Arabian Journal of Chemistry最新文献

A novel composite of ZnFe₂O₄/NaNbO₃ (ZFO/NNO) nanorods with a p-n heterojunction structure was successfully synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The NNO nanorods were heated in situ using the photothermal effect of ZFO and subsequently cooled to room temperature, creating a cyclic heating and cooling process for ZFO/NNO. The catalytic activity of the resulting nanorods was assessed through the degradation of Rhodamine B, reaching 98% degradation efficiency after 180 min, attributed to the synergistic effect of pyrocatalysis and photocatalysis. Compared with NNO and ZFO individually, the enhanced performance of ZFO/NNO can be attributed to several synergistic factors, including the expanded spectral range of light absorption for ZFO, the establishment of the built-in electric field of the p-n junction between ZFO and NNO, and the NNO pyroelectric effect that further improved the charge transfer efficiency. Superoxide radicals and holes generated from photo-induced electrons were identified as the active species. Hydroxyl radicals generated from pyroelectrically-induced charge also participated in catalytic reaction. The combined effect of pyroelectric and photocatalytic processes could significantly improve the coupled pyro-photocatalytic reaction for pyroelectric semiconductor heterostructure, enabling the utilization of multiple energy sources, including solar and thermal energy.

To realize the efficient storage and conversion of solar energy by phase change materials (PCMs), low photothermal conversion efficiency and poor heat transfer performance remain great challenges. Herein, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based composite PCMs with excellent photothermal conversion performance and exceptional thermal management capability were obtained by using boron nitride/copper oxide@multi-walled carbon nanotubes (BN/CuO@MWCNTs) as the thermal conductive and photothermal conversion enhancement fillers. The results indicate that owing to the bridging effect, the introduction of CuO and MWCNTs on the BN surface can construct additional heat transfer paths, resulting in a high thermal conductivity of up to 2.35 W/(m·K) for the as-prepared PEG/BN/CuO@MWCNTs composite, which is about 9-folds enhancement than pristine PEG. Simultaneously, the supercooling degree of PEG in PEG/BN/CuO@MWCNTs is effectively suppressed due to the synergistic nucleation effect of BN, CuO and MWCNTs. Additionally, the PEG/BN/CuO@MWCNTs composites not only exhibit a high latent-heat capacity of 154.5 J/g and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 92.2 %, but also show favorable shape stability and durable reliability. This work offers a workable solution for the synergistic enhancement of photothermal conversion and thermal management, which can effectively promote the practical application in solar energy conversion and storage.

Aim

This study evaluated the pesticide residues in some fruits collected from different markets in Saudi Arabia (SA) and determined potential health risks associated with them.

Methods

Concentrations of pesticide residues in 12 types of fruits from local markets in SA from 2020 to 2022 were collected and evaluated. Multiple residue extraction method QuEChERS followed by LC-MS/MS and GC–MS/MS, were used to analyze 161 samples.

Results

Only 10 out of 161 samples (6.2 %) were free of pesticides. A total of 132 (87.4 %) pesticide residues were below MRLs, with 19 (12 %) of samples exceeding MRLs. Detected pesticide residues belonged to different chemical classes of pesticides including organophosphates, pyrethroids, organochlorines, neonicotinoids and fungicides. Risk assessment of human exposure to pesticides via the intake of the fruit types was performed. Hazard index (HI) for most fruit types were found to be less than 1. Oranges, grapes and pomegranates were the most consumed fruit types (31.6 g/day,15.8 g/day,10.8 g/day) and were contaminated with pesticide residues. Fluopyram, imazalil, chlorpyrifos, finamiphos and indoxacarb had HIs (1.32, 2.76,3.6,3.6,1.5) showed high risk index suggesting risk for systemic toxicity in consumers dependent on the amount of consumption.

Conclusion

In summary, high detection rate of pesticide residues was found in different fruits sold in local markets in SA. Regular biomonitoring programs for food crops in SA markets should be enforced, particularly in identified crops with His >1 to increase food safety within the SA community.

To address the problem of petrochemical organic pollutants in water, specifically monoethylene glycol (MEG) present in industrial process streams, in this research, we synthesized and evaluated a multifunctional nanocomposite, Fe₃O₄@MC/MWCNT-CuO/Ag. The nanocomposite was produced by combining magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, methylcellulose (MC), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and CuO/Ag nanoparticles by an integrated synthesis process. A consistent dispersion of nanoparticles, with diameters ranging from 30-40 nm, was discovered by FESEM analysis, showing effective integration without aggregation. Effective synthesis was demonstrated by well-doped and evenly dispersed CuO and Ag nanoparticles. Functional groups that improve electrostatic interactions with contaminants hence enhancing catalytic performance and adsorption efficiency, were validated by FTIR analysis. XRD indicated an unchanged crystal structure with an average crystallite size of 8.67 nm. The anticipated elemental composition was verified by EDS & mapping. A VSM study revealed magnetic characteristics (9.33 emu/g) that simplify nanocomposite separation and reuse. TGA proved thermal stability to be up to 600 °C. A BET study showed a highly specific surface area of 67.661 m²/g, enhancing adsorption. According to DRS and PL studies, the bandgap was lowered by 1.31 eV, which led to better optical absorption. The nanocomposite exhibited notable MEG removal efficiency, with 72 % in adsorption, 65 % in photocatalysis, and 56 % in sonocatalysis. This makes it a promising alternative for the remediation of organic pollutants in water treatment.

In this study, we explore the dynamic nature of metallocene catalysts during ethylene/isoprene E/IP) copolymerization, with a focus on the influence of various reaction parameters. Challenges, why do olefinic catalysts show lower activity and molecular weight (Mw) at higher temperatures and low activity with higher diene content? Firstly, we investigate the observed phenomena of decreased catalyst activity and Mw at elevated temperatures using 1.25 μmole of the metallocene. Notably, a substantial increase in active sites from 30 °C to 40 °C, reaching a peak of 89 %. Surprisingly, further temperature increments lead to a noticeable decline in active sites. At 30 °C, the active site primarily engages in the insertion of IP through 3,4 connections, with no detectable cis-1,4 or trans-1,4 connections, which suggests a lack of stereoselectivity at this temperature. At 40–50°C, cis/trans-1,4 connections and active sites are approaching a higher level. This implies a reduction in chain transfer reactions, making catalytic active sites more favorable to cis/trans-1,4 connections. Secondly, we observe a remarkable impact of IP concentration in the E/IP copolymers, active centers, and activity show stability when the amount of IP was 0.116–0.48 mol/L and then started to decline when the amount of IP 0.96 mol/L, indicating a threshold beyond which deactivation occurs. Increasing IP concentration not only reduces activity and active sites but also fails to reactivate dormant polyethylene sites. The Mw and active centers of copolymers progressively decrease with elevated IP concentration, suggesting a faster chain transfer reaction with IP compared to E.