The sol-gel auto-combustion approach prepared compounds of aluminum-substituted lithium ferrites nanocrystalline (Li0.5AlxFe2.5-xO4, where x = 0.0-0.8, step 0.2). X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation validated the cubic phase spinel structure and revealed that the lattice constant altered drastically, particularly for the sample x = 0.6, which reduced dramatically, while the crystallite size decreased and reached roughly 5 nm for sample x = 0.8. The variation of the electronic structure leads to a change in the band gap of LiAl ferrite due to the replacement of Al by Li ferrite with distinct electronic configurations. The Spin-polarized Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulation was performed to demonstrate the electronic and optical properties of the Li-Al ferrites. The lattice parameters of the optimized structures and the band gap were consistent with the experimental data. A noticeable band gap was observed, and anisotropy was found in the spin contributions of the band structure and density of states, demonstrating the potential of lithium ferrites for photovoltaic and spintronic applications.

As global agricultural demands drive an unprecedented rise in pesticide application, the persistence of these often-carcinogenic compounds in aquatic ecosystems poses a critical threat to human health and biodiversity. Photocatalysis has emerged as a premier remediation strategy due to its environmental compatibility, high efficiency, and low energy requirements. However, the practical application of pristine semiconductor photocatalysts is severely hindered by limited visible-light absorption, rapid charge carrier recombination, and sluggish electron–hole migration. This review provides a comprehensive classification of pesticides alongside a rigorous evaluation of modern strategies to overcome these inherent catalytic limitations. A central finding of this study is that doped and graphene-based nanocomposites consistently and significantly outperform their pristine counterparts. By interfacing semiconductors with metal, non-metal, or noble-metal dopants, researchers can achieve a synergistic "red shift" in light absorption and enhanced charge separation. Specifically, the integration of graphene derivatives facilitates superior electrical conductivity and surface area, while noble metals function as efficient electron traps. This article details the underlying degradation mechanisms and provides a comparative analysis of dopant-specific advantages. Finally, critical pathways for transitioning these high-performance materials from laboratory-scale experiments to industrial-scale wastewater treatment, emphasizing the necessity for green synthesis and real-world matrix testing is also discussed.

For the sustainable progress, we need to develop affordable, high-performance catalysts that address energy conversion and environmental remediation simultaneously. To meet this challenge, we prepared non-precious nickel borate nanorods using a facile method, providing a high-performance alternative to noble-metal catalysts. Their unique one-dimensional (1D) structure offers an optimal geometric framework that enhances the active surface sites accessibility and promotes efficient charge transfer. The prepared catalyst exhibited excellent performance, yielding a hydrogen production rate of 2181.8 ml min-1 g-1 via NaBH4 hydrolysis at room temperature, a performance comparable to many noble-metal benchmarks. In addition, the nanorods exhibited rapid environmental remediation capabilities, achieving the pseudo-first order degradation of 4-nitrophenol in 75 s and methylene blue within 25 min. This improved catalytic performance may be attributed to the synergistic electronic coupling between Ni and B species, which lowers the activation energy and enhances structural stability. By harnessing the 1D nanorod framework's, morphological advantages, this work offers a scalable and robust solution for integrated energy conversion and pollutant mitigation.

The present work on a novel electro-mechanical agitation-based nanocomposite bioanode has been developed to be used in the performance-based enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs). This nanocomposite incorporates zinc-blende nanodots (ZBNDs), silver nanostrands (AgNS), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs), as well as polyaniline (PANi), which is prepared by a green route using a neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract as the reducing and stabilizing agent. During synthesis, uniform dispersion and controlled formation of nanostructures and increased interfacial synergy among components were made possible by electro-mechanical agitation, which increased enzyme immobilization and electron transfer. The study methodically assesses the structural features, catalytic performance, stability of operations, and usability of the synthesized nanocomposite. The material was thoroughly characterized by material characterization (FTIR, XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM) that indicated the creation of a porous, conductive structure, with the electrochemical analysis (CV, EIS, LSV) revealing a maximum current density of 8.56 mA/cm2 and a power output of 320 mW/cm2 which was higher than the majority of conventional EBFC bioanodes. There was also great reproducibility and long-term stability in the use of the bioanode. It is a new synthesis pathway, a synthesis involving agitation-assisted dispersion of a rarely studied strategy in conductive polymer nanocomposites using green chemistry. The developed bioanode has two potential applications in sustainable energy and biomedical technologies, and in addition to energy harvesting, it can be used in self-powered biosensing devices.

