Non-catalytic and magnetite-catalyzed pyrolysis of pine wood residues was systematically investigated in a fixed-bed reactor over the temperature range of 400–800 °C to elucidate the effects of temperature and magnetite catalysis on product distribution, composition, and energy quality. Calcined natural magnetite was employed as a low-cost catalyst to enhance cracking and reforming reactions during pyrolysis. Increasing temperature shifted product yields from liquids and char toward permanent gases in both systems; however, magnetite catalysis significantly intensified vapor-phase cracking and reforming reactions. Gas yields increased from 39.2–69.1 wt.% under catalytic conditions, compared to 18.2–54.8 wt.% for non-catalytic pyrolysis. Magnetite markedly reduced CO2 formation and promoted syngas enrichment, with H2, CO, and CH4 contents reaching 19.1, 39.5, and 27.5 vol.% at 800 °C, respectively. As a result, the higher heating value of the gas increased from 16.4–28.9 MJ Nm−3, exceeding that of the non-catalytic system (11.2–24.5 MJ Nm−3). Compositional analysis showed that magnetite catalysis suppressed oxygenated compounds in the liquid phase via enhanced decarboxylation and decarbonylation, while promoting aromatization and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation; naphthalenes increased to 42.6 wt.% at 800 °C under catalytic conditions. Biochar produced in the presence of magnetite exhibited higher fixed carbon content, lower O/C and H/C ratios, and improved energy density, with a maximum higher heating value of 40.6 MJ kg−1 at 800 °C. These results demonstrate that calcined natural magnetite effectively tailors the biomass pyrolysis toward high-quality syngas, aromatics-rich liquids, and energy-dense biochar, supporting its application in integrated bioenergy systems.
Co-crystal of anti-diabetic drugs promotes enhanced drug solubility, which significantly improves the bioavailability, results in better management of disease. Conventional forms of drugs available for managing diabetes exhibits low solubility and stability, therefore frequent dosing required to maintain the blood levels. Due to sustained and progressive course of diabetes, co-crystallization approach is promising in terms of improving aqueous solubility with higher bioavailability and reduced dosage schedule. This review article will provide comprehensive information about anti-diabetic drug co-crystals, drug-drug co-crystals along with some herbal active components which when combined with anti-diabetic drugs show remarkable synergistic effects. In addition, Specific drug co-crystals cases are discussed to illustrate the enhancement in performance due to formation of hydrogen bonding in co-crystal structure. Apart from this, latest developments in clinical trials and patent landscapes are also mentioned in this article. This review provides a compiled data on anti-diabetic co-crystals till date, their preparation techniques along with the valuable outcomes. Further, critical insight to facilitate the industrial production, advanced technological methods such as microfluidic crystallization process can execute high-throughput analysis of drug and co-former combination with minimum consumption of sample. Continuous-flow microfluidic system could hold up scalable manufacturing of co-crystals while their uniformity remains intact.
Unlocking the full potential of Rubus fraxinifolius (R. fraxinifolius) fruit as a source of high-value ingredients necessitates efficient and green extraction protocols. This study employed ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) coupled with a simplex lattice design (SLD) to systematically optimize the ethanol-water solvent for maximizing the phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and antioxidant capacities. The optimum R. fraxinifoliusextract(ORFE)was subsequently profiled using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Our models revealed key complexity: with TPC maximizing in absolute ethanol, while TFC and antioxidant capacity peaked in distinct hydroethanolic mixtures. Numerical optimization identified an overall optimal composition of 92.2% ethanol and 7.8% water, which was experimentally validated to yield high TPC (106.2 mg gallic acid equivalent /g), TFC (30.114 mg quercetin equivalent/g), and potent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging capacity (91.2% inhibition). GC-MS analysis of ORFE revealed a unique chemical signature, identifying key semi-volatile contributors including anethole, gamma-tocopherol, and a substantial alkaloid fraction. We conclude that the extract's potent bioactivity reflected the concerted action of the substantial non-volatile polyphenolic load, evidenced by the high TPC and TFC results, and the specific semi-volatile bioactive compounds identified by GC-MS. This work establishes a scientifically validated, green protocol for producing a chemically characterized, high-potency antioxidant ingredient from R. fraxinifolius for nutraceutical applications.
