R. Jothi Ramalingam

Studies on the efficient dual performance of Mn1–xNixFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles in photodegradation and antibacterial activity

The present work describes the successful synthesize of spinel magnetic ferrite Mn1-xNixFe2O4 (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 & 0.5) nanoparticles via a simple microwave combustion method which was then evaluated for its photocatalytic activity in the degradation of indigo carmine (IC) synthetic dye, a major water pollutant. Our results reveal that the synthesized of Ni2+ doped MnFe2O4 nanoparticles possess well-crystalline pure cubic spinel phase, exhibit excellent optical and magnetic properties. Further, the photocatalytic performance of the synthesized nanoparticles at different concentration ratios of Ni2+ ions was monitored by photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine synthetic dye under UV (λ=365nm) light irradiation. In order to get maximum photocatalytic degradation (PCD) efficiency, we have optimized various parameters, which include catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, pH and Ni2+ dopant content. It was found that the reaction was facilitated with optimum catalyst dose of 50mg/100mL, high dye concentrations of 150mg/L and acidic pH and among all the synthesized samples, Mn0·5Ni0.5Fe2O4 exhibit superior performance of photocatalytic activity on the degradation of indigo carmine synthetic dye. These results highlighted the potential use of effective, low-cost and easily available photocatalysts for the promotion of wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. In addition, the antibacterial activity of spinel magnetic Mn1-xNixFe2O4 nanoparticles against two Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) was also examined. Our antibacterial activity results are comparable with the results obtained using the antibiotic, streptomycin.

Green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles using Tamarind fruit extract for the antibacterial studies

In the present study, first time we report the microwave-assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Tamarindus indica natural fruit extract. The plant extract plays a dual role of reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of AgNPs. The formation of spherical shape AgNPs is confirmed by XRD, HR-SEM, and HR-TEM. The presence of face-centered cubic (FCC) silver is confirmed by XRD studies and the average crystallite size of AgNPs is calculated to be around 6-8nm. The average particle diameter is found to be around 10nm, which is identified from HR-TEM images. The purity of AgNPs is confirmed by EDX analysis. The presence of sigmoid curve in UV-Visible absorption spectra suggests that the reaction has complicated kinetic features. To investigate the functional groups of the extract and their involvement in the reduction of AgNO3 to form AgNPs, FT-IR studies are carried out. The redox peaks are observed in cyclic voltammetry in the potential range of -1.2 to +1.2V, due to the redox active components of the T. indica fruit extract. In photoluminescence spectroscopy, the excited and emission peaks were obtained at 432nm and 487nm, respectively. The as-prepared AgNPs showed good results towards antibacterial activities. Hence, the present approach is a facile, cost- effective, reproducible, eco-friendly, and green method.

Bioreduction potentials of dried root of Zingiber officinale for a simple green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Antibacterial studies

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using an extract of dried Zingiber officinale (ginger) root as a reducing and capping agent in the presence of microwave irradiation was herein reported for the first time. The formation of symmetrical spheres is confirmed from the UV-Visible spectrum of Ag NPs. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy confirms the formation of the Ag NPs. X-ray diffraction analysis was utilized to calculate the crystallite size of Ag NPs and the value was found to be 10nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the morphology and size of the synthesized samples. The sphere like morphology is confirmed from the images. The purity and crystallinity of Ag NPs is confirmed by energy-dispersive X-Ray analysis and selected area electron diffraction respectively. The electrochemical behavior of the synthesized Ag NPs was assessed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and shows the redox peaks in the potential range of -1.1 to +1.1V. Agar diffusion method is used to examine the antibacterial activity of Ag NPs. For this purpose, two gram positive and two gram negative bacteria were studied. This single step approach was found to be simple, short time, cost-effective, reproducible, and eco-friendly.

