This review evaluates the key factors influencing the performance of MXenes (Mn+1XnTx) in photovoltaic applications. It systematically connects etching chemistry, compositional choices, surface terminations, flake morphology, defect engineering, and doping strategies with device performance. We propose a factor-based framework that goes beyond mere descriptive categorization to enable prescriptive design, facilitating role-specific optimization of MXenes as electron transport layers, hole transport layers, interfacial modifiers, electrodes, and absorber additives. Titanium carbide MXenes, particularly Ti3C2Tx, have achieved record efficiencies in perovskite solar cells, surpassing 26.78%. This success is attributed to work function tuning, defect passivation, and improved charge extraction. Although nitride MXenes possess theoretically superior conductivity, they encounter significant synthesis and oxidation challenges. We outline specific strategies, such as low-temperature ammoniation and molten-salt etching, to address these issues. We differentiate between lattice vacancies, which limit transport and affect the fill factor (FF), and surface or edge defects, which regulate recombination and influence open-circuit voltage (VOC) and hysteresis. A unified framework that connects process, structure, and performance, along with a decision flowchart, aids in the rational selection of materials based on their intended role in the device and the primary bottlenecks.

The urgent need for sustainable energy solutions demands advanced materials capable of both conversion and storage. This study presents a ternary Schottky heterojunction composed of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), copper tungstate (CuWO4), and titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx) in a 2D/0D/2D architecture. This design leverages Schottky junction principles to synergistically enhance photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting and supercapacitor performance. The heterojunction demonstrates exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction activity, achieving a low overpotential of -1.13 V at 10 mA cm(-2) under illumination, while simultaneously exhibiting superior supercapacitor performance with a specific capacitance of 209 F g(-1)-three times greater than pristine CuWO4. This enhancement is attributed to efficient charge separation, expanded MXene interlayer spacing, and multidirectional ion channels. Stability tests confirm over 90 % activity retention after 60 min. This work introduces a pioneering dual-functional heterostructure that integrates efficient solar fuel production with robust energy storage, offering a scalable solution for sustainable energy systems.

The Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in nitrogen (N)-doped porous carbon (Co3O4 NPs@NPC) were dopped to copper-zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIF-67) and used as sonophotocatalyst and electrocatalyst. Herein, a facile in situ growth ultrasonic (US) strategy is reported for the synthesis of tightly connected C3N5-Cu-doped Co3O4 NPs @NPC nano-cubes heterojunction nanoarchitecture (NAs) by coupling C3N5 with Cu-doped Co3O4 NPs@NPC nanocubes. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) results show that the C3N5-Cu-doped Co3O4 NPs@NPC electrocatalyst has a remarkable electrocatalytic activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The sono-photocatalyst activity on sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation is due to synergistic effects of both superoxides (O2 center dot-) and hydroxyl radicals (OH center dot). The results substantiate 98 % degradation of SMX within 120 min under sonophotodegradation efficiency. The reduction in electron (e-)-hole (h+) recombination is the main efficiency of sonophotodegradation of C3N5-Cu-doped Co3O4NPs@NPC. This effect was further complemented by the broadening of light absorption by C3N5, resulting in reduced degradation time. The enhanced sonophotocatalysis and electrocatalytic performance are due to their high surface area, enhanced conductivity, and faster charge transfer. This work demonstrated that C3N5-Cu-doped Co3O4NPs@NPC based sonophotocatalyst and electrocatalyst have great potential in SMX degradation and electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production. It also shows superior biocompatibility due to C3N5 ' s role in reducing cytotoxicity compared to Cu-doped Co3O4 NPs@NPC.

Efficient visible light driven solar fuel production via Co x Ni 1− x WO 4 /g-C 3 N 4 heterostructures synthesized via hydrothermal and calcination methods for enhanced CO 2 reduction and H 2 evolution.

