Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry (JNSC) reports breakthrough research in all aspects of nanoscience at the interfaces of chemistry, biology, biotechnology, materials science, physics, and engineering. Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry publishes high-quality peer reviewed research, perspectives, and review articles. With our broad scope, we welcome research from all areas across the natural sciences, biomedicine and engineering. Topics covered in this open access journal include, but are not limited to the following: Target drug and gene delivery Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine Cancer therapy Diagnosis and Bioimaging Electrochemical detection and sensing Food industry and packaging Environments (catalyst, coatings, and water treatment) Energy (fuel cells, capacitor, laser) This journal operates on an open access model and charges an Article Processing Charge (APC) to cover the costs of publication and ensure free and permanent access to published articles. We are committed to supporting researchers worldwide and offer APC waivers for authors from low- and middle-income countries, as well as in cases of financial hardship. Waiver requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and do not influence editorial decisions. For more information on APCs and waiver eligibility, please visit our APC & Waivers Policy page. Journal DOI: 10.57647/jnsc Journal Abbreviation: J. Nanostruct. Chem. Journal Title Acronym: JNSC Journal Owner: Islamic Azad University Publisher: Islamic Azad University, Co-publishing, OICC Press, UK DIRECTOR and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Omid Moradi, PhD
A New Heterogeneous PMO@MXene Catalyst for One-Pot Synthesis of Substituted 5-amino-3-(aryl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile Derivatives
In this study, we report the development of a novel and efficient MXene-based heterogeneous catalyst, PMO@MXene, for the green synthesis of 5-amino-3-(aryl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile derivatives. By integrating periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) into multilayered MXene, a hybrid nanocomposite was achieved that benefits from the high surface area and electrical conductivity of MXene along with the welldefined mesoporosity of PMO. This unique synergy enabled highly efficient catalytic performance under mild, eco-friendly conditions, requiring only a small amount of catalyst and allowing for easy recovery and reuse with minimal loss of activity. The pyrazole derivatives, known for their potential pharmaceutical relevance, were obtained in excellent yields and characterized using standard spectroscopic techniques. Importantly, this work highlights the potential of the PMO@MXene as a sustainable and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst platform for the synthesis of biologically significant heterocyclic compounds.
Copyright (c) 2025 Safa Hnaif, Farhad Shirini, Bahram Ramezanzadeh, Hassan Tajik (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dimensionality-Driven CQD/TiO2-g-C3N4 Ternary Composites for Boosting Photocatalytic and PEC Performance
Photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting are hindered by challenges such as rapid electron-hole recombination, limited visible light absorption, and inefficient charge transport. To overcome these limitations, a ternary composite CQD/TiO₂-g-C₃N₄ was engineered by combining 0D carbon quantum dots (CQDs), 1D TiO₂ nanorods, and 2D g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. This multidimensional structure significantly improves charge separation and transfer that enhances both photocatalytic and PEC efficiency. X-ray diffraction confirmed successful integration of TiO₂ and g-C3N4, with crystallite sizes ranging from 8.1 to 9.3 nm. SEM and TEM analyses showed uniform dispersion of TiO₂ nanorods on g-C₃N₄ sheets, while CQDs (~5–6 nm) were attached to surface, establishing strong interfacial contact for efficient charge movement. UV-vis exhibited a redshift, indicating a narrower band gap, and PL analysis showed reduced electron-hole recombination. Under visible light, composite with 15.0 mL CQD displayed excellent photocatalytic activity, achieving 96.0% degradation of mixed dyes (MO + BPB) with clear linear degradation indicating consistant reaction rate and delivering a high PEC photocurrent density (~33 mA·cm⁻²). CQDs enhance charge separation and lower band gap while multidimension (0D–1D–2D) structure boosts charge transfer. The 0D–1D–2D architecture enhances charge mobility and light utilization, making this material highly effective for environmental cleanup and sustainable energy applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tahira Bano, Shamaila Sajjad, Sajjad Ahmed Khan Leghari, Maria Murtaza, Rehana Riaz (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Catalytic and Antibacterial Activities with Molecular Docking Analysis of Chitosan and Polyethylene Glycol-NiO2 Nanostructures
Toxic dyes and microbes in water have an alarming effect on the integrity of the environment and dairy industries. In this study, 2 and 4 % of chitosan (CS) and 3 % of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were incorporated to nickel oxide (NiO2) nanostructures (NSs) to degrade dyes and to kill bacteria effectively, synthesized via the low-temperature co-precipitation technique. The motive of the research is to enhance catalytic and antimicrobial properties through surface modification and the generation of more active sites upon incorporation of dopants. X-ray crystallographic patterns confirm the hexagonal crystal structure of NiO2 and a reduction in crystallite size with doping. The band gap energy of NiO2 increases from 3.17 to 3.25 eV upon doping. TEM elucidates the formation of an interconnected network of nanorods and nanoparticles with reduced agglomeration upon PEG and CS addition. Doping controlled the morphology and charge recombination dynamics of NiO2, which significantly boosts the catalytic and antibacterial potential. Particle size of the NiO2 nanostructures decreases from 34.7 to 24.53 nm with the addition of dopants. Notably, the highly doped sample exhibited maximum RhB degradation of 92.3 % in neutral medium and maximum inhibition zone of 5.25±0.03 mm against gram-negative multiple drug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR E. coli) (p<0.05). The computational results correspond with observational data, providing compelling support for the microbial efficacy of CS/PEG-NiO2 in suppressing DNA gyrase.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Imran, Iram Shahzadi, Ali Haider, Mudassir Hassan, Anwar Ul-Hamid, Waseem Safdar, Junaid Haider, Muhammad Ikram (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A High-Sensitivity Sensor with Simultaneous Enhanced Effect with Ionic Liquid and NiO/SWCNTs Catalysts to Create High-Performance Conditions for Vanillin Measurement
