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DMRD-Net: Dual modality retinal diagnostic network with few shot episodic learning and XAI interpretability
Early diagnosis of retinal pathologies is critical for preventing irreversible blindness, particularly in rare conditions with limited labeled medical data. Traditional diagnostics employ a single imaging modality, limiting the identification of heterogeneous anomalies in the retina. DMRD-Net, a diagnostic system is presented that integrates spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with fundus photographs, utilizing two parallel branches of a neural network, that is EfficientNet-B0 encoders and few-shot episodic meta-learning module based on Prototypical Networks, that merge their outputs to enhance the precision of diagnosis. Supervised learning methodologies are employed to identify common retinal diseases, followed by the application of meta-learning technique, referred to as Prototypical Networks, to aggregate a limited set of data for the study of rare diseases. To support clinical confidence and improve transparency, explainable artificial intelligence is utilized to facilitate decision-making by models. It facilitated the evaluation of performance on both common and rare retinal disorders. The system achieved over 96% episodic accuracy in diagnosing rare conditions, including Macular Hole, Retinitis Pigmentosa, and Stargardt Disease, in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy. The overall classification accuracy for common diseases was 96.5%. Overall, DMRD-Net is a unified, data-efficient, and interpretable multimodal diagnostic system that works well for both common and rare retinal disorders. 2026 The Author(s) -
Exploring the nexus of climate change and vector-borne disease transmission
Climate change is a critical global challenge that significantly impacts the redistribution of malaria endemicity worldwide. While efforts have been made to model malaria transmission using climatic factors, relying solely on these factors can lead to discrepancies and ineffective decision-making. To address this, we used the VECTRI modela dynamic framework developed by the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) that integrates both climatic and entomological factorsto map malaria risk for India and project its potential future under the SSP370 warming scenario. Our findings indicate that the length of malaria transmission is expected to increase across India by the end of this century. The shift of malaria endemicity to further north and also into highland areas could increase the at-risk population due to lower immunity in these regions. Therefore, integrated climate and entomological modeling is essential for effectively anticipating malaria transmission risks and enhancing public health responses. 2025 -
Polyoxometalate/?-Fe2O3/polyaniline composite: Tailored approaches for high-performance supercapacitors
The need for portable, high-performance electronics that have high power or energy density has increased significantly in recent years. In this work, a composite material was coated on stainless steel that consists of polyoxometalate (POM)/?-Fe2O3/polyaniline (PANI) as an electrode material for a symmetric supercapacitor. ?-Fe2O3 was prepared using starch as a template while PANI was electrodeposited. The physical and chemical characteristics of the modified electrodes were investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge[sbnd]discharge (GCD) experiments. In 1 M H2SO4, the composite had a specific capacitance of 528 F/g at a current density of 0.2 A/g. In addition, the composite exhibited a high energy density of 73.4 Wh kg?1 at a high-power density of 7.14 kW kg?1 and 91.62 % capacity retention after 10 cycles. The results show that POM/?-Fe2O3/PANI is a promising composite electrode for use as a supercapacitor electrode material. 2024 The Authors -
Tailored cobaltnickel phospho-boride from metalorganic frameworks as high-performance catalyst for NaBH4 dehydrogenation
Achieving efficient hydrogen generation (HGR) via the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) remains a key challenge in developing cost-effective and high-performance catalytic systems for chemical hydrogen storage. In this study, we present a novel bimetallic phospho-boride-modified metal-organic framework catalyst (CoNi-PB-MOF), synthesized through a two-step process involving hydrothermal assembly followed by chemical reduction. The co-incorporation of phosphorus and boron into the bimetallic Co-Ni MOF facilitates the formation of 2D MOF-derived nanoplates embedded with Co3O4 nanoparticles doped with P and B. This hybrid structure features a high surface area, abundant active sites, and reduced charge-transfer resistance, enabling superior catalytic activity. The CoNi-PB-MOF catalyst achieves an impressive HGR of 7.33 L/min/g from NaBH4 hydrolysis, outperforming its monometallic counterparts. Comprehensive physicochemical and electrochemical analyses confirm the synergistic roles of Co, Ni, P, and B in enhancing catalytic performance, while preserving the porous MOF morphology post-modification. The CoNi-PB-MOF catalyst exhibits a low activation energy of 25.6 kJ/mol, along with excellent thermal stability and cyclic durability under harsh conditions. Kinetic studies reveal a zero-order reaction with respect to NaBH4 concentration, attributed to efficient mass transport and surface diffusion on the optimized catalyst surface. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Flexible Ni-Zn aqueous battery based on Ni?S?/NiO composite cathode with high energy-density and durability
