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Cubic Zirconia (CZ) has emerged as a critical material with diverse applications, ranging from high-performance ceramics to electronic devices. Designing CZ-based systems with improved functions necessitates a thorough understanding of its topological characteristics. The topological co-indices are numerical descriptors that offer important details about the local atomic configurations and connectivity inside the CZ lattice. In this study, we present a methodical approach to compute and assess the distribution of these co-indices throughout the CZ network using advanced computational approaches. The distribution patterns of topological co-indices inside the CZ network are significantly better understood as a result of our statistical investigation. The basic knowledge of the topological properties of the CZ network and how they relate to physical properties is improved by this study. Cubic Zirconia (CZ) has emerged as a critical material with diverse applications, ranging from high-performance ceramics to electronic devices. The outcomes revealed a relationship between the topological characteristics of the network and its mechanical, thermal, and electrical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxide-based solid electrolytes are gaining popularity among researchers owing to their great structural stability. In this work, a novel oxide-based ternary composite (AlPO4-SiO2-Li4P2O7) electrolyte is synthesized via a conventional solid-state process with excellent water stability and high ionic conductivity. The crystallographic structure of ternary composite is confirmed using x-ray diffraction and has a significant effect on ionic conductivity. The thermogravimetric analysis result shows a 22.26 wt% loss in the region of 25°C to 900°C due to the evaporation of volatile constituents, including nitrates, carbonates, and moisture. Surface analysis results revealed compact morphology and low porosity with arbitrary grain sizes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been used to evaluate ionic conductivities. The Mn-ternary composite sintered at 900°C has shown ionic conductivity of 1.63 × 10−6 S/cm at ambient temperature. 8 wt%-LiBr enhanced the ionic conductivity up to 1.68 × 10−4 S/cm by significantly reducing the grain boundaries without high-temperature sintering. Results suggested the suitability of LiBr mixed ternary composites as a favorite candidate for lithium batteries in terms of safety, stability, and high ionic conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The versatile uses of Copper(II) Fluoride (CuF2) are well known; these include its usage as a precursor in chemical synthesis as well as its contribution to the creation of sophisticated materials and electronics. There are interesting opportunities to study the interactions between these elements because of their unique crystal structure, which contains copper ions and fluoride anions. Its potential in optoelectronic devices and conductive qualities also make it a viable material for next-generation technologies. To better understand the structural properties of CuF2 and how they affect its entropy, we present new Zagreb indices in this study and use them to calculate entropy measures. We also build a regression model to clarify the relationship between the calculated indices and entropy levels. The findings of our investigation offer significant understanding regarding the ability of the suggested Zagreb indices to extract meaningful content and their correlation with entropy in the context of CuF2. This information is important for understanding CuF2 alloys and for exploring related complex materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical water splitting for sustainable hydrogen and oxygen production have shown enormous potentials. However, this method needs low‐cost and highly active catalysts. Traditional nano catalysts, while effective, have limits since their active sites are mostly restricted to the surface and edges, leaving interior surfaces unexposed in redox reactions. Single atom catalysts (SACs), which take advantage of high atom utilization and quantum size effects, have recently become appealing electrocatalysts. Strong interaction between active sites and support in SACs have considerably improved the catalytic efficiency and long‐term stability, outperforming their nano‐counterparts. This review's first section examines the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER). In the next section, SACs are categorized as noble metal, non‐noble metal, and bimetallic synergistic SACs. In addition, this review emphasizes developing methodologies for effective SAC design, such as mass loading optimization, electrical structure modulation, and the critical role of support materials. Finally, Carbon‐based materials and metal oxides are being explored as possible supports for SACs. Importantly, for the first time, this review opens a discussion on waste‐derived supports for single atom catalysts used in electrochemical reactions, providing a cost‐effective dimension to this vibrant research field. The well‐known design techniques discussed here may help in development of electrocatalysts for effective water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For better charge storage and rate performance, supercapacitors need unique electrode materials and design architectures. Recent interest in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) stems from their chemical compatibility with host materials and the abundance of active sites. However, their direct use as electrode materials has been difficult due to their limited electrical conductivity and excessive agglomeration, making them poor electrochemical performers. To solve these problems and boost the performance, we synthesized a nanoporous carbon-based electrode with metallic cobalt nanoparticles and MXenes. The electrode material is a zeolite-imidazole framework (ZIF)-67-derived cobalt-based nanoporous carbon nanotube (CNT) composite produced via in situ growth on Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes by pyrolysis under inert conditions. In situ synthesized porous CNTs add porosity and interconnecting channels to the MXenes providing increased sheet ion transport and diffusion, improving the electrochemical performance. This lowered the charge resistance to 3.73 Ω and enhanced the MXene nanosheet Bode phase angle. In an aqueous acidic electrolyte, the MXene-nanoporous CNT composite exhibited a nominal capacitance of 1605 F/g and 94.5% charge retention after 5000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been an emerging and promising membrane technology to contribute to different gas separation applications including carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) separation, because of their large surface areas and distinctive gas adsorption features. In this work, the fabrication process of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based MMMs was reported, in which 0.5 to 2 wt.