Solar/visible light photocatalytic dye degradation using BaTi1−xFexO3 ceramics

BaTi_1−xFe_xO₃ compositions (for x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) were prepared via a solid-state reaction route. The presence of iron (Fe) in barium titanate (BaTiO₃) eventually decreased the energy bandgap; thus, its utilization for water cleaning application through photocatalysis process was explored (using methylene blue [MB] dye as an indicative pollutant in water). Characterization of the synthesized powder was performed through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The bandgap of the synthesized powder was calculated as 3.2, 2.12, and 1.67 eV for BaTi_1−xFe_xO₃ compositions (for x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2), respectively. BaTi_0.8Fe_0.2O₃ powder showed excellent results, and ∼71% of the MB dye (∼5 mg/L concentrated) was degraded using the photocatalysis process under visible light. To check the potentiality of BaTi_1−xFe_xO₃ compositions (for x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2), the photocatalysis process was carried out by changing the concentration of MB dye (2.5–10 mg/L with a step of 2.5 mg/L) and the amount of BaTi_0.8Fe_0.2O₃ powder (0.05–0.2 g with a step of 0.05 g) for ∼5-mg/L concentrated MB dye. The treated water was further used as a growth parameter and phytotoxicity analysis through germination index on the wheat seeds. Lastly, the BaTi_1−xFe_xO₃ compositions (for x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) were explored for water cleaning applications under real-time solar irradiation.     

Bioenergy,food security and poverty reduction: trade-offs and synergies along the water–energy–food security nexus

This article provides a review of trade-offs and synergies of bioenergy within the water–energy–food security nexus, with emphasis on developing countries. It explores the links of bioenergy with food security, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, health, and gender equity. It concludes that applying the nexus perspective to analyses of bioenergy widens the scope for achieving multiple-win outcomes along the above aspects.     

Structural,Optical, and Ferroelectric Behaviors of Cu_(1-x)Li_xO(0≤x≤0.09) Nanostructures

We report structural,optical,and ferroelectric behaviors of lithium-doped copper oxide(Cu1-xLixO with x =0.0,0.05,0.07,and 0.09) nanostructures synthesized by hydrothermal method.The XRD pattern indicates the pure phase formation of CuO without any impurity,and the crystallite size is found to be increases for x =0–0.07 and decreases for x =0.09.FESEM analysis shows that the average size of Cu1-xLixO nanostructures increases with the increasing the Li-doping concentrations up to 7% and then decreases for 9% Li doping concentration.Moreover,Raman and photoluminescence spectrum also confirm the phase formation of CuO.A significant reduction in optical band gap is observed up to x =0.07,and then band gap increases for x =0.09 due to segregation of the impurities on the surface or grain boundaries,which may suppress the grain growth and results the enhancement in optical band gap.Moreover,a weak ferroelectricity is observed in CuO nanostructures for pure and 9% Li doping through polarization versus electric field(P–E).     

Characterization of copper nanoparticles synthesized by a novel microbiological method

The exploitation of various biomaterials for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles is considered as green technology as it does not involve any harmful chemicals. The present study reports the synthesis of copper nanoparticles which involves non-pathogenic bacterial strain Pseudomonas stutzeri, isolated from soil. These copper nanoparticles are further characterized for size and shape distributions by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results showed that the particles are spherical and quite stable in nature and shows surface plasmon resonance clearly featured in the optical spectra in visible region.     

Intergranular Corrosion Behavior of Low-Nickel and 304 Austenitic Stainless Steels

Intergranular corrosion (IGC) susceptibility for Cr-Mn austenitic stainless steel and 304 austenitic stainless steel (ASS) was estimated using electrochemical techniques. Optical and SEM microscopy studies were carried out to investigate the nature of IGC at 700 °C with increasing time (15, 30, 60, 180, 360, 720, 1440 min) according to ASTM standard 262 A. Quantitative analysis was performed to estimate the degree of sensitization (DOS) using double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DLEPR) and EIS technique. DLEPR results indicated that with the increase in thermal aging duration, DOS becomes more severe for both types of stainless steel. The DOS for Cr-Mn ASS was found to be higher (65.12% for 1440 min) than that of the AISI 304 ASS (23% for 1440 min). The higher degree of sensitization resulted in lowering of electrical charge capacitance resistance. Chronoamperometry studies were carried out at a passive potential of 0.4 V versus SCE and was observed to have a higher anodic dissolution of the passive film of Cr-Mn ASS. EDS studies show the formation of chromium carbide precipitates in the vicinity of the grain boundary. The higher Mn content was also observed for Cr-Mn ASS at the grain boundary.