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Search Results (16)

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Keywords = Ag-NPs/TiO2 nanotubes

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24 pages, 3624 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Adsorption of Different Pollutants from Wastewater Using Carbon-Based and Metal-Oxide Nanoparticles
by Shahabaldin Rezania, Negisa Darajeh, Parveen Fatemeh Rupani, Amin Mojiri, Hesam Kamyab and Mohsen Taghavijeloudar
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11492; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411492 - 10 Dec 2024
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3666
Abstract
In recent years, nanomaterials have gained special attention for removing contaminants from wastewater. Nanoparticles (NPs), such as carbon-based materials and metal oxides, exhibit exceptional adsorption capacity and antimicrobial properties for wastewater treatment. Their unique properties, including reactivity, high surface area, and tunable surface [...] Read more.
In recent years, nanomaterials have gained special attention for removing contaminants from wastewater. Nanoparticles (NPs), such as carbon-based materials and metal oxides, exhibit exceptional adsorption capacity and antimicrobial properties for wastewater treatment. Their unique properties, including reactivity, high surface area, and tunable surface functionalities, make them highly effective adsorbents. They can remove contaminants such as organics, inorganics, pharmaceuticals, medicine, and dyes by adsorption mechanisms. In this review, the effectiveness of different types of carbon-based NPs, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene-based nanoparticles (GNPs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and carbon nanospheres (CNSs), and metal oxides, including copper oxide (CuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), iron oxide (Fe2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), and silver oxide (Ag2O), in the removal of different contaminants from wastewater has been comprehensively evaluated. In addition, their synthesis methods, such as physical, chemical, and biological, have been described. Based on the findings, CNPs can remove 75 to 90% of pollutants within two hours, while MONPs can remove 60% to 99% of dye in 150 min, except iron oxide NPs. For future studies, the integration of NPs into existing treatment systems and the development of novel nanomaterials are recommended. Hence, the potential of NPs is promising, but challenges related to their environmental impact and their toxicity must be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Treatment: From Membrane Processes to Renewable Energies)
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34 pages, 3090 KiB  
Review
Nanofillers in Novel Food Packaging Systems and Their Toxicity Issues
by Xiangyu Zhou, Xiaoyu Zhou, Longli Zhou, Ming Jia and Ying Xiong
Foods 2024, 13(13), 2014; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132014 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3343
Abstract
Background: Environmental concerns about petroleum-based plastic packaging materials and the growing demand for food have inspired researchers and the food industry to develop food packaging with better food preservation and biodegradability. Nanocomposites consisting of nanofillers, and synthetic/biopolymers can be applied to improve [...] Read more.
Background: Environmental concerns about petroleum-based plastic packaging materials and the growing demand for food have inspired researchers and the food industry to develop food packaging with better food preservation and biodegradability. Nanocomposites consisting of nanofillers, and synthetic/biopolymers can be applied to improve the physiochemical and antimicrobial properties and sustainability of food packaging. Scope and approach: This review summarized the recent advances in nanofiller and their applications in improved food packaging systems (e.g., nanoclay, carbon nanotubes), active food packaging (e.g., silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)), intelligent food packaging, and degradable packaging (e.g., titanium dioxide nanoparticles (e.g., TiO2 NPs)). Additionally, the migration processes and related assessment methods for nanofillers were considered, as well as the use of nanofillers to reduce migration. The potential cytotoxicity and ecotoxicity of nanofillers were also reviewed. Key findings: The incorporation of nanofillers may increase Young’s modulus (YM) while decreasing the elongation at break (EAB) (y = −1.55x + 1.38, R2 = 0.128, r = −0.358, p = 0.018) and decreasing the water vapor (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) (y = 0.30x − 0.57, R2 = 0.039, r = 0.197, p = 0.065). Meanwhile, the addition of metal-based NPs could also extend the shelf-life of food products by lowering lipid oxidation by an average of approx. 350.74% and weight loss by approx. 28.39% during the longest storage period, and significantly increasing antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus compared to the neat polymer films (p = 0.034). Moreover, the migration process of nanofillers may be negligible but still requires further research. Additionally, the ecotoxicity of nanofillers is unclear, as the final distribution of nanocomposites in the environment is unknown. Conclusions: Nanotechnology helps to overcome the challenges associated with traditional packaging materials. Strong regulatory frameworks and safety standards are needed to ensure the appropriate use of nanocomposites. There is also a need to explore how to realize the economic and technical requirements for large-scale implementation of nanocomposite technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Security and Sustainability)
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13 pages, 6140 KiB  
Article
Influence of Radical Scavenger on Radiation Synthesis of Graphene Oxide/TiO2 Nanotubes/Ag Nanoparticles Nanocomposites and Their Dye Photodegradation Efficiency
by Anh Phuong Thi Nguyen, Thuy Thanh Thi Nguyen and Khoa Dang Nguyen Vo
Water 2023, 15(15), 2799; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152799 - 2 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1861
Abstract
Aqueous solutions of graphene oxide (GO), TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized through a facile, single-step radiolytic method at room temperature and ambient pressure. The resulting material, referred to as GO-TNTs-AgNPs (GTA), was investigated for its potential application in [...] Read more.
