Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College

Removing dyes from water bodies is one of the most pressing environmental issues we face today. These pollutants are toxic to humans, marine life, and the ecosystem as a whole. Among the various methods developed to address this problem, photocatalysis has gained significant attention due to its effectiveness in degrading dye pollutants. This review discusses the harmful effects of dye wastewater on living organisms and the environment. Additionally, it explores the potential of rare-earth (RE) doped spinel ferrite nanoparticles (SFNPs) as catalysts for treating dye-contaminated water. The review provides an in-depth analysis of the properties of these materials and the impact of rare-earth doping on them. By modifying the band gap, increasing surface area, and enhancing charge separation, RE-doped SFNPs exhibit superior photocatalytic activity compared to traditional methods. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive understanding of recent advancements in utilising RE-doped SFNPs for improved dye degradation and highlights research gaps and future directions for combating dye pollution.

This study investigated the impact of bismuth ion doping on the structural, magnetic and microwave absorption characteristics of lead hexaferrite nanoparticles (PbFe12-yBiyO19, y = 0.2-0.8) produced by the sol-gel auto-combustion method. An analysis of the crystalline phase of the synthesized materials using XRD data plots up to x = 0.8 reveals that the materials are single-phase hexagonal ferrite with an average crystalline size between 43 and 58 nm and a space group of P63/mmc. hexaferrite's coercive force is increased by adding Bi3+ ions from 2756 to 4386 Oe; however, the saturation magnetization increases with increasing Bi3+ concentration from 38.003 to 49.016 emu/g. Using a vector network analyzer, the X-band microwave absorption parameters were recorded. Transmission line theory was used to determine the reflection loss values for a particular thickness of 2 mm and a frequency range of 8-12 GHz. The layer's size and frequency can be predicted thanks to the physical characteristics of lead hexaferrite with bismuth substitution, which reduces reflection loss. The loss is the highest at -15.19 dB (78 percent at 10.10 GHz when x = 0.8). It demonstrates that it can be used for various things, such as permanent magnets and as a magnetic recording medium.

Obesity is a complex health issue that has become a global pandemic due to its association with a range of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammation and high blood pressure. An extreme accumulation of fats in adipose tissue occurs when triacylglycerol (lipid) is broken down into mono-acyl glycerol and free fatty acids, which are then stored as energy in the adipose tissue. This can lead to severe obesity and dangerous human health issues. Accordingly, intensive research work was conducted in an effort to mitigate the problem of obesity and combat its consequences. Specifically, several research groups have carried out research work in search of synthetic anti-obesity drugs that are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and can be produced from sustainable sources. Certain organic heterocyclic compounds containing hetero atom such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulphur have demonstrated potential in combating obesity. In particular, quinazolinones, bis-indole derivatives, and di-spiroheterocycles are synthetic heterocyclic compounds that exhibit a wide range of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory effects, anti-obesity properties and the ability to lower lipid levels. These synthetic compounds, as well as specific natural heterocyclic compounds exhibit lipid inhibitory activity. Thus, this review article emphasizes the significance of both synthetic and natural heterocyclic compounds in combating obesity, along with various other biological activities.

Rare-earth (RE) ion doping of spinel ferrite nanoparticles has emerged as a strategic route to tailor their physicochemical and photocatalytic properties for advanced wastewater treatment. In this study, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles doped with Neodymium (Nd3⁺), Dysprosium (Dy3⁺) and Praseodymium (Pr3⁺) with the formula NiFe1.90RE0.1O4 were synthesised via sol–gel auto-combustion method and systematically characterised using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). RE doping induced lattice distortions, reducing crystallite size from 57.3 to 9.3 nm and enhancing surface reactivity. FTIR analysis revealed shifts in metal–oxygen vibrational modes, confirming the successful incorporation of RE ions. UV–Vis studies revealed a pronounced narrowing of the band gap from 2.44 to 1.36 eV, improving photon absorption and charge carrier excitation. Magnetic measurements revealed a decrease in saturation magnetisation and coercivity, indicating a soft magnetic behaviour suitable for facile catalyst recovery. Photocatalytic experiments under UV irradiation demonstrated an excellent enhancement in Crystal Violet dye degradation efficiency from 27 to 92

A low-temperature co-precipitation approach was used to prepare Mn0.5Zn0.25Cu0.25Fe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) followed by calcination at 400 °C, 600 °C, 800 °C and 1000 °C for 5 h. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the spinel ferrite formation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrates nearly cubical morphology of the produced NPs. The smooth M-H loop with small coercive field (4.34, 10.70, 27.68, 21.88 Oe), magnetic saturation (1.86, 34.41, 43.68, 39.39 emu/g), and retentivity (0.004, 0.488, 1.358, 0.845 emu/g) of NPs recorded by VSM. The produced superparamagnetic NPs may be advantageous in biomedical applications in addition to high frequency applications.