Facile Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoneedle Arrays for Practical Biomedical Applications.

INTRODUCTION: Copper oxide nanoneedle arrays (CuO NAs) have been widely used as antibacterial agents and in therapeutic applications because of their unique physicochemical features, low cytotoxicity, low cost, exceptional antibacterial action, and significant interest in biomedicine. Various analytical techniques were used to assess the related phase constitution, optical characteristics, elemental content, and surface morphology. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) micrographs revealed that the CuO NAs had a monoclinic phase with a nanoneedle-like shape. Our findings may cover the progress of innovative and effective anti-bacterial capabilities based on CuO NAs, which have been shown to be effective against various pathogens, making them ideal options for fighting bacterial infections.  Objective: This research aimed to synthesize CuO NAs using microwave-solvothermal (MW-ST) technology, explore their effectiveness, and assess their biological activity. METHODS: The CuO NAs were synthesized using the MW-ST process, and their properties were assessed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive analysis (EDS), field emission transmission microscopy (FE-TEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) techniques. The biocompatibility of CuO NAs was determined through hemolytic assays, and their bioactivities like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays were also determined. RESULTS: The CuO NAs were successfully developed, and various analytical tools were used to characterize and validate their morphology, size, crystallinity, and elemental compositions. It has been shown in in-vitro investigations that a strong anti-inflammatory impact is demonstrated by the inhibition of protein denaturation with low hemolytic potential. As a result, CuO NAs have the potential to be an excellent choice for anti-inflammatory solicitations. CONCLUSION: CuO NAs were synthesized and characterized with various advanced techniques, revealing the formation of nanoneedles-like morphology. Based on the experimental findings, CuO NAs have the potential for anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemolytic activities. However, additional in-vivo testing is essential to properly evaluate their efficiency and safety.

Metal-Oxides- and Metal-Oxyhydroxides-Based Nanocomposites for Water Splitting: An Overview.

Water electrolysis is an important alternative technology for large-scale hydrogen production to facilitate the development of green energy technology. As such, many efforts have been devoted over the past three decades to producing novel electrocatalysis with strong electrochemical (EC) performance using inexpensive electrocatalysts. Transition metal oxyhydroxide (OxH)-based electrocatalysts have received substantial interest, and prominent results have been achieved for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under alkaline conditions. Herein, the extensive research focusing on the discussion of OxH-based electrocatalysts is comprehensively highlighted. The general forms of the water-splitting mechanism are described to provide a profound understanding of the mechanism, and their scaling relation activities for OxH electrode materials are given. This paper summarizes the current developments on the EC performance of transition metal OxHs, rare metal OxHs, polymers, and MXene-supported OxH-based electrocatalysts. Additionally, an outline of the suggested HER, OER, and water-splitting processes on transition metal OxH-based electrocatalysts, their primary applications, existing problems, and their EC performance prospects are discussed. Furthermore, this review article discusses the production of energy sources from the proton and electron transfer processes. The highlighted electrocatalysts have received substantial interest to boost the synergetic electrochemical effects to improve the economy of the use of hydrogen, which is one of best ways to fulfill the global energy requirements and address environmental crises. This article also provides useful information regarding the development of OxH electrodes with a hierarchical nanostructure for the water-splitting reaction. Finally, the challenges with the reaction and perspectives for the future development of OxH are elaborated.

Recent development and challenges in fuel cells and water electrolyzer reactions: an overview.

Water electrolysis is the most promising method for the production of large scalable hydrogen (H2), which can fulfill the global energy demand of modern society. H2-based fuel cell transportation has been operating with zero greenhouse emission to improve both indoor and outdoor air quality, in addition to the development of economically viable sustainable green energy for widespread electrochemical applications. Many countries have been eagerly focusing on the development of renewable as well as H2-based energy storage infrastructure to fulfill their growing energy demands and sustainable goals. This review article mainly discusses the development of different kinds of fuel cell electrocatalysts, and their application in H2 production through various processes (chemical, refining, and electrochemical). The fuel cell parameters such as redox properties, cost-effectiveness, ecofriendlyness, conductivity, and better electrode stability have also been highlighted. In particular, a detailed discussion has been carried out with sufficient insights into the sustainable development of future green energy economy.

