This study explored the development of sustainable ultra-high-performance basalt fiber high-strength concrete (UHPBF-HSC) using agricultural waste materials. Nano-sugarcane bagasse ash (NSCBA), nano cotton straw ash (NCSA), and nano rice straw ash (NRSA) were incorporated as partial cement replacements. Additionally, basalt fiber (1.5%), silica fume (10%), and superplasticizer (0.5%) were consistently included in all mixes. The nanoparticles were produced through mechanical processing and heat treatment. Four dosage levels (5-20% by weight of cement replacement) were tested in combination with basalt fibers. The study evaluated the effects of elevated temperatures (300℃ and 600℃) on UHPBF-HSC, focusing on compressive strength (CS), strength degradation, mass loss, ultrasonic pulse velocity, splitting tensile strength (STS), flexural strength (FS), and water absorption. Results indicated that increasing nanoparticle dosage generally enhanced mechanical properties. Among all mixes, the NSCBA4 (M4) mix exhibited superior performance, achieving approximately 9.7% and 23.0% higher CS than the corresponding NCSA4 and NRSA4 mixes, respectively, at identical replacement levels, in addition to outperforming conventional concrete. The mixes NCSA and NRSA showed similar performance but were less effective than NSCBA. Scanning electronic microscopic analysis revealed well-bonded matrices and compacted sections under normal conditions. However, elevated temperatures led to microcrack formation due to ettringite decomposition and water evaporation. A comparative analysis and prediction of STS and FS were conducted using various codes and literature sources.
This study presents a nanomaterial-engineered solar energy conversion and storage system that integrates a quasi-Z-source converter with adaptive maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, namely Modified Incremental Conductance (MIC) and Modified Perturb-and-Observe (M-P & O), to enhance photovoltaic (PV) performance under dynamic irradiance conditions. The overall system behaviour and control effectiveness are systematically evaluated using MATLAB/Simulink-based simulations. Simulation results demonstrated that the MIC algorithm offers superior voltage stability, faster dynamic response, and higher tracking accuracy compared to the M-P & O approach. It achieved 1.6 kW additional simulated power output at a standard operating temperature of 25 ℃. The proposed PV module employed a hybrid nanomaterial configuration in which quantum dots and graphene derivatives are embedded within the photoactive layer to broaden spectral absorption and improve charge carrier mobility, while metal oxide nanoparticles such as TiO2 and ZnO enhance interfacial charge separation and suppressed the recombination losses. These nanomaterial-induced modifications result in nonlinear and dynamically varying current–voltage characteristics, thereby necessitating adaptive MPPT control. The dynamic step-size adjustment mechanism implemented in the MIC algorithm effectively accommodated these variations, enabling stable and efficient energy extraction. Overall, simulation-based findings indicate an efficiency improvement of approximately 6–8%, demonstrating a scalable and sustainable pathway for high-performance solar energy systems.
Nano sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) was synthesized with slight modifications to previously reported methods. An efficient and ecofriendly protocol was developed for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives using o-phenylenediamine and D-glucose as substrates, employing a metal-free sulfonated graphene oxide carbocatalyst. A diverse range of benzimidazole derivatives was obtained in moderate to high yields (up to 94%) using a sustainable and readily available C1 source under sonication conditions. The reaction, carried out in ethanol with tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide, provides a general and novel approach for benzimidazole synthesis via a carbonylation pathway. The process is facilitated by a cost-effective and environmentally benign SGO nanocatalyst, enabling the formation of valuable products in excellent yields. The synthesized benzimidazole derivatives exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with inhibition rates of 99% to 100% against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
The increasing demand for renewable fuels has accelerated interest in converting municipal organic waste (MOW) into bioethanol. This study presents the complete design, engineering development, and performance assessment of a pilot-scale bioethanol production reactor capable of processing 5 tons of wet MOW per batch. The system integrates pre-treatment, drying, hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation units within a semi-automated configuration. Each subsystem of the pilot-level continuous bioethanol production system was designed based on experimental results and engineering calculations. The process successfully demonstrates the technical feasibility of scaling laboratory experiments to a pilot-level continuous bioethanol production system. The results confirm the potential of urban organic waste as a sustainable feedstock for clean fuel generation, thereby maximizing conversion efficiency and supporting circular bioeconomy and waste valorization strategies.
