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A novel composite material, magnetic chitosan-clay/benzoin/Fe 3 O 4 (CS-CY/Benz/Fe 3 O 4 ), was synthesized for effectively removing thionine dye (TH) from water solutions. The structural integrity and suitability of CS- CY/Benz/Fe 3 O 4 composite for adsorption purposes were validated through extensive characterization techniques including BET, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The adsorption efficiency was optimized through a Box–Behnken design (BBD) employing response surface methodology (RSM), focusing on variables such as adsorbent dose (A: 0.02–0.08 g), solution pH (B: 4–10), temperature (C: 30–60 °C), and time (D: 5–30 min). Experimental results revealed a maximum TH removal of 99% with significant interactions between temperature (C) and time (D) (p-value = 0.0001). The optimal conditions for TH removal were determined as pH ~ 5.91, adsorbent dosage of 0.08 g, temperature of 54.34 °C, and time of 29.7 min. The investigation of kinetics revealed that the adsorption process conformed to a pseudo-second-order (PSO) model, while the equilibrium data were effectively described by the Freundlich isotherm model. At a temperature of 333.15 K and a TH concentration of 350 mg/L, the adsorption capacity was determined to be 660.86 mg/g. The mechanism of adsorption encompassed various interactions such as electrostatic attractions, n–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and Yoshida H-bonding. Particularly, the CS-CY/Benz/Fe 3 O 4 composite demonstrated strong magnetic responsiveness, enabling straightforward separation from water using an external magnetic field after adsorption. Particularly, the CS-CY/Benz/Fe 3 O 4 composite demonstrated strong magnetic responsiveness, enabling straightforward separation from water using an external magnetic field after adsorption. This research contributes important findings to the advancement of magnetic chitosan-based composites for efficient removal of TH dye pollutants from water environments.

Semiconductor films are crucial in photocatalysis applications, yet their controlled production remains challenging. Previous studies have mainly focused on deposition processes, heating rates, and doping of semiconductor oxides. In this paper, we introduce a novel method for fabricating tenorite (CuO) semiconductor films with varying precursor concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.1 g/ml) using a dip-coating technique. We explore the impact of contact angles, 3D surface topography, and film thickness on photoactivation properties, areas with limited previous research focus. The results demonstrate that higher-concentration tenorite films (0.1 g/ml) exhibit rougher surfaces (77.3 nm), increased hydrophobicity (65.61 ° ), improved light-harvesting ability, enhanced charge separation, and higher active oxygen output. The crystal sizes were within the range of 7.3–44.1 nm. Wettability tests show a 21.47% improvement in the 0.1 g/ml film surface under indirect sunlight compared to darkness. Transmittance rates in the 600 nm range were from 0.02 to 90.94%. The direct optical band gaps were 1.21–2.74 eV, while the indirect band gaps remained unaffected (0.9–1.11 eV). Surface morphology analysis reveals an increased presence of grains with higher concentrations. Regarding photocatalysis's impact on film morphology and copper content, SEM images reveal minimal changes in film structure, while copper content remains stable with slight variations. This suggests strong adhesion of tenorite to the film after photocatalysis. Tenorite thin films display exceptional photocatalytic efficiency, making them suitable for practical applications.

Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are gaining traction in inorganic catalysis and photocatalysis, driving the development of eco-friendly methods. This study introduces an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach for synthesizing Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) using extracts derived from the leaves of Calligonum comosum L. The primary objective of this investigation is to assess the photocatalytic efficacy of the synthesized catalyst in addressing organic pollutants. The Al2O3 NPs exhibit a spherical morphology with crystalline arrangements, as evidenced by an average crystallite size of 25.1 nm in the XRD analysis. The band gap energy of the Al2O3 NPs is determined to be 2.86 eV. In terms of mechanical properties, the Al2O3 NPs show significant potential in enhancing both flexural and compressive properties, thereby making them a viable choice for improving the mechanical performance of composites. Notably, the Young’s modulus of the hybrid composite (comprising plant material and Al2O3 NPs) exhibits a remarkable increase of 34.4% in flexion and 78.3% in compression compared to the plant material alone. The catalytic performance of the Al2O3 NPs is evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as a cationic dye and Rose Bengal (RB) as an anionic dye. Impressively, the Al2O3 NPs demonstrate degradation efficiencies of 98.2% for MB and 90.5% for RB. The degradation processes occur under solar light irradiation, with a contact time of 120 m, a maintained pH of 7, and a temperature of 25 °C. This study found that Al2O3 nanoparticles are a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option for water treatment.