This study aims to recover manganese dioxide from depleted dry cell batteries using a hydrometallurgical process optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The research is motivated by the high industrial demand for imported MnO2 and environmental issues associated with hazardous spent battery waste. The recovery process involved microwave-assisted leaching using 1.2 M H2SO4 with the addition of H(2)O(2 )reductant (0-2% w/v), followed by oxidative precipitation using 0.25 M KMnO4. Variables tested included reductant concentration and leaching time. Based on RSM optimization using the central composite design model, optimum conditions were achieved at an H2O2 concentration of 2% w/v and a leaching time of 39.15 min. Under these conditions, a recovery rate of 96.76% was obtained with a desirability value of 0.805 and a model R-2 of 0.9151. The final product exhibited Mn purity of 96.10- 97.33%, a significant increase from the raw material (64.61%) and surpassing the commercial MnO2 standard (>92%). This research highlights the synergistic integration of microwave-assisted heating and chemical reduction. While previous studies have applied these techniques independently, their combined effect drastically accelerates the extraction kinetics, reducing the leaching time to under 40 min, which is significantly faster than conventional methods while still achieving commercial-grade purity from complex secondary waste. This study demonstrates that microwave-assisted hydrometallurgy is a highly time-efficient and sustainable approach for recycling battery waste into high-value industrial raw materials, supporting sustainable development goals principles.
Alkylation of the simple polyphenol model resorcinol with 10-chloroacetamidovindoline resulted in the corresponding O,Odisubstituted derivative containing two elements of the Vinca alkaloid. The in vitro anticancer activity of the hybrid was investigated on the NCI-60 human tumor cell line panel, and the most important value was obtained on UO-31 renal cancer cells (50% growth inhibition GI50 = 0.893 & micro;M).
Indonesia, with its vast coal reserves, relies heavily on coal-fired power plants, which supply around 50% of the nation's energy needs. These operations generate large quantities of fly ash and bottom ash (FABA) as residual byproducts, posing environmental and health risks if not properly managed. Geopolymer technology offers a sustainable pathway to convert these wastes into valueadded construction materials. This study investigates the utilization of FABA from a Sumatera-based coal power plant as aluminosilicate precursors for geopolymer concrete synthesis. Sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were employed as alkaline activators, and the effects of fly ash to bottom ash ratio, NaOH concentration, and curing temperature on compressive strength were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrate that FABA can be effectively applied in geopolymer production. The optimum formulation achieved a compressive strength of 29.4 MPa using 100% fly ash, 8 M NaOH, and curing at 90 degrees C. Increasing the NaOH concentration beyond 8 M did not improve compressive strength, while higher curing temperatures enhanced strength development but also induced microcrack formation. These findings confirm that FABA-based geopolymers provide a technically viable and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional cementitious materials, supporting circular economy strategies for coal ash management in Indonesia.
Argemone mexicana is one of the high non-edible oil plants easily grown in barren land. The current study employs microwave-assisted transesterification of Argemone mexicana oil (AO) into value-added biodiesel. A systematic experimental approach was utilized to investigate the effect of methanol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst amount, reaction temperature and time on free fattyacid conversion and Argemone mexicana oil methyl ester (AOME) at constant stirring using microwave power. Response trends suggested that the biodiesel yield was maximized to 96% with increasing time, molar ratio, catalyst amount, and temperature up to an optimum value of 3 min, 9:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, 1% NaOH, and 60 degrees C, respectively. Beyond these conditions equilibrium limitations and possible reverse reactions led to reduced yield. FTIR was employed to do a qualitative investigation of AO and AOME. The emergence of a new signal at 1435 cm-1 confirmed the development of AOME. The 1H-NMR research found that 94.91% of the oil was converted into biodiesel. The kinetics of AO transesterification were first-order, with a rate constant 0.726 min-1 at 60 degrees C and an activation energy 27.49 kJ mol-1. The non-thermal impact of the microwave was also revealed by the high frequencyfactor 14871 min-1. At 60 degrees C, the changes in Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy were 94.09 kJ mol-1, 24.734 kJ mol-1 and-0.2083 kJ mol-1 K-1, respectively. The thermodynamic study revealed that it was an endergonic and non-spontaneous process.
With the increasing concern over antibiotic resistance and the side effects of synthetic drugs, there is a need for the development of novel and potent alternative bactericidal agents. Metallic nanoparticles, a promising alternative to antibiotics, target multiple biomolecules concurrently, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against them. The present work reports the enhanced antimicrobial and synergistic antifungal activity of Centratherum anthelminticum (CA) seed-ethyl acetate (EA) extract-derived silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)—(CA-EA-AgNPs)—via biogenic synthesis. The CA-EA-AgNPs exhibited significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative) bacteria compared to the crude CA-EA extract. CA-EA-AgNPs also demonstrated potent antifungal activity against the dandruff-causing fungus Malassezia furfur and displayed a synergistic effect when combined with ketoconazole, increasing the zone of inhibition from 15 mm (ketoconazole alone) and 11 mm (AgNPs alone) to 19 mm (combination). The synthesis of CA-EA-AgNPs was optimized by systematically varying parameters such as pH, temperature, reaction time, CA-EA extract concentration, and AgNO3 concentration. The AgNPs were extensively characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis . To our knowledge, this research is the first to report the antifungal activity of C. anthelminticum-derived AgNPs against Malassezia furfur. The results highlight the potential of C. anthelminticum seed extract as a green resource for synthesizing AgNPs with promising applications in combating microbial infections, particularly skin and soft tissue infections.