Paying attention to the quality of food products and examining its additives, as well as controlling their concentration, are among the most important issues in the food industry. Therefore, various methods of measuring food additives have been proposed in recent years. The present study designed and investigated the performance of an electrochemical sensor prepared with carbon paste (CP) that was simultaneously modified using NiO/SWCNTs nanocomposite and ionic liquid (1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate; [HMIM][BF4]), and evaluated its effect on the oxidation signal of vanillin in food samples. The NiO/SWCNTs nanocomposite was synthesized as conductive catalyst with high surface area by chemical precipitation method and characterized by SEM and MAP analysis. The presence of the NiO/SWCNTs nanocomposite and [HMIM][BF4]increased the oxidation current by 3.22 times and reduced the vanillin oxidation overvoltage by 225 mV, indicating the synergistic role of the two catalysts in the construction of the NiO/SWCNTs/[HMIM][BF4]/PE. The effective parameters such as type of buffer, pH, percentage of catalysts were optimized and results showed phosphate buffer (pH=6.0) can be use as optimum condition in monitoring process. In addition, 20% (v:v) of [HMIM][BF4] and 15% (w:w) of NiO/SWCNTs were selected as optimum condition for fabrication of NiO/SWCNTs/[HMIM][BF4]/PE. The NiO/SWCNTs/[HMIM][BF4]/PE showed a detection limit 0.3 nM for monitoring of vanillin. In the final stage, NiO/SWCNTs/[HMIM][BF4]/PE was used for monitoring of vanillin in different food samples such as biscuit, chocolate and coffee milk with acceptable recovery data.
-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
Copyright (c) 2025 Ebrahim Halalkhor-Mirkolayi, Azade Ghorbani-HasanSaraei, Mohammad Bagher Limooei, Peiman Ariaii, Seyed-Ahmad Shahidi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cr2C MXene Modification of an Electrochemical Platform Allows for Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of PSMA, a Prostate Cancer Biomarker
Prostate cancer represents a significant global health challenge, being the most common malignancy among men and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The pressing demand for novel diagnostic approaches is evident. In this work, we introduce an advanced biosensor aimed at facilitating rapid and accurate detection of prostate cancer, specifically through the quantification of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). The biosensor is constructed by modifying a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and a Cr2C MXene nano layer catalyst, combined with a pb2+-binding aptamer (AP) (SPCE/Cr2C MXene/AuNPs/Pb2+-AP). This novel design demonstrates exceptional specificity and affinity for PSMA, enabling highly sensitive quantification across a linear dynamic range of 1.0 to 850 pg/mL. Characterization techniques, including TEM, SEM, EDS, AFM, XPS, BET analysis, and XRD, confirm the success synthesis of the Cr2C MXene layer, which serves as an effective support for integrating the biological recognition element. Given the high mortality associated with prostate cancer and the critical need for early detection, this biosensor offers a promising tool for clinical diagnostics, capable of selectively identifying PSMA in the presence of other biomarkers. The implications of this work extend beyond the laboratory, potentially transforming prostate cancer management and improving patient outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yi Xu, Lijun Wan, Najmeh Zare, Si-Wei Wang, Zhangming Lei (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In Situ Silver Nanoparticle–Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel for Enhanced Wound Healing
A multifunctional hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel incorporating in situ–synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was developed. This method generated uniformly distributed spherical AgNPs (~22 nm) within the HA matrix without the need for toxic reducing agents, resulting in a porous, biodegradable nanocomposite with a high surface area (121.7 m²/g). The hydrogel demonstrated exceptional swelling capacity (>1200%), sustained silver ion release, and potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC 8 µg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (MIC 4 µg/mL) while maintaining >95% viability in human dermal fibroblasts, confirming a favorable therapeutic window. In a full-thickness rat wound model, the HA–AgNP hydrogel achieved >98% wound closure by day 14, accompanied by complete re-epithelialization, dense collagen deposition, and neovascularization, markedly outperforming HA-only and untreated controls. These findings are consistent with recent research trends that emphasize eco-friendly AgNP synthesis and HA-based biomaterials to combine infection control with pro-regenerative effects, minimizing cytotoxicity and supporting rapid, high-quality tissue repair. This work thus presents a clinically translatable, scalable nanoplatform that unites antimicrobial efficacy with regenerative capacity for the treatment of infected and chronic wounds. The hydrogel's performance is driven by a synergistic mechanism where the controlled release of AgNPs provides potent, localized antimicrobial action while the HA matrix creates a pro-regenerative microenvironment, thereby minimizing cytotoxicity and supporting high-quality tissue repair.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yang Li, Juan Xie, Dongsheng Cao (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pretreatment-Free Rapid Detection of Tiamulin in Egg and Milk Samples using Gold Nanoparticles Based on Positive List System Regulations
Tiamulin (TML) antibiotic residues in animal products could pose potential health hazards to consumers. South Korea set the positive list system regulations, where the maximum residue limits of TML in poultry eggs should not exceed 1000 ng/mL. Therefore, we developed a simple and pretreatment-free lateral flow immunoassay based on a highly specific TML antibody conjugated with gold nanoparticles for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of TML. The optimized sensor showed a visual limit of detection of 15 ng/mL for both milk- and egg-spiked samples, with a cut-off value of 100 ng/mL and 180 ng/mL for milk and egg, respectively. The assay demonstrated high recovery in both milk and egg matrices with relative standard deviation values below 12%, confirming its suitability for rapid and reliable determination of TML in complex food samples. As both sample types required no pretreatment and provided visible results within 10 minutes, the sensor is simple, user-friendly, and highly tolerant to matrix interferences. Moreover, it exhibited specific selectivity toward TML, supporting its potential as a promising detection platform for monitoring TML in animal products.
