No abstract

The structures of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) of different morphology (rod, flower, and grains) using Zinc chloride and zinc nitrate synthesis are carried out under ambient conditions. In this investigation, we report that ZnO NPs are effectively synthesized and exploited to exhibit the morphological effect of ZnO NPS on its reduction in photocatalytic methylene blue (MB) dye‐degradation. UV–Visible spectra studies of the prepared ZnO NPs confirm the absorption peak at 377, 376.3, and 376 nm representative of the formation of ZnO NPs. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrate that the strong, highly intense, and narrow‐width diffraction peaks indicate the most stable crystalline hexagonal (Wurtzite) structure of ZnO NPs of rod, flower, and grains with average size about 20, 16.62, and 18.02 nm in diameter, respectively. According to field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), results confirm the development of ZnO NPs. In addition, the degradation efficiency of MB dye by ZnO (grain) reveals larger enhancement than the rod and flower with the highest adsorption of color after 0.067 min−1.This study offers the mainstep forward in the field of diluted wastewaters in textile industries.

The sustainable development of pollution‐free technologies for environmental remediation has concerned significant attraction due to rapid growth of industrialization. Herein, synthesis of nanoflower‐like NiO porous nanostructures prepared from different nickel precursors by solvothermal method in combination with calcination treatment is reported. The obtained porous NiO‐Ac (prepared from nickel acetate) and NiO‐S (prepared from nickel sulfate) nanostructures are analyzed by a powder X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and BET to determine their structure, morphology, and surface area. Photocatalytic measurement of NiO‐Ac and NiO‐S demonstrates that, these nanostructures show excellent photo degradation behavior toward methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet radiation. About 85% of MB in 100 min is removed using NiO‐S nanostructured catalyst. Compared with NiO‐Ac, the porous NiO‐S nanoflowers exhibit higher photocatalytic activity due to their large surface area (100.79 m2 g−1) and smaller band gap (3.0 eV).

No abstract

Silica Aerogels have emerged as a new class of porous solid-state nanomaterials which consist of a three‐dimensional (3D) solid silica network with a huge air-filled space of highly cross-linked structures. Due to the distinct features, such as high porosity, large surface area, extremely low density, and low thermal conductivity, they show potential applicants in various emerging fields. Silica aerogel limits its application due to its fragile nature; as a result, it is essential to develop mechanical strength. To enhance the widespread industrial application of silica aerogel in the future, reinforcement of fiber/polymer/metal oxide has been widely studied. This overview particularly emphasizes achieving mechanisms of mechanical strength on the recent advances regarding various additives into the silica matrix. Also, the outline of the significant improvements in the resultant mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, porosity, and surface area of the nanocomposites are represented. In this review, we have elaborated on the synthesis of the silica aerogel, fillers trapped inside the silica matrix aerogel pores, and its application in potential fields.