Search Results (1,418)

This study investigates the optimization of fabrication and operating parameters for poly(ether sulfone) (PES) ultrafiltration membranes embedded with Bismuth tungstate and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) Bi₂WO₆/MWCNTs for the removal of dye pollutants from wastewater. Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to develop regression models for evaluating membrane performance in terms of dye rejection and permeate flux. A central composite design (CCD) was used to conduct a systematic series of ultrafiltration experiments. The effects of key variables, including Bi₂WO₆/MWCNTs loading (0–0.1 wt.%), operating pressure (5–9) bar, and methyl red (MR) dye concentration (50–150 ppm), on membrane separation performance were comprehensively examined. The developed models demonstrated strong statistical significance and accurately described the experimental data. Optimization results revealed that the operating parameters exerted a more pronounced influence on membrane performance than fabrication variables. The maximum MR rejection of 96.8457% was achieved at an optimal Bi₂WO₆/MWCNTs loading of 0.08 wt.%, dye concentration of 112.6 ppm, and operating pressure of 9 bar. Experimental validation confirmed the reliability and predictive capability of the proposed models. In order to provide high-performance membranes with enhanced permeability, antifouling resistance, and dye removal efficiency for useful wastewater treatment applications, this study attempts to optimize the operating and preparation parameters for adding Bi₂WO₆/MWCNT nanocomposites into PES membranes. Full article

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃) is a promising material for developing the next generation of multifunctional electronic devices. However, the production of high-quality BiFeO₃ thin films is compromised by the tendency for structural and electronic defects to form during synthesis, which degrades their functional properties. In this work, BiFeO₃ thin films were prepared by chemical solution deposition to determine optimal conditions for minimizing oxygen vacancies and to evaluate the impact of these point defects on their physical properties. The films were pyrolyzed at 300 °C for 60 min and 360 °C for 10 min, and crystallized in air and in an O₂ atmosphere, at 600 °C and 640 °C for 40 min. High oxygen vacancies were observed in films prepared at low pyrolysis temperatures and crystallized in air, whereas oxygen vacancies were minimized in the film pyrolyzed and crystallized at high temperatures in an O₂ atmosphere. The oxygen vacancies markedly affected the films’ physical properties, leading to increased dielectric loss, dielectric dispersion, dc conductivity, and leakage current, with consequent degradation of photovoltaic and magnetic performance. These findings highlight the critical importance of controlling synthesis parameters to suppress oxygen vacancy formation and achieve high-quality BiFeO₃ thin films. Full article

We report a rare family of pyridine-coordinated iodobismuthate(III) salts supported by alkyltriphenylphosphonium and tetraphenylphosphonium cations. Reactions of BiI₃ with Ph₃PR⁺I⁻ (R = Me, Et, ⁿPr, ⁿBu, Ph) in neat pyridine, followed by crystallization, yield structurally tunable bismuth-halide-pyridine anions dictated by reagent stoichiometry. Combination of BiI₃ and Ph₃PR⁺I⁻ in 2:1 ratio produced [Ph₃PR]₂[BiI₅Py], 1 (R = Me, Et, ⁿPr, Ph), while combination in 1:1 ratio resulted in three compounds: [Ph₃PR][cis-BiI₄Py₂], 2 (R = ⁿPr, Ph), [Ph₃PR][trans-BiI₄Py₂], 3 (R = Me, Et, Ph), and [Ph₃PR]₂[transoid-Bi₂I₈Py₂], 4 (R = Me, Et, ⁿPr, ⁿBu, Ph). In many cases, the compounds were isolated as Py or Et₂O solvates, and in some cases, multiple degrees of solvation or polymorphism were encountered. Hirshfeld analysis of 1–4 showed the major anion–cation/anion/solvent interactions to be H⋯I, H⋯H, and C⋯H. Diffuse reflectance measurements of representative compounds, all of which were yellow-orange to red-orange, revealed bandgaps in the range of 1.9–2.2 eV, where density-of-states KS-DFT calculations attribute the absorption to metal-centered charge transfer within the anionic unit. NLMO and QTAIM analyses further indicate predominantly ionic Bi(III)–I/pyridine bonding with robust inner-sphere coordination that is insensitive to anion speciation. Full article