The green synthesis method was used to prepare SnO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) from Laurus nobilis L. aqueous extract. Gelatin-based films are a promising substitute for traditional plastics due to their eco-friendliness, low cost, and pliability. However, they have some drawbacks such as high water solubility, poor opacity, and permeability to vapor. The use of synthesized SnO 2 NPs can help address these concerns. The GEL/SnO 2 film has enhanced morphological and physicochemical properties, with antibacterial properties that could extend the shelf life of perishable items like strawberries, contributing to reducing food waste. To improve their antibacterial activity, the SnO 2 NPs were functionalized with the cefazolin (CEF) drug. The synthesized SnO 2 NPs and the CEF@SnO 2 nanocomposite (NC) were characterized using various techniques such as UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, and XRD. The results showed that the particle sizes of SnO 2 NPs and CEF@SnO 2 NC were 28 nm and 35 nm, respectively, and SEM analysis revealed spherical-shaped agglomerated particles for both. The optical bandgap energy was calculated to be 3.3 and 2.34 eV for SnO 2 NPs and CEF@SnO 2 NC, respectively. The antibacterial activity exhibits an excellent inhibition zone for synthesized SnO2 NPs and the CEF@SnO 2 NC with different concentrations (1, 3, and 5 mM) against Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Staphylococcus aureus . CEF@SnO 2 NC revealed a strong effect compared to SnO 2 NPs, where 5 mM shows the highest inhabitation zone. Molecular docking studies supported the experimental data, indicating the interaction between proteins and the CEF@SnO 2 . This approach offers an innovative way of synthesizing drug-loaded SnO 2 NPs as functional biomaterials.

Plant extract-mediated synthesis is a simple, eco-friendly, and inexpensive method for the preparation of efficient antioxidant and photocatalytic nanoparticles. In this study, lemon peel aqueous extract was used to synthesize CuO nanoparticles (NPs) and then the obtained CuO NPs were modified using polyethylene glycol (PEG). The characteristics, optical properties, antioxidant, and photocatalytic activities of the synthesized nanoparticles were investigated. The CuO NPs and CuO/PEG NPs exhibited sphere-like morphology with an average size of 34 nm and 45 nm and optical bandgap energies of 1.2 eV and 1.5 eV, respectively. The antioxidant activity tests showed that the CuO/PEG NPs exhibited significant scavenging activity with IC50 values of 104.6 μg/mL for the β-carotene scavenging assay and 38.1 μg/mL for the ABTS scavenging assay, while CuO showed lower antioxidant activity of about 150.54 μg/mL for β-Carotene linoleic acid bleaching assay and 59.63 μg/mL for the ABTS scavenging assay. In terms of photocatalytic degradation, CuO/PEG NPs demonstrated higher activity compared to CuO NPs alone. They achieved degradation rates of 99.7% for 4-bromophenol (BP) dye and 99.5% for toluidine blue (TP) dye after 90 min, whereas CuO NPs achieved slightly lower rates. The CuO NPs and CuO/PEG NPs displayed significant photocatalytic degradation activity against amoxicillin (antibiotic), with degradation rates of 91% and 98%, respectively, after 120 min. The reaction kinetics of CuO/PEG NPs and CuO NPs followed a pseudo-first order model, with CuO/PEG NPs exhibiting a higher rate constant than CuO NPs. Overall, modifying the CuO NPs with PEG demonstrated excellent photocatalytic properties for environmental remediation and exhibited antioxidant activity, suggesting their potential use in wastewater treatment and therapeutic applications.

This research aims to explore the utilization of Ocimum basilicum leaf extract as a green and sustainable method for the synthesis of Fe 3 O 4 /NiO nanocomposites (Fe 3 O 4 /NiO NC) with potential applications in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and organic dye degradation. The synthesized Fe 3 O 4 /NiO NC exhibited a unique bandgap energy of 2 eV, making it an effective visible-light photocatalyst. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful formation of the cubic crystal structure with an average crystallite size of 25.7 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl groups on the NC surface, which contributed to its photocatalytic properties. Under sunlight exposure, the Fe 3 O 4 /NiO NC demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 99.3% for toluidine blue, 99.0% for 4-bromophenol, and 95.0% for methyl blue within 140 min. The photocatalyst also exhibited excellent reusability with only a slight decrease in efficiency after five cycles. Additionally, the Fe 3 O 4 /NiO NC displayed high photocatalytic activity in hydrogen evolution, generating 933.9 µmol/g of H 2 over 8 h at a concentration of 0.7 g/L. This green synthesis approach, utilizing Ocimum basilicum extract, provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to produce Fe 3 O 4 /NiO NC with enhanced photocatalytic properties, holding great promise for sustainable energy and water purification applications. The study contributes to the understanding of novel nanocomposites and their potential for addressing urgent environmental challenges, underscoring their scientific value in green chemistry and renewable energy research.

