VOLUME 48, NO4, AUG-2026

Nitrogen Doped Porous Carbons Derived from Walnut Shell as an Oxygen Reduction Catalyst for Mg-Air Batteries

The present study proposes a nitrogen-doped carbon material with an improved pore structure, facilitating efficient mass transfer and offering abundant active sites for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction. The present study successfully synthesized a series of N-doped carbons with three-dimensional interpenetrating layered porous structures by utilizing NaOH as a pore-forming agent during the carbonization process of biomass refuse. The half-wave potential of NWSC0.6 (N-doped walnut shells carbon) (E1/2 = 0.849 V) exceeds that of 20 wt% Pt/C by 9 mV. The catalyst exhibited exceptional catalytic performance and remarkable stability. The discharge voltage of the Mg-air battery utilizing NWSC0.6 as the cathode catalyst consistently outperforms that of the battery employing 20% wt% Pt/C as the cathode catalyst. The synthesis of noble-metal-free catalysts derived from natural biological resources exhibits superior electrochemical performance in Mg-air batteriesread more

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Kun Liu, Fanqing Ji, Guangyue Zhou, Jing Wang, Haoyi Li, Xiuxian Quan, Angli Zhang, Kaiqi Liu, Xucheng Fu and Xiaowu Liu

Mercury Contamination in Food: Sources, Hazards, Prevention and Detection Techniques for Mercury Speciation Analysis: A Review

Mercury is a highly toxic element that threatens both human health and the environment, with its toxicity varying by species, which possesses bioaccumulation and persistence. Common exposure sources include farm produce, aquatic products, and other foods. Therefore, understanding the mercury contamination in food for ensuring food safety, preventing mercury poisoning, and safeguarding human health and the ecological environment. This review summarizes mercury's presence in food, its sources, health hazards, current pollution status, limit standards and preventive and control measures. It also discusses common detection techniques for mercury speciation in food and anticipates the future developments in mercury speciation analysis, aiming to provide technical guidance for preventing and controlling mercury pollution and for screening and detecting mercury content in food.read more

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Zhiqiang Chen and Ye He

Structure–Functional Relationships of Ni/Zeolite Composites in CO2 Reforming of Methane

This study investigates the comparative structure–function relationships of Ni/zeolite composites, Ni–X (X = CaA, NaX, CaX, NaY, ZSM-5, MOR, and clinoptilolite (CL)), for syngas production via dry reforming of methane (DRM). Particular attention is paid to the influence of zeolite framework topology, cationic composition, textural characteristics, and surface acid–base properties on catalytic performance under identical experimental conditions. Characterization of a representative sample by XRD and SEM/EDX demonstrated the successful incorporation of nickel into the composite while maintaining the zeolite framework. In contrast to studies focused on individual zeolite systems, this work presents a comparative evaluation of Ni/zeolite catalyst representing a wide range of framework types, thus providing a robust basis for identifying structure–function relationships and their quantitative trends. The quantitative correlations identified between zeolite structure and the principal catalytic performance parameters for Ni/zeolites systems based on A-, X-, and Y-type, together with the higher activity of the narrow-pore Ni–CaA and Ni–CL catalysts, demonstrate the important role of framework topology in determining catalytic performance. Furthermore, analysis of the relationship between catalytic performance and surface acid–base properties highlighted the contribution of Lewis acidic and basic sites. The work examines both structure–function relationships across different zeolite topologies and catalytic changes induced within the same framework type by physicochemical modification. Clinoptilolite-based catalysts demonstrated promising performance: acid activation of clinoptilolite enabled controlled tuning of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio, porosity, and surface acidity, leading to enhanced catalytic behavior. Overall, the catalytic performance of Ni-zeolite systems in DRM is governed by the interaction between framework structure, pore accessibility, cationic composition, and surface acid-base properties.read more

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Jafarova Sevil Tagi

Performance Evaluation and Mechanism Exploration of Heavy Metal Ion Adsorption by Four Carbon Materials

