Purifying water containing both anionic and cationic species using a (Zn, Cu)O, ZnO, and Cobalt Ferrite based multiphase adsorbent system

For the purpose of water purification, novel and low-cost adsorbents which are promising replacements for activated carbon are being actively pursued. However, a single-phase material that adsorbs both cationic and anionic species remains elusive. Hence, a low-cost, multiphase adsorbent bed that purifies water containing both anionic and cationic pollutants is a desirable alternative. We choose anionic (Congo red, Orange G) and cationic (methylene blue, malachite green) dyes as model pollutants. These dyes are chosen since they are widely found in effluents from textile, leather, fishery, and pharmaceutical industries, and their carcinogenic, mutagenic, genotoxic, and cytotoxic impact on mammalian cells is well-established. We show that ZnO, (Zn0.24Cu0.76)O and cobalt ferrite based multiphase fixed adsorbent bed efficiently adsorbs model anionic (Congo red, Orange G) and cationic (methylene blue and malachite green) pollutants, and their complex mixtures. All adsorbent phases are synthesized using room-temperature, high-yield (similar to 96-100%), green chemical processes. The nanoadsorbents are characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and zeta potential measurements. The constituent nanophases are deliberately chosen to be beyond 50 nm, in order to avoid the nanotoxic size regime of oxides. Adsorption characteristics of each of the phases are examined. Isotherm based analysis shows that adsorption is both spontaneous and highly favorable. zeta potential measurements indicate that electrostatic interactions are the primary driving force for the observed adsorption behavior. The isotherms obtained are best described using a composite Langmuir-Freundlich model. Pseudo-first-order, rapid kinetics is observed (with adsorption rate constants as high as 0.1-0.2 min(-1) in some cases). Film diffusion is shown to be the primary mechanism of adsorption.

Pr6O11 micro-spherical nano-assemblies: microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization and optical properties

We report the synthesis of Pr6O11 microspheres self-assembled from ultra-small nanocrystals formed by the microwave irradiation of a solution of a salt of Pr in ethylene glycol (EG). The as-prepared product consists of microspheres measuring 200 to 500 nm in diameter and made of <5 nm nano-crystallites. The surface of these microspheres/nanocrystals is covered/capped with an organic layer of ethylene glycol as shown by TEM analysis and confirmed by IR spectroscopy measurements. The as-prepared product shows blue-green emission under excitation, which changes to orange-red when the product is annealed in air at 600 degrees C for 2 h. This change in luminescence behaviour can be attributed to presence of ethylene glycol layer in the as-prepared product. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), IR Spectroscopy (IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flexibility in Food Extraction Techniques in Urban Free-Ranging Bonnet Macaques, Macaca radiata

Non-human primate populations, other than responding appropriately to naturally occurring challenges, also need to cope with anthropogenic factors such as environmental pollution, resource depletion, and habitat destruction. Populations and individuals are likely to show considerable variations in food extraction abilities, with some populations and individuals more efficient than others at exploiting a set of resources. In this study, we examined among urban free-ranging bonnet macaques, Macaca radiata (a) local differences in food extraction abilities, (b) between-individual variation and within-individual consistency in problem-solving success and the underlying problem-solving characteristics, and (c) behavioral patterns associated with higher efficiency in food extraction. When presented with novel food extraction tasks, the urban macaques having more frequent exposure to novel physical objects in their surroundings, extracted food material from PET bottles and also solved another food extraction task (i.e., extracting an orange from a wire mesh box), more often than those living under more natural conditions. Adults solved the tasks more frequently than juveniles, and females more frequently than males. Both solution-technique and problem-solving characteristics varied across individuals but remained consistent within each individual across the successive presentations of PET bottles. The macaques that solved the tasks showed lesser within-individual variation in their food extraction behavior as compared to those that failed to solve the tasks. A few macaques appropriately modified their problem-solving behavior in accordance with the task requirements and solved the modified versions of the tasks without trial-and-error learning. These observations are ecologically relevant - they demonstrate considerable local differences in food extraction abilities, between-individual variation and within-individual consistency in food extraction techniques among free-ranging bonnet macaques, possibly affecting the species' local adaptability and resilience to environmental changes.