The environmental and human health risks associated with synthetic nematicides have increased interest in biodegradable, low-toxicity botanical alternatives for nematode management. In the present study, the nematicidal potential of Pontederia crassipes leaf extract was evaluated against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica using in vitro, greenhouse, phytochemical, and in silico approaches. Infective second-stage juveniles (J2s) and egg masses of M. javanica were exposed to different concentrations (150-600 ppm) of P. crassipes leaf extract under in vitro conditions. Juvenile mortality and inhibition of egg hatching increased significantly with extract concentration and exposure duration, with maximum activity recorded at 600 ppm and minimum activity at 150 ppm. In greenhouse pot experiments, soil application of the leaf extract significantly reduced nematode pathogenicity parameters, including root-knot index and nematode population density, and improved plant growth attributes, biomass accumulation, and photosynthetic pigments in chickpea. Phytochemical profiling of the methanolic leaf extract by GC-MS revealed several major constituents, including hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and octadecatrienoic acid (linolenic acid). To explore possible molecular interactions underlying nematicidal activity, selected phytochemicals were docked with the odorant response gene-3 (ODR-3) protein of M. javanica. Among the tested compounds, octadecatrienoic acid showed a more favorable binding energy than hexadecanoic acid, suggesting stronger interaction and possible inhibitory potential. Collectively, these findings indicate that P. crassipes leaf extract possesses promising nematicidal activity and may serve as a candidate botanical nematicide for sustainable management of M. javanica.

This study reports a low cost, and scalable method of synthesizing SnO2 -NPs using Citrus sinensis (orange) peel extract, a globally abundant phytochemical-rich agro-waste. The structural properties of SnO2 -NPs were demonstrated by XRD analysis, revealing sharp and intense peaks that confirmed high crystallinity and an average particle size of 15.58 nm. Additionally, the XRD data were refined with Rietveld refinement using FULLPROF and VESTA software, which confirmed that SnO2 -NPs belong to the tetragonal structure. Also, based on UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, optical properties of SnO2 -NPs were determined, revealing a modified band gap of 3.87 eV. The surface morphology was investigated using SEM coupled with EDX analysis, which revealed NPs are primarily quasi-spherical to slightly polygonal, with some exhibiting distinct faceted edges with high purity, consistent with TEM analysis. Moreover, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy spectrum divulge an asymmetric Sn-O-Sn stretching at 621 cm(-1). Remarkably, the NPs exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity with a 93.47% degradation of MB dye within 160 min under direct sunlight. Hence, the aim of this study is to foster the use of agricultural waste as a sustainable and eco-friendly resource for the synthesis of NPs and highlight its potential to degrade hazardous dyes in the presence of sunlight.

This research covers the preparation of TiO2 using of lime peel extract and GO was prepared from biomass waste. To enhance the properties of TiO2, graphene oxide (GO) was interfaced into TiO2 to form TiO2/GO nano-composite with different GO compositions (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 %). The synthesized materials were characterized with various techniques. The interfacing of GO led to a reduction in the band gap energy of composite (3.19 to 2.8 eV) as well as slow down the recombination rate of electron hole pairs, as a result the TiO2/GO composites demonstrated higher photocatalytic activities as compared to pure TiO2. The results showed that the effectiveness of degradation methylene blue (MB) reached 74 and 93 % using synthesized TiO2 and TiO2/GO (7 %), respectively. The degradation of MB using different parameters such as catalyst dosage, dye concentration and initial reaction pH was studied using the best photocatalysts i.e. TiO2/GO (7 %). The photocatalyst's degradation efficiency was found to be influenced by all studied parameters. Furthermore, the photocatalytic kinetics of the MB's degradation was best described by the pseudo first-order kinetics model having regression coefficients (R2) of 0.9867 for TiO2/GO.