The development of high-performance flexible aqueous zinc batteries requires innovative manufacturing protocols, suitable electrode composition and large area, three-dimensional architecture that results in exceptional electrochemical properties even under mechanical deformation. This work presents a unique approach for synthesizing flexible alkaline Ni-Zn batteries utilizing Ni?S?/NiO composite cathode over highly flexible and durable micro/nano-textured stainless steel mesh with excellent electrochemical performance. The binder-free composite cathode was developed through nickel electrodeposition followed by hydrothermal processing to create Ni?S?/NiO composite nanowires. The innovative anode design employs zinc composite coated on a pressed copper foam, significantly outperforming conventional zinc foil configuration. The Ni3S2/NiO/SSE composite cathode delivers an impressive specific capacity of 452 mAh/g, demonstrating excellent electrochemical properties at the electrode level. This advanced electrode architecture also enables the assembled device to showcase outstanding performance, delivering 316 mAh/g specific capacity at 1 A/g, a remarkable energy density of 553 Wh/kg, and exceptional power density of 11.19 kW/kg, substantially exceeding most reported aqueous zinc battery systems. Further, the device maintains stable electrochemical performance across various bending conditions, demonstrating superior mechanical flexibility essential for the advanced electronics and flexible energy storage applications. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Transparent Cu-Pd decorated MoS2@functionalized carbon nanofiber composite counter electrodes: Efficient bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell
This research demonstrates a facile method for implementing bimetallic Cu-Pd-doped MoS2/Carbon fiber composites as a transparent counter electrode for bifacial dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) applications. The inert properties of the basal plane significantly limit the catalytic capabilities of MoS2. This limitation is alleviated through the incorporation of carbon fibers, owing to their excellent conductivity, catalytic activity, and stable structure. Cu and Pd nanoparticles were incorporated into MoS2, carbon fibers and a mixed MoS2/carbon fibers matrix via a one-step hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, and catalytic properties were systematically investigated through microscopic studies, Cyclic Voltammetry, and Tafel analysis. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy recorded charge transfer resistance RCT values for CuPdCNF, CuPdMS, and CuPdMSCNF are 16.50, 10.62, and 7.5 ?, respectively, attributed to the addition of metals that can alter both the geometric and electronic structures on the metal surface, which are closely associated with their catalytic efficiency. This approach has led to a significant enhancement in both short-circuit current density and overall efficiency with respect to bare MoS2 and Pt. The cells exhibited current densities of 16.00 mA/cm, 16.19 mA/cm, and 16.71 mA/cm, with corresponding efficiencies of 7.03 %, 6.86 %, and 7.77 %, respectively, under front illumination for CuPd-CNF, CuPd-MS, and CuPdMSCNF. Additionally, the introduction of these bimetallic NPs within the carbon and MoS2 matrix further increases the active site for catalytic reduction. The combination of significant efficiency and rear illumination adaptability underscores the strong potential for practical use in bifacial solar cell configurations. 2026 Elsevier B.V. -
Zinc gallate nanoparticles: A multifunctional material for optoelectronic and optical limiting applications
