Vol 7, No 1 (2024)

Table of Contents

Open Access
Article
Article ID: 3587
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by Yang Tian, Lu Zhang, Yiting Xiao, Trenton Collins, Abdussamad Akhter, Yan Huang, Z. Ryan Tian
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    526 Views
Abstract A longstanding interest in bone tissue engineering is the development of new bio-scaffolds that can be manufactured on a large scale with high throughput at low cost.   Here, we report a low-cost and systematically optimized hydrothermal synthesis for producing Mo-doped potassium titanate nanofibers with high structural purity. This new nanosynthesis is based on bone tissue growth on an undoped titanate nanowires-entangled scaffold, as previously reported by our team. The morphological and structural characterization data suggest that the crystal structure of Mo-doped titanate nanofibers closely resembles that of the undoped ones. This resemblance is potentially valuable for assessing the role of Mo dopants in engineering bone tissue.
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Open Access
Article
Article ID: 5593
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by Mostafa Mahinroosta, Ali Allahverdi
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    158 Views
Abstract The present study deliberates the recovery of sodium fluoride (NaF)-natrite (Na 2 CO 3 )-sodium chloride (NaCl) ternary fluxing agent from hazardous aluminum dross waste using three types of heating methods, including direct heating on a hotplate, heating by a drying oven, and microwave heating. Deionized water was used as a green solvent for the recovery experiments. Investigating the effects of time and temperature on recovery percentage showed that a recovery percentage of around 96.5% can be achieved under time and temperature of 90 min and 95 ℃, respectively. The recovered fluxing agent salt was characterized by XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, FESEM, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental analysis. Rietveld fitting analysis of phases detected in the XRD patterns showed that the recovered fluxing agent contained 74–81 wt.% NaF, 8–11 wt.% NaCl, and 11–14.7 wt.% Na 2 CO 3 . The FESEM micrographs revealed that the retrieved salts were in nano scale. The recovered fluxing agent showed different morphologies including needle-like, round shape, and a mixture of both, corresponding to microwave, drying oven, and hotplate heating methods, respectively. The nano-needles exhibited diameter of the tip and base in the range of 39–60 nm and 50–103 nm, respectively.
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Open Access
Article
Article ID: 4671
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by Stephen Yebosoko Tsado, Tijani Jimoh Oladejo, Uzoma Gregory Okoro, Daniel Ipilakyaa Tertsegha, Ibrahim Ogu Sadiq, Joseph Abutu, Emmanuel Ogo Onche, Antwi Afari Acheampong, Alhassan Sullaiman, Ebenezer Adu Kyeremeh, Sunday Albert Lawal
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    158 Views
Abstract Green manufacturing is increasingly becoming popular especially in lubricant manufacturing as more environmentally friendly substitutes for mineral base oil and synthetic additives are being found amongst plant extracts and progress in methodologies for extraction and synthesis is being made. It has been observed that some of the important performance characteristics need enhancement of which nanoparticle addition has been noted as one of the effective solutions. However, the concentration of the addictive that would optimised the performance characteristics of interest remains a contending area of research. The research was out to find how the concentration of green synthesized aluminum oxide nanoparticles in nano-lubricants formed from selected vegetable oil influence the friction and wear. A bottom-up green synthesis approach was adopted to synthesize aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) from aluminum nitrate (Al(NO 3 ) 3 ) precursor in the presence of plant-based reducing agent— Ipomoea pes-caprae . The synthesized Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles were characterized using TEM and XRD and found to be mostly of spherical shape of sizes 44.73 nm. Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles at different concentrations—0.1 %wt, 0.3 %wt, 0.5 %wt, 0.7 %wt, and 1.0 %wt—were used as additives to castor, jatropha, and palm kernel oils to formulate nano lubricants and tested alternately on Ball-on-aluminum (SAE 332) and low-carbon steel Disc Tribometer. All the vegetable-based oil nano-lubricant showed a significant decrease in the Coefficient of Friction (CoF) and wear rate with Ball-on-(aluminum SAE 332) Disc Tribometer up to 0.5 %wt of the nanoparticle: the best performances ( e COF = 92.29; e WR = 79.53) coming from Al 2 O 3 -castor oil nano lubricant and Al 2 O 3 -palm kernel oil, afterwards the started to increase. However, the performance indices displayed irregular behaviour for both COF and Wear Rate (WR) when tested on a ball-on-low-carbon steel Disc Tribometer.