This work investigates the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoaciculates (ZNA) using the Sol-gel method and their potential as a long-term bio-control agent against Meloidogyne javanica, a root-knot nematode that causes severe damage to Phaseolus abyssinicus. The produced ZNA were evaluated using SEM-EDS, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis spectroscopy to ensure precise evaluation of their nanoscale characteristics. Bio-efficacy assays were carried out at four concentrations (125, 250, 375, and 500 mg/L) to evaluate nematicidal activity on juvenile nematodes (J2) and M. javanica egg masses. The results showed that ZNA had significant toxicity at all doses, with the highest efficacy observed at 500 mg/L. Furthermore, the administration of ZNA improved the development and physiological features of P. abyssinicus, exhibiting their dual role as both nematicide and growth promoter. These findings demonstrate ZNA's potential as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical nematicides, promoting agricultural sustainability while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

This study synthesizes zinc oxide (ZnO) and graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials using a green and sustainable method. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized from lime peel extract, while GO was obtained utilizing oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibre. The resulting ZnO/GO nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UVDRS), and Raman spectroscopy (RS), confirming their successful synthesis, reduced particle size, altered band gap, and enhanced charge separation properties. The photocatalytic activities of the ZnO/GO nanocomposites were evaluated for MB degradation under visible light. Notably, the ZnO/GO (7%) composite exhibited better degradation efficiency (87% in 90 min) compared to commercial and synthesized ZnO. The study also optimized key parameters including catalyst loading (1 g L−1), initial dye concentration (0.03 mM), and pH (pH 12 showed highest efficiency). The kinetic studies confirmed a pseudo-first-order reaction, with ZnO/GO (7%) showing the highest rate constant (0.0208 min−1). The scavenger tests identified hydroxyl radicals (•OH) as the dominant reactive species. This research presents a sustainable and efficient approach for wastewater treatment, utilizing waste materials to produce high-performance photocatalysts for environmental remediation.

Dyes are used in several industries, such as culinary, cosmetic, tannery, textile, and veterinary sectors and have pervaded several elements of the water/soil due to their widespread production and diverse applications. Dyes have substantial toxicity and carry carcinogenic characteristics. Many studies have focused on investigating the removal of dye using various ways. An advanced oxidation method is a technology used to treat industrial wastewater by generating hydroxyl radicals. This method depends on photocatalysts and UV/Vis radiation to enhance the decomposition of contaminants by photodegradation. One widely used and successful strategy in experimental research is doping with metal/non-metal/noble metal or interfacing with variants of graphene. This strategy has produced remarkable outcomes, as seen by the quantity of published studies. The aim of this work is to elaborate metal, non/noble-metal doping and graphene interfaced semiconductor photocatalyst for dye degradation. A comprehensive investigation was done to investigate the impact of the dopant type on the crystal structure, electrical and optical properties, morphology, and photodegradation efficiencies of doped semiconductors. Furthermore, the study examined the importance of several operational parameters in the degradation of organic pollutants, and it highlighted the potential advantages, opportunities, and difficulties linked to this process.

