FeS and WO nanoparticles decorated on biochar as a high throughput electrode for supercapacitors.

The need for cutting-edge energy storage technologies, such as supercapacitors, has been enhanced tremendously to meet the demands of the growing population and depleting fossil fuel reserves. Herein, we reported the synthesis of FeS and WO nanoparticles decorated on the biochar derived from peanut shells using a facile ultrasonication approach. SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, FTIR and N adsorption-desorption isotherms characterized the structural and physical properties of the as-synthesized materials.

Bifunctional Cu(II)-based 2D coordination polymer and its composite for high-performance photocatalysis and electrochemical energy storage.

Coordination polymers (CPs) have been widely proven as sacrificial electrode materials for energy storage applications because of their high porosity, specific surface area and tunable structural topology. In this work, a new 2D Cu(II)-based CP, formulated as [Cu(btc)(μ-Cl)(HO)] (CP-1) (Hbtc = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid), fabrication of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) and its composite (CuO@CP-1) were successfully synthesized using solvothermal, precipitation and mechanochemical grinding approaches. Single-crystal X-ray analysis authenticated a two-dimensional (2D) layered network of CP-1.

Development of nanozyme based sensors as diagnostic tools in clinic applications: a review.

Since 1970, many artificial enzymes that imitate the activity and structure of natural enzymes have been discovered. Nanozymes are a group of nanomaterials with enzyme-mimetic properties capable of catalyzing natural enzyme processes. Nanozymes have attracted great interest in biomedicine due to their excellent stability, rapid reactivity, and affordable cost.

Physical properties and photocatalytic activity of Cr-doped TiO nanoparticles.

Nanocrystalline Ti Cr O (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) samples were synthesised via acid-modified sol-gel process and characterised with various techniques, such as HRTEM, FESEM, Raman, XPS, DTA and VSM. The TEM image of TiO exhibits elongated nanoparticles with an average size of 10 nm.

A novel CuBiO/polyaniline composite as an efficient photocatalyst for ammonia degradation.

A novel polyaniline (PANI) coupled CuBiO photocatalyst was successfully synthesized via in situ polymerization of aniline with pre-synthesized CuBiO composites. The structure and morphology of the synthesized CuBiO/PANI composite photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the photocatalytic performance were evaluated through degradation process of ammonia in water under visible light irradiation. The resultant CuBiO/PANI composite showed exceptional stability as its structure and morphology persisted even after being immersed in water for 2 days.

Exploring multifunctional behaviour of g-CN decorated BiVO/AgCO hierarchical nanocomposite for simultaneous electrochemical detection of two nitroaromatic compounds and water splitting applications.

Development of multifunctional ternary nanocomposite based electrocatalysts for detection of toxic elements and generation of renewable energy describes an environmentally sustainable technique to address the dual challenges of pollution and energy. Herein, we adopted microwave-assisted synthesis to design a multifunctional graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) decorated BiVO/AgCO (BVG@C) hierarchical ternary nanocomposite for sensing and water splitting applications. The morphological, structural and elemental characterizations demonstrate the successful decoration of carbon nitride on the composite surface.

Visible light-conducting polymer nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts for the treatment of organic pollutants in wastewater.

This review compiles recent advances and challenges on photocatalytic treatment of wastewater using nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and polymer nanocomposites as photocatalyst. The review provides an overview of the fundamental principles of photocatalytic treatment along the recent advances on photocatalytic treatment, especially on the modification strategies and operational conditions to enhance treatment efficiency and removal of recalcitrant organic contaminants. The different types of photocatalysts along the key factors influencing their performance are also critically discussed and recommendations for future research are provided.

Nanoremediation technologies for sustainable remediation of contaminated environments: Recent advances and challenges.

A major and growing concern within society is the lack of innovative and effective solutions to mitigate the challenge of environmental pollution. Uncontrolled release of pollutants into the environment as a result of urbanisation and industrialisation is a staggering problem of global concern. Although, the eco-toxicity of nanotechnology is still an issue of debate, however, nanoremediation is a promising emerging technology to tackle environmental contamination, especially dealing with recalcitrant contaminants.

Integrated air cathode microbial fuel cell-aerobic bioreactor set-up for enhanced bioelectrodegradation of azo dye Acid Blue 29.

In this study, an azo dye (Acid Blue 29 or AB29) was efficiently degraded with acetate as co-substrate into less contaminated biodegraded products using an integrated single chamber microbial fuel cell (SMFC)-aerobic bioreactor set-up. The decolorization efficiencies were varied from 91 ± 2% to 94 ± 1.9% and more than 85% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was achieved for all dye concentrations after different operating time.

Magnesium ferrite spinels as anode modifier for the treatment of Congo red and energy recovery in a single chambered microbial fuel cell.

Magnesium Ferrite (MgFeO) spinel structures prepared by a solid-state reaction was used as an anode modifier in the microbial fuel cell (MFC) treatment of Congo red dye. The performance of the reactors with unmodified stainless-steel mesh anode (CR-1) and MgFeO coated stainless steel mesh anode (CR-2) were tested and compared followed by aerobic treatment. The peak power density was observed to be 295.