Synthesis and luminescence properties of Sm3+ doped CaTiO3 nanophosphor for application in white LED under NUV excitation

CaTiO3:Sm3+ (1-11 mol%) nanophosphors were successfully synthesized by a low temperature solution combustion method LCS]. The structural and morphological properties of the phosphors were studied by using Powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM studies indicate that the size of the phosphor is similar to 20-35 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of Sm3+ (1-11 mol%) doped CaTiO3 for NUV excitation (407 nm) was studied in order to investigate the possibility of its use in White light emitting diode (WLED) applications. The emission spectra consists of intra 4f transitions of Sm3+, such as (4)G(5/2) -> H-6(5/2) (561 nm), (4)G(5/2) -> H-6(7/2) (601-611 nm), (4)G(5/2) -> H-6(9/2) (648 nm) and (4)G(5/2) -> H-6(11/2) (703 nm) respectively. Further, the emission at 601-611 nm show strong orange-red emission and can be applied to the orange-red emission of phosphor for the application for near ultra violet (NUV) excitation. Thermoluminescence (TL) of the samples irradiated with gamma source in the dose range 100-500 Gy was recorded at a heating rate of 5 degrees C s(-1). Two well resolved glow peaks at 164 degrees C and 214 degrees C along with shouldered peak at 186 degrees C were recorded. TL intensity increases up to 300 Gy and thereafter, it decreases with further increase of dose. The kinetic parameters namely activation energy (E), frequency factor (s) and order of kinetics were estimated and results were discussed in detail. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rainbow Emission from an Atomic Transition in Doped Quantum Dots

Although semiconductor quantum dots are promising materials for displays and lighting due to their tunable emissions, these materials also suffer from the serious disadvantage of self-absorption of emitted light. The reabsorption of emitted light is a serious loss mechanism in practical situations because most phosphors exhibit subunity quantum yields. Manganese-based phosphors that also exhibit high stability and quantum efficiency do not suffer from this problem but in turn lack emission tunability, seriously affecting their practical utility. Here, we present a class of manganese-doped quantum dot materials, where strain is used to tune the wavelength of the dopant emission, extending the otherwise limited emission tunability over the yellow-orange range for manganese ions to almost the entire visible spectrum covering all colors from blue to red. These new materials thus combine the advantages of both quantum dots and conventional doped phosphors, thereby opening new possibilities for a wide range of applications in the future.

GdAlO3:Eu3+:Bi3+ nanophosphor: Synthesis and enhancement of red emission for WLEDs

GdAlO3, GdAlO3:Eu3+ and GdAlO3:Eu3+:Bi3+ nanophosphors were synthesised by solution combustion technique. Pure orthorhombic phase was obtained from powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed the porous, agglomerated and irregular shaped particles. The particle size obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurement was in good agreement with the values obtained by Debye Scherrer's and W-H plots. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern show single crystalline nature of the sample. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements were carried out for GdAlO3:Eu3+ and GdAlO3:Eu3+:Bi3+ phosphors excited at a wavelength of 274 nm. The characteristic emission peaks of Eu3+ ions were recorded at 590, 614, 655 and 695 nm corresponding to D-5(0) -> F-7(J) (J = 1, 2, 3, 4) transitions respectively. However, with addition of Bi3+ ions in GdAlO3:Eu3+, PL intensity drastically enhanced. Orange red color was tuned to deep red color with the addition of Bi3+ ions in GdAlO3:Eu3+ phosphor. Therefore, the phosphor was highly useful as red component in WLEDs. A single well resoled glow peak at 225 degrees C was recorded in GdAlO3 and GdAlO3:Eu3+. Further, with addition of Bi3+ ions, an additional peak at 300 degrees C was recorded. TL glow curves of different UV-exposed GdAlO3:Eu3+:Bi3+ show two TL peaks at 207 and 300 degrees C respectively. The 207 degrees C peak show simple glow peak structure and its intensity increases linearly up to 25 mm and after that it decrease. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of quasi-fibrous ZnO