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Open Access
Article
Article ID: 4912
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by A. A. El-Sebaii, S. Aboul-Enein, M. R. I. Ramadan, N. Samy, A. R. El-Sayed, S. M. Shalaby
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    107 Views
Abstract Paraffin wax is the most common phase change material (PCM) that has been broadly studied, leading to a reliable optimal for thermal energy storage in solar energy applications. The main advantages of paraffin are its high latent heat of fusion, low melting point that appropriate solar thermal energy application. In addition to its accessibility, ease of use and ability to be stored at room temperature for extended periods of time. Nevertheless, improving its low thermal conductivity is still a big noticeable challenge in recently published work. In this work, the effect of adding nano-Cu 2 O, nano-Al 2 O 3 and hybrid nano-Cu 2 O-Al 2 O 3 (1:1) at different mass concentrations (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) on the thermal characteristics of paraffin wax is investigated. The measured results showed that the peak values of thermal conductivity and diffusivity are achieved at wight concentration of 3% when nano-Cu 2 O, nano-Al 2 O 3 are added to paraffin wax with significant superiority for nano-Cu 2 O. While both of those thermal properties are negatively affected by increasing the concentration beyond this value. The results also showed the excellence of the proposed hybrid nanoparticles compared to nano-Cu 2 O, and nano-Al 2 O 3 as it achieves the highest values of thermal conductivity and diffusivity at weight concentration 5.0 wt.%.
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Open Access
Article
Article ID: 5300
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by Sana Ullah Khan, Ali Khan, Amir Hassan, Beena Abbas
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    84 Views
Abstract Our environment has been significantly impacted by man-made pollutants, primarily due to industries make substantial use of synthetic chemicals, resulting in significant environmental consequences. In this research investigation, the co-precipitation approach was employed for the synthesis of cellulose-based ferric oxide (Fe 2 O 3 /cellulose) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuOx-NPs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were conducted to determine the properties of the newly synthesised nanoparticles. Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles were employed for eliminating chromium from aqueous media under various conditions, including temperature, contact time, adsorbent concentration, adsorbate concentration, and pH. Additionally, the synthesised materials were used to recover Cr(VI) ions from real samples, including tap water, seawater, and industrial water, and the adsorptive capacity of both materials evaluated under optimal conditions. The synthesis of Fe 2 O 3 /cellulose and CuOx-NPs proved to be effective, as indicated by the outcomes of the study.
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Open Access
Article
Article ID: 5756
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by Lucas F. Melia, María V. Gallegos, Luciana Juncal, Marcos Meyer, Francisco J. Ibañez, Laura C. Damonte
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    105 Views
Abstract ZnO nanostructures were obtained by electrodeposition on Ni foam where graphene was previously grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The resulting heterostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction and SEM microscopy and their potential application as a catalyst for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) was evaluated. The incorporation of graphene to the Ni substrate increases the amount of deposited ZnO at low potentials in comparison to bare Ni. SEM images show homogeneous growth of ZnO on Ni/G but not on bare Ni foam. A percent removal of almost 60% of MB was achieved by the Ni/G/ZnO sample, which represents a double quantity than the other catalysts proved in this work. The synergistic effects of ZnO-graphene heterojunctions play a key role in achieving better adsorption and photocatalytic performance. The results demonstrate the ease of depositing ZnO on seedless graphene by electrodeposition. The use of the film as a photocatalyst delivers interesting and competitive removal percentages for a potentially scalable degradation process enhanced by a non-toxic compound such as graphene.
