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Wastewater generated from different sources affects the health of living organisms and the natural environment due to the availability of different pollutants. Electrocoagulation (EC) is a good technology implemented for wastewater treatment before discharging to an environment as effluents. The electrocoagulation process is an effective method to the remove the color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, and consumption of less energy from wastewater by considering different operating parameters. In this study, the major operating parameters for the electrocoagulation process such as pH (3–7.50), electric current (0.03–0.09 A), electrolytic concentration (1–3 g/L), the distance between electrodes (1–2 cm), electrolysis time (20–60 min) and combination of electrodes (Fe–Fe and Al–Al) were studied. The maximum removal of color–94.40%, COD–97.02%, and turbidity–90.91% with required energy consumption –36kWhr/m3 was obtained at the electric current–0.09 A, electrolyte concentration–3 g/L, pH–7, electrode combination–Fe–Fe, and distance between electrodes–3 cm, respectively. The studied parameters were affected the removal % color, % COD, % turbidity, and also the consumption of energy depending on the desired setup of fixed values of the parameter. Consumption of energy and electrode dissolution is related to the cost of operating in electrocoagulation in addition to the cost of labor and the small amount of sludge produced for disposal.

Multilayer tandem solar cells emerge as a transformative solution, leveraging multiple absorber layers with optimized bandgaps to capture and convert a broader spectrum of sunlight. This layered architecture overcomes the efficiency limitations of single-junction solar cells by minimizing transparency and thermalization losses while maximizing photon utilization across the solar spectrum. Although hybrid perovskites have demonstrated exceptional photovoltaic performance, their dependence on organic components often results in stability challenges under varying environmental conditions. To mitigate this issue, all-inorganic perovskites have emerged as a robust alternative, offering enhanced thermal and moisture stability along with reliable long-term performance. In the proposed design, a sustainable approach is adopted using a tin-based, low-lead, all-inorganic CsPb 0.75 Sn 0.25 IBr 2 (1.78 eV) for the top subcell absorber, paired with a lead-free double perovskite Cs 2 TiI 6 (1.02 eV), in the bottom subcell, with the use of SCAPS − 1D simulator. Standalone analyses of the top and bottom subcells are conducted before tandem configuration implementation. Importantly, tandem design is optimized by investigating the current matching point by varying the absorber layer thicknesses (100–1000 nm). Illuminating the top subcell with the AM 1.5G spectrum and passing filtered light to the bottom subcell enables extensive light absorption and improved overall PCE. With a common current point at 16.83 mA/cm 2 the tandem design attains a peak PCE of 31.93%, accompanied by a fill factor (FF) of 86.84% and an open-circuit voltage (V OC ) of 2.18 V. These findings highlight the potential of this optimized tandem solar cell design to deliver high efficiency with enhanced stability, offering a promising pathway for sustainable and scalable photovoltaic technologies.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are gaining popularity in nanomedicine due to their large surface area, variable pore size, great biocompatibility, and chemical adaptability. In recent years, the combination of smart polymeric materials with MSNs has transformed the area of regulated drug administration, particularly under stimuli-responsive settings. Polymer-modified MSNs provide increased stability, longer circulation times, and, most crucially, the capacity to respond to diverse internal (pH, redox potential, enzymes, and temperature) and external (light, magnetic field, and ultrasonic) stimuli. These systems allow for the site-specific, on-demand release of therapeutic molecules, increasing treatment effectiveness while decreasing off-target effects. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the development and application of polymer-functionalized MSNs for stimuli-triggered drug delivery. Key polymeric modifications, including thermoresponsive, pH-sensitive, redox-responsive, and enzyme-degradable systems, are discussed in terms of their design strategies and therapeutic outcomes. The synergistic use of dual or multiple stimuli-responsive polymers is also highlighted as a promising avenue to enhance precision and control in complex biological environments. Moreover, the integration of targeting ligands and stealth polymers such as PEG further enables selective tumor targeting and immune evasion, broadening the potential clinical applications of these nanocarriers. Recent progress in stimuli-triggered MSNs for combination therapies such as chemo-photothermal and chemo-photodynamic therapy is also covered, emphasizing how polymer modifications enhance responsiveness and therapeutic synergy. Finally, the review discusses current challenges, including scalability, biosafety, and regulatory considerations, and provides perspectives on future directions to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical translation.