Development of robust multifunctional CrNiCo-P/GCN catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction, electrochemical sensing, and photodegradation of roxarsone.

In this study, we designed a CrNiCo-P/GCN composite for use as a high-performance multifunctional catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), electrochemical determination, and photodegradation of roxarsone (ROX). CrNiCo-P/GCN demonstrates favorable charge resistance and electrical conductance due to its intrinsic properties. It exhibits an admirable OER overpotential of 290 mV with a lower Tafel plot value of 125 mV dec-1 in alkaline media and compared with the control samples. Furthermore, this composite also demonstrates high performance in electrochemical sensing of ROX over a wide concentration range of 1-413 µM with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 31 nM in phosphate buffer. Moreover, this composite is a promising electrocatalyst for ROX sensors in practical analysis and also possesses excellent photodegradation of ROX under visible light irradiation.

Review of the Design of Ruthenium-Based Nanomaterials and Their Sensing Applications in Electrochemistry.

In this review, ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs)-based functional nanomaterials have attractive electrocatalytic characteristics and they offer considerable potential in a number of fields. Ru-based binary or multimetallic NPs are widely utilized for electrode modification because of their unique electrocatalytic properties, enhanced surface-area-to-volume ratio, and synergistic effect between two metals provides as an effective improved electrode sensor. This perspective review suggests the current research and development of Ru-based nanomaterials as a platform for electrochemical (EC) sensing of harmful substances, biomolecules, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollutants. The advantages and limitations of mono-, bi-, and multimetallic Ru-based nanocomposites for EC sensors are discussed. Besides, the relevant EC properties and analyte sensing approaches are also presented. On the basis of these insights, we highlighted recent results for synthesizing techniques and EC environmental pollutant sensors from the perspectives of diverse supports, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, silica, semiconductors, metal sulfides, and polymers. Finally, this work overviews the modern improvements in the utilization of Ru-based nanocomposites on the basis for electroanalytical sensors as well as suggestions for the field's future development.

Recent Developments in Carbon-Based Nanocomposites for Fuel Cell Applications: A Review.

Carbon-based nanocomposites have developed as the most promising and emerging materials in nanoscience and technology during the last several years. They are microscopic materials that range in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. They may be distinguished from bulk materials by their size, shape, increased surface-to-volume ratio, and unique physical and chemical characteristics. Carbon nanocomposite matrixes are often created by combining more than two distinct solid phase types. The nanocomposites that were constructed exhibit unique properties, such as significantly enhanced toughness, mechanical strength, and thermal/electrochemical conductivity. As a result of these advantages, nanocomposites have been used in a variety of applications, including catalysts, electrochemical sensors, biosensors, and energy storage devices, among others. This study focuses on the usage of several forms of carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon aerogels, carbon nanofibers, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes, in the development of hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells have been successfully employed in numerous commercial sectors in recent years, notably in the car industry, due to their cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and long-cyclic durability. Further; we discuss the principles, reaction mechanisms, and cyclic stability of the fuel cells and also new strategies and future challenges related to the development of viable fuel cells.

Development of Palladium on Bismuth Sulfide Nanorods as a Bifunctional Nanomaterial for Efficient Electrochemical Detection and Photoreduction of Hg(II) Ions.

