TiO2 has been successfully coupled with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) using the thermal deposition method to create an advanced heterojunction photocatalyst. The prepared photocatalysts were studied for photocatalytic hydrogen production and methylene blue dye degradation. The synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized by XRD, XPS, FT-IR, HR-TEM, UV-Vis DRS, and Photoluminescence studies. The results obtained clearly confirm that the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 is significantly enhanced after making the nanocomposite with g-C3N4 nanostructures. The hydrogen production rate under simulated sunlight irradiation for a TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst has been obtained at approximately 110 μmolg−1h−1. Trapping tests of active species during photocatalysis clearly revealed that O2•‒ played a critical role to enhance the activity. It is significantly proved that the enhancement in the photocatalytic activity is due to the interfacial contact between the TiO2 and g-C3N4, which effectively reduces the electron hole recombination. Eventually, the influence of bandgap energies and their band edge potentials were discussed by proposing a well defined schematic mechanism.

The present study reports a green synthesized via eco-friendly hydrothermal treatment of silver-reduced graphene oxide (Ag/rGO) nanocomposite using chamomile tea flowers extract (CTFE). Initially, the synthesis of Ag/rGO@CTFE nanocomposite was confirmed by the formation of greyish black color. The synthesized Ag/rGO@CTFE nanocomposite was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, XRD, FE-SEM with EDS, HR-TEM and FTIR analyses. Spherical shape of the synthesized Ag/rGO@CTFE nanocomposite with varied sizes of 55-60 nm was observed by HE-TEM analysis. Face centered cubic crystalline structure of synthesized Ag/rGO@CTFE nanocomposite was confirmed by XRD analysis. In addition, Ag/rGO@CTFE nanocomposite exhibited 97% of Rhodamine B (Rh B) and 87% of Evans blue (EB) dye degradation activity under visible light irradiation. Ag/rGO@CTFE nanocomposite exhibited notable photo-catalytic activity in carcinogenic organic dyes. Hence, it's a first reports on hydrothermal treatment of Ag/rGO@CTFE nanocomposite using CTFE for photo-catalytic application.

In this paper, the authors have investigated a suitable material for rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which poses a challenge to the researchers in the search for alternate electrode materials. An analysis of humidity as well as nitrite sensing application, the potential of this material has been reported. MoO3 can reversibly store large amounts of Li; it can be a potential alternative electrode among currently existing anode materials. The self-assembled hexagonal rods of h-MoO3 as flowers have been synthesized via a simple and facile low temperature reflux method. The measured mean crystallite size and band gap (E-g) of h-MoO3 hexagonal crystalline structure are 52 nm and 3.48 eV as per the XRD and UV-vis DRS studies respectively. Hexagonal rod shaped h-MoO3 anodes exhibit remarkable electrochemical stability, recyclability, high rate capability; which produce the initial discharge capacity of 1869 mAh g(-1)and then the capacity retained around 619 mAh g(-1) at 100(th) cycle of charge-discharge profile by applying the current rate of C/15. This simple and novel material synthesis provides unique morphology of hexagonal rods shaped h-MoO3 flowers; and this scheme provides the facile pathways which enable the ease of electron transportation. The sensing activity of modified glassy electrode of h-MoO3 has shown a limit of detection of 0.196 mu M for 1 mM nitrite sensing. It also showed high humidity sensing response of 97.9 %, and indicated that the h-MoO3 flowery material is well suitable for industrial applications.

Silicon carbide (SiC) is recognized as a notable semiconductor because of its outstanding characteristics, for instance wide-bandgap, outstanding magnetic properties, extraordinary chemical inertness, high thermal, mechanical, optical and electronic properties, generally utilized in solid-state lighting and power electronics because of its insufficient inherent carrier and high thermal conductivity under high-power/high-temperature/high-voltage or other such harsh environments. In the present review the authors discuss SiC and their physico-chemical properties as a new generation SiC functional materials and ceramic matrix composites with the primary purpose of improving their wide range of recent applications. However, it is to be noted that the biocompatibility and other such recent applications of SiC have been seldom understood by the researchers in spite of the fact that there is an ample scope for such studies on SiC. In the present review, the authors focus on the comprehensive overview of the introduction to ceramic materials, its classifications, properties of ceramics and 3D-printed composite ceramic materials followed by state-of-art of silicon carbide along with their structure, its polytypes, properties and defects in SiC. Further multidisciplinary applications of SiC nanoarchitectures have been systematically summarized, including photocatalytic technology, membrane technology gas- chemical sensing, field emission transistors, nanoelectronics, medical implants, biosensing and so on. Finally, the future prospects and research directions of SiC nanoarchitectures are proposed.