The combustion of oxidizer zinc nitrate and fuel oxalic acid results in quasi-fibrous zinc oxide. The processing parameters including oxidizer to fuel ratio, time and temperature were optimized for the resultant crystal structure and morphology. Pure hexagonal phase formation does not depend on the fuel ratio, but a stoichiometric ratio of oxidizer to fuel at 450 degrees C and 30 min results in highly crystalline ZnO with 3 mu m length and 0.5 mu m width. This quasi-fiber originates from partial fusion of near spherical, similar to 60 nm particles during the rapid rate of reaction in the combustion process. Transmission electron microscopic analysis confirms the anisotropic primary particle orientation and pore distribution within the developed quasi-fibrous particles. The degradation of methyl orange was assessed by degrading the dye in the presence of the synthesized ZnO (2.95 eV) under both UV and visible light. Quasi-fibrous zinc oxide exhibits effective photocatalytic efficiency under visible light irradiation.

Facile synthesis of PbWO4: Applications in photoluminescence and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light

Stolzite polymorph of PbWO4 catalyst was prepared by the facile room temperature precipitation method. Structural parameters were refined by the Rietveld analysis using powder X-ray data. PbWO4 was crystallized in the scheelite-type tetragonal structure with space group I4(1)/a (No. 88). Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed leaf like morphology. Photoluminescence spectra exhibit broad blue emission (425 nm) under the excitation of 356 nm. The photocatalytic degradation of Methylene blue, Rhodamine B and Methyl orange dyes were measured under visible illumination. The 100% dye degradation was observed for MB and RhB dyes within 60 and 105 min. The rate constant was found to be in the decreasing order of MB > RhB > MO which followed the 1st order kinetic mechanism. Therefore, PbWO4 can be a potential candidate for blue component in white LEDs and also acts as a catalyst for the treatment of toxic and non-biodegradable organic pollutants in water. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Visible light assisted photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes on TiO2-CNT nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) uniformly decorated with nano-anatase TiO2 particles corresponding to different TiO2-CNT weight ratios (up to 90 % TiO2:10 % CNT) were prepared by employing sol-gel process. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR, Raman, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Photoluminescence, BET surface area and diffuse reflectance measurements. The composites show visible light assisted photocatalytic property, for example, the 90 % TiO2-10 % CNT composite completely degrades Indigo Carmine dye within 1 h of exposure to visible light. Similarly, Orange G and Congo Red dyes were decomposed within 2 h under visible light irradiation. The excellent visible light photocatalytic property of the composite is attributed to the synergetic effect of photoexcitation and photosensitization. This is due to the special nanoarchitecture wherein TiO2 nanoparticles are anchored to CNT surface that provides high specific interfacial area for photon absorption and electron trapping. Visible light assisted degradation profile of Indigo Carmine in the presence of TiO2-CNT nanocomposite and TEM image of the TiO2-CNT nanocomposite.

Highly efficient WO3-ZnO mixed oxides for photocatalysis

Monoclinic nanocuboid WO3 enhanced the photocatalyst efficiency of quasi nanobelt zinc oxide for dye degradation in the presence of visible light radiation. Combustion synthesized ZnO resulted in a belt-like morphology through in situ cluster formation of near spherical particles but homogenously disperses and strongly adheres to nanocuboid WO3 during physical mixing. Cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic orange G (OG) undergo degradation through a charge transfer mechanism in the presence of WO3-ZnO (1 : 9 weight percentage ratio) mixture. The photocatalytic reaction was enhanced due to the reduction in the recombination of photogenerated electron-holes. The high degree of 90% degradation of both dyes is due to the activity of the mixed oxides, which is much higher than that obtained either with WO3 or ZnO individually.

