Publications by authors named "Naser Al-Balakocy"

Ammonia is a colorless gas, yet it can be fatal if inhaled or ingested in high enough concentrations. Herein, a solid-state colorimetric smart wool (WL) sensor for ammonia was developed. Common hop (Humulus lupulus L.

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The fibrous wastes generated from the mills of textile production can be recycled and converted into high add-values products to be implemented in several applications. The current study aimed to employ commercial free cellulase enzyme to partially hydrolyze (activate) the polyester cotton blended (PET/C) fibrous wastes by creation functional groups such as OH and COOH on their surfaces. The activated fibrous wastes were then modified by coating with ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) biosynthesized by actinobacterial cultures free supernatant.

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Article Synopsis
  • Researchers developed smart windows with impressive features like long-lasting glow, UV protection, high clarity, and strong durability by mixing lanthanide-activated phosphor particles in a recycled polyester/cellulose nanocrystal composite made from rice straw waste.
  • Cellulose nanocrystals acted as a crosslinker and drier to enhance the window's transparency and hardness, while maintaining a uniform distribution of phosphor particles to avoid clumping and ensure clarity.
  • The resulting smart window showcases color changes when exposed to UV light, demonstrating effective UV shielding and quick fluorescence changes, with distinct phosphorescence at specific wavelengths, enhancing its functional properties.
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  • The study focused on developing a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using fungal proteins from Aspergillus fumigatus, which could be used as antimicrobial agents in textiles.
  • The optimum conditions for producing AgNPs were determined, yielding predominantly spherical particles with a size under 84.4 nm, which demonstrated effectiveness against various pathogens.
  • This green synthesis method offers a safer alternative to conventional techniques and has potential for large-scale production and therapeutic applications.
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A simple, portable and highly sensitive naked-eye test strip is successfully prepared for optical detection of gaseous and aqueous alkaline analytes. Novel pH-sensory tricyanofuran-hydrazone (TCFH) disperse colorant containing a hydrazone recognition functional moiety is successfully synthesized via azo-coupling reaction between active methyl-containing tricyanofuran (TCF) heterocycle and diazonium salt of 4-aminobenzaldehyde followed by Knoevenagel condensation with malononitrile. UV-vis absorption spectra display solvatochromism and reversible color changes of the TCFH solution in dimethyl sulfoxide in response to pH variations.

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