This study investigates the interfacial performance and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) potential of a naturally derived surfactant extracted from chickweed in combination with titanium dioxide nanoparticle under harsh reservoir conditions. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to characterize the chemical structure, stability and interfacial activity of the formulated system using spectroscopic analyses, interfacial tension measurements, wettability evaluation and core flooding tests. Results demonstrate that the chickweed-derived surfactant exhibits strong amphiphilic characteristics and maintains compatibility with high-salinity formation brine and nanoparticles over prolonged ageing at elevated temperature. The hybrid formulation significantly reduced oil- water interfacial tension, shifted carbonate rock wettability toward a more water-wet state and improved microscopic displacement efficiency. Core flooding experiments confirmed a measurable incremental oil recovery compared with conventional waterflooding, highlighting the combined role of interfacial tension reduction, wettability alteration and improved dispersion stability. The findings suggest that chickweed-based surfactants, particularly when integrated with metal-oxide nanoparticles, represent a promising environmentally conscious alternative for chemical EOR applications in high-salinity carbonate reservoirs.
This study investigates the rheological behavior and wax-deposition tendency of a model high-paraffin crude oil prepared by blending samples from the Palchig-Pilpilasi field. The oil is characterized by a density of 901.0 kg/m3, resin content of 4.3 wt%, asphaltenes of 0.18 wt%, and paraffins of 15.2 wt%, forming a stable paraffin-resin-asphaltene system suitable for laboratory evaluation. The performance of individual depressor additives, Difron-3971 and HY-154, was first assessed and resulted in a moderate viscosity reduction of 15-25% at low temperatures while preserving non-Newtonian behavior. To enhance treatment efficiency, a composite formulation was developed and tested at a dosage of 600 g/t. Rheological measurements showed that the composite reduced the viscosity by 3.5-4.0 times and decreased the yield stress from 0.1625 Pa to 0.0325 Pa, indicating a pronounced weakening of the internal structure and a transition toward near-Newtonian flow. Cold-finger experiments confirmed a strong suppression of wax deposition, with inhibition efficiency reaching approximately 95% at low temperatures. The results highlight the synergistic effect of the composite formulation and its potential as an effective flowassurance solution for high-paraffin crude oils.
The hydrothermal co-carbonization (co-HTC) process is a promising method for improving the fuel properties of hydrochar. This process leverages synergistic interactions, facilitated by the Maillard reaction, which is believed to be catalyzed under acidic conditions. In this study, the co-HTC of sewage sludge (SS) and coconut shells, with ZnCl2 as a catalyst, was investigated to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing the co-HTC process. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize key parameters, including the raw material ratio, temperature and reaction time. The optimized parameters were subsequently applied to the co-HTC process. The raw materials and resulting hydrochars were characterized using proximate and ultimate analyses, higher heating value (HHV) determination, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results revealed that the fuel ratio of raw SS increased significantly, from 0.09 in untreated SS to 0.26 in co-HTC, and further to 0.41 in ZnCl2-aided co-HTC. The carbon content of the hydrochar increased, accompanied by a notable reduction in the H/C and O/C atomic ratios. The HHV improved substantially from 5.8 MJ/kg for raw SS to 11.1 MJ/kg in co-HTC and 14.0 MJ/kg in ZnCl2-aided co-HTC. The combustion characteristic index demonstrated superior combustion performance for the ZnCl2-aided co-HTC process, achieving a value of 33 & times; 10-7 min-2 degrees C-3. Additionally, the synergistic effects on HHV were significantly enhanced, with the synergistic coefficient increasing from 0.79% in co-HTC to 27.00% in ZnCl2-aided co-HTC. Overall, ZnCl2 effectively catalyzes the co-HTC process, enabling the production of higher-quality solid fuels.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) have garnered considerable attention as components in biodegradable films and bioplastics due to their favorable physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. HA is known for its natural origin, biodegradability, and excellent biocompatibility, while PVP is valued for its outstanding film-forming ability, water solubility and non-toxic nature, making both polymers promising candidates for environmentally friendly and biomedical polymer systems. Investigating the combination of these two polymers may therefore provide findings of significant scientific relevance. This study investigates the influence of HA and PVP composition on the structural and physicochemical properties of their polymer blend films. Scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses demonstrated excellent compatibility and miscibility between HA and PVP. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates that the incorporation of PVP disrupts the intermolecular hydrogen bonding within HA matrix. Furthermore, SEM and X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that increasing the PVP content enhances morphological uniformity and crystallinity, respectively. Correspondingly, the mechanical properties of the films improve with higher PVP content. At an HA/PVP ratio of 1:7 (w/w), the films exhibit a tensile strength of 49.93 +/- 9.34 MPa, an elongation at break of 6.89 +/- 0.31% and an elastic modulus of 1.06 +/- 0.24 GPa. The incorporation of PVP leads to lower film transparency, a higher water vapor transmission rate, and decreased surface wettability. Thermal analysis by thermogravimetric analysis and DSC indicates that the incorporation of PVP improves the thermal stability while simultaneously lowering the glass transition temperature.
