Search

Polycrystalline rare earth intermetallic compound Tb0.33Ho0.33Er0.33Ni has been synthesized by arc melting under argon atmosphere. Powder X-ray diffraction data suggest that the compound Tb0.33Ho0.33Er0.33Ni crystallizes in orthorhombic structure at 300 K (FeB-type, space group Pnma). Temperature variation of magnetization reveals paramagnetic to ferromagnetic cross-over around 59 K (TC). The TC is close to the average value of the ferromagnetic transition temperatures of TbNi, HoNi and ErNi compounds. Isothermal magnetization has been measured as a function of magnetic field up to 70 kOe and the magnetocaloric effect around TC has been calculated.

Investigation of novel nanocomposites for pseudo-capacitors with high capacitance and energy density is the spotlight of current energy research. In the present work, hybrid carbon nanostructure assemblage of graphene and multiwalled carbon nanotubes has been used as carbon support to nanostructured RuO2 and polyaniline for high energy supercapacitors. Maximum specific capacitances of 110, 235 and 440 F g−1 at the voltage sweep rate of 10 mV s−1 and maximum energy densities of 7, 12.5 and 20.5 Wh kg−1 were observed for carbon assemblage and its RuO2 and polyanilne decorated nanocomposites, respectively, with 1M H2SO4 as electrolyte.