A nanocomposite containing palladium nanoparticles embedded on bismuth sulfide nanorods (Pd@Bi2S3) was synthesized based on a solvothermal method. The structural features, composition, and morphology were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM-EDS, FE-TEM, HAADF-STEM, XPS, N2 physisorption, and UV-vis. Further electrochemical measurements by EIS, CV, DPV, and LSV techniques were done. It revealed that Pd@Bi2S3/GCE were exploited as electrochemical sensors for the detection of toxic mercuric ions (Hg2+), which provides a wide linear range of 0.049-445 µM, excellent sensitivity of 1.17 µA µM-1 cm-2, and detection limit of 13.5 nM. The modified electrode has also been successfully applied for the detection of Hg2+ in sea fish, river fish, and water samples. The Pd@Bi2S3/GCE signifies a robust, usability, and highly effective method for trace level detection of Hg2+ ions. Furthermore, these Pd@Bi2S3 bifunctional catalysts were discovered to have good photoreduction activity for Hg2+ ions upon the visible-light irradiation.

Gold Nanoparticle Embedded on a Reduced Graphene Oxide/polypyrrole Nanocomposite: Voltammetric Sensing of Furazolidone and Flutamide.

A new electrochemical sensor has been constructed based on the in situ preparation of gold nanoparticle embedded on reduced graphene oxide and polypyrrole nanotube (AuNP@rGO/PPyNT) composite through a nanosecond laser-induced heating technique. The as-prepared composite is used for individual as well as the simultaneous electrochemical determination of chemotherapy drug (furazolidone, FU) and anticancer drug (flutamide, FLT). The composite was analyzed by X-ray Diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, thus confirming the successful synthesis of this composite and its physical features. The modified AuNP@rGO/PPyNT electrode was examined through cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods in pH 7.0 for the determination of FU and FLT in individual, simultaneous, and mixed systems. The fabricated sensor showed wide linear responses (0.01-1080.11 µM and 0.01-1214.11 µM) of analytes, with the lower limits of detection of 2.3 and 2.45 nM and higher sensitivity of 53.75 and 50.06 µA µM-1 cm-2, respectively. Furthermore, the constructed sensor demonstrates higher stability, reproducibility, and repeatability, and is effectively applied for the analysis of FU and FLT content in the human serum sample analysis with satisfactory recovery.

Ultrafine Bi-Sn nanoparticles decorated on carbon aerogels for electrochemical simultaneous determination of dopamine (neurotransmitter) and clozapine (antipsychotic drug).

This present study describes the synthesis of ultrafine Bi-Sn nanoparticles decorated on carbon aerogels (Bi-Sn NP/CAG) as a nanocomposite for the electrochemical simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and clozapine (CLZ). The typical characterization techniques, such as XRD, Raman, BET, FT-IR, TGA, XPS, and FE-SEM/TEM, showed useful insights into the crystal phase and morphology of Bi-Sn NP/CAG. Integrated Bi-Sn NP/CAG built into a cost-effective screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) offers a high electrochemical surface area (ECSA) compared to unmodified, Bi-Sn, and CAG/SPCEs, such that it favourably allowed the binding of DA and CLZ molecules onto the surface at the Bi-Sn/CAG, which was demonstrated by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry techniques. As a result, the DA and CLZ sensing exhibited low detection limits (DL, 4.6 and 97.6 nM (S/N = 3)), and sensitivity (3.402 and 0.4 µA µM-1 cm-2) over a wide linear range (0.02-97.59 and 0.5-2092 µM), respectively. To go a step further, the Bi-Sn NP/CAG/SPCE was applied for the simultaneous determination of DA and CLZ which featured lower DL (23.1 and 31.3 nM (S/N = 3)), and sensitivity (0.4979 and 0.04 µA µM-1 cm-2) over a wide linear range (2-182 and 10-910 µM), respectively. The selectivity for DA and CLZ in the presence of a 10-fold concentration of their potentially interfering active species was demonstrated. Finally, this sensing methodology enables the rapid electrochemical determination of the amount of DA and CLZ in a rat brain region serum sample with successful recovery outcomes.

Carbon Dot Nanoparticles Exert Inhibitory Effects on Human Platelets and Reduce Mortality in Mice with Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism.

