An integrated computational framework combining density functional theory (DFT) and SCAPS-1D device simulations was used in this work to investigate the lead-free double halide perovskites K2LiGaCl6 and K2LiGaBr6 as potential photovoltaic absorbers. First-principles calculations indicate that both compounds are structurally feasible in the cubic elpasolite phase and satisfy preliminary thermodynamic and mechanical stability criteria. The calculated GGA-PBE electronic structures reveal direct band-gap semiconducting behaviour, with band gaps of 2.53 eV for K2LiGaCl6 and 1.19 eV for K2LiGaBr6, indicating distinct optoelectronic application windows. Optical calculations show absorption coefficients on the order of 104 cm-1 in the visible range, while elastic-property analysis suggests mechanically soft and ductile behaviour with moderate anisotropy, features that may support thin-film device integration. SCAPS-1D simulations performed under optimized conditions indicate K2LiGaBr6 as the more favourable single-junction photovoltaic absorber, yielding a simulated power conversion efficiency of approximately 27.13% with favourable open-circuit voltage and fill factor. These results identify K2LiGaBr6 as a promising environmentally benign alternative to lead-based perovskites, and provide a rational multiscale design strategy for the development of sustainable, high-performance photovoltaic materials.

Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is an agricultural waste residue rich in silica, which constitutes up to 60% of its chemical composition. This study investigates the extraction of biosilica particles from POFA using a hydrochloric acid (HCl) leaching pretreatment, with a focus on the effect of a relatively low acid concentration on the product yield. Biosilica particles treated with 1 M HCl (nS-1MHCl) exhibited 11% higher yield compared to untreated POFA (nS-0MHCl). The physicochemical characteristics of the extracted biosilica particles were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FESEM micrographs revealed spherical silica particles with relatively uniform sizes and the presence of surface pore cavities. In batch adsorption experiments, the leached nS-1MHCl sample achieved a maximum methylene blue (MB) removal efficiency of 94% over an initial MB concentration range of 10-50 ppm. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that extracting biosilica particles from POFA for MB removal represents a viable strategy for valorizing agricultural waste ash into high-value products.

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the development of advanced multifunctional materials for infection control and biomedical applications. In this study, electrospun nanofibrous mats composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and well-defined silver nanocubes (AgNCs) were developed as antibacterial and functional composite membranes. Rheological analysis was employed to optimize the viscoelastic properties of PVDF solutions, enabling stable electrospinning and the formation of uniform, bead-free nanofibers. The incorporation of AgNCs significantly influenced the structure-property relationships of the nanofibers. A notable reduction in fiber diameter was observed (1.45 +/- 0.53 mu m to 0.28 +/- 0.10 mu m), attributed to enhanced solution conductivity and jet stretching. FTIR analysis revealed an increase in the electroactive beta-phase fraction from 79 to 82% at 5 wt % AgNCs loading, indicating improved dipolar alignment and crystallinity. Mechanical testing demonstrated a substantial enhancement in tensile strength (similar to 3 & times;), while contact angle measurements showed improved surface wettability. Morphological and compositional analyses confirmed the uniform distribution of AgNCs within the nanofibrous matrix. The PVDF-AgNCs nanofibers exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, attributed to the high surface area of Ag nanocubes and their sustained interaction with bacterial cells. Overall, this work demonstrates that AgNCs incorporation enables simultaneous tuning of morphology, crystallinity, and functional performance, highlighting the potential of PVDF-AgNCs nanofibers for advanced antibacterial and biomedical applications.

Rice husk (RH) is a global agricultural byproduct that poses environmental challenges due to disposal via open burning. This study contributes new findings on the RH valorization from Roban, Sarawak, establishing a highly effective hydrochloric acid (HCl) leaching protocol that yields amorphous silica with enhanced purity. The scientific significance lies in the successful optimization of treatment parameters to achieve superior silica oxide (SiO2) purity of 97.26 wt%, and significantly enhanced whiteness index (WI) (74.4), demonstrating the efficiency of this protocol for regional variants. Furthermore, the structural analysis demonstrates the isolation of a predominantly amorphous phase, providing a critical baseline for utilizing Sarawak-specific agricultural waste in high-performance industrial applications. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the successful elimination of metallic impurities (P, K, Ca, and Fe), resulting in a reduced mass yield from 43.18% to 36.64%. Furthermore, HCl treatment narrowed the particle size distribution (SPAN: 1.66) and slightly reduced the mean diameter to 33.0 µm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses confirmed that both samples retained a stable amorphous structure. These results demonstrate that RH from this region is a viable, low-cost precursor for high-quality silica production, offering a sustainable alternative for agricultural waste management.