In this study, a biomass derived photocatalyst GO/ZnO/Ag i.e., a graphene oxide (GO) interfaced zinc oxide (ZnO), doped with silver (Ag) for imidacloprid (IMD) degradation, under UV-Visible light irradiation, is reported. Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fibre (OPEFB) was used to prepare GO and Citrulline Lanatus extract was used for green synthesis of ZnO. The characterization studies confirmed the favorable weight ratio morphology, anisotropic polycrystalline lattice framework, enhanced fluorescence quenching, reduced bandgap values of 2.96 eV, roughened surface topology, maximized BET surface area of 71.43 m2 g-1, chemically favorable surfacefunctionalization and oxidation states. These specifications facilitated IMD degradation following pseudo firstorder kinetics model with a rate constant (kapp) of 0.0382 min- 1 for GO/ZnO/Ag nanocomposite which is 3.93, 3.50 and 2.24 times greater than commercial ZnO, synthesized ZnO, and GO/ZnO respectively. Furthermore, the reusability test of GO/ZnO/Ag nanocomposite is demonstrating its sustainability and reproducibility. The radicals, center dot O2- and center dot OH were found to be the predominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) in scavenging assay testing. The intermediate products which formed during photo-oxidation of IMD such as 2-chloro-5-methylpyridine (7; m/z = 127.6) and imidazolidin-2-one (8; m/z = 86.1) were identified in GC-MS analysis.

Root-knot nematode (RKN) (Meloidogyne incognita) is a major plant parasitic nematode that severely damages crops, leading to significant yield losses and substantial economic impact globally. This study aims to investigate an environmentally sustainable biological strategy for mitigating parasitic populations of the root-knot nematode, M. incognita. Specifically, the research focuses on assessing the nematicidal efficacy of Acalypha indica against M. incognita mortality and second-stage juveniles' (J2) hatching under controlled in vitro conditions. A. indica leaf aqueous extract was applied at varying concentrations (250, 500, 750, and 1000 ppm) to J2s and egg masses of M. incognita. Notably, at 1000 ppm, a significant increase in J2 mortality and hatching inhibition was observed, while 250 ppm concentration showed the least favorable outcome; with mortality rates ranging from 22-82%. Chemical analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) identified Benzoic acid, Cyclooctasiloxane, and 3-Isopropoxy-1,1,1,7,7,7-hexamethyl-3,5,5-tris (trimethylsiloxy) tetrasiloxane as predominant compounds. The nematicidal activity of A. indica leaf extract was further validated through in silico molecular docking, revealing that benzoic acid, Cyclooctasiloxane, and 3-Isopropoxy-1,1,1,7,7,7-hexamethyl-3,5,5-tris (trimethylsiloxy) tetrasiloxane bind to the ODR 3 protein of M. incognita with binding energies of -15.72, -8.91, and -7.35 kJ/mol, respectively. These findings hold promise for environmentally benign root-knot nematode management, contributing to improved soil health.

The overarching goal of current MFC research is to optimize the production of power output by exploring innovative strategies to enhance electron generation and transportation. The oxidation of the organic substrate produces glucose, which fuels the bacteria in the cell’s operational start-up and activates their electrogenic features. Consequently, organic pollutants wastewater in the MFC system may effectively increase the microorganisms’ ability to produce electrons. As a result, this research compares the impacts of naphthalene (NAPTH) and formaldehyde (FOMA) as organic pollutants in two separate MFCs that operate continuously for 70 days. The maximum power density (PD) of the system was calculated through the collected voltage. The NAPTH system produces greater power (8.73 mW/m2) over the FOMA system, having a maximum power density of 7.84 mW/m2. The cell’s performance was assessed using electrochemical tests, such as cyclic voltammetry and the EIS analysis. The specific capacitance (Cp) values were found to be 0.00013 F/g and 0.00019 F/g for the FOMA and NAPTH systems, respectively. Microbial examination of the used anode electrodes was conducted. The dominant specie found were Leucobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp. NAPTH degradation efficiency was 70