The molten salt-assisted synthesis offers a new facile and safe pathway for directly synthesizing two-dimensional (2D) carbide MXenes, eliminating conventional acid-etching synthesis. Ternary copper-aluminum carbides (Cu2AlC) represent a member of a new class of precursor MAX phases ideal for developing a new family of Cu-based MXenes (e.g., Cu2C). We successfully synthesize Cu2CCl2 MXene 2D nanomaterials in an open-air atmosphere using a molten salt-shielded synthesis (MS3) method. The method uses a Lewis-acid salt (CuCl2) as an etchant and a low-meltingpoint eutectic salt mixture as the reaction medium to prevent oxidation of the MXene structure at high temperatures. The Cu2AlC and Cu2CCl2 MXene materials exhibit bifunctional electrochemical performances for both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic 0.5 M H2SO4 media through water splitting reactions. When tested as an HER electrocatalyst, Cu2CCl2 MXene shows a small overpotential of ti48 mV and a Tafel slope of ti85 mV dec- 1 (an overpotential of ti39 mV and a Tafel slope of ti78 mV dec- 1 for OER) rivaling other MXene-based electrocatalysts reported so far. Our findings suggest that Cu2CCl2 MXene holds promise as a potential heterogeneous electrocatalyst for renewable oxygen and hydrogen production applications.

Herein, CoWO4/g-C3N4, NiWO4/g-C3N4, and CoxNi1-xWO4/g-C3N4 (x = 0.66, 0.5, 0.33) nanostructures are synthesized via hydrothermal and calcination methods. The structural, electrochemical, and morphological characteristics of each nano-carrier are systematically analyzed. The fabricated heterostructures exhibit promising activities towards photocatalytic gas-phase CO2 reduction and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting under visible light illumination, where the type II heterostructure interface plays a crucial role by enhancing the number of active sites and improving the charge-transfer efficiency, leading to a modified charge transfer pathway. Among the synthesized heterostructures, Co0.66Ni0.33WO4/g-C3N4 exhibits the lowest band gap compared to other catalysts, demonstrating superior photocatalytic performance for gas-phase CO2 conversion, achieving CO selectivity of 3.1% and H2 production rates of 651 mu mol m-2 s-1 under visible light illumination. Optimal Co loading enhances H2 production and the solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency via PEC solar water splitting, while excessive Ni content may hinder process performance. These findings highlight the potential of the developed materials for solar fuel production via photo(electro)chemical processes.

MXenes have recently emerged as one of the most promising conductive supports for photocatalytic water remediation and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts. This study presented the synthesis of a novel nanocomposite, TiO2@Ti3C2Cl2, using a one-step molten salt-shielded (MS3) method under an air atmosphere at a low temperature of 1000 degrees C. A unique aspect of this process was the successful extraction of copper from molten salt using iron bars without any chemical agents. The synthesized TiO2@Ti3C2Cl2 was subsequently coupled with low band-gap carbon nitride (C3N5) via an ultrasonic (US) technique, forming a Z-scheme ternary (C3N5/TiO2@Ti3C2Cl2) nanocomposites with a 2D/0D/2D structure. The ternary nanocomposite exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance, achieving 100% efficiency in degrading dye molecules under optimal conditions, which included a pH of 5, a nanophotocatalyst dose of 100 ppm, a rhodamine B (Rh B) concentration of 10 ppm, room temperature, and a reaction time of 30 min. The C3N5/TiO2@Ti3C2Cl2/Cu composite also exhibited promising electrocatalytic performance for HER with a Tafel slope of 103 mV.dec-1 and an over- potential of 51 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm- 2 under alkaline conditions. The significant improvement in photocatalytic water remediation and HER performance is likely due to several key factors: the strong interfacial coupling between the 2D/0D/2D materials, which promotes efficient charge separation; the reduced recombination rate of electron-hole pairs, enhancing photocatalytic efficiency; the highly improved electron-transfer processes, which accelerate reaction kinetics; and the increased number of exposed photo- and electrocatalytic active sites, providing more surface area for reactions. These combined effects result in better overall performance for photocatalytic and HER applications. Furthermore, the MTT assay demonstrated a reduction in the toxicity of C3N5 upon forming the ternary nanocomposite. These findings suggest that the synthesized ternary nanocomposite enhances photocatalytic and HER efficiency and reduces toxicity, making it a valuable material for environmental and energy applications.

