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The emergence of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) or nanocomposite membranes embedded with inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) has opened up a possibility for developing different polymeric membranes with improved physicochemical properties, mechanical properties and performance for resolving environmental and energy-effective water purification. This paper presents an overview of the effects of different hydrophilic nanomaterials, including mineral nanomaterials (e.g., silicon dioxide (SiO2) and zeolite), metals oxide (e.g., copper oxide (CuO), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), antimony tin oxide (ATO), iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) and tungsten oxide (WOX)), two-dimensional transition (e.g., MXene), metal–organic framework (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and carbon-based nanomaterials (such as carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide (GO)). The influence of these nanoparticles on the surface and structural changes in the membrane is thoroughly discussed, in addition to the performance efficiency and antifouling resistance of the developed membranes. Recently, GO has shown a considerable capacity in wastewater treatment. This is due to its nanometer-sized holes, ultrathin layer and light and sturdy nature. Therefore, we discuss the effect of the addition of hydrophilic GO in neat form or hyper with other nanoparticles on the properties of different polymeric membranes. A hybrid composite of various NPs has a distinctive style and high-quality products can be designed to allow membrane technology to grow and develop. Hybrid composite NPs could be used on a large scale in the future due to their superior mechanical qualities. A summary and future prospects are offered based on the current discoveries in the field of mixed matrix membranes. This review presents the current progress of mixed matrix membranes, the challenges that affect membrane performance and recent applications for wastewater treatment systems.

The maximum power output and minimum charging time of a lithium-ion battery depend on both ionic and electronic transport. Ionic diffusion within the electrochemically active particles generally represents a fundamental limitation to the rate at which a battery can be charged and discharged. To compensate for the relatively slow solid-state ionic diffusion and to enable high power and rapid charging, the active particles are frequently reduced to nanometre dimensions, to the detriment of volumetric packing density, cost, stability and sustainability. As an alternative to nanoscaling, here we show that two complex niobium tungsten oxides—Nb 16 W 5 O 55 and Nb 18 W 16 O 93 , which adopt crystallographic shear and bronze-like structures, respectively—can intercalate large quantities of lithium at high rates, even when the sizes of the niobium tungsten oxide particles are of the order of micrometres. Measurements of lithium-ion diffusion coefficients in both structures reveal room-temperature values that are several orders of magnitude higher than those in typical electrode materials such as Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 and LiMn 2 O 4 . Multielectron redox, buffered volume expansion, topologically frustrated niobium/tungsten polyhedral arrangements and rapid solid-state lithium transport lead to extremely high volumetric capacities and rate performance. Unconventional materials and mechanisms that enable lithiation of micrometre-sized particles in minutes have implications for high-power applications, fast-charging devices, all-solid-state energy storage systems, electrode design and material discovery. Micrometre-sized particles of two niobium tungsten oxides have high volumetric capacities and rate performances, enabled by very high lithium-ion diffusion coefficients.

The Houbara bustard is a vulnerable bird species that often experiences higher morbidity and mortality due to infections caused by the multiple drug-resistant pathogens like Salmonella . Studies exploring alternative therapeutics are essential to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship. This study evaluated the antibacterial potential and toxicity of a tungsten oxide nanocomposite (WO 3 /C 3 N 4 , WNC) combined with antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica strains isolated from Houbara bustards. Preparations used in this study included WNC alone and in combination with ciprofloxacin, penicillin, ampicillin, and oxytetracycline. Characterization of WNC through FTIR showed absorption at 799 cm −1 , indicating W–O–W stretching and confirming WO 3 integration while the particle sizes, as identified through SEM, ranged from 20 to 300 nm. The XRD patterns showed fewer sharp peaks for the WNC, confirming its crystalline nature. The antibacterial potential of these products revealed lowest MICs in case of WNC + ciprofloxacin (16.74 ± 4.76 µg/mL) and WNC + oxytetracycline (30.69 ± 10.44 µg/mL), while WNC alone and with penicillin or ampicillin exceeded 100 µg/mL. The toxicity assay showed the WNC + ampicillin significantly reducing mitotic and phase indices in a dose-dependent manner ( p  < 0.05) at 24 and 48 h. All treatments showed significant ( p  ≤ 0.05) dose-dependent genotoxic effects. The study concluded that WNC-antibiotic combinations are effective against MDR Salmonella and relatively safe for host systems, supporting their potential as alternative antibacterial agents.