Aqueous solutions of graphene oxide (GO), TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized through a facile, single-step radiolytic method at room temperature and ambient pressure. The resulting material, referred to as GO-TNTs-AgNPs (GTA), was investigated for its potential application in the photodegradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB) dye. This synthesis process relies on the interaction of high-energy gamma rays from a 60Co source with the water in the aqueous solutions. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of irradiation dose and the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution on the combination within the nanocomposite materials. The inefficiency of GTA synthesis experimentally was in agreement with the hydroxyl radical (HO•) scavenger. Then, the irradiated materials were structurally characterized using various spectroscopic methods (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible absorption (UV–Vis)). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies reveal the variable morphology of nanocomposites. GTA samples in water exhibited significantly higher degradation efficiency on Rhodamine B dye under natural sunlight irradiation conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches to Nutrients and Pollutants Removal from Wastewaters)
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12 pages, 3858 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2 Nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) with Ag Silver Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs): Photocatalytic Performance for Wastewater Treatment under Visible Light
by Achraf Amir Assadi, Sarra Karoui, Khaled Trabelsi, Anouar Hajjaji, Walid Elfalleh, Achraf Ghorbal, Mounir Maghzaoui and Aymen Amin Assadi
Materials 2022, 15(4), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15041463 - 16 Feb 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3364
Abstract
In this work, we present the influence of the decoration of TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) with Ag silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on the photocatalysis of emerging pollutants such as the antibiotic diclofenac sodium. The Ag-NPs were loaded onto the TiO2-NTs [...] Read more.
In this work, we present the influence of the decoration of TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) with Ag silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on the photocatalysis of emerging pollutants such as the antibiotic diclofenac sodium. The Ag-NPs were loaded onto the TiO2-NTs by the anodization of metallic titanium foils. Diclofenac sodium is an emerging pollutant target of the pharmaceutical industry because of its negative environmental impact (high toxicity and confirmed carcinogenicity). The obtained Ag-NP/TiO2-NT nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission spectroscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In order to study the photocatalytic behavior of Ag-NPs/TiO2-NTs with visible cold LEDs, the possible photocatalytic mechanism of antibiotic degradation with reactive species (O2° and OH°) was detailed. Moreover, the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model was used to correlate the experimental results with the optimized catalyst. Likewise, reuse tests showed the chemical stability of the catalyst. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Photoreactors for Environmental Applications)
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12 pages, 19396 KiB  
Review
Nano-Enabled Products: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Agriculture
by Vishnu D. Rajput, Abhishek Singh, Tatiana Minkina, Sapna Rawat, Saglara Mandzhieva, Svetlana Sushkova, Victoria Shuvaeva, Olga Nazarenko, Priyadarshani Rajput, Komariah, Krishan K. Verma, Awani Kumar Singh, Mahesh Rao and Sudhir K. Upadhyay
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2727; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122727 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 171 | Viewed by 9472
Abstract
Nanotechnology has gained popularity in recent years owing to its established potential for application and implementation in various sectors such as medical drugs, medicine, catalysis, energy, material, and plant science. Nanoparticles (NPs) are smaller in size (1–100 nm) with a larger surface area [...] Read more.