Background and Objectives: This present study was to investigate the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles by chemical precipitation method. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with the polymers PLGA-PEG and loaded with the drug capecitabine for the targeting of colon cancer which will be distributed in the large intestine by applying, the external magnetic field. It gets localized in the area of colon cancer cells. After the applied external magnetic field, the iron oxides (Fe3O4 nanoparticles) get heated to 37°C - 40°C and the tumour cell gets destroyed. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were also called as super paramagnetic Iron oxide nanoparticles. They were very smart materials and mostly used for the applications in medicine like targeted drug delivery system, diagnostic cancer imaging and their therapeutic applications. Results: Formulation was characterized by XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were confirmed by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and also the Entrapment Efficiency (%EE) of the drug was calculated. Further, the particle size can be found by particle size analyzer (PSA). The surface morphology of the formulations was analyzed by SEM analysis. Moreover, the in-vitro analysis was done by using Franz Diffusion Cell (FDC) method. The stability studies of the formulations were done at three different temperatures and it shows good stability in refrigerator conditions (4°C). Conclusions: Moreover, by using this novel drug delivery system we can minimize the dose frequency, side effects, adverse effects, minimal dose, sustained/prolong in action and to obtain proper patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra thin graphene–multi walled carbon nanotube composites prepared by a solar exfoliation technique have been explored as catalyst supports for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Pt nanoparticles were dispersed on a solar exfoliated graphene-functionalized multi walled carbon nanotube (sG-fMWNT) hybrid nanocomposite, which exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity for ORR than Pt dispersed functionalized solar graphene (f-sG) catalyst support. The single cell PEMFC measurements give maximum power densities of 355 mW cm−2and 675 mW cm−2with sG and sG-f MWNT respectively. The improved performance in the power density with the sG-f MWNT fuel cell can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of 1D MWNT and 2D graphene in sG-f MWNT as well as its high electrochemical surface area. The inclusion of MWNT bridges the defects for electron transfer besides increasing the basal spacing between graphene sheets. The good performance and possibility of high throughput production of sG-f MWNT makes this material a promising catalyst support for PEMFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  A supercapacitor using non-aqueous electrolyte and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNTs) nanocomposite electrodes has been designed with polymer and metal oxide loaded carbon nanotubes as electrodes. These nanocomposites were coated on the carbon paper with Nafion solution to obtain the flexible electrodes. Carbon paper with the nanocomposite coating was pressed on either sides of the Nafion membrane, which acts both as a separator and as an electrolyte. The performance of asymmetric assembly of electrochemical double layer capacitor with polymer- and metal oxide-dispersed MWNTs composite materials with non-aqueous Nafion electrolyte is compared with symmetric assemblies, and the results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  The present work describes the field emission characteristics of nanocrystalline metal clusters decorated multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) field emitters fabricated over flexible graphitized carbon cloth. MWNT have been synthesized by catalytic chemical vapour decomposition (CCVD) of acetylene over Rare Earth (RE) based AB2 (DyNi2) alloy hydride catalyst. Fine powders of RE based AB2 alloy hydride catalysts have been prepared by hydrogen decrepitation technique. The as-grown carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are purified by acid and heat treatments and characterized using XRD, SEM and TEM. Purified MWNT have been decorated with nanocrystalline Pd, Pt and Pt–Ru metal clusters using a simple chemical reduction method. The characterization of metal decorated CNTs were done by using XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM and EDX. Nanocrystalline Pd, Pt and Pt–Ru metal clusters decorated MWNT field emitters have been fabricated over graphitized carbon fabric using spin coating method. The field emission characteristics have been studied using an indigenously fabricated set up and the results are discussed. The samples show excellent emission properties with a fairly stable emission current over a period of 4 h. As the presence of the graphitic layer provides strong adhesion between the nanotubes and carbon cloth, the use of graphitized carbon cloth as substrate opens new possibilities for CNT field emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermodynamic and hydrogen-induced structural properties of hydrogenated Ho1?xMmxCo2(x= 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4, Mm = mischmetal) alloys have been investigated. The hydrogen absorption pressure-composition isotherms were studied in the temperature range 50-200?°C and pressure range 0.001-1?bar using a Sieverts-type apparatus. The effect of Mm on the equilibrium plateau pressure and hydride stability has been discussed. Structural analyses and hydrogen-induced amorphization of Ho1?xMmxCo2hydrides were performed using powder x-ray diffraction. The structural stability of these alloys upon repeated hydrogenation and dehydrogenation cycles has been investigated. At lower hydriding pressure and temperatures, Ho1?xMmxCo2-hydrides retain their Laves C15 structure; however, the large lattice volume expansion about 24% is observed in the ?-phase. The effect of hydrogenation pressure and temperature and Mm concentration on the hydrogen-induced transformation from crystalline Ho1?xMmxCo2-H to amorphous Ho1?xMmxCo2-H and recrystallization into elemental hydrides have been studied and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured Pt functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) produced by catalytic chemical vapor deposition are good room-temperature hydrogen sensors. MWNTs have been synthesized by catalytic chemical vapor deposition of acetylene using a fixed-bed catalytic reactor over hydrides of Mm0.2Tb0.8Co2obtained through hydrogen decrepitation technique. Purified and chemically treated MWNTs have been functionalized by Pt resulting in nanostructured dispersion of Pt on CNTs. Structural, morphological, and vibrational characterizations have been carried out using XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, Raman spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy, respectively. Dispersion of Pt on MWNTs was confirmed by elemental analysis using EDX. Systematic investigations of hydrogen sensing properties of Pt-MWNT ensembles have been carried out. The Pt-MWNTs thin films are stable after several cycles of adsorption and desorption. The change in electrical resistance due to hydrogen adsorption is reversible, with increases to saturation on exposure to hydrogen gas. The result demonstrates that the Pt-MWNTs are p-type semiconductor materials, and chemically treated MWNTs functionalized with Pt show the better hydrogen sensing response at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by the pyrolysis of acetylene over mischmetal (Mm) based MmNi2 and MmFe2 hydride catalysts is reported. The hydrogen decrepitation technique has been used to prepare the catalyst particles of these Mm based hydrogen storage alloys. Large hydrogen decrepitation and low cost make these hydrides potential catalysts for large-scale production of CNTs. The samples were purified by air oxidation and acid treatment and were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, Raman spectroscopy and XPS. The yield of MWNTs was estimated to be [inline image] and the purity of MWNTs thus obtained was more than 90%, as characterized by TGA. In addition, hydrogen adsorption measurements were carried out for as-prepared and purified MWNTs at 125 and 298 K using a high pressure hydrogen adsorption set-up. A maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 3.2 wt% at 60 bar is obtained at 125 K for purified CNTs prepared with MmFe2 hydride catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The osmotic energy from a salinity gradient (i. e. blue energy) is identified as a promising non-intermittent renewable energy source for a sustainable technology. However, this membrane-based technology is facing major limitations for large-scale viability, primarily due to the poor membrane performance. An atomically thin 2D nanoporous material with high surface charge density resolves the bottleneck and leads to a new class of membrane material the salinity gradient energy. Although 2D nanoporous membranes show extremely high performance in terms of energy generation through the single pore, the fabrication and technical challenges such as ion concentration polarization make the nanoporous membrane a non-viable solution. On the other hand, the mesoporous and micro porous structures in the 2D membrane result in improved energy generation with very low fabrication complexity. In the present work, we report femtosecond (fs) laser-assisted scalable fabrication of μm to mm size pores on Graphene membrane for blue energy generation for the first time. A remarkable osmotic power in the order of μW has been achieved using mm size pores, which is about six orders of magnitudes higher compared to nanoporous membranes, which is mainly due to the diffusion-osmosis driven large ionic flux. Our work paves the way towards fs laser-assisted scalable pore creation in the 2D membrane for large-scale osmotic power generation., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials like graphene, layered double hydroxides, etc., have received increasing attention owing to their unique properties imparted by their 2D structure. The newest member in this family is based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have been long known for their exceptional physicochemical properties-high surface area, tunable pore size, catalytic properties, etc., to list a few. 2D MOFs are promising materials for various applications as they combine the exciting properties of 2D materials and MOFs. Recently, they have been extensively used in biosensors by virtue of their enormous surface area and abundant, accessible active sites. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the recent progress in the field of 2D MOFs for sensor applications. Initially, the properties and synthesis techniques of 2D MOFs are briefly outlined with examples. Further, electrochemical and optical biosensors based on 2D MOFs are summarized, and the associated challenges are outlined.

