Publications

A series of polymeric titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene composites were prepared by in situ polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) on Ti3C2Tx MXene materials. The resulting PEDOT:PSS/MXene composites were fabricated into a gas sensor using a dip coating technique. The composite sensor was able to measure ammonia (NH3) at room temperature and showed a strong gas response of 36.6% against 100 ppm of NH3 with the response and recovery time of 116 and 40 s, respectively. In addition, the composite sensor exhibited enhanced sensing performance compared to both pure PEDOT:PSS- and Ti3C2Tx MXene-based sensors, demonstrating a synergistic effect between PEDOT:PSS polymers and Ti3C2Tx MXene 2D materials. These data suggested the great potential of using PEDOT:PSS/MXene composite sensors for room temperature detection of NH3.

To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) adopting a green approach and evaluate their toxicological potential against housefly Musca domestica which is responsible for spreading a number of fatal diseases. In the present work, AgNPs were synthesized by consuming secondary metabolites present in the fresh aqueous extract of melon. While the toxicity of the synthesized materials were recorded against house fly via feeding deterrence protocol. Surface plasmon resonance was observed at 430 nm and the average crystallite size calculated from powder X ray diffraction was (18 ± 6) nm. Significant results were observed at different concentrations in the range of 2–10 mg/mL. Fresh melon extract resulted in a simple one-step formation of AgNPs with better control over the size of the material and the noteworthy insecticidal activity was displayed. This study proved the insecticidal potential of AgNPs against Musca domestica and its candidacy for replacing commercially available insecticides (organic/inorganic) which are synthesized in nature.

A series of defective graphenes containing or not containing N, B, S and other heteroatoms exhibited general activity as metal-free catalysts for the hydrogenation of CC double bonds by hydrazine in the presence of oxygen.

Abstract Developing low cost and efficient anode and cathode materials toward electrocatalysis are regarded as one of the most desirable yet challenging research directions, which are intimately related to the pressing energy, environmental and human health issues. Currently, 3 D foam (such as Ni foam, Cu foam, and graphene foam) based heterogeneous catalysts have been intensively explored for actively catalyzing the electrode reactions. Their inherent characteristics of stereo‐network structure, high specific area and large pore volume not only provide better mass transport of reactants to electrode surfaces, but also pave 3 D electron transport pathways. Herein, recent significant progress and rational design of foam‐based electrocatalysts are reviewed. In addition, some insights into current challenges and future directions of foams for efficient electrocatalysis are proposed and discussed.

A series of novel monobenzyl-substituted deuteriofullerenes (BnDCs) were synthesized efficiently through Co-catalyzed selective monofunctionalization of C60. Bulk heterojunction solar cells, based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) as the donor and BnDCs as the acceptors, exhibited higher photovoltaic performances as compared to the corresponding protonated BnHCs devices.

Benzotriazole-activated biotin was utilized as a versatile building block for the efficient and convenient synthesis of novel biotin conjugates with quinolone antibiotics via amino acid linkers under microwave irradiation. The products are obtained in yields of 70–91% with retention of chirality.

A noble strategy: A photocatalytic strategy toward organic–inorganic ternary nanocomposites of Sn-porphyrin (SnP), angular Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using SnP as an effective photocatalyst for the reduction of both GO and AuIII under visible-light irradiation. The synergistic effect of surface plasmon resonance excitation in AuNPs and SnP leads to a 27-fold increase in the photocurrent.