In the present study, we have follwed the hydrothermal path for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) from the biomaterial Elaeocarpus ganitrus seeds extract, which is a rapid, eco-friendly, non-chemical way. The prepared NPs were thoroughly analysed by powder x-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy studies and were also tested for anticancer studies. Besides, the antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer properties of Au NPs were studied. In vitro studies revealed the dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of Au NPs. The prepared nanoparticles showed good cytotoxic impact against a prostate cancer (PC-3) cells line. The evidences of the current study lead to the synthesis of novel and cost-effective drugs from Elaeocarpus ganitrus seeds extract by using the bio approach.

Silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O NPs) were prepared using cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) seeds as a fuel by employing a green synthesis method. The prepared Ag2O NPs were investigated using powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), UV–visible spectrum, Fourier transform infrared analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and photoluminescence studies. PXRD data reveal the establishment of cubic crystal structure of Ag2O NPs. According to SEM and TEM results, the morphology of the prepared NPs was agglomerated and spherical. The photodegradation activity of the prepared Ag2O NPs over methylene blue dye was promising under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the antimicrobial assay of the synthesized Ag2O NPs was carried out by the disc diffusion method against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative microbial strains.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was synthesized by green synthesis method using Ixora coccinea leaves extract as fuel.The structure and morphology of the product were characterized by Powder X-ray Diffraction, UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy.The nanoparticles (NPs) were subjected to photocatalytic and antimicrobial studies.PXRD pattern demonstrates that the formed product belongs to the cubic crystal system.SEM images show that the particles are agglomerated to form spherical like structure and the average crystallite sizes were found to be 20nm.The prepared Ag NPs exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) indicating that the Ag NPs are potential photocatalytic semiconductor materials.Ag NPs exhibit significant bactericidal activity against gram-positive (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aerogenes) and gram-negative (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria using the disc diffusion method.The study successfully demonstrates the synthesis of Ag NPs by simple eco-friendly route employing Ixora coccinea as a fuel that exhibits superior Photodegradative and antibacterial activities.

This work successfully synthesizes silver oxide (Ag2O) nanoparticles (Nps) using cow urine. The presence of different biological components in cow's urine may act as fuel for the synthesis of Ag2O Nps by a combustion method at 500 degrees C. This is a rapid and environmentally benign procedure, which has the added advantage of shorter response times and better control over size and shape. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by means of XRD, FTIR, UV-vis, SEM, EDAX and TEM and have been tested for photoluminescence and for photocatalytic and biological activities. They show good photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, due to their sensitivity to absorb light with a wide band gap energy. Furthermore, we have examined the photoluminescence properties of the synthesized material and found that it has a yellow emission for excitation at 436 nm. In addition, the synthesized material exhibits a good antibacterial activity for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains by the disc diffusion method. It is shown that these combustion methods produce nano sized Ag2O within less time suited for a large scale synthesis in an economic way. (C) 2019 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Nanotechnology is an innovative branch of science that deals with the formation, processing, and applications of nanomaterials. An eco-friendly and efficient method has been used for the green synthesis of stable gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using Durio zibethinus extract as a reducing and capping agent. Durio zibethinus seeds were extracted from fresh, methodically washed Durio fruits obtained from Bangalore Fruit Market, India. In the present work, the green synthesis method was employed to obtain Au NPs with the assistance of Durio zibethinus seeds extract as a reducing agent and capping agent. The biologically produced nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, XRD, SEM, EDAX and TEM analysis. The elemental composition of Au NPs was reported by EDAX spectral analysis. The bio-reduced Au NPs exhibited almost spherical. Increasing applications of NPs, especially metallic nanoparticles plays an important role. Gold is one of the most useful metallic nanoparticles. Au NPs have unique physiochemical characteristics and wide usage in different field applications. Besides, the antibacterial, antioxidant and anticoagulant properties of Au NPs were studied. It is proved that Au NPs synthesized using natural reducing agents (plant leaves, route, seeds, pulp, stem, etc.) are eco-friendly, inexpensive, and have good anti-microbial activities against micro-organisms. This study established a synthesis of Au NPs using Durio zibethinus extract as a viable green route approach, with remarkable antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticoagulant activities. Overall, the green synthesized Au NPs will be useful in the biomedical and materials industries. As far as we know, this study is the first report of the use of Durio zibethinus extract to synthesize Au NPs.

Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) nanopowders are prepared by ultrasound assisted sonochemical route using Polyethylene glycol as a surfactant. The obtained product is irradiated with 8 MeV electrons with electrons dose strength of 2 kGy, 4 kGy, 6 kGy and 8 kGy. The powder X-ray diffraction studies reveals well indexed cubic structure in both pristine and electron beam irradiated samples. Morphological results evidence the spherical shaped nanopowders. The energy band gap was found to be decrease with increase of electron beam irradiation strength. The photoluminescence emission spectra of pristine and electron beam irradiated samples exhibit defects related peaks at similar to 424, 444, 460, 483 and 520 nm. Upon electron beam irradiation, the Commission International de I'Eclairage color coordinates are engineered from deep blue color to cyan color. A single thermoluminescence glow peak is recorded at similar to 213 degrees C in all the electron beam irradiated samples up to given dose range 2 kGy, 4 kGy, 6 kGy and 8 kGy. The trapping parameters (E, s) are calculated by employing various methods. Linear dose response, less fading and high reproducibility of electron beam irradiated SrTiO3 samples broadly indicated its suitability for thermoluminescence dosimetry applications.

BiVO4 and Ag-BiVO4 Nanoparticles were prepared using Azadirachta indica gum as a fuel via solution combustion synthesis (SCS) at 500 degrees C. From the PXRD, FTIR, UV-Visible DRS studies the synthesized NPs were characterized. The morphologies of the prepared NPs were studied by SEM and TEM analysis. The synthesized NPs were tested for photocatalytic and photoluminescence studies. The PXRD data indicated that the synthesized nanoparticles belong to monoclinic phase structure. The SEM data revealed that bead like structure were obtained. BiVO4 and Ag-BiVO4 Nps were taken to determine the photocatalytic activity on methylene blue dye. The results indicated that Ag-BiVO4 NPs exhibited promising photocatalytic activity due to the occurrence of Ag particles on the BiVO4 material, which makes the catalyst more sensitive and reduce the electron-hole recombination. Furthermore, the photoluminescence study reveals that Ag-BiVO4 nano particles shown blue light emission.

We herein report the green, eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles obtained using Moringa oleifera fuel. Various spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations were performed to confirm the structure and morphology. ZnO nanoparticles crystallize in wurtzite structure with an average crystallite size of 22 nm. Amount of fuel plays a crucial role in controlling nanoparticle size. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra show the band gap of 2.9 to 3.1 eV. ZnO nanoparticles show good photocatalytic activity towards degradation of trypan blue under various effluent condition and also act as an efficient catalyst for biodiesel production.

rGO wrapped MoO3 NPs were successfully synthesized via simple and scalable steps as potential anode materials for Li-ion batteries.

Sunlight induced degradation of organic pollutants is an ideal approach for environmental pollution control and waste water treatment. Although variety of photocatalysts has been designed towards this goal, efficient degradation of organic pollutants by visible light is a challenging issue. Here we show that reduced graphene oxide (rGO) based composite with TiO2 nanoparticle (TiO2-rGO) can act as efficient visible light photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants. We have developed a simple and large scale synthesis method for TiO2-rGO and used them for degradation of well known carcinogenic organic dye ie., Methtylene blue under visible light. It is found that photocatalytic efficiency by TiO2-rGO under visible light is significantly higher. It is proposed that TiO2 nanoparticle offers visible light induced excitation and conductive rGO offers efficient charge separation and thus induces oxidative degradation of organic pollutant. This approach can be extended for sunlight induced degradation of different organic pollutants.