The simulation of ideal and non-ideal conditions using the SCAPS-1D simulator for novel structure Ag/FTO/CuBi 2 O 4 /GQD/Au was done for the first time. The recombination of charge carriers in CuBi 2 O 4 is an inherent problem due to very low hole mobility and polaron transport in the valence band. The in-depth analysis of the simulation result revealed that Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) can act as an appropriate hole transport layer (HTL) and can enhance hole transportation. The simulation was done under ideal and nonideal conditions. The non-ideal conditions include parasitic resistances, reflection losses, radiative, and Auger recombination whereas the ideal condition was studied without the inclusion of any losses. Under ideal conditions, the cell Ag/FTO/CuBi 2 O 4 /GQD/Au exhibited a photovoltaic (PV) parameter such as open circuit voltage (V oc ), short circuit current (J sc ), fill factor (FF), photo conversion efficiency (PCE) are 1.39 V, 25.898 mA/cm 2 , 90.92%, and 32.79%, respectively. The effect of various cell parameters such as the thickness of the absorber layer, HTL layer, and FTO, acceptor and defect density, the bandgap of the absorber and HTL layer, series and shunt resistance, back and front contact materials, radiation and Auger recombination of the absorber layer, reflection losses on the efficiency of the proposed cell is analysed. The drastic reduction in all PV parameters was observed under non-ideal conditions and the PV parameters are V oc (1.22 V), J sc (2.904 mA/cm 2 ), FF (86.3), and PCE of 3.06%. The charge kinetics such as impedance, conductivity, and capacitance plots, and possible reasons for reductions in PV parameters are discussed in detail.

The increasing global focus on sustainability and decarbonization has highlighted the urgent need for effective plastic waste management strategies, including their potential reuse in construction materials. Pharmaceutical blister packaging, primarily composed of plastic aluminium laminates, represents a growing post-consumer waste stream, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased reliance on solid medications. Recycling waste pharmaceutical blisters (WPBs) poses significant challenges; however, its incorporation into concrete offers a sustainable alternative for waste utilization. This study explores the feasibility of using WPB in M30 concrete by developing two mix categories through the absolute volume method: (i) direct addition of WPB (0–30% by weight of sand) and (ii) partial replacement of sand with WPB (5–30%). Compressive strength tests identified 20% substitution as optimal, with mixes achieving 92–95% of control strength. Non-destructive evaluation using the Schmidt Rebound Hammer validated destructive testing results. Water absorption analysis revealed that partial sand replacement provided better resistance compared to direct addition. Furthermore Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses of the optimum mix after 90 days confirmed well-developed hydration products and strong interfacial bonding between WPB fibers and the cementitious matrix. The results demonstrate that WPB can be effectively utilized in low-strength concrete, providing a promising solution for pharmaceutical waste management while contributing to circular economy and decarbonization goals in the construction sector. Future studies should investigate durability under aggressive environments, behavior at elevated temperatures, and flexural performance, along with advanced microstructural characterization to better understand interfacial transition zones.

This work reports the development of a sustainable Al7075 metal matrix composite reinforced with bio-derived activated carbon (AC) obtained from rice hull agricultural waste. Unlike conventional reinforcements such as SiC and Al₂O₃, rice hull-derived AC provides an eco-friendly, lightweight, and cost-effective alternative. The composites were fabricated using ultrasonic stir casting with varying AC contents (2–8 wt%). Microstructural characterization (OM, FESEM-EDS, and XRD) confirmed uniform dispersion of AC and the absence of detrimental Al₄C₃ formation. Mechanical testing revealed that 2 wt% AC yielded the optimum properties, improving hardness (by 21%) and tensile strength (by 23%) compared to unreinforced Al7075. Abrasive wear studies showed enhanced wear resistance and reduced coefficient of friction at the same reinforcement level. Beyond mechanical and tribological assessment, this work introduces a predictive framework using machine learning models (Gradient Boosted Trees, Gaussian Process Regression), which achieved near-perfect accuracy (R² > 0.99 for wear, R² > 0.96 for COF). These findings establish rice hull–derived activated carbon as a viable reinforcement for Al7075 composites and highlight the potential of data-driven approaches in predicting tribological performance, thereby advancing sustainable and intelligent material design.