This study investigated the photodegradation process of Rhodamine B (RhB) and acetaminophen (ACE) using a novel N-S-codoped carbon microporous and three-dimensional (3D) architecture (NSC) derived from a spongin scaffold of poriferan origin. For the first time NSC-CuWO4 was synthesized by converting a ready to use 3D microfibrous spongin scaffold through co-precipitation and in-situ pyrolysis. Subsequently, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were incorporated to create the NSC-CuWO4@Ag hybrid material. The 3D architectural morphology and N-S-codoping of the material provided advantages in terms of high charge-separation efficiency, charge transfer, mass transfer, and optical absorption during the photoreaction. Under visible-light irradiation, NSC-CuWO4@Ag hybrid nanomaterial demonstrated excellent photocatalytic efficiency, degrading over 91 % of ACE and 97 % of RhB within 30 minutes. The photochemical tests revealed that electrons generated by irradiated CuWO4@Ag material transferred to the NSC microporous structure, facilitating the reduction of O-2 and the production of H2O2 in an aqueous environment. This process significantly boosted the photocatalytic activity of CuWO4. The MTT assay indicated that NSC-CuWO4@Ag nanoparticles (NPs) showed the highest cell viability. This is attributed to the silver NPs, which enhance biocompatibility and reduce the cytotoxic effects associated with carbonized spongin-derived NSC. This hybrid nanocomposite demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for biomedical applications that require minimal cellular toxicity.

MXenes have recently emerged as one of the most promising conductive supports for photocatalytic water remediation and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts. This study presented the synthesis of a novel nanocomposite, TiO2@Ti3C2Cl2, using a one-step molten salt-shielded (MS3) method under an air atmosphere at a low temperature of 1000 °C. A unique aspect of this process was the successful extraction of copper from molten salt using iron bars, without any chemical agents. The synthesized TiO2@Ti3C2Cl2 was subsequently coupled with low band-gap carbon nitride (C3N5) via an ultrasonic (US) technique, forming a Z-scheme ternary (C3N5/TiO2@Ti3C2Cl2) nanocomposites with a 2D/0D/2D structure. The ternary nanocomposite exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance, achieving 100% efficiency in degrading dye molecules under optimal conditions, which included a pH of 5, a nanophotocatalyst dose of 100 ppm, a rhodamine B (Rh B) concentration of 10 ppm, room temperature, and a reaction time of 30 minutes. The C3N5/TiO2@Ti3C2Cl2/Cu composite also exhibited promising electrocatalytic performance for HER with a Tafel slope of 103 mV.dec−1 and an overpotential of 51 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 under alkaline conditions. The significant improvement in photocatalytic water remediation and HER performance is likely due to several key factors: the strong interfacial coupling between the 2D/0D/2D materials, which promotes efficient charge separation; the reduced recombination rate of electron-hole pairs, enhancing photocatalytic efficiency; the highly improved electron-transfer processes, which accelerate reaction kinetics; and the increased number of exposed photo- and electrocatalytic active sites, providing more surface area for reactions. These combined effects result in better overall performance for photocatalytic and HER applications. Furthermore, the MTT assay demonstrated a reduction in the toxicity of C3N5 upon forming the ternary nanocomposite. These findings suggest that the synthesized ternary nanocomposite enhances photocatalytic and HER efficiency and reduces toxicity, making it a valuable material for environmental and energy applications.