Green synthesis of NiO nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos leaf extract for the evaluation of in-vitro cytotoxicity, antibacterial and photocatalytic properties

In the present study, we report the green synthesis of NiO nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos as a fuel and this method is ecofriendly and cost effective. The plant Aegle marmelos is used in the field of pharmaceuticals to cure diseases like chronic diarrhea, peptic ulcers and dysentery in India for nearly 5 centuries. The as-prepared nanoparticles were confirmed as pure face centered cubic phase and single crystalline in nature by XRD. The formation of agglomerated spherical nanoparticles was shown by HR-SEM and HR-TEM images. The particle size calculated from HR-SEM was in the range 8-10 nm and it matches with the average crystallite size calculated from the XRD pattern. NiO shows intense emission peaks at 363 and 412 nm in its PL spectra. The band gap of 3.5 eV is observed from DRS studies and the formation of pure NiO is confirmed by FT-IR spectra. The as-prepared NiO nanoparticles show super paramagnetic behavior, when magnetization studies are carried out. It is then evaluated for cytotoxic activity towards A549 cell culture, antibacterial activity and photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of 4‑chlorophenol (4‑CP), which is known as the endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). From the results, it is found that the cell viability of A549 cells was effectively reduced and it showed better antibacterial activity towards gram positive bacterial strains. It is also proved to be an efficient and stable photocatalyst towards the degradation of 4‑CP.

A novel synthesis protocol for Co3O4 nanocatalysts and their catalytic applications

Co3O4 spinel nanoparticles (Co3O4-NPs) are synthesized via a green route using neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf by an efficient and simple hot plate combustion method (HPCM). The as-prepared Co3O4-NPs have been characterized by well-known recognized techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Raman spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Co3O4-NPs were investigated in various application areas; for example, a multi-lamp photocatalytic reactor was used to degrade the hazardous textile dye waste (TDW) collected from the dyeing industry. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized Co3O4-NPs was studied against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria, in comparison to a chloramphenicol standard, and also evaluated by carrying out the catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitroaniline in the presence of NaBH4 as a reducing agent. Noble metals have been reported earlier, but due to their high cost they needed to be replaced by a cost effective material. We have also discussed feasible mechanisms and catalytic activity of the Co3O4-NPs in different applications. Thus, we have proposed a novel, economic and green synthesis of Co3O4-NPs that is highly important in the present times for the removal of hazardous chemicals.

Anti-cancer activity of hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites synthesized from rice-based waste materials

Herein, organic template-free MFI-type ZSM-5 zeolites were successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method using waste materials such as rice husk ash (RHA), rice hull ash (RHuA), and rice straw ash (RSA). The waste materials were locally obtained, precleaned, and properly heat-treated to produce a high-purity crystalline SiO2 that was used in the synthesis of ZSM-5 zeolites under autogenous pressure in a short reaction time (5 days). The mineralogical phases, morphology, textural and thermal properties of the synthesized products were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms (BET), temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA). The as-synthesized ZSM-5 zeolites showed good crystallinity, and no amorphous material existed in the framework of the ZSM-5 zeolites after calcination and ammonium exchange processes. The characterization results prove that the high crystallinity of RHA as compared to that of the other materials (RHuA and RSA) is due to the high silica content in RHA. The transformation occurs from high-crystallinity RHA into ZSM-5 zeolite and also increases the crystallinity of zeolites. In addition, we have investigated hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites at various concentrations for their potential cytotoxicity effect against the human lung epithelial cancer A549 cells.

