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Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Visible Light-Driven BiVO4 Nanoparticles: Effects of Eu3+ Ions on the Luminescent, Structural, and Photocatalytic Properties
No full textThe optimization of BiVO4-based structures significantly contributes to the development of a global system towards clean, renewable, and sustainable energies. Enhanced photocatalytic performance has been reported for numerous doped BiVO4 materials. Bi3+-based compounds can be easily doped with rare earth (RE3+) ions due to their equal valence and similar ionic radius. This means that RE3+ ions could be regarded as active co-catalysts and dopants to enhance the photocatalytic activity of BiVO4. In this study, a simple microwave-assisted approach was used for preparing nanostructured Bi1−xEuxVO4 (x = 0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.12) samples. Microwave heating at 170 °C yields a bright yellow powder after 10 min of radiation. The materials are characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-NIR DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and micro-Raman techniques. The effects of the different Eu3+ ion concentrations incorporated into the BiVO4 matrix on the formation of the monoclinic scheelite (ms-) or tetragonal zircon-type (tz-) BiVO4 structure, on the photoluminescent intensity, on the decay dynamics of europium emission, and on photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) were studied in detail. Additionally, microwave chemistry proved to be beneficial in the synthesis of the tz-BiVO4 nanostructure and Eu3+ ion doping, leading to an enhanced luminescent and photocatalytic performance
Smart alginate-SBA-15 Composites: unveiling dual-ion sorption efficiency with eco-friendly disposal potential
No full textA new composite material was developed by modifying SBA-15 with an alginate biopolymer network. The composite was characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, profilometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The study further explored the performance of SBA-15-modified alginate composites in selectively removing Ni(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions under different conditions in both single and binary systems. The composite improved Ni(II) removal by approximately 28% in both single and binary systems compared to pristine SBA-15, while Cd(II) removal increased by 14% and 26% in single and binary systems, respectively, highlighting the beneficial role of the alginate in providing functional groups and surface roughness for more efficient metal ion binding. The composite demonstrated high theoretical sorption capacities, reaching 65 mg/g for Ni(II) and 115 mg/g for Cd(II) in single-component systems, as indicated by the Sips isotherm model. The composite exhibited a higher selectivity for Cd(II) over Ni(II) in a binary system, as well. Furthermore, the metal-loaded composites did not exhibit phytotoxicity, as evidenced by in vitro testing on radish seeds, which showed a germination index above 80% for all single and binary samples at a dose of 1 mg/mL. Theoretical calculations suggested a safe disposal dose of up to 0.3–0.6 g/kg of soil for Cd(II)-loaded composite and 3–6 g/kg of soil for Ni(II)-loaded composite. In conclusion, alginate-modified SBA-15 represents a promising, environmentally friendly sorbent for heavy metal remediation, offering a viable and sustainable strategy for water purification
Anion Effect on the Thermometric Properties of Near-Infrared Emitting Mn5+-Activated Sr5(PO4)3X (X = F, Cl, Br) Apatite Phosphors
No full textNear-infrared emitting Mn5+-activated phosphors are recently recognized as promising thermal sensors for biological applications. However, guidelines to predict suitable hosts with optimal temperature sensing ability are still missing. In this view, the indirect effect of the different halides on the 3d2 electrons of the Mn5+ ions in different Sr5(PO4)3X apatites (X = F, Cl, and Br) is deeply investigated through a combined experimental and theoretical approach. The temperature dependence of the PL and decay curves allows to simultaneously get information about the electron-phonon coupling and the potential application as optical thermometers, showing promising results in terms of relative sensitivity. Boltzmann-based and lifetime-based thermometry ensure a unique reliability, and the simultaneous use of the ratio between the emission originating from the 3T1 and 1E excited states and the split components of the 1E (E1 and E2) state allows to enlarge the temperature range of applicability of the thermometers from cryogenic to high temperature. The local [PO4]3− tetrahedral geometry in the halide apatites drives their thermometric properties, showing interesting results in terms of sensitivity, particularly for the bromide Sr5(PO4)3Br:Mn5+ phosphor. Moreover, the high quantum efficiencies estimated at room temperature support the potential use in real applications of this family of NIR phosphors
Methodological Approach to LIBS Elemental Analysis and Plasma Characterization of Quinoa and Amaranth Pseudocereals Using a TEA CO2 Laser