Copyright (c) 2025 Munirah Alhammadi, Sonam Sonwal, Soobin Han, Hanseung Kim, Dong-Hwan Kim, Mi-Hwa Oh, Yun Suk Huh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development of a Biocompatible PLGA-Based Nanoplatform for Targeted Delivery of Empagliflozin and Enhanced Cytotoxicity against Gastric Carcinoma Cells
Gastric carcinoma remains a formidable global health challenge with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis, necessitating the development of innovative treatment strategies. This study reports the design, synthesis, and comprehensive characterization of a novel biocompatible nanoplatform for the targeted delivery of empagliflozin (EMPA), a repurposed antidiabetic drug, to gastric carcinoma cells. The nanoplatform consists of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) core encapsulating EMPA, with a surface functionalized with folic acid (FA) via a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker (FA-EMPA-PLGA-NP) to actively target the overexpressed folate receptor (FR) on gastric cancer cells. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a uniform spherical morphology with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 165 nm, a low polydispersity index, and high encapsulation efficiency (>85%). A comprehensive suite of characterization techniques, including FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and BET, confirmed the successful synthesis, surface modification, and amorphous encapsulation of the drug. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a sustained, biphasic release profile that was significantly accelerated under acidic conditions (pH 5.5) compared to physiological pH (7.4), indicating a pH-responsive behavior beneficial for the tumor microenvironment. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analyses revealed significantly enhanced cellular uptake of FA-conjugated nanoparticles in FR-positive AGS gastric carcinoma cells compared to non-targeted counterparts. Consequently, the FA-EMPA-PLGA-NPs exhibited markedly superior cytotoxicity, with a significantly lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) than both free EMPA and non-targeted nanoparticles. These findings demonstrate that the FA-EMPA-PLGA-NP system is a highly promising platform for the targeted therapy of gastric carcinoma, warranting further investigation in preclinical models.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shu-Bo Tian, Bin Huo, Hao Liu, Shuai Kong, Ke-Shu Shan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biogenic Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Capparis zeylanica Extract and Their Oxidative and Cytotoxic Effects on Colorectal Cancer Cells
This work uses leaf extract from Capparis zeylanica, a medicinal plant that is seldom investigated for nanomaterial synthesis, to create gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a sustainable manner. According to TEM and SEM, the resultant AuNPs were mostly spherical and ranged in size from 40 to 50 nm. In contrast to previous findings on green synthesis, our study makes use of C. zeylanica's distinct phytochemical makeup, which is rich in flavonoids and glycosides, to improve the creation of nanoparticles and their biofunctionality. While FTIR and GC-MS/MS revealed the participation of extract-derived phenolic and flavonoid chemicals in reduction and stabilization, XRD indicated a face-centered cubic crystalline structure. In HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, these AuNPs biologically caused a dose-dependent rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which increased by 4.0 times at 40 µg/mL. Furthermore, we provide comprehensive mechanistic insight, demonstrating that these AuNPs trigger apoptosis by depolarizing the mitochondrial membrane and activating caspase-3, an element that is often overlooked in previous research. The significant cytotoxicity is confirmed by the IC₅₀ value of 27.5 µg/mL. Overall, this work contributes to the area of green nanomedicine by combining mechanistic confirmation of anticancer effectiveness with robust phytochemical-assisted production.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zeli Li, Shuwen Li (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis, Surface Chemical Characterization, and Enhanced Osteoblast Response of Strontium-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles for Alveolar Bone Regeneration
Strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) nanoparticles hold significant potential for alveolar bone regeneration due to their dual capacity to modulate bone remodeling. In this study, we synthesized Sr-HA nanoparticles with varying Sr/(Ca+Sr) molar ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) via wet chemical precipitation and systematically characterized their structural, surface, and biological properties. X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and solid-state NMR analyses confirmed a progressive anisotropic lattice expansion and reduction in carbonate and water incorporation with increasing strontium content. Surface analyses using XPS and ToF-SIMS revealed modest Sr²⁺ enrichment at the nanoparticle periphery, correlating with changes in ion release kinetics. In vitro assays using primary rat calvarial osteoblasts demonstrated enhanced proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, mineral deposition, and osteogenic gene expression in response to Sr50, which also showed a favorable burst-plus-sustain Sr²⁺ release profile. These results support a mechanistic model in which moderate Sr incorporation promotes osteogenesis through combined surface-enrichment effects and ionic signaling. Collectively, the findings identify Sr50 as an optimized composition for promoting osteoblastic activity and highlight compositional tuning as a viable strategy for developing next-generation graft materials for alveolar ridge preservation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jing Qiao, Guanghao Wu, Sicong Jiang, Zhang Yong, Feifei Ma, Jian Jiao (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Fe3O4/RGO-Ionic liquid Nanocatalyst as Amplifier for Fabrication of Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor in Monitoring of Thallium Environmental Fluids
The analysis of Tl(I) is essential due to its high toxicity, environmental persistence, and potential to cause neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects even at trace levels. In this work, a reduced graphene oxide–magnetite nanocomposite (rGO–Fe₃O₄) combined with the ionic liquid N -butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (N-B-3-MITFB) was used to modify a carbon paste electrode. The resulting rGO–Fe₃O₄/N-B-3-MITFB/CPE was employed for the sensitive detection of Tl(I) in aqueous samples. The electrochemical characteristics of the sensor were systematically investigated using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). This electrode demonstrated strong oxidative activity for Tl(I) at a lower overvoltage (compared to unmodified electrodes), along with a higher current response and enhanced sensitivity. Under optimal conditions (pH 7, accumulation time 400 s, scan rate of 30 mV·s⁻¹), the calibration curve for Tl(I) exhibited a linear range of 0.07–420 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.9 nM. The proposed sensor displayed excellent selectivity for determining Tl(I) levels in the presence of common interfering species (e.g., Pb²⁺, Cr²⁺, Cu²⁺, NO₃⁻). The rGO-Fe3O4/N-B-3-MITFB/CPE showed high analytical performance for Tl(I) analysis in diverse water samples (e.g.,drinking water, well water, and waste water), achieving recoveries of 97.5–102.4%.