Highly efficient WO3-ZnO mixed oxides for photocatalysis

Monoclinic nanocuboid WO3 enhanced the photocatalyst efficiency of quasi nanobelt zinc oxide for dye degradation in the presence of visible light radiation. Combustion synthesized ZnO resulted in a belt-like morphology through in situ cluster formation of near spherical particles but homogenously disperses and strongly adheres to nanocuboid WO3 during physical mixing. Cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic orange G (OG) undergo degradation through a charge transfer mechanism in the presence of WO3-ZnO (1 : 9 weight percentage ratio) mixture. The photocatalytic reaction was enhanced due to the reduction in the recombination of photogenerated electron-holes. The high degree of 90% degradation of both dyes is due to the activity of the mixed oxides, which is much higher than that obtained either with WO3 or ZnO individually.

Eu3+-activated SrMoO4 phosphors for white LEDs applications: Synthesis and structural characterization

We report the synthesis of Eu3+-activated SrMoO4 phosphors by the facile nitrate-citrate gel combustion method. Powder XRD and Rietveld refinement data confirmed that these phosphors have a monophasic scheelite-type tetragonal structure with space group I4(1)/a (No. 88). FESEM micrographs indicate the agglomerated spherical particles. FTIR spectra showed four stretching and bending vibrational modes (2A(u) and 2E(u)). UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy illustrated that the optical band gap energy (E-g) values increase with increase in Eu3+ concentration. The host SrMoO4 phosphor exhibited an intense blue emission under UV excitation (368 nm). The Eu3+-activated SrMoO4 phosphors revealed characteristic luminescence due to Eu3+ ion corresponding to D-5(1) -> F-7(J) (J = 1,2) and D-5(0) -> F-7(J) (J = 1,2,3,4) transitions upon 465 nm excitation. The electric dipole transition located at 615 nm (D-5(0) -> F-7(2)) was stronger than the magnetic dipole transition located at 592 nm (D-5(0) -> F-7(1)). Intensity parameters (Omega(2), Omega(4)) and radiative properties such as transition probabilities (A(T)), radiative lifetime (tau(rad)) and branching ratio (beta) of Eu3+-activated SrMoO4 phosphors were calculated using the Judd-Ofelt theory. Based on the CIE chromaticity diagram, these phosphors can be promising materials for the development of blue and orange-red component in white LEDs. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Excitation- and power-dependent photoluminescence from oxidized Ge

Wafer/microcrystallites of oxidized Ge with holes/nanoholes synthesized by thermal oxidation strategy from Ge wafer/microcrystallites can convert one wavelength to another. Both oxidized Ge wafer and microcrystallites shows excitation- and power-dependent luminescence. Red-shift is observed as the excitation wavelength is increased, while blue-shift is observed as power density is increased. Over all, blue-green-yellow-orange luminescence is observed depending on the excitation wavelength and the morphology of oxidized Ge. The various defects level associated with germanium-oxygen vacancies in GeO2 and Ge/GeO2 interface are responsible for the excitation-dependent luminescence. Being a light-conversion material, oxidized Ge is expected to find potential applications in solid-state lighting, photovoltaic devices and photocatalysis. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spectrophotometric determination of molybdenum with Syzygium jambolanum DC leaf extracts

A new spectrophotometric method for the determination of molybdenum in industrial materials has been developed using the leaf extract of Syzygium jambolanum DC based on the reaction of Mo (VI) at pH 7.0 to produce an orange-yellow complex with an absorption maximum at 426 nm. The molar absorptivity of the complex is 4.27 x 10(4) l mol(-1) cm(-1) and the absorbance, is linear in the range 0.05-0.8 ppm. Sandell sensitivity coefficient was found to be 2.25 x 10(-3) mu g/cm(2). The method is ten times more sensitive than the aqueous thiocyanate system. It has been applied successfully in micronutrient fertilizer, artificial freshwater and sea-water analyses.

Evaporation-Condensation Synthesis and Optical Property of In(2)O(3)Octahedrons

Synthesis of In2O3 octahedrons is carried out successfully by heating Indium metal pieces in air ambient. The sample is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The as-prepared In2O3 octahedrons are highly crystalline and exhibit body centered cubic structure. Room temperature and temperature (293-453K) dependence photoluminescence reveals a deep levelbroad emission of yellowish-orange spectra centered around 605 nm. The emission is due to the presence of defect levels in the band gap of materials.