Objectives: We aimed to compare the treatment success and patient compliance of triple therapy with levofloxacin, high-dose dual therapy with amoxicillin, and quadruple therapy with bismuth and levofloxacin as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication using amoxicillin 875 mg + clavulanic acid 125 mg instead of amoxicillin 1 g. Methods: Patients who tested positive for Helicobacter pylori in the histopathological examination of biopsies taken during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were initially divided into three different treatment groups. There were 179 patients in the first group, 178 patients in the second group, and 182 patients in the third group. A total of 480 patients from these groups who came for follow-up were included in this study, with 160 patients in each group receiving one of three different treatment protocols. The first group received treatment with amoxicillin 875 mg + 125 mg clavulanic acid twice daily, levofloxacin 500 mg once daily, and pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily (Group 1). The second group received treatment with amoxicillin 875 mg + 125 mg clavulanic acid three times a day, along with pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily (Group 2) as treatment. The third group received treatment with amoxicillin 875 mg + 125 mg clavulanic acid, twice daily, levofloxacin 500 mg once daily, pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily, and bismuth subsalicylate 262 mg2 pieces four times a day (Group 3). H. pylori was checked with a stool antigen test 45 days after the 14-day treatment. The groups were compared in terms of treatment success and treatment compliance. Results: In Group 1, 150 (90.6%) of 160 patients tested negative for an H. pylori antigen in stool samples on day 45 after treatment. This rate was 139 (86.9%) in Group 2 and 148 (92.5%) in Group 3. There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in terms of treatment success (p = 0.233). Side effects were observed in 10 (6.2%) patients in Group 1. Side effects were present in nine (5.6%) patients in Group 2. Side effects were observed in 12 (7.5%) patients in Group 3. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of patient compliance (p = 0.786). Conclusions: Treatment success and side effects were similar in all three groups, with no statistical difference. The combination of amoxicillin 875 mg + clavulanic acid 125 mg is at least as effective as amoxicillin 1 g alone. Full article

Contamination of water bodies caused by increasing human and industrial activities poses a serious threat to human health and environmental sustainability, highlighting the need for green and efficient remediation strategies. In this study, a facile hydrothermal synthesis followed by controlled calcination was developed to fabricate phase-pure α- and β-Bi₂O₃ with a unique coral-like hierarchical morphology as visible-light-active photocatalysts. Phase selectivity was achieved by tuning the calcination temperature, yielding pure β-Bi₂O₃ while preserving the hierarchical structure. Optical characterization revealed a narrower bandgap for β-Bi₂O₃ (2.24 eV) compared to α-Bi₂O₃ (2.75 eV), favoring visible-light absorption. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated using Rhodamine B as a model pollutant, where β-Bi₂O₃ achieved complete degradation within 240 min, significantly outperforming α-Bi₂O₃. The degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the catalyst exhibited excellent robustness and reusability. To further demonstrate applicability toward persistent contaminants, Methyl Orange (MO) and the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) were employed as additional model pollutants. The coral-like β-Bi₂O₃ showed high visible-light activity toward MO, including complete removal under acidic conditions. Moreover, efficient degradation of CIP was achieved at neutral pH, with 90% removal within 150 min and complete degradation after 240 min. Overall, these results highlight coral-like β-Bi₂O₃ as an efficient standalone photocatalyst for visible-light-driven degradation of dye and pharmaceutical pollutants. Full article