Environmental pollution, particularly from organic contaminants, poses significant challenges to global sustainability, necessitating the development of efficient and eco-friendly remediation technologies. Photocatalytic degradation has emerged as a promising solution, with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) gaining attention due to their high surface areas, tunable porosity, and compositional flexibility. This review aims to explore the potential of MOF-derived materials, such as mono- and bimetallic MOF-based hetero-nano-architectures (HNAs) (e.g., MIL-125(Ti), ZIF-8, Fe-MOF, MIL-68(In), ZIF-67, Ce-MOF, Bi-MOF, and Co/Fe-based MOFs), for enhancing photocatalytic activity in the removal of organic pollutants. The novelty of this work lies in its focus on MOF-derived carbon materials and their integration with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) to form heterostructure composites, which offer superior light absorption, charge separation, and pollutant degradation efficiency. The review is structured into two key sections: (1) mono/bimetallic MOF-derived semiconductors and (2) g-C3N4-based MOF heterostructure composites, highlighting their exceptional performance in degrading contaminants such as dyes, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals. Results demonstrate that these materials exhibit improved photocatalytic performance, stability, and reusability, making them highly effective for environmental remediation. This work provides valuable insights into the design and application of advanced MOF-derived photocatalysts, paving the way for sustainable solutions to organic pollution.

The growing scarcity of fossil fuels and the escalating environmental challenges have created a pressing need for clean and sustainable energy resources. On the other hand, the crucial enhancement of electrochemical activities in energy storage relies on several essential characteristics, including a substantial surface area, well-organized structure, effective functionalization, and high porosity. These features have been demonstrated to be indispensable for achieving improved electrochemical performance. Consequently, there is a need to examine the recent advancements of nanostructure two-dimension (2D) materials which particularly have been invented recently, and their hybrid composite nanoarchitectures (NAs) concerning their impact on the electrochemical performance in energy storage systems. Among different types of 2D nanomaterials, MXenes have gained attention as a great potential candidate for diverse electrochemical applications, including rechargeable ion-batteries (RIBs) in Na, Li, K, LiS, NaS ion devices. This is due to their impressive characteristics such as high specific surface area, exceptional electronic conductivity, noteworthy chemical stability, environmental friendliness, stable interfacial connection, quick charge-transfer kinetics, and hydrophilic metal conductivity surfaces. Regrettably, similar to other 2D nanomaterials, MXenes are prone to restacking and overlapping due to strong inter-lamella agglomeration driven by H-bonding and weak non-covalent interactions. The inherent tendency of restacking and overlapping in MXenes hampers the efficient transport of ions and penetration of electrolytes. As a result, this phenomenon leads to performance degradation and capacity loss during the charge-discharge processes of electrochemical reactions. Furthermore, the restacking and overlapping behavior of MXenes can also present challenges during the processing of electrodes containing such nanomaterials. To address these issues and enhance the electrochemical performance, an effective and promising strategy including the construction of nanoarchitectural engineering heterostructures is required. Therefore, some approaches like the combination of metallic conductive MXenes with other highly electrochemically active nanomaterials such as transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and MOF-derived materials could be effective tactics. Incorporating these components as a heterostructure improves properties and overcomes the limitations of MXenes, leading to enhanced electrochemical performances. This work provides insights into the serious challenges and future perspectives for the advancement of MXene-based nanoarchitectural materials such as Ti3C2Tx/TMCs, Ti3C2Tx/COFs, and Ti3C2Tx/MOF-derived heterostructures in the field of electrochemical RIBs.