Wide-bandgap spinel oxides have attracted increasing attention due to their structural stability and multifunctional properties, yet the nonlinear optical and optical limiting behaviour of zinc gallate (ZnGa?O?) remains largely unexplored. To address this gap, ZnGa?O? nanoparticles were synthesised using a hydrothermal method at different pH levels, with X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirming a phase-pure cubic spinel structure at pH = 10. Rietveld refinement further validated the crystal structure and was visualised using VESTA software. FTIR confirmed the presence of characteristic metaloxygen bonds. FESEM revealed an agglomerated nanoparticle morphology. TEM verified the particle structure, and EDAX confirmed elemental composition, collectively supporting the cubic structure. XPS validated the oxidation states of Zn? and Ga ?. Optical characterisation using photoluminescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy confirmed the wide bandgap nature of the material. Strong blue emission under UV excitation demonstrated the photoluminescent behaviour. DC conductivity measurements were conducted to evaluate the electrical transport behaviour of the synthesised material. The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were systematically investigated using open- and closed-aperture Z-scan techniques under continuous-wave and nanosecond pulsed laser excitation. The material exhibited reverse saturable absorption, a negative nonlinear refractive index, and a large third-order susceptibility, along with efficient optical limiting behaviour under pulsed excitation. These results demonstrate that hydrothermally synthesised ZnGa?O? nanoparticles possess strong third-order nonlinearity and effective optical limiting performance, establishing zinc gallate as a promising spinel oxide for laser protection and advanced photonic applications. 2026 Elsevier B.V. -
Impact of hot rolling on the mechanical characteristics and microstructure of copper-based metal matrix composites reinforced with titanium carbide
Copper-based metal matrix composites reinforced with varying weight percentages (0, 2, 5, 7, and 10 wt%) of powdered titanium carbide (TiC) particles were successfully fabricated using stir casting, followed by hot rolling as a secondary processing route to enhance their mechanical performance. The microstructural evolution, phase characteristics, and mechanical behaviour of both as-cast and hot-rolled composites were systematically studied. Microstructural examination revealed a dendritic grain structure with non-uniform grain size distribution in as-cast composites, whereas hot-rolled composites exhibited a refined lath-shaped grain structure with uniform TiC particle distribution, attributed to the plastic deformation induced during rolling. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of high-intensity copper matrix peaks in hot-rolled composites and relatively stronger TiC peaks in as-cast composites due to the fragmentation of coarse reinforcement particles during rolling. Mechanical testing demonstrated that hot rolling significantly enhanced both hardness and tensile strength compared to the as-cast condition. The Brinell hardness of the hot-rolled Cu-10 wt% TiC composite reached 59.54 BHN, representing a 42.1% improvement over as-cast pure copper (41.9 BHN). Similarly, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the hot-rolled Cu-10 wt% TiC composite achieved 182.5 MPa, corresponding to a 50.3% improvement over as-cast pure copper (121.4 MPa). However, ductility decreased progressively with increasing TiC content and hot rolling, from 71.56% in as-cast pure copper to 48.69% in hot-rolled Cu-10 wt% TiC, owing to strain hardening effects and grain boundary restriction by TiC particles. The optimal combined strength-ductility balance, assessed through the strain hardening parameter (UTS % elongation), was achieved at 5 wt% TiC reinforcement in both as-cast and hot-rolled conditions. Fractographic analysis revealed a progressive transition from ductile dimple fracture to mixed-mode and predominantly brittle fracture with increasing TiC content, consistent with the observed mechanical trends. 2026 The Authors. -
A new perspective on the genesis of the 2019/2020 Australian bushfire and its atmospheric radiative impacts
Extensive investigations of the genesis and atmospheric radiative impacts of the Australian bushfires of August 2019 to January 2020 (also known as the black summer event) have been carried out using in-situ, multi-satellite, and reanalysis data. We present the observational evidence for the role of total water storage in the initiation of this event. A strong correlation was found between the depletion of the total water storage (sum of surface and sub-surface water storage) caused by the hydrological drought and the burnt area in southeast Australia. Notably, a decadal low of Liquid Water Equivalent Thickness (LWET) going below ?5 cm in December 2019 strongly suggests the crucial role of hydrological drought in the genesis of the black summer event. The hydrological drought provided favorable conditions for intense fire activity during the black summer event and increased the aerosol loading across Australia. The assimilated Aerosol Optical Depth revealed that the impact of the black summer event on the aerosol loading is higher than previously reported. The amplified aerosol backscattering, coupled with the increased surface albedo due to the prevailing drought, led to a significant surge in outgoing shortwave flux and contributed to regional cooling. Along with the increased aerosol loading, it has also been observed that the co-emitted carbon monoxide enhanced the ozone production at 850 hPa, further degrading the air quality. These findings will offer crucial insights for predicting extreme bushfire events and their mitigation policies. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Unveiling virtual interactive marketplaces: Shopping motivations in the Metaverse through the lens of uses and gratifications theory