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of ZnO/SnO 2 nanocomposite (ZnO/SnO 2 NC), focusing on their photocatalytic and antioxidant properties. The sol-gel technique was utilized for the synthesis of the ZnO/SnO 2 NC. Subsequent characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. The XRD analysis indicated crystallite dimensions of 15 nm for ZnO/SnO 2 and 21 nm for pure ZnO NPs. The photocatalytic efficiency was assessed by the degradation of Toluidine Blue (TB) and m-Toluidine Blue (m-TB) dyes. The ZnO/SnO 2 NC demonstrated degradation rates of 99% for both TB and m-TB within 120 and 140 min of sunlight exposure, respectively. Furthermore, the scavenging activity of superoxide radicals was evaluated, with the ZnO/SnO 2 NC exhibiting an Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 48.12 µg∙mL − 1 , compared to 60.03 µg∙mL − 1 for pure ZnO. This research highlights the potential of ZnO/SnO 2 NC in environmental remediation and biomedical applications.

The widespread use of nonbiodegradable synthetic dyes in various industries has led to significant toxic contamination and water pollution. The release of these dyes into aquatic environments poses serious risks to human health and ecosystems. To address this issue, rapid and efficient techniques for dye removal or transformation are required. In this article, we present a pioneering approach for the synthesis of a highly efficient photocatalyst material, PPAH/Ag@ZnO nanocomposites, for the degradation of organic dyes in wastewater. By integrating silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles within the potassium polyacrylate hydrogel (PPAH) matrix, a two-step method was employed to create stable and effective photocatalytic nanocomposites. The successful formation of PPAH/Ag@ZnO nanocomposites was confirmed through comprehensive characterization using UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The photocatalytic performance of the PPAH/Ag@ZnO nanocomposite was evaluated for the degradation of o-toluidine blue (o-TB) and 4-bromophenol (4-Bph) under sunlight. The experimental results demonstrate that the PPAH/Ag@ZnO nanocomposite effectively degrades 98.77% of o-TB and 98.05% of 4-Bph. Moreover, the kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation reactions were investigated, revealing apparent reaction rate constants of 0.0229 and 0.018 min −1 for the degradation of o-TB and 4-Bph, respectively. Additionally, the reusability of the prepared PPAH/Ag@ZnO photocatalyst was evaluated over 5 consecutive cycles, demonstrating its exceptional effectiveness and stability. This innovative approach with hydrogel-based nanoparticles offers a potential breakthrough in the field of photocatalysis for addressing water contamination caused by organic dyes.

Silver nanoparticles have recently gained significant attention due to their remarkable properties as photocatalysts and antimicrobial agents. However, their widespread use has been hampered by several issues such as aggregation and stabilization. To address these challenges, this study explores the incorporation of silver nanoparticles within potassium polyacrylate (PPA) hydrogel. The integration process was accomplished through in-situ reduction of silver ions using sodium borohydride. The synthesized PPA/Ag nanocomposite was characterized by using UV–visible, XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques. The silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) sample had an indirect optical bandgap of 3.3 eV, but adding PPA decreased it to 2.42 eV. The prepared PPA/Ag composites exhibited superior photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rose bengal dye. The highest degradation efficiency of 95% was observed for PPA/Ag (16 mM), while the lowest efficiency of 88% was recorded for PPA/Ag (10 mM). To assess the antibacterial effectiveness of the four PPA/Ag samples (2 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM, and 16 mM) against various bacteria such as E. coli , P. aeruginosa , and S. aureus , the agar diffusion technique was employed. The results show that the largest inhibition zones were achieved in the presence of PPA/Ag (2 mM) samples against E. coli and P. aeruginosa bacterial strains, while PPA/Ag (10 mM) presented a better effect against S. aureus than the other prepared samples. Additionally, the prepared samples demonstrated excellent antimicrobial properties against diverse microorganisms. This finding makes PPA/Ag potentially useful in applications such as wastewater treatment and wound healing. Graphical abstract

The novel synthesis of MgO from Laurus nobilis L. leaves was prepared using the green synthesis method. It is using direct blending process to decorate MgO/PEG nanocomposite to enhance the photodegradation properties and examine its physical properties using diverse characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and UV–Vis. X-ray diffraction reveals a cubic phase of MgO with a 37-nm grain size. SEM images confirm spherical nanoparticles with a diameter size of 22.9 nm. The optical energy gap of MgO NPs was 4.4 eV, and the MgO/PEG nanocomposite was 4.1 eV, which made it an efficient catalyst under sunlight. The photocatalytic activity of Rose Bengal (RB) and Toluidine Blue (TB) dyes at 5 × 10 −5  mol/l dye concentration indicates excellent degradation efficiencies of 98% and 95% in 120 min, respectively, under sunlight irradiation. MgO/PEG is an excellent candidate nanocomposite for applications of photodegradation and could be used for its potential capability to develop conventionally used techniques.