Octahedral molecular sieves (OMS) are built of transition metal-oxygen octahedra that delimit sub-nanoscale cavities. Compared to other microporous solids, OMS exhibit larger versatility in properties, provided by various redox states and magnetic behaviors of transition metals. Hence, OMS offer opportunities in electrochemical energy harnessing devices, including batteries, electrochemical capacitors and electrochromic systems, provided two conditions are met: fast exchange of ions in the micropores and stability upon exchange. Here we unveil a novel OMS hexagonal polymorph of tungsten oxide called h’-WO 3 , built of (WO 6 ) 6 tunnel cavities. h’-WO 3 is prepared by a one-step soft chemistry aqueous route leading to the hydrogen bronze h’-H 0.07 WO 3 . Gentle heating results in h’-WO 3 with framework retention. The material exhibits an unusual combination of 1-dimensional crystal structure and 2-dimensional nanostructure that enhances and fastens proton (de)insertion for stable electrochromic devices. This discovery paves the way to a new family of mixed valence functional materials with tunable behaviors. Thanks to their versatile redox behaviors, octahedral molecular sieves show promise in a range of electrochemical applications. Here the authors report a hexagonal polymorph of tungsten trioxide, an octahedral molecular sieve that exhibits fast proton (de)insertion for electrochromic devices.

One of the most important reasons for an increased mortality rate of cancer is late diagnosis. Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic sensors can provide rapid and cost-effective diagnosis and monitoring of cancer biomarkers. Portable, disposable, and sensitive sarcosine solid-contact ion-selective potentiometric sensors (SC-ISEs) were fabricated as POC analyzers for the rapid determination of the prostate cancer biomarker sarcosine. Tungsten trioxide nanoparticles (WO 3 NPs), polyaniline nanoparticles (PANI NPs), and PANI-WO 3 nanocomposite were used as ion-to-electron transducers on screen-printed sensors. WO 3 NPs and PANI-WO 3 nanocomposite have not been investigated before as ion-to-electron transducer layers in potentiometric SC sensors. The designated sensors were characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and EIS. The inclusion of WO 3 and PANI in SC sensors enhanced the transduction at the interface between the screen-printed SC and the ion-selective membrane, offering lower potential drift, a longer lifetime, shorter response time, and better sensitivity. The proposed sarcosine sensors exhibited Nernstian slopes over linear response ranges 10 −3 –10 −7  M, 10 −3 –10 −8  M, 10 −5 –10 −9  M, and 10 −7 –10 −12  M for control, WO 3 NPs, PANI NPs, and PANI-WO 3 nanocomposite-based sensors, respectively. From a comparative point of view between the four sensors, PANI-WO 3 nanocomposite inclusion offered the lowest potential drift (0.5 mV h −1 ), the longest lifetime (4 months), and the best LOD (9.95 × 10 −13  M). The proposed sensors were successfully applied to determine sarcosine as a potential prostate cancer biomarker in urine without prior sample treatment steps. The WHO ASSURED criteria for point-of-care diagnostics are met by the proposed sensors. Graphical abstract

The rising population and increased energy consumption drive contemporary researchers to develop highly efficient electrode materials for high-power energy storage devices. Herein, copper-doped tungsten oxide (Cu-WO 3 ) and compositing MXene (Cu-WO 3 /MXene) in different concentrations have garnered substantial interest for their usage as an electrode material owing to their impressive energy-storing capacity, including high metallic conductivity, hydrophilic nature, and exceptional electrochemical performance due to their active surface chemistry. In the present work, we employ a facile co-precipitation technique to fabricate WO 3 and Cu-WO 3 (Cu x% = 5 at%, 10 at%, and 15 at%). Furthermore, we synthesized a synergistic 15 at% Cu-WO 3 /MXene nanocomposite by integrating Cu-WO 3 and MXene via sonication. The synthesized sample’s structure, functional, morphology, chemical composition, and electrochemical properties were examined through various techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The X-ray diffraction analyses corroborated the monoclinic state of WO 3 along with the substitutional inclusion of Cu in the WO 3 lattice integrated with MXene. Utilizing a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), the surface morphological analysis revealed the formation of Cu-WO 3 nanospheres embedded in MXene sheets. Furthermore, according to results obtained from electrochemical analysis profiles, at 1 mA, 15 at% Cu-WO 3 /MXene displayed a greater specific capacitance of 692.4 F/g in comparison to other electrode materials via a three-electrode system, which is due to the synergistic impact of the Cu-WO 3 as well as the conductive properties of MXene sheets. Also, the electrode demonstrated excellent cycling stability, retaining 89% of its initial capacitance over 5000 charge-discharge cycles. The Ragone plot revealed an energy density of 70.10 Wh/kg at a power density of 809.8 W/kg. B-value analysis and scan rate-dependent CV confirmed the contribution of both surface-controlled and diffusion-controlled charge storage mechanisms. Likewise, in contrast to all other synthesized materials, 15 at% Cu-WO 3 /MXene revealed a lesser solution resistance and charge transfer resistance. In accordance with the results, the 15 at% Cu-WO 3 /MXene nanocomposite is an extremely efficient capacitive material that can enhance electrochemical performance in energy storage applications.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been regarded as the most promising candidate for fuel cell vehicles and tools. Their broader adaption, however, has been impeded by cost and lifetime. By integrating a thin layer of tungsten oxide within the anode, which serves as a rapid-response hydrogen reservoir, oxygen scavenger, sensor for power demand, and regulator for hydrogen-disassociation reaction, we herein report proton exchange membrane fuel cells with significantly enhanced power performance for transient operation and low humidified conditions, as well as improved durability against adverse operating conditions. Meanwhile, the enhanced power performance minimizes the use of auxiliary energy-storage systems and reduces costs. Scale fabrication of such devices can be readily achieved based on the current fabrication techniques with negligible extra expense. This work provides proton exchange membrane fuel cells with enhanced power performance, improved durability, prolonged lifetime, and reduced cost for automotive and other applications. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells often suffer from low lifetimes and high cost. Here, the authors enhance the transient power performance and durability of these fuel cells by integrating a thin layer of tungsten oxide within the anode, which acts as a hydrogen reservoir, oxygen scavenger, and a regulator for the hydrogen-disassociation reaction.