Traditional methods for producing MXene have been limited by their use of hazardous conditions, high expenses, and difficulties scaling up production. Given these limitations, we propose an affordable, swift, eco-friendly, and low-temperature (1000 °C) technique for synthesizing the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase in an air atmosphere, employing a molten salt-shielded synthesis (MS3) approach. TiO2-Ti3C2Cl2 MXenes were subsequently created through an in situ etching process using the CuCl2 Lewis acid salts method at a temperature of 750 °C. The primary obstacles in semiconductor photocatalysis revolve around three key issues: the ability to separate the photocatalyst using magnets from wastewater, limited absorption of visible (Vis) light, and the efficient separation and transfer of charge carriers on the photocatalyst's surface. To overcome these challenges, a quaternary type-II heterojunction nanocomposite photocatalyst denoted as TiO2-Ti3C2Cl2-C3N4-Fe3O4@C (TTCF), was synthesized using a pyrolysis process. Binary C3N4-Fe3O4@C (CF), ternary TiO2-Ti3C2Cl2-C3N4 (TTC), and quaternary TTCF nanocomposites all displayed a red-shift towards longer wavelengths when compared to pure g-C3N4. This shift is attributed to the formation of heterojunction structures between g- C3N4 and either TiO2- Ti3C2Cl2 or Fe3O4@C. It addresses the issues of magnetic separability, enhanced Vis -light absorption, and improved charge carrier separation and transfer in semiconductor photocatalysis processes. The optimal performance, yielding removal rates of 99.94 %, 94.75 %, and 88.94 %, was attained with the quaternary TTCF nanocomposite under the conditions of pH 5, utilizing a 100 ppm nanophotocatalyst dosage, a 10 ppm concentration each of Rhodamine B (Rh B), Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and Acetaminophen (ACT), and a reaction time of 30 min at room temperature. Furthermore, the TTCF nanocomposite photocatalyst demonstrated excellent recyclability, maintaining its effectiveness over nine cycles.

In the last decade, two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal carbides and/or nitrides identified as MXenes (Mn+1XnTx) have shown great potential owing to their unique electronic and chemical properties such as high metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, various surface termination functional groups (Tx), and sheet-like 2D structures. Most recent years, molten salt (MS)‐Shielded Synthesis (MS3) has been prepared 2D Ti3C2Tx MXenes with controllable morphology and surface termination functional groups, eco-friendly, low-cost, fast and large production for versatile applications. Furthermore, a MS etching strategy utilizing Lewis acidic salts as etchants has been proposed to prepare 2D Ti3C2Tx MXenes from MAX phase. This review highlights the recent advances in synthesizing Ti3C2Tx nanosheets using the MS etching method in various fields, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), rechargeable batteries (RBs), and supercapacitors (SCs). Utilizing the MS method in the production of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets has demonstrated increased efficiency and has been implemented to increase the density and availability of active chemical and electronic sites for improved performance. Additionally, various nanostructures and hybridizations of low-cost transition metals have been fabricated. The suitability of these materials for multifarious applications has been thoroughly discussed.

In this research, the ultrasound (US) technique was applied as a facile synthesis method for preparing the black TiO2-g-C3N4 type II heterojunction, coupled with a Schottky junction MOF (ZIF-67)-derived x wt% Co3S4/nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) (x = 3, 10, and 15) with hollow nanobox (HNB) morphology, as a smart nanoheteroarchitecture (NHA) photocatalyst to enhance visible-light photocatalytic activity. Additionally, the solvothermal synthesis route was employed to fabricate the MOF (ZIF-67)-derived Co3S4/NC cubic hollow nanoboxes (CHNBs) before the pyrolysis process. The black TiO2-g-C3N4 wt% Co3S4/NC (TiCN-15% CoS/NC) NHAs exhibited high photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue. The synergetic effect of all components in black TiCN-x wt% CoS/NC NHAs resulted in efficient electron-hole pair separation and charge mobility on Co3S4/NC HNB and g-C3N4 surfaces, which led to a highly effective recombination rate of charge carriers and an excellent improvement in photocatalytic performance.

