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10 pages, 2941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Phosphogypsum as a Source of Calcium Sulfate When Synthesizing Calcium Molybdate Nanoparticles

by Youssef Belaoufi, Meryem Bensemlali, Badreddine Hatimi, Halima Mortadi, Najoua Labjar, Jean-Michel Nunzi, Mohammed El Idrissi, Abdellatif Aarfane, Mina Bakasse and Hamid Nasrellah

Reactions 2024, 5(3), 462-471; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions5030024 - 7 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1459

Abstract

Calcium molybdate (CaMoO₄) is of significant interest due to its unique properties and numerous industrial applications, such as catalysis, electrochemistry, and optoelectronics. In this study, we developed an economical and environmentally friendly method to synthesize calcium molybdate from Moroccan phosphogypsum (PG) [...] Read more.

Calcium molybdate (CaMoO₄) is of significant interest due to its unique properties and numerous industrial applications, such as catalysis, electrochemistry, and optoelectronics. In this study, we developed an economical and environmentally friendly method to synthesize calcium molybdate from Moroccan phosphogypsum (PG) industrial waste and sodium molybdate, all at room temperature. Comprehensive analysis through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman vibrational spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the high purity of the synthesized calcium molybdate, with particle sizes of only 12 nm. Additionally, optical characteristics were studied using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), which showed an optical band gap of Egap = 3.96 eV for CaMoO₄. These results confirm the successful synthesis of calcium molybdate nanoparticles from Moroccan phosphogypsum, demonstrating an effective pathway to valorize this industrial waste into a valuable material. This approach contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing dependence on rare chemicals while offering innovative solutions for the industry’s sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)

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11 pages, 1951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles from Acacia cornigera and Annona purpurea and Their Insecticidal Effect against Tribolium castaneum

by Rogelio Solorzano Toala, Federico Gutierrez-Miceli, Benjamin Valdez-Salas, Ernesto Beltran-Partida, Daniel Gonzalez-Mendoza, Olivia Tzintzun-Camacho, Onecimo Grimaldo-Juarez and Antobelli Basilio-Cortes

Reactions 2024, 5(2), 274-284; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions5020013 - 8 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1701

Abstract

Diverse studies have showed that the pesticides can cause important damages in ecosystem. Therefore, the development of bio pesticides through nanotechnology can increase efficacy and limit the negative impacts in the environmental that traditionally seen through the use of chemical pesticides. Nanoparticles obtained [...] Read more.

Diverse studies have showed that the pesticides can cause important damages in ecosystem. Therefore, the development of bio pesticides through nanotechnology can increase efficacy and limit the negative impacts in the environmental that traditionally seen through the use of chemical pesticides. Nanoparticles obtained from plants’ extracts can be used for effective pest management as a combined formulation of metal and some other organic material present in the plants. In the present study, our evaluated biosynthesis of nanoparticles of copper used two plant extracts (Acacia cornigera and Annona purpurea), and the Taguchi method was adopted for the synthesis optimization of the following variables of biosynthesis: temperature, pH, extract concentration, and reaction times to maximize the insecticidal activity on Tribolium castaneum. Our results showed that the nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Acacia cornigera and Anona purpurea extract under optimum conditions under Taguchi L 9 orthogonal design, where copper nanoparticles were obtained with a size of 63–153 nm for using A. cornigera extract, 87–193 nm for A. purpurea extract, and a zeta potential of 9.6 mV and −32.7 mV, respectively. The nanoparticles of copper from A. cornigera showed effective insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum, and 90% mortality compared to the 76.6% obtained from nanoparticles of copper from A. purpurea. The results suggest that Cu-nanoparticles derived from both plants could be used as a biocontrol agent of Tribolium castaneum, a pest of stored grain with great economic importance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)

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12 pages, 2712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver Nanoparticles Coated with Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor: Synthesis, Characterization, Liberation and Anti-Escherichia coli Activity

by Layla M. Gonzales Matushita, Luis Palomino and Juan Carlos F. Rodriguez-Reyes

Reactions 2023, 4(4), 713-724; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions4040041 - 15 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1879

Abstract

Epithelial tissue regeneration may be favored if the tissue receives both therapeutic agents such as recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) and, simultaneously, antibacterial materials capable of reducing the risk of infections. Herein, we synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are well-known antibacterial materials, [...] Read more.

