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Fabrication, characterization and adsorption kinetics of Polyaniline towards organic pollutant
(Book Rivers, 2026) Fiza Khan, Amrita, Adeeba Meraj, Nafees Ahmad
Polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized through efficient polymerization process of aniline monomer in an acidic medium. The structural properties of PANI were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm the formation of the polymer and assess its crystallinity. To evaluate the adsorption performance of PANI, methylene blue (MB), a commonly used dye, was employed as the adsorbate. A series of adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate the adsorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms of PANI. The results showed that the adsorption kinetics of PANI followed both the pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order models, indicating that the adsorption process involved both physical and chemical interactions. These findings demonstrate that PANI is a promising, effective, and cost-efficient adsorbent material for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions.
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Development of a Zinc-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye
(Book Rivers, 2026) Naseem Ahmad, Lubna Tarique, Abhi, Neda Afreen, Nafees
In this study, we report the synthesis of a zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF) incorporating terephthalaldehyde as a linker, aimed at the efficient removal of Rhodamine B dye from aqueous solutions. The synthesized MOF, denoted as Zn-Tereph-MOF, was prepared via a solvothermal method, which involved the reaction of zinc nitrate hexahydrate with terephthalaldehyde in a mixed solvent system. Characterization of Zn-Tereph-MOF was performed using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results confirmed the successful formation of the porous framework structure. Photocatalytic studies revealed that Zn-Tereph-MOF exhibits a remarkable capacity for Rhodamine B uptake, attributed to the synergy between the high surface area, favorable pore size, and the interaction between the dye molecules and the framework. These findings highlight the potential of Zn-Tereph-MOF as an effective adsorbent for the removal of organic dyes from wastewater, contributing to environmental remediation efforts.
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Studies of ZnBi2O4 Nanoparticles for the Removal of Amido Black Dye
(Book Rivers, 2026) Neda Afreen, Naseem Ahmad, Nafees Ahmad
The study investigates the effectiveness of ZnBizO4 nanoparticles in removing Amido black, a prevalent and persistent pollutant in industrial wastewater. ZnBi2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized for their structural and optical properties, revealing a narrow band gap suitable for visible light photocatalysis. The photocatalytic performance of ZnBi₂O, was evaluated under various conditions, including catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, pII, and irradiation time. Results demonstrated a high degradation efficiency of Amido black dyc, with nearly complete removal achieved under optimal conditions. Mechanistic studies indicated that the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was crucial to the degradation process. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability and reusability, maintaining significant photocatalytic activity over multiple cycles. These findings underscore the potential of ZnBi2O4 nanoparticles as an effective and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment, capable of addressing the challenges posed by organic dye pollutants in industrial effluents. Future research directions include scaling up nanoparticle synthesis and exploring composite materials to further enhance photocatalytic performance.
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Quantum Catalyst Advances in Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Technologies
(Springer, Singapore, 2026) Abdul Hakeem Anwer, Maroua Saadaoui, Assem T. Mohamed, Nafees Ahmad, Abdelbaki Benamor
Growing population pressures, increasing global energy demand, and the escalating impacts of climate disruption have intensified concerns over future energy security and environmental stability. Solar-driven CO2 reduction is increasingly recognized as a viable strategy to confront these dual challenges. In this context, photoelectrocatalysis provides a particularly attractive approach, as it merges light harvesting with electrochemical control, enabling efficient solar energy conversion under mild reaction conditions while avoiding the need for extreme temperatures or high applied voltages. This combined strategy holds significant promise for achieving efficient and selective CO2 conversion. The chapter provides an overview of the fundamental principles underlying photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction, emphasizing their distinctive operational characteristics. Different photoelectrocatalytic configurations are described and evaluated in a comparative framework. Particular attention is given to factors that govern performance, such as the interaction between catalysts and reactant molecules, operating conditions, and the physicochemical properties of photoelectrodes. Advances in mechanistic understanding and approaches for enhancing activity including the optimization of light harvesting, suppression of charge recombination, and acceleration of surface reaction dynamics are critically examined. The discussion concludes with an assessment of current limitations and potential future directions for the development of photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction technologies.
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Antimicrobial Activities of Phenolic Compounds Derived from Medicinal Plants
(CRC Press, 2026) Tahmeena Khan, Kulsum Hashmi, Saman Raza, Abdul Rahman Khan
Antibiotic resistance has become a significant global concern. Antibiotic resistance among various pathogenic bacteria has become a major challenge for global public health. There is a significant need to explore and develop novel antimicrobial strategies to treat infections caused by bacteria and fungi. There are many medicinal plants that are yet to be explored to discover novel compounds as therapeutic agents. Plant extracts, which contain valuable bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, are being increasingly used as a novel approach to combat harmful microorganisms. Some polyphenols exhibit synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics and antifungals, showing potential as novel treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. Hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids are the two main phenolic acids, which additionally have a carboxylic acid group in their basic phenolic structure. p-Hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, and gallic are all common hydroxybenzoic acids. The most common hydroxycinnamic acids include sinapic, ferulic, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids. Phenolic compounds show diverse mechanisms of action and are extensively used against pathogenic bacteria. This chapter provides an overview of the antimicrobial activity of phenolic compounds in medicinal plants and their mechanistic insights.