1,4-Dioxane is a carcinogenic, non-biodegradable, organic water pollutant which is used as a solvent in various industries. It is also formed as an undesired by-product in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Given its carcinogenicity and ability to pollute, it is desirable to develop a sensitive and selective sensor to detect it in drinking water and other water bodies. Current works on this sensor are very few and involve complex metal oxide composite systems. A sensitive electrochemical sensor for 1,4-dioxane was developed by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with a reduced graphene oxide-curcumin (rGO-CM) nanocomposite synthesized by a simple solution approach. The prepared rGO-CM was characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The rGO-CM/GCE sensor was employed for the detection of 1,4-dioxane in the range of 0.1-100 μM. Although, the detection range is narrower compared to reported literature, the sensitivity obtained for the proposed sensor is far superior. Moreover, the limit of detection (0.13 μM) is lower than the dioxane detection target defined by the World Health Organization (0.56 μM). The proposed rGO-CM/GCE also showed excellent stability and good recovery values in real sample (tap water and drinking water) analysis., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

The ion transport measurements using various ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) face several challenges, including controllability, reproducibility, reliability, and accuracy. This is due to the manual filling of the solutions in two different reservoirs in a typical diffusion cell experiment with a random flow rate, which results in the diffusion through the IEM even before turning on the data acquisition system as reported so far. Here, we report the design and development of an automated experimental setup for ion transport measurements using IEMs. The experimental setup has been calibrated and validated by performing ion transport measurements using a standard nanoporous polycarbonate membrane. We hope that the present work will provide a standard tool for realizing reliable ion transport measurements using ion-exchange membranes and can be extended to study other membranes of various pore densities, shapes, and sizes.