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Open Access
Article
Article ID: 5523
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by Aiza Maqbool
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    62 Views
Abstract Photocatalysis, an innovative technology, holds promise for addressing industrial pollution issues across aqueous solutions, surfaces, and gaseous effluents. The efficiency of photodegradation is notably influenced by light intensity and duration, underscoring the importance of optimizing these parameters. Furthermore, temperature and pH have a significant impact on pollutant speciation, surface chemistry, and reaction kinetics, therefore process optimization must consider these factors. Photocatalytic degradation is an effective method for treating water in environmental remediation, providing a flexible and eco-friendly way to eliminate organic contaminants from wastewater. Selectivity in photocatalytic degradation is achieved by a multidisciplinary approach that includes reaction optimization, catalyst design, and a profound awareness of chemical processes. To create efficient and environmentally responsible methods for pollution removal and environmental remediation, researchers are working to improve these components.
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Open Access
Review
Article ID: 4306
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by Svitlana Boitsaniuk, Mariana Levkiv, Orest Kochan
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    200 Views
Abstract The potential of nanotechnology to improve human health, optimize natural resource utilization, and reduce environmental pollution is remarkable. With the ever-growing advancement in dentistry, one of the breakthroughs is using nanotechnology. Nanotechnology in periodontics has touched every aspect of treatment modality, from non-surgical therapy to implant procedures, including regenerative procedures. Understanding of their mechanism plays a pivotal role in more efficient usage of nanotechnology, better treatment procedures, and eventually better outcomes. In this paper we review the application of nanotechnology in periodontal therapy. We performed the search for papers in Scopus using the key words and phrases as follows: “nanodentistry”; “dentistry and nanotechnology”; “dentistry and nanoparticles”; “dentistry and nanomedicine”; “dentistry and nanorobots”. There were found 530 papers in total. Some papers belonged to two and more categories. It is revealed that the number of papers versus year does not follow any specific pattern, but the cumulative amount of papers versus year is fitted with the exponential regression. There were also selected papers using certain inclusion/exclusion criteria. Only the selected papers were analyzed. Nanomedicine is subjected to intensive studies nowadays. There are some promising results that will likely be implemented into praxis soon in the fields of medical diagnostics and clinical therapeutics. The appearance of nanotechnology can have a considerable impact on treatment of periodontal diseases.
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Open Access
Review
Article ID: 4654
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by Srabani Majumdar, Razu Shahazi, Amirul Islam Saddam, Mohammed Muzibur Rahman, Md. Mahmud Alam, Ajoy Kumer, Giti Paimard
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    225 Views
Abstract Recently, carbon nanocomposites have garnered a lot of curiosity because of their distinctive characteristics and extensive variety of possible possibilities. Among all of these applications, a development of sensors with electrochemical properties based on carbon nanocomposites for use in biomedicine has shown as an area with potential. These sensors are suitable for an assortment of biomedical applications, such as prescribing medications, disease diagnostics, and biomarker detection. They have many benefits, including outstanding sensitivity, selectivity, and low limitations on detection. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the recent advancements in carbon nanocomposites-based electrochemical sensors for biomedical applications. The different types of carbon nanomaterials used in sensor fabrication, their synthesis methods, and the functionalization techniques employed to enhance their sensing properties have discussed. Furthermore, we enumerate the numerous biological and biomedical uses of electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanocomposites, among them their employment in illness diagnosis, physiological parameter monitoring, and biomolecule detection. The challenges and prospects of these sensors in biomedical applications are also discussed. Overall, this review highlights the tremendous potential of carbon nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors in revolutionizing biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.