The emergence of Metaverse has transformed the consumer shopping experience. This novel e-commerce platform offers a fresh approach to shopping, with Generation Z primarily exploring this innovative technology. Our research examines shopping within the Metaverse by developing a model based on the Uses and Gratifications Theory and Metaverse-related factors. A total of 1220 Gen Z consumers were surveyed, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Further, analysis of collected data was done using PLS-SEM. The results reveal that information seeking, perceived enjoyment, escapism, social interaction, sense of immersion, and personalization influence the shopping intention in the Metaverse, and perceived risk negatively influences the shopping intention of consumers. Further, shopping intention influences the potential use of Metaverse for shopping, and this relationship is moderated by technological innovativeness. This investigation into the adoption of the Metaverse for retail purposes augments the current Metaverse research and enhances the uses and gratifications theory within the Metaverse domain. Metaverse e-commerce professionals, including managers and developers, can acquire valuable perspectives on consumer shopping tendencies in the Metaverse from this study. 2025 The Author(s) -
Ternary composite of unzipped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (curved graphenes) for next-generation capatteries
Polyaniline (PANI) and Nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) based hybrid materials have garnered significant interest in energy storage applications because of their exceptional electrical conductivity, redox properties, and structural stability. In this study, a hybrid ternary composite combining UzMWCNT with NiFe2O4 and PANI (UzMWCNT/NiFe2O4/PANI) is successfully synthesized using a two-step synthesis method involving hydrothermal and in-situ polymerization, as an efficient electrode material for supercapacitor application. The crystalline structure, functional groups, and surface morphology of the synthesized composite materials were analyzed through X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical performance was evaluated utilizing cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic chargedischarge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The interaction between the various components and the unique composition structure yields a specific capacitance of 1022 F g?1 at 1 A g?1, with a capacitance retention of 84 % after 2000 GCD cycles. The synthesized ternary hybrid composite maximizes the accessibility of multiple active sites while reinforcing structural stability, enhancing its energy storage performance. The research unveils the compelling advantages of the UzMWCNT/NiFe2O4/PANI ternary composite, positioning it as a cutting-edge candidate for next-generation energy storage devices. 2025 Elsevier Inc. -
Potential health, environmental implication of microplastics: A review on its detection
Microplastic contamination of terrestrial and aquatic environment has gained immense research attention due to their potential ecotoxicity and biomagnification property when enterer into food chain. Heterogenous nature of microplastics coupled with their ability to combine with other emerging pollutants have increased the severity of this crisis. Existing detection methods often fails to accurately quantify the amount of microplastic components present in environmental and biological samples. Thus, a great deal of research gap always exists in our current understanding about microplastics including the limitations in screening, detection and mitigation. This review work presents a comprehensive out look on the impact of microplastics on both terrestrial and aquatic environment. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion on various microplastic detection techniques recently used for microplastic quantification along with their significance and limitations is summarised in this review. The review also elaborates various physical, chemical and biological methods used for the mitigation of microplastics from environmental samples. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Directional injection-driven contaminants transport in groundwater system with asymptotically varying dispersion coefficients