Graphene possesses wider biomedical applications including drug delivery, photothermal ablation of tumors, biosensors, and also in the disease diagnosis. The accidental or intentional exposure of the environment including plants, ecosystem, and humans toward graphene is gradually increasing. Therefore, graphene toxicity becomes a critical issue to be addressed despite their diverse applications in multiple fields. In this situation, the scientific community as well as the general public must get awareness about the toxicity of graphene. This article, therefore, reviews the investigations on graphene toxicity. This review reveals the toxicity of graphene in vitro, in vivo models along with the environmental toxicity. The advantages of graphene toxicity in bacterial cells and cancer cells were also reviewed., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

We have synthesized a novel ferromagnetic material by coating α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles with N-doped carbon matrix using a simple combustion method. Expired paracetamol drugs are used as nitrogen and carbon source. This α-Fe 2 O 3 /NC shows ferromagnetic property due to the incorporation of oxygen defects. When used as the Li-ion battery anode, α-Fe 2 O 3 /NC shows higher capacity compared to commercial α-Fe 2 O 3 due to the occurrence of both intercalation and conversion reaction. Further, application of magnetic field at the anode of the freshly assembled cell at the first charge-discharge cycle, results in ~two-fold enhancement in specific capacity. For the cycled cell also, increase in the capacity from 80 mAh. g -1 to 150 mAh. g -1 at 5 A. g -1 is observed during the application of magnetic field at the 501 st charging cycle. This improved performance is attributed to the field-dependent enhancement of diffusion and convection due to the magnetohydrodynamic effect. Further, application of the magnetic field at 1001 st , 1501 st and 1751 st charging cycles shows improved LIB performance. We can show that not only the magnetic field, magnetic properties of the anode α-Fe 2 O 3 /NC also play a crucial role in influencing the battery performance. Moreover, utilization of expired drug helps in dramatically reducing pollution caused by its disposal.

The incorporation of heteroatoms and defects in carbonaceous material is a well-known approach to improve the electrochemical performance of the anode in a sodium-ion battery (NIB). However, previous works aimed to use either heteroatom-doped or defect-enriched carbon material. The present work focuses on nitrogen-doped, defect-induced surface-modified carbon nanotubes (MN-BCNT) having the synergy of both the effects to improve the electrochemical performance of the NIB. Initially, in situ nitrogen-doped CNTs were grown using a scalable, cost-effective and green synthesis technique. In situ nitrogen doping introduces lattice defects resulting in bamboo-shaped CNTs. The defects were further enriched by opening the ends of the tubes and also by shortening them. This structure demonstrates the high capacity of 278 mA h g -1 at a current density of 50 mA g -1 , which is more than double compared to conventional CNTs. The improved performance of MN-BCNT is attributed to the improved electrical conductivity due to nitrogen doping and the availability of significant active sites as a result of tube shortening. Moreover, the designed structure shows good cyclic stability at 200 mA g -1 accompanied with excellent rate capability.