Soil degradation, water contamination, nutrient depletion, and climate change are interlinked global challenges that demand multifunctional, sustainable solutions. Conventional remediation methods such as activated carbon adsorption, coagulation-flocculation, and advanced oxidation are often costly, energy-intensive, and limited in scalability. Biochar-hydrogel (BC-HG) composites have recently emerged as promising materials that integrate the high porosity, surface functionality, and carbon sequestration potential of biochar with the water-retention and controlled-release properties of hydrogels. This review critically synthesizes advances in BC-HG research by linking substrate choice, synthesis techniques, and physicochemical characterization with performance outcomes across environmental and agricultural applications. This review further highlights how synthesis-driven composite architecture governs dominant adsorption pathways, enabling design-oriented optimization beyond model-based interpretation. Mechanistic insights from adsorption kinetics, isotherm modeling, and thermodynamics are integrated to explain the composites' ability to remove heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and emerging contaminants, while simultaneously supporting nutrient recovery, soil fertility, drought resilience, and greenhouse gas reduction. Compared to standalone biochar or hydrogels, BC-HGs exhibit enhanced mechanical stability, swelling behavior, and pollutant affinity, positioning them as multifunctional platforms for remediation and sustainable resource use. However, challenges remain in scaling up synthesis, improving regeneration efficiency, ensuring stability under real-matrix conditions with competing ions and natural organic matter, and addressing risks from waste-derived feedstocks. Framing BC-HGs within the circular bioeconomy this review highlights their potential to valorize waste resources, recycle nutrients, and contribute to carbon management.

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) were synthesized by a modified polyol method and evaluated for their structural features and anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in vivo. The AgNWs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, dynamic light scattering, FESEM, TEM, and EDS to confirm their optical response, morphology, and elemental composition. The nanowires showed a plasmonic absorption band at 385 nm, a near-neutral zeta potential, and a mean diameter of 71.58 ± 22.78 nm, although minor secondary morphologies were observed. In the EAC mouse model, AgNWs reduced viable EAC cell counts in a non-linear dose-dependent manner, with the lower dose showing stronger inhibition than the higher dose. These findings suggest that AgNWs possess measurable anticancer activity, while also indicating that dispersion state and dose-dependent behavior require further mechanistic study before translational use can be considered.

Man-made cellulose fibers from well-managed forestry provide an eco-friendly alternative to polyester and cotton. The Ioncell process converts cellulose-based raw materials into high-quality textiles and offers strong potential for upcycling cellulose-based textile waste. Recycling discarded textiles is challenging because washing and abrasion degrade synthetic and natural fibers, reducing molecular weight and processability. Here, we demonstrate that adding a very small fraction of ultrahigh molecular weight bacterial cellulose enhances the spinnability of textile waste streams dominated by short-chain cellulose. This high molecular weight dopant systematically increases solution extensibility, stabilizing the extension-dominated fiber-spinning process. Viscoelastic stresses in a stable spinline scale with steady extensional viscosity at high strain rates and depend sensitively on chain extensibility. We quantify the enhanced tensile stress differences using capillarity-driven extensional rheometry combined with transient exponential shear rheometry to develop a spinnability metric for cellulose/ionic liquid solutions. These findings advance strategies for efficient recycling of postconsumer cellulose textiles.

Retraction of ‘Synthesis of novel pyrazole incorporating a coumarin moiety (PC) for selective and sensitive Co 2+ detection’ by Faisal M. Aqlan et al. , New J. Chem. , 2019, 43 , 12331–12339, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NJ02176K.

Dual-Mode-Dual-Gd (DMDG) nanoparticles incorporating BrCy112, a brominated carbocyanine dye, were investigated for their potential in magnetic resonance (MR) and optical imaging of intraperitoneal ovarian tumors in an animal model two days post-intravenous injection. DMDG nanoparticles were synthesized using either BrCy112 or indocyanine green (ICG) as the near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore, combined with positive contrast MR imaging agents. The optical properties of these fluorophores were characterized through absorption and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy, with their loading concentrations optimized in liposomal formulations. MR relaxivity and FL intensity were assessed in vitro, while in vivo imaging was performed on mice bearing human intraperitoneal ovarian cancer xenografts. BrCy112 exhibited approximately 2.5 times greater FL intensity than ICG in deionized water (p < 0.05, n = 5), and in optimized liposomal formulations, DMDG-BrCy112 demonstrated nearly three times higher FL intensity than DMDG-ICG (p < 0.05, n = 5). MR imaging showed enhanced tumor signals following DMDG-BrCy112 and DMDG-ICG injection. Open abdomen and excised tumor analyses revealed that tumors in mice injected with DMDG-BrCy112 had twice the FL intensity (radiant efficiency) per g tumor compared to those injected with DMDG-ICG (p < 0.05, n = 6). These results suggest that BrCy112 exhibits superior FL intensity over ICG, and when formulated in DMDG nanoparticles, it enables MR and NIR imaging days after a single injection. This highlights its potential clinical application for pre-surgical planning and image-guided resection of intraperitoneal ovarian cancer.

Food consumption will rise rapidly as the global population grows over the next several decades. The current agricultural production system cannot solve this challenge, forcing crop growth to experience more adverse conditions. To promote the long-term sustainability of crop production and reduce reliance on excessive agrochemical use, the implementation of integrated nutrient management systems that involve the combination of chemical and biological fertilizers represents an enormous challenge. The experiment aimed to improve tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) germination, agronomic, and physiological characteristics through seed priming and foliar spraying with resorcinol (0.1 µM/L), biochar (30 mg/L), and nanobiochar (30 mg/L) and inoculation with or without a mixture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Physico-chemical characterization of nano-biochar revealed the presence of elements like carbon, oxygen, calcium, and silicon. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed the presence of functional groups and a mix of crystalline and amorphous structures. The surface showed a moderate negative zeta potential with particles averaging hydrodynamic size of around 77 nm.Notably, either alone or in combination with nanobiochar, resorcinol-primed seeds significantly improved tomato seed germination parameters, such as the germination rate index (GRI), emergence energy (EE), coefficient velocity of germination (CVG), final germination percentage (FGP), and seed vigor index (SVI), resulting in a decrease in the mean germination time (MGT) in both the Saaho and Lerica varieties. AMF inoculation and foliar application of biochar and nanobiochar considerably improved shoot (109.57 ± 0.88, 103.00 ± 0.93 cm), and root length (21.89 ± 0.21, 21.40 ± 0.20cm) and leaf area. Furthermore, increases in the biomass of shoots and fruits under fresh and dry conditions were also investigated. Treatment T13 notably boosted the levels of flavonoids (3.54 ± 0.01, 3.36 ± 0.01 mg/g), total phenol (21.23 ± 0.08, 20.31 ± 0.06 mg/g), total protein contents (44.97 ± 0.45, 42.55 ± 0.41 µg/g), total soluble sugar contents (47.97 ± 0.49, 44.88 ± 0.31 µg/g), and anthocyanin contents (0.70 ± 0.00, 0.68 ± 0.00 mg/g) in both Saaho and Lerica tomato varieties compared to the control. The activity of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) exhibited significant increases in response to treatment T13, showing enhancements of (6.93 ± 0.02, 6.84 ± 0.01 units/g) for CAT, and (6.14 ± 0.02, 5.87 ± 0.04 units/g) for APX, respectively. In contrast, proline levels (3.55 ± 0.02, 3.02 ± 0.00 mg/g) declined in both tomato varieties. The present research showed that resorcinol-functionalized nanobiochar has a beneficial influence on germination parameters and that nanobiofertilizer has a synergistic influence on the morphophysiological properties of tomato plants.

The exploration of potential candidates for fungicides against four fungal proteins that cause some vital plant diseases, namely Phytophthora capsici, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, and Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, was conducted using in silico, molecular docking simulations, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation for selecting the nature of binding affinity with actives sites of proteins. First of all, the DFT was employed to optimize the molecular geometry, and get the prepared optimized ligand. From the DFT data, the chemical descriptors were calculated. Next, two docking tools, such as AutoDock by PyRx and Molecular Docking by Glide from the Schrödinger suite, were used to convey the docking score, and ligand protein interactions against four main proteases, for instance 7VEM, 8H6Q, 8EBB, and 7XDS having name of pathogens: Phytophthora capsici, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, and Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, respectively. In case of auto dock from PyRx, the fungicides L01, L03, L04, L13, L14, L17, L18, and L19 demonstrated significantly higher affinities for binding to the four fungal pathogens. Surprisingly, it is conveyed that the L03 illustrated the highest binding score against three of 7VEM, 8EBB, and 7XDS proteins and L09 is highest for 8H6Q. However, MD was performed to check the validation and calculation the docking procedure and stability of the protein ligand docked complex accounting of RMSD, RMSF, SASA, Radius of gyration (Rg), Protein secondary structure elements (SSE), Ramachandran plot which confirm that the stability of docked complex is so high, and number of calculating the hydrogen bonds is more than good enough, as a result it is concluded the docking procedure is valid. Finally, Difenoconazole (L03) has been considered as the most promising antifungal drug evaluated from the studies.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (n-TiO₂) have emerged as potent modulators of photosynthetic activity in cyanobacteria; however, their strain-specific physiological effects in Fremyella diplosiphon , a model cyanobacterium, remain unexplored. In this study, we investigated the impact of n-TiO 2 on growth, pigment autofluorescence, photosynthetic capacity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and ATP synthase activity in F. diplosiphon strains B481-SD (overexpressed with the sterol desaturase gene) and B481-WT (wild type). Growth as a measure of optical density was maximal in B481-SD at 2.0 mg/L (0.67 ± 0.01) and in B481-WT at both 2.0 (0.55 ± 0.01) and 16 mg/L (0.52 ± 0.01) n-TiO 2 on day 12. Pigment accumulation over 15 days revealed enhanced phycocyanin (1300 ± 2) and chlorophyll a (890 ± 5) levels in 2.0 mg/L n-TiO₂-treated B481-SD while no significant changes were observed in B481-WT. Photosynthetic efficiency ( Fv/Fm ) of B481-SD treated with 2.0 mg/L n-TiO₂ was significantly higher on days 6, 9, and 12. ROS quantification using the 2′,7′dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay revealed significantly higher levels in B481-WT at 2.0 mg/L (260 ± 5), whereas B481-SD exhibited lower ROS levels at 2.0 (210 ± 2) and 16 mg/L (220 ± 4) n-TiO 2 on day 15. Additionally, immunodetection analysis of ATP synthase revealed significantly enhanced expression in F. diplosiphon B481-SD treated with 0.5, 2.0, and 128 mg/L n-TiO₂ compared to the untreated control. Visualization of cell-n-TiO₂ interactions using field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a strong absorption for titanium, with an atomic percentage of 0.32%. These findings demonstrate strain-specific responses of F. diplosiphon to n-TiO₂, paving the way for scale-up cultivation to enhance cyanobacteria-derived bioproducts.

