Preparation and characterization of polyvinylchloride membrane embedded with Cu nanoparticles for electrochemical oxidation in direct methanol fuel cell

Copper nanoparticles were prepared by the chemical reduction method.These copper particles were embedded into the polyvinylchloride(PVC)matrix as support and used as an electrode(PVC/Cu)for the oxidation of methanol fuel for improving the current response.The PVC/Cu electrodes were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA)for thermal stability of the electrode,X-ray diffraction(XRD)for identification of copper nanoparticles in the electrode,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)to identify the interaction between PVC and Cu and scan electron microscopy(SEM)with EDAX for the morphology of the electrode.The electrocatalytic activity of the electrode was characterized by the cyclic voltammetry,linear sweep voltammetry,and chronoamperometry techniques.An increase in the electrode activity was observed with the increase of copper quantity from 0.18 g(PVC/Cu-0.18 g)to 0.24 g(PVC/Cu-0.24 g)and the maximum was found at 0.24 g of copper in the electrode.Also,it was observed that the electrode achieved the maximum catalytic current in 0.5 mol/L CH3OH+1 mol/L Na OH solution.FTIR identified that water molecules,C—H group,copper nanoparticle and its oxide were available in the electrode.SEM images with EDAX showed that copper particles were properly embedded in the polyvinylchloride matrix.

Preparation of new and novel wave like poly(2-anisidine) zirconium tungstate nanocomposite: Thermal, electrical and ion-selective studies

It is necessary to synthesize new material for the advancements of the technology. In this study, new and novel poly(2-anisidine)@zirconium tungstate(P2A/ZrW_2O_8) was synthesized by simple so-gel method. Physicochemical characterization of P2A/ZrW_2O_8 was done by thermogravimetric analysis(TGA), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray powder diffraction(XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), ion exchange and simultaneous four probe dc conductivity studies. The conductivity study revealed its highly semiconducting nature, in the range of 10^(-1)–10^(-2) S·cm^(-1). Ion-exchange capabilities of the composite make it applicable for cation-exchange studies. The result of distribution studies(Kd) revealed its selectivity towards Cd^(2+) compared to other metal ions. This property of the composite was utilized for designing Cd^(2+) selective membrane electrode. Several important physical parameters of the ion-selective electrode were determined, such as Nernstian slope(32.32 mV·decade^(-1)), working pH range was 2.0–4.0 and response time was found ～ 17 s.The analytical utility of this wave like composite membrane electrode was as, indicator electrode in various potentiometric titrations.

Surface defect engineering of metal oxides photocatalyst for energy application and water treatment

Despite metal oxides offer excellent characteristics in the field of photocatalysis,they often suffer from charge carrier recombination as well as limited visible response,which indeed reduce the charge kinetics process and ultimately reduce the photocatalytic output.Defect engineering is a sophisticated technique to manufacture defects and alter the geometric structure and chemical environment of the host.The present study provides an all-inclusive outline of recent developments on the classification of metal oxide defects based on the dimensions of a host crystal lattice.Precisely,surface modification of metal oxides through 0D(point),1D(line),2D(planar),and 3D(volume)defects with their subsequent mechanism and impact on photocatalytic performance are presented.By wisely amending the morphology(cores along with the shells)and electronic structure of metal oxide photocatalysts(TiO_(2),ZnO,Bi_(2)O_(3),Fe_(2)O_(4) etc.)through different attuned and veritable approaches,their photocatalytic activity can be substantially improved.Optimal studies on defect engineering not only expose the altered physicochemical features but also modulate the electron-hole pair dynamics,stability,and active radical production for various photoredox reactions.Altered atomic,as well as electronic configuration,facilitated a photocatalyst material to have different optical features,adsorption properties along with improved carrier transfer as well as isolation rate.Thus,the systematic exploration of photocatalytic rudiments of defect rich metal oxide for various applications such as H_(2) evolution,CO_(2) reduction,pollutant degradation,and bacterial disinfection could bring significant research advancement in this field.

Novel Z-Scheme ZnIn_(2)S_(4)-based photocatalysts for solar-driven environmental and energy applications: Progress and perspectives

Benefiting from strong redox ability,improved charge transport,and enhanced charge separation,Zscheme heterostructures of ZnIn_(2)S_(4) based photocatalysts have received considerable interest to tackle energy needs and environmental issues.The present review highlights the properties of ZnIn_(2)S_(4),which make it a promising photocatalyst,and a suitable combination with oxidation photocatalyst to form Zscheme,leading to improve their photocatalytic properties dramatically.As the central part of this review,various types of Z-scheme heterojunction developed recently based on ZnIn_(2)S_(4) and their application in pollutant degradation,water splitting,CO_(2) reduction,and toxic metals remediation.Some analytical techniques to detect or trap the active radical and study the charge separation and lifetime of charge carriers in these Z-schemes are highlighted.This review offers its readers a broad optical window for the structural architecture of ZnIn_(2)S_(4)-based Z-schemes,photocatalytic activity,stability,and their technological applications.Finally,we discuss the challenges and opportunities for further development on Z-Scheme ZnIn_(2)S_(4)-based photocatalysts toward energy and environmental applications based on the recent progress.

Recent progress in emerging BiPO_(4)-based photocatalysts:Synthesis,properties,modification strategies,and photocatalytic applications

In this perspective,we have highlighted the current literature and explained the synthesis,structure,morphology,modification strategies,and photocatalytic applications of emerging BiPO_(4)-based photocatalysts.Since BiPO_(4)is a large bandgap photocatalyst,it uses UV light for the excitation of electrons,and also,the recombination of charge carriers is an issue in BiPO_(4).Various novel modification strategies of BiPO_(4)photocatalysts viz.defect modifications,heterojunction formation,phase-junctions,surface plasmon resonance,Schottky junction have been successfully proposed and highlighted.These modifications enhance the light absorption and inhibit the recombination of charge carriers BiPO_(4)photocatalyst.Finally,future aspects for further research on BiPO_(4)-based photocatalysts are also explored.It expects that BiPO_(4)-based photocatalysts represent a promising strategy for developing practical photocatalysts for energy and environmental remediation applications.