The scarcity of freshwater is a major issue in arid regions of Algeria, where desalination represents a promising solution based on solar energy; this study focuses on experimental and theoretical investigation of a cascade distiller by focusing on the brackish water's salinity and the impact of its thermo-physical properties on the production of distillate. Several experiments were conducted under real climatic conditions using different salinity levels (0.8, 21.6, 39.9, and 78.8 g/L). The theoretical approach was applied to analyze the influence of thermo-physical properties of brackish water particularly the specific thermal capacity and latent heat of vaporization. These properties unlike pure water due to the presence of dissolved ions, which implies an estimated daily flow rate, increase of 3.2 to 3.7 kg/ day when the salinity exceeds 0.8 to 78.8 g/L. However in the experimental phase, productivity decreases from 1.75 to 1.25 kg/ day with the same variation in salinity. This decrease is mainly due to the formation of salt deposits on the absorbent surface, which reduces the absorption of solar radiation and the efficiency of heat exchanges. A good agreement between the experimental and numerical data was given with RMSE between 2.5 degrees C and 6 degrees C for all temperature components. The calculated of net present value 270 dollars confirms that the system is profitable investment. The study also based on the role of some key parameters such as the distiller's inclination, wind speed, brackish water thickness, allowing to optimize the design parameters to improve the productivity.

This study investigates the regeneration performance of iron- and aluminum-pillared montmorillonite (Fe-Mt and Al-Mt) adsorbents synthesized from purified Algerian bentonite. Pillaring was achieved using preformed iron and aluminum hydroxyl polycations to enhance the clay's structural and adsorption properties. Comprehensive characterization was conducted via x-ray, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface charge analysis, and textural measurements. Adsorption behavior toward orange methyl (OM) was assessed under varying conditions of pH, contact time, initial concentration, and adsorbent dose. Regeneration of OM-saturated clays was evaluated using NaOH and HNO3 solutions at different concentrations. Optimal regeneration was achieved with 0.001 M NaOH for 30 min, yielding high desorption efficiency. Despite slight decreases in adsorption capacity over successive cycles, the pillared clays retained considerable reusability. Statistical physics models provided mechanistic insight into the adsorption process and confirmed enhanced dye uptake associated with structural modifications. These findings support the application of these pillared clays as cost-effective, regenerable adsorbents for organic contaminant removal from aqueous systems, contributing to sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.

A series of macroporous hydrogel pillared-clay (MPHPC) solids was developed using iron-pillared clay (Fe-PC). These solids were encapsulated in sodium alginate hydrogel either with or without polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and calcium carbonate. The macroporous network of the MPHPC materials was created through an acidification step using an HCl solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were employed to characterize the encapsulated MPHPC composites. In addition, a series of experiments using Malachite Green (MG) was conducted to assess their sorption performance. XRD results confirmed that the two polymer molecules did not intercalate into the interlamellar spaces of the clay. FTIR results confirmed the presence of alginate (-OH and-COO-groups) and the silicate chain (-Si-O bond) in the solid. SEM images revealed that the MPHPC sorbents exhibited a highly porous structure. Comparisons based on the EDS and XRF results before and after the sorption of MG onto beads (S2 and S3 samples) show that both analyses established the presence of chlorine on the surface of the samples after MG sorption. A comparative study of kinetic models, including the Elovich model, the Weber-Morris (W-M) intraparticle diffusion model, the pseudo-first-order (PFO) model, and the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model, was performed. The kinetic results indicated that the MG sorption on the MPHPC sorbent was well described by the PSO model with sorption occurring through both surface sorption and intraparticle diffusion. Fitting the experimental MG sorption data to the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R), and Temkin isotherm models revealed that the Langmuir and Temkin models provided the best fit for the MPHPC matrix prepared with PVA. At the optimal pH of 8, the Langmuir isotherm results indicated maximum MG sorption capacities of approximately 130 and 182 mg g-1 for samples corresponding to MPHPC prepared with and without PVA, respectively. Studies on the reusability of MPHPC sorbents using 90% ethanol as a desorbing agent showed that they can be used for three cycles with an insignificant drop in removal efficiency.