Nanostructured silica has attracted considerable attention due to its high surface area, tunable physicochemical properties, and wide applicability in electronic, catalytic, and biomedical systems. In this study, high-purity silica nanoparticles were synthesized from rice husk ash through a thermo-chemical route, providing a value-added strategy for agricultural waste utilization. The novelty of this work lies in the development of rice husk-derived silica nanoparticles as sensitizing materials for photovoltaic applications. Structural and morphological properties of the synthesized material were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. FT-IR spectra showed characteristic peak at 779 and 1112 cm⁻¹, confirming the formation of an amorphous silica network, while XRD exhibited a broad diffraction peak at 2θ = 21.57°, indicating the amorphous nature of the material. The XRF analysis confirmed ~100% silica purity, and TEM images revealed uniform particles with sizes below 10 nm and mesoporous morphology. Photovoltaic performance evaluation demonstrated enhanced voltage generation under sunlight irradiation compared with green-synthesized carbon nanoparticles and the conventional dye Coomassie Brilliant Blue. These findings suggest that rice husk-derived silica nanoparticles can serve as promising eco-friendly sensitizing materials for sustainable photovoltaic applications.
The construction sector is a significant global consumer of energy and a major source of carbon emissions and waste. This review examines the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and nanotechnology to mitigate these challenges. Artificial intelligence techniques, such as neural networks and metaheuristic algorithms, are evaluated for optimizing resource distribution and reducing emissions. Nanotechnology, through the use of advanced materials and sensors, enhances material durability and enables real-time monitoring. By integrating AI with renewable energy and nanotechnology-enabled IoT systems, this study identifies pathways toward near-zero carbon construction. The findings highlight the need for interdisciplinary cooperation and policy support to promote sustainable construction practices globally
The increased volume of domestic kitchen waste and the growing demand for clean cooking energy require efficient decentralised waste-to-energy solutions. Anaerobic digestion is a viable way to convert organic waste to biogas, but there is a tendency to view conventional domestic digesters as low-efficiency, unstable, and producing low-quality gas. In this paper, the proposed system is BioDigestX, a nano-enhanced, biosink-based, and IoT-integrated anaerobic digestion system to convert household kitchen waste into biogas. The system combines waste segregation on the source level with the help of a biosink, anaerobic digestion with the use of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, and real-time monitoring of system parameters, temperature, pH, gas pressure, flow rate, and methane concentration using IoT. To test the performance of the systems, two domestic-scale reactors were operated under mesophilic conditions, with one serving as a standard control and the other as a nano-enhanced reactor. It was found that the nano-enhanced reactor became stable within 7-9 days, compared to 12-14 days for the control reactor. Biogas production was raised by 22-28% to reach 0.42-0.48 m3/day, with an average daily increase of 0.32-0.38 m3/day to 0.42-0.48 m3/day. The methane concentration increased to 62-68% in the nano-enhanced reactor, compared with 52-56% in the control system, and the carbon dioxide level decreased to 28-34%. The concentration of H2S was minimized to 40-50%, dropped to 90-140 ppm. The increased quality of biogas favoured 1.5-2.0 hours of domestic cooking. The findings indicate that the combined application of environmental nanotechnology and IoT can significantly improve the performance of domestic anaerobic digestion. BioDigestX system is a sustainable, scalable, and reliable system used in managing decentralized waste in kitchens and the generation of clean energy that can be used to support the ideas of the circular economy and the low-carbon household energy program.
The shape, composition, and kinetic properties of nanoparticles essentially define their application potential in catalysis, advanced materials, and nanomedicine. Current SEM/TEM analysis techniques rely on laborious manual processing steps that limit throughput and introduce subjectivity, which can potentially discourage large-scale studies. A Segment Anything Model (SAM)-based framework was developed for accurate nanoparticle segmentation, integrating EDS data and graph neural networks (GNNs) trained on time-resolved images to provide comprehensive characterization. The proposed pipeline delivers predictions of catalytic performance that are 15% more accurate than those obtained with conventional regression models, reduces analysis time from days to hours, and remains robust when characterizing diverse nanoparticle morphologies. The approach provides quantitative morphological parameters and elemental distribution patterns, as well as sub-second resolution for tracking aggregation dynamics. Such an integrated methodology enables rapid screening and targeted optimization of nanoparticles, especially for nanoparticle-driven applications such as drug delivery platforms and catalytic systems, where particle shape plays a decisive role in intrinsic performance.
