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Transition Metal Exchanged β Zeolites: CoM/β (M = Zn, Ce, and Cu) as Oxygen Electrode in Alkaline Media
No full textThe zeolite structure, with its precisely distinct pores, settled cages, and adsorption sites,
enables the formation and stabilization of isolated metal centers. These well-defined
structures make metal-loaded zeolites promising catalysts. Three different β zeolites were
synthesized by an aqueous ion-exchange procedure, firstly with cobalt (Co), and secondly
with zinc (Zn), cerium (Ce), and copper (Cu), to make three bimetallic CoZn/β, CoCe/β,
and CoCu/β zeolites, respectively. X-ray powder diffraction analysis, Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy,
and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption analysis revealed the structural, morphological,
and surface properties of the studied materials, while optical properties were investigated
by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The lowest onset potential of 1.67 V was
obtained for both CoZn/β and CoCe/β, while the somewhat positive value of 1.70 V was
observed for CoCu/β. CoZn/β exhibited the lowest value of Tafel slope of 89 mV dec−1,
while slightly higher values of 109 and 113 mV dec−1 were calculated for CoCe/β and
CoCu/β during ORR, respectively. CoZn/β showed four-electron pathways of ORR,
CoCu/β showed a mixed ORR mechanism, while CoCe/β offered two-electron pathways
of ORR. All presented results established that CoZn/β had the highest OER/ORR activity,
followed by CoCu/β, while CoCe/β had the lowest activity detected
Influence of Ligand Exchange and Heteroatom Substitution on Surface Chemistry of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles
No full textThe nanoparticles (NPs) of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4, CFO) and Zn-/Ga-substituted (Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, CFO_Zn and CoFe1.5Ga0.5O4, CFO_Ga) were synthesized via a solvothermal method using oleic acid (OA) and dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA) as surface ligands to investigate the effects of ligand exchange and heteroatom on surface chemistry. The NPs were also subjected to thermal treatment at 450 °C to investigate the stability of surface functional groups and overall surface chemistry. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of a cubic spinel structure, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed uniform, spherical NPs with an average size of 5 ± 1 nm. Thermal treatment at 450 °C led to agglomeration of NPs due to partial removal of the surfactant. To understand the changes in surface chemistry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) measurements were performed. FTIR indicated successful attachment of OA and DHCA on the NPs surface through carboxyl and catechol groups. The FTIR analysis reveals that thermal treatment at 450 °C leads to almost complete removal of OA from the nanoparticle surface, while DHCA is partially retained in a modified form due to surface group recombination. XPS and TPD analyses revealed a significant reduction in surface carbon and oxygen content after annealing, along with a redistribution of functional groups. The obtained results highlight how ligand exchange and heteroatom substitution, combined with thermal treatment, greatly influence surface composition and properties of CFO nanomaterials. These findings suggest that such materials hold potential for applications in supercapacitors, where establishing a clear correlation between surface properties and electrochemical performance is essential.5th International Meeting on Materials Science for Energy Related Applications, September 25-26, 2025, Belgrade
Eco-friendly Leaching Strategies for Recycling Electronic Waste CPUs to Enhance Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution
No full textThis study explores the potential of recycling electronic waste, particularly CPUs, for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions as a step towards sustainable energy generation and resource recovery. A multi-step, eco-friendly leaching protocol was developed to extract valuable metals such as gold, silver, and copper from discarded CPUs. The extracted metals were incorporated into an electrolyte, which was then subjected to electrochemical evaluation in a three-electrode setup. Cyclic voltammetry and Tafel analysis provided insights into the electrochemical behavior of the recycled metals. The results revealed a preferential enhancement of hydrogen evolution over oxygen evolution, attributed to the lower activation energy barrier and favorable kinetics of hydrogen production. Despite the promising electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution, further optimization is necessary to improve oxygen evolution efficiency. This research underscores the dual benefits of e-waste recycling: mitigating environmental hazards and advancing renewable energy technologies. By demonstrating the feasibility of repurposing e-waste for sustainable applications, this study contributes to the development of circular economy models and supports the global transition toward greener energy solutions.9th International Hydrogen Technologies Congress, 25-28 May 2025
Photocatalytic and antimicrobial polymer-based hybrid membranes with surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles with 5-aminosalicylic acid and silver nanoparticles