Investigation of CNT/PPy-Modified Carbon Paper Electrodes under Anaerobic and Aerobic Conditions for Phenol Bioremediation in Microbial Fuel Cells.

The study presents the comparative bioelectrochemical treatment of phenol in anodic and cathodic compartments of four identical dual chambered microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with bare and multiwalled carbon nanotube/polypyrrole (MWCNT/PPy)-coated electrodes, respectively. It was observed that systems performing biocathodic treatment of phenol performed better as compared to the systems performing bioanodic treatment. The maximum power densities for bioanodic phenol treatment using bare and coated electrodes were found to be 469.

Deciphering the effects of temperature on bio-methane generation through anaerobic digestion.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a sustainable wastewater treatment technology which facilitates energy, nutrient, and water recovery from organic wastes. The agricultural and industrial wastes are suitable substrates for the AD, as they contain a high level of biodegradable compounds. The aim of this study was to examine the AD of three different concentrations of phenol (100, 200, and 300 mg/L) containing wastewater with and without co-substrate (acetate) at four different temperatures (25, 35, 45, and 55 °C) to produce methane (CH)-enriched biogas.

Zinc oxide-decorated polypyrrole/chitosan bionanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic, antibacterial and anticancer performance.

A bio-nanocomposite matrix of polypyrrole grafted ZnO/chitosan (Ppy/C/Z) was synthesized the polymerization of pyrrole with different weight fractions of ZnO. Incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles with polypyrrole enhances the photocatalytic, antibacterial as well as cytotoxic properties of the resultant composite. Characterizations of the synthesized product were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analysis (TGA and DTA).

AgS-Sensitized NiO-ZnO Heterostructures with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity and Acetone Sensing Property.

Visible light-driven AgS-grafted NiO-ZnO ternary nanocomposites are synthesized using a facile and cost-effective homogeneous precipitation method. The structural, morphological, and optical properties were extensively studied, confirming the formation of ternary nanocomposites. The surface area of the synthesized nanocomposites was calculated by electrochemical double-layer capacitance ( ).

Bio-electrodegradation of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol by mixed microbial culture in dual chambered microbial fuel cells.

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (TCP) was bioelectrochemically treated in anodic and cathodic compartments of two identical dual chambered microbial fuel cells MFC-A and MFC-B under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, respectively, and energy was recovered in the form of electricity. It was observed that MFC-B with bio-cathodic treatment of TCP outcompeted the MFC-A with bio-anodic treatment. The maximum power density for MFC-A with bio-anode was found to be 446.

A critical review on the prospect of polyaniline-grafted biodegradable nanocomposite.

Among the various electrically conducting polymers, polyaniline (PANI) has gained attentions due to its unique properties and doping chemistry. A number of electrically conducting biodegradable polymers has been synthesized by incorporating a biodegradable content of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, etc. in the matrix of PANI.

Effect of co-substrates on biogas production and anaerobic decomposition of pentachlorophenol.

This study aims to examine the effect of different co-substrates on the anaerobic degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) with simultaneous production of biogas. Acetate and glucose were added as co-substrates to monitor and compare the methanogenic reaction during PCP degradation. During the experiment, a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 80% was achieved.

Bioelectricity Generation and Bioremediation of an Azo-Dye in a Microbial Fuel Cell Coupled Activated Sludge Process.

Simultaneous bioelectricity generation and dye degradation was achieved in the present study by using a combined anaerobic-aerobic process. The anaerobic system was a typical single chambered microbial fuel cell (SMFC) which utilizes acid navy blue r (ANB) dye along with glucose as growth substrate to generate electricity. Four different concentrations of ANB (50, 100, 200 and 400 ppm) were tested in the SMFC and the degradation products were further treated in an activated sludge post treatment process.

Testing biological effects of hand-washing grey water for reuse in irrigation on an urban farm: a case study.

The feasibility of reusing hand-washing grey water contaminated with antibacterial hand-washing liquid for irrigation purposes in an urban farm is explored in this case study. Experiments are carried out to investigate if the quality of this grey water allows for its reuse in agriculture as per the guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there is no guideline to test the biological effect of grey water prior to agricultural use.

Degradation pathway, toxicity and kinetics of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol with different co-substrate by aerobic granules in SBR.

The present study deals with cultivation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) degrading aerobic granules in two SBR systems based on glucose and acetate as co-substrate. Biodegradation of TCP containing wastewater starting from 10 to 360 mg L(-1) with more than 90% efficiency was achieved. Sludge volume index decreases as the operation proceeds to stabilize at 35 and 30 mL g(-1) while MLVSS increases from 4 to 6.

Biodegradation of phenol by aerobic granulation technology.

High organic load and fluctuation in organic load in terms of total phenols is fed into a SBR of higher height and diameter ratio (H/D 20) and operated at 4 h cycle basis with a volumetric exchange ratio of 50% resulting in a constant HRT of 8 h. Successful cultivation of aerobic granules was achieved. Aerobic granulation technology system withstands the inhibitory effect as well as fluctuation of organic load and a better efficiency as compared to traditional activated sludge process.