In order to develop a high-efficiency adsorbent for removing trace heavy metal ions in aqueous solution, this study systematically evaluated the adsorption performance of four carbon materials. The study investigates how morphology, surface functional groups, and charge characteristics affect adsorption performance, and elucidates the dominant adsorption mechanism via modeling and thermodynamic analysis. Activated carbon and its nitrogen-modified derivative show excellent Co2+ adsorption ability adsorption performance with a maximum of 80%. The adsorption behavior conforms to monolayer adsorption mechanism. For activated carbon and beard‑shaped carbon nanotubes, Co2+ removal is mainly achieved through adsorption capacity with uptake capacity correlating positively with textural properties. In contrast, adsorption of Co2+ by N‑doped AC and OH‑functionalized CNTs involves two mechanisms: physical adsorption and chemical adsorption, and its adsorption mechanism is affected by the density of the surface hydroxyl group. In five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, all materials maintain stable adsorption efficiency (maintained at more than 95% of the initial adsorption capacity). In the mixed metal competitive adsorption system, N-AC exhibits the highest selectivity for Pb2+, followed by Co2+, while Cr(VI) has the lowest adsorption capacity. It is worth noting that N-AC also shows excellent universality in removing Pb2+ and Cr(VI), highlighting its great application potential in the field of actual wastewater treatmentread more

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Songhui Liu, Ting Wang, Weize Sun, Jingle Chen, Huali Chen

A Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Erlotinib: Gamma Irradiation-Induced and ICH-Guided Stress Degradation Studies

Erlotinib (OSI-774), an FDA-approved epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, is extensively used in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other malignancies. This study explores erlotinib's chemical instability under various stress conditions, including hydrolytic, oxidation, thermal, and photolytic stress, as well as its environmental impact due to drug residues in effluents. A stability-indicating reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) method was developed to quantify erlotinib and its degradation products in pharmaceutical formulations. Gamma irradiation, an advanced oxidation process, was evaluated for its efficacy in degrading erlotinib in aqueous solutions. The study revealed a significant increase in degradation efficiency with higher absorbed doses and acidic pH conditions. These findings underscore the potential of gamma irradiation as an effective environmental remediation strategy for removing pharmaceutical contaminants and provide the first investigation of erlotinib's degradation via gamma irradiationread more

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Ayşe Özdemir, Senem Şanlı, Meryem Cansu Şahin

Metals (Ni and Fe) Doped Si, C, BN, AlP Nanotubes and Nanocages as Catalysts for SO2 Hydro-Desulfurization to Create the H2S

In this work, potential of Ni-Si51, Ni-C51, Fe-C71, Fe-B35N35, Ni-Al25P25, nanotubes as catalysts for SO2 hydro-desulfurization are examined to propose the new catalysts with high performances. Results shown that the Ni and Fe adoption on nanocages and nanotubes is improved the catalytic activity of C, Si, BN, AlP nanotubes and nanocages, significantly. The Ni and Fe atoms dues to high adsorption energy values are cites to join the SO2. Results shown that Ni-Si51, Ni-C51, Fe-C71, Fe-B35N35, Ni-Al25P25, nanotubes as catalysts for SO2 hydro-desulfurization have higher catalytic activity than various metals and various metal oxide catalysts. The H2S is generated on Ni-Si51, Ni-C51, Fe-C71, Fe-B35N35, Ni-Al25P25, Fe and Ni doped nanotubes: SO2* → SO* → S* → SH* → H2S. Finally, Ni-Si51, Fe-B35N35, Ni-Al25P25, Fe-BNNT and Ni-AlPNT can catalyze the SO2 hydro-desulfurization.read more

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Xiao Shao, Farag M. A. Altalbawy, Nawfal Yousif Jamil, Ahmed Salih Sahib Zahraa Saad Abdulali, Mariem Alwan, Mahmood Jawad, Hiba Mushtaq, Fadhil F. Sead, Aseel Smerat and Wang Baoo

