complexed with Al(3+) (CML-Al) and Mn(2+) (CML-Mn) were utilised for the removal of a textile dye, Procion Blue MX-R (PB), from aqueous solutions. CML-Al and CML-Mn were characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning differential calorimetry (SDC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and pHPZC.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMulti-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and powder activated carbon (PAC) were used as adsorbents for adsorption of Direct Blue 53 dye (DB-53) from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents were characterised using Raman spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of initial pH, contact time and temperature on adsorption capacity of the adsorbents were investigated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA bioactive ligand, 2,5-diamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (L), derived from semicarbazide hydrochloride, and its metal complexes were prepared and characterized. The complexes were characterized using elemental, infra-red, ultraviolet/visible, magnetic moment, atomic absorption, thin layer chromatography and molar conductance measurements. The IR data revealed that the ligand (L) behaved as a tridentate neutral ligand.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe examined the effect of Niemann-Pick disease type 2 (NPC2) protein and some late endosomal lipids [sphingomyelin, ceramide and bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP)] on cholesterol transfer and membrane fusion. Of all lipid-binding proteins tested, only NPC2 transferred cholesterol at a substantial rate, with no transfer of ceramide, GM3, galactosylceramide, sulfatide, phosphatidylethanolamine, or phosphatidylserine. Cholesterol transfer was greatly stimulated by BMP, little by ceramide, and strongly inhibited by sphingomyelin.
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