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26 pages, 5266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Pyrolyzed Sodium Alginate–Montmorillonite Composite for Efficient Adsorption of Emerging Pharmaceuticals: Experimental and Theoretical Insights

by Ibrahim Allaoui, Rachid Et-Tanteny, Imane Barhdadi, Mohammad Elmourabit, Brahim Arfoy, Youssef Draoui, Mohamed Hadri and Khalid Draoui

Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020060 - 21 May 2025

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Abstract

The present study aims to prepare a composite via pyrolysis, based on sodium alginate (SA) and a natural clay collected from the eastern region of Morocco, specifically the OUJDA area (C.O.R), for use in the disposal process of emerging pharmaceuticals. The strategy of [...] Read more.

The present study aims to prepare a composite via pyrolysis, based on sodium alginate (SA) and a natural clay collected from the eastern region of Morocco, specifically the OUJDA area (C.O.R), for use in the disposal process of emerging pharmaceuticals. The strategy of rapid microwave heating followed by nitrogen calcination at 500 °C was successfully applied to produce the pyrolyzed carbonaceous materials. The removal of paracetamol (PCT) by adsorption on the carbonaceous clay (ca-C.O.R) composite was investigated to determine the effect of operating parameters (initial contaminant concentration, contact time, pH, and temperature) on the efficiency of PCT removal. The nanocomposite was analyzed using various techniques, including the nitrogen gas adsorption–desorption isothermal curve, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Three models were used to describe the kinetic adsorption, and it was found that the experimental kinetic data fit well with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model with a coefficient of determination R² close to one, a nonlinear chi-square value close to zero, and a reduced root mean square error RMSE (R² → 1, X² → 0 and lower RMSE). The adsorption was best described by the Sips isotherm. The ca-C.O.R composite achieved a PCT removal efficiency of 91% and a maximum adsorption capacity of 122 mg·g⁻¹ improving on the performance of previous work. Furthermore, the variation in enthalpy (∆H°), Gibbs free energy (∆G°), and entropy (∆S°) indicated that the adsorption is exothermic in nature. The composite has shown promising efficiency for the adsorption of PCT as a model of emergent pollutant from aqueous solutions, making it a viable option for industrial wastewater treatment. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT) along with the 6-31G (d) basis set, the geometric structure of the molecule was determined, and the properties were estimated by analyzing its boundary molecular orbitals. The adsorption energy of PCT on MMT and ca-C.O.R studied using the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation method was −120.3 and −292.5 (kcal·mol⁻¹), respectively, which shows the potential of the two adsorbents for the emerging product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)

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14 pages, 4358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clarification of Clove Basil Extract Using Spinel Hollow Fiber Membranes

by Kristopher Rodrigues Dorneles, Guilherme Guimarães Ascendino, Vicelma Luiz Cardoso and Miria Hespanhol Miranda Reis

Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020057 - 16 May 2025

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Abstract

This study investigates the application of spinel (MgAl₂O₄) hollow fiber membranes for clarification of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) aqueous extract, a rich source of bioactive compounds. The membranes were produced using a phase-inversion and sintering method at [...] Read more.

This study investigates the application of spinel (MgAl₂O₄) hollow fiber membranes for clarification of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) aqueous extract, a rich source of bioactive compounds. The membranes were produced using a phase-inversion and sintering method at 1350 °C, combining alumina and dolomite as raw materials. The calcination of the powder materials at 1350 °C resulted in the spinel phase formation, as indicated by the XRD analyses. The spinel hollow fiber membrane presented a hydrophilic surface (water contact angle of 74°), moderate roughness (144.31 ± 12.93 nm), and suitable mechanical strength. The ceramic membrane demonstrated a water permeability of 35.28 ± 2.46 L h⁻¹ m⁻² bar⁻¹ and a final permeate flux of 9.22 ± 1.64 L h⁻¹ m⁻² for filtration of clove basil extract at 1.0 bar. Fouling analysis identified cake formation as the dominant mechanism for flux decline. The membrane retained 44% of the total phenolic compounds and reduced turbidity by 60%, while preserving significant antioxidant capacity in the permeate. The results highlight the potential of spinel-based hollow fiber membranes as a cost-effective and efficient solution for clarifying bioactive plant extracts, offering enhanced mechanical properties and lower sintering temperatures compared to conventional alumina membranes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)

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13 pages, 4618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Facile Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal (MAH) Method of CdWO₄/CdMoO₄ Heterostructures and Their Photocatalytic Properties

by Nivaldo F. Andrade Neto, Onecima B. M. Ramalho, Marcio D. Teodoro, Mauricio R. D. Bomio and Fabiana V. Motta

Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020052 - 8 May 2025

Viewed by 513

Abstract

In this study, CdWO₄/CdMoO₄ powders’ heterostructures were synthesized using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, characterized, and evaluated for their photocatalytic properties. The samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and photoluminescence [...] Read more.