This study aimed to develop and optimize an extended-release (ER) metformin hydrochloride matrix tablet using hypromellose as the matrix-forming polymer. ER formulations of metformin are crucial as they provide stable plasma concentrations, reduce dosing frequency and gastrointestinal side effects, enhancing patient adherence and glycemic control. A D-optimal experimental design combined with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the impact of formulation variables (povidone K30, hypromellose, and lactose monohydrate) on tablet properties, such as friability, hardness, flowability, and moisture content. The optimal formulation containing povidone K30 (3.38%), hypromellose (19.6%) and lactose monohydrate (35.01%) exhibited drug release following the Korsmeyer Peppas model, with 78% of the drug released over 8 hours, showing extended-release behavior. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated no significant chemical interaction between metformin and the excipients, while X-ray diffraction showed that metformin retained its crystalline structure. DSC–TGA analysis further confirmed the stability of metformin and its compatibility with the excipients. This optimized extended-release formulation may represent a simple, cost-effective, and practical alternative for diabetes management in resource-limited settings, owing to its straightforward preparation process and the absence of requirements for specialized manufacturing technology.

The objective of the study was to synthesize new adsorbent materials in uniform films, based on two synthetic iron (oxy)hydroxides with polyvinyl chloride. A sol–gel process was employed using two deposition techniques: spin coating and dip coating. These films were characterized using a combination of analytical techniques to confirm the successful incorporation and homogeneous distribution of iron (oxy)hydroxides within the PVC matrix. X‐ray fluorescence analysis revealed a significant reduction in Fe 2 O 3 content from ∼98.2% in pure goethite and ∼97.7% in HFO to 54.2% and 47.6%, respectively, in their composite films. Textural analysis showed reductions in specific surface areas from 151.3 to 14.76 m 2 g⁻¹ for (HFO/PVC) composites and from 135.3 to 13.11 m 2 g⁻¹ for (goethite/PVC) matrices. Adsorption studies of 4‐nitrophenol and methyl orange were performed in batch mode, both in single‐component systems and binary mixtures. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo‐first‐order model provided the best fit ( R 2 ≥ 0.92). Adsorption isotherms revealed that the Freundlich model best described single‐component systems, indicating heterogeneous surface adsorption. In binary systems, three adsorption weight ratios (r = (4‐nitrophenol/ methyl orange) = 1/3, 1 and 3 w/w) showed that the Sheindorf–Rebhun–Sheintuch (SRS) model, accurately described simultaneous adsorption, suggesting a cooperative adsorption mechanism.

This study investigates the effect of the chemical modification of betalain pigments, extracted from purple Bougainvillea glabra , on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The extraction yield of crude betacyanin from B. glabra was approximately 8.75%. The unmodified betalain (B) and the modified betalain (MB) were used as natural sensitizers; their adsorption behaviors on TiO 2 were analyzed and compared. The structural and optical properties of both dyes were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H-NMR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The chemical modification of the crude betacyanin extract proceeded with a yield of 69.5%. The photovoltaic performance of DSSCs based on B and MB was evaluated under standard solar illumination (100 mW/cm 2 ). The DSSC sensitized with B exhibited a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.31% and a short-circuit current density (J sc ) of 2.31 mA/cm 2 , whereas the DSSC sensitized with MB demonstrated a lower efficiency (0.14%) and J sc of 0.91 mA/cm 2 . Despite this decrease in efficiency, a 100-hour stability test showed that DSSCs sensitized with MB retained approximately 73% of their initial efficiency, while those based on B retained only 31%, highlighting a significant improvement in long-term stability. EIS characterization of DSSC based on the two different sensitizers were made. These results suggest that MB-based DSSCs are more durable and potentially more competitive with inorganic-based solar cells. Overall, the findings highlight the trade-off between initial efficiency and long-term stability and provide valuable insights into the development of natural dye-based DSSCs with improved performance.

The aim of this study was the elaboration of a chitosan/oxidized pectin film for use in the adsorption of methyl orange. To valorize the food waste from juice manufacturing, pectin was extracted from orange peel waste. The highest extraction yield of 21.1% was achieved at a temperature of 80 °C, a time of 50 min, pH of 1.5, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 25:1 (v/w). Chitin was extracted from shrimp shells through acid and alkaline treatment. The deacetylation of chitin to chitosan was carried out using a 40% NaOH treatment with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 4:1. The conversion of pectin to its dialdehyde derivatives by periodate oxidization in acid solutions with pH 4 at 35 °C has been investigated. The prepared chitosan-dialdehyde pectin films, elaborated via Schiff base reaction, were characterized using FTIR and XRD analyses. The results of methyl orange adsorption showed an efficiency that can reach 100%. The adsorption data were best described by the Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating a heterogeneous surface and a chemisorption-dominated process.