Mono-antibiotic therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection minimizes unnecessary antibiotic exposure, reduces disruption of the gut microbiota, and lowers the risk of multidrug resistance. Although resistance of H. pylori to amoxicillin remains extremely low (<3%) worldwide, regular-dose amoxicillin monotherapy achieves eradication rates of less than 30%. Strategies to improve the efficacy of amoxicillin-based mono-antibiotic therapy include elevating intragastric pH with potent acid suppression, increasing the amoxicillin dose, and adding bismuth salts to the treatment regimen. This review evaluates the safety and effectiveness of six amoxicillin-based treatments for H. pylori. All regimens lasted 14 days and were studied in clinical trials published between 1 October 2014, and 1 October 2025. The pooled intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates for each regimen were as follows: Regimen 1: Regular-dose amoxicillin + high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI): 84.7% (83/98) and 84.7% (83/98); Regimen 2: High-dose amoxicillin + high-dose PPI: 85.3% (3709/4347) and 89.9% (3692/4109); Regimen 3: Regular-dose amoxicillin + high-dose potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB): 86.0% (901/1048) and 91.2% (888/974); Regimen 4: High-dose amoxicillin + high-dose PCAB: 88.2% (1771/2009) and 93.5% (1720/1839); Regimen 5: Regular-dose amoxicillin + high-dose PCAB + bismuth: 84.9% (327/385) and 91.3% (327/358); Regimen 6: High-dose amoxicillin + high-dose PCAB + bismuth: 95.8% (115/120) and 98.4% (115/117). In conclusion, potent acid inhibition, escalation of amoxicillin dosage, and incorporation of bismuth can transform amoxicillin mono-antibiotic therapy from an ineffective approach into a highly effective eradication regimen for H. pylori infection. Full article

Transducers for ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation of materials in harsh environments are needed to manage safe operations in a number of industrial applications including power generation, propulsion, and material and chemical processing. Bismuth titanate has a reasonably high Curie temperature and transduces electrical energy into elastic waves and vice versa. Herein, a slurry containing bismuth titanate powder is air-sprayed onto stainless steel substrates, functionalized, and characterized in terms of coating thickness, center frequency and bandwidth, and signal-to-noise ratio. Coatings 40– 70 μm thick had a center frequency of approximately 7 MHz and a broad frequency response range of 3–20 MHz. Transducers were thermally aged at 375 °C for seven days to assess their temperature tolerance. Post-aging analysis revealed a resonance frequency increase, thickness reduction, and microstructural changes, accompanied by a decrease in signal amplitude. Despite these changes, the aged transducers remained operational with good signal-to-noise ratio. Thermal cycling experiments showed that the response of pristine transducers is changed by cycling to 250 °C, while thermally aged transducers exhibited stable ultrasonic performance. Additional experiments on transducers pre-conditioned at 400 °C demonstrated improved thermal resilience after thermal aging at 350 °C. These field deployable air-sprayed BIT transducers are promising candidates for high-temperature NDE applications. Full article

Developing free-standing electrodes without the need of metal current collectors, binders, and conductive additives are essential for promoting the development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) to attain higher energy density. In this study, we developed and effectively synthesized a novel three-dimensional free-standing sodium-ion battery anode material with the composition of Bi@MoS₂@C carbon nanofibers by cleverly utilizing the energy storage advantages of each material. By growing MoS₂ nanospheres on Bi carbon nanofibers and coating them with a carbon layer, this free-standing system achieves both structural optimization and synergistic performance enhancement. Experimental results show that this composite electrode has a remarkably high initial specific capacity of 275.31 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹, significantly exceeding that of Bi carbon nanofibers (150.6 mA h g⁻¹). Furthermore, it retains a capacity retention of 96.07% after 800 cycles, which significantly exceeds that of pristine MoS₂ (72.33 mA h g⁻¹) as a sodium-ion battery anode. The significant performance improvement originates from the free-standing structural design and synergistic effects of Bi carbon nanofibers, MoS₂ nanospheres and carbon layer, which not only provide 3D electron transport pathways and improved conductivity but also effectively accommodate volume changes during the charging and discharging processes. This work offers a promising and practical strategy for designing high-performance free-standing energy storage electrodes through hybrid mechanisms and synergistic effects. Full article