Copyright (c) 2025 Somaye Cheraghi, Mohammad Amin Dasar, Mohammad Ali Taher (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nanostructured functionalised sewage sludge- adsorbent: optimising wastewater remediation using ANN and RSM
Heavy metal pollution in industrial wastewater poses serious environmental challenges. This study investigates the optimization of heavy metal adsorption using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). It focuses on the adsorption capabilities of sewage sludge ash (SSA) for iron (Fe2+), manganese (Mn2+), chromium (Cr3+), and aluminium (Al3+). A Box-Behnken Design (BBD) with 25 experiments was created to evaluate three key parameters: temperature (25 – 45°C), solid load percentage (1 – 10%), and contact time (1 – 10 hours). The showed maximum removal efficiencies of 97% for Fe2+, 89% for Mn2+, 97% for Cr3+, and 92% for Al3+ in mono-metal solutions. The functionalised sewage sludge ash had a notable surface area of 7.79 m²/g before adsorption, thereby classifying it as a mesoporous material, which falls within the category of nanoporous material, thus reflecting on enhanced adsorption potential. The ANN-RSM model exhibited strong predictive capability, with an R² of approximately 0.95 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.086. Sensitivity analysis revealed temperature as the most significant factor affecting adsorption efficiency, followed by contact time and sorbent loading. This research underscores the effectiveness of combining ANN and RSM to optimize heavy metal remediation strategies in wastewater treatment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Meta Mvita, Thandiwe Sithole (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Amphiphilic Graphene Quantum Dots and Their Application in the Dispersion of Graphite
One of the most auspicious and economically sound techniques for generating graphene is recognized as liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE). This empirical investigation has astutely showcased that by functionalizing hydrophilic graphene quantum dots (OH-GQDs) with hydrophobic tridecylamine, an effortlessly devised synthesis approach can be formulated, thereby producing alluringly versatile amphiphilic GQDs. This research aimed to generate a series of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with varying amine values and employ these nanomaterials to disintegrate and distribute pure graphite in water. Adjacent graphene sheets and the GQDs on the graphene surface exhibit attractive van der Waals forces, generating a steric repulsion between them. Based on our research results, it has been found that tridecyl amine functionalized graphene quantum dots (t-GQDs) exhibit the highest ability to stabilize graphene at a greater extent compared to other functional groups. Notably, the graphene concentration peaked when t-GQDs were functionalized at a molar ratio of Amine / Citric acid = 1. Furthermore, we also explored the impact of varying concentrations of amphiphilic GQDs on the yield and dimensions of graphene nanosheets. This study compared the stabilization effects of t-GQDs with those of several other functional groups, including amine, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups. The comparison was based on the degree of graphene dispersion achieved, evaluated through UV-visible spectroscopy, and the stability of the dispersions indicated by zeta potential measurements. Our results showed that t-GQDs provided superior stabilization due to the optimal balance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic functionalities, which enhanced both steric and electrostatic stabilization mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zahra Azimi, Beheshteh Sohrabi, Yasaman Javanmard, Armin Hajipour Keyvani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Developing a New Model for Optimizing Response in Design of Experiments Considering Consumable Factors: Removal of Pollutant from Wastewater with Fe3O4/graphene Nano-sorbent
Removing toxic pollutants, especially colored compounds, from water samples and surface wastewater is one of the most significant and challenging issues in the environmental field. This paper aims to develop a new model for optimizing responses in the Design of Experiments (DoE) by dividing the process into different stages. The process is broken down into several stages based on consumable factors such as time and adsorbent weight. The number of stages increases until the stopping criteria are met. These criteria include restrictions on the cost of adding a new stage and obtaining an unsatisfactory response in the subsequent stage. In this regard, Fe3O4/graphene adsorbent was synthesized using a chemical precipitation strategy and characterized by FESEM, XRD, EDS, and mapping analysis methods. The presence of (220); (400); (422); (511); (440) and (533) layers in XRD pattern confirm Fe3O4 nanoparticle with high purity and crystallinity structure and particle size 45 nm. The removal of Sudan I by the Fe3O4/graphene adsorbent was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design. The four effective factors are the weight of the adsorbent, time (both consumable factors), pH, and temperature. The proposed model increased the removal percentage significantly, from 65.4% in a single-stage process to 88.67% in a four-stage process. Therefore, it can be concluded that the pollutant removal in this study is much more efficient than the existing method at the same factor levels. It is important to note that increasing the process duration and adsorbent weight will result in higher costs. However, in this model, the high levels of factors remain unchanged due to the increased number of stages. As a result, the costs associated with establishing these factors remain constant. The results show a recovery percentage between 84.1% and 87.5%, for groundwater (well water) and drinking removal that confirming the effectiveness of both the adsorbent and the method for real-world applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jieying Liu, Yong Go, Ali Behmaneshfar, Abdolhossein Sadrnia, Zhifang Zhang, Rui Dang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Two-Dimensionally Aligned Vermiculite Nanoflakes with Built-In Diatomite Filler for Reversible Lithium-Ion Storage Performance
Vermiculite, a naturally occurring phyllosilicate clay mineral, has a crystalline topology characterized by two layers of cations interspersed, enabling it to maintain electrical neutrality. Expanded vermiculites have unique properties that distinguish them from other clay minerals, i.e, outstanding thermal stability and thermal insulation effectiveness. Exfoliation of vermiculite through a specific physical and chemical method, resulting in the synthesis of nanolayers with a thickness of ~1.4 nm. These nanolayers can serve as fundamental units for the creation of diverse functional materials. Ion exchange can regulate the spacing between layers and the kind or quantity of cations present in vermiculite. Additionally, the chemical processes of surface coating, grafting, or intercalation with diatomite can modify the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties and surface groups of vermiculite nanoflakes, which significantly enhance the use of vermiculite in various domains, including energy storage, catalysis, adsorption separation, biomedicine and polymer composites. In this work, we explore a novel technique for the fabrication of 2D VCT nanosheets by incorporating diatomite into the structure using ball-milling process. This method allows for the formation of 2D DVCT with a well-maintained structural integrity, achieved by the chemical interaction between the two components. The 2D DVCT nanocomposite anode exhibited superior lithium storage capability, maintaining a capacity of around 178 mAh g-1 for 700 cycles at 100 mA g-1 and 98 mAh g-1 at 200 mA g-1. This study offers structural engineering for high capacity 2D DVCT as anode materials for LIBs with excellent rate and cycling stability.