No full textThe sustainability of water treatment is a growing environmental and public health concern, particularly regarding the removal of antibiotics and microorganisms. This study developed multifunctional membranes using synthetic (PVDF-HFP) and natural (silk fibroin, SF) polymer matrices incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles surface-modified with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and silver (Ag). These modifications enhanced both visible-light-responsive photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial performance. The membranes were evaluated for ciprofloxacin degradation and antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Photocatalytic PVDF-HFP membranes achieved 63% and 62% under UV and simulated solar radiation, respectively, while SF membranes reached 50% and 71%. Antimicrobial efficiency showed a ∼2 log10 bacterial reduction for E. coli and a 0.5 log10 reduction for S. epidermidis, attributed to the presence of Ag in the TiO2/5-ASA nanoparticles. Furthermore, the membranes maintained stable performance across multiple reuse cycles. Overall, the results highlight the potential of these multifunctional materials as efficient and eco-friendly solutions for advanced wastewater treatment applications
RETRACTED: Naamneh et al. Structure–Activity Relationship of Synthetic Linear KTS-Peptides Containing Meta-Aminobenzoic Acid as Antagonists of α1β1 Integrin with Anti-Angiogenic and Melanoma Anti-Tumor Activities. Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17, 549
No full textThe journal retracts the article titled “Structure–Activity Relationship of Synthetic Linear KTS-Peptides Containing Meta-Aminobenzoic Acid as Antagonists of α1β1 Integrin with Anti-Angiogenic and Melanoma Anti-Tumor Activities” [1], cited above. Following publication, concerns were brought to the attention of the Editorial Office regarding a range of image irregularities contained within this article [1]. Adhering to our standard procedure, an investigation was conducted by the Editorial Office and Editorial Board that identified indications of inappropriate editing and partial duplication between figures presented in this article [1] and earlier publications [2,3], produced by a different research group. While the authors collaborated within this process, raw material meeting the journal’s requirements for original images could not be provided for Editorial Board evaluation (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules/instructions#oriimages, accessed on 20 August 2025). Consequently, the Editorial Board has lost confidence in the reliability of the findings and has decided to retract this publication, as per MDPI’s retraction policy (https://www.mdpi.com/ethics#_bookmark30, accessed on 20 August 2025). This retraction was approved by the Editor-in-Chief of the Pharmaceuticals journal. Johannes A. Eble agrees to this retraction. The remaining authors disagree with this retraction.Retraction note to: [https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050549
Helium gas release behavior of highly microstructure-controlled B4C-based ceramics irradiated with helium ion beam
No full textNational Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan Boron carbide (B4C) pellets have been commonly used as neutron absorber materials in fast reactor system. In this study, highly microstructure-controlled B4C ceramics with carbon nanotube (CNT) and tubal pores were fabricated by two processes; strong magnetic field (12 T)-assisted colloidal process or normal slip casting process, and the B4C/CNT composites were irradiated with a 30-MeV alpha beam. After irradiation, the helium gas release behavior of the alpha-implanted samples was evaluated by measuring the release of helium gas by heating the samples. The alpha-implanted samples with tubal pores showed the peak which would attribute to the helium gas release clearly from around 250℃ in TG-MS, whereas alpha-implanted dense sample without porosity did not show the peak clearly. It was confirmed that helium gas was released more rapidly from the B4C/CNT composites with tubal pores. The results of TG-MS and TEM suggested that helium gas can be released effectively from inside the B4C/CNT composites even with the same porosity of 5-10% as that of B4C used as neutron absorber materials in fast reactors by introducing tubal pores by highly microstructure control.Proceedings of International Symposium on Zero-Carbon Energy Systems 2023 (IZES), January 10-12, 2023 Tokyo, Japan
Food safety in the age of climate change: the rising risk of pesticide residues and the role of sustainable adsorbent technologies
No full textClimate change is increasingly recognized as a critical factor of food contamination risks, particularly through its influence on pesticide behavior and usage. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and the proliferation of crop pests are leading to intensified and extended pesticide application across agricultural systems. These shifts increase the likelihood of elevated pesticide residues in food and water and affect their environmental persistence, mobility, and accumulation within the food chain. At the same time, current regulatory frameworks and risk assessment models often fail to account for the synergistic effects of chronic low-dose exposure to multiple residues under climate-stressed conditions. This review provides a multidisciplinary overview of how climate change intensifies the pesticide residue burden in food, emphasizing emerging toxicological concerns and identifying critical gaps in current mitigation strategies. In particular, it examines sustainable adsorbent technologies, primarily carbon-based materials derived from agro-industrial waste, which offer promising potential for removing pesticide residues from water and food matrices, aligning with a circular economy approach. Beyond their technical performance, the real question is whether such materials and the thinking behind them can be meaningfully integrated into next-generation food safety systems that are capable of responding to a rapidly changing world