% of each type of (Cu, Ni)-based MOF-74 variants were incorporated into a PDMS matrix in order to achieve high CO2/N2, O2/N2, and CO2/O2 separation efficiency. These MMMs and their nanofillers (MOF-74) were extensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) mapping, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), a single gas permeation testing system, and an ultimate tensile strength testing (UTS) unit in order to gain insight into their properties in relation to their gas separation performance. The 1 wt.% of both (Cu and Ni)-MOF-74@PDMS were selected as the most optimum MMMs due to their uniform morphology and enhanced tensile strength, which exhibited high CO2 permeabilities of 4432 Barrer (37.9% increase) and 4288 Barrer (33.5% increase), respectively. Furthermore, in the case of 1 wt.% Ni-MOF-74@PDMS, the CO2/N2, O2/N2, and CO2/O2 selectivities were also enhanced to 36.2 (141.6% increase), 3.2 (21.9% increase), and 11.25 (98.1% increase), respectively. While, in the case of 1 wt.% Cu-MOF-74@PDMS the CO2/N2 and O2/N2 selectivities showed an increment up-to 94.7 (531.5% increase) and 6.47 (145% increase), respectively, Whereas, at 0.5 wt.%, Cu-MOF-74@PDMS showed the best CO2/O2 selectivity of 25.26 (344.7% increase). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum is the 4th largest cereal crop in the world with diverse flavonoid and phenolic compounds. It is resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Sweet sorghum is mostly grown for its grain as well as for the production of ethanol and biofuels. Sorghum is also the main food source with numerous health benefits. Plant growth and development are sustained by metabolites which include both primary and secondary metabolites. Sorghum varieties are characterized on the basis of morphological, molecular, and biochemical factors. Morphometric characterization is a simple and cost-effective method; however, it is greatly influenced by environmental factors. While metabolite profiling pinpoints the basis of plant morphological variations. Metabolomics provides a link between morphological and genetic factors. Moreover, it has applications in gene discovery via metabolomic quantitative traits loci (mQTL) identification. This study was aimed at characterizing three sweet sorghum accessions with characteristic seed colors. Phenotypic data related to grain-related traits was recorded. Flavonoid and phenolic contents of these accessions were also analyzed. Sorghum accession with dark red seed color contained higher phenolic contents as compared to the accession with white seed color. The study provides an interpretation of morphological variations in the grain-related traits of these accessions from the metabolomics perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) adsorbent and its composites are known to effectively remove organic dyes from aqueous environments. Here, we report a unique crystalline MoS2@ZIF-67 nanocomposite adsorbent for the efficient removal of methyl orange (MO) dye from an aqueous medium. In situ synthetic techniques were used to fabricate a well-crystalline MoS2@ZIF-67 nanocomposite, which was then discovered to be a superior adsorbent to its constituents. The successful synthesis of the nanocomposite was confirmed using XRD, EDX, FTIR, and SEM. The MoS2@ZIF-67 nanocomposite exhibited faster adsorption kinetics and higher dye removal efficiency compared with its constituents. The adsorption kinetic data matched well with the pseudo-second-order model, which signifies that the MO adsorption on the nanocomposite is a chemically driven process. The Langmuir model successfully illustrated the MO dye adsorption on the nanocomposite through comparing the real data with adsorption isotherm models. However, it appears that the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model was also in competition with the Langmuir model. According to the acquired thermodynamics parameters, the adsorption of MO on the MoS2@ZIF-67 nanocomposite surface was determined to be spontaneous and exothermic. The findings of this research open an avenue for using the MoS2@ZIF-67 nanocomposite to efficiently remove organic dyes from wastewater efflux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of methanol oxidation electrocatalysts are based on platinum‐group metals such as platinum, palladium, and ruthenium. However, their usage is restricted because of their high cost, scarcity, and carbon monoxide toxicity concerns. We devised a simple approach for preparing a nickel foam (NF) based electrode using in‐situ synthesis of metal organic framework, such as Co‐MOF/NF, Ni‐MOF/NF, Mo‐MOF/NF, NC‐MOF/NF, MC‐MOF/NF, NM‐MOF/NF, and NMC‐MOF/NF, as an efficient electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation to produce carbon dioxide and water. Catalysts were synthesized using a hydrothermal process. In methanol with alkaline electrolyte, the as‐prepared NMC‐MOF/NF catalysts had the highest current density response, such as 5641 mA/cm2, in contrast to other bimetallic and single metal‐based metal organic framework electrocatalysts supported on Ni foam. We also observed that the NMC‐MOF/NF could efficiently catalyze the oxidation of carbon monoxide while being relatively unaffected by it. After 20,000 seconds in methanol oxidation, NMC‐MOF/NF based electrode retained about 100 % of its initial activity. Following simple synthesis technique and the improved catalytic efficiency and stability of NMC‐MOF/NF, methanol can be used to generate energy‐efficient products such as hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Birth defects are a diverse group of disorders of prenatal origin that can be caused by single gene defects, chromosomal disorders, multifactorial inheritance, environmental teratogens and micronutrient deficiencies. Cousin marriages have been described as an important factor contributing to increased congenital malformations. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the association of congenital malformations of the central nervous system, cardiovascular system (VSD, AVSD, Pulmonary stenosis, Pulmonary atresia), cleft lip, cleft palate and polydactyly) with cousin marriages. Material and Methods: It was a case-control study carried out in Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore from 30th April, 2020 to 30th April, 2021. Total 200 neonates fulfilling the inclusion criteria for cases & controls were included in the study. After taking informed consent from the parents, all anatomical defects (for cases) were recorded on a pre-designed proforma. History of consanguinity and type of consanguinity (first cousins) was taken for both cases and controls and recorded on the proforma. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS 20.0 software. Results: Frequency of consanguinity in parents was recorded which was 73%(n=73) in cases and 38%(n=38) in controls while 27%(n=27) in cases and 62%(n=62) in controls had no consanguinity in parents. Conclusion: There is an association of consanguinity with congenital malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This, study reports ZIF-8 and its g-C3N4 based composites for successful adsorption of carbon dioxide gas at temperature of 45 °C and 0–15 bar pressure. These samples were characterized via using different techniques like XRD, EDX, SEM, FTIR to study the structural and morphological properties, The SEM results shows rougher and porous rhombic dodecahedron morphology, and the EDX analysis confirms that the catalyst production is free of impurities. The FTIR and XRD analyses show all the peaks and bands correspond to crystalline structure and necessary functional group presence in the prepared adsorbents. The ZIF-8 and its g-C3N4 composites have good adsorption capacity. Among them ZIF-8@3wt% g-C3N4 shows the highest adsorption capacity of 315 mg g−1 at 45 °C and 0–15 bar pressure. The rising adsorption trend of all prepared materials shows that these samples do not reach their saturation point and can still adsorb more CO2 even at a pressure higher than 15 bar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials find several applications in the oilfield operations. In oilwell drilling, nanomaterials are being used for mitigating wellbore instability conditions, improving thermal stability of the fluid, minimizing formation damage by preventing fluid invasion into the reservoir, improving fluid rheology, and controlling fluid loss. A wide range of nanomaterials from organic as well as inorganic and composites are being developed to accomplish the mentioned functions. Significant nanomaterials being developed include nanocellulosic particles, nanoclay, nanosilica, nanometals, nanometal oxides and nanopolymers. Improving fluid properties to develop smart fluids by the incorporation of nanomaterials is an emerging research field which is yielding promising results. This review article presents the recent development made in the applications of the nanomaterials in drilling fluids especially the nanosilica particles surface modified by organic ligands. Surface modification of nanosilica with organic ligands namely 3‐Glycidoxypropyl‐triethoxy silane (GPTS), hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (HPEI) and Moringa oleifera cationic protein (MOCP) are discussed. Applications of nanomaterials in drilling fluids to minimize wellbore instability, prevent formation damage, improve thermal stability and conductivity, stabilize fluid rheology, improve hole cleaning, and minimize the chances of downhole string sticking have been reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, the electrocatalytic activity of mono‐metallic Co/NPC, bi‐metallic MnCo/NPC, and ternary NiMnCo/NPC in alkaline media for the methanol oxidation process was examined (MOR). These materials were produced using a simple solution mixing method and characterized using FTIR, EDX, SEM, XPS, TGA, and XRD. In a three‐electrode arrangement, on glassy carbon electrodes, the investigation of methanol oxidation for electrochemical activity of catalysts was carried in 1 M NaOH and 3 M CH3OH. Electrochemical studies included cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electron impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The ternary NiMnCo/NPC composite, which has a peak current density of 147.85 mA/cm2 at 0.8 potential and a scan rate of 50 mV/s among all the composites developed, is a promising catalyst for methanol electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Graphitic carbon nitride is of interest for its intercalation, ion exchange, and redox properties as it exhibits high catalytic activity. Besides, its high nitrogen content and facile synthesis procedure may provide a good balance between activity and durability. We report novel g‐C3N4 based MOF as a novel electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Two methods are involved in the catalytic synthesis, namely the hydrothermal method for the Cu/Ni MOF and its composites synthesis, and g‐C3N4 is obtained by pyrolysis of melamine. To explore the structural and morphological properties, all the catalysts were eventually characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX techniques, whereas cyclic voltammetry (CV) revealed the electrochemical response for the oxidation of methanol in 3 M methanol and 1 M NaOH on modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical results illustrate that as the amount of g‐C3N4 increases current density for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The maximum current density is 103.42 mA/cm2 shown by Cu/Ni MOF@5 wt% g‐C3N4 at 0.9 V while the scan rate is 50 mV/s. Thus, graphitic carbon nitride addition in MOF composites enhanced its durability and high carbon monoxide (CO) tolerance makes active catalysts in alkaline electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous sodium-ion battery is a safe and efficient system for large-scale energy storage due to low cost, abundant sodium supply, non-flammable aqueous neutral electrolyte and quick charge–discharge performance. The use of fluoride-based material as electrode material has a certain advantage due to high potential window and energy density. Exploring perovskite materials has advantage of corner-sharing matrix structure which helps in easy ion and electron diffusion. Herein, we synthesized the perovskite-structured NaNiF3 and its composite with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) by a simple and cost-effective approach by the combination of precipitation and hydrothermal route. The synthesized material is characterized by X-rays diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. Electrochemical performance for aqueous sodium-ion batteries is tested by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. XRD confirms the perovskite structure of NaNiF3 and NaNiF3 // MWCNT. SEM shows the orthorhombic cube and cubical structure of NaNiF3 and NaNiF3 // MWCNT. Electrochemical results demonstrate the excellent performance with a specific capacity of 33 mAh g−1 and 57 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and shows excellent cyclic stability up to 500 cycles, indicating NaNiF3 // MWCNT as potential candidate among cathode material of aqueous sodium-ion battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emissions associated with fossil fuel production, valorization, and utilization are serious challenges to the global environment. Therefore, several developments of CO2 capture, separation, transportation, storage, and valorization have been explored. Consequently, we documented a comprehensive review of the most advanced strategies adopted in metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) for CO2 capture and separation. The enhancements in CO2 capture and separation are generally achieved due to the chemistry of MOFs by controlling pore window, pore size, open‐metal sites, acidity, chemical doping, post or pre‐synthetic modifications. The chemistry of defects engineering, breathing in MOFs, functionalization in MOFs, hydrophobicity, and topology are the salient advanced strategies, recently reported in MOFs for CO2 capture and separation. Therefore, this review summarizes MOF materials′ advancement explaining different strategies and their role in the CO2 mitigations. The study also provided useful insights into key areas for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alternative to fossil fuel is essential to overcome energy shortages and resolve the environmental problem. Hydrogen production via earth‐abundant water resources is a clean, sustainable, and energy‐rich fuel source. For the water splitting process, the catalyst is an essential need to enhance the kinetics of the overall reaction. Therefore, noble metals are used as the state‐of‐the‐art catalyst for the OER and HER process due to their remarkable efficiency and stability. But, their high cost and inadequacy are the main obstructs to their commercialization. To commercialize the process, researchers are trying to replace the expensive noble catalyst with a non‐noble stable, conductive, and more productive catalyst. In recent decades, transition metal based metal organic framework (MOF) has been extensively used as an electro‐catalyst to enhance the kinetics of the OER and HER process. MOF as an electro‐catalyst is a promising candidate to improve the rate of water splitting reaction due to their inherent properties such as high surface area, tunable morphology, and high porosity. In this review, the significant data of recent years are assembled for the water splitting process by using the MOFs as an electro‐catalyst. This review not only captures the advancement in MOF materials with the effective approach of designing but also indicates the catalyst evaluation parameters and detailed mechanism of the HER and the OER process. Meanwhile, challenges and future prospectus of the MOF based catalyst for the water splitting process are also described here. Hopefully, this review article will help to develop a more productive MOF for the generation of green and sustainable hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The declining reserves and environmental concerns related to the use of fossil fuels have made the global think tanks to pursue for the technologies considered to be renewable as well as sustainable. Fuel cell technology is emerging and a green way to produce electricity, provided sufficient amount of hydrogen (fuel) is available that directly convert chemical energy to electrical energy. Despite of being an efficient and eco‐friendly source of energy, commercialization of fuel cells is still difficult to attain. Techno‐economic challenges like high manufacturing and assembly costs, water management, system size, nondurability, and instability of the system need to be addressed. In order to resolve these issues, considerable research has been carried out for the development of novel and inexpensive materials for the fuel cells. In this article, we have reviewed the development of electrodes and electrolyte materials for different types of fuel cells. A detailed description of applications, challenges, and improvement of electrodes/electrolytes materials of different types of fuel cells (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells) have been reported in this review article. A brief review of the development of materials for electrode of molten carbonate fuel cells has also been presented in the review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The flexible as well as wearable devices encroachment prerequisites proficient energy storage devices to satisfy their power demands. Metal ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors have attained the researcher's prodigious interest in the preset era owing to their grander energy storage features such as long cycle life, high energy, and power density. A major limitation in the practical application of metal‐ion batteries in wearable devices is their inflexible and toxic nature, flammability, and low power density owing to organic nature electrolytes. In contrast, the utilization of aqueous electrolytes in supercapacitors makes them a safer substitute for wearable applications. As an emerging crystalline material, Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are innovative electrode materials implemented for energy storage devices because of their prominent features such as huge surface area, 3D porous and tunable structure, and permeability to extraneous entities, etc. Although the original MOFs exhibit less conductivity, this problem can be resolved by making their composites with conductive materials. Transition metal‐based MOF electrodes are highly auspicious for wearable, and flexible supercapacitors due to their benign nature, low cost, high energy, and power density, as well as good stability. This review emphasizes the supercapacitors technology, their types, efficiency controlling factors for supercapacitors, new inventions in the field of non‐noble metal‐based MOFs electrode materials for the development of the supercapacitors by synthesizing the MOFs, MOFs derived materials, and composites by different fabrication schemes as well as the challenges associated with the utilization of MOFs and their promising solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processed gas streams from the water gas shift reactor (WGSR) are enriched with CO2 and H2. Purification of H2 from CO2 for different applications