Epithelial tissue regeneration may be favored if the tissue receives both therapeutic agents such as recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) and, simultaneously, antibacterial materials capable of reducing the risk of infections. Herein, we synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are well-known antibacterial materials, and impregnate them with rhEGF in order to study a bio-nanomaterial of potential interest for epithelial tissue regeneration. A suspension of Ag NPs is prepared by the chemical reduction method, employing sodium citrate as both a reducer and capping agent. The AgNPs suspension is mixed with a saline solution containing rhEGF, producing rhEGF-coated Ag NPs with rhEGF loadings between 0.1 and 0.4% w/w. ELISA assays of supernatants demonstrate that, in all studied cases, over 90% of the added rhEGF forms part of the coating, evidencing a high efficiency in impregnation. During the preparation of rhEGF-coated Ag NPs, no significant changes are observed on the nanoparticles, which are characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and infrared spectroscopy. The liberation of rhEGF in vitro was followed for 72 h, finding that approximately 1% of rhEGF that is present is released. The rhEGF-coated AgNPs shows antibacterial activity against E. coli, although such activity is decreased with respect to that observed from naked AgNPs. Having confirmed the possibility of simultaneously liberating rhEGF and reducing the proliferation of bacteria, this work helps to support the use of rhEGF-loaded metallic nanoparticles for tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)

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13 pages, 2559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Full Factorial Design Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Origanum vulgare

by Nickolas Rigopoulos, Christina Megetho Gkaliouri, Viktoria Sakavitsi and Dimitrios Gournis

Reactions 2023, 4(3), 505-517; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions4030030 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2235

Abstract

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) involves a reduction reaction of a metal salt solution mixed with a plant extract. The reaction yield can be controlled using several independent factors, such as extract and metal concentration, temperature, and incubation time. AgNPs from Origanum [...] Read more.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) involves a reduction reaction of a metal salt solution mixed with a plant extract. The reaction yield can be controlled using several independent factors, such as extract and metal concentration, temperature, and incubation time. AgNPs from Origanum vulgare (oregano) were synthesized in the past. However, no investigations were performed on the combined effects of independent factors that affect the synthesis. In this work, silver nitrate, oregano extract, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations were chosen as the independent factors, and full factorial design under Response Surface Methodology was employed. UV–Vis absorbance spectroscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the nanoparticles. A Voigt function was fitted on the measured UV–Vis spectra. The fitting parameters of the Voigt function, peak wavelength, area, and Full Width at Half Maximum, were used as the responses. A quadratic model was fitted for the peak wavelength and area. The NaOH concentration proved to be the dominant factor in nanoparticle synthesis. UV–Vis absorbance showed a characteristic plasmon resonance of AgNPs at 409 nm. XRD verified the crystallinity of the nanoparticles and FTIR identified the ligands involved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)

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Review

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60 pages, 1160 KiB

Open AccessReview

Synthesis, Photocatalytic and Bio Activity of ZnO-TiO₂ Nanocomposites: A Review Study

by Fulvia Pinzari

Reactions 2024, 5(4), 680-739; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions5040035 - 2 Oct 2024

Viewed by 943

Abstract

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are materials with strong photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity. This activity is greater when the material is in nanocrystalline form. It has been seen that these properties are also present in the ZnO-TiO₂ nanocomposite material, and the extent [...] Read more.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are materials with strong photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity. This activity is greater when the material is in nanocrystalline form. It has been seen that these properties are also present in the ZnO-TiO₂ nanocomposite material, and the extent depends on multiple factors, such as crystallinity, structural composition, crystallite size, and morphology. These structural properties can be varied by acting on the synthesis of the material, obtaining a wide variety of composites: random nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, nanofibers, tetrapods, core–shell, hollow spheres, inverse opal structures (IOSs), hierarchical structures, and films. When an interface between nanocrystallites of the two oxides is created, the composite system manages to have photocatalytic activity greater than that of the two separate oxides, and in certain circumstances, even greater than P25. The antimicrobial activity results also improved for the composite system compared to the two separate oxides. These two aspects make these materials interesting in various fields, such as wastewater and air treatment, energy devices, solar filters, and pharmaceutical products and in the context of the restoration of monumental cultural assets, in which their use has a preventive purpose in the formation of biofilms. In this review we analyse the synthesis techniques of ZnO-TiO₂ nanocomposites, correlating them to the shape obtained, as well as the photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity. It is also illustrated how ZnO-TiO₂ nanocomposites can have a less negative impact on toxicity for humans and the environment compared to the more toxic ZnO nanoparticles or ZnO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)