The inhibition of platelet activation is considered a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of arterial thrombotic diseases; therefore, maintaining platelets in their inactive state has garnered much attention. In recent years, nanoparticles have emerged as important players in modern medicine, but potential interactions between them and platelets remain to be extensively investigated. Herein, we synthesized a new type of carbon dot (CDOT) nanoparticle and investigated its potential as a new antiplatelet agent. This nanoparticle exerted a potent inhibitory effect in collagen-stimulated human platelet aggregation. Further, it did not induce cytotoxic effects, as evidenced in a lactate dehydrogenase assay, and inhibited collagen-activated protein kinase C (PKC) activation and Akt (protein kinase B), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. The bleeding time, a major side-effect of using antiplatelet agents, was unaffected in CDOT-treated mice. Moreover, our CDOT could reduce mortality in mice with ADP-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Overall, CDOT is effective against platelet activation in vitro via reduction of the phospholipase C/PKC cascade, consequently suppressing the activation of MAPK. Accordingly, this study affords the validation that CDOT has the potential to serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of arterial thromboembolic disorders.

An overview of palladium supported on carbon-based materials: Synthesis, characterization, and its catalytic activity for reduction of hexavalent chromium.

Palladium plays a pivotal role in most of the industrial heterogeneous catalysts, because of its unique properties such as well-defined structure, great intrinsic carrier, outstanding electronic, mechanical and thermal stability. The combination of palladium and various porous carbons (PCs) can widen the use of heterogeneous catalysts. This review highlights the advantages and limitations of carbon supported palladium-based heterogeneous catalyst in reduction of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). In addition, we address recent progress on synthesis routes for mono and bimetallic palladium nanoparticles supported by various carbon composites including graphene-based materials, carbon nanotubes, mesoporous carbons, and activated carbons. The related reaction mechanisms for the Cr(VI) reduction are also suggested. Finally, the challenge and perspective are proposed.

Correction: A robust Mn@FeNi-S/graphene oxide nanocomposite as a high-efficiency catalyst for the non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide.

Correction for 'A robust Mn@FeNi-S/graphene oxide nanocomposite as a high-efficiency catalyst for the non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide' by Shaktivel Manavalan et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 5961-5972.

A robust Mn@FeNi-S/graphene oxide nanocomposite as a high-efficiency catalyst for the non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide.

Exploring high-efficiency, stable, and cost-effective electrocatalysts for electrochemical activities is greatly desirable and challenging. Herein, a newly designed hybrid catalyst with manganese-doped FeNi-S encapsulated into graphene oxide (Mn@FeNi-S/GO) with unprecedented electrocatalytic activity was developed by simple one-step heat treatment followed by sonication. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 sorption isotherm demonstrated the successful formation of Mn@FeNi-S/GO. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) further confirmed the kinetic-favourable adsorption of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) onto the surface sites of Mn@FeNi-S/GO. Additionally, the synergetic effects between Mn@FeNi-S and GO are regarded as significant contributors to an efficient electron transfer path, and they promote the capture of H2O2 in hybrid catalysts. Under an optimal condition, a biosensor-based Mn@FeNi-S/GO electrode exhibits a high sensitivity of 8.929 µA µM-1 cm-2 and a detection limit of 8.84 nM with a wide detection range for H2O2 and excellent selectivity; also, it is capable of online monitoring H2O2 derived from apple juice and human blood serum.

Three-dimensional zinc oxide nanostars anchored on graphene oxide for voltammetric determination of methyl parathion.