The effectiveness of the process of ultrasonication (US), electrocoagulation (EC) and hybrid sono-electrocoagulation (US+EC) on landfill leachate wastewater treatment was evaluated based on the removal efficiency of % color and % Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) along with power consumption. The experimental results showed that the hybrid US+EC had a high color (100%) and COD (94%) removal efficiency with a lower power consumption of 4.50 kWh/m 3 compared to the individual EC and US processes. In this hybrid US+EC process, the effects of various operating parameters were investigated and optimized using Design-Expert (12) based on the central composite design approach. The optimization results indicated a maximum COD removal efficiency of 71.05% with a minimum power consumption of 2.33 kWh/m 3 at the following optimal experimental conditions: electrolyte concentration (X 1 ) = 0.76 g/L, current density (X 2 ) = 2.75 A/dm 2 , COD concentration (X 3 ) = 3919.50 mg/L, sonication power (X 4 ) = 100 W and treatment time (X 5 ) = 36.05 min. The synergistic effect was calculated using the US, EC and US+EC process based on the % COD removal efficiency and has a positive effect of 20.51%. The % COD and % color removal efficiency were analyzed using a closed reflux method and UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Thus, the hybrid US+EC process, significantly enhances the efficiency of pollutants removal from landfill leachate wastewater.

The electrocoagulation (EC) method, when combined with sonication and aeration, is an example of an advanced oxidation process (AOP) that may be used to treat a variety of wastewaters. The methods of sono (US), airlift (AL), EC, US/AL, AL/EC, US/EC, and AL/US/EC were used to investigate the decrease of color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in landfill leachate wastewater (LLW). According to experimental findings, under the following optimal conditions of treatment time (TT) = 3 h pH = 7, current density (J) = 1 A dm −2 , COD = 3200 mg L −1 , concentration of electrolyte (ConElec) = 4 g L −1 , electrode combination (EleCom) = Fe/Fe, aerated flow rate (AFR) = 25 L hr −1 , sonication power (USp) = 100 Watts and inter-electrode spacing (IES) = 1 cm, the AL/US/EC method reduced the 100% of color and COD from LLW with consumption of power (CP) approximately 6.50 kWhrm −3 . The values discovered were significantly higher than those obtained from the US, AL, US/AL, EC, US/EC, and AL/EC procedures. To determine the optimal operating conditions, the influence of several distinct control variables, TT = 0.5–3.5 h, J = 0.2–1.2 A dm −2 , COD = 1600–6000 mg L −1 , ConElec = 0.5–5 g L −1 , AFR = 0–35 L hr −1 , USp = 20–100 W, and IES = 1–4 cm on color and COD reduction was investigated. Enhancements in COD reduction effectiveness were seen with extended TT, elevated J, increased USp and AFR, reduced COD concentrations, and diminished IES when employing Fe/Fe electrode combinations. The synergy index between the AL and US/EC processes was analyzed and recorded. This study indicated that the AL/US/EC approach is highly effective for treating LLW.

Vanadium, known for its low cost, multiple valencies, and exceptional theoretical capacitance (pseudo-capacitance), has been investigated for energy applications. Activated carbon (AC) with its conductive and absorptive properties (EDLC behavior), is a well-established material. The composites synthesized from vanadium and derived ACs from various biomass sources have been reported in the literature. This paper also reports the synthesis of VO 2 nanomorphology on coconut shell-derived activated carbon using a hydrothermal method. SEM and TEM images indicated the VO 2 nanorods grown around AC micro-sized particles and fully interacting with each other. A sample containing more activated charcoal exhibited 545.56 F g −1 specific capacity at 0.6 A g −1 current density, which is 8% higher than the sample with less activated charcoal, and it also demonstrated negligible charge transfer resistance. The calculated b value confirmed the mechanism of charge storage. Vanadium has also insulin-enhancing properties for humans; therefore, the synthesized composites were also tested for anti-microbial activity. The results showed that it demonstrated bactericidal activity by inhibiting respiration and damaging the cellular components.

Nowadays, increased human activity, industrialization, and urbanization result in the production of enormous quantities of wastewater. Generally, physicochemical and biological methods are employed to treat industrial effluent and wastewater and have demonstrated high efficacy in removing pollutants. However, some industrial effluent and wastewater contain contaminants that are extremely difficult to remove using standard physicochemical and biological processes. Previously, electrochemical and hybrid advanced oxidation processes (AOP) were considered a viable and promising alternative for achieving an adequate effluent treatment strategy in such instances. These processes rely on the production of hydroxyl radicals, which are highly reactive oxidants that efficiently break down contaminants found in wastewater and industrial effluent. This review focuses on the removal of contaminants from industrial effluents and wastewater through the integration of electrochemical and advanced oxidation techniques. These processes include electrooxidation, electrocoagulation/electroflocculation, electroflotation, photo-Fenton, ozone-photo-Fenton, sono-photo-Fenton, photo-electro-Fenton, ozone/electrocoagulation, sono-electrocoagulation, and peroxi/photo/electrocoagulation. The data acquired from over 150 published articles, most of which were laboratory experiments, demonstrated that the hybrid process is more effective in removing contaminants from industrial effluent and wastewater than standalone processes.