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23 pages, 5679 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carbon Nanotubes: A Review of Synthesis Methods and Applications

by Arash Yahyazadeh, Sonil Nanda and Ajay K. Dalai

Reactions 2024, 5(3), 429-451; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions5030022 - 4 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7110

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical-shaped materials composed of hexagonally arranged hybridized carbon atoms with versatility in synthesis methods and diverse applications. This review is focused on the fabrication, physicochemical and spectroscopic characterization, and industrial applications of CNTs. This review discusses some promising synthesis [...] Read more.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical-shaped materials composed of hexagonally arranged hybridized carbon atoms with versatility in synthesis methods and diverse applications. This review is focused on the fabrication, physicochemical and spectroscopic characterization, and industrial applications of CNTs. This review discusses some promising synthesis methods for the preparation of CNTs such as catalytic chemical vapor deposition, arc discharge, and laser ablation. A comparative discussion is made between these synthesis methods in terms of strengths, opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, functionalization and purification of CNTs’ surface leading to improved functionality has also been highlighted in this article. Finally, the analytical techniques employed to shed light on the physicochemical and morphological properties of CNTs are described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)

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60 pages, 7129 KiB

Open AccessReview

Photocatalytic TiO₂-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A Review

by Maria-Anna Gatou, Athanasia Syrrakou, Nefeli Lagopati and Evangelia A. Pavlatou

Reactions 2024, 5(1), 135-194; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions5010007 - 1 Feb 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5242

Abstract

Contemporary technological and industrial advancements have led to increased reliance on chemicals for product innovation, leading to heightened contamination of water sources by traditional pollutants (organic dyes, heavy metals) and disease-causing microorganisms. Wastewater treatment processes now reveal “emerging pollutants”, including pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, [...] Read more.

Contemporary technological and industrial advancements have led to increased reliance on chemicals for product innovation, leading to heightened contamination of water sources by traditional pollutants (organic dyes, heavy metals) and disease-causing microorganisms. Wastewater treatment processes now reveal “emerging pollutants”, including pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and agricultural chemicals. While some are benign, certain emerging pollutants can harm diverse organisms. Researchers seek cost-effective water purification methods that completely degrade pollutants without generating harmful by-products. Semiconductor-based photocatalytic degradation, particularly using titanium dioxide (TiO₂), is popular for addressing water pollution. This study focuses on recent applications of TiO₂ nanostructures in photocatalysis for eliminating various water pollutants. Structural modifications, like doping and nanocomposite formation, enhance photocatalyst performance. The study emphasizes photocatalytic elimination mechanisms and comprehensively discusses factors impacting both the mechanism and performance of nano-TiO₂-based photocatalysts. Characteristics of TiO₂, such as crystal structure and energy band-gap, along with its photocatalytic activity mechanism, are presented. The review covers the advantages and limitations of different TiO₂ nanostructure production approaches and addresses potential toxicity to human health and the environment. In summary, this review provides a holistic perspective on applying nano-TiO₂ materials to mitigate water pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)

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19 pages, 2158 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biogenic Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Application as Bioactive Agents: A Critical Overview

by Maria Chiara Sportelli, Caterina Gaudiuso, Annalisa Volpe, Margherita Izzi, Rosaria Anna Picca, Antonio Ancona and Nicola Cioffi

Reactions 2022, 3(3), 423-441; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions3030030 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3880

Abstract

Zinc oxide is a safe material for humans, with high biocompatibility and negligible cytotoxicity. Interestingly, it shows exceptional antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., especially when reduced to the nanometer size. As it is easily understandable, thanks to its properties, it is [...] Read more.

Zinc oxide is a safe material for humans, with high biocompatibility and negligible cytotoxicity. Interestingly, it shows exceptional antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., especially when reduced to the nanometer size. As it is easily understandable, thanks to its properties, it is at the forefront of safe antimicrobials in this pandemic era. Besides, in the view of the 2022 European Green Deal announced by the European Commission, even science and nanotechnology are moving towards “greener” approaches to the synthesis of nanoparticles. Among them, biogenic ZnO nanoparticles have been extensively studied for their biological applications and environmental remediation. Plants, algae, fungi, yeast, etc., (which are composed of naturally occurring biomolecules) play, in biogenic processes, an active role in the formation of nanoparticles with distinct shapes and sizes. The present review targets the biogenic synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, with a specific focus on their bioactive properties and antimicrobial application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)

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