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Tin oxide SnO sub(2) nanoparticles have been synthesized using chemical co-precipitation and solvothermal methods. The structures and morphologies of SnO sub(2) prepared using both routes were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier infrared absorption spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis Spectroscopy and BET specific surface area. The XRD patterns showed the presence of the tetragonal structure in the nanometric range and both crystallinity as well as crystal size increased with the increasing in temperature. The size of the produced tin dioxide nanoparticles was from 6.2 to 10.6 nm by solvothermal route while it was from 9.3 to 16.2 nm for nanoparticles by co-precipitation pathway. Furthermore, TEM results showed that the sizes of SnO sub(2) particles in all powders were tetragonal like structure and the grain size was increased with temperature. FT-IR spectra revealed that intensity of the transverse optical mode of Sn-O stretching vibration was increased with the sintering temperature while the bending vibration of O-Sn-O showed a blue shift. The optical band gap was shifted to a lower energy with increasing temperature due to the improvement of the crystallinity and the value was varied from 2.9 to 4.25 eV. The specific surface area of the as-made SnO sub(2) in comparison with such calcined samples decreased with increasing the calcination temperature due to the changes in the sample particle size and in the sample crystal phases.

The most effective process parameters were determined to synthesize spherical LaF sub(3) nanoparticles with controllable size based on ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) via co-precipitation technique. Thermogravimetricdifferential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to characterize the resulting powders. Detailed investigations revealed that the optimal LaF sub(3) host nano-material was obtained when NH sub(4)F was used as a fluoride source in the presence of EDTA at pH = 5. Furthermore, photoluminescence spectra showed an intense double emission peak at 289 and 302 nm for cerium-doped LaF sub(3) nanocrystals excited at 253 nm, which was assigned to the well-known 5d arrow right 4f ( super(2)F sub(5/2) and super(2)F sub(7/2)) transitions of Ce super(3+) levels due to luminescence center mechanism. The experimental results indicate that the synthesized LaF sub(3):0.05Ce powders with a band gap of 5.3 eV are promising phosphors for high density scintillators.

Magnetic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized via co-precipitation method using ferric chloride and ferrous sulphate as the starting materials. The shape and the size of Fe 3 O 4 NPs were controlled by using different types of additive including ammonium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. The results revealed that by adding ammonium hydroxide, the particles attained a spherical shape with a uniform size. On the other hand, the shape of the particles turned from spherical to cubic using sodium hydroxide. The magnetic results showed that both samples attained hysteresis loop, which indicated that both samples have ferromagnetic behavior. In addition, Fe 3 O 4 NPs with cubic shape showed higher adsorptive behaviour towards Congo red compared to spherical Fe 3 O 4 NPs, which is attributed to the enhancement of their magnetic properties. The adsorption of Congo red onto cubic Fe 3 O 4 NPs was best described by Langmuir isotherm model, while spherical Fe 3 O 4 NPs followed Freundlich isotherm model.

This study presents a novel approach to enhancing the photocatalytic performance of bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX, X = Cl, Br, I) for hydrogen production under visible light. The materials were synthesized via a low-temperature co-precipitation method, with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) incorporated as a complexing agent. EDTA significantly improved the physicochemical properties of the BiOX materials, including a 313% increase in surface area, enhanced porosity, and optimized crystalline structure. Among the tested materials, BiOI-E (E = EDTA) exhibited the highest hydrogen production efficiency, achieving a fourfold improvement compared to its unmodified counterparts under visible light irradiation (450 nm) with methanol as a sacrificial agent. (Photo) electrochemical analysis revealed that EDTA facilitates charge carrier separation, reduces electron transport resistance, and enhances light absorption, which collectively boosts photocatalytic activity. These results underscore the synergistic role of EDTA in tailoring the structural and electronic properties of BiOX, positioning BiOI-E as a promising candidate for a cost-effective and scalable hydrogen production system. This study highlights the potential of EDTA-modified photocatalysts in advancing renewable energy technologies. Graphical Abstract