The two-step microwave method was used to synthesize zinc oxide nanostars linked to graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The material was used to modify a screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) and then explored as a binder-free electrocatalyst for the electrochemical determination of methyl parathion (MP). The morphology and crystallinity of the material were characterized by various techniques. The modified SPCE shows extraordinary electrochemical performances for sensitive determination of MP. Figures of merit include (a) a wide linear dynamic range (0.03-670 µM), (b) a low detection limit (1.2 nM; at S/N = 3), (c) a comparably low working voltage (-0.69 V vs. Ag/AgCl); and (d) an excellent sensitivity (16.5 µA µM-1 cm-2) that surpasses other modified electrodes. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of MP, even in the presence of other common electroactive interference, in (spiked) fruits and vegetables. Graphical abstractGraphene oxide anchored three-dimensional zinc oxide nanostars were used to coat electrode for the sensing of methyl parathion (MP) by voltammetry.

Binder-Free Modification of a Glassy Carbon Electrode by Using Porous Carbon for Voltammetric Determination of Nitro Isomers.

In this study, Liquidambar formosana tree leaves have been used as a renewable biomass precursor for preparing porous carbons (PCs). The PCs were produced by pyrolysis of natural waste of leaves after 10% KOH activation under a nitrogen atmosphere and characterized by a variety of state-of-the-art techniques. The PCs possess a large surface area, micro-/mesoporosity, and functional groups on its surface. A glassy carbon electrode modified with high PCs was explored as an efficient binder-free electrocatalyst material for the voltammetric determination of nitro isomers such as 3-nitroaniline (3-NA) and 4-nitroaniline (4-NA). Under optimal experimental conditions, the electrochemical detection of 3-NA and 4-NA was found to have a wide linear range of 0.2-115.6 and 0.5-120 µM and a low detection limit of 0.0551 and 0.0326 µM, respectively, with appreciable selectivity. This route not only enhanced the benefit from biomass wastes but also reduced the cost of producing electrode materials for electrochemical sensors. Additionally, the sensor was successfully applied in the determination of nitro isomers even in the presence of other common electroactive interference and real samples analysis (beverage and pineapple jam solutions). Therefore, the proposed method is simple, rapid, stable, sensitive, specific, reproducible, and cost-effective and can be applicable for real sample detection.

Catalytic Activity of Bimetallic (Ruthenium/Palladium) Nano-alloy Decorated Porous Carbons Toward Reduction of Toxic Compounds.

Chicken feather-derived high-surface-area porous activated carbon (CFAC) material was prepared using chemical activation. A new composite composed of Ru-Pd nanoparticles supported on CFAC (Ru-Pd@CFAC) has been prepared by microwave-thermal reduction in the presence of the support. Characterization by XRD, Raman, BET, FE-SEM/TEM, FT-IR, TGA, XPS, HAADF-STEM-EDS, H2 -chemisorption, H2 -TPR, and ICP-AES was used to analyze the catalyst. This catalyst is found to be efficient for the reduction of hexavalent chromium (CrVI ), potassium ferricyanide (K3 [Fe(CN)6 ]), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), and pendimethalin (PDM), at room temperature, and remains stable, even after several repeated runs. Moreover, it showed excellent catalytic activity compared with the monometallic counterparts.

Voltammetric determination of vitamin B2 by using a highly porous carbon electrode modified with palladium-copper nanoparticles.

Palladium-copper nanoparticles were placed on activated carbon to give a nanocomposite for electrochemical sensing of riboflavin (vitamin B2). The activated carbon was produced by pyrolysis of natural waste of pistachio nutshells after KOH activation and under a nitrogen atmosphere. The carbons possess a large surface area and micro/meso-porosity. The nanocomposite was characterized by a variety of techniques to confirm structures and morphology. A screen-printed electrode modified with the composite was examined by EIS, CV, DPV, and amperometry. The effects of pH value, scan rate, and stability of the modified electrode were studied. Under optimized conditions, vitamin B2 displays a well-expressed oxidation peak at -0.15 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in solutions with a pH value of 7.0. The voltammetric signal increases linearly in the 0.02 to 9 µM concentrations range and a lower detection limit of 7.6 pM. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of vitamin B2 even in the presence of other common vitamins and in (spiked) raw milk samples. Graphical abstract A highly porous carbon was modified with palladium-copper alloy nanoparticles and used to coat an electrode for sensing of riboflavin (vitamin B2) by voltammetry.