We present here a brief report on gamma-ray sensing and detection by a bismuth-based hybrid halide perovskite material. Lead-free perovskites have emerged as a promising candidate for gamma-ray detection due to their high atomic number, tunable optoelectronic properties, and cost-effective synthesis. This study investigates the morphological, optical, and gamma-ray radiation detection properties of (CH₃NH₃)₃Bi₂Cl₉ (MABiCl) perovskite material. UV-Vis spectroscopy reveals a bandgap of ~2.4 eV, which is suitable for efficient charge carrier generation upon gamma-ray exposure. Current vs. time measurements under gamma-ray irradiation from various sources (⁶⁰Co, ¹³⁷Cs, and ²²Na) exhibit a rapid and reproducible photo response, with high sensitivity and low noise, indicating effective charge collection and detection efficiency. The material’s response to gamma rays shows a linear correlation between current output and radiation dose, highlighting its potential for quantitative detection applications. These findings suggest that Bi-based perovskite material possesses favorable properties for gamma-ray detection, including structural robustness, suitable optical characteristics, and reliable radiation response. Further optimization of material composition and device fabrication could enhance detection efficiency and scalability, paving the way for practical applications in medical imaging, nuclear security, and radiation monitoring. This work highlights the potential of Bi-based perovskites as a next-generation material for high-performance, cost-effective gamma ray detectors. Full article

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl)– copper oxide (CuO) heterostructures were synthesized via a solvothermal route and assessed as visible-light-driven photocatalysts for methyl orange (MO) degradation. Different CuO loadings deposited on BiOCl microspheres were investigated to identify the optimal composition. Structural and physicochemical characterization revealed that low CuO content (0.6 wt. %) promoted uniform dispersion and enhanced surface area, whereas higher loadings led to nonuniform coverage and reduced photocatalytic efficiency. Operating conditions were optimized using response surface methodology based on a central composite design, considering catalyst dosage (0.1–0.8 g L⁻¹) and pH (4–9). The highest degradation efficiency (~50% after 60 min irradiation) was achieved at pH = 4 and a catalyst dosage of 0.8 g L⁻¹ using the BiOCl surface modified with 0.6% CuO. Kinetic analysis followed a pseudo-first-order model. Mass spectrometry identified transient intermediates associated with demethylation and desulfonation pathways, while radical scavenger experiments confirmed hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) as the dominant oxidizing species, with a secondary contribution from superoxide radicals (^•O₂⁻). These results highlight the critical role of CuO dispersion and interfacial quality in enhancing charge separation and photocatalytic performance, providing practical guidelines for the rational design of BiOX-CuO heterostructures for water remediation applications. Full article

The influence of Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Co²⁺ doping on the thermal, structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of CdBi_0.1Fe_1.9O₄ nanoparticles synthetized via the sol–gel technique and calcined at 300, 600, 900 and 1200 °C was investigated. Thermal analysis revealed the initial formation of metallic glyoxylates up to 300 °C, followed by their decomposition into metal oxides and subsequent ferrite formation. X-ray diffraction revealed that the ferrites were poorly crystallized at lower temperatures, whereas at higher calcination temperatures all nanocomposites exhibited well-crystalized ferrites coexisting with the SiO₂ matrix, except for the Co_0.1Cd_0.9Bi_0.1Fe_1.9O₄@SiO₂ nanocomposite, which formed a single, well-defined crystalline phase. Atomic force microscopy images revealed spherical ferrite particles encapsulated within an amorphous layer, with particle size, surface area, and coating thickness influenced by both the type of dopant ion and the calcination temperature. The structural parameters estimated by X-ray diffraction, as well as the magnetic characteristics, were strongly influenced by the dopant type and thermal treatment. These results demonstrate that the structural and magnetic characteristics of CdBi₀.₁Fe₁.₉O₄ ferrites can be effectively tuned through controlled doping and calcination, providing insights for the design of tailored functional applications. Full article

Bismuth-based semiconductors have emerged as a promising class of visible-light-responsive photo(electro)catalysts for environmental remediation owing to their tunable electronic structures, moderate band gaps, and relatively low toxicity. The stereochemically active Bi³⁺ 6s² lone pair and strong Bi–O orbital hybridization tailor valence-band states, enabling enhanced utilization of the solar spectrum and favorable charge-carrier dynamics. In addition, layered, perovskite-like, and aurivillius-type crystal frameworks generate internal electric fields that are advantageous for photoelectrochemical (PEC) operation. This review critically examines advances from 2015 to 2025 in the design, synthesis, modification, and environmental applications of bismuth-based photo(electro)catalysts, with particular emphasis on PEC systems for pollutant degradation. Major material families, including bismuth oxides, oxyhalides, oxychalcogenides, chalcogenides, perovskite-like oxides, and complex metal oxides, are discussed in relation to their structure–property–performance relationships. Key synthesis strategies, such as solid-state, sol–gel, hydro/solvothermal, microwave-assisted, spray pyrolysis, and electrodeposition methods, are compared with respect to morphology control, defect chemistry, and electrode integration. Performance-enhancing approaches, including elemental doping, oxygen-vacancy engineering, and the rational design of type-II, p–n, Z-scheme, and S-scheme heterojunctions, are critically assessed. Practical considerations related to stability, scalability, and techno-economic constraints are highlighted. Finally, current challenges and future directions toward durable and application-ready bismuth-based PEC technologies are outlined. Full article