The increasing occurrence of pharmaceutical residues such as ibuprofen in aquatic systems poses a growing environmental concern. In this study, oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized using an ecofriendly deep eutectic solvent prepared from tetrabutylammonium bromide and glycerol. The modified nanotubes were thoroughly characterized and evaluated for their adsorption performance towards ibuprofen removal from aqueous media. Batch experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of pH, temperature and contact time. The process was optimized through response surface methodology (RSM), and the results were validated using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. Fourier transform infrared and field emission scanning electron microscope analyses verified the surface modification and morphological variation after deep eutectic solvent (DES) coating. Optimum adsorption occurred at 35 degrees C, pH 4 and 90 min, resulting in a removal efficiency 94.9%. The kinetic data followed the pseudo second order model (R-2 = 0.9715) and the Langmuir Isotherm gave the best fit with R-2 = 0.9602 and a capacity 86.2 mg/g). In addition, desorption studies demonstrated high regeneration efficiency (>96%), indicating that the adsorption process is largely reversible and that the DES-functionalized MWCNTs possess strong potential for repeated use in wastewater treatment applications. Both RSM and ANN predictions closely matched experimental outcomes (R-2 > 0.998), confirming their reliability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that employs TBAB-glycerol DES functionalization of MWCNTs for ibuprofen removal combined with dual ANN-RSM modeling, demonstrating a uniquely green and high-efficiency adsorption system.
The current work introduces novel nanocomposite membranes fabricated via incorporating silane-functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles within a polyethersulfone (PES) matrix. The membranes were synthesised via the classical phase inversion technique and bulk modified with a range of ZnO nanoparticle content from 0 to 2.5 wt.%. Comprehensive analytical techniques, including Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy , field emission scanning electron microscopy , contact angle measurements and evaluations of pore size and porosity, were harnessed to identify the modification impact on membrane structure and surface characteristics. Results showed that ZnO nanoparticle content has notably influenced the morphology and physicochemical characteristics of the PES membranes. Compared to the neat PES membranes, the modified membranes had a slightly denser top surface and cross-sectional structure. Membrane wetting was remarkably improved as a reduction in contact angle from 73 degrees to 43 degrees was achieved. Nonetheless, the nanoadditive content was critical for membrane surface characteristics by diminishing average pore size, enhancing porosity and dye rejection efficiency, where 94.4% removal of Congo red was recorded. Furthermore, pure water flux witnesses a substantial change from 29.9 to 124.2 L/m2.h, indicating enhanced permeability. Obtained findings underscore the futuristic potential of silane-functionalized ZnO nanoparticles to comprehensively optimize the structural integrity, hydrophilicity and separation performance of PES membranes, endowing a promising approach for efficient treatment of textile wastewater streams.
The modelling of fixed-bed, multicomponent ion exchange processes using gel-type resins was investigated. Based on the earlier developed kinetic model a complex, fixed-bed ion exchange model, utilizing the Nernst-Planck diffusion kinetics, was developed. A computer program was created to describe multicomponent breakthrough and elution curves for gel-type ion exchangers using the Nernst-Planck diffusion equation. By calculating breakthrough curves for two-, three-and five-component ion exchange systems, the accuracy of the model was successfully tested. By comparison, our simulation results, which were based on the experimentally measured breakthrough data, showed suitable fits.
