Publications

Co₃O₄ Nanowire Arrays toward Superior Water Oxidation Electrocatalysis in Alkaline Media by Surface Amorphization

It is highly desirable to develop a simple, fast and straightforward method to boost the alkaline water oxidation of metal oxide catalysts. In this communication, we report our recent finding that the generation of amorphous Co-borate layer on Co₃ O₄ nanowire arrays supported on Ti mesh (Co₃ O₄ @Co-Bi NA/TM) leads to significantly boosted OER activity. The as-prepared Co₃ O₄ @Co-Bi NA/TM demands overpotential of 304 mV to drive a geometrical current density of 20 mA cm^-2 in 1.0 M KOH, which is 109 mV less than that for Co₃ O₄ NA/TM, with its catalytic activity being preserved for at least 20 h. It suggests that the existence of amorphous Co-Bi layer promotes more CoO_x (OH)_y generation on Co₃ O₄ surface.

Recent advances in perovskite oxides as electrode materials for supercapacitors

Owing to the high power density and ultralong cycle life, supercapacitors represent an alternative to electrochemical batteries in energy storage applications. However, the relatively low energy density is the main challenge for supercapacitors in the current drive to push the entire technology forward to meet the benchmark requirements for commercialization. To effectively solve this issue, it is crucial to develop electrode materials with excellent electrochemical performance since the electrode used is closely related to the specific capacitance and energy density of supercapacitors. With the unique structure, compositional flexibility, and inherent oxygen vacancy, perovskite oxides have attracted wide attention as promising electrode materials for supercapacitors. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in perovskite oxides as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Firstly, the structures and compositions of perovskite oxides are critically reviewed. Following this, the progress in various perovskite oxides, including single perovskite and derivative perovskite oxides, is depicted, focusing on their electrochemical performance. Furthermore, several optimization strategies (i.e., modulating the stoichiometry of the anion or cation, A-site doping, B-site doping, and constructing composites) to improve their electrochemical performance are also discussed. Finally, the significant challenges facing the advancement of perovskite oxide electrodes for supercapacitor applications and future outlook are proposed.

Formation of C–C and C–Heteroatom Bonds by C–H Activation by Metal Organic Frameworks as Catalysts or Supports

Cross-coupling reactions catalyzed by transition metals are currently among the most widely used transformations in organic synthesis. In most of these reactions, the coupling involves the reaction of two complementary functional groups, particularly boronates and halides. For the sake of atom economy and simplicity of the starting materials, it is more advantageous when the coupling involves C–H activation of one substrate lacking a reactive functional group. The present review focuses on the use of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as solid reusable catalysts to promote cross-coupling reactions involving C–H activation. After general considerations, the review is organized according to the bond formed in the coupling, either C–C or C–heteroatom (N, O, B and X). The purpose of this mini review is to show the performance of MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts in these reactions, combining a high activity due to the large percentage of accessible metal sites and high stability allowing the reuse of the material in consecutive cycles. Comparison with homogeneous analogous catalysts indicates that this improved performance derives from the porosity, large surface area and site isolation and immobilization occurring in the MOFs. Considering the growing interests in these reactions the last section forecasts future developments in these areas in near future.

Structure characterization and antitumor activity of palladium pseudo halide complexes with 4-acetylpyridine

The addition of an aqueous solution of palladium chloride to an aqueous acetonitrile solution of 4-acetylpyridine (4-Acpy) and KSCN or NaN3 produces new complexes, [Pd(SCN)2(4-Acpy)2] (1) and [Pd(N3)2(4-Acpy)2] (2), at ambient conditions. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, and UV-Visible spectra. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The coordination geometry around the palladium center is distorted square planar in 1 and 2 as the palladium is coordinated with two 4-acetylpyridine and two thiocyanates in 1 or two azide groups in 2. The discrete units of 1 and 2 extend along the a-axis creating a 1 D-chain via non-covalent hydrogen bonds. The extensive non-covalent hydrogen bonds extend the structure of 1 and 2 to 3D-networks. Using MTT assay, the cytotoxic activities of 1 and 2 were screened against two cancer cell lines, HePG-2 (liver cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer). The MTT assay revealed that the cytotoxic activity of 1 is stronger than 2 for HePG-2 and MCF-7. Antioxidant and anti‐hemolytic activities of 1 and 2 were examined. Furthermore, the luminescence spectra in the solid state of 1 and 2 are discussed.

