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This review provides comprehensive studies of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) for water desalination. The most recent molecular dynamics simulation and experimental work on the design, fabrication, ion rejection, and water flux of MoS2 were summarized. Since MoS2 has excellent properties such as physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties compared to other 2D materials such as graphene-based nanomaterial, it is necessary to have a critical study on MoS2-based membranes. Hence, a critical review of MoS2-based membranes has been found essential for us to investigate and evaluate the findings in this field and objectively assess the current state-of-the-art in water desalination. The advantages of desalination technology and the primary approaches that have been used up until now are first outlined in this study, deeply emphasizing membrane technology. The primary mechanism of salt rejection in membrane technology is explained. Then, the types of MoS2-based membranes for water desalination are reviewed based on the different published works while critically reviewing the performance of each type of MoS2-based membranes.

In this study, we prepared a silica nanoparticle from South African fly ash (SAFA), using a facile microwave (MW)-assisted sol–gel template free syntheses method. Prepared silica nanoparticles (SNPMW) were characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transition electron microscope (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (S BET) surface area analysis, and ultraviolet visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy. XRF analysis suggests SAFA as fly ash class F. The XRD pattern reveals the structural composition of SAFA and the amorphous nature of extracted SNP, while the FTIR assay shows the presence of silanol and siloxane groups. SEM and TEM analyses revealed primary silica nanoparticles were roughly spherical with sizes of about

Due to its exceptional electrical, optical, chemical and magnetic properties, tin oxide (SnO and SnO2), which is a functional material, has gained enormous attention for use in a variety of applications. Films of SnOX have a direct band gap between the ranges of 2.2 and 3.6 eV, with these films finding usefulness in various functions such as solar cells, transparent conducting oxides for gas sensors, lithium-ion batteries and microelectronics, and use in the optoelectronics industries. In order to satisfy the needs of a broad range of these applications, thin films with an extensive properties span defined by film composition, thickness, structural properties and morphology are required. This article explains the theory and research status of the various manufacturing processes of tin oxide. The purpose is to analyze the effects of the thin films through distinct forms of deposition. The general finding summarized in this research on SnOX showed that various researchers studied specific characteristics of tin oxide properties restricted by experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibres were extracted from plantain (Musa paradisiaca) pseudostem and modified using high-frequency microwave irradiation under different conditions in terms of power and time. First, the mechanical and morphology of treated and untreated fibre were investigated. Mechanical (tensile) properties test results reveal that microwave radiation at 550 W power was able to improve the tensile strength and modulus of the fibre. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis shows surface roughness of the fibre has increased and uniform surface roughness was achieved. However, higher power and time of microwave irradiation causes a decrease in the mechanical properties the fibre as SEM image reveals the serious damaging effect on the surface of the fibre, due to degradation and rupturing of fibre cells by the exposure of inner central lumen of the fibre. In the second part, fibre-polymer biocomposite was fabricated using epoxy as the polymer matrix. Tensile and flexural test results reveal an increase in strength at optimised microwave power and time. A decrease in mechanical properties was observed at prolong and higher power radiation. Water absorption of fibre-polymer biocomposite was found to decrease after treatment at lower irradiation, interfacial adhesion of fibre-matrix was shown to increase with surface modification as reveals by SEM micrograph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niobium oxides (NbO, NbO2, Nb2O5), being a versatile material has achieved tremendous popularity to be used in a number of applications because of its outstanding electrical, mechanical, chemical, and magnetic properties. NbxOy films possess a direct band gap within the ranges of 3.2–4.0 eV, with these films having utility in different applications which include; optical systems, stainless steel, ceramics, solar cells, electrochromic devices, capacitor dielectrics, catalysts, sensors, and architectural requirements. With the purpose of fulfilling the requirements of a vast variety of the named applications, thin films having comprehensive properties span described by film composition, morphology, structural properties, and thickness are needed. The theory, alongside the research status of the different fabrication techniques of NbxOy thin films are reported in this work. The impact of fabrication procedures on the thin film characteristics which include; film thickness, surface quality, optical properties, interface properties, film growth, and crystal phase is explored with emphases on the distinct deposition process applied, are also described and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]