Nanotechnology has gained popularity in recent years owing to its established potential for application and implementation in various sectors such as medical drugs, medicine, catalysis, energy, material, and plant science. Nanoparticles (NPs) are smaller in size (1–100 nm) with a larger surface area and have many fruitful applications. The extraordinary functions of NPs are utilized in sustainable agriculture due to nano-enabled products, e.g., nano-insecticides, nano-pesticides, and nano-fertilizers. Nanoparticles have lately been suggested as an alternate method for controlling plant pests such as insects, fungi, and weeds. Several NPs exhibit antimicrobial properties considered in food packaging processes; for example, Ag-NPs are commonly used for such purposes. Apart from their antimicrobial properties, NPs such as Si, Ag, Fe, Cu, Al, Zn, ZnO, TiO2, CeO2, Al2O3, and carbon nanotubes have also been demonstrated to have negative impacts on plant growth and development. This review examines the field-use of nano-enabled products in sustainable agriculture, future perspectives, and growing environmental concerns. The remarkable information on commercialized nano-enabled products used in the agriculture and allied sectors are also provided. Full article
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18 pages, 1996 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes and Silver Nanoparticles for Heat Shock Protein 70 Detection
by Marta Nycz, Katarzyna Arkusz and Dorota G. Pijanowska
Materials 2021, 14(13), 3767; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14133767 - 5 Jul 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3801
Abstract
This paper presents the fabrication methodology of an electrochemical biosensor for the detection of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) as a potential tumor marker with high diagnostic sensitivity. The sensor substrate was a composite based on titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) and silver nanoparticles [...] Read more.
This paper presents the fabrication methodology of an electrochemical biosensor for the detection of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) as a potential tumor marker with high diagnostic sensitivity. The sensor substrate was a composite based on titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced directly on TNTs by electrodeposition, to which anti-HSP70 antibodies were attached by covalent functionalization. This manuscript contains a detailed description of the production, modification, and the complete characteristics of the material used as a biosensor platform. As-formed TNTs, annealed TNTs, and the final sensor platform—AgNPs/TNTs, were tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). In addition, open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) of these substrates were used to assess the influence of TNTs modification on their electrochemical characteristics. The EIS technique was used to monitor the functionalization steps of the AgNPs/TNTs electrode and the interaction between anti-HSP70 and HSP70. The produced composite was characterized by high purity, and electrical conductivity improved more than twice compared to unmodified TNTs. The linear detection range of HSP70 of the developed biosensor was in the concentration range from 0.1 to 100 ng/mL. Full article
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16 pages, 675 KiB  
Review
Silver-Deposited Nanoparticles on the Titanium Nanotubes Surface as a Promising Antibacterial Material into Implants
by Alina Năstaca Coman, Anca Mare, Corneliu Tanase, Eugen Bud and Aura Rusu
Metals 2021, 11(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/met11010092 - 5 Jan 2021
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4032
Abstract
The main disadvantage of the implants is the associated infections. Therefore, in the long term, the possibility of improving the antibacterial capacity of different types of implants (dental, orthopedic) is being researched. The severity of the problem lies in the increasing bacterial resistance [...] Read more.
The main disadvantage of the implants is the associated infections. Therefore, in the long term, the possibility of improving the antibacterial capacity of different types of implants (dental, orthopedic) is being researched. The severity of the problem lies in the increasing bacterial resistance and finding appropriate alternative treatments for infectious diseases, which is an important research field nowadays. The purpose of this review is to draw a parallel between different studies analyzing the antibacterial activity and mechanism of silver nanoparticles (NP Ag) deposited on the titanium nanotubes (NTT), as well as the analysis of the NP Ag toxicity. This review also provides an overview of the synthesis and characterization of TiO2-derived nanotubes (NT). Thus, the analysis aims to present the existing knowledge to better understand the NP Ag implants benefits and their antibacterial activity. Full article
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56 pages, 21197 KiB  
Review
Visible-Light Active Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials with Bactericidal Properties
by Chengzhu Liao, Yuchao Li and Sie Chin Tjong
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10010124 - 9 Jan 2020
Cited by 194 | Viewed by 16304
Abstract
This article provides an overview of current research into the development, synthesis, photocatalytic bacterial activity, biocompatibility and cytotoxic properties of various visible-light active titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) and their nanocomposites. To achieve antibacterial inactivation under visible light, TiO2 NPs [...] Read more.