Wound dressings play a crucial role in protecting injured tissues and promoting the healing process. Traditional fabrication of antibacterial wound dressings can be complex and may involve toxic components. In this study, we developed an innovative hydrogel film (AP:GE@OTA/Ag) composed of amidated pectin (AP), gelatin (GE), oxidized tannic acid (OTA) at varying concentrations, and in-situ reduced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed that crosslinking occurs via interactions between OTA quinone groups and free amino groups in AP and GE. TEM imaging demonstrated the well-dispersed AgNPs with an average particle size of 58.64 nm, while the TG measurements indicated the enhancement of the thermal stability compared to AP:GE films. The AP:GE@OTA/Ag films exhibited superior fluid uptake ability (90.96 % at 2 h), water retention capacity (91.69 % at 2 h), and water vapor transmission rate (1903.29 g/m2/day), alongside improved tensile strength (38 MPa). Additionally, these films showed excellent cytocompatibility and sustained potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli with low AgNPs loadings of 1.02 ± 0.13 μg/cm2. NIT-1 mouse insulinoma cells demonstrated robust proliferation when cultured with the prepared dressings. These films significantly accelerated wound repair in a skin excision model, indicating their potential clinical applications for wound healing.

The present study aims to synthesize a hybrid thin film with sol-gel process via dip-coating and spincoating techniques. Prepared films are used in the elimination several pollutants using the photodegradation process. Used films are prepared by mixing polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/hydrophobic-modified clays (Hc). First, we modified natural bentonite (Bt) and sodium montmorillonite (Na-Mt) with a surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. incorporation of methylene blue (MB) as photosensitizers into Hc was realised with different percentage of hydrophobic clay/photosensitizers at ambient temperature and optimum pH for 3 h. Secondly, the PVC/modified clay thin films were elaborated with sol-gel technology, using two techniques for deposition: Dip-coating in dimethylformamide and spin-coating in tetrahydrofuran. We modified some parameters such as weight ratio polymer/modified clay, number of dipper, rotational velocity, viscosity of polymer solution, rotation time and ramping -up rate for optimum conditions. Prepared films are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-X-ray fluorescence and Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, the obtained results show the good insertion of MB into different support. The deposition on PVC increase the distance basal of materials. The efficiency of our prepared films was evaluated through the degradation of some dyes such as tartrazine (TR) and methyl orange (MO), using photoreactor upon irradiation with visible light and air injection. The obtained results show a significant efficiency of the films in the degradation of MO and TR. The TR degradation yields obtained vary from 72% to 76% for films containing 5% MB, and a yield close to 99% for the degradation of MO.

This study reports the preparation of catalyst grains based on oxyhydroxides of iron and zirconium via the coprecipitation method and their application in the degradation of 4-nitrophenol. The morphology, microstructure, and surface composition of these catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of the grains was assessed in the degradation of 4-nitrophenol in a heterogeneous system at different operating conditions. Degradation rates up to 93% were obtained after 4 h of contact time where the catalytic activity of tested materials was higher at pH 7 than in acidic and basic conditions. Amorphous iron hydroxide with a ratio of 75% Zr+25%Fe showed the best catalytic properties. These novel materials are an interesting alternative for facing the water pollution caused by organic compounds.

Co-electrodeposition technique has been used to elaborate flower-like CuO/ZnO nanocomposites on aluminum (Al) foil and indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates. Different CuO/ZnO composite films with different Cu/Zn ratios were fabricated by modifying the concentration of the copper concentration in the solution. SEM observation of CuO/ZnO nanocomposite surface indicates a flower-like morphology. The results of XRD and FTIR characterization confirmed the elaboration of CuO/ZnO nanocomposites. It was shown that the increase of Cu2+ concentration in the bath causes a decrease in CuO/ZnO band gap (from 3.13 to 2.05 eV). The contact angle measurements indicate that surface of the elaborated nanocomposite is hydrophilic. In addition, a high PL intensity in the visible was obtained, with a Cu/Zn ratio to 0.73, which decreases with the increase of the CuO/ZnO composite thickness. The electrochemical performance of CuO/ZnO nanocomposite studied as working electrode in a three-electrode cell configuration in a stable organic electrolyte (LiPF6/ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) with vinylene carbonate (VC)) exhibited reduction and oxidation peaks corresponding to the formation of LiZn and to the multistep dealloying process of LiZn alloy, respectively. Finally, as-prepared CuO/ZnO electrode exhibited the better electrochemical performance with a higher integrated area than pure ZnO electrode. The obtened results indicat that the nanocomposite electrode can be a good candidate as anode for Li-ions batteries.