No full textThis study presents a methodological investigation of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for elemental analysis of quinoa and amaranth pseudocereals using a TEA CO2 laser. Solid samples were prepared as pressed pellets, and reference data were obtained by ICP–OES. Synthetic solid standards were developed for calibration of selected elements (Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mg). Laser parameters were optimized based on the signal-to-noise ratio of characteristic spectral lines and applied to both pseudocereal samples. Emission lines of Mg, Ca, Fe, K, P, Zn, Al, Sr, and Cu were identified, and limits of detection were determined. Quantitative analysis used calibration curves from analyte-to-internal standard line intensity ratios, showing good linearity and agreement with reference values. Plasma diagnostics under optimized conditions revealed an average temperature of ~11,000 K and electron number densities of ~5 × 1016 cm−3 for both samples. Numerical plasma simulations confirmed the experimental results and provided additional insight into plasma composition and behavior. The developed LIBS methodology proved effective for multi-elemental analysis of pseudocereals and shows potential for application to other cereal and plant-based materials with similar composition. It should be noted that this methodology was demonstrated on pelletized samples prepared under controlled laboratory conditions; adaptation to rapid or field-based measurements would require alternative sample preparation strategies. This work provides a methodological framework and experimental validation for LIBS application in food compositional and nutritional analysis
Design of Magnetic Components for EMI Protection
No full textThis paper presents the design of a ferrite EMI suppressor consisting of commercially available ferrite toroids wound with the appropriate number of turns. Measurements of the electrical characteristics of the EMI suppressors (inductance, resistance, and impedance) were performed using an impedance analyzer HP4194A in the range from 100 Hz to 40 MHz, as well as the losses introduced by the magnetic component in the circuit, i.e. S21 parameter using the spectrum analyzer Siglent SVA1032X. A magnetic component model comprising linear R, L, and C elements is proposed. The impedance values measured and obtained using the proposed model were compared, and a good match was found in the frequency range of interest, up to 40 MHz.23rd International Symposium on POWER ELECTRONICS - Ee 2025; October 8th - 10th, 2025, Belgrade & Novi Sad, Serbia
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the RNASEL gene are associated with acute and late adverse effects of radiotherapy and fatigue in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma
No full textPurpose: More than half of prostate cancer patients undergo radiation treatment which may be accompanied by acute or late side effects in genitourinary, GU, and/or gastrointestinal, GI tract, and radiotherapy-induced fatigue (RIF). The biological role of RNase L highlights its potential to be tested for association with the adverse effects of radiotherapy. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the associations among RNASEL gene variants, acute, late GI/GU toxicity events, and RIF to evaluate their potential to be used as biomarkers for prediction of response to radiation treatment. Methods: The DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 81 patients with prostate adenocarcinoma under RT was genotyped for RNASEL rs12757998, rs486907, and rs627928 by real-time quantitative PCR. The acute and late GU and GI adverse effects were evaluated during and up to 54 months after RT, as well as the occurrence or increase in fatigue grade. Results: rs12757998 RNASEL TT genotype was shown to be significantly associated with severity of acute GU toxicity while CT genotype with severity of late GI toxicity. Furthermore, CC genotype of rs12757998 and the AA genotype of rs627928 were shown to be potential independent predictive biomarkers of RIF. Conclusion: RNASEL gene polymorphisms are associated with a higher risk of radiotoxicity, which may be used for biological tests for the prediction of RT-related side effects and to develop strategies to fight against fatigue, to significantly improve the quality of life of cancer survivors. © Copyright © 2025 Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Monitoring bisphenol a degradation in water by anodic oxidation using lactic acid as an indicator
No full textBisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical in the production of plastics and resins, but it poses significant
health risks to living organisms due to its endocrine-disrupting properties which can interfere with hormonal balance
and lead to reproductive and developmental issues [1]. As a result of its widespread use, BPA persists in the
environment, emphasizing the need to develop effective methods for its degradation and monitoring. Anodic oxidation
with a SnO₂-MWCNT (multi-walled carbon nanotubes) anode, operated at a current density of 15 mA cm⁻² in 0.1 M
Na₂SO₄ at pH 4, proved to be an effective method for removing BPA from water [2].
