Measurement of Plasma Parameters of Calcium and Silicon in a Rock Sample Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopic (LIBS) technique was used to detect calcium and silicon in an unknown sample. In this method plasma was generated by Nd∶YAG laser of wavelength 1 064 nm with energy 400 mJ and pulse duration between 5~10 ns. The method was applied for the qualitative as well as quantitative analysis. In the qualitative analysis, the electron number density (N_e) of plasma containing calcium and silicon is determined showing that N_e of neutral particles is equivalent to 1016 (cm-3) whereas for ionized particles it is 1017 (cm-3). Plasma temperature is measured using Boltzmann plot method which must be greater than 10 000 k. Intensity ratio method is used for the quantitative analysis shows various elements in abundance with calcium and silicon in majority.     

A Mechanistic Overview of the Current Status and Future Challenges in Air Cathode for Aluminum Air Batteries

Aluminum air batteries (AABs) are a desirable option for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs) due to their high theoretical energy density (8100 Wh K⁻¹), low cost, and high safety compared to state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, numerous unresolved technological and scientific issues are preventing AABs from expanding further. One of the key issues is the catalytic reaction kinetics of the air cathode as the fuel (oxygen) for AAB is reduced there. Additionally, the performance and price of an AAB are directly influenced by an air electrode integrated with an oxygen electrocatalyst, which is thought to be the most crucial element. In this study, we covered the oxygen chemistry of the air cathode as well as a brief discussion of the mechanistic insights of active catalysts and how they catalyze and enhance oxygen chemistry reactions. There is also extensive discussion of research into electrocatalytic materials that outperform Pt/C such as nonprecious metal catalysts, metal oxide, perovskites, metal-organic framework, carbonaceous materials, and their composites. Finally, we provide an overview of the present state, and possible future direction for air cathodes in AABs.     

Cobalt Oxide-Based Electrocatalysts with Bifunctionality for High-Performing Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries

In recent years, the rapid growth in renewable energy applications has created a significant demand for efficient energy storage solutions on a large scale. Among the various options, rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) have emerged as an appealing choice in green energy storage technology due to their higher energy density, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Regarding this fact, a spotlight is shaded on air electrode for constructing high-performance ZABs. Cobalt oxide-based electrocatalysts on the air electrode have gained significant attention due to their extraordinary features. Particularly, exploration and integration of bifunctional behavior for energy storage has remarkably promoted both ORR and OER to facilitate the overall performance of the battery. The plot of this review is forwarded towards in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in electrocatalysts that are based on cobalt oxide and possess bifunctional properties along with an introduction of the fundamental aspects of ZABs, Additionally, the topic entails an examination of the morphological variations and mechanistic details mentioning about the synthesis processes. Finally, a direction is provided for future research endeavors through addressing the challenges and prospects in the advancement of next-generation bifunctional electrocatalysts to empower high-performing ZABs with bifunctional cobalt oxide.     

Metal Negatrode Supercapatteries: Advancements,Challenges, and Future Perspectives for High-Performance Energy Storage

Metal negatrode supercapattery (MNSC) is an emerging technology that combines the high energy storage capabilities of batteries with the high-power delivery of supercapacitors, thereby offering promising solutions for various applications, such as energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. This review article presents a comprehensive analysis of the potential of MNSCs as a prospective energy storage technology. MNSCs utilize a specific configuration in which the negatrode consists of a metal or metal-rich electrode, such as sodium, aluminum, potassium, or zinc, whereas the positrode functions as a supercapacitor electrode. The utilization of negatrodes with low electrochemical potential and high electrical conductivity is crucial for achieving high specific energy in energy storage devices, despite facing numerous challenges. The present study discusses the design and fabrication aspects of MNSCs, including the selection of appropriate metal negatrodes, electrolytes, and positrodes, alongside the fundamental operational mechanisms. Additionally, this review explores the challenges encountered in MNSCs and proposes solutions to enhance their performance, such as addressing dendrite formation and instability of metal electrodes.     

Telluride-Based Materials: A Promising Route for High Performance Supercapacitors

As supercapacitor (SC) technology continues to evolve, there is a growing need for electrode materials with high energy/power densities and cycling stability. However, research and development of electrode materials with such characteristics is essential for commercialization the SC. To meet this demand, the development of superior electrode materials has become an increasingly critical step. The electrochemical performance of SCs is greatly influenced by various factors such as the reaction mechanism, crystal structure, and kinetics of electron/ion transfer in the electrodes, which have been challenging to address using previously investigated electrode materials like carbon and metal oxides/sulfides. Recently, tellurium and telluride-based materials have garnered increasing interest in energy storage technology owing to their high electronic conductivity, favorable crystal structure, and excellent volumetric capacity. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental properties and energy storage performance of tellurium- and Te-based materials by introducing their physicochemical properties. First, we elaborate on the significance of tellurides. Next, the charge storage mechanism of functional telluride materials and important synthesis strategies are summarized. Then, research advancements in metal and carbon-based telluride materials, as well as the effectiveness of tellurides for SCs, were analyzed by emphasizing their essential properties and extensive advantages. Finally, the remaining challenges and prospects for improving the telluride-based supercapacitive performance are outlined.     