In many industrial sites, a series of various organic and inorganic co-contaminant species are simultaneously present in their aqueous discharges. This therefore justifies the recent interest and the choice of binary and ternary adsorption of three co-contaminant species to understand their competitive effects. Here we introduced two types of theoretical adsorption models, recently developed by us: multi-logistic distribution and statistical physics. These modeling approaches were applied in order to understand the adsorption of two cationic dyes (Rhodamine B, RB and Malachite Green, MG) and one metal cation (Cadmium Cd(II)) on granulated activated carbon (GAC). New experimental batch adsorption data were obtained with these mono-component, binary and ternary systems. The adsorption capacities of all these pollutants decreased from single to binary and ternary systems. Moreover, although Cd(II) did not lead to any notable competitive effect, when the two dyes were simultaneously present (binary and ternary systems) there was an increase in the adsorption capacity for RB and a decrease for MG, thus indicating a complex removal process due to different adsorption effects. Both models were used to calculate affinities, dissociation constants, steric and energetic parameters to characterize the single, binary, and ternary adsorption of tested pollutants. Modeling results indicated that the number of captured adsorbates per active receptor site of GAC decreased from single to binary and ternary systems, signaling a competitive effect for the same adsorption site. Based on this parameter, the adsorption orientation of these three pollutants was described. Interestingly, the models provided adsorption energies which allowed the characterization of the interactions between the adsorbates and the adsorbent surface. Calculated adsorption energies showed that the adsorption in single, binary, and ternary systems was associated to physisorption.

This study reports on the photodegradation of tebuconazole (TEB) within a fluidized bed pilot unit mediated by phenalenone (PN) grafted on sand (PN-sand). The photodegradation experiments were conducted in both a cylindrical laboratory-scale reactor and a fluidized bed pilot unit equipped with a lit LED strip, for reactional volumes of 0.4 L and 38.7 L, respectively. The lab reactor study showed that TEB removal was slightly affected by the LED emission type, i.e. purple LEDs (380 nm-440 nm) and blue LEDs (435 nm-465 nm). The PN-sand loading also affected TEB removal, with a maximum rate of 79% at a loading of 30 g.L-1, corresponding to a PN/TEB molar ratio of 1800. TEB photodegradation could be described by a first-order kinetic constant of (1.1 +/- 0.2) x 10(-3) min(-1) with a first step where photodegradation was coupled to a rapid sorption. Similar kinetic constants were observed in both reactors. A recirculation flow of 440 L.h(-1) made it possible to assimilate the fluidized bed reactor into a perfectly stirred reactor. Experiments were conducted with this recycling flow and an inlet flow of 1.1 L.h(-1) and 4.2 L.h(-1), respectively. The use of the first-order kinetic constant of 1.0 x 10(-3) min(-1) in a CSTR reactor served to propose a reactional model for the TEB solution photodegradation. A drift towards the model was detected after a contact time of 33 h and independently of the residence time. A degradation of phenalenone or a decrease in active phenalenone took place by photobleaching or ungrafting from the support.

Composite granules (named Fe-PILMG) based on both an Algerian montmorillonite with iron and gluten as an inert binder are prepared and used in the elimination of cadmium by dynamic adsorption in fixed bed columns. This study is essentially focused on the adsorption of Cd (II) in dynamic mode on a fixed bed based on Fe-PILMG sorbent granules followed by a study on the chemical regeneration of these new saturated adsorbents. The various regeneration tests are carried out with NaOH solution. The experimental data on the elimination of Cd (II) (pH = 7, T = 20 +/- 2 degrees C) in dynamic mode reveal that this adsorption is considerably influenced by the flow rate (2 to 5 mL min-1), Cd (II) initial concentration (20 to 50 mg L-1), and bed height (5 and 15 cm) and that a modification of each of these parameters can strongly influence the efficiency of this process. The assessment of the experimental data is carried out using the Thomas, Yoon & Nelson and Bohart-Adams models. The fit of the experimental and modeled breakthrough curves indicates excellent applicability of the mathematical models studied which is confirmed by high values of the correlation coefficient for the Bohart-Adams model (R-2 = 0.99, model constants N0 = 634.87 mg L-1, kBA = 0.079 (L (mg min)-1 ), from Yoon and Nelson model (R-2 = 0.97, zeta = 413.03 min, KYN = 0.0049 min-1), Thomas (R-2 = 0.98, q0 = 49.03 mg g-1, KTH = 5.21 mL (mg. min)-1).