Chitosan-titanium oxide fibers supported zero-valent nanoparticles: Highly efficient and easily retrievable catalyst for the removal of organic pollutants

Different chitosan-titanium oxide (CS-TiO₂-x, with x = TiO₂ loadings of 1, 5, 10,15 and 20 wt%) nanocomposite fibers were prepared and kept separately in each salt solution of CuSO₄, CoNO₃, AgNO₃ and NiSO₄ to adsorb Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ag⁺, and Ni⁺ ions, respectively. The metal ions loaded onto CS-TiO₂ fibers were reduced to their respective zero-valent metal nanoparticles (ZV-MNPs) like Cu⁰, Co⁰, Ag⁰ and Ni⁰ by treating with NaBH₄. The CS-TiO₂ fibers templated with various ZV-MNPs were characterized and investigated for their catalytic efficiency. Among all prepared ZV-MNPs, Cu⁰ nanoparticles templated on CS-TiO₂-15 fibers exhibited high catalytic efficiency for the reduction of dyes (methyl orange (MO), congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB) and acridine orange (AO)) and nitrophenols (4-nitrohphenol (4-NP), 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), 3-nitrophenol (3-NP) and 2,6-dinitrophenol (2,6-DNP)). Besides the good catalytic activities of Cu/CS-TiO₂-15 fibers, it could be easily recovered by simply pulling the fiber from the reaction medium.

Phosphate-Functionalized Polyethylene with High Adsorption of Uranium(VI)

For uranium extraction from seawater, development of new stable and reusable sorbents with high affinity and good selectivity for U(VI) is required. Herein, a new phosphate-functionalized polyethylene (denoted PO₄/PE) was synthesized via a simple Ar-jet plasma treatment of PE in concentrated H₃PO₄ and was employed in U(VI) extraction from seawater. The prepared PO₄/PE shows superior performance in the extraction of trace U(VI) from seawater. The adsorption process followed the second-order kinetics model and the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of PO₄/PE for U(VI) reaches 173.8 mg/g at pH 8.2 and 298 K. PO₄/PE can be effectively regenerated by 0.1 mol/L Na₂CO₃ and reused well even after eight cycles. Experimental results offer a new approach for U(VI) uptake from seawater.

Synthesis and spectral characterization of a new blue fluorescent tripod for detecting metal cations and protons

Conformational and spectroscopic behaviors of 2,4-xylyl isothiocyanate

CCDC 1555742: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.

Design And Evaluation of Fexofenadine Orally Disintegrating Tablets For Rapid Dissolution

Abstract: This study aims to formulate and evaluate Fexofenadine Oral Disintegration Tablets (ODTs), focusing on overcoming patient compliance issues related to taste and swallowing difficulties, especially in elderly and pediatric patients. Fexofenadine, a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, is used to enhance rapid dissolution, absorption, and bioavailability. Objectives included preparing tablets using direct compression and evaluating formulations through in-vitro tests such as weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, drug content, wetting time, dispersion time, disintegration time, and dissolution studies. FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the presence of principal peaks and interactions between drugs and polymers. Results indicated a strong correlation (r = 0.998) between fexofenadine concentration and absorbance values. Tablets exhibited weight and thickness within pharmacoeial limits, with hardness, friability, and drug content meeting acceptable standards. Wetting time and water absorption ratio varied among formulations, with Cross povidone and Croscarmellose sodium showing superior performance. Disintegration times ranged from 17.66±0.51 to 171.83±1.16 seconds, with tablet formulations containing Cross povidone or combinations of super disintegrants (CP + CCS, CP + SSG) demonstrating rapid disintegration. In-vitro dispersion and dissolution studies reaffirmed these findings, suggesting these ODT formulations can significantly improve patient adherence, providing a quick onset of action and enhanced drug bioavailability. Further studies are recommended to establish extended in vivo performance and safety profiles, supporting the efficacy of fexofenadine ODTs in clinical settings.

Impact of fiber reinforced polymer composites on structural joints of tubular sections: A review

THEORETICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE CHARGE TRANSFER PROPERTIES IN OLIGOTHIOPHENE DERIVATIVES

The structures of 5,5′-bis(naphth-2-yl)- 2,2′-bithiophene (NaT2), 5,5″-bis(naphth-2-yl)-2,2′:5′,2′-terthiophene (NaT3), 5,5‴-bis(naphth-2-yl)-2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴-tetrathiophene (NaT4), 5,5″″-bis(naphth-2-yl)-2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴:5‴,2″″-quinquethiophene (NaT5) and 5,5′″″-bis(naphth-2-yl)-2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴:5‴,2″″:5″″,2′″″-sexithiophene (NaT6) have been optimized at PBE1PBE/6-31G* level of theory. By increasing the chain length (thiophene units) energy gap decreases. The hole reorganization energy also decreases from NaT2–NaT6 . We have observed that mobility of NaT5 and NaT6 can be enhanced by minimizing the polarization and relaxation. The end-capped naphthyl groups have been rotated from 0°–60° in the case study of NaT2 , it was found that hole reorganization energy increases with the increment in angle. Furthermore the charge transport properties of 5,5′-bis(thionaphth-2-yl)-2,2′-bithiophene (TNT2), 5,5″-bis(thionaphth-2-yl)-2,2′:5′,2″-terthiophene (TNT3), and 5,5‴-bis(thionaphth-2-yl)-2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴-quaterthiophene (TNT4) have been investigated at the same level of theory. It has been studied that cis isomers have higher hole reorganization energies as compared to trans ones thus these isomers would diminish the mobility.

Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles-Filled Polyethersulfone Membranes for Antibacterial and Anti-Biofouling Application

All the nanocomposite membranes showed superb antibacterial and anti-biofouling performances, indicating that AgNPs in the PES membranes could be an effective approach to minimize membrane biofouling.

Discarded water hyacinth/pineapple fibers and carbon/innegra fabrics and TiC nanoparticles reinforced UV resistant polyester composites

The widespread utilization of plant cellulose fiber-inorganic fillers-synthetic fabric-reinforced laminates is the current trend in the research field. This investigation studies the effect of chemically treated and untreated water hyacinth/pineapple leaf, titanium carbide nanoparticles, Innegra, and carbon fabric reinforcement on the physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of ultra-violet resistant polyester hybrid composites. The chemically treated and untreated water hyacinth/pineapple leaf fibers were examined from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and found that chemically treated fibers have an excellent interlocking bond with TiC nanoparticles, Innegra, carbon fabric, and polyester matrix. The maximum tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, impact strength, and shore hardness also affirmed good interfacial bonding of fillers and textiles within the matrix as examined from SEM micrographs. The present investigation also determines the forecasting of the approaches and performance of artificial neural network (ANN) to model the material characteristics of fabricated polyester hybrid composite. Furthermore, the ANN model was more accurate and a valuable technique to optimize the material characteristics of the developed polyester hybrid composite.

Sonochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles anchored reduced graphene oxide nanosheets for selective and sensitive detection of glutathione

<i>In situ</i> electrochemical development of copper oxide nanocatalysts within a TCNQ nanowire array: a highly conductive electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction

It is highly desired to develop efficient earth-abundant electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. In this communication, we report the in situ electrochemical conversion of a nanoarray of Cu(tetracyanoquinodimethane), Cu(TCNQ), an inorganic-organic hybrid, on Cu foam into CuO nanocrystals confined in a highly conductive nanoarray via anode oxidation. As a 3D catalyst electrode, the resulting CuO-TCNQ/CF shows high OER activity and demands an overpotential of only 317 mV to drive a geometrical catalytic current density of 25 mA cm^-2. Notably, this catalyst also demonstrates strong long-term electrochemical durability. This study provides us with a universal strategy toward topotactic room-temperature preparation of conductive nanoarrays with confined transition metal nanocatalysts for practical applications.

Preparation and characterization of new and novel Poly-o-Toluidine Sn(II) silicotungstate ternary nanocomposite and its environment application as indicator electrode

Advanced poly(O-Toluidine) Sn(II) silicotungstate (POTSn(II)SiO2WO3) ternary nanocomposite synthesized by the extremely well-known simple sol–gel method. We have selected a low-cost o-toluidine monomer initiator and abundantly available metal of divalent tin with the silicon tungstate moieties that may work as the exchange sites for the metal ions. The poly(O-toluidine) Sn(II) silicotungstate was prepared by the oxidative polymerization of o-toluidine by potassium persulphate in situ mixings of the Sn(II) tungstate prepared in the separate conical flask at 5 pH. The obtained composite was characterized by various spectrophotometric techniques viz, SEM-EDX, XRD, TGA, FTIR, and its physicochemical characterization was carried out by determining its potential as an ion-selective membrane electrode. The ion-selective membrane was prepared and characterized for, porosity, swelling, and thickness. Based on high porosity and low thickness, the membrane was selected for further studies for the preparation of the selective membrane electrode and found selective for Cd2+. Based on the calibration curve, the Nernstian response was found near the Nernstian response (29.74), good pH range, and broad selectivity range of the metal ion. This ion-selective membrane electrode would be utilized for the determination of metal in unknown samples.

CCDC 688961: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.