The rising need for cost-effective, versatile, and durable energy storage devices has propelled progress in electronics and associated fields in the present era of industrialization. Due to their tactile, structural, and aesthetic qualities, two-dimensional (2D) stratified nanomaterials have developed as attractive rivals for high-efficiency energy retention devices. 2D MXenes, a type of transition metal carbides/nitrides via thin thickness, adjustable electrochemical characteristics, high conductivity, and a plentiful supply of active edge sites, have drawn much attention in the area of material science. For advanced electrochemical energy storage technologies like supercapacitors (SCs), Ti3C2Tx MXenes are particularly well-suited as electrode materials. The utilization of MXenes has faced inhibitions due to the aggregation, oxidation, and restacking phenomena occurring within their layers. To overcome these obstacles, this investigation delves into various categories of 2D nanomaterials exhibiting notable electrochemical activity. These encompass covalent organic frameworks (COFs), transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs), layered double hydroxides (LDHs), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and their derivatives, which hold promise for synergistic coupling with Ti3C2Tx MXenes. Nanoarchitectural engineering structures are employed to enhance the performance of these 2D nanomaterials, both individually and in composites with the metallic conductive 2D Ti3C2Tx MXenes, within SCs. The review summarizes the present developments, challenges, and future perspectives associated with applying Ti3C2Tx MXenes nanomaterial and their hybrid composite nanoarchitectures (NAs) for SC. This review endeavors to advance high-performance energy storage innovations that meet the demands of the contemporary industrial revolution. It achieves this by exploring the potential of diverse 2D nanomaterials and their composite nanoarchitectures (NAs).

Traditional methods for producing MXene have been limited by their use of hazardous conditions, high expenses, and difficulties scaling up production. Given these limitations, we propose an affordable, swift, eco-friendly, and low -temperature (1000 degrees C) technique for synthesizing the Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX phase in an air atmosphere, employing a molten salt -shielded synthesis (MS 3 ) approach. TiO 2 -Ti 3 C 2 Cl 2 MXenes were subsequently created through an in situ etching process using the CuCl 2 Lewis acid salts method at a temperature of 750 degrees C. The primary obstacles in semiconductor photocatalysis revolve around three key issues: the ability to separate the photocatalyst using magnets from wastewater, limited absorption of visible (Vis) light, and the efficient separation and transfer of charge carriers on the photocatalyst ' s surface. To overcome these challenges, a quaternary type -II heterojunction nanocomposite photocatalyst denoted as TiO 2 -Ti 3 C 2 Cl 2 -C 3 N 4 -Fe 3 O 4 @C (TTCF), was synthesized using a pyrolysis process. Binary C 3 N 4 -Fe 3 O 4 @C (CF), ternary TiO 2 -Ti 3 C 2 Cl 2 -C 3 N 4 (TTC), and quaternary TTCF nanocomposites all displayed a red -shift towards longer wavelengths when compared to pure g-C 3 N 4 . This shift is attributed to the formation of heterojunction structures between g- C 3 N 4 and either TiO 2 - Ti 3 C 2 Cl 2 or Fe 3 O 4 @C. It addresses the issues of magnetic separability, enhanced Vis -light absorption, and improved charge carrier separation and transfer in semiconductor photocatalysis processes. The optimal performance, yielding removal rates of 99.94 %, 94.75 %, and 88.94 %, was attained with the quaternary TTCF nanocomposite under the conditions of pH 5, utilizing a 100 ppm nanophotocatalyst dosage, a 10 ppm concentration each of Rhodamine B (Rh B), Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and Acetaminophen (ACT), and a reaction time of 30 min at room temperature. Furthermore, the TTCF nanocomposite photocatalyst demonstrated excellent recyclability, maintaining its effectiveness over nine cycles.