Singlet oxygen generation by hybrid rhodamine B-gold nanostructures in chitosan biomolecule environment: an EPR study
No full textGold nanoparticles of various shapes were synthesized by reduction of gold salts in the presence of chitosan biomolecules as stabilizing agents. Fluorescence and photosensitizing properties of the rhodamine B dye were studied after its mixing with pure chitosan and chitosan-gold nanoparticle solutions. It was found that gold nanoparticles significantly affect the fluorescence intensity and the singlet oxygen production of the photosensitizer. Metal-enhanced fluorescence and metal-enhanced singlet oxygen generation effects were observed, probably as a direct consequence of the activation of the surface plasmon of the nanoparticles upon irradiation. Photosensitizing activity of the rhodamine B dye was investigated by using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with TEMP as spin-trap molecules. The singlet oxygen generation was followed via changes in the intensity of EPR signal of the radical adduct, TEMPO. It was found that gold nanoparticles facilitate the production of singlet oxygen, while the chitosan molecules influence TEMPO stability and tend reduce the intensity of the EPR signal, especially at prolonged times following the irradiation
Electromagnetic Interference in the Modern Era: Concerns, Trends, and Nanomaterial-Based Solutions
No full textElectromagnetic interference (EMI) represents a growing challenge in the modern era, as electronic systems and wireless technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life. This review provides a comprehensive overview of EMI, beginning with its historical evolution over centuries, from early power transmission systems and industrial machinery to today’s complex environment shaped by IoT, 5G, smart devices, and autonomous technologies. The diverse sources of EMI and their wide-ranging effects are examined, including disruptions in electrical and medical devices, ecological impacts on wildlife, and potential risks to human health. Beyond its technical and societal implications, the economic dimension of EMI is explored, highlighting the rapid expansion of the global shielding materials market and its forecasted growth driven by telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and healthcare sectors. Preventative strategies against EMI are discussed, with particular emphasis on the role of advanced materials. Carbon-based nanomaterials—such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon foams—are presented as promising solutions owing to their exceptional conductivity, mechanical strength, tunable structure, and environmental sustainability. By uniting perspectives on EMI’s origins, consequences, market dynamics, and mitigation strategies, this work underscores the urgent need for scalable, high-performance, and eco-friendly shielding approaches. Special attention is given to recent advances in carbon-based nanomaterials, which are poised to play a transformative role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of future electronic technologies.Supporting information available at [https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17244261
Strategic research agenda and roadmaps for radiation protection metrology
No full textEURAMET EMPIR 19NET03 supportBSS project entitled Support for a European Metrology Network (EMN) on reliable radiation protection regulation, started in June 2020 and completed in May 2024. One of the tasks of the supportBSS project was the preparation of a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) based on the identified metrology needs to support the European legislation and regulation in Radiation Protection, and of two Roadmaps for metrology services and capabilities, one under the European Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM and the other under the EURATOM Treaty. The preparation of the SRA began with a comprehensive literature review including the analysis of the SRAs from the MEENAS Radiation Protection platforms and of strategic documents from other relevant organizations such as IAEA, BIPM-CCRI, HERCA, EURAMET, among others. Information was also collected from the stakeholders at different stages of the project, through organized workshops and a targeted questionnaire, which included specific sections for metrology laboratories and for stakeholders from the different fields of activity. This paper presents the first SRA and Roadmaps developed as key outputs of the supportBSS project, presented to EURAMET as deliverables 4 and 5 at the closure of the project. Taking into account the ongoing technological developments in the field, as well as the fact that EURAMET may use the information collected at its own discretion, it is anticipated the European Metrology Network for Radiation Protection will need to periodically revise and update these documents in the near future