is required because of its environmental and economic benefits. Among different separation technologies, membrane technology gets much attention due to its various advantages. In this work, cellulose acetate/polysulfone blended membranes were fabricated via solution casting method for CO2/H2 separation. The separation performance of pure CA membrane was enhanced by addition of PSF. The fabricated membranes were analyzed through various characterization techniques, such as FTIR, SEM, DSC, and XRD. Gas permeation results show that permeability of CO2 increased with increasing concentration of PSF. Notable permeability (P=80.51 Barrer) of CO2 and selectivity of CO2/H2=1.83 of CA/PSF 2 wt% were achieved at 25 °C and 2.5 bar compared to pure CA membrane. To the best of our knowledge, this blend has been studied for the first time for gas separation, prepared through the solution casting method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymeric based membrane technology has been an attractive alternative option among other gas separation technologies due to its ease of operation, good efficiency and low operational cost. However, a few concerns have been expressed about the polymeric based membrane technology for GS applications, such as the permeability-selectivity trade-off, mechanical stability and its environmental impacts. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to investigate the effects of polymer concentration on a biopolymer-PVA asymmetric membrane morphology, its mechanical properties and gas transport behaviour in order to optimize it for O2/N2 separation using the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique. For this purpose, initially, a theoretical solubility model and cloud point phase diagram analysis were conducted to study the solubility and demixing behaviour of the PVA/Water/THF ternary system. Afterwards, these membranes were prepared at different polymeric concentrations from 10 to 14 weight percent (wt.%) and then characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity measurement test, universal testing machine (UTM) and gas permeation test to analyse their physical structure, mechanical properties and GS performance. The analysis results showed that a lower polymer concentration of 10 wt.% facilitated larger pore sizes of 2.486 ± 1.2 μm with a higher porosity of 77.73 ± 15.26% having higher O2 permeance but lower O2/N2 selectivity and mechanical properties. Whereas, a higher polymer concentration of 12 wt.% promoted smaller pore sizes of 2.096 ± 0.5 μm with a porosity of 56.31 ± 3.6%, having better O2/N2 separation performance and higher mechanical properties. However, increasing the polymeric concentration to 14 wt.% resulted in a densified membrane structure having voids and small pore sizes of 1.447 ± 0.9 μm, with a porosity of 31.35 ± 11.98%, and lower elasticity causing membrane rigidified, making it unsuitable for GS applications. Therefore, the intermediate concentration of 12 wt.% PVA asymmetric membrane represents the most optimum morphology and mechanical properties for better O2/N2 separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separation of air (O2/N2) via a polymeric membrane has recently piqued the interest of academic researcher as well as the industrial sector. Because of its remarkable characteristics, the polymeric membrane has emerged as one of the innovative and fast growing technology. However, two major problems faced by membrane technology, which hinder its growth in the commercial sector are, 1): The trade-off between permeability and selectivity. 2): Maintaining physical and chemical structural stability in a long-term commercial scale process. Recent advancements in membrane material, structural, and process design have enabled the development of dual-layer composite (DLC) membranes. This concept combines the benefits of both thinner mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) based active layer and porous support substrate. Due to these properties, the membrane exhibits higher perm-selectivity with enhanced mechanical strength as compared to single layer polymeric membrane. This review article mainly focused on the developmental progress of DLC membrane throughout the years. In which membrane structural details, selection criteria, fabrication methodologies, application [e.g., air (O2/N2) separation] were critically reviewed. In addition, challenges arising in the DLC membrane production and future prospects for the development of these membranes were also thoroughly discussed in this literature. This creates a paradigm for future research in the commercial development of these membranes for the air (O2/N2) separation process, which can be utilized in both medical and industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense and translucent CA/PEG 1000/ZIF membranes were synthesized in acetone, utilizing solution casting. Membrane characterization was carried out using FT-IR, SEM and tensile testing. SEM proved presence of dense membranes and increase in the filler amount may have formed voids, raising the permeability of both gases. Single and mixed gas (CO2/CH4) permeation testing showed an increased permeability, on addition of more filler, which is probably due to formation of nano-gaps. A maximum selectivity of 39.49 and 34.86 for single and mixed gases respectively, and maximum permeabilities of 49.7685 and 1.41 barrers were observed. Tensile testing showed that strength peaked then decreased on increased loading, due to agglomeration on adding more ZIF, which introduced defects in structure. To conclude, selectivity of higher loaded membranes is favourable whereas tensile strength of lower loaded membrane is superior, but we have a trade-off between selectivity and tensile strength, so a higher-loaded membrane is most suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, biofuels have emerged as renewable alternative to encounter global energy requirements in a greener way. Biomass is a sustainable cost‐effective natural resource with wide diversity for conversion to biofuel such as biodiesel, biogas, bio‐oil, biohydrogen, etc. via various chemical, thermal, or biochemical routes. Catalysis plays a pivotal role to convert biomass to biofuels, but conventional catalysts show a lot of short comings. To address these problems, a novel nanocatalysts approach is considered to be the most promising option. Nanocatalysts offer extremely high surface area, enhanced selectivity, better stability and catalytic activity at an atomic and molecular level in comparison to bulk catalysis. Here an insight about the limitation of traditional