Synthesis, Mechanistic Insights, Kinetics and Thermodynamic Studies of the Bentonite-Guar gum Hybrids for Adsorption of Cationic and Anionic Dyes

The widespread discharge of carcinogenic dyes from industrial effluents poses serious health and environmental hazards, necessitating efficient remediation strategies. In this study, hybrids (3a-h) of modified sodium bentonite, guar gum and chitosan were synthesized and employed for organic dyes adsorption. The confirmation of prepared hybrids was accomplished by FTIR, XRD, SEM and EDX analysis. The thermochemical treatment of bentonites resulted in improved crystalline structure that was more pronounced in hybrids. The surface roughness and porosity was increased in prepared hybrids and more visible in 3g hybrid. These results were further supported by chemical composition where high carbon and oxygen contents were observed. Among the synthesized hybrids, sample 3g exhibited high adsorption capacity for both Congo red (CR) (95.5%) and methylene green (MG) dye (76%). Adsorption behaviour was systemically evaluated by varying the pH, temperature, contact time and adsorbent dosage. The best results were achieved at ambient temperature in 120 minutes, at an adsorbent dosage of 0.05 mg.g-1 and pH 8 for Methyl green. The same hybrid demonstrated maximum adsorption under identical conditions, except at an acidic pH of 2 with contact time at 150 min for Congo Red. The data fit both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, indicating monolayer and heterogeneous multilayer adsorption. Kinetic studies supported pseudo second order reaction mechanism, suggesting chemisorption dominance. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that MG adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic, whereas CR showed a non-spontaneous behavior due to electrostatic repulsion. Molecular logic gates were constructed to demonstrate the intelligent sensing capability of the synthesized hybrids by varying pH and temperature. The synthesized hybrid composites demonstrated promising potential for sustainable wastewater treatment applications with high adsorption capacity, selectivity and cost-effectiveness.read more

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Anam Ilyas, Amna Ashfaq, Nayab Siddique, Ambreen Ghani, Manahal Furqan and Erum Akbar Hussain

Gamma and UV Radiation-Based Advanced Oxidation Processes for Degradation of Anti-Cancer Drug Daunorubicin: Environmental Toxicity and Wastewater Treatment Implications

Pharmaceutical contamination poses a significant threat to ecosystems and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) offer promising solutions. This study investigates the innovative degradation of daunorubicin, an anticancer drug, utilizing a novel combination of UV and gamma (γ) radiation with H₂O₂ (1 µmol L-1). This strategy significantly enhances degradation efficiency compared to conventional advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The results demonstrated that while UV/H₂O₂ achieved 89.89% degradation of a 5 mg L-1 daunorubicin solution in 90 minutes, the gamma/H₂O₂ system achieved complete degradation at a lower treatment time and a gamma-absorbed dose of 4 kGy. This unique synergy combines the rapid generation of reactive oxygen species under UV radiation with the deeper penetration and oxidative capabilities of gamma radiation, offering unparalleled degradation efficiency. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of 56% for UV/H₂O₂ and 83% for gamma/H₂O₂ further emphasizes the environmental benefit of this approach. Kinetic parameters (G-Value, dose constant, D0.50, D0.90, D0.99) were also evaluated for gamma-treated samples, demonstrating a statistically significant performance improvement. Ecotoxicological assessments, including the Allium cepa bioassay and Ames test, revealed up to 96.21% and 95.83% reductions in mutagenicity (for TA100 and TA98, respectively) with gamma/H₂O₂, highlighting the detoxification potential. Analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS and FTIR confirmed the successful breakdown of daunorubicin by-products. The study's methodology was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), ensuring robust and reproducible results. This research underscores the superiority of integrating UV and gamma radiation with H₂O₂, presenting a transformative approach to pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.read more

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Muhammad Imran Kanjal, Majid Muneer, Saif Ullah, Nighat Zia ud Den, Muhammad Wasim Afzal, Wissem Mnif, Zaina Algarni, Munawar Iqbal, Arif Nazir, Lotfi Mouni