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a pivotal electrochemical process in energy technologies and in the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which serves as both an effective agent for dye degradation and a fuel in H2O2-based fuel cells. In this regard, a titanium (Ti) sheet was anodized to generate a TiO2 layer, and then the oxide layer was modified with gold (presented as Au/TiO2/Ti) via electrodeposition. The developed electrocatalyst was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which showed characteristic binding energies for Ti4+ in TiO2 and metallic Au. In addition, the Nyquist plot verified the electrode modification process, since the diameter of the semicircular arc, corresponding to charge transfer resistance, significantly decreased due to Au deposition. Voltametric studies revealed that the TiO2 layer with a Ti surface exhibited a good synergistic effect on Au and the ORR in a bicarbonate medium (0.1 M KHCO3) by lowering the overpotential, enhancing current density, and boosting durability. The scan rate-dependent study of the ORR produced by the developed electrocatalyst showed a Tafel slope of 180 ± 2 mV dec−1 over a scan rate range of 0.05–0.4 V s−1, thereby indicating a 2e− transfer process in which the initial electron transfer process was the rate-limiting step. The study also revealed that the Au/TiO2/Ti electrode caused oxygen electro-reduction with a heterogenous rate constant (k0) of 4.40×10−3 cm s−1 at a formal potential (E0′) of 0.54 V vs. RHE.

In this study, we investigate the electrochemical performance of a carboxyl-functionalized pencil graphite (CFPG) electrode for chloride ion oxidation and its subsequent application in dye degradation. The graphite electrode was chemically modified using acetic acid to introduce –COOH functional groups, enhancing surface polarity and chloride adsorption capacity. Surface characterization by SEM, EDX, and XPS confirmed morphological changes and oxygen enrichment following functionalization. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated a positive shift in open circuit potential (OCP) and significantly enhanced chloride oxidation activity, as evidenced by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.1 M KCl. The functionalized electrode facilitated the in situ generation of reactive chlorine species (RCS), with spectral features near ~240 nm consistent with HOCl/ClO− and a broader band around ~450 nm attributable to chlorine-derived intermediates rather than exclusively to molecular chlorine. These species played a central role in degrading structurally diverse dyes—Kenacid Green and Brilliant Green—via oxidative pathways. The results highlight the potential of low-cost, –COOH-modified graphite electrodes as effective platforms for the RCS-mediated electrochemical treatment of organic contaminants.

One of the popular subjects of millennia is the synthesis of nanostructures, their applications in numerous fields, and their interaction with various biological systems, making them appealing for drug delivery systems, and diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In this study, silver oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using E. sativa (ES) aqueous extract. The biosynthesis was followed via UV-vis spectroscopy by analysis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, and Zeta potential to further analyze the synthesized nanoparticles. Furthermore, the biosynthesized silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs) were checked through various biological activities. The antioxidative potential was assessed by performing a DPPH radical scavenging assay, total reducing power assay, and total antioxidant capacity assay. Antimicrobial potential was observed against various bacterial and fungal strains. Likewise, Artemia salina (brine shrimps) was used to study cytotoxicity, while VERO and HEK-293 cell lines were applied to check the biocompatibility of synthesized NPs. Anticancer potential was evaluated against the Hep-2 cells by utilizing an MTT assay. A mean crystallite ~ 50 nm size is evidenced by TEM analysis. Notable antimicrobial activity was detected with various bacterial and fungal strains with maximum ZOI by B. subtilis was 18.5 ± 2.36 mm at 1000 µg/mL and A. niger reveals a minimum ZOP of 16 ± 1.7 mm at 1000 µg/mL respectively. A dose-dependent response was observed in biological evaluation against A. salina (LC50: 12.21 µg/mL), DPPH (IC50: 62.36 µg/mL), VERO cell line (IC50: 43.11 µg/mL), HEK-293 cell line (IC50: 26.56 µg/mL), and Hep-2 cell line (IC50: 9.97 µg/mL). The multifaceted attributes of ES-Ag2ONPs encompassing antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anticancer properties render them a versatile platform in drug delivery and biomedical horizons. However, detailed investigation and clinical trials will undoubtedly provide translational applications in diverse fields.