Voltammetric determination of catechol and hydroquinone using nitrogen-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified with nickel nanoparticles.

Nitrogen-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified with nickel nanoparticles (Ni/N-MWCNT) were prepared by a thermal reduction process starting from urea and Ni(II) salt in an inert atmosphere. The nanocomposite was deposited on a screen printed electrode and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses. The performance of the composite was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The numerous active metal sites with fast electron transfer properties result in enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the individual and simultaneous detection of catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ), best at 0.21 V for CC and 0.11 V for HQ (vs. Ag/AgCl). For both targets the detection limit (S/N of 3) was 9 nM (CC) and 11 nM (HQ), and the Ni/N-MWCNT-electrode showed linear response from 0.1-300 µM CC, and 0.3-300 µM HQ. The electrode is selective over many potentially interfering ions. It was applied to the analysis of spiked water samples and gave satisfactory recoveries. It also is sensitive for CC (5.396 µA·µM-1 cm-2) and HQ (5.1577 µA·µM-1 cm-2), highly active, durable, acceptably repeatable and highly reproducible. Graphical abstract Voltammetric determination of catechol and hydroquinone using nitrogen-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified with nickel nanoparticles.

Simple Preparation of Porous Carbon-Supported Ruthenium: Propitious Catalytic Activity in the Reduction of Ferrocyanate(III) and a Cationic Dye.

The present study involves the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic application of ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs) supported on plastic-derived carbons (PDCs) synthesized from plastic wastes (soft drink bottles) as an alternative carbon source. PDCs have been further activated with CO2 and characterized by various analytical techniques. The catalytic activity of Ru@PDC for the reduction of potassium hexacyanoferrate(III), (K3[Fe(CN)6]), and new fuchsin (NF) dye by NaBH4 was performed under mild conditions. The PDCs had spherical morphology with an average size of 0.5 µm, and the Ru NP (5 ± 0.2 nm) loading (4.01 wt %) into the PDC provided high catalytic performance for catalytic reduction of ferrocyanate(III) and NF dye. This catalyst can be recycled more than six times with only a minor loss of its catalytic activity. In addition, the stability and reusability of the Ru@PDC catalyst are also discussed.

Ruthenium Nanoparticles Decorated Tungsten Oxide as a Bifunctional Catalyst for Electrocatalytic and Catalytic Applications.

The syntheses of highly stable ruthenium nanoparticles supported on tungsten oxides (Ru-WO3) bifunctional nanocomposites by means of a facial microwave-assisted route are reported. The physicochemical properties of these Ru-WO3 catalysts with varied Ru contents were characterized by a variety of analytical and spectroscopic methods such as XRD, SEM/TEM, EDX, XPS, N2 physisorption, TGA, UV-vis, and FT-IR. The Ru-WO3 nanocomposite catalysts so prepared were utilized for electrocatalytic of hydrazine (N2H4) and catalytic oxidation of diphenyl sulfide (DPS). The Ru-WO3-modified electrodes were found to show extraordinary electrochemical performances for sensitive and selective detection of N2H4 with a desirable wide linear range of 0.7-709.2 µM and a detection limit and sensitivity of 0.3625 µM and 4.357 µA µM-1 cm-2, respectively, surpassing other modified electrodes. The modified GCEs were also found to have desirable selectivity, stability, and reproducibility as N2H4 sensors, even for analyses of real samples. This is ascribed to the well-dispersed metallic Ru NPs on the WO3 support, as revealed by UV-vis and photoluminescence studies. Moreover, these Ru-WO3 bifunctional catalysts were also found to exhibit excellent catalytic activities for oxidation of DPS in the presence of H2O2 oxidant with desirable sulfoxide yields.