Advanced Chemical Engineering in Nanoparticles

A special issue of ChemEngineering (ISSN 2305-7084).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2024) | Viewed by 8892

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: light-controlled diagnosis and treatment; functional medical stents; DNA medical devices

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: super-resolution fluorescence microscopy imaging; preparation, interface modification and assembly of bionanomaterials; biofuel cell

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanoparticles, with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, exhibit unique properties due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. Advanced chemical engineering in nanoparticles holds great promise in revolutionizing various scientific and industrial sectors. This emerging field encompasses the synthesis process, materials characterization, physical/chemical properties, and various applications of nanoparticles. Understanding the fundamental principles behind nanoparticle chemistry and engineering is crucial for developing novel materials and devices with tailored functionalities.

Specifically, the synthesis process of nanoparticles involves the precise control over size, shape, and composition, which can be achieved through various chemical engineering techniques. The materials characterization plays a vital role in understanding the structure and properties of nanoparticles. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy are commonly employed to analyze their chemical composition, crystal structure, and morphology. These characterizations help in tailoring the properties of nanoparticles for specific applications.

The physical/chemical properties of nanoparticles make them suitable for a wide range of applications. For example, Metallic nanorods find applications in catalysis, sensing and biomedical fields, while carbon nanotubes and graphene are utilized in electronics, energy storage, and composite materials. Recent cutting-edge topics in this field include the development of different kinds of nanoparticles, such as Au nanoparticles, up-conversion nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, for tumor-targeting drug delivery and environmental remediation.

Dr. Bei Liu
Dr. Xiaoming Zhang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • metallic nanorods
  • carbon nanotubes
  • graphene
  • Au nanoparticles
  • up-conversion nanoparticles
  • metal-organic frameworks

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4368 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Photocatalytic Lead Removal from Wastewater Using ZnO/ZrO2: A Response Surface Methodology Approach
by Hiba Abduladheem Shakir, May Ali Alsaffar, Alyaa K. Mageed, Khalid A. Sukkar and Mohamed A. Abdel Ghany
ChemEngineering 2024, 8(4), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8040072 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1281
Abstract
One interesting method for environmental remediation is the use of ZnO/ZrO2 composites in the photocatalytic degradation of lead (Pb) in wastewater. Several studies have investigated different types of composites for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. However, the efficiency of these [...] Read more.
One interesting method for environmental remediation is the use of ZnO/ZrO2 composites in the photocatalytic degradation of lead (Pb) in wastewater. Several studies have investigated different types of composites for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. However, the efficiency of these composites in removing the heavy metals remains debatable. Hence, this study investigated the potential of using a ZnO/ZrO2 composite for the removal of Pb from wastewater. Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized in this work to maximize the Pb photocatalytic removal over ZnO/ZrO2 in simulated wastewater. Based on a central composite design (CCD), the experimental design included adjusting critical process parameters such as catalyst dosage, initial Pb concentration, and pH. The ZnO/ZrO2 composite was synthesized using a physical mixing technique, and its physicochemical properties were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Under visible light irradiation, photocatalytic Pb removal tests were carried out in a batch reactor. The findings showed that a ZnO/ZrO2 dose of 100 mg/L, a pH of 10, and an initial Pb content of 15 ppm were the optimal conditions for maximal Pb removal (above 91.2%). The actual Pb removal obtained from the experimental runs was highly correlated with that predicted using the RSM quadratic model. The usefulness of ZnO/ZrO2 composites for photocatalytic Pb removal is demonstrated in this work, which also emphasizes the significance of RSM in process parameter optimization for improved pollutant degradation. The models that have been proposed offer significant perspectives for the development and scalability of effective photocatalytic systems intended to remove heavy metals from wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Chemical Engineering in Nanoparticles)
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13 pages, 9431 KiB  
Communication
Zinc Oxide Tetrapods Doped with Silver Nanoparticles as a Promising Substrate for the Detection of Biomolecules via Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
by Edgars Vanags, Ivita Bite, Liga Ignatane, Reinis Ignatans, Annamarija Trausa, Ciro Federiko Tipaldi, Karlis Vilks and Krisjanis Smits
ChemEngineering 2024, 8(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8010019 - 4 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2087
Abstract
In this study, we report the fabrication and characterization of silver nanoparticle-doped zinc oxide tetrapod substrates used for surface-enhanced Raman scattering to detect rhodamine B. Prior to this, silver nanoparticle-doped zinc oxide tetrapods were synthesized using the solar physical vapor deposition method. Subsequently, [...] Read more.
In this study, we report the fabrication and characterization of silver nanoparticle-doped zinc oxide tetrapod substrates used for surface-enhanced Raman scattering to detect rhodamine B. Prior to this, silver nanoparticle-doped zinc oxide tetrapods were synthesized using the solar physical vapor deposition method. Subsequently, silver-doped zinc oxide tetrapods were applied onto silicon wafers via the droplet evaporation process. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity of the silver nanoparticle-doped zinc oxide tetrapod substrate was evaluated by detecting rhodamine B using Raman spectroscopy. Our results demonstrate that the silver nanoparticle-doped zinc oxide tetrapod substrate exhibits surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity and can detect rhodamine B at concentrations as low as 3 μg/mL. This study suggests that silver nanoparticle-doped zinc oxide tetrapod substrates have potential as surface-enhanced Raman scattering platforms as well as potential for the detection of biomolecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Chemical Engineering in Nanoparticles)
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12 pages, 2579 KiB  
Article
Catalytic Performance of Bimetallic Cobalt–Nickel/Graphene Oxide for Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane
by Sharifah Nur Sorfina Syed Abu Bakar, May Ali Alsaffar, Bawadi Abdullah, Maizatul Shima Shaharun, Sureena Abdullah and Bamidele Victor Ayodele
ChemEngineering 2023, 7(6), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering7060107 - 7 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2029
Abstract
The design of economical and robust catalysts is a substantial challenge for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). Monometallic nickel-based catalysts used for DRM reactions had comparable activity to noble metals. However, they turned out to be less stable during the reactions. As [...] Read more.
The design of economical and robust catalysts is a substantial challenge for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). Monometallic nickel-based catalysts used for DRM reactions had comparable activity to noble metals. However, they turned out to be less stable during the reactions. As a continuation of the interest in synthesizing catalysts for DRM, this paper evaluates the catalytic performance of bimetallic Co–Ni catalysts regarding their synergy effect, with graphene oxide (GO) as support for the first time. The synthesized bimetallic catalysts prepared via the wet-impregnation method were characterized using N2 physisorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The catalytic test was performed in a stainless-steel tubular reactor in atmospheric conditions with a reaction temperature of 800 °C, time-on-stream (TOS) of 300 min and CH4: CO2 being fed with a ratio of 1:1. The bimetallic 10 wt%Co–10 wt%Ni/GO and 20 wt%Co–10 wt%Ni/GO catalysts had a similar BET specific surface area in N2 physisorption analysis. The XRD pattern displayed a homogeneous distribution of the Co and Ni on the GO support, which was further validated through SEM–EDX. The conversion of CO2, CH4, and H2 yield decreased with reaction time due to the massive occurrence of side reactions. High conversions for CO2 and CH4 were 94.26% and 95.24%, respectively, attained by the bimetallic 20 wt%Co–10 wt%Ni/GO catalyst after 300 min TOS, meaning it displayed the best performance in terms of activity among all the tested catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Chemical Engineering in Nanoparticles)
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Review