In this study, CdWO₄/CdMoO₄ powders’ heterostructures were synthesized using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, characterized, and evaluated for their photocatalytic properties. The samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and photoluminescence (PL). The photocatalytic performance was assessed using methylene blue as a model pollutant. XRD patterns and Raman spectra confirmed the formation of heterostructures containing the Wolframite phase of CdWO₄ and the Scheelite phase of CdMoO₄. FESEM micrographs revealed that the CdWO₄ phase exhibits a plate-like morphology, while the CdMoO₄ phase consists of irregular nanoparticles. Photocatalytic tests demonstrated that the 20Mo sample exhibited the best performance, degrading 96% of the dye after 2 h of reaction. The findings of this study indicate that CdWO₄/CdMoO₄ heterostructures hold significant potential for photocatalytic applications in the degradation of cationic dyes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)

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13 pages, 2960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Si(C,N) Layer Composition on the Corrosion of NiCr Prosthetic Alloy

by Zofia Kula, Barbara Burnat, Katarzyna Dąbrowska and Leszek Klimek

Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020050 - 5 May 2025

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Abstract

For decades, metal alloys have played a crucial role in medicine and dentistry as restorative materials. To enhance corrosion resistance and mitigate undesirable biological reactions, surface modifications of these alloys are widely employed. This study investigates the corrosion resistance and adhesion properties of [...] Read more.

For decades, metal alloys have played a crucial role in medicine and dentistry as restorative materials. To enhance corrosion resistance and mitigate undesirable biological reactions, surface modifications of these alloys are widely employed. This study investigates the corrosion resistance and adhesion properties of a NiCr dental alloy coated with a Si(C,N) layer. The findings suggest that these coatings hold potential as protective layers for prosthetic components in future applications. Si(C,N) coatings were deposited using the reactive magnetron sputtering (RMS) method on the surface of a NiCr dental alloy. Four different carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio variations were examined. The results indicate that Si(C,N) coatings deposited via magnetron sputtering exhibit relatively low porosity (approximately 3%), enabling them to function effectively as barrier coatings. Among the tested coatings, the Si(39.6C/25.2N) layer demonstrated the highest polarization resistance (R_p) value and the lowest corrosion current density (i_cor), corrosion rate (CR), and mass loss rate (MR), suggesting that this composition achieves an optimal balance between carbon and nitrogen content. These findings are promising for the potential application of Si(C,N) coatings in dental techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)

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14 pages, 5441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Milling and Cold Pressing for the Fabrication of Porous SiC Ceramics via Starch Consolidation

by B. F. Flores-Morales, E. Rocha-Rangel, C. A. Calles-Arriaga, W. J. Pech-Rodríguez, I. Estrada-Guel, A. Jiménez-Rosales, J. López-Hernández, J. A. Rodriguez-Garcia and J. A. Castillo-Robles

Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020043 - 24 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a highly valued material in structural ceramics due to its exceptional properties, including low thermal expansion, high mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, hardness, and corrosion resistance. These attributes make SiC suitable for a wide range of applications, from filters and [...] Read more.

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a highly valued material in structural ceramics due to its exceptional properties, including low thermal expansion, high mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, hardness, and corrosion resistance. These attributes make SiC suitable for a wide range of applications, from filters and electrodes to refractory and structural materials. In this study, SiC samples were produced under various conditions and characterized through techniques such as diffraction, SEM, TGA, and optical microscopy. The results indicated a band gap of 3.195 eV, an apparent density of 1.317 g/cm³, and Vickers hardness ranging from 1193 to 536 HV. Additionally, the Young’s modulus of the sample was found to be 0.4 GPa. These findings demonstrate the potential of starch consolidation for the cost-effective production of SiC ceramics with promising mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)

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13 pages, 10147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Quantum Dot-Based Remote Lenses on the Emission Properties of White LED Lighting Studied by Optical Simulation and Experiment

by Sung Min Park, Eunki Baek, Sohee Kim, Jaehyeong Yoo, Sung-Yoon Joe, Jae-Hyeon Ko, Taehee Park and Young Wook Ko

Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020039 - 19 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The introduction of side-emitting lenses into white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has enabled thin panel lighting technology based on LED technology, but also presents the disadvantage of low color rendering due to insufficient red components in the spectra of typical white LEDs. Additional application [...] Read more.