Two-dimensional vermiculite diatomite nanoflakes
Copyright (c) 2025 Tariq Bashir, Ehsan Ghasali, Saleem Raza, Yasin Orooji (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Wasted Poly (ethylene terephthalate) Derived Composite Xerogel with Enhanced Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Photothermal Conversion
The wasted poly(ethylene terephthalate) recycling (rPET) presents a critical worldwide challenge requiring optimization of processing economics and material performance. This study demonstrates the synthesis of hybrid xerogels through thermoreversible gelation using rPET matrices combined with nickel-decorated carbon nanotubes (Ni@CNTs). Investigations focused on the gel formation dynamics within rPET/Ni@CNT systems and structural transformations during xerogel formation. The engineered xerogels displayed hierarchical macroporous architectures supported by interconnected nanofibrous networks, achieving enhanced thermal resilience and mechanical strength. To functionalize these scaffolds, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was chemically grafted to fabricate phase-change composites (PCCs) with multifunctional capabilities. Optimized PCC formulations exhibited synergistic performance metrics: enhanced heat transfer kinetics (1.3±0.32 W/(m·K)), substantial energy storage capacity (125.6 J/g), and reliable thermal cycling stability (zero leakage through 20 meltfreeze cycles). Furthermore, the PCCs exhibited a considerable solar-thermal conversion efficiency (73.4%) and a significative electromagnetic shielding capacity (30.4 dB). This methodology estab lishes a viable pathway for valorizing post-consumer PET waste into high-performance engineering materials, aligning with circular economy objectives.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yan Gao, Jingang Xie, Najla AlMasoud, Taghrid S. Alomar, Zeinhom M. El-Bahy, Hassan Algadi, Juanna Ren, Zhanhu Guo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Fabrication of Bi2O3/rGO Nanocomposite: A High Performance Electrochemical Sensor for Cadmium Detection in Industrial Waste Water
In this study, a bismuth oxide/reduced graphene oxide (Bi2O3/rGO) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and analysed using multiple analytical techniques to evaluate its properties. The resulting (Bi2O3/rGO) material was characterized using different methods. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful material functionalization, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a crystalline structure with an average particle size 30 nm. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images displaced rough, exfoliated surface morphology and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed elemental composition of carbon (60.3), oxygen (36.1%) and bismuth (3.1%). Electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) demonstrated enhanced electrical conductivity of Bi2O3/rGO nanocomposite as compared to the bare electrode. The fabricated sensor suggested a broad detection range of Cd2+ from 0.03 to 35 μM, with low detection and quantification limits of 0.006 to 0.02 μM respectively. The application of proposed sensor for environmental samples produced excellent recovery rates between 96% to 103%. Additionally, the sensor’s performance is superior to the previously reported work in terms of simplicity, cost effectiveness, energy saving and fast response time. This study emphasizes the potential of the Bi2O3/rGO nanocomposite as an effective material for environmental sensing applications, mainly for cadmium detection. Highlights • Easy and simple synthesis of Bi2O3/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite • Development of an innovative electrochemical sensor for selective and sensitive analysis of (Cd2+). • Consistent and highly sensitive sensor during prolonged use. • High accuracy and reliability in practical applicability. • Contributing to public health protection and environmental safety initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sanoober Bhagat, Jamil A. Buled, Amber R. Solangi, Arfana Mallah, S.Tufail H. Sherazi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
3D Print-Based Polypyrrole /TiVCTx/UiO-66 Composites for Effective Adsorption of Combined Pollutants in Water Media
The presence of heavy metals and dyes in contaminated water systems at the same time poses significant threats to the integrity of the environment as well as to the health of the general public. Therefore, a novel TiVCTx/UiO-66 composite was prepared by in-situ growth synthesis in this paper. The risk of difficult separation and recovery of powder materials in water medium and easy secondary pollution is considered. 3D printing technology is used to design and prepare 3D structures (3DS) with high porosity and connectivity. Immediately, a novel monolithic adsorbent (PPy/TiVCTx/UiO-66/3DS) was synthesized by combining polypyrrole (PPy) with TiVCTx/UiO-66 and fixing it on the surface of the 3D structure. The adsorption performance of monolithic adsorbents was assessed through single-factor batch adsorption tests conducted within single and combined pollutant systems. According to the findings, the adsorbent demonstrates remarkable separation and recovery characteristics, as it is able to efficiently remove Congo red (CR) and Cr(Ⅵ) from aqueous solutions. The maximum adsorption capacities reached 230.96 mg/g for CR and 40.84 mg/g for Cr(VI). Interestingly, the presence of trace Cr(VI) (20 ppm) induced a 9.84% enhancement in CR adsorption capacity. After five successive regeneration cycles, the adsorbent retained 97.65% and 67.84% removal efficiencies for CR and Cr(VI). In addition, the fixed bed column can effectively dynamically remove CR and Cr(Ⅵ) of about 600mL and 360mL. The ongoing advancement of 3D printing technology increases efficiency in producing large-scale models. This trend indicates that monolithic adsorbents created using 3D printing possess substantial potential for practical application in wastewater treatment processes.