Isolation,Characterization, Complete Structural Assignment,and Anticancer Activities of the Methoxylated Flavonoids from Rhamnus disperma Roots

Different chromatographic methods including reversed-phase HPLC led to the isolation and purification of three O-methylated flavonoids; 5,4’-dihydroxy-3,6,7-tri-O-methyl flavone (penduletin) (1), 5,3’-dihydroxy-3,6,7,4’,5’-penta-O-methyl flavone (2), and 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,3’,4’,5’-hexa-O-methyl flavone (3) from Rhamnus disperma roots. Additionlly, four flavonoid glycosides; kampferol 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4), isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), quercetin 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (6), and kampferol 3, 7-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (7) along with benzyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8) were successfully isolated. Complete structure characterization of these compounds was assigned based on NMR spectroscopic data, MS analyses, and comparison with the literature. The O-methyl protons and carbons of the three O-methylated flavonoids (1–3) were unambiguously assigned based on 2D NMR data. The occurrence of compounds 1, 4, 5, and 8 in Rhamnus disperma is was reported here for the first time. Compound 3 was acetylated at 5-OH position to give 5-O-acetyl-3,6,7,3’,4’,5’-hexa-O-methyl flavone (9). Compound 1 exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF 7, A2780, and HT29 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values at 2.17 µM, 0.53 µM, and 2.16 µM, respectively, and was 2–9 folds more selective against tested cancer cell lines compared to the normal human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC5). It also doubled MCF 7 apoptotic populations and caused G₁ cell cycle arrest. The acetylated compound 9 exhibited cytotoxic activity against MCF 7 and HT29 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values at 2.19 µM and 3.18 µM, respectively, and was 6–8 folds more cytotoxic to tested cancer cell lines compared to the MRC5 cells.     

Penicillamine functionalized B12N12 and B12CaN12 nanocages act as potential inhibitors of proinflammatory cytokines: A combined DFT analysis,ADMET and molecular docking study

The adsorption of penicillamine (PCA) on pure B₁₂N₁₂ and B₁₂CaN₁₂ nanocages in aqueous and chloroform solvents has been evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The interaction of PCA on B₁₂N₁₂ nanocages is chemisorption through its four nucleophilic sites: amine, carbonyl, hydroxyl and thiol. The most stable adsorption configuration was achieved when zwitterionic PCA adsorbs via its carbonyl group in water with value of ?1.723 eV, in contrast, when neutral PCA adsorbs via its amine group in chloroform with value of ?1.68 eV. Intercalated calcium ion within B₁₂N₁₂ nanocage (B₁₂CaN₁₂) was shown to attract PCA onto nanocage surface, resulting in higher solubility and adsorption energy after their complexation in water and chloroform. The adsorption of multiple PCA molecules from their amine and carbonyl groups on pure and B₁₂CaN₁₂ nanocages were also evaluated where two and three molecules can be chemisorbed on boron atoms of the nanocage surfaces with the adsorption energy per PCA reduces slightly with the increasing the amount of drugs due to the curvature effects. Molecular docking study indicates that PCA from its NH₂ group on B₁₂CaN₁₂ nanocage has the best binding affinity and inhibition potential of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptors as compared with the other adsorption systems. Molecular docking and ADMET analysis displayed that the chosen compounds pass Lipinski Rule and have appropriate pharmacokinetic features suitable as models for developing anti-inflammatory agents.     

Effect of Sodium Iodide Dopant Concentration on the Electrical Behavior of AgPO3 Glassy Networks

Physics of the Solid State - The ionic and dielectric behavior of (AgPO3)(1 – x)–NaIx (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, …, 0.14) systems were tested in the frequency range of...     

Preparation and Utilization of Jute‐Derived Carbon: A Short Review

This article summarizes the preparation and applications of carbon derived from jute sticks and fibers that are low‐cost, widely available, renewable, and environmentally friendly. Both the fibers and sticks are considered ideal candidates of carbon preparation because they are composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin, and contain negligible ash content. Various carbon preparation methods including simple pyrolysis, pyrolysis with chemical and physical activations are discussed. The impacts of several parameters including types of activating agents, impregnation ratio, and temperature on their morphology, surface area, pore size, crystallinity, and surface functional groups are also emphasized. Various treatments to endow functionalization for increasing the practical applicability, such as chemical, physical, and physico‐chemical methods, are discussed. In addition, applications of jute‐derived carbon in various practical areas, including energy storage, water treatment, and sensors, are also highlighted in this report. Due to the porous fine structure and a large specific surface area, the jute‐derived carbon could be considered as a powerful candidate material for various industrial applications. Finally, possible future prospects of jute‐derived carbon for various applications are pointed out.     

A High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on Tungsten Oxide Nanoplates and Highly Reduced Graphene Oxide Electrodes

Tungsten oxide/graphene hybrid materials are attractive semiconductors for energy-related applications. Herein, we report an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC, HRG//m-WO₃ ASC), fabricated from monoclinic tungsten oxide (m-WO₃) nanoplates as a negative electrode and highly reduced graphene oxide (HRG) as a positive electrode material. The supercapacitor performance of the prepared electrodes was evaluated in an aqueous electrolyte (1 m H₂SO₄) using three- and two-electrode systems. The HRG//m-WO₃ ASC exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 389 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹, with an associated high energy density of 93 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 500 W kg⁻¹ in a wide 1.6 V operating potential window. In addition, the HRG//m-WO₃ ASC displays long-term cycling stability, maintaining 92 % of the original specific capacitance after 5000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles. The m-WO₃ nanoplates were prepared hydrothermally while HRG was synthesized by a modified Hummers method.