Hydrothermally Synthesized Z-Scheme Nanocomposite of ZIF-9 Modified MXene for Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Chlorophenol.

4-Chlorophenol (4CP) is a well-known environmental contaminant often detected in wastewater, generally arising from industrial processes such as chemical manufacture, pharmaceutical production, and pesticide formulation. 4CP is a matter of great concern since it is persistent and has the potential to have harmful impacts on both aquatic ecosystems and human health, owing to its hazardous and mutagenic properties. Hence, degradation of 4CP is of utmost significance. This research investigates the photocatalytic degradation of 4CP using a novel Z-scheme heterojunction nanocomposite composed of MXene and ZIF-9. The nanocomposite is synthesized through a two-step hydrothermal method and thoroughly characterized by using XRD, SEM, UV-visible spectroscopy, zeta potential, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies, confirming successful fabrication with improved surface properties. The comparative photocatalytic degradation studies between pristine materials and the nanocomposite were performed, and significant enhancement in performance was observed. The effect of pH on the degradation efficiency is also explored and correlated with the surface charge. The Z-scheme photocatalysis mechanism is proposed, which is supported by time-resolved photoluminescence studies and scavenger experiments. The reusability of the nanocomposite is also evaluated. The study contributes to the development of efficient and sustainable photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.

Recent progress in metal oxide-based electrode materials for safe and sustainable variants of supercapacitors.

A significant amount of energy can be produced using renewable energy sources; however, storing massive amounts of energy poses a substantial obstacle to energy production. Economic crisis has led to rapid developments in electrochemical (EC) energy storage devices (EESDs), especially rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors (SCs), which are effective for energy storage systems. Researchers have lately suggested that among the various EESDs, the SC is an effective alternate for energy storage due to the presence of the following characteristics: SCs offer high-power density (PD), improvable energy density (ED), fast charging/discharging, and good cyclic stability. This review highlighted and analyzed the concepts of supercapacitors and types of supercapacitors on the basis of electrode materials, highlighted the several feasible synthesis processes for preparation of metal oxide (MO) nanoparticles, and discussed the morphological effects of MOs on the electrochemical performance of the devices. In this review, we primarily focus on pseudo-capacitors for SCs, which mainly contain MOs and their composite materials, and also highlight their future possibilities as a useful application of MO-based materials in supercapacitors. The novelty of MO's electrode materials is primarily due to the presence of synergistic effects in the hybrid materials, rich redox activity, excellent conductivity, and chemical stability, making them excellent for SC applications.

Ganoderma lucidum: Multifaceted mechanisms to combat diabetes through polysaccharides and triterpenoids: A comprehensive review.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder. Diabetes complications can affect many organs and systems in the body. Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) contains various compounds that have been studied for their potential antidiabetic effects, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids (ganoderic acids, ganoderol B), proteoglycans, and G. lucidum extracts. G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) and triterpenoids have been shown to act through distinct mechanisms, such as improving glucose metabolism, modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) system, inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and protecting the pancreatic beta cells. While GLPs exhibit a significant role in controlling diabetic nephropathy and other associated complications. This review states the G. lucidum antidiabetic mechanisms of action and potential biologically active compounds that contribute to diabetes management and associated complications. To make G. lucidum an appropriate replacement for the treatment of diabetes with fewer side effects, more study is required to completely comprehend the number of physiologically active compounds present in it as well as the underlying cellular mechanisms that influence their effects on diabetes.

Design, spectral characterization, quantum chemical investigation, biological activity of nano-sized transition metal complexes of tridentate 3-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl-aminomethylphenol Schiff base ligand.