This article provides an overview of current research into the development, synthesis, photocatalytic bacterial activity, biocompatibility and cytotoxic properties of various visible-light active titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) and their nanocomposites. To achieve antibacterial inactivation under visible light, TiO2 NPs are doped with metal and non-metal elements, modified with carbonaceous nanomaterials, and coupled with other metal oxide semiconductors. Transition metals introduce a localized d-electron state just below the conduction band of TiO2 NPs, thereby narrowing the bandgap and causing a red shift of the optical absorption edge into the visible region. Silver nanoparticles of doped TiO2 NPs experience surface plasmon resonance under visible light excitation, leading to the injection of hot electrons into the conduction band of TiO2 NPs to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for bacterial killing. The modification of TiO2 NPs with carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets also achieve the efficient creation of ROS under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, titanium-based alloy implants in orthopedics with enhanced antibacterial activity and biocompatibility can be achieved by forming a surface layer of Ag-doped titania nanotubes. By incorporating TiO2 NPs and Cu-doped TiO2 NPs into chitosan or the textile matrix, the resulting polymer nanocomposites exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties that can have applications as fruit/food wrapping films, self-cleaning fabrics, medical scaffolds and wound dressings. Considering the possible use of visible-light active TiO2 nanomaterials for various applications, their toxicity impact on the environment and public health is also addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)
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13 pages, 12899 KiB  
Article
In Situ Construction of Ag/TiO2/g-C3N4 Heterojunction Nanocomposite Based on Hierarchical Co-Assembly with Sustainable Hydrogen Evolution
by Rui Geng, Juanjuan Yin, Jingxin Zhou, Tifeng Jiao, Yao Feng, Lexin Zhang, Yan Chen, Zhenhua Bai and Qiuming Peng
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10010001 - 18 Dec 2019
Cited by 95 | Viewed by 7254
Abstract
The construction of heterojunctions provides a promising strategy to improve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. However, how to fabricate a nanoscale TiO2/g-C3N4 heterostructure and hinder the aggregation of bulk g-C3N4 using simple methods remains a challenge. In [...] Read more.
The construction of heterojunctions provides a promising strategy to improve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. However, how to fabricate a nanoscale TiO2/g-C3N4 heterostructure and hinder the aggregation of bulk g-C3N4 using simple methods remains a challenge. In this work, we use a simple in situ construction method to design a heterojunction model based on molecular self-assembly, which uses a small molecule matrix for self-integration, including coordination donors (AgNO3), inorganic titanium source (Ti(SO4)2) and g-C3N4 precursor (melamine). The self-assembled porous g-C3N4 nanotube can hamper carrier aggregation and it provides numerous catalytic active sites, mainly via the coordination of Ag+ ions. Meanwhile, the TiO2 NPs are easily mineralized on the nanotube template in dispersive distribution to form a heterostructure via an N–Ti bond of protonation, which contributes to shortening the interfacial carrier transport, resulting in enhanced electron-hole pairs separation. Originating from all of the above synergistic effects, the obtained Ag/TiO2/g-C3N4 heterogenous photocatalysts exhibit an enhanced H2 evolution rate with excellent sustainability 20.6-fold-over pure g-C3N4. Our report provides a feasible and simple strategy to fabricate a nanoscale heterojunction incorporating g-C3N4, and has great potential in environmental protection and water splitting. Full article
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15 pages, 1469 KiB  
Article
Micronuclei Detection by Flow Cytometry as a High-Throughput Approach for the Genotoxicity Testing of Nanomaterials
by Alba García-Rodríguez, Liliya Kazantseva, Laura Vila, Laura Rubio, Antonia Velázquez, María José Ramírez, Ricard Marcos and Alba Hernández
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(12), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9121677 - 24 Nov 2019
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4037
Abstract
Thousands of nanomaterials (NMs)-containing products are currently under development or incorporated in the consumer market, despite our very limited understanding of their genotoxic potential. Taking into account that the toxicity and genotoxicity of NMs strongly depend on their physicochemical characteristics, many variables must [...] Read more.