The introduction of side-emitting lenses into white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has enabled thin panel lighting technology based on LED technology, but also presents the disadvantage of low color rendering due to insufficient red components in the spectra of typical white LEDs. Additional application of remote quantum dot (QD) components such as QD films or caps presents the issues of increased numbers of components and higher costs. In this study, we incorporated red QDs directly into a lens placed on white LEDs and analyzed the effects of QD lenses on the optical characteristics of a lighting device through experiments and simulations. By incorporating red CdSe/ZnS QDs into UV-curable resin to fabricate QD lenses and applying them to white LEDs, we significantly improved the color rendering index and were able to adjust the correlated color temperature over a wide range between 2700 and 9900 K. However, as the concentration of QDs in the lens increased, scattering by the QD particles was enhanced, strengthening the Lambertian distribution in the intensity plot. Following the development of optical models for QD lenses under experimental conditions, comprehensive optical simulations of white LED lighting systems revealed that increasing the device height proved more effective than modifying TiO₂ scattering particle concentration in the diffuser plate for mitigating QD-induced bright spots and enhancing illumination uniformity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)

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21 pages, 6048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Sintering of Novel High-Entropy Barium Cerates Designed Through the Cluster-Plus-Glue Atom Model

by Luca Spiridigliozzi, Antonello Marocco, Viviana Monfreda and Gianfranco Dell’Agli

Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020032 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 428

Abstract

This work presents the design and synthesis of novel high-entropy perovskite oxides (HEPOs) derived from BaCeO₃, formulated using the cluster-plus-glue atom model. Particularly, through a carbonate-based co-precipitation technique, we synthesized three novel high-entropy perovskite oxides (HEPOs) derived from barium cerate by [...] Read more.

This work presents the design and synthesis of novel high-entropy perovskite oxides (HEPOs) derived from BaCeO₃, formulated using the cluster-plus-glue atom model. Particularly, through a carbonate-based co-precipitation technique, we synthesized three novel high-entropy perovskite oxides (HEPOs) derived from barium cerate by substituting cerium with different combinations of five different elements (Ce, Zr, Yb, Sm, La, Gd, Nd) in equal molar ratios, i.e., Ba(Ce_0.2Zr_0.2Yb_0.2La_0.2Sm_0.2)O_2.7, Ba(Ce_0.2Sm_0.2Yb_0.2Nd_0.2Gd_0.2)O_2.6, and Ba(Ce_0.2Zr_0.2Nd_0.2La_0.2Sm_0.2)O_2.7. Upon calcination of the as-synthesized samples at different temperatures and subsequent quenching, the formation of an entropy-stabilized single phase was analyzed and assessed. To rationalize the observed differences in phase evolution, a novel set of empirical descriptors, including configurational entropy, Goldschmidt tolerance factor, and B-site size mismatch, was proposed and discussed. With the aim of studying the sinterability of the single-phase samples, the calcination treatment was optimized by reducing its temperature and duration (i.e., 1300 °C for 6 h) so that subsequent densification higher than 95% was achieved by sintering at 1500 °C for 6 h. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)

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Review

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26 pages, 3893 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Supported Ceramic Catalysts for Environmental Applications: A Comprehensive Review

by Mateus Aquino Gonçalves, Felipe de Almeida la Porta, Adilson Candido da Silva, Teodorico Castro Ramalho and Sérgio Francisco de Aquino

Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020053 - 10 May 2025

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Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic polymers designed to exhibit selective recognition and binding capabilities toward target molecules and have been widely combined with advanced ceramic-based materials toward better performance in many catalytic applications of interest and beyond. What sets MIPs apart is [...] Read more.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic polymers designed to exhibit selective recognition and binding capabilities toward target molecules and have been widely combined with advanced ceramic-based materials toward better performance in many catalytic applications of interest and beyond. What sets MIPs apart is their molecularly imprinted cavities, which are formed during polymerization in the presence of a template molecule. Upon template removal, these cavities retain the shape, size, and chemical functionality of the template molecule, allowing for highly specific recognition and binding of target molecules. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in leveraging these molecularly imprinted cavities not only for molecular recognition and sensing but also as catalytic sites and supports. Complementary to experimental studies, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are increasingly used to elucidate the molecular interactions, catalytic mechanisms, and optimize the design of MIP–ceramic catalysts. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on advanced ceramic-based catalysts supported by MIPs for environmental applications. Additionally, the review will discuss challenges and future directions in the field, focusing on enhancing the catalytic efficiency, stability, and scalability of MIP-based ceramic catalysts. By exploring these aspects, this review seeks to illustrate the promising role of MIP-modified ceramic materials in advancing the field of catalysis and catalytic supports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)

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