Explore the vast range of titles available.

The photocatalysts possess prime importance from sustainable environment view point since they decompose detrimental substances. In this work, we report a type II heterojunction of titanium dioxide/graphitic carbon nitride (TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 ) photocatalysts for degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV–Visible light irradiation. The pristine TiO 2 and g-C 3 N 4 materials are prepared by hydrothermal and thermolysis methods, respectively. The heterojunction photocatalysts, i.e. TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 are synthesized with different weight% (wt%) loadings of TiO 2 over g-C 3 N 4 by hydrothermal method. The physico-chemical properties of all photocatalysts are analysed by different characterization techniques. Compared with the pristine phase of TiO 2 and g-C 3 N 4 , the heterojunction photocatalysts showed improved efficiency due to effective charge transfer between TiO 2 with g-C 3 N 4 and enhanced visible light harvesting. Owing to effective superlative light absorption and generation of the large number of electron–hole pairs, suppression of recombination centres, formation of active species (specially • O 2 − ), etc., 5 wt% loaded TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst demonstrated superior performance. Moreover, 5 wt% loaded TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst exhibited recyclability with high activity (92% after 4 cycles) and thus, we believe it possesses potential for use in industrial water treatment.

The objective of the present work is to develop a simple route for synthesis of visible light active ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 type-II heterojunction photocatalysts with improved photodegradation performance. The g-C 3 N 4 is synthesized by single step thermolysis method, whereas, ZnO and ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 type-II heterojunction photocatalysts with different (10, 15, and 20 wt%) loading of ZnO are synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological and optical properties are analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence characterizations. The synthesized photocatalysts are used to degrade the rhodamine B (RhB) dye under 35 W Xe light lamp. The photocatalytic activity is investigated in detail via different experiments like effect of pH, trapping of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cyclic stability test, etc. The ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 type-II heterojunction photocatalysts with 15 wt% loading of ZnO (15ZG) shows the best photodegradation performance with 0.52 min −1 degradation rate constant and superoxide radicals (·O 2 − ) as major ROS. Further, it exhibits highest degradation rate in acidic medium (pH = 3) with its point of zero charge value 2.54 and possesses good cyclic stability with high activity (91% after 5 cycles). In addition, the photocurrent measurement study is conducted to explore the concept of capability of charge separation and transportation processes across the heterojunction. A photodegradation mechanism involved in the said activity is presented. The 15ZG heterojunction photocatalyst is very much capable for water purification applications.

Herein, by using chemical methods such as successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) and spin coating we have demonstrated a novel strategy for the synthesis of ternary hybrid to study photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time we have represented a case study of achieving optimum SILAR cycles for Ag nanoparticles decoration on ZnO nanorods and a discussion was made on a role of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as a top layer over Ag–ZnO nanostructures for better PEC performance. Firstly, Ag nanoparticles loading over SILAR grown ZnO nanorods was varied for different SILAR cycles to optimize better photocurrent. This Ag–ZnO hybrid showed higher photocurrent density of 0.45 mA/cm 2 at 1 V bias (vs SCE) and photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.21% (0.45 V vs SCE). Thereafter, MWCNTs were garnished by using spin coating as a top layer on Ag–ZnO hybrid leading to the formation of ternary hybrid of MWCNT–Ag–ZnO for further enhancement of PEC activity. We believe that top layer of MWCNT plays a vital role of electron and hole transfer and bridges Ag decorated ZnO nanorods together leading to well-connected conducting pathways for efficient charge collection and transport. The appropriate band bending of MWCNT–Ag–ZnO hybrid leads to the formation of active interface helping out in charge separation leading to excellent photocurrent density of 0.56 mA/cm 2 at 1 V bias (vs SCE) and photoconversion efficiency of 0.26% (0.45 V vs SCE). Graphical abstract Enhanced light harvesting, higher donor density, appropriate band bending, lowest charge transfer radius of C–Ag–ZnO hybrid signifies that efficient charge transfer and restriction to charge recombination leading to the enhanced PEC performance.

At room temperature, type-II ZnO–ZnS heterostructure is formed on ZnO nanorods grown by SILAR method with the help of ion-exchange process to enhance photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) performance of ZnO. X-ray diffraction identified ZnO with wurtzite crystal phase and amorphous nature of ZnS. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed nanorods morphology of ZnO and tiny ZnS nanoparticles appear on ZnO nanorods. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy measurements confirm the ZnO–ZnS heterostructure formation. The ZnO–ZnS heterostructure demonstrates optical band gap of both ZnO and ZnS. I–V characteristics, Mott–Schottky and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses indicate overall improvement in the PEC performance due to ZnO–ZnS heterostructure formation. It is found that 24 h ion-exchange time shows maximum photocurrent (0.6 mA/cm 2 ) and photoconversion efficiency (0.33%). Nyquist plot is used to get behaviour of charge transfer resistance in ZnO–ZnS heterostructure. Mott–Schottky plot is used to investigate core mechanism and properties such as flat band potential (V FB ), doping density, etc. Possible charge transfer mechanism is given to understand the enhancement in PEC performance in case ZnO–ZnS heterostructure photoanode. Type-II ZnO–ZnS heterostructure photoanode enhances the PEC performance of ZnO nanorods due to appropriate band alignments and reduction in recombination rate and charge transfer resistance.

In the present study, iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) thin films with good adhesion on stainless steel substrates are deposited by liquid phase deposition (LPD) technique, which is additive and binder-free. Iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) thin films are formed by means of a ligand-exchange equilibrium reaction of metal-fluoro complex ions and an F−ions consuming reaction by using boric acid (H3BO3) as a scavenging agent. These films are annealed at 500 °C to get α-Fe2O3 thin films. The transformation from hydrophobic to hydrophilic nature of the films is observed due to annealing. The films are characterized by different techniques. The α-Fe2O3 film is checked for electrochemical supercapacitive performance in Na2SO3 solutions of various concentrations. Specific capacitance is calculated from cyclic voltammetry at numerous scan rates (5–200) mV s−1. The highest obtained value of specific capacitance is 582 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1 for 0.5 M Na2SO3 electrolyte. The maximum values of specific power and specific energy are 6.9 and 53.4 Wh kg−1 from the charge-discharge curve at the current density 2 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M Na2SO3 electrolyte.

An investigation was undertaken to screen, select and evaluate a set of bacterial and cyanobacterial isolates from the wheat rhizosphere for their role as biofertilizers in wheat. From an initial set of 23 cyanobacterial strains and 110 bacterial isolates from wheat rhizospheric soil, 3 bacterial and 3 cyanobacterial strains were selected based on their plant growth promoting potential under laboratory and controlled greenhouse conditions. In vitro compatibility studies revealed positive interactions among the six strains. Pot experiments were conducted with wheat variety HD 2687, with a total of 51 treatments, along with recommended fertilizer controls. Various combinations of the selected set of three bacterial (PW1, PW5 and PW7) and three cyanobacterial isolates (CW1, CW2 and CW3) were used along with 1/3 N and full dose of P and K fertilizers. Significant enhancement in the soil microbiological (Dehydrogenase activity, FDA hydrolase, Alkaline phosphatase and microbial biomass) and plant growth/yield parameters were recorded. Observations revealed a two-fold increase in panicle weight in selected combinations (PW1+PW7+CW3; PW1+ CW1+CW2/CW1+CW3; CW2+CW3), as compared to control treatment involving full dose of chemical fertilizers. Such combinations, which also provided N savings of 40-80 kg N/ha are being further evaluated in field experiments. This study for the first time illustrated the positive and dynamic interactions among bacterial and cyanobacterial strains and their promise in integrated nutrient management of wheat crop.

Inflation in energy needs, a concept that reflects the growing demand for energy resources, is often accompanied by an increase in their prices over time. As economies expand, populations grow, and industrial activities intensify, the requirement for energy rises significantly. To address such challenges, policymakers and energy stakeholders are continually exploring and investing in innovative solutions. The development of supercapacitive materials represents a significant stride in addressing energy needs, particularly in the context of energy storage and sustainable energy utilization. Consistent research in this field is necessary to unleash the full potential of materials for supercapacitive behavior. In the current work, nanostructured NiO thin films were developed for supercapacitor application. These films were deposited on a steel substrate (SS304) using a cost-effective and facile Chemical Bath Deposition method. The synthesized material was confirmed by XRD and FTIR analysis. The capacitance value of the obtained NiO film was 654.85 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. This work also focused on enhancing the performance of nanostructured NiO cathode in an asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, especially in patients with coexisting cardiovascular disease. These patients face heightened cardiopulmonary risk, which escalates further after acute exacerbations of COPD. While there is some guidance on the management of acute exacerbations of COPD, there is a lack of specific strategies for addressing cardiopulmonary risk in COPD. This program of work aimed to establish UK consensus statements and a clinical pathway for managing cardiopulmonary risk in patients with COPD, synthesizing evidence and expert input through a modified Delphi approach. A multidisciplinary Taskforce conducted a systematic review, focusing on the UK and addressing questions relating to the healthcare burden of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPDs), the link between AECOPDs and cardiopulmonary events, the management of cardiopulmonary risk in patients with COPD, and the guidelines and interventions implemented to optimize COPD management. The evidence identified was summarized and used to synthesize preliminary consensus statements reflecting the current situation and recommendations for action. Following iterative voting rounds, consensus was reached on 18 statements. Further to this, a clinical pathway framework to support the recognition and management of cardiopulmonary risk in patients with COPD using the consensus statements was formulated. AECOPDs were identified as a substantial healthcare burden in the UK, contributing to high mortality, frequent healthcare interactions, and elevated costs. These exacerbations were associated with cardiopulmonary events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Most UK guidelines have focused on the respiratory management of COPD exacerbations, but lack strategies to specifically address cardiopulmonary risk, highlighting the need for integration of care. This consensus program has identified gaps in management, as well as a need to optimize care and reduce the cost of COPD management through the development of new UK policies and clinical guidance.

Synthesis of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and their composite with ZnO has proposed for the first time by combustion of camphor and chemical precipitation method. TEM image shows the surface of ZnO covered by tiny CNPs and acts as structure directing agent that transforms ZnO nanorods to uniform spherical ZnO. CNPs play a vital role to improve the photocatalytic activity and photostability of ZnO up to five runs due to impeding the photo-corrosion of ZnO. Enhance in the photocatalytic activity of ZnO–carbon nanocomposite could be attributed to the excellent dye adsorption capacity, direct photooxidation of dye and suppression of photoinduced electron–hole recombination. The presence of CNPs in nanocomposite served as the main role in accepting the photogenerated electrons due to electronic interaction between ZnO and CNPs. The cytotoxicity studies of meristematic root tip cells of Allium cepa reveals that photocatalytically degraded products were less toxic.