A copper (II) ion-selective sensor was generated using a processed membrane that included 4-(2-(2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazono) Methyl)Benzene-1,3-diol (L). The sensor’s efficacy was tested using a variety of plasticizers, comprising sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB), O-Nitrophenyloctyl ether (ONPOE), benzyl acetate (BA), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and dibutyl sebacate (DBS). Membrane layers comprised of L:DBS:OA:PVC in a ratio of 5:55:10:30 (w/w,%) provided optimum sensing effectiveness. The detection system performed well in an average concentration that ranged from 5.3×10 −8 to 1.0×10 −1 mol L −1 , with a Nernstian slope of 29.1±0.5 mV decade-1 for Cu(II) ions. The sensor’s minimal detection limit of 2.1×10 −8 mol, broad pH range (3.1–8.2), quick reaction time (9 s), strong non-aqueous resistance (up to 25% v/v), and good retention time (2 months) demonstrates its value. Potentiometric selectivity coefficients revealed an exclusive exposure for Cu(II) ions under the influence of intervening ions, allowing for accurate identification of copper in a variety of materials such as food oils, tomato plant material, and river water. The proposed sensor is a promising means for accurately detecting Cu(II) ions in environmental and food specimens, with potential utilization in quality assurance and environmental surveillance.

The present study focuses on the application of a ternary PVA/sGO/ZnO-NP/PP nanocomposite as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. The process involved utilizing a solution casting technique to fabricate the inorganic-organic blend material, where 4-sulfophthalic acid (SPTA) was used in the sulfonation of graphitic oxide (GO) sheets. The amalgamation of polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA) and sulphonated GO (sGO) was achieved through a chemical oxidation polymerization process carried out in a water-based environment. This process developed a PVA/sGO film, in which zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) and pyrrole monomers were introduced. The PVA/sGO film served as the initial stage for the in-situ deposition and formation of polypyrrole (PP), leading to the fabrication of PVA/sGO/ZnO-NP/PP membrane. The structure was stabilized by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between the components, while SPTA acted as a cross-linker and a sulphonating agent. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the quad-component composite unraveled the presence of distinctive functional groups, including PVA, sGO, PP, and Zn-O bands. The UV-visible spectra of PVA/sGO/ ZnO-NP/PP nanocomposite membrane revealed a peak in the UV-B region, while in-depth X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses provided strong evidence of its amorphous nature. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image showed that the top surface of the organic film was adorned with PP polymeric chains. The membrane exhibited great water retention capabilities due to its high ion exchange capacity (IEC) value. Additionally, the minimal water loss observed underscores its extended shelf life. Due to their inherent hydrophilic properties, the ternary nanocomposite membranes exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity, porosity, zeta potential, and water uptake. The BET and BJH analyses revealed that PVA/sGO/ZnO-NP/PP nanocomposites had a substantial surface area. Remarkably, the nanocomposite membrane exhibited significantly improved antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria and fungi. The type of interactions between Human serum lysozyme (HSL) and nanocomposite at the molecular level was studied through fluorescence spectroscopy. Stern-Volmer plot revealed the occurrence of both static and dynamic quenching. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial and protein binding (HSL) studies of PVA/sGO/ZnO-NP/PP-based nanocomposites require further investigation.

In Over the past two decades, bio derived products have replaced petroleum-based polymeric materials at an exponential rate. The benefit of this replacement is decreased environmental degradation, fuel consumption, and fuel cost. One such greener route suggested for this, is the utilization of vegetable oils as feedstock to synthesize polymeric products, such as polyurethanes (PUs). Vegetable oils are cheap and abundant in quantity worldwide. Vegetable oils can be converted into diols, polyols, and isocyanates by implementing a variety of procedures. There is a wide variety of versatile polyurethane polymers based on these vegetable oil-based monomers. The thermal, mechanical, and physical, properties of these PU-based biocomposites is comparable and often better than those of conventional petrochemical polymeric composites. Moreover, a variety of biocomposites can be prepared by choosing a wise combination of vegetable oils, polymerization route and types of fibres/fillers as reinforcement material. These biocomposites find numerous applications in adhesives, several types of coatings, sensors, biomedical field, automotive, plasticizers and much more.