Green synthesized cobalt oxide nanoparticles with photocatalytic activity towards dye removal.

The present study aimed at the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) mediated by leaf extract of Muntingia calabura using a rapid and simple method and evaluation of its photocatalytic activity against methylene blue (MB) dye. UV-vis absorption spectrum showed multiple peaks with an optical band gap of 2.05 eV, which was concordant with the literature. FESEM image signified the irregular-shaped, clusters of CONPs, and EDX confirmed the existence of the Co and O elements. The sharp peaks of XRD spectrum corroborated the crystalline nature with a mean crystallite size of 27.59 nm. Raman spectrum substantiated the purity and structural defects. XPS signified the presence of Co in different oxidation states. FTIR image revealed the presence of various phytochemicals present on the surface and the bands at 515 and 630 cm-1 designated the characteristic Co-O bonds. VSM studies confirmed the antiferromagnetic property with negligible hysteresis. The high BET specific surface area (10.31 m2/g) and the mesoporous nature of the pores of CONPs signified the presence of a large number of active sites, thus, indicating their suitability as photocatalysts. The CONPs degraded 88% of 10 mg/L MB dye within 300 min of exposure to sunlight. The degradation of MB dye occurred due to the formation of hydroxyl free radicals on exposure to sunlight, which followed first-order kinetics with rate constant of 0.0065 min-1. Hence, the CONPs synthesized herein could be applied to degrade other xenobiotics and the treatment of industrial wastewater and environmentally polluted samples.

Xanthan gum production using jackfruit-seed-powder-based medium: optimization and characterization.

Xanthan gum (XG) production by Xanthomonas campestris NCIM 2961 using jackfruit seed powder (JSP) as a novel substrate was reported. Central composite design (CCD) of response surface method (RSM) was used to evaluate the linear and interaction effects of five medium variables (JSP, peptone, citric acid, K2HPO4 and KH2PO4) for XG production. Maximum XG production (51.62 g/L) was observed at the optimum level of JSP (4 g/L), peptone (0.93 g/L), citric acid (0.26 g/L), K2HPO4 (1.29 g/L) and KH2PO4 (0.5 g/L). K2HPO4 and KH2PO4 were found as significant medium components, which served as buffering agents as well as nutrients for X. campestris growth. The obtained biopolymer was characterized as XG by XRD and FTIR analysis. Results of this study revealed that JSP was found to be a suitable low cost substrate for XG production.