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a crucial process in electrochemical systems, such as fuel cells, as it effectively converts oxygen into water, thereby contributing significantly to sustainable energy generation. In this study, copper oxide (CuO) thin films were deposited onto silver (Ag) substrates using a modified successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method, followed by an investigation of their electrocatalytic performance toward ORR in an alkaline medium. Comprehensive electrochemical characterizations, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and open circuit potential (OCP), were employed to evaluate catalyst behaviour. Elemental analysis through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the uniform distribution of CuO, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a sponge-like surface morphology which potentially enhances catalytic efficiency. Moreover, EIS spectra revealed a lower charge transfer resistance for the CuO/Ag electrode (3.37 kΩ) compared to bare Ag (4.23 kΩ), reflecting improved ORR kinetics. Among different deposition cycles, 15 SILAR cycles yielded the highest current density of 0.8 mA cm−2 at 0.60 V. Kinetic analysis revealed that the reaction is irreversible, with a lower value of Tafel slope (32 mV dec−1) and high transfer coefficient (α = 0.45), indicating a concerted reduction mechanism. The ORR pathway was found to follow a four-electron (4e−) transfer process.

The relentless pace of industrialization has significantly exacerbated environmental pollution, with heavy-metal ions (HMIs) emerging as some of the most persistent and toxic pollutants in natural ecosystems. Growing concerns over environmental pollution have created a need for advanced sensing technologies that offer superior sensing sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability. This work reports the development of an electrochemical sensor based on a UiO-66-NH2(Zr) metal-organic framework (MOF)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite for the simultaneous detection of HMIs in aqueous environments. Using one-pot hydrothermal synthesis, MOFs and conductive GO materials were integrated into a single nanostructure via in situ growth of the UiO-66-NH2(Zr) MOF on the GO matrix, resulting in the formation of a stable MOF/GO nanocomposite with enhanced conductivity and increased number of effective reaction sites. The amino groups (-NH2) on UiO-66-NH2(Zr) porous materials serve as adsorption sites to capture HMIs. The morphological, structural, and electrochemical properties of the UiO-66-NH2(Zr)-GO nanocomposite were examined by using scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) was subsequently employed for the detection of heavy-metal ions over nanomolar to micromolar concentration ranges using a UiO-66-NH2(Zr)-GO-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The electrochemical sensor developed in this study was successfully utilized for the selective and concurrent detection of multiple HMIs, namely, copper ion (Cu2+), cadmium ion (Cd2+), and lead ion (Pb2+) in electrolyte solution. The sensor demonstrated achieving high selectivity and sensitivity (1.30 μA μM-1 for Cu2+, 0.50 μA μM-1 for Cd2+, and 12.38 μA μM-1 for Pb2+) with low limit of detection (LOD) (0.59 ng/mL for Cu2+, 0.84 ng/mL for Cd2+, and 2.9 ng/mL for Pb2+), and observed ≥85% reproducibility. The sensor demonstrated excellent long-term stability and operated effectively within a temperature range of 283-313 K, enabling the simultaneous detection of multiple heavy-metal ions from small sample volumes. The developed electrochemical method can equally be employed to detect HMIs at trace (parts-per-billion (ppb)) levels in diverse environmental matrices such as lake, river, tap water, river sediments, and wastewater.

Polycrystalline Pt electrode was employed to selectively convert nitrite ions ([[EQUATION]]) into useful nitrogenous compound through electrochemical reduction reaction in neutral medium. According to adsorptive stripping analysis, the reduction process produced nitric oxide (NO) on the surface of Pt electrode. The spectroscopic test and gas chromatographic studies discovered the presence of ammonia (NH3) in the electrolyzed solution, suggesting the transformation of adsorbed NO into NH3 during the reverse scan. Scan rate dependent investigation was performed to elucidate kinetic information relating to this reaction on Pt surface. From Ep vs scan rate (υ) and jp vs υ (logarithmic plot), it was found that the conversion of [[EQUATION]] ion into NO is an irreversible reaction which relies on the diffusion of [[EQUATION]] ions to electrode surface. The Tafel analysis unveiled that the first electron transfer sets the overall reaction rate, having formal reduction potential, E0’ = −0.46 V and standard heterogeneous rate constant, k0 = [[EQUATION]] cm s−1. Reductive transfer coefficient (α) is another kinetics parameter, which was found to be approximate 0.77 from the difference between Ep and Ep/2 of the voltammograms obtained over scan rate range 0.005 V s−1 to 0.250 V s−1, indicating a stepwise process.