Photocatalytic hydrogen generation is one of the most promising solutions to convert light energy into green chemical energy. In the present work, methoxy ethyl methyl imidazolium methyl sulphonate ionic liquid is used for the synthesis of i-TiO2 nanoparticles via ionothermal method at 120 degrees C. The obtained products were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques like XRD, FTIR, Raman, UV-visible, DRS, TEM and TG-DSC analysis. XRD pattern confirmed the anatase phase with minor ruffle phase having average crystallite size of 5 nm. From the FTIR spectrum, the band appeared at similar to 547 cm(-1) confirmed the Ti-O-Ti stretching and also few bands of ionic liquid. UV vis spectrum clearly reveals the blue shift due to size effect of TiO2. The spherical surface structure and particle size (15-30 nm) have been studied in detail using TEM images. Finally, the practical applicability of the as synthesized i-TiO2 nanoparticles is shown by using it as a photo catalyst towards the generation of H-2 through water splitting reaction and it is found to be 462 mu mol h(-1)g(-1). (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Green synthesis of multifunctional Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with a variety of morphologies were achieved by low temperature solution combustion route employing neem (Azadirachta indica) extract as fuel. The nanoparticles were characterized by PXRD, FTIR, XPS, Raman and UV-Visible spectroscopic studies. The Morphologies were studied by SEM and TEM analysis. The NPs were subjected for photoluminescence, photocatalytic, antibacterial and antioxidant activity studies. PXRD pattern confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the product. SEM images indicated the transformation of mushroom like hexagonal disks to bullets, buds, cones, bundles and closed pine cone structured NPs with increase in the concentration of neem extract in reaction mixture. The NPs exhibited prominent green emission due to the presence of intrinsic defect centers. The as-formed bullet shaped ZnO with 4 ml of neem extract was found to decolorize Methylene blue (MB) under Sunlight and UV light irradiation. The antibacterial studies indicated that ZnO NPs of concentration 500, 750 and 1000 mu g resulted in significant antibacterial activity on Klebsiella aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus but not against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in agar well diffusion method. Further, ZnO NPs exhibited significant antioxidant activity against scavenging DPPH free radicals. The current investigation demonstrated green engineering method for the synthesis of multifunctional ZnO NPs with interesting morphologies using neem extract. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In the present work, we have developed a novel, ecofriendly method for the synthesis of ZnO superstructures for the first time through the thermal decomposition of zinc nitrate precursor without using any fuel. The synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized using various analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, UV-vis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Further, it has been used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of one of the environmental pollutants such as methylene blue and also as a biosensor toward the detection of dopamine at trace level. The as-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles showed superior catalytic activity toward the degradation of methylene blue dye with high degree of recydability with yellow light emitting photoluminescence. The developed sensor showed a linear range for dopamine up to 300 mu M with a detection limit of 1 mu M with reproduced results over periods of several months without any deviation in its electrochemical performance.

Synthesis, characterization and antioxidant activity of a new series of chiral N-boc oraganotellurium compounds, (CH3)3OC(O)NHCH(R)C(O)NHCH2CH2Te-C6H4-4-OCH3, containing carbamate and peptide groups have been reported in this paper. These chiral peptides were synthesized in good to excellent yields, via acid-amine coupling reaction of N-boc L-amino acids with 2-(4-methoxyphenyltelluro) ethylamine in presence of dicyclohexyl carbodimide (DCC) at room temperature. The elemental analyses, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), H and C {H} nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and mass spectra were characteristic. Specific optical rotation (SOR) was also determined. In vitro antioxidant activity of these multi-functional compounds in methanol has been evaluated against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals with 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) as a standard reference compound. The IC50 (inhibitory concentration 50) values of these chiral peptides revealed significant inhibition against DPPH radicals and found to be effective antioxidants.

For the first time, a green synthesis method was adopted for the preparation of raspberry shaped CdO nanoparticles (NPs) using extract of green tea leaves as a non-toxic and eco-friendly fuel. This simple and single-step method can be scaled up easily for large-scale synthesis. The CdO NPs were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, PL, UV-visible spectroscopy. The NPs were highly pure and well crystallized with an average particle size of 5-17 nm. The XRD indicated that all the samples were cubic in structure. Morphologies of the NPs were largely dependent on the concentration of green tea leaf extract. The optical properties were determined by DRS and PL spectra. Three emission peaks were recorded at 510, 527, 605 nm upon excited at 366 nm. The band gap was found to be 2.0 eV. The possible mechanism for the formation of raspberry shaped particles was discussed. This method exhibited excellent reproducibility of nanoparticles, without the use of any extra capping agent/stabilizing agent. It was economical and rapid for the preparation of CdO NPs with respect to energy, time and simplicity. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.