Co3O4 NPs in N-doped porous carbon (Co3O4 NPs@N-PC) materials were prepared by one-pot pyrolysis of a ZIF-67 powder under N-2 atmosphere and followed by oxidation under air atmosphere (200 degrees C) toward promotion catalytic activity and activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degradation sulfamethoxazole (SMZ). 2-methylimidazole was used as a nitrogen source and a competitive ligand for the synthesis of Co3O4 NPs@N-PC, which in addition to affecting nucleation and growth of the crystal, promotes the production of active Co-N sites. Co3O4 NPs@N-PC nano-architecture has high specific surface areas (250 m(2) g(-1)) and is a non-toxic, effective and stable PMS activator. The effect of operating parameters including SMZ concentration, catalyst dosage, temperature and pH in the presence of Co3O4 NPs@N-PC was investigated. The Co3O4 NPs@N-PC composite showed superior performance in activating PMS over a wide range of pH (2-10) and different temperatures so that complete degradation of SMZ (50 mu M, 100 mL) was achieved within 15 min. The role of Co2+/Co3+ redox system in the mechanism before and after PMS activation was determined using XPS analysis. Surface-generated radicals led to the degradation of SMZ, in which the SMZ degradation rate attained 0.21 min(-1) with the mineralization of 36.8%. The feasible degradation mechanism of SMZ was studied in the presence of different scavengers and it was revealed that the degradation reaction proceeds from the radical/non-radical pathway and in this process most of the SO4 center dot- and center dot OH radicals are dominant. The recoverability and reuse of Co3O4 NPs@N-PC were evaluated to confirm its stability and potential for SMZ degradation and it was observed that the catalyst maintains its catalytic power for at least 5 cycles.

Chemo-sonodynamic therapy (CSDT) utilizes Ultrasound (US) responsive and pH generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (O2, OH, H2O2) from magnetic ZnFe2O4 nano-sonosensitizers (NSSs). It can be considered as an effective procedures to treat some cancer along with chemotherapy. In this work we designed CSDT exhibiting pH/US-responsive drug release through acidic pH (5.5) and ROS generation from Curcumin (Cur)-loaded ZnFe2O4@L-cysteine-nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N/RGO) nano-carriers. Finally, the generation of free radicals and their combination with chemotherapy increases the effectiveness of cancer treatment. In this study, a straightforward method by which could be functionalized surface of ZnFe2O4 NSSs via L-cysteine or cysteine (L-Cys or Cys) for anti-cancer Cur delivery was developed. Cur was linked to the surface of as-fabricated ZnFe2O4@L-Cys through covalent bond. Apart from being a standard thiol stabilizer, L-Cys is eco-friendly, good water-soluble, and biocompatible making it a very effective capping ligand for ZnFe2O4 NSSs. The present study deals with obtaining a targeted drug delivery system making use of CSDT. To raise the drug encapsulation efficiency and specificity of drug uptake by cancer cells, ZnFe2O4 NSSs functionalized and loaded with L-Cys and N/RGO. The ZnFe2O4@L-Cys NPs size on the N/RGO nanosheets surface was about 50 nm. The DLE value was reached 63.17 % and 71.65 % for ZnFe2O4@L-Cys and ZnFe2O4@L-Cys-N/RGO, respectively at 24 h. The amount of Cur release in ZnFe2O4@L-Cys-N/RGO nanocarrier under US irradiation and pH 5.5 condition was higher than pH 7.4 environment and without US irradiation.

In this study, we designed ZnFe2O4 nano-sonosensitizers (NSSs) was achieved through coating with biocompatible l-Cysteine (Cys) and nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). ZnFe2O4 @Cys@NGQDs nanocarrier was showed change of surface charge (in cancer cells) as well as the enhancement of the sonocatalytic property (for the production of radicals) by external and internal stimuli, with pH and ultrasound (US), respectively. The results show the increase in the anticancer activity of Curcumin (Cur) using ZnFe2O4@Cys@NGQDs as an effective drug delivery system in chemo-sonodynamic therapy (CSDT). The results of the in vitro cytotoxic assay show a significant inhibition of A549 cells by ZnFe2O4@Cys@NGQDs-Cur compared to the free form of Cur. The Cur drug loading efficiency of nano-carriers were as high as 61.3 % w/w for ZnFe2O4@Cys) and 72.2 % w/w for ZnFe2O4@Cys-NGQDs. The value of Cur release with US radiation after 96 h for ZnFe2O4@Cys@NGQDs-Cur at pH = 5.5 was 89.17 %, which was higher than the value of release under the same conditions at pH = 7.4 (72.21 %).