A tridentate Schiff base ligand, H2MTIP, was produced by condensing salicylaldehyde with 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol. The ligand was then used to create nanosized complexes of Pt(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Pd(II). The complexes have the composition [Pt/Ni/Cu/or Pd(MTIP)(H2O)], this conclusion is supported by molar conductance, magnetic moments, elemental analyses, spectral analyses. In DFT analysis, the 6-31+ g(d,p) basis set was used to fully optimize the energy with respect to the shapes of Schiff base ligand and metal complexes. Pt(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Pd(II) complexes have been assigned square-planar geometries. At the same time, the intense diffraction peaks in X-ray diffractograms show their crystalline features with particle sizes in the nanoscale range. The binding interaction of calf thymus DNA with these metal complexes and their insulin-like activity was examined in vitro by inhibiting α-amylase. The study investigated the in-vitro activity of several complexes and identified Pt(II) complex as the one with the highest activity. The researchers then tested this complex for in-vivo antidiabetic activity in induced diabetic rats using the STZ model, and it significantly lowered blood glucose levels. The antioxidant activity and toxicity level of Pt(II) complex were also excellent, suggesting that it could be a good candidate for further research as a possible diabetes drug.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Acacia ehrenbergiana Plant Cortex Extract for Efficient Removal of Rhodamine B Cationic Dye from Wastewater and the Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) exhibit vast potential in numerous applications, such as wastewater treatment and catalysis. In this study, we report the green synthesis of Ag-NPs using Acacia ehrenbergiana plant cortex extract to reduce cationic Rhodamine B (RhB) dye and for antibacterial and antifungal applications. The green synthesis of Ag-NPs involves three main phases: activation, growth, and termination. The shape and morphologies of the prepared Ag-NPs were studied through different analytical techniques. The results confirmed the successful preparation of Ag-NPs with a particle size distribution ranging from 1 to 40 nm. The Ag-NPs were used as a heterogeneous catalyst to reduce RhB dye from aqueous solutions in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The results showed that 96% of catalytic reduction can be accomplished within 32 min using 20 µL of 0.05% Ag-NPs aqueous suspension in 100 µL of 1 mM RhB solution, 2 mL of deionized water, and 1 mL of 10 mM NaBH4 solution. The results followed a zero-order chemical kinetic (R2 = 0.98) with reaction rate constant k as 0.059 mol L-1 s-1. Furthermore, the Ag-NPs were used as antibacterial and antifungal agents against 16 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as 1 fungus. The green synthesis of Ag-NPs is environmentally friendly and inexpensive, as well as yields highly stabilized nanoparticles by phytochemicals. The substantial results of catalytic reductions and antimicrobial activity reflect the novelty of the prepared Ag-NPs. These nanoparticles entrench the dye and effectively remove the microorganisms from polluted water.

Binding Study of Antibacterial Drug Ciprofloxacin with Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids Having Different Halide Anions: A Spectroscopic and Density Functional Theory Analysis.

Herein, we have shown the interaction of an antibiotic drug ciprofloxacin (CIP) with three surface-active ionic liquids (ILs), having the same cation and different anions, namely, 1-decyl-3-methylimidazoliumtetrafluoroborate [C10mim][BF4], 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [C10mim][Br], and 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C10mim][Cl]. This study has been performed by exploiting various spectroscopic techniques such as steady-state fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The fluorescence emission study of CIP with ILs was performed at various concentrations of all the three ILs. The emission spectra of CIP decreased in the presence of ILs, suggesting complex formation between CIP-IL. The effect of different concentrations of ILs on the emission spectra of CIP was exploited in terms of quenching and binding parameters. Further, fluorescence emission study was validated by the time-resolved fluorescence technique by measuring the average lifetime (τavg) of CIP in the presence of all the three ILs. The τavg value of the drug changed with the addition of ILs, which suggests complex formation between the drug and ILs. This complex formation was also confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy results of CIP with all the three ILs. Further, for evaluating the thermodynamic parameters of the CIP-IL interactions, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was performed. The ITC experiment yielded the thermodynamic parameters, ΔH (change in the enthalpy of association), ΔG (Gibbs free energy change), ΔS (entropy change), and binding constant (Ka). The binding parameters driven by ITC revealed that CIP-IL interactions are spontaneous in nature and enthalpy-driven, involving hydrophobic forces. Further, the classical density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed, which provided deep insight for CIP-IL complex formation.