Global energy demand necessitates improved efficacy of heat transfer process. Nanofluid is an innovative heat transfer fluid created by dispersing nanoparticles in conventional heat transfer fluids, such as water or ethylene glycol, to enhance thermal conductivity. The corrugated pattern enhances the surface area that comes into contact with heat, allowing for more effective heat absorption. The significance is found in the enhanced effectiveness of heat transfer and absorption, along with a reduced pressure drop. A detailed comparative analysis on the variations in thermal performance of sinusoidal wavy corrugated plate heat exchangers at angles of 0°, 30°, 40°, and 50°, using MWCNT and CuO in water, has been conducted, addressing the literature gap where limited information exists. Flow rate of nanofluid was varied between 2 to 4 L/min and nanoparticle concentration from 0 to 0.09%. The impact of flowrate on convective heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, and thermal hydraulic performance was studied. Findings indicate that CuO nanofluids are preferable for applications characterized by low flow rate (less than 2 L/min) and conduction dominance, such as cooling compact electronics or utilizing low-capacity heat exchangers, where increased particle concentration is acceptable. Conversely, MWCNT nanofluids are more appropriate for heat exchangers used on an industrial scale and in turbulent flow conditions, as they provide enhanced efficiency at reduced concentrations, which helps lower pumping power requirements and pressure.
This study demonstrates a green and sustainable method for synthesizing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Solanum xanthocarpum leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. Structural analysis by X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of crystalline monoclinic CuO NPs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified functional groups originating from phytochemicals, suggesting their role in nanoparticle capping and stabilization. UV–Visible spectroscopy revealed characteristic absorption in the visible range, while photoluminescence spectrum provided insights into the optical emission behavior of the CuO NPs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy showed aggregated nanoparticle morphology, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy along with elemental mapping confirmed the uniform distribution of copper and oxygen elements. The biosynthesized CuO NPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Antioxidant potential, evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, indicated strong free radical scavenging capacity. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assessment against A498 human kidney carcinoma cells revealed promising anticancer activity. These findings highlight the potential of S. xanthocarpum-mediated CuO NPs for diverse biomedical applications, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer therapies
Halloysite clay nanotubes, which occur naturally in a nanotubular form, possess high inherent adsorption capability due to their tubular morphology, high porosity, and large specific surface area. To enhance the application of these nanotubes in CO2 capture, a novel approach of immobilizing tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) onto alkali-modified halloysite nanotubes via the impregnation method was employed. Alkali modification of halloysite nanotubes using KOH was carried out to activate the multilayered surface for impregnation. The prepared halloysite clay solid sorbents were characterized using FTIR, SEM, and EDAX, and were further tested for their potential in CO2 capture. The adsorption capacity of halloysite significantly increased from 6.36 mmol CO2/g of adsorbent to 10.23 mmol CO2/g of adsorbent upon modification with TEPA. In conclusion, TEPA-impregnated halloysite represents a promising nanomaterial for CO₂ capture, and further techno-economic studies may yield a viable and flexible capture system suitable for a wide range of process industries.
This study investigates the thermal–hydraulic performance of a counter-flow double-tube heat exchanger employing Al₂O₃–water nanofluids at varying nanoparticle volume concentrations (0.01%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) and compares their performance with that of the base fluid (water). Experiments were conducted over a mass flow rate range of 0.012–0.026 kg/s to evaluate the influence of nanoparticle concentration and flow rate on key thermal and hydraulic parameters, including Reynolds number (Re), logarithmic mean temperature difference (LMTD), overall heat transfer coefficient (OHTC), number of transfer units (NTU), friction factor, effectiveness, and convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC). The results revealed that increasing nanoparticle concentration enhances the heat transfer characteristics of the system while inducing only a minor rise in flow resistance. The Reynolds number decreases slightly with nanoparticle addition due to increased viscosity, whereas the OHTC and CHTC show significant improvements up to 30–35% at a concentration of 0.3 vol.%. The NTU and effectiveness also increase, indicating enhanced heat exchange performance. Although a small increase in friction factor was observed, the gain in thermal efficiency far outweighs the hydraulic penalty. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Al₂O₃–water nanofluids are an effective working medium for enhancing the energy efficiency and compactness of double-tube heat exchangers used in cooling, thermal management, and sustainable energy systems.