catalysts, the importance of nanocatalysts, various types of nanocatalysts, and their application in conversion of biomass to biofuel is given. It emphasizes the state‐of‐the‐art developments in terms of catalysis and catalytic processes that are anticipated to play a crucial role in biomass conversion to fuel are emphasized and the chemistry behind nanocatalyst design for biofuel production and reduction of inhibitory effect is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the methanol oxidation reaction is investigated on Ni based metal organic frameworks (MOF) and its composites with biomass derived activated carbon. NiO-MOF and composites with activated carbon were synthesized using hydrothermal method. SEM, EDX, and XRD, FTIR, TGA techniques were used for characterization of composites. The electrochemical activity of catalysts for oxidation of methanol was tested using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 1 M KOH and 3 M CH3OH on glassy carbon electrode in three electrode setup. The electrochemical performance shows the effect of activated carbon concentration on methanol oxidation. The electro-oxidation catalyzed by NiO-MOF with activated carbon (40 mg) composite exhibits a peak current density of 182.72 mA/cm2 at 0.89 V potential with a scan rate of 50 mV/s making it a potential catalyst for electrocatalysis of methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidentate 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid copolymerizes with Zinc to form framework with rigid porosity for gas adsorption application. One of the barriers in commercialization of these MOFs for gas adsorption application is the usage of costly solvents and this research is based on identifying the effect of solvents on zinc and 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid-based MOFs, their gas adsorption capacities and costs. All the MOFs prepared were characterized and further tested for carbon dioxide adsorption capacities. The results highlight that the textural properties of prepared MOFs depend largely on solvents utilized and high surface area MOFs have high adsorption capacity. Also the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of MOFs prepared using DMF showed better adsorption as compared with the one prepared with Ethanol:De-ionized water. This research also elaborates the fact that there is a possibility of replacing the expensive solvents for Zn-BTCs synthesis with low-cost solvents without compromising the gas adsorption performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present work comprehensively investigated the electrochemical response of Nickel-2 Aminoterephthalic acid Metal–Organic Framework (NiNH2BDC) and its reduced graphitic carbon (rGO) based hybrids for methanol (CH3OH) oxidation reaction (MOR) in an alkaline environment. In a thorough analysis of a solvothermally synthesized Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and its reduced graphitic carbon-based hybrids, functional groups detection was performed by FTIR, the morphological study by SEM, crystal structure analysis via XRD, and elemental analysis through XPS while electrochemical testing was accomplished by Chronoamperometry (CA), Cyclic Voltametric method (CV), Electrochemically Active Surface Area (EASA), Tafel slope (b), Electron Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Mass Activity, and roughness factor. Among all the fabricated composites, NiNH2BDC MOF/5 wt% rGO hybrid by possessing an auspicious current density (j) of 267.7 mA/cm2 at 0.699 V (vs Hg/HgO), a Tafel slope value of 60.8 mV dec−1, EASA value of 15.7 cm2, and by exhibiting resistance of 13.26 Ω in a 3 M CH3OH/1 M NaOH solution displays grander electrocatalytic activity as compared to state-of-the-art platinum-based electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report molybdenum-doped lithium vanadium phosphate Li3MoxV2−x(PO4)3/C synthesized using hydrothermal synthesis to be used as potential cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. The structural characterization of the material was done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which depicted successful incorporation of Mo ion in the Li3V2(PO4)3 structure. Electrochemical properties were studied via constant current charge–discharge cycling. Between the potential range of 2.9–4.3 V, the best sample Li3MoxV2−x(PO4)3/C (x = 0.1) showed the discharge capacities of 152 mAh/g, 130 mAh/g, 110 mAh/g, 90 mAh/g and 70 mAh/g at 0.5C, 1C, 2C, 5C and 10C, respectively. Furthermore, it shows the discharge capacity of 132 mAh/g after 20 cycles at 0.5 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the co-pyrolysis of Thar lignite coal and waste plastic was investigated, exploring the effects of different parameters such as the coal to waste plastic blending ratio and temperature. The oil obtained from pyrolysis was analyzed for GCV, viscosity, flash point and for chemical composition through GC-MS and FTIR techniques. The results revealed that a blend of 20 % coal and 80 % waste plastic yielded 67 % pyrolysis oil with a GCV of 42 MJ/kg. It was found that adding waste plastics to coal enhanced both the yield and quality of pyrolysis oil. Physical parameters including viscosity and GCV were found to be highly promising and comparable to regular Petro diesel. According to FTIR, presence of significant quantities of aliphatic and aromatic linkages along with carbonyl and hydroxyl functional groups were observed. Similarly, GCMS analysis showed the presence of C 7 to C 20 carbon fractions in pyro-oil of optimum sample. Char residue 21 % was also obtained from the results with carbon contents up to 68 % and less than 1 % sulfur at 80:20 blending ratio of WP and coal. This char residue could be especially useful for use in steam generation or cement industries as clean fuel. • Synergetic effect between waste plastic with Thar lignite coal in co-pyrolysis process was investigated. • The co-feeding process improved the quality and quantity of pyrolysis oil. • Blending waste plastic with lignite coal enhance aromatic contents. • Lignite coal-derived oil can be upgraded via co-pyrolysis with waste plastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The human craving for energy is continually mounting and becoming progressively difficult to Gratify. At present, the world's massive energy demands are chiefly encountered by nonrenewable and benign fossil fuels. However, the development of dynamic energy cradles for a gradually thriving world to lessen fossil fuel reserve depletion and environmental concerns are persistent issues for society at present. The discovery