During the anodic oxidation of BPA, numerous intermediates are formed, which gradually transform into carboxylic
acids, such as lactic acid, and ultimately decompose into carbon dioxide and water [3]. Based on the graph, the
concentration of lactic acid increases up to the fourth hour and then begins to decline, indicating that the degradation of
BPA through anodic oxidation is nearing completion, with mineralization expected to occur as one of the final steps.
This study demonstrated the potential of using lactic acid as an indicator of BPA degradation in anodic oxidation and
for predicting the effectiveness of the process.19th International Conference on Chemistry and the Environment - Environmental Chemistry for Sustainability : Belgrade, Serbia, June 8-12, 2025
Synthesis of Organogels Loaded with Biginelli Twins Derived from Vanillin: Antioxidative Potential for Wound and Skin Protection
No full textTetrahydropyrimidines (THPMs), which are made from the Biginelli reaction, have been studied a lot for their possible biological uses, but they have not been considered as low-molecular-weight organogelators (LMOGs). Organogels, formed by combining LMOGs with organic solvents to create self-assembled nanoscale fibers, represent a significant area of study. In this work, a series of symmetrical THPMs starting from vanillic aldehyde were synthesized. Five novel THPMs were isolated, characterized, and evaluated for their gelation properties. Also, the possibility of fine-tuning the rheological properties of the organogel with the addition of a small content (2 wt%) of SiO2 nanoparticles (average size 7 nm) was investigated, which was achieved. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the organogels formed a self-assembling 3D network. This research shows a creative way to use vanillin as a bio-based building block to synthesis THPMs. These THPMs, when added to organogels, make a stable and effective way to deliver antioxidants. Organogels developed in this study present a promising strategy for protecting the skin and promoting wound healing by effectively combating oxidative stress. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025
Neutrinoless double beta decay sensitivity of the XLZD rare event observatory
No full textThe XLZD collaboration is developing a two-phase xenon time projection chamber with an active mass of 60-80 t capable of probing the remaining weakly interacting massive particle-nucleon interaction parameter space down to the so-called neutrino fog. In this work we show that, based on the performance of currently operating detectors using the same technology and a realistic reduction of radioactivity in detector materials, such an experiment will also be able to competitively search for neutrinoless double beta decay in 136Xe using a natural-abundance xenon target. XLZD can reach a 3σ discovery potential half-life of 5.7 × 1027 years (and a 90% CL exclusion of 1.3 × 1028 years) with 10 years of data taking, corresponding to a Majorana mass range of 7.3-31.3 meV (4.8-20.5 meV). XLZD will thus exclude the inverted neutrino mass ordering parameter space and will start to probe the normal ordering region for most of the nuclear matrix elements commonly considered by the community. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd
Adsorption of Methylene Blue From Aqueous Solution by Carbon Materials: A Kinetic Study
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the kinetic properties of methylene blue adsorption on carbon cryogel samples and nitrogen doped and nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon cryogel. Nitrogen and sulfur were incorporated into the carbon structure to enhance surface, electronic and textural properties. Methylene blue, a widely utilized dye in the textile industry, has become one of the most commonly detected substances in water systems. Experimental data were fitted with four kinetic models and showed excellent fits with the linear pseu-do-second-order model. Results confirmed satisfactory kinetic properties of all investigated samples without significant influence of doped nitrogen and sulfur on adsorption.EEM2025 - 9th International Congress Engineering, Environment and Materials in Process Industry; 2-4 april 2025; Bijeljina, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina