Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2023-frontmatter4-5pmid: N/A

Ali, Faisal; Ameen, Maryam; Younas, Umer; Pervaiz, Muhammad; Saeed, Zohaib; Ashraf, Adnan; Hassan, Faiza; Manzoor, Qaisar; Iqbal, Shahid; Iqbal, Munawar

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2022-0159pmid: N/A

AbstractEosin Y (EY) is a toxic dye and has adverse effects on human beings as well as on aquatic organisms. During the last few decades, various methods such as physio-chemical and biological methods have been reported for the degradation of this toxic dye. Many researchers reported degradation of EY using different polymer stabilized metal nanoparticles synthesized employing green methods. Mono-metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) stabilized by polymeric systems are the most widely used tools for the degradation of many toxic dyes including EY. Characterization as well as morphology assessment of the nanoparticles is done by different analytical techniques including UV-visible, FTIR, SEM, TEM and XRD. In this review article, synthesis, characterization, chemistry of the polymeric stabilized nanoparticles has been reported. In addition, mechanism, kinetics and thermodynamics of catalytic degradation of EY using polymeric stabilized nanoparticles, have been discussed. This review also carries the discussion on various nano catalytic systems which have been used for the degradation of EY to link the most recent work on water purification from EY dye. This review will be helpful in understanding the spectrum of already published work describing role of polymeric stabilized nanoparticles for EY degradation. It will also motivate researchers to design their future work and commercial applications of polymeric stabilized nanoparticles.

Ahmed, Danish; Ahmed, Adeel; Usman, Muhammad; Rafiq, Muhammad; Tufail, Muhammad Khurram; Ahmed, Tayyab; Memon, A. Manan; Khokhar, Waquar Ahmed

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2022-0123pmid: N/A

AbstractThe oxidation of atrazine herbicide from water was performed by using titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles synthesized via the sol-gel method. A batch-scale photocatalytic reactor was designed for experimental work. The process was monitored using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. Operational parameters such as catalyst loading and pollutant concentration were investigated. The X-ray diffraction confirmed the anatase phase and high purity of the synthesized particles. Fourier transform infrared showed the functional group of titanium (Ti–O–Ti). The morphology of synthesized nanoparticles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which exhibited the irregular shape of nanoparticles along with aggregations. The average size of TiO2 was found to be 56.92 nm as measured from dynamic light scattering analysis. UV–visible spectrometry showed an absorbance of 0.13 (<1). The nanoparticles displayed UV light-responsive catalytic ability with a bandgap energy of 3.14 eV. Furthermore, atrazine was discovered using mass spectrometry, which revealed a clear and sharp peak at 173, 95, and 76 m/z, respectively, at collision energies of 16 and 24 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles was examined for the degradation of atrazine. Overall, the obtained results displayed the great efficiency of TiO2 nanoparticles towards ultra-violet light, which was 92.56% at 100 mg of dosages, highlighting the great potential of the photocatalysis process for atrazine degradation. Furthermore, the process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics and the rate was seen to depend on catalyst loading.

Abbas, Ghulam; Bhatti, Ijaz Ahmad; Amjed, Nyla; Zeshan, Muhammed; Ibrahim, Sobhy M.; Nazir, Arif; Iqbal, Munawar

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2022-0088pmid: N/A

AbstractThe coal is an imperative source of energy, which on combustion, it emits sulphur dioxide, which cause air pollution. In the present study, microwave mediated desulphurization of coal was investigated and input variables were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The proximate analysis and ultimate analysis report indicate the sample belongs to subbituminous having sulphur (6.96%), volatile matter (34.5%) and calorific value (5099 kcal/kg). Under microwave irradiation, up to 68% of sulphur was leached in alkaline medium. The particle size of coal, concentration of potassium hydroxide (KOH), microwave exposure time and power of microwave radiation were systematically optimized for maximum desulphurization of the coal. Under optimum conditions of the process variables, 63.06% desulphurization of coal was achieved. The optimum levels of process variables are as, particle size 500 µm, irradiation time 8.54 min, radiation power 720 W and concentration of KOH 15% (w/v). Findings revealed that the microwave-assisted desulphurization under alkaline condition furnished promising efficiency, which can be employed for the desulphurization of coal.

Ullah, Zia; Islam, Noor Ul; Ikram, Muhammad; Zahoor, Muhammad; Nazir, Nausheen; Naz, Sumaira; Ullah, Riaz; Bari, Ahmed; Shah, Abdul Bari

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2023-0212pmid: N/A

AbstractHerein we have determined the heavy metals concentrations (Pb, Cd, and Ni) estimated in River Swat water, irregated soils samples, fodder plant’s parts, farmed animal milk/meat samples and human blood from two location Mingora and Barikot in District Swat, Pakistan, using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, and Ni were found 0.016 ± 0.008, 0.50 ± 0.03, and 0.022 ± 0.004 mg/L in Mingora drain water, respectively, while in the Barikot sample the aforementioned metal were in the range of 0.014 ± 0.01, 0.29 ± 0.02, and 0.108 ± 0.08 mg/L. In the field water samples of Mingora the Cd, Pb and Ni were detected in the range of 0.008 ± 0.001, 0.65 ± 0.05 and 0.032 ± 0.006 mg/L, respectively, while in the field water samples of Barikot contained Cd = 0.016 ± 0.007 mg/L, Pb = 0.48 ± 0.04 mg/L and Ni = 0.043 ± 0.003 mg/L. Drain soil of Mingora contained the highest concentrations of heavy metals, with Cd = 3.9 ± 0.62 mg/kg, Pb = 45.5 ± 3.2 mg/kg, and Ni = 19.95 ± 2.1 mg/kg, whereas field soil contained Cd = 1.6 ± 0.44 mg/kg, Pb = 54.5 ± 2.26 mg/kg, and Ni = 34.75 ± 3.2 mg/kg. Cd in the Barikot drain soil was 3.95 ± 0.71 mg/kg, while it was 0.8 ± 0.06 mg/kg in the field soil. Lead in the same drain sample was 33 ± 3.23 mg/kg, while it was 72 ± 4.15 mg/kg in the field sample. Ni concentrations in Barikot drain soil samples was 13.85 ± 1.1 mg/kg, while 6.9 ± 0.8 mg/kg was detected in field samples. From the results it can be concluded that appreciable concentrations of heavy metals are present in milk and meat samples of farmed animals whereas significant quantities are also there in human blood samples indicating the transport of the selected metals from water through fodder plants into human. However, it may not be the sole reason heavy metal contaminations in human blood other factors like inhalation etc. may also be equally responsible.

Kaur, Ramanjeet; Kaur, Gagandeep; Sharma, Pooja; Kumar, Harsh; Kaur, Jasmeet

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2023-0222pmid: N/A

AbstractThe present work aimed to study the mixed micellar behaviour of a tri-substituted imidazolium based surface-active ionic liquid (SAIL), 1-tetradecyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bromide [C14bmim][Br], with a drug Nortriptyline hydrochloride (NOT) in the water/salt (Na2SO4) medium using surface tension measurements (298.15 K) alongwith conductivity measurements (298.15K–313.15K). Lower experimentally obtained cmc values compared to their ideal values suggest that the investigated amphiphiles interact strongly. The values of micellar mole fraction (X1) based on the several proposed models (Rubingh, Motomura, and Rodenas) and the ideal micellar mole fraction (Xid) were assessed, and the predicted outcomes indicate that NOT has a significant contribution to the formation of mixed micelles, which increases as the [C14bmim][Br] mole fraction is increased. The negative values of micellization’s Gibbs free energy (ΔGm0) between the examined amphiphiles were an indication of spontaneous mixed micelle formation. Micellar changes in entropy (ΔSm0) and enthalpy (ΔHm0) were also computed and discussed. Using surface tension measurements, surface-active parameters like surface tension at cmc (γcmc), minimum surface area per IL molecule (Amin), maximum surface excess concentration (τmax), effectiveness of surface tension reduction (πcmc), and cmc of mixed system have been estimated. The results showed an improved adsorption and micellization properties of these mixtures which will surely contribute to the tremendous rise of these mixed systems in drug delivery applications.

Khawaja, Heena; Zahir, Erum; Asghar, Muhammad Asif; Daniel, Asher Benjamin

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2023-0218pmid: N/A

AbstractThe residue of lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) and thiamethoxam (TMX) insecticides are toxic systemic pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides and their entrance into water bodies can have a toxic impact on aquatic and terrestrial life. Therefore, producing of economical, sustainable and effective adsorbents is immediately required for the removal of these insecticides from polluted water. In this study, the nanocomposite of graphene oxide (GO) grafted with chitosan (CS) and copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) was synthesized, characterized and assessed, for the first time, for LCT and TMX removal from wastewater using sorption and mechanism studies. The removal of LCT and TMX was assessed by varying the adsorbent dose, initial concentrations of insecticides, pH, exposure time and temperature to achieve optimum sorption conditions. The nanocomposite provides more than 80% removal rate for 1400 mg/L of insecticides in an aqueous solution using only 100 mg of nanocomposite at 318 K in 120 min due to large surface area and pore volume. The adsorption equilibrium data best followed the Langmuir model, with an adsorption capacity of 153 and 193 mg/g for the LCT and TMX, respectively. The pseudo-second-order explained the kinetics best, and the thermodynamic study indicated that the process was spontaneous, and endothermic and proceeded with the increase in randomness. The suggested mechanisms of LCT and TMX sorption by GO-CS-Cu nanocomposite are hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction. The reusability study of GO-CS-Cu was executed up to five cycles and maintains its efficiency even after the considered cycles. In conclusion, the study proves the promising use of GO-CS-Cu as a stable, reusable and promising adsorbent for LCT and TMX removal from wastewater at the industrial level.