of copious nonconventional resources to fill the gap between energy petition and supply is the extreme obligation of the modern era. A new emergent, clean, and robust alternate of fossil fuels are the fuel cells. Among the different types of fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells are an outstanding option for light‐duty vehicles and portable devices. A critical tactic for striving and sustainable energy sources is the production of highly proficient, economical, and green catalysts for energy storage and conversion devices. Up till now a broad range of research work is available to use Pt and modify Pt‐based electrocatalysts to augment the CH3OH oxidation process. Platinum‐based nanocubes, nanorods, nanoflower, hybrids of Pt with metal‐oxides such as Fe2O3, TiO2, SnO2, MnO, Cu2O, ZnO, and with conducting polymers are extensively utilized in both acidic and basic media. Moreover, Pd‐based materials, transition metal‐based materials as well as MOF and MOF‐derived materials are also the point of interest for researchers nowadays. However, the problem associated with their practical applications is that they can be effectively employed in basic media due to comparative less stability in acidic medium. This review article will deliver a broad vision of the current progress of the MOR process concerning noble metals, transition metals, and MOF‐based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study Mn–DABDC (DABDC = diaminobenzenedicarboxylate, or 2,5-diaminoterephthalate) MOF was synthesised both via an electrochemical method, to make Mn–DABDC(ES), and via a conventional solvothermal approach, to make Mn–DABDC(ST). A Mn–BDC (BDC = benzenedicarboxylate) MOF was also prepared by a conventional solvothermal method for gas uptake capacity comparison. Investigation of the electrochemical synthesis parameters demonstrated that current density, electrolyte amount and reaction time were the most significant factors affecting crystal synthesis and product yield. The best conditions found for obtaining a crystalline MOF with high yield (93%) were 70 mA current, electrolyte 2.7 mmol/30 ml DMF and 2 h of reaction time. These optimized electrochemical conditions allow for a relatively fast MOF synthesis, important for reducing synthesis cost compared with conventional hydrothermal and solvothermal methods. The Mn–DABDC(ES) MOF sample was fully characterized to analyse its structure, thermal stability and surface area. The electrochemically synthesized MOF has high carbon dioxide uptake (92.4 wt% at 15 bar and 273 K) and hydrogen uptake (12.3 wt% at 80 bar and 77 K). This is the first amine-based manganese MOF synthesized electrochemically, and the method has excellent potential for reducing large-scale MOF production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A significant interest in the exploration of clean and renewable alternative energy resources has been observed in recent years to combat environmental pollution and energy shortages for a sustainable future. In this regard, hydrogen is clean, energy‐rich fuel with unlimited potential. It can be produced via water‐splitting process using the most abundant resources on earth, that is, water and solar/electrical energy. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are a category of porous crystalline materials with well‐organized structures and unique catalytic, optical, and electrical properties. MOFs and MOF‐derived materials have proved to be excellent catalysts for water‐splitting both by electrochemical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) routes. Furthermore, photochemical and electrochemical capabilities of these MOFs can be fine‐tuned to maximize their performance by modification in the bandgap, surface area, current density, electrochemical active surface area, and overpotential, through tailoring of the organic ligands and/or metal centers. A number of works have been dedicated to this quest resulting in promising and very effective results. Such as for photoelectrocatalysis, a composite nanorod array of TiO2/Co‐MOF acting as photoanode achieved one of the highest photocurrent densities of 2.93 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V (vs reverse hydrogen electrode [RHE]). In another study, MOF‐derived Co3C‐3/TiO2 photoanode attained the photocurrent density of 2.6 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs RHE. For electrocatalysis, Fe2O3/Ni‐MOF‐74 exhibited oxygen evolution reaction overpotential of 264 mV to reach 10 mA/cm2 of current density with a low Tafel plot of 48 mV/dec. Another novel material derived from MOF, MoO2‐PC‐rGO displayed a Tafel Plot of 41 mV/dec. Even though this field is in its infancy phase, it is attracting increased attention for promising results suggesting extraordinary potential for practical applications. Focus of this review article is on the overview of the development of MOFs for application in electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic water‐splitting for hydrogen production. This review intends to provide a timely reference and insight for the advancement in catalysts based on MOFs for practical electrochemical and PEC water‐splitting in a clear and comprehensive manner. Starting with the brief introduction, fundamentals, factors affecting catalytic efficiency and evaluation parameters of water‐splitting are summarized followed by synthesis strategies and recent progress made by MOF‐based catalysts for PEC and electrochemical water‐splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A considerable concern in exploring clean, efficient, and renewable energy resources to effectively replace fossil fuels and to combat the environmental problems and energy scarcities for a sustainable future has been observed. In this context, hydrogen is a clean, renewable, energetically efficient fuel with infinite potential for the future, which can generate a large amount of energy through the electrocatalytic splitting of earth‐abundant water resources. Noble metals, owing to their extraordinary efficiency and stability, are state‐of‐the‐art catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process. However, their scarcity and high cost hamper their commercialization. To replace these expensive noble‐metal‐based materials, researchers are extensively working on the development of cost effective, stable, conductive, and efficient non‐noble metal based materials such as transition metal oxides, borides, nitrides, sulfides, phosphides, selenides, perovskites oxides, and layered double hydroxides, where the incorporation of heteroatoms improves the electrocatalytic activity