Thousands of nanomaterials (NMs)-containing products are currently under development or incorporated in the consumer market, despite our very limited understanding of their genotoxic potential. Taking into account that the toxicity and genotoxicity of NMs strongly depend on their physicochemical characteristics, many variables must be considered in the safety evaluation of each given NM. In this scenario, the challenge is to establish high-throughput methodologies able to generate rapid and robust genotoxicity data that can be used to critically assess and/or predict the biological effects associated with those NMs being under development or already present in the market. In this study, we have evaluated the advantages of using a flow cytometry-based approach testing micronucleus (MNs) induction (FCMN assay). In the frame of the EU NANoREG project, we have tested six different NMs—namely NM100 and NM101 (TiO2NPs), NM110 (ZnONPs), NM212 (CeO2NPs), NM300K (AgNPs) and NM401 (multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)). The obtained results confirm the ability of AgNPs and MWCNTs to induce MN in the human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cell line, whereas the other tested NMs retrieved non-significant increases in the MN frequency. Based on the alignment of the results with the data reported in the literature and the performance of the FCMN assay, we strongly recommend this assay as a reference method to systematically evaluate the potential genotoxicity of NMs. Full article
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20 pages, 2985 KiB  
Article
The Comet Assay as a Tool to Detect the Genotoxic Potential of Nanomaterials
by Alba García-Rodríguez, Laura Rubio, Laura Vila, Noel Xamena, Antonia Velázquez, Ricard Marcos and Alba Hernández
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(10), 1385; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9101385 - 27 Sep 2019
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4738
Abstract
The interesting physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials (NMs) has brought about their increasing use and, consequently, their increasing presence in the environment. As emergent contaminants, there is an urgent need for new data about their potential side-effects on human health. Among their potential effects, [...] Read more.
The interesting physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials (NMs) has brought about their increasing use and, consequently, their increasing presence in the environment. As emergent contaminants, there is an urgent need for new data about their potential side-effects on human health. Among their potential effects, the potential for DNA damage is of paramount relevance. Thus, in the context of the EU project NANoREG, the establishment of common robust protocols for detecting genotoxicity of NMs became an important aim. One of the developed protocols refers to the use of the comet assay, as a tool to detect the induction of DNA strand breaks. In this study, eight different NMs—TiO2NP (2), SiO2NP (2), ZnONP, CeO2NP, AgNP, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)—were tested using two different human lung epithelial cell lines (A549 and BEAS-2B). The comet assay was carried out with and without the use of the formamidopyrimidine glycosylase (FPG) enzyme to detect the induction of oxidatively damaged DNA bases. As a high throughput approach, we have used GelBond films (GBF) instead of glass slides, allowing the fitting of 48 microgels on the same GBF. The results confirmed the suitability of the comet assay as a powerful tool to detect the genotoxic potential of NMs. Specifically, our results indicate that most of the selected nanomaterials showed mild to significant genotoxic effects, at least in the A549 cell line, reflecting the relevance of the cell line used to determine the genotoxic ability of a defined NM. Full article
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16 pages, 4961 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Formation Conditions onto Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanotubes Based Electrodes on Their Impedimetric Response
by Marta Nycz, Katarzyna Arkusz and Dorota Genowefa Pijanowska
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(8), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9081072 - 25 Jul 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4384
Abstract
This paper presents the comparison of the effects of three methods of production of silver spherical and near-spherical nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNT) base: cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and sputter deposition. It also evaluates the influence of silver nanoparticles on the [...] Read more.
This paper presents the comparison of the effects of three methods of production of silver spherical and near-spherical nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNT) base: cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and sputter deposition. It also evaluates the influence of silver nanoparticles on the electrochemical properties of the developed electrodes. The novelty of this research was to fabricate regular AgNPs free of agglomerates uniformly distributed onto the TNT layer, which has not been accomplished with previous attempts. The applied methods do not require stabilizing and reducing reagents. The extensive electrochemical characteristic of AgNP/TNT was performed by open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. For AgNPs/TNT obtained by each method, the impedance module of these electrodes was up to 50% lower when compared to TNT, which means that AgNPs enabled more efficient electron transfer due to the effective area increase. In addition, the presence of nanoparticles increases the corrosion resistance of the prepared electrodes. These substrates can be used as electrochemical sensors due to their high electrical conductivity, and also as implants due to the antibacterial properties of both the TNT and AgNPs. Full article
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20 pages, 3866 KiB  
Article
Studies on Silver Ions Releasing Processes and Mechanical Properties of Surface-Modified Titanium Alloy Implants
by Aleksandra Radtke, Marlena Grodzicka, Michalina Ehlert, Tadeusz M. Muzioł, Marek Szkodo, Michał Bartmański and Piotr Piszczek
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(12), 3962; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19123962 - 9 Dec 2018
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4896
Abstract
Dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the surface of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and titanium alloy modified by titania nanotube layer (Ti6Al4V/TNT) substrates were produced by the chemical vapor deposition method (CVD) using a novel precursor of the formula [Ag5(O2CC2 [...] Read more.
Dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the surface of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and titanium alloy modified by titania nanotube layer (Ti6Al4V/TNT) substrates were produced by the chemical vapor deposition method (CVD) using a novel precursor of the formula [Ag5(O2CC2F5)5(H2O)3]. The structure and volatile properties of this compound were determined using single crystal X-ray diffractometry, variable temperature IR spectrophotometry (VT IR), and electron inducted mass spectrometry (EI MS). The morphology and the structure of the produced Ti6Al4V/AgNPs and Ti6Al4V/TNT/AgNPs composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Moreover, measurements of hardness, Young’s modulus, adhesion, wettability, and surface free energy have been carried out. The ability to release silver ions from the surface of produced nanocomposite materials immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution has been estimated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results of our studies proved the usefulness of the CVD method to enrich of the Ti6Al4V/TNT system with silver nanoparticles. Among the studied surface-modified titanium alloy implants, the better nano-mechanical properties were noticed for the Ti6Al4V/TNT/AgNPs composite in comparison to systems non-enriched by AgNPs. The location of silver nanoparticles inside of titania nanotubes caused their lowest release rate, which may indicate suitable properties on the above-mentioned type of the composite for the construction of implants with a long term antimicrobial activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nano/microparticles: Modification and Applications)
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40 pages, 47726 KiB  
Review
Progress of Nanocomposite Membranes for Water Treatment
by Claudia Ursino, Roberto Castro-Muñoz, Enrico Drioli, Lassaad Gzara, Mohammad H. Albeirutty and Alberto Figoli
Membranes 2018, 8(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes8020018 - 3 Apr 2018
Cited by 244 | Viewed by 18314
Abstract
The use of membrane-based technologies has been applied for water treatment applications; however, the limitations of conventional polymeric membranes have led to the addition of inorganic fillers to enhance their performance. In recent years, nanocomposite membranes have greatly attracted the attention of scientists [...] Read more.
The use of membrane-based technologies has been applied for water treatment applications; however, the limitations of conventional polymeric membranes have led to the addition of inorganic fillers to enhance their performance. In recent years, nanocomposite membranes have greatly attracted the attention of scientists for water treatment applications such as wastewater treatment, water purification, removal of microorganisms, chemical compounds, heavy metals, etc. The incorporation of different nanofillers, such as carbon nanotubes, zinc oxide, graphene oxide, silver and copper nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, 2D materials, and some other novel nano-scale materials into polymeric membranes have provided great advances, e.g., enhancing on hydrophilicity, suppressing the accumulation of pollutants and foulants, enhancing rejection efficiencies and improving mechanical properties and thermal stabilities. Thereby, the aim of this work is to provide up-to-date information related to those novel nanocomposite membranes and their contribution for water treatment applications. Full article
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11 pages, 2433 KiB  
Article
Dual Functionalized Freestanding TiO2 Nanotube Arrays Coated with Ag Nanoparticles and Carbon Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
by Ho-Sub Kim, Myeung-Hwan Chun, Jung Sang Suh, Bong-Hyun Jun and Won-Yeop Rho
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(6), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7060576 - 2 Jun 2017
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4960
Abstract
Highly ordered, freestanding TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTAs) were prepared using an electrochemical method. The barrier layer was etched to open the bottom of each array, aptly named “open-ended TiO2 NTAs”. These arrays were coated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) [...] Read more.
Highly ordered, freestanding TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTAs) were prepared using an electrochemical method. The barrier layer was etched to open the bottom of each array, aptly named “open-ended TiO2 NTAs”. These arrays were coated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and/or carbon materials to enhance electron generation and transport. The energy conversion efficiency of the resulting dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with open-ended freestanding TiO2 NTAs, when coated with Ag NPs, increased from 5.32% to 6.14% (by 15%) due to plasmonic interactions. Meanwhile, coating the open-ended freestanding TiO2 NTAs with carbon materials increased the energy conversion efficiency from 5.32% to 6.07% (by 14%), due to π-π conjugation. When the Ag NPs and carbon materials were simultaneously applied to the open-ended freestanding TiO2 NTAs, the energy conversion efficiency increased from 5.32% to 6.91%—an enhancement of 30%, due to the additive effects of plasmonics and π-π conjugation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clean Energy and Fuel (Hydrogen) Storage)
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