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22 pages, 610 KiB  
Review
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Cannabis sativa: Properties, Synthesis, Mechanistic Aspects, and Applications
by Fatemeh Ahmadi and Maximilian Lackner
ChemEngineering 2024, 8(4), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8040064 - 21 Jun 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2691
Abstract
The increasing global focus on green nanotechnology research has spurred the development of environmentally and biologically safe applications for various nanomaterials. Nanotechnology involves crafting diverse nanoparticles in terms of shapes and sizes, with a particular emphasis on environmentally friendly synthesis routes. Among these, [...] Read more.
The increasing global focus on green nanotechnology research has spurred the development of environmentally and biologically safe applications for various nanomaterials. Nanotechnology involves crafting diverse nanoparticles in terms of shapes and sizes, with a particular emphasis on environmentally friendly synthesis routes. Among these, biogenic approaches, including plant-based synthesis, are favored for their safety, simplicity, and sustainability. Silver nanoparticles, in particular, have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional effectiveness, biocompatibility, and eco-friendliness. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has emerged as a promising candidate for aiding in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Leveraging the phytochemical constituents of Cannabis, researchers have successfully tailored silver nanoparticles for a wide array of applications, spanning from biomedicine to environmental remediation. This review explores the properties, synthesis mechanisms, and applications of silver nanoparticles obtained from Cannabis. Additionally, it delves into the recent advancements in green synthesis techniques and elucidates the optical properties of these nanoparticles. By shedding light on plant-based fabrication methods for silver nanoparticles and their diverse bionanotechnology applications, this review aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of green nanotechnology. Through a comprehensive examination of the synthesis processes, mechanistic aspects, and potential applications, this review underscores the importance of sustainable approaches in nanoparticle synthesis and highlights the potential of Cannabis-derived silver nanoparticles in addressing various societal and environmental challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Chemical Engineering in Nanoparticles)
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