Preparation and surface characterization of nanodisk/nanoflower-structured gallium-doped zinc oxide as a catalyst for sensor applications

Nanostructured gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) thin films were fabricated on piezoelectric substrates. The GZO thin films with nanodisk/nanoflower morphologies were prepared by a simple spin-coating process followed by one-step hydrothermal treatment. Addition of polymer during hydrothermal treatment resulted in nanodisk and nanoflower morphologies. The morphology, microstructure and chemical composition of thin films prepared under different conditions were examined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD and FE-SEM investigations confirmed that the GZO nanodisks, nanorods and nanoflowers formed on the AlN/Si substrates were all wurtzite phase. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was immobilized on the as-synthesized GZO nanostructured materials by a dipping process. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements were conducted to confirm the surface binding nature of GFP on the GZO nanostructures to determine their suitability for use in sensor applications and bioimaging techniques. Trace-level addition of GFP to the GZO nanostructures resulted in a fluorescence response, revealing good activity for ultraviolet light sensor applications.

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of melamine immobilized MCM-41 for condensation reactions

In the present study, melamine immobilized MCM-41 is synthesized by grafting on modified MCM-41. The surface area, pore size and pore volume of MCM-41-Mela were found to be decreased after immobilization of melamine. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy results revealed the successful grafting of melamine on the surface of MCM-41. The 29Si CP/MAS NMR of MCM-41-Mela showed the existence of T2, T3, Q3 and Q4 silicon centres. The catalytic activities were investigated through a liquid phase Knoevenagel condensation reaction between furfural and acetylacetone. A conversion of 93.1% was achieved with 100% selectivity towards 3-(2-furylmethylene)-2,4-pentanedione (FMP) under solvent-free condition. The catalytic activity of MCM-41-Mela was then successfully carried out for Knoevenagel condensation with different substrates, giving excellent yields of the corresponding products. The catalyst was easily regenerated and could be reused for three times without loss of catalytic activity. Simple preparation methods, high efficiency and reusability of the heterogeneous MCM-41-Mela catalyst demonstrate a great potential for future catalysis application.

Efficient synthesis of butyl levulinate from furfuryl alcohol over ordered mesoporous Ti-KIT-6 catalysts for green chemistry applications

Here we describe the synthesis of butyl levulinate by alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol with n-butanol over a series of titanium incorporated mesoporous KIT-6 molecular sieve catalysts prepared by a simple sol–gel treatment. The prepared catalysts were characterized by FT-IR, BET, HR-TEM, XRD, NH3-TPD, ICP-AES, and 29Si MAS-NMR techniques. The characterization results confirmed high BET surface areas with a highly ordered porous network and well-ordered arrangements of pores. Effects of various reaction parameters on the alcoholysis reaction, including the type of catalyst, reaction temperature, time, and catalyst amount, were studied. Among the synthesized catalysts, the 100Ti-KIT-6 showed the best activity giving 94% conversion with 100% selectivity towards butyl levulinate. To confirm green chemistry aspects, heterogeneity and reusability tests were performed. Reusability experiments showed that titania catalyst could be recycled for five successive cycles without undergoing a large loss in conversion capabilities. Based on leaching and reusability studies, it was found that the green mesoporous 100Ti-KIT-6 is the best highly active catalyst and testified that the catalyst was truly heterogeneous.

Cellulose Acetate/N-TiO2 Biocomposite Flexible Films with Enhanced Solar Photochromic Properties

Flexible cellulose acetate/N-TiO2 nanocomposite films containing various concentrations of nanosized N-TiO2 and an intelligent methylene blue ink have been prepared by solution casting. The hydrothermally prepared nitrogen-doped titania (N-TiO2) and the films were characterized in detail. The photochromic properties of the prepared films were investigated under ultraviolet (UV), visible light, and simulated solar irradiation by UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Upon irradiation, the films exhibited rapid photochromic response that was reversible at room temperature. Films with higher content of nano N-TiO2 showed enhanced decoloration/recoloration under all irradiation conditions, with fast decoloration/recoloration under simulated solar irradiation. These results suggest that the amount of nano N-TiO2 in the composite, the concentration of methylene blue, and the solvent greatly influence the photochromic properties of the films. Such flexible and transparent cellulose acetate/N-TiO2 films with enhanced decoloration/recoloration properties under solar irradiation are promising smart materials for use in photoreversible printed electronics applications.