CdS/Zr:Fe2 O3 Nanorod Arrays with Al2 O3 Passivation Layer for Photoelectrochemical Solar Hydrogen Generation.

CdS-sensitized 1 D Zr:Fe2 O3 nanorod arrays were synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates by a two-step hydrothermal method. The photoelectrochemical results demonstrate that the current density (4.2 mA cm-2 at 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl) recorded under illumination for the CdS/1 D Zr:Fe2 O3 photoanodes is 2.8 time higher than the bare 1 D Zr:Fe2 O3 . The extended absorbance spectrum, the reduced recombination, and the effective transport of photogenerated holes in CdS to the electrolyte facilitate enhancement in the photoelectrochemical performance. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and TEM observations of the bare and aluminum oxide-treated CdS/1 D Zr:Fe2 O3 photoanodes, we could confirm that the 1 D Zr:Fe2 O3 nanorods were covered by the CdS layer and Al2 O3 layer present on surface of CdS. Furthermore, the photocurrent and stability of the CdS/1 D Zr:Fe2 O3 nanorods was significantly enhanced by Al2 O3 compared to bare CdS/1 D Zr:Fe2 O3 heterojunction owing to its ability to act as an effective holetransport- as well as photocorrosion-protecting layer. These remarkable enhancements in light-energy harvesting, improvement in charge transport, and stability directly suggest the usefulness of photoanodes for solar hydrogen generation.

Piper betle-mediated synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and rat splenocyte cytotoxic effects of copper oxide nanoparticles.

The study reports a simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using Piper betle leaf extract. Formation of CuONPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy at 280 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the CuONPs were spherical, with an average size of 50-100 nm. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) peak was observed approximately at 1 and 8 keV. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies indicated that the particles were crystalline in nature. CuONPs effectively inhibited the growth of phytopathogens Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas axonopodis. The cytotoxic effect of the synthesized CuONPs was analyzed using rat splenocytes. The cell viability was decreased to 94% at 300 µg/mL.

Eco-friendly approach towards green synthesis of zinc oxide nanocrystals and its potential applications.

In the present study, we investigated a novel green route for synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals using Prunus × yedoensis Matsumura leaf extract as a reducing agent without using any surfactant or external energy. Standard characterization studies were carried out to confirm the obtained product using UV-Vis spectra, SEM-EDS, FTIR, TEM, and XRD. In addition, the synthesized ZnO nanocrystals were coated onto fabric and leather samples to study their bacteriostatic effect against odor-causing bacteria Brevibacterium linens and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Zinc oxide nanocrystal-coated fabric and leather showed good activity against both bacteria.

Synthesis and characterization of nanosilver with antibacterial properties using Pinus densiflora young cone extract.

This study describes an eco-friendly, rapid method for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from an aqueous solution of silver nitrate using Pinus densiflora for. multicaulis Uyeki young cone extract in a single-pot process. Color changes, ultraviolet-visible spectra (444.5 nm), X-ray diffraction peaks (2θ=39.68, 46.92, 68.12, and 79.10), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the presence of Ag NPs and phytochemicals. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles were mostly oval in shape, with a few triangular-shaped particles. Average particle size was 30-80 nm. Phytochemicals present in the young pine cone extract were likely responsible for the reduction of Ag(+) ions. The synthesized Ag NPs (40 µg) had a 7 mm larger zone of inhibition against the skin pathogen Brevibacterium linens than commercial Ag NPs, Propionibacterium acnes (14 mm), Bacillus cereus (9 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (10mm).