PdO@CoSe2 composites: efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation in alkaline media.

In this study, we have prepared cobalt selenide (CoSe2) due to its useful aspects from a catalysis point of view such as abundant active sites from Se edges, and significant stability in alkaline conditions. CoSe2, however, has yet to prove its functionality, so we doped palladium oxide (PdO) onto CoSe2 nanostructures using ultraviolet (UV) light, resulting in an efficient and stable water oxidation composite. The crystal arrays, morphology, and chemical composition of the surface were studied using a variety of characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was also demonstrated that the composite systems were heterogeneous in their morphology, undergoing a shift in their diffraction patterns, suffering from a variety of metal oxidation states and surface defects. The water oxidation was verified by a low overpotential of 260 mV at a current density of 20 mA cm-2 with a Tafel Slope value of 57 mV dec-1. The presence of multi metal oxidation states, rich surface edges of Se and favorable charge transport played a leading role towards water oxidation with a low energy demand. Furthermore, 48 h of durability is associated with the composite system. With the use of PdO and CoSe2, new, low efficiency, simple electrocatalysts for water catalysis have been developed, enabling the development of practical energy conversion and storage systems. This is an excellent alternative approach for fostering growth in the field.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles for the fabrication of non cytotoxic and antibacterial metallic polymer based nanocomposite system.

Nanomaterials have significantly contributed in the field of nanomedicine as this subject matter has combined the usefulness of natural macromolecules with organic and inorganic nanomaterials. In this respect, various types of nanocomposites are increasingly being explored in order to discover an effective approach in controlling high morbidity and mortality rate that had triggered by the evolution and emergence of multidrug resistant microorganisms. Current research is focused towards the production of biogenic silver nanoparticles for the fabrication of antimicrobial metallic-polymer-based non-cytotoxic nanocomposite system. An ecofriendly approach was adapted for the production of silver nanoparticles using fungal biomass (Aspergillus fumigatus KIBGE-IB33). The biologically synthesized nanoparticles were further layered with a biodegradable macromolecule (chitosan) to improve and augment the properties of the developed nanocomposite system. Both nanostructures were characterized using different spectrographic analyses including UV-visible and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic technique. The biologically mediated approach adapted in this study resulted in the formation of highly dispersed silver nanoparticles that exhibited an average nano size and zeta potential value of 05 nm (77.0%) and - 22.1 mV, respectively with a polydispersity index of 0.4. Correspondingly, fabricated silver-chitosan nanocomposites revealed a size of 941 nm with a zeta potential and polydispersity index of + 63.2 mV and 0.57, respectively. The successful capping of chitosan on silver nanoparticles prevented the agglomeration of nanomaterial and also facilitated the stabilization of the nano system. Both nanoscopic entities exhibited antimicrobial potential against some pathogenic bacterial species but did not displayed any antifungal activity. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentration of nanocomposite system (1.56 µg ml-1) was noticed against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. Fractional inhibitory concentration index of the developed nanocomposite system confirmed its improved synergistic behavior against various bacterial species with no cytotoxic effect on NIH/3T3 cell lines. Both nanostructures, developed in the present study, could be utilized in the form of nanomedicines or nanocarrier system after some quantifiable trials as both of them are nonhazardous and have substantial antibacterial properties.

Mixed MoS2/MoO3 Nanostructures for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

The electrolysis of water has paved the way towards a clean, efficient and renewable energy source for the future technologies. Therefore, an efficient electrocatalyst is needed. MoS2 based nonprecious materials are earth-abundant, low cost and promising for the hydrogen evolution reaction. In this study, the effect of sulfur source on the catalytic properties of the MoS2 nanostructures is investigated. Two different sulfur precursors (i.e., thiourea and L-cysteine) were used for the synthesis of MoS2 nanostructures. The optimization of the sulfur precursor content was carried out to report the best for the development of the future generation of HER catalysts. The cysteine assisted synthesis results the mixed MoO3/MoS2 composite structure which has shown significant effect on the catalytic activity. The low concentrations of cysteine and thiourea have shown excellent catalytic activity and stability in 0.5 M H2SO4. TheMoS2 nanostructures with the cysteine as sulfur precursor have shown low Tafel slope of 81 mV dec-1 and a current density of 30 mA cm-2 is obtained at 0.45 V versus RHE. The superior performance of cysteine-based MoS2 sample is due to the rapid charge transfer as confirmed by EIS and excellent conductivity as witnessed by low optical band gap. These findings strengthen the understanding of fundamental science of Mo-based catalysts for the development of the future generation of electrocatalysts and energy conversion technologies.

Fabrication and characterization of graphene oxide nanoparticles incorporated in poly (vinyl alcohol) electro-spun nanofibers and its vapor-phase crosslinking.