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Open Access
Review
Article ID: 4581
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by Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    204 Views
Abstract Graphene and derivatives have been frequently used to form advanced nanocomposites. A very significant utilization of polymer/graphene nanocomposite was found in the membrane sector. The up-to-date overview essentially highpoints the design, features, and advanced functions of graphene nanocomposite membranes towards gas separations. In this concern, pristine thin layer graphene as well as graphene nanocomposites with poly(dimethyl siloxane), polysulfone, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyimide, and other matrices have been perceived as gas separation membranes. In these membranes, the graphene dispersion and interaction with polymers through applying the appropriate processing techniques have led to optimum porosity, pore sizes, and pore distribution, i.e., suitable for selective separation of gaseous molecules. Consequently, the graphene derived nanocomposites brought about numerous revolutions in high performance gas separation membranes. The structural diversity of polymer/graphene nanocomposites has facilitated the membrane selective separation, permeation, and barrier processes especially in the separation of desired gaseous molecules, ions, and contaminants. Future research on the innovative nanoporous graphene-based membrane can overcome design/performance related challenging factors for technical utilizations.
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Open Access
Review
Article ID: 4959
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by Elizabeth Adu, Siddharth A. Patel, Arthur J. Catino, Riddhiman Medhi
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    247 Views
Abstract Researchers from all over the world have been working tirelessly to combat the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) COVID-19 pandemic since the World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed it to be a pandemic in 2019. Expanding testing capacities, creating efficient medications, and creating safe and efficient COVID-19 (SARS CoV-2) vaccinations that provide the human body with long-lasting protection are a few tactics that need to be investigated. In clinical studies, drug delivery techniques including nanoparticles have been used since the early 1990s. Since then, as technology has advanced and the need for improved medication delivery has increased, wherein the field of nanomedicine has recently seen significant development. PNPs, or polymeric nanoparticles, are solid particles or particulate dispersions that range in size from 10 to 1000 nm and their ability to efficiently deliver therapeutics to specific targets makes them ideal drug carriers. This review article discusses the many polymeric nanoparticle (PNP) platforms developed to counteract the recent COVID-19 pandemic-related severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The primary subjects of this article are the size, shape, cytotoxicity, and release mechanism of each nanoparticle. The two kinds of preparation methods in the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles have been discussed: the first group uses premade polymers, while the other group depends on the direct polymerization of monomers. A few of the PNPs that have been utilized to combat previous viral outbreaks against SARS-CoV-2 are also covered.
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Open Access
Review
Article ID: 5834
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by Razu Shahazi, Amirul Islam Saddam, Srabani Majumdar, Md. Rakibul Islam, Mohammed Muzibur Rahman, Md. Mahmud Alam, Ajoy Kumer, Giti Paimard
Charact. Appl. Nanomater. 2024 , 7(1);    278 Views
Abstract Water splitting, the process of converting water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, has garnered significant attention as a promising avenue for sustainable energy production. One area of focus has been the development of efficient and cost-effective catalysts for water splitting. Researchers have explored catalysts based on abundant and inexpensive materials such as nickel, iron, and cobalt, which have demonstrated improved performance and stability. These catalysts show promise for large-scale implementation and offer potential for reducing the reliance on expensive and scarce materials. Another avenue of research involves photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells, which utilize solar energy to drive the water-splitting reaction. Scientists have been working on designing novel materials, including metal oxides and semiconductors, to enhance light absorption and charge separation properties. These advancements in PEC technology aim to maximize the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, artificial photosynthesis approaches have also gained traction. By integrating light-absorbing materials, catalysts, and membranes, these systems aim to mimic the complex processes of natural photosynthesis and produce hydrogen fuel from water. The development of efficient and stable artificial photosynthesis systems holds promise for sustainable and clean energy production. Tandem cells, which combine multiple light-absorbing materials with different bandgaps, have emerged as a strategy to enhance the efficiency of water-splitting systems. By capturing a broader range of the solar spectrum, tandem cells optimize light absorption and improve overall system performance. Lastly, advancements in electrocatalysis have played a critical role in water splitting. Researchers have focused on developing advanced electrocatalysts with high activity, selectivity, and stability for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). These electrocatalysts contribute to overall water-splitting efficiency and pave the way for practical implementation.
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