The development of cost-effective and highly-efficient electro-catalysts is essential for the advancement of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). We present a novel nitrogen-sulphur co-doped carbon nanotubes-few layer graphene1D-2D hybrid support formed by partially exfoliating multiwall carbon nanotubes (PECNT), to improve interface bonding to catalyst nanoparticles. Detailed Raman spectroscopy and STEM-EDS analyses demonstrate that active sites on the co-doped hybrid support ensure both uniform distribution and improved bonding of the catalyst nanoparticles to the support. Electrochemical studies show that Pt nanoparticles decorated on nitrogen-sulphur co-doped PECNT (Pt/NS-PECNT) have higher electrochemical active surface area and mass activity accompanied by low H 2 O 2 formation and improved positive half-wave potential, as compared to those decorated on co-doped rGO-incorporated PECNT hybrid structure (Pt/NS-(rGO-PECNT)). Fuel cell measurements demonstrate a higher power density for our novel (Pt/NS-PECNT) electro-catalyst when compared to both Pt/NS-(rGO + PECNT), and commercial Pt/C electro-catalyst. We demonstrate in this work that the interconnectivity between Pt-nanoparticles and the dopant or defect sites on the support play a crucial role in enhancing the ORR activity, fuel cell performance, and durability of the catalyst., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) reduction, ideally in an aqueous medium, accounts for the sustainable storage of energy from renewable sources in the form of chemical energy in fuels or value-added chemicals. Herein, we report boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon nanosheets encapsulating iron nanocrystals (Fe/BCNNS) as a low cost, highly efficient and precious-metal-free electrocatalyst for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid. The porous architecture of the boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon nanosheets along with the active Fe-N x , N and B sites synergistically allow better three phase contact to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the cell. Both half-cell as well as full cell measurements have been performed with this particular catalyst. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) CO 2 conversion cell is tested under a continuous flow of CO 2 gas and is demonstrated to selectively produce a high yield of formic acid due to improved interaction between the catalyst and gas molecules. The maximum yield of formic acid achieved is as high as 94% after 60 min of reaction with Fe/BCNNS as both anode and cathode catalysts. It can be anticipated that such a facile synthesis strategy and excellent electrocatalytic performance of low-cost Fe/BCNNS catalyst can be easily scaled up for industrial applications in electrochemical CO 2 conversion., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The bulge test is a well-known material test to measure the mechanical properties of metal plates, thin films, and membranes. Also, two different experimental setups are needed to apply pressure and make a measurement. In this work, we describe a modified bulge test to both apply pressure and measure the electrical and ionic permeation properties of membranes in situ. A membrane, clamped at its periphery, with a circular window for measurement, is sandwiched between two liquids. The liquids serve dual purpose by facilitating the application of differential pressure and thus stress, by controlling the extent of immersion of the membrane in the liquid below the membrane, as well as enabling measurement of electrical and mass percolation properties. This was achieved with a stepper motor, a load cell, and a microcontroller. Relevant mathematical models are developed and discussed. Nafion was used to test and validate this approach, using electroimpedance spectroscopy in a 2-electrode configuration with gallium on both sides and in a 3-electrode configuration with electrolyte on one side and gallium on the other. Frequency-dependent response was modeled using equivalent circuits. The resistance of Nafion increases with the depth of immersion and therefore applied pressure. For Nafion in the 2-electrode configuration, conductivity was calculated to be ∼6.4 × 10 -3 S/cm at the equilibrium position, where stress on the membrane is zero. This value matches well with existing literature values for partially hydrated Nafion. Also, it was observed that the response is symmetric about the equilibrium position.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as promising drug delivery systems particularly for cancer therapy, due to their abilities to overcome some of the challenges faced by cancer treatment, namely non-specificity, poor permeability into tumour tissues, and poor stability of anticancer drugs. Encapsulation of anticancer agents inside CNTs provides protection from external deactivating agents. However, the open ends of the CNTs leave the encapsulated drugs exposed to the environment and eventually their uncontrolled release before reaching the desired target. In this study, we report the successful encapsulation of cisplatin, a FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drug, into multi-walled carbon nanotubes and the capping at the ends with functionalised gold nanoparticles to achieve a "carbon nanotube bottle" structure. In this proof-of-concept study, these caps did not prevent the encapsulation of drug in the inner space of CNTs; on the contrary, we achieved higher drug loading inside the nanotubes in comparison with data reported in literature. In addition, we demonstrated that encapsulated cisplatin could be delivered in living cells under physiological conditions to exert its pharmacological action.

A Cu/CuO/porous carbon nanofiber/TiO 2 (Cu/CuO/PCNF/TiO 2 ) composite uniformly covered with TiO 2 nanoparticles was synthesized by electrospinning and a simple hydrothermal technique. The synthesized composite exhibits a unique morphology and excellent supercapacitive performance, including both electric double layer and pseudo-capacitance behavior. Electrochemical measurements were performed by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The highest specific capacitance value of 530 F g -1 at a current density of 1.5 A g -1 was obtained for the Cu/CuO/PCNF/TiO 2 composite electrode in a three-electrode configuration. The solid-state hybrid supercapacitor (SSHSC) fabricated based on this composite exhibits a high specific capacitance value of 330 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1 with 78.8% capacitance retention for up to 10,000 cycles. At the same time, a high energy density of 45.83 Wh kg -1 at a power density of 1.27 kW kg -1 was also realized. The developed electrode material provides new insight into ways to enhance the electrochemical properties of solid-state supercapacitors, based on the synergistic effect of porous carbon nanofibers, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, which together open up new opportunities for energy storage and conversion applications.