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes have gained great focused in medical research due to its simplicity, diversity and biodegradability. The challenge to researchers is to make more effective and sustainable by incorporating pristine materials to address adverse health issues of society. In this work, considering the unique characteristics of Graphene and its derivatives, well-dispersed Graphene Oxide (GO) were prepared using Modified Hummer's method. Further, the mixture of solutions, Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) PVA with synthesized GO nano-particles, was successively fabricated into nanofibrous membranes by electrospinning technique. Further, the electrospun membranes were cross-linked through vapours of Glutaraldehyde (GA) in controlled environment to make membranes hydrophobic in nature. In addition, the characterization of synthesized GO and electrospun nanofibers were done using SEM, XRD and FTIR. The results show that GO incorporation decreases the average diameter of nanofibers from 422±133nm to 274.1±93.23nm, whereas crosslinking of nanofibers at various hours (12 to 48h) tends to increase the average diameter from 368.4±130.1nm to 671.41±293nm. In addition to that the 12h crosslinked nanofibers membrane shows better antibacterial activity than without crosslinked PVA/GO membrane against E. coli after 24h of incubation. This primarily work provides a basis for further studies of this novel nanofibrous material.

Efficient tri-metallic oxides NiCo2O4/CuO for the oxygen evolution reaction.

In this study, a simple approach was used to produce nonprecious, earth abundant, stable and environmentally friendly NiCo2O4/CuO composites for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. The nanocomposites were prepared by a low temperature aqueous chemical growth method. The morphology of the nanostructures was changed from nanowires to porous structures with the addition of CuO. The NiCo2O4/CuO composite was loaded onto a glassy carbon electrode by the drop casting method. The addition of CuO into NiCo2O4 led to reduction in the onset potential of the OER. Among the composites, 0.5 grams of CuO anchored with NiCo2O4 (sample 2) demonstrated a low onset potential of 1.46 V vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). A current density of 10 mA cm-2 was achieved at an over-potential of 230 mV and sample 2 was found to be durable for 35 hours in alkaline media. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicated a small charge transfer resistance of 77.46 ohms for sample 2, which further strengthened the OER polarization curves and indicates the favorable OER kinetics. All of the obtained results could encourage the application of sample 2 in water splitting batteries and other energy related applications.

Characterization and interplay of bacteriocin and exopolysaccharide-mediated silver nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent.

Metallic nanoparticles have a substantial scientific interest because of their distinctive physicochemical and antimicrobial properties and the emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens could unlock the potential of nanoparticles to combat infectious diseases. The aim of the current study is to enhance the antibacterial potential of purified bacteriocin by combining bacteriocin and antibacterial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Hence, the interaction of natural antimicrobial compounds and antibacterial nanoparticles can be used as a potential tool for combating infectious diseases. In this study, a green, simple and effective approach is used to synthesize antibacterial AgNPs using fungal exopolysaccharide as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The AgNPs were characterized by spectroscopic analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Furthermore, the synergistic effect of bacteriocin-AgNPs was determined against pathogenic strains. The histogram of AgNPs indicated well-dispersed, stabilized and negatively charged particles with variable size distribution. The combination of bacteriocin with nanoparticles found to be more effective due to broad antibacterial potential with possibly lower doses. The current study is imperative to provide an alternative for the chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles. It showed environmental friendly and cost effective green synthesis of antibacterial nanoparticles.

Simultaneously removal of inorganic arsenic species from stored rainwater in arsenic endemic area by leaves of Tecomella undulata: a multivariate study.

In the present study, an indigenous biosorbent (leaves of Tecomella undulata) was used for the simultaneous removal of inorganic arsenic species (As(III) and As(V)) from the stored rainwater in Tharparkar, Pakistan. The Plackett-Burman experimental design was used as a multivariate strategy for the evaluation of the effects of six factors/variables on the biosorption of inorganic arsenic species, simultaneously. Central composite design (CCD) was used to found the optimum values of significant factors for the removal of As(III) and As(V). Initial concentrations of both inorganic As species, pH, biosorbent dose, and contact time were selected as independent factors in CCD, while the adsorption capacity (q e) was considered as a response function. The separation of inorganic As species in water samples before and after biosorption was carried out by cloud point and solid-phase extraction methods. Theoretical values of pH, concentration of analytes, biosorbent dose, and contact time were calculated by quadratic equation for 100 % biosorption of both inorganic As species in aqueous media. Experimental data were modeled by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Thermodynamic and kinetic study indicated that the biosorption of As(III) and As(V) was followed by pseudo second order. It was concluded that the indigenous biosorbent material efficiently and simultaneously removed both As species in the range of 70.8 to 98.5 % of total contents in studied ground water samples. Graphical abstract Optimizing the significant varable by central 2(3) + star orthogonal composite design.

Co-electrospun poly(ɛ-caprolactone)/cellulose nanofibers-fabrication and characterization.

We report fabrication of poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL)/cellulose (CEL) nanofiber blends via co-electrospinning for the possible use as biofilters and biosensor strips. Five different ratios of PCL to CEL were fabricated to investigate the wicking behavior. The cellulose acetate (CA) was taken as precursor to make cellulose nanofibers. Double nozzles were employed for jetting constituent polymers toward collector drum independently and resultant nanofibers webs were deacetylated in aqueous alkaline solution to convert CA into CEL as confirmed by FTIR spectra. FTIR further revealed that there is no effect of deacetylation on PCL nanofiber. The morphology of each blend webs under SEM showed uniform and bead-free nanofibers. Wicking behavior for five different ratios of PCL/CEL suggested that increasing CEL ratio in the blend enhanced the wicking front height; however, X-ray diffraction patterns of PCL/CEL showed a slight decrease in crystallinity.