Access to drinkable water is becoming more and more challenging due to worldwide pollution and the cost of water treatments. Water and wastewater treatment by adsorption on solid materials is usually cheap and effective in removing contaminants, yet classical adsorbents are not sustainable because they are derived from fossil fuels, and they can induce secondary pollution. Therefore, biological sorbents made of modern biomass are increasingly studied as promising alternatives. Indeed, such biosorbents utilize biological waste that would otherwise pollute water systems, and they promote the circular economy. Here we review biosorbents, magnetic sorbents, and other cost-effective sorbents with emphasis on preparation methods, adsorbents types, adsorption mechanisms, and regeneration of spent adsorbents. Biosorbents are prepared from a wide range of materials, including wood, bacteria, algae, herbaceous materials, agricultural waste, and animal waste. Commonly removed contaminants comprise dyes, heavy metals, radionuclides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Preparation methods include coprecipitation, thermal decomposition, microwave irradiation, chemical reduction, micro-emulsion, and arc discharge. Adsorbents can be classified into activated carbon, biochar, lignocellulosic waste, clays, zeolites, peat, and humic soils. We detail adsorption isotherms and kinetics. Regeneration methods comprise thermal and chemical regeneration and supercritical fluid desorption. We also discuss exhausted adsorbent management and disposal. We found that agro-waste biosorbents can remove up to 68–100% of dyes, while wooden, herbaceous, bacterial, and marine-based biosorbents can remove up to 55–99% of heavy metals. Animal waste-based biosorbents can remove 1–99% of heavy metals. The average removal efficiency of modified biosorbents is around 90–95%, but some treatments, such as cross-linked beads, may negatively affect their efficiency.

In the present work, Zn-ferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. Prepared samples were characterized by XRD and FTIR to study its structural and chemical properties. The formation of single phase with Fd-3m space group of Zn- ferrite was revealed by XRD and also studied the effect of synthesis techniques on structural parameters. Crystallite size of ZnFe2O4 was found to be 26.11 nm. The FTIR spectra showed two expected bands in the range 550-560 cm1 (i.e. U1) and 400 -410 cm1 (i.e. u2) which confirms the formation of ferrite phase.

HighlightsSynthesis strategies of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were summarized with classifications of traditional coprecipitation, homogeneous precipitation, and newly developed topochemical oxidation.Diverse approaches of structural modulation and hybridization to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of LDHs were systematically reviewed.Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted tremendous research interest in widely spreading applications. Most notably, transition-metal-bearing LDHs are expected to serve as highly active electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to their layered structure combined with versatile compositions. Furthermore, reducing the thickness of platelet LDH crystals to nanometer or even molecular scale via cleavage or delamination provides an important clue to enhance the activity. In this review, recent progresses on rational design of LDH nanosheets are reviewed, including direct synthesis via traditional coprecipitation, homogeneous precipitation, and newly developed topochemical oxidation as well as chemical exfoliation of parent LDH crystals. In addition, diverse strategies are introduced to modulate their electrochemical activity by tuning the composition of host metal cations and intercalated counter-anions, and incorporating dopants, cavities, and single atoms. In particular, hybridizing LDHs with conductive components or in situ growing them on conductive substrates to produce freestanding electrodes can further enhance their intrinsic catalytic activity. A brief discussion on future research directions and prospects is also summarized.

Magnetic nanomaterials are widely used in biosynthesis, catalysis, as electronic and microwave-absorbing materials, and in environmental treatment because of their high specific surface area, strong magnetism, chemical stability, and good biocompatibility. The chemical coprecipitation method is widely used for the preparation of magnetic nanomaterials due to its simplicity, low cost, and easily-controlled operating conditions. The magnetic nanomaterials prepared by the chemical coprecipitation method are summarized according to the different compositions, including the basic preparation principles, and the factors affecting their morphology, size, and microstructure. The mechanisms of preparing magnetic nanomaterials by chemical precipitation and the process control factors are emphasized. Finally, the preparation of magnetic nanomaterials by chemical coprecipitation is summarized and prospected.