Copyright (c) -1 Tao Wu, Yan Li, Zhouxiang Zhang, Dongxing Zhang, Elena Niculina Dragoi, Hassan Karimi-Maleh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Core-shell nanoparticles based on ZnO/yeast cell wall: characterization, antifungal properties and aflatoxin B1 binding
A class of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins are harmful and significant concern for public health, food safety, and agricultural practices. Recent challenges are involve reducing and the eliminating aflatoxins from contaminated food and feed using bio-based strategies. The development of edible binders is a promising approach to mitigate aflatoxin as a health risk. This study aimed to develop and characterize of core-shell nanoparticles using yeast cell wall extracted from Saccharomyces Cerevisiae as a shell surrounding ZnO nanoparticle core (CW/ZnO NPs). The obtained CW/ZnO core-shell was characterized regarding physicochemical properties, antifungal effect and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) binding capacity. FTIR confirmed the chemical composition of the synthesized nanoparticles. The size distribution and zeta potential of CW/ZnO NPs were in the acceptable range. Based on the microscopy techniques, a spherical shape (diameters of 21.36–42.54 nm) and a rough surface were observed, indicating a cell wall assigned to the shell of the ZnO core. According to the determined MIC and MFC, significant antifungal activity was obtained against A. parasiticus (500 µg/mL) and C. albicans (125 µg/mL). The CW/ZnO core-shell showed the highest AFB1 adsorption (55.4%) compared to the cell wall and ZnO samples in PBS. This research introduces a bio-based nanoparticle with a core-shell structure as an AFB1 binder. Considering its potential for reducing aflatoxin bioavailability could be recommended to apply in the food and feed industry.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ehsanolah Fakhar, Mansour Bayat, Anna Abdolshahi, Nakisa Sohrabi Haghdoost, Hamid Madanchi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ti3C2 MXene-enhanced Electrochemical Biosensors for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Detection in Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignancies affecting the male population globally, where its elevated mortality rate is frequently ascribed to the tardiness of diagnosis. Traditional diagnostic techniques, such as digital rectal examinations, are often associated with discomfort and may lead to postponements, as they conventionally necessitate further validation via biopsies and Gleason grading. Therefore, many efforts have been made to design new and widely used methods. This study investigates the design and implementation of electrochemical biosensors enhanced with Ti3C2 MXene for the accurate and sensitive quantification of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an essential diagnostic marker indicative of prostate cancer. This biosensor was developed by modifying a carbon-based screen-printed electrode (SPCE) utilizing nanoparticles of gold (Au-NPs) and a Ti3C2 MXene layer, integrated with a Cd2+-binding aptamer (SPCE/Ti3C2MXene/Au-NPs/Cd2+-aptamer). The biosensor’s specificity for PSA was ensured through the immobilization of PSA-recognition aptamers on the Ti3C2 MXene/Au-NPs-enhanced SPCE surface. The Ti3C2 MXene layer was synthesized and examined with different characterization tools, like transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), serving as a conductive support that helped integrate of the biological recognition element. The electrochemical signals generated from the Cd2+ complexed with the aptamer at the sensor interface allowed for quantitative assessment of PSA levels, revealing a detection range from 1.0 to 300 pg/mL and an impressive detection threshold as low as 8.0 fg/mL. This innovative biosensor exhibited excellent selectivity in detecting PSA among other biomarkers, highlighting its potential for clinical applications in prostate cancer diagnostics.