The increasing demand for sustainable nanotechnology has accelerated interest in biological synthesis as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical routes. This study compares silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) prepared using a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum mediated biogenic method with those synthesized chemically, focusing on differences in their physicochemical, structural and functional characteristics. UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation in both samples; however, the biogenic SiO₂ exhibited a sharper absorption peak at 225 nm, attributed to microbial metabolites acting as natural capping and stabilizing agents. In contrast, the chemically synthesized nanoparticles showed a weaker peak at 220 nm, suggesting mild aggregation and lower uniformity. FTIR spectra of the biogenic nanoparticles revealed functional groups such as amides, hydroxyls and carboxylates, confirming the involvement of bacterial biomolecules in surface functionalization. XRD patterns verified the crystalline SiO₂ phase in both samples, with broader peaks indicating smaller crystallite sizes in the biogenic sample. Elemental analysis using EDAX demonstrated high purity for both nanoparticle types, with reduced carbon residues in the biogenic product. FESEM and DLS analyses showed smaller, moderately aggregated biogenic particles (194 nm) compared to larger chemically synthesized particles (332 nm). Functionally, the L. Plantarum derived SiO₂ NPs displayed superior antioxidant activity, achieving 75.4% DPPH inhibition, and exhibited enhanced antifungal activity against Candida parapsilosis, with a zone of inhibition of 27.1 ± 1.4 mm at 100 mg/mL. Overall, the findings indicate that biological synthesis provides a green, efficient and reliable strategy for producing stable, bio functional SiO₂ NPs suitable for sustainable biomedical and catalytic applications.
This study investigates nanostructured bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃) thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for sustainable waste heat recovery in solar thermal applications. Nanostructured Bi₂Te₃ materials were synthesized via hydrothermal methods and characterized using XRD, SEM, and TEM, demonstrating an improved figure of merit (ZT = 1.28 at 180℃) compared to conventional bulk materials (ZT = 0.95). The TEG modules incorporating these nanomaterials were deployed in a 200 m² pilot evacuated tube solar thermal system to exploit temperature gradients for electricity generation from waste heat. The hybrid system achieved a 4.9 percentage-point absolute improvement in overall system efficiency (67.9% to 72.8%), with the TEG modules contributing additional electrical output. Module-level thermoelectric conversion efficiency reached 5–8% at temperature differentials of 50–100℃. Environmental lifecycle assessment revealed significant carbon footprint reduction, with greenhouse gas payback achieved within the first year of operation and an energy payback period of 2.8 years. The nanostructured thermoelectric materials exhibited superior thermal stability over extended thermal cycling, validating long-term durability under realistic solar operating conditions. This work establishes nanomaterial-based TEG technology as a viable green solution for industrial waste heat recovery, contributing to sustainable energy systems.
Polymeric nanofibrous membranes have emerged as a transformative material in wound care, providing enhanced biocompatibility along with faster healing. However, pristine polymeric nanofibers (NFs) and single-drug-impregnated NFs are insufficient to address the needs of chronic wounds. Thus, multi-component NFs are being extensively investigated for improved wound care. This review introduces one such feasible hybridization of materials, namely ZnO nanoparticles, Tridax procumbens, and Azadirachta indica, towards the realization of a nanofibrous wound-healing membrane. The review begins with details on the bioactivity exhibited by these materials in their pristine form and then describes the benefits obtained by their integration into the NF matrix. Next, the various electrospinning variants that enable the realization of different forms of NFs from multiple constituents, the effects of process parameters, and drug incorporation methods are detailed. Further, the characterization techniques and assays to be conducted for understanding the physicochemical characteristics and bioactivity of the fabricated wound-healing membrane are described, along with the steps required for clinical translation. Finally, a possible extension of the work towards the realization of a smart wound-healing system is presented. Notable NF property enhancements achieved with multi-component NFs include a 2.9 ± 0.5 MPa increase in tensile strength, a two-stage drug release profile, and a 2- to 8-fold decrease in the viscosity of the spinnable solution, resulting in thinner NFs. Given its depth of content, this review could act as a valuable resource for promoting the research and development of facile wound dressings.
Modern processors and data-centre modules often experience localized thermal spikes due to rapidly fluctuating computational loads, which can negatively affect device reliability, efficiency, and operational stability. Conventional cooling approaches, including air-based active cooling and conventional phase change materials (PCMs), face limitations such as low thermal conductivity, leakage during phase transition, and bulky packaging structures. In this work, a flexible PCM nanocomposite sheet was developed using paraffin wax as the base PCM reinforced with bio-carbon derived from agricultural waste, bentonite nanoclay, and cellulose fibres. The composite was fabricated using a controlled hot-press method to produce thin, adaptable PCM sheets suitable for direct processor surface integration. The hybrid filler system improves heat transfer pathways while suppressing leakage and enhancing mechanical stability. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the preservation of the crystalline structure of paraffin within the composite matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry showed a melting temperature of approximately 62.8 ℃ and a crystallization temperature near 59.1 ℃, indicating stable phase-change behavior. Thermal conductivity measurements increased from about 0.25 W m-1 K-1 for pure paraffin to a maximum of 0.95 W m-1 K-1 in the optimized composite. Field emission scanning electron microscopy observations revealed uniform filler dispersion and an interconnected microstructure that enhances thermal transport. The developed sustainable PCM composite demonstrates promising potential for passive cooling of processors and advanced electronic thermal management systems.