A ceramic anode made of Sb-doped SnO₂ and coated with a photoactive BiPO₄ layer was tested for the (photo)electrochemical oxidation of three commonly used pharmaceuticals: atenolol, ibuprofen, and norfloxacin. Light-pulsed chronoamperometry showed that the photoanode responded immediately to illumination. The application of light and current enhanced degradation for all compounds when treated separately. Ibuprofen and norfloxacin exhibited higher degradation than mineralization, which demonstrates their persistent nature. Electric current was essential to achieve efficient degradation and mineralization, demonstrating the effectiveness of the electrochemical approach. For multicomponent mixtures, applying light resulted in higher mineralization compared to dark conditions at low operation currents (0.2 A). At higher currents (0.4–0.8 A), the contribution of light was partially masked by the enhanced electrochemical production of hydroxyl radicals. The analysis of individual compounds within the mixture revealed significant improvements in degradation under light exposure. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of the Sb-doped SnO₂ ceramic photoanode as a cost-effective and promising alternative to commercial materials for treating pharmaceutical contaminants. Full article

Skarn deposits, as one of the most widespread ore deposit types, commonly contain economically subordinate Co, which can locally reach ore-grade concentrations in arsenide and sulfarsenide minerals. However, the partition behavior of Co during skarn mineralization and the key physicochemical factors governing its enrichment remain unclear. The Haisi Fe-Co deposit in the eastern segment of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt is an ideal case for understanding Co mineralizing processes. Based on mineral paragenesis and texture observation, the chemical compositions of magnetite and Fe, Co-, and As- mineral phases were obtained using the EPMA and LA-ICPMS methods. Low Co concentrations (<7 ppm) in magnetite suggest a low partition coefficient of magnetite relative to skarn fluids. During the sulfide stage, abundant glaucodot, alloclasite, cobaltite, and Co-rich arsenopyrite were formed, following earlier native bismuth, safflorite, and löllingite mineralization. The observed paragenetic evolution from diarsenides to sulfarsenides likely records a progressive increase in oxygen fugacity (fO₂) and an increase in the S/As ratio of ore-forming fluids. Thermodynamic modeling using CHNOSZ corroborates that the continuous increase in fO₂ and sulfur fugacity (fS₂), coupled with a possible decrease in pH, promoted the sequential precipitation of diarsenides, sulfarsenides, and ultimately sulfides. These findings imply that dynamic redox and sulfur activity gradients are critical drivers for Co concentration in skarn systems. Full article

Photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ into valuable solar fuels represents a promising strategy to address both energy crises and carbon emissions. Bismuth-based semiconductors have emerged as attractive visible-light-driven photocatalysts due to their suitable band structures, layered architectures, and tunable morphologies. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in Bi-based photocatalysts for CO₂ photoreduction. First, the fundamental principles and key challenges of CO₂ photoreduction are outlined. Subsequently, the structural and electronic characteristics of typical Bi-based materials, including Bi₂O₃, Bi₂S₃, Bi₂MO₆ (M = W; Mo), BiVO₄, and BiOX (X = Cl; Br; I), are discussed. Emphasis is placed on design strategies to enhance photocatalytic performance, such as vacancy engineering, microstructure control, crystal facet engineering, heterojunction construction, cocatalyst loading, and their combinations. A comprehensive comparison of catalytic activities under various conditions is also provided. Finally, current limitations and future perspectives are highlighted, aiming to guide the rational design of efficient and stable Bi-based photocatalysts for CO₂ conversion. Full article