Increasing environmental pollution, shortage of efficient energy conversion and storage devices and the depletion of fossil fuels have triggered the research community to look for advanced multifunctional materials suitable for different energy-related applications. Herein, we have discussed a novel and facile synthesis mechanism of such a carbon-based nanocomposite along with its energy and environmental applications. In this present work, nitrogen-doped carbon self-assembled into ordered mesoporous structure has been synthesized via an economical and environment-friendly route and its pore generating mechanism depending on the hydrogen bonding interaction has been highlighted. Incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles in the porous carbon network has significantly improved CO 2 adsorption and lithium storage capacity along with an improvement in the catalytic activity towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR). Thus our present study unveils a multifunctional material that can be used in three different fields without further modifications.

In this particular work, a simple, cost-effective and single step process to synthesize magnesium oxide modified nitrogen doped porous carbon (MgO/NMC) by thermal decomposition technique has been elaborated and its high-pressure performance as CO 2 and CH 4 gas adsorbent is demonstrated. The uniformly distributed porous network in the samples was identified from the morphological studies by FESEM and TEM. Elemental analysis and XPS studies were carried out to understand the Mg and N contents. It has been observed that MgO/NMC shows appreciably high CO 2 (30 mmol g -1 at 20 bar and 25 °C) as well as CH 4 (12 mmol g -1 at 30 bar and 25 °C) adsorption capacity. The surface modification of the samples (caused by the presence of MgO nanoparticles) along with high surface area and good porosity containing interconnected macro-/ meso-/ micropores synergistically improves the adsorption capacity. In addition, high nitrogen content in the nanocomposite enhances the number of basic adsorption sites thereby increasing the gas adsorption capacity. The effect of concentration of MgO on gas adsorption capacities has also been investigated from the adsorption isotherms. The moderate heat of adsorption, as well as good recyclability and selectivity at high pressure, shows that MgO modified nitrogen doped porous carbon composite can be a promising candidate for both CO 2 capture and CH 4 storage., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sodium-ion batteries are promising futuristic large-scale energy-storage devices because of the abundance and low cost of sodium. However, the development and commercialization of the sodium-ion battery solely depends on the use of high-capacity electrode materials. Among the various metal oxides, SnO 2 has a high theoretical specific capacity for sodium-ion battery. However, the enormous volume expansion and low electrical conductivity of SnO 2 hinder its capability to reach the predicted theoretical value. Although different nanostructured designs of electrode materials like SnO 2 nanocomposites have been studied, the effects of other cell components like electrolyte and binder on the specific capacity and cyclic stability are yet to be understood. In the present study, we have investigated the synergistic effect of electrolyte and binder on the performance enhancement of SnO 2 supported on the intertwined network structure of reduced graphene oxide partially open multiwalled carbon nanotube hybrid as anode in sodium-ion battery. Our result shows that sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose and ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate as the electrolyte solvent offers a high specific capacity of 688 mAh g -1 and a satisfactory cyclic stability for 500 cycles. This is about 56% enhancement in specific capacity compared to the use of poly(vinylidene fluoride) binder and propylene carbonate as the electrolyte solvent. The present study provides a better understanding of the synergistic role of electrolyte and binder for the development of metal-oxide-based electrode materials for the advancement of the commercialization of sodium-ion battery., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Human beings and ecosystems are being possibly exposed to CNTs, as there is a rise in global production rate of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This may affect the health of humans and increases the environmental risk. We have already reported the pulmonary toxicity due to the inhalation of MWCNTs. We claim that a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity may ameliorate the CNT-induced toxic effect. With this view, we have investigated the ameliorative effect of intravenously-administered nano bis-demethoxy curcumin analog (NBDMCA) against MWCNTs-induced inhalation toxicity by examining the lung histopathology for inflammatory cell dynamics, pulmonary remodeling and estimating the inflammatory biomarkers in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. We observed that NBDMCA could ameliorate the injury as evidenced by the decline in the levels of markers of inflammation, cell damage, and the histopathological changes induced by MWCNTs. We conclude that NBDMCA may be used to reduce the risk of MWCNTs-induced inhalation toxicity., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)