Copyright (c) -1 Lyu Jia, Zhangming Lei, Najmeh Zare, Tao Wu, Masoumeh Ghalkhani, Lijun Wan, Yi Xu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Progress and applications of nanotechnology-based wearable sensors in human motion and posture detection
The advancement of nanotechnology has revolutionized the development of wearable sensors, offering enhanced sensitivity, flexibility, and real-time performance in human motion and posture detection. This review explores the integration of advanced nanomaterials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal nanowires, which facilitate the creation of highly conformal and biocompatible sensors. Recent progress in self-powered sensing technologies, such as triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators, has enabled continuous monitoring without the need for external power sources. Moreover, innovations in fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, inkjet deposition, and laser scribing, have improved the scalability and cost-effectiveness of wearable sensor production. The convergence of multimodal sensing approaches-combining inertial sensors, electromyography (EMG), and brain-computer interfaces (BCI)-with artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms has further enhanced motion recognition accuracy and adaptive system responses. This review highlights the broad spectrum of applications, ranging from healthcare and rehabilitation to sports performance and industrial safety, while discussing current challenges related to sensor durability, environmental interference, and data processing. Future advancements in material science, sensor fusion, and energy harvesting hold immense potential for developing next-generation wearable sensors capable of seamlessly integrating into everyday life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hezhou Li, Dan Wang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The study of the applicability of ionizing radiation to increase the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 thin films
Abstract The paper presents the results of studying the efficiency of using ionizing radiation to modify the surface morphology and structural properties of TiO 2 thin films, and the effect of ion modification on the photocatalytic activity of Rhodamine B. decomposition. Structural and morphological changes in thin films were characterized by irradiation with doses of 10 14 –10 16 ion/cm 2 using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy-dispersive analysis and X-ray diffraction. Modification by ion irradiation of thin films leads to a change in grains orientation, a decrease in their size, and an increase in the active surface area. Formation of grains preferred orientation at high radiation doses is caused both by grains rotation as a result of distorting and deformation factors caused by radiation, and by grains partial fragmentation. It was shown that in the case of modified samples of thin films, not only an increase in the rate decomposition reaction constant by 2–4.5 times compared with the initial samples, but also the degree of mineralization is observed. According to the data obtained, the maximum value of mineralization as a result of photocatalytic reactions for initial films was no more than 75–76%. While for irradiated samples, this value varies from 83 to 90% depending on the irradiation dose. For modified films, an increase in crack resistance and resistance to degradation to prolonged tests of photocatalytic activity is observed. Graphic abstract
Synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles by Sargassum muticum biomolecules and evaluation of their antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties
Abstract Abstract The present work reports on the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of gold and silver nanoparticles, synthesized by an extract of the brown macroalga Sargassum muticum (SM). These nanoparticles were synthesized and fully characterized by means of UV–Vis spectroscopy and electron microscopy. These techniques confirmed that spherical nanoparticles, with mean diameters of 10.4 ± 1.2 nm for Au@SM and 41.0 ± 5.7 nm for Ag@SM, were formed. To investigate the possible role of these biomolecules in this green synthetic process, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed before and after the synthesis of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the carbohydrate composition was examined along with other variations observed after the synthesis of nanoparticles by size-exclusion chromatography. The study of the changes observed indicated that the polysaccharide fraction of the extract plays a role in the formation of the nanoparticles as well as in their stabilization. The in vitro antioxidant activity was analyzed by the determination of the reducing power, total content of phenolic compounds and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Lastly, the antibacterial activity was tested against three types of bacteria with different cell wall composition. In particular, Ag@SM showed good inhibitory capacity on Gram+, especially on Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC of 3.38 µg/mL. Graphic abstract
Structural, optical and magnetic properties of silver oxide (AgO) nanoparticles at shocked conditions
Abstract Silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO NPs) were synthesized by implementing chemical reduction process and two different samples of AgO NPs were loaded with 100 as well as 200 pulses of successive shock waves of Mach number 2.2 so as to investigate the aftermath effect. Various characteristic analytical techniques were carried out for the samples utilizing Powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), Ultra-Violet diffuse reflectance spectroscope (UV-DRS), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) to find stabilities of crystallographic, spectroscopic, morphological and magnetic behaviors and also to analyze the changes occurring on the properties of the test material due to the impulsion of shock waves. From the obtained XRD patterns, the mean value of grain sizes of unshocked, 100 and 200 shocked AgO NPs is found to be 20, 20.6 and 26 nm, respectively. FE-SEM images reveal that the mean values of particle sizes increase as the counting of shock pulses are increased. The particles sizes are computed to be 72 nm, 112 nm, and 162 nm for the unshocked, 100 and 200 shocked AgO NPs, respectively. Whereas, the values of magnetization of AgO NPs have reduced with regard to the number of shock waves in such a way that the value of 2.183 emu/g for the unshocked AgO NPs is found to have reduced to 1.801 and 1.416 emu/g for 100 and 200 shocks, receptively. The band gap energy of the unshocked and shocked AgO NPs is observed to have the same value of 2.1 eV. From the experiential results, it is very well established that the title material’s properties such as crystalline and molecular structure, band gap energy are stable; whereas, the magnetic properties and surface morphology undergo subtle changes at shocked conditions. Graphic abstract
Fabricating a g-C3N4/CuO heterostructure with improved catalytic activity on the multicomponent synthesis of pyrimidoindazoles
Abstract A series of fluorescence-containing indazole-fused ring systems were made with the support of g -C 3 N 4 /CuO as a catalyst via non-conventional (microwave) method. We have synthesized g -C 3 N 4 /CuO nanocomposites by mechanochemical process; further, its morphology and composition were studied using various instrumental techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also, we have synthesized pyrimido[1, 2- b ] indazole-4-yl methanol motifs without any solvent in single-step methodology utilizing microwave irradiation. The pyrimido[1, 2- b ] indazole-4-yl methanol motifs were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). This preparation was effortlessly accessible, and the overview of the substrates was authorized. The pyrimidoindazole core structures exhibit the most remarkable photo physical properties. Most of the pyrimidoindazole scaffold appears in solvatochromism and excited with blue–green fluorescence shift while using ethyl acetate as solvent. This result indicates that synthesized pyrimidoindazole core motifs have prodigious potential as fluorophores which will help us to study several applications. Graphic abstract