In this study, we developed a novel nanocomposite-based membrane using maghemite copper oxide (MC) to enhance the separation efficiency of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membranes for oil-in-water emulsions. The MC nanocomposite was synthesized using a co-precipitation method and incorporated into a PVC matrix by casting. The resulting nanocomposite-based membrane demonstrated a high degree of crystallinity and well-dispersed nanostructure, as confirmed by TEM, SEM, XRD, and FT-IR analyses. The performance of the membrane was evaluated in terms of water flux, solute rejection, and anti-fouling properties. The pinnacle of performance was unequivocally reached with a solution dosage of 50 mL, a solution concentration of 100 mg L −1 , and a pump pressure of 2 bar, ensuring that every facet of the membrane’s potential was fully harnessed. The new fabricated membrane exhibited superior efficiency for oil–water separation, with a rejection rate of 98% and an ultra-high flux of 0.102 L/m 2  h compared to pure PVC membranes with about 90% rejection rate and an ultra-high flux of 0.085 L/m 2  h. Furthermore, meticulous contact angle measurements revealed that the PMC nanocomposite membrane exhibited markedly lower contact angles (65° with water, 50° with ethanol, and 25° with hexane) compared to PVC membranes. This substantial reduction, transitioning from 85 to 65° with water, 65 to 50° with ethanol, and 45 to 25° with hexane for pure PVC membranes, underscores the profound enhancement in hydrophilicity attributed to the heightened nanoparticle content. Importantly, the rejection efficiency remained stable over five cycles, indicating excellent anti-fouling and cycling stability. The results highlight the potential of the maghemite copper oxide nanocomposite-based PVC membrane as a promising material for effective oil-in-water emulsion separation. This development opens up new possibilities for more flexible, durable, and anti-fouling membranes, making them ideal candidates for potential applications in separation technology. The presented findings provide valuable information for the advancement of membrane technology and its utilization in various industries, addressing the pressing challenge of oil-induced water pollution and promoting environmental sustainability. Graphical Abstract

Methylene blue is a recognized carcinogen with detrimental effects on both people and marine life. Henceforth, in this study, the photocatalytic activity of Ag 3 PO 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /Bi 2 MoO 6 (AP/GCN/BMO) photocatalyst was investigated for the degradation of MB dye from an aqueous system. g-C 3 N 4 , BMO and AP photocatalysts bare photocatalysts were synthesized via thermal polycondensation, hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods, respectively. Similarly, binary (GCN/BMO) and ternary heterojunctions (AP/GCN/BMO) was constructed through in-situ hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods, respectively. Morphological and structural analysis validated close interaction amongst Ag 3 PO 4 , g-C 3 N 4 , and Bi 2 MoO 6 photocatalysts . Furthermore, density functional theory simulations were employed to explore the structural and electronic properties of the bare (Ag 3 PO 4 , g-C 3 N 4 , and Bi 2 MoO 6 ) photocatalysts. The photocatalytic degradation experiments revealed that AP/GCN/BMO exhibited highest adsorption and photocatalytic degradation efficacy of methylene blue (MB) dye pollutant as compared to other photocatalysts. The achieved MB dye degradation efficiency of dual Z-scheme AP/GCN/BMO ternary photocatalyst was approx. ~94% within 60 min under visible light exposure which was much greater than pristine and binary photocatalysts. This higher efficiency was accredited to dual Z-scheme type of charge transfer route which boosted photocarriers charge separation and transferal rate. Furthermore, through scavenging experiment, the confirmed reactive species in this type of charge transfer route were • O 2 − and • OH radicals that efficiently degraded MB dye pollutant. Additionally, the ternary photocatalyst demonstrated good stability and recyclability for up to five successive catalytic cycles with 81% degradation efficiency. The current work extends our understanding of photocatalytic degradation by providing novel strategies for pollutant degradation that successfully degrade contaminants. Also, it promotes the development of more efficient, environmentally friendly waste treatment methods that uses solar/light energy. Graphical Abstract Highlights Ag 3 PO 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /Bi 2 MoO 6 ternary heterojunction was fabricated via in-situ co-precipitation route. Degradation efficacy of prepared photocatalysts was examined towards MB dye. Ag 3 PO 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /Bi 2 MoO 6 ternary heterojunction exhibited 94% degradation rate in 60 min. Dual Z-scheme charge transferal boosted charge separation and migration rate in heterojunction. • O 2 − and • OH radicals were major reactive oxygen species participating in MB degradation.