Khan, Abbas; Khan, Sumayya; Khan, Nazish; Naz, Sumayya; Bououdina, Mohamed; Rehman, Noor; Humayun, Muhammad; Shah, Nasrullah; Anwar, Natasha; Ali, Hazrat

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2023-0216pmid: N/A

AbstractThis work focuses on the interaction of cellulose-based colloidal microgel dispersions with the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at different concentrations. First, a Cellulose-P(NIPAAm-MAA)-based responsive microgel sample was prepared by a radical polymerization method using a one-pot process. The samples thus obtained were purified, characterized and used to study microgel-surfactant interactions. To this end, SDS solutions with different concentrations were prepared and the interactions of SDS in the premicellar and micelle regions with polymer microgel were investigated using different physicochemical techniques. Experiments were also performed at different temperatures to obtain the degree of binding of SDS to microgel in gel surfactant mixtures. Due to the temperature-sensitive properties of microgel, we observed significant changes in various properties of microgel-surfactant mixtures when the solution temperature changed. The overall results showed that various experimental variables, such as the polymer gel/surfactant ratio and temperature, affect the gel–surfactant interaction quantitatively and qualitatively. With increasing surfactant concentration, conductance, viscosity and absorbance values ​​increased, but a decrease in surface tension was observed. This is due to the adsorption of SDS at the air-water interface. The micellar activity of surfactants is enhanced by the addition of microgels. It was found that the strength and nature of the interaction depended not only on the gel/surfactant ratio, solvent type and test temperature, but also on the chemical structure of the surfactant used. Furthermore, the visual stability of the colloidal particles in the mixture of microgel and SDS was also noticeable over time.

Raju, Rajendran; Losetty, Venkatramana; Ravikumar, Srinivasan; Bhanuprakash, Puthalapattu; Balamurugan, Subramanian; Pandiyan, Venkatesan

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2022-0167pmid: N/A

AbstractIn this investigation, the binary solutions of morpholine (MP) with tert-butyl acetate (TBA), iso-butyl acetate (IBA), butyl acetate (BA) and butyl acrylate (BAC) were prepared for the densities (ρ) and speeds of sound (u) measurements at T = (303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15) K over the entire composition range and at atmospheric pressure (P = 0.1 MPa). From these data, excess thermodynamic properties such as excess molar volume (VmE${V}_{m}^{E}$), excess isentropic compressibility (κSE${\kappa }_{S}^{E}$) and excess speeds of sound (uE${u}^{E}$) were calculated to elucidate the strength and types of intermolecular interactions between the component molecules. Redlich-Kister (RK) equation and Prigogine–Flory–Patterson (PFP) theory was applied to correlate the excess parameters and excess volumes, respectively. Further, intermolecular free length theory and collision frequency theory were used to correlate the speed of sound data. Shifting of bands (δν), bond length and hydrogen bond strength between the atoms were calculated from the experimental FTIR and DFT theoretical studies. The systematic increasing order of the intermolecular hydrogen bond strength between the two atoms in the studied binary systems as follows: TBA > IBA > BA > BAC.

Shehzad, Hamza; Begum, Robina; Ahmed, Ejaz; Sharif, Ahsan; Batool, Maham; Fatima, Manahil; Irfan, Ahmad; Farooqi, Zahoor H.

doi: 10.1515/zpch-2022-0091pmid: N/A

AbstractSynthesis of a biocomposite based on N-maleated chitosan immobilized in amino-carbamated alginate matrix (NMC-PSC) was carried out. Facile chemical modifications of sodium alginate and chitosan were executed using maleic anhydride and 4-phenylsemicarbazide as chemical modifiers, respectively. NMC-PSC hydrogel beads were employed for Cu(II) biosorption from aqueous media. Study of surface characterization, morphology and chemical structure of the sorbent indicated the successful surface functionalization and attachment of Cu(II) ions. Sorption parameters like pH, time of contact, sorbent dosage and adsorbate content significantly influenced the sorption capacity. Kinetic results demonstrated that copper sorption on NMC-PSC was governed by chemisorption and ion-exchange rather than merely mass transfer. Equilibrium sorption data closely fitted with Langmuir model and maximum Langmuir monolayer binding capacity (qm) was determined as 207 mg/g. The negative ΔGo values indicated the spontaneity of Cu(II) sorption process while ΔHo and ΔSo parameters indicated the exothermic nature of sorption which proceeds with rise in entropy.