Optical and electrochemical properties of iron oxide and hydroxide nanofibers synthesized using new template-free hydrothermal method
Abstract We report the effect of hydrothermal synthesis conditions on the morphological, optical and electrochemical properties of as-prepared iron oxide (γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) and hydroxide (α-FeOOH) nanostructures. The physico-chemical identification of these Fe-based nanostructures using X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, porosity and Raman spectroscopy analyses revealed a temperature-depended phase transformation. A maghemite and goethite iron-based nanostructured formation was observed in nanorod and trigonal nanofiber shape-like morphology with mean diameters ranging from 32 to 50 nm. The textural analysis of the nanofibers confirmed mesoporosity with a specific surface area of ~ 129 m 2 g −1 (in γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) and 23 m 2 g −1 (in α-FeOOH). The electrochemical performance of the iron oxide and hydroxide nanofiber electrodes with and without the addition of activated carbon (AC) was also investigated. The sample electrodes composed of γ-Fe 2 O 3 , γ-Fe 2 O 3 /AC, α-FeOOH and α-FeOOH/AC showed remarkable specific capacities of 164 mAh g −1 , 330 mAh g −1 , 51 mAh g −1 and 69 mAh g −1 at 1 A g −1 gravimetric current. The influence of the phase transformation linked to the synthesis temperature, and the inclusion of an electric double-layer AC material into the nanofibers clearly demonstrates an enhancement in their energy-storage capability. Furthermore, the Fe-based nanofibers exhibited excellent cycling stability with good capacity retention of 73% and 99.8%, respectively, after 2000 cycles at a high 30 A g −1 gravimetric current as well as low resistance obtained by impedance spectroscopy analysis. The implication of the results depicts the potential of adopting these γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanorods as suitable material electrodes in electrochemical energy-storage devices. Graphic abstract
How electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions play a role in water wettability of possible nanostructure surfaces
Abstract The present paper investigated the effects of the electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions on the water wettability of a surface. Based on this aim, examinations are performed on the molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) as possible nanostructure surface. The results obtained through calculating the water contact angle on the MoS 2 surface indicate which this surface is a weak hydrophobic substrate. The present simulations illustrate that the electrostatic interactions have little impact on the wettability amount of the MoS 2 substrate. However, the molybdenum disulfide is composed of two charged parts with significant values. In addition, it is observed that the relation between density, van der Waals and electrostatic interactions is different from each other. It have been observed that the van der Waals interactions have direct relationship with water density while there is not anything between the electrostatic interactions and water density peak. The Obtained results via simulation demonstrate that the effectiveness of electrostatic interactions on the wettability depends on the sigma in the Lennard–Jones equation. In the other words, the role of electrostatic and van der Waals interactions on the wettability are not indissociable from each other and this method is sufficient in nanostructure systems. Graphic abstract
Green synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles using fruit extract of Cornus mas L. and its growth-promoting roles in Barley
Abstract Iron oxide nanoparticle fabrications have gained increasing attention owing to their vital role in industrial application. Taking green synthesis of nano-products into account, this experiment was conducted to provide a simple, facile, economic, and fast procedure for the biosynthesis of Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles using fruit extracts of Cornelian cherry. The FTIR spectroscopy revealed that hydroxyl and amino groups have the ability to perform dual functions of reduction and stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles. XRD analysis manifested the crystal structure of the Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle. The SEM image of synthesized Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle demonstrated the morphology of nanoparticles is spherical. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed very fine spherical Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles ranging from 20 to 40 nm. The EDXRF spectra displayed only iron and oxygen elements, which implies that the sample is highly pure Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle. The Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle and its bulk form at the concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 mg L −1 showed statistically significant stimulation in both root and shoot biomass. However, Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle was more effective than the bulk to stimulate barley growth. The findings may be functionalized in the production and formulations of nano-based fertilizers.
Mechanism of rectification of polymer motion in an asymmetric nano-channel
Abstract Separation is an important process in science and technology. Nano-structures are being used widely to improve the resolution and speed of the separation process. For this purpose, the motion of a charged polymer in an asymmetric nano-channel under constant and alternating applied electric fields are studied in this manuscript. Computer simulations and theoretical considerations are used to find the optimal condition for the nano-channel as a separation device. It is shown recently that an asymmetric channel acts as an entropic rectifier for polymers in an alternating electric field. Here, the mechanism of polymer motion in the channel, composed of consecutive nano-cones, is investigated based on the role of entropic traps. Entropic traps are referred to the narrow constrictions before the cones. It is shown that the characteristic time for the polymers to put their monomers in front of narrow constrictions (trapping time) becomes determining, in smaller electric fields. Dependence of the polymer velocity in the channel on the strength of the electric field, the cone angle and the time period of the electric field is discussed. Finally, the difference between velocities of polymers of various lengths is considered, which is an important parameter for the separation purposes. Graphic abstract
Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange using immobilized scoria-Ni/TiO2 nanoparticles
Abstract In this study, the photocatalytic efficiency of scoria-Ni/TiO 2 nanoparticles is evaluated for methyl orange removal under both the ultraviolet (UV) and sunlight irradiations. The synthesized catalysts are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) analysis. According to the results, the absorption edge of TiO 2 alternated to visible light successfully, and the SEM and EDAX analysis approved that the particles, which are in nano-size, doped on the scoria. The effect of pH, catalyst dosage, methyl orange concentration, and contact time on efficiency was assessed. The initial experiment revealed that 0.05% and 0.1% of nickel have more efficiency while using the sun and UV light sources, respectively. In a 50-ml lab-scale reactor, methyl orange removal efficiency by scoria-Ni/TiO 2 was 95.89 and 93.97% under UV and sunlight irradiation, respectively, within 45 min contact time while it was 26.7 and 45.9% under the sun and UV light irradiation, respectively, for commercial TiO 2 . In addition, the reaction kinetics followed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Finally, radical production and catalytic activity of Ni/TiO 2 verified by significant decrease in removal efficiency due to surface and solution radical scavengers addition. Graphic abstract