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is not completely broken down during conventional wastewater treatment processes and can persist in the environment, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study focuses on the solar photocatalytic degradation CIP using biochar-supported photocatalysts. The photocatalysts developed by combining ZnO and WO 3 in different ratios (1:2, 1:1, 2:1) were supported on hemp herd biochar. The photocatalyst made with a ratio of 2:1:1 of ZnO:WO 3 :biochar (Z 2 W 1 H) reported the highest CIP degradation efficiency of 87.3% and TOC removal efficiency of 43.1% at a catalyst dosage of 2 g/L, initial CIP concentration of 3 mg/L, and treatment time of 150 min. Subsequently, the effects of operating parameters on CIP degradation were investigated using central composite design (CCD). About 85.4% degradation efficiency of CIP was obtained at optimum conditions (pH ∼8.4, initial CIP concentration ∼4.4 mg/L, catalytic dosage ∼3.4 g/L) within 90 min. A quadradic model was developed to interpret the linear and interactive effect of operating parameters on the CIP degradation efficiency with 2.24–4.59% error. The adsorption–desorption study showed around 42.21% of adsorbed CIP was desorbed from Z 2 W 1 H. Scavenger studies demonstrated that the CIP breakdown was notably done by the superoxide radical (O 2 •− ). The mechanism of CIP degradation was adsorption on biochar and subsequent degradation by photocatalyst. The prevalent degradation reactions such as C–N bond cleavage, decarboxylation, decarbonylation, defluorination, and ring opening lead to formation of various intermediates. The Z 2 W 1 H reusability test showed ~ 4.2% decrease in CIP removal efficiency after three cycles.

WO 3 nanolamellae/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites have been synthesized by employing hydrothermal method where partial reduction in the graphene oxide and anchoring of nanolamellae on RGO sheets occur simultaneously. Nanocomposites with different amounts of RGO have been characterized by TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, TGA-DTA, BET and PL spectroscopy. Chemiresistive sensors comprising of a thick layer of synthesized material have been fabricated on alumina substrates and investigated for acetone sensing. Sensing characteristics reveal that the sensor based on 2 wt% RGO nanocomposite not only exhibits high sensitivity, excellent selectivity and low optimum operating temperature but low detection limit (down to 1 ppm) as well. The mechanism for enhanced sensing performance of nanocomposite to acetone may be attributed to the presence of RGO sheets which facilitates large specific surface area for gas adsorption, superior conductivity, faster carrier transport and formation of heterojunctions at the interface between the RGO sheets and WO 3 nanolamellae.

Chromogenic thin films are crucial building blocks in smart windows to modulate the flux of visible light and heat radiation into buildings. Electrochromic materials such as tungsten oxide are well established in those devices. Sputter deposition offers a well-suited method for the production of such layers, which can also be used on an industrial scale. Tungsten oxide films were prepared by means of reactive ion-beam sputter deposition. The choice of distinct gas mixtures as well as the growth temperature during the sputtering process allows to tune the properties of the resulting layers. Especially, the variation in the growth temperatures was found to have an impact on the structure of the resulting samples and, as a consequence, on their optical and electrochemical properties. By specific choice of the reactive gas, the deposition of colorless transparent as well as blue films of different composition is possible. The optical transmittance in the visible spectral range was up to 75% for as-deposited oxygen-rich layers. Additionally, hydrogen-doped tungsten oxide samples were grown. Superior electrochromic switching was observed for H + -doped layers, probably by some kind of preconditioning. This resulted in a value for the standardized optical coloration efficiency of 26.5 cm 2 /C.