Jember Regency, East Java faces the problem of increasing plastic waste, especially from packaging and household. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS) plastics are difficult to decompose and have the potential to pollute the environment. One environmentally friendly management method is pyrolysis, a thermochemical process to convert plastic waste into liquid fuel. This study aims to analyze the effect of temperature and reaction time on the yield and characteristics of liquid fuel from LDPE and PS waste. The pyrolysis process was carried out in batches at temperatures of 150 degrees C and 250 degrees C for 30 and 90 min. The liquid products were analyzed based on density, viscosity, flash point, calorific value, and chemical composition using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results show that the pyrolysis oil from LDPE and PS has similar physical and chemical properties to those of diesel fuel and kerosene. Temperature and reaction times significantly affect the characteristics of the fuel produced. Thus, plastics waste pyrolysis has the potential to be a solution for waste management and an alternative energy source in Jember Regency.
Membrane based gas separation is a next-generation technology for CO2 capture and biogas upgrading, offering lower energy consumption and reduced chemical use compared to conventional methods. Hollow fiber membranes have emerged as a leading solution due to their energy efficiency, compact design, and high separation performance. However, the trade-off between permeability and selectivity remains a challenge, driving innovations in advanced materials such as polymeric, blended, and mixedmatrix membranes, which enhance efficiency and stability for superior gas separation. To further optimize membrane performance and scale-up production, mathematical modeling plays a crucial role in predicting separation efficiency and guiding material selection. However, traditional models often struggle to accurately capture dynamic behaviors and variations in feed conditions. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have transformed membrane design by enabling rapid material screening, performance prediction, and process optimization, significantly reducing experimental efforts. The integration of advanced materials, AI-driven modeling, and digital optimization will drive the next generation of high-performance membranes, offering sustainable solutions to global environmental challenges.
Porous zinc oxide photocatalysts were successfully synthesized using carbon microsphere templating method. This study investigated the effect of carbon microsphere templates on the physicochemical properties and photocatalytic performance of ZnO in methylene blue degradation. Carbon microspheres were prepared via hydrothermal method and subsequently used as templates to obtain porous ZnO through wet impregnation route. The carbon templates exhibited a uniform spherical morphology with an average diameter of less than 1 & micro;m and an amorphous structure, while the resulting ZnO showed a highly porous structure with good crystallinity, surface area of 9 m2 g-1, total pore volume of 0.034 cm3 g-1, pore size of 5.9 nm and a band gap of 3.17 eV. Photocatalytic tests revealed that ZnO degradation efficiency increased with UV irradiation time, reaching the highest value of 39.3 +/- 0.2% at 150 min, and the reaction followed first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.0032 +/- 0.0001 min-1. These results explained that carbon templateassisted synthesis is a powerful, tunable approach for tailoring ZnO structure and provides a basis for developing a photocatalyst for environmental applications.
In this work, a hybrid surface plasmon resonance sensor structure comprisingcarbon nanotube, copper, palladium and black phosphorus layer is presented for the detect of water salinity concentration. The angular interrogation method is used to evaluate key performance parameters such as sensitivity, detection accuracy, figure of merit (FoM) and penetration depth (PD). The Cu and Pd layer thicknesses are optimized to obtained the maximum sensitivity. The maximum sensitivity of 485.57 degrees/refractive index unit (RIU) and FoM of 122.92/RIU are obtained at thickness of 41 nm for Cu and 15 nm for PD layer. Moreover, the penetration depth of 140.45 nm and 143.28 nm are obtained for refractive indices of 1.3300 and 1.3369, respectively, corresponding to different water salinity. The suggested sensor has strong field penetration and high sensitivity due to the integration of cutting-edge materials and optimized design, which makes it appropriate for the practical detection of larger macromolecules in biosensing applications.
Mesoporous silica was successfully extracted from coal fly ash using the sol-gel method at optimum temperature and stirring speed. To optimize conditions for silica extraction the temperature response and stirring speed were analyzed using Design-Expert software with a central composite design under response surface methodology. The study yielded optimal conditions at 80 degrees C and 260 rpm. The ideal response under these circumstances yielded 7.8% coal fly ash silica (SCFA). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis results showed that the SCFA had a wavelength of specific silica compounds at 1013 cm-1, which is the result of intermittent strain vibrations caused by Si-O-Si. Surface analysis by scanning electron microscope - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reveals that the SCFA material has a relatively rough, porous surface, dominated by silicon and aluminum. The SCFA is a mesoporous material with a large surface area of 223 m2/g , a total pore volume of 0.45 cm3/g and an average pore diameter of 7.8-8.1 nm. Overall, the characterization results indicate that SCFA has a large surface area, a stable mesoporous structure and a chemical composition dominated by SiO2 (93.35%). These characteristics make the material a promising candidate for use as a metal adsorbent, catalyst media and functional material in field environments and industries.