In this research work, Bougainvillea spectabilis leaf extract-mediated ZnO, MgO and CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by green synthesis. Due to the presence of phytochemical compounds like saponins, alkaloids etc., Bougainvillea spectabilis leaf extract was utilized as a stabilizing and reducing agent. X-ray diffraction, UV-Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy were the characterization techniques used for analyzing the samples. Crystalline size of the prepared samples was determined by X-ray diffraction method and functional groups were confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The presence of elements in the prepared samples was revealed by SEM-EDAX studies. The optical properties of the nanoparticles were studied by UV-Visible spectroscopy in the range 200-800 nm. The antidiabetic activity of the metal oxide nanoparticles was also studied.
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) offers a promising route for fabricating large-scale aluminium components. However, the tribological performance of WAAM-processed aluminium alloys remains a critical limitation for wear-sensitive applications. In this study, Aluminium 8090 alloy reinforced with 1 wt.% nano-sized titanium carbide (TiC) was fabricated using the WAAM process, and its tribological behaviour under dry sliding conditions was systematically investigated. A Taguchi L27 orthogonal array was employed to evaluate the influence of the applied load, sliding velocity, and sliding distance on the wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF). Statistical tools, including signal-to-noise ratio analysis, analysis of variance, contour plots, and regression modelling were used to identify the dominant wear-controlling parameters and optimize the operating conditions. The results revealed that sliding velocity was the most influential parameter affecting both wear rate and COF, followed by applied load, while sliding distance exhibited a comparatively minor effect. The incorporation of nano-TiC significantly enhanced the load-bearing capacity, resulting in improved hardness and reduced wear under moderate operating conditions. The SEM analysis of the worn surfaces indicated a transition from mild adhesive wear at lower loads to abrasive and fatigue-dominated wear at higher loads, corroborating the experimental and statistical findings. The developed regression models demonstrated good predictive capability within the investigated parameter range. This study established clear structure–property–performance correlations and demonstrated the potential of WAAM-fabricated Al8090–nano-TiC composites for wear-critical engineering applications.
Natural fiber composites are increasingly explored as sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials, but their limited mechanical strength and poor moisture resistance often restrict their applications. This study investigates the mechanical characteristics of hybrid coir–jute fiber-reinforced composites incorporating silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles, fabricated using the manual lay-up technique, to address these challenges. Water absorption behavior was evaluated alongside three-point bending, hardness, and impact resistance tests to determine performance improvements. The results showed that incorporating SiC nanoparticles significantly enhanced the properties of the composites. In particular, composites containing 8 wt.% SiC nanoparticles exhibited the lowest water absorption (1.7%) and the highest hardness value (104 HV). They also achieved superior flexural strength (82 MPa), modulus of elasticity (4.38 GPa), and impact energy absorption (19 J). These outcomes demonstrate that SiC nanoparticle reinforcement can effectively improve the durability, strength, and reliability of coir–jute fiber-reinforced composites, highlighting their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic fiber composites in structural and industrial applications.
AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel (SS316) is extensively used in the aerospace, biomedical, petrochemical and marine sectors. However, its low thermal conductivity and prominent work-hardening properties pose significant challenges in machining. This study experimentally investigates the impact of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut on surface roughness (Ra) and cutting temperature (T) during Computer Numerical Control (CNC) turning of SS316, utilizing hybrid Al₂O₃-MWCNT nano-fluid assisted minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed as a statistical modeling and optimization technique to evaluate the effects and interactions of the parameters, while multi-response optimization was conducted using the Desirability Function Approach (DFA). The developed models exhibited satisfactory statistical adequacy (R² > 0.95). The optimal machining parameters identified were a cutting speed of 89.11 m/min, a feed rate of 0.16 mm/rev and a depth of cut of 0.86 mm, leading to a surface roughness of 2.43 µm and a cutting temperature of 112.3 °C. The findings suggest that RSM–DFA provides a systematic and statistically robust framework for improving the machining performance of SS316 while reducing coolant usage and thermal load under sustainable MQL conditions.
