Experimental investigations of stability, density, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity of solar glycol-amine-functionalized graphene and MWCNT-based hybrid nanofluids.

This research article discusses properties such as density, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity of solar glycol with amine-functionalized graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The hybrid nanofluid is prepared by dispersing the amine-functionalized graphene (AFG) and MWCNTs (50:50 in % by weight ratio) in pure solar glycol. The AFG and MWCNTs are dispersed in different volume concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.15% through the classical two-step homogenizing technique. Good colloidal stability nanofluid are prepared with Gum Arabic (non-covalent) as the surfactant. The stability of nanofluids is ensured through scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectrometer, and zeta potential analyzer. The nanofluid thermal conductivity is measured with varying the nanomaterial loading from 0.05 to 0.15 vol% using a KD2 pro thermal analyzer. The thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of nanofluid augmentations are considerably with an increasing volume concentration of AFG and MWCNT loading. The thermal conductivity of the AFG-MWCNT-based hybrid nanofluid is augmented by 8.59% for the maximum concentration of 0.15 vol% at 50 °C. The electrical conductivity of the solar glycol-based nanofluids is enhanced linearly with increased operating temperatures. The maximum electrical conductivity enhancement attained is ~28.85% at a nanoparticle loading of 0.15 vol% and 70 °C.

Accumulation of biomedical waste during the COVID-19 pandemic: concerns and strategies for effective treatment.

This study deals with the pollution impact of biomedical waste (BMW) generation due to the COVID-19 pandemic at both the global and national levels. This discussion is important in light of clear scientific evidence that, apart from the airborne transmission of the disease, the virus also survives on different surfaces and poses the risk of infection. Moreover, an investigation is conducted on BMW generation in tons/day in India during the COVID-19 period, with implications for future projection. Additionally, a pioneering study was conducted to estimate the usage of facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. This paper also provides a feasible solution, by adopting a modern perspective, towards managing BMW generated in the context of SARS-CoV-2 at isolation wards and crematoriums. Strategical approaches have been suggested for segregating and safely disposing BMW. The latest availability of disposal facilities is discussed based on source data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. Among the many disposal methods, incineration technologies are examined in depth. The impact of existing incineration technology on the environment and human health has been extensively studied. This study suggests strategies for controlling BMW generation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A case study of SARS-CoV-2 transmission behavior in a severely air-polluted city (Delhi, India) and the potential usage of graphene based materials for filtering air-pollutants and controlling/monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic.

Globally, humanity is facing its most significant challenge in 100 years due to the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for COVID-19. Under the enormous pressure created by the pandemic, scientists are studying virus transmission mechanisms in order to develop effective mitigation strategies. However, no established methods have been developed to control the spread of this deadly virus. In addition, the ease in lockdown has escalated air pollution which may affect SARS-CoV-2 transmission through attachment to particulates. The present review summarizes the role of graphene nanomaterials, which show antimicrobial behavior and have antiviral efficacy, in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Graphene and its derivatives have excellent antimicrobial efficacy, providing both physical and chemical mechanisms of damage. Coupled with their lightness, optimal properties, and ease of functionalization, they are optimal nanomaterials for coating onto fabrics such as personal protection equipment, face masks and gloves to control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 effectively. Biosensors using graphene can effectively detect the virus with high accuracy and sensitivity, providing rapid quantification. It is envisioned that the present work will boost the development of graphene-based highly sensitive, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tools for efficiently monitoring and controlling the spread of COVID-19 and other air-borne viruses.