by modifying the electronic structure and enhances the conductivity and stability. In the case of transition‐metal based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF‐derived materials, the unique structure of MOFs with a high surface area and porosity, as well as rich redox chemistry of transition metals, leads to excellent response towards the OER process. Moreover, direct utilization of carbonaceous materials or making their composites with transition metals not only enhances the conductivity due to their conductive nature but also promotes stability by strongly binding with the electrocatalyst. Owing to the presence of functional groups on the surface or through different interactions, they provide multiple paths for facile electron and ion transport due to the sheet/network like structure, which help in the fine dispersion of electrocatalyst due to high surface area, prevent agglomeration, and in turn results in improved electrocatalytic activity. Besides these advances, a) there is still a need for a thorough understanding of reaction mechanism via in situ spectroscopic techniques to further optimize the composition and design of electrocatalyst to get desired results, b) the stability of the materials should be further enhanced to practically utilize synthesized material under harsh conditions without degradation, and c) the utilization of these optimized OER catalysts in a solar cell to consume solar energy (renewable energy source), remains a key requirement of the modern era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound care has come through various trials and errors with primitive cultures applying old age techniques and knowledge. Recent research has shown that the moist environment promotes wound healing than the dry. In the present research, hydrogel membranes were fabricated by esterification of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with starch and glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker. The essential oils (clove oil, Oregano oil and tea tree oil) have been incorporated in PVA/Starch based hydrogel membranes. The aim was to achieve optimized anti-bacterial activity and mechanical strength. The anti-bacterial testing was performed using the disc diffusion method. The maximum antibacterial activity for fabricated hydrogels was attained by addition of 0.1 mL clove oil in PVA/Starch hydrogel was 39 ± 0.57 mm and 37 ± 0.29 mm for MRSA and E. coli, respectively. The FTIR results presented the occurrence of –OH group in hydrogel membrane. The SEM results showed around dense nature of membranes with having an antibacterial agent in it or not. Mechanical examination of hydrogel membranes presented suitable tensile strength of 19.36 MPa for 0.1 mL Clove oil. Furthermore, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) and moisture retention capability (MRC) for 0.1 mL clove oil was 36.22 g/m2h and 95.50%, respectively. The experimental conclusion nominated that fabricated hydrogel articulates good antibacterial, mechanical and physical properties that it could be used in wound dressing applications. The best results were obtained for clove oil using 0.1 mL as an antibacterial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we demonstrate effect of substituents on optoelectronic properties of discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations at B3LYP/Lanl2Z level of theory. Three parent DLCs, namely, (1) benzene-1,3,5-triyl tris(3,5-dialkoxybenzoate), (2) N1, N3, N5-tris(3-alkoxyphenyl)benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide, and (3) trialkyl 4, 4′, 4″-(benzenetricarbonyltris (azanediyl)) tribenzoate benzoate and their –N and –S group derivatives of 1, 2, and 3, were investigated to observe the change in optoelectronic response of these systems. The frontier molecular orbital studies and electron affinity values indicate that the studied compounds are stable against the oxygen and moisture present in air. The calculated charge transfer integrals, electron, and hole mobility values revealed that parent DLCs and their derivatives can be employed as an effective n-type material for OLEDs; however, derivatives have enhanced charge transfer values compared with their parents. For better understanding of the thermochemistry and effect of substituents, frequency calculations were carried out. P1-D4 derivative having R = -NH-CO-CH3 terminal group came out to be theoretically the most favored having the lowest ΔG value. Computed UV/visible spectroscopic analysis showed minimum absorbance and maximum transmittance for derivative P2-D1 having –S-NH2 substituent. Molecular electrostatic potential surfaces mapped at potential range, i.e., − 8.531e-3esu to + 8.531e-3esu, describe electrophilic and nucleophilic characteristics. Introduction of electron donor groups enhanced electrical conductivity, excitation energy, and charge transfer integral, thus increasing optoelectronic properties of DLCs. However, these claims require further experimental verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: High cost and complex fabrication process of inorganic membranes and lower position of pristine polymeric membranes in the Robeson upper bound curve urged the researchers to develop mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Cellulose acetate being most commercially used polymer, dominates the market of CO2 separation mainly because of low cost and environmental friendly resource. In the present study, MMMs consists of amine functionalized zeolitic imidazolate framework (NH2‐ZIF‐8) and cellulose triacetate were fabricated for the first time. NH2‐ZIF‐8 was used as a filler because the pore size of ZIF‐8 is between the kinetic diameter of separating gases (CO2 and CH4). Moreover, NH2 group attached on the surface of ZIF‐8 has affinity with condensable gases like CO2. Morphology, crystallinity, tensile strength and functional groups of fabricated membranes were investigated using different analytical techniques. Results revealed that the increase of feed pressure has increased CO2 permeability and decreased permselectivity. However, improvements in gas separation performance were observed with the addition of nanofiller. Best position in Robeson's upper bound curve at 4 bar was obtained with 10 wt% loading with CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 permselectivity of 218 barrer and 13.84, respectively. The improvement in the gas separation performance with loading is attributed to the increased diffusion coefficients as well as solubility coefficients, which was increased to 33% and 3.8%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]