The aim of this work is to evaluate the use of phenalenone (PN) grafted to sand in the photodegradation of tebuconazole (TEB). PN was covalently attached to sand via click reactions between functionalized sand and PN derivatives. The photodegradation study was conducted in an annular reactor equipped with immersed UV and visible lamps. In the first step the photodegradation of TEB was studied in presence of free PN. The influence of the molar ratio = PN/TEB was investigated; a maximal effect was observed with R close to 769; beyond this value a shielding effect appeared. The use and the lifetime of the sand-bound PN were studied and the photodegradation mechanism was investigated. Covalent binding of photosensitizer to sand resulted in a 80 nm red shift of the PN absorption band in the visible region along with an important increase in degradative efficiency. PN-Sand was more stable under visible irradiation. The main mechanism was the type II with some contribution of type I.

This work is part of the recovery of a synthetic waste (tire) by preparing a highly carbonated activated carbon. The effectiveness of this activated carbon was been examined in the adsorption of phenol in the aqueous phase at room temperature with constant stirring. A comparative study was been made on a commercial activated carbon (CAC). The prepared activated carbon (CAP) has undergone a modification by chemical activation for the following conditions (ratio of activating agent 2 ml / g of activated carbon, activation temperature of 550 ° C., activation time of 1 hour and diameter 300 µm particles). The material was characterized by measuring the point of zero charge (pHpzc), specific surface, DRX, SEM and some parameters which govern the kinetics of adsorption (humidity rate, ash rate, pH and apparent density). The results of the adsorption of phenol on the two synthetic and commercial active carbon show that the adsorbed amount obtained for the two types of carbon is almost identical. Kinetic model allowed us to show that the pseudo second order model is the most representative. The adsorption isotherms are of type L and they are well adjusted by the Freundlich model with correlation coefficients of 90%.

Our work has focused on evaluating the use of phenalenone (PN) for phenol photodegradation in aqueous solution. This evaluation was conducted using both free and supported (PN) on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The photodegradation study took place in an annular photoreactor with ultraviolet (UV) or visible irradiation, whose emission corresponded to PN absorption wavelength. The influence of operating parameters, namely pH, initial phenol and PN concentrations, light intensity, and type of irradiation (i.e. UV, visible), has been examined. Phenol photodegradation was performed in the presence of sodium azide, propan-2-ol and, lastly, nitrogen (N-2) to determine the mechanism pathway. Results reveal pH as the most important parameter affecting phenol photodegradation. A complete phenol transformation could be attained within 120 min under UV irradiation and within 300 min under visible irradiation at pH 12. The PN/phenol ratio alters photodegradation kinetics, especially under UV irradiation. The photodegradation rate was higher with free PN than with a supported photosensitizer. Pseudo-first-order kinetics were observed under both UV and visible irradiation. A type II mechanism proved to be the main pathway in phenol photodegradation, with possible contribution from a type I mechanism.

The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the sorption capacities of some natural raw materials of vegetable origin for the treatment of the sewage coming from the textile industry. The selected barks are: maritime pine (MP), pine pinion (PP) and Aleppo pine (AP) bark. The effectiveness of these barks was evaluated in the removal of three dye; rhodamine B (RhB), Green Malachite (GM) and Methyl Orange (MO). Initially, the effects of some parameters such as the nature of the adsorbents, the nature of the dyes and the pH were studied. Obtained results reveals that the speed sorption is strongly influencing by the pH medium and the comparative study shows that the adsorption is favourable in the acidic medium with a sorbed amount of (Q=40mg/g) for rhodamine B. The results of the biosorption kinetics reveal that the GM molecules are better biosorbed (Q=48 mg/g) than those of RhB (Q=46 mg/g) and methyl orange (Q=18mg/g), with an equilibrium time of 6 hours. The results of the biosorption isotherms show clearly that the maritime pine bark is the most effective biosorbents with sorbed amount of (QRhB=200mg/g) and (QMO=88mg/g) followed by pignon pine (PP) with (QRhB=184mg/g) and (QMO=56mg/g) and finally Aleppo pine (AP) bark with (QRhB=131mg/g) and (Qmo=46mg/g). All obtained isotherms are modeled using the Langmuir and Freundlich models. According to the adjustment coefficient values R2, corresponding isotherms are well represented by Freundlich model.