This work examines the effect of asymptotic dispersion for different contaminants, like heavy metals, biological, and radiological types, in heterogeneous groundwater systems. The migration of contaminants within groundwater systems is controlled by advection, dispersion, and sorption phenomena, and these mechanisms are mathematically modeled using the Advection-Dispersion Equation (ADE). Using the Thomas algorithm, a numerical simulation with the Peaceman - Rachford Alternating Direction Implicit (PR-ADI) scheme is applied to solve the ADE under the directional injection boundary (axial input sources). The study on asymptotic dispersion coefficients revealed a broader plume evolution. Non-linear sorption models depended on the saturation limit, and various parameters revealed physically relevant results. The iso-concentration figures depict flow patterns for diverse directional hydrological inflows, supporting stability interpretations. This study introduces a computational approach for modeling contaminant transport in groundwater systems, emphasizing asymptotic field conditions that introduce heterogeneity, coupled with nonlinear sorption effects on the plume morphology. The results highlight how plume morphology responds to variable dispersion and velocity, offering guidance for field-scale aquifer analysis and water quality management. The study is also aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6 - Clean water and sanitation. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Construction of multifunctional hyaluronic acid modified gold nanoparticles clocked with Irinotecan and indocyanine green: Investigation of chemotherapy and cancer cell imaging
To overcome the inherent limits of conventional cancer therapy, there is an immediate need to establish multifunctional drugs that combine accurate diagnosis with treatment. The work describes a small nanocomposite's mild and easy fabrication, including Irinotecan, folic acid, hyaluronic acid, and indocyanine green-integrated gold nanoparticles. The gold nanoparticles with indocyanine green integrated (HA@ICG/Au) were developed in one step for photodynamic treatment and biological fluorescence imaging. Both the drug delivery of Irinotecan and the enhancement of cellular selectivity are achieved by the hyaluronic acid-altered ICG/Au (HA@ICG/Au). To regulate the release of Irinotecan during tumour chemotherapy, the dual-targeted and pH-responsive system known as HA@ICG/Au:FA@IRI was developed. The nanocomposite composed of HA@ICG/Au:FA@IRI had a tiny surface area and was highly efficient at encapsulation and loading drugs. In an acidic milieu, the nanocomposite showed excellent biocompatibility, colloidal stability, photostability, and a rapid cumulative release rate. The improved cellular uptake of HA@ICG/Au:FA@IRI for fluorescence imaging was validated by fluorescence microscopy in vitro. The nanocomposite showed impressive cancer cell death when exposed to laser irradiation using a combination of synergistic chemotherapy and photodynamic treatment (PDT). Taken as a whole, the results show that the nanocomposite was successfully developed to target tumors in two different ways, resulting in a potentially helpful theranostics agent. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Biocompatible NiTiO3Dopamine nanocomposites for combating drug-resistant pathogens through membrane disruption and oxidative stress
The rising threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens poses a challenge to public health. Highlighting the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents, this study reports the synthesis of NiTiO3 nanoparticles and dopamine-functionalized NiTiO3 nanocomposites. Structural and elemental confirmation was obtained through XPS studies, which confirmed the presence of Ni2+ and Ti4+ in the nanocomposite, along with C 1s and O 1s peaks corresponding to dopamine coating. Photoluminescence spectra revealed that the NiTiO3dopamine nanocomposite exhibits notable green emission bands at 510, 518, and 527nm which arises from deep-level recombination associated with complex oxygen-related defects like oxygen vacancies. The NiTiO3-dopamine exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis, K. pneumoniae, S. dysenteriae, and C. albicans, compared to NiTiO3 alone. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays further revealed that NiTiO3dopamine achieved MIC at 600?g/mL and MBC at 1000?g/mL for K. pneumoniae, outperforming pure NiTiO3. ROS assays confirmed oxidative stress-mediated antimicrobial action, with ROS levels significantly quenched in the presence of histidine. SEM images of bacterial morphology showed extensive membrane disruption in NiTiO3dopamine treated cells. Furthermore, zebrafish embryo assays confirmed excellent biocompatibility of the NiTiO3dopamine nanocomposite, with normal development observed up to 72h post fertilization. 2025 Published by Elsevier B.V. -
Biofunctional TiVO4chitosanL-histidine hybrid nanomaterials for enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer applications
The growing pervasiveness of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and the limitations of conventional chemotherapeutics demand the development of multifunctional nanomaterials with enhanced efficacy and biocompatibility. In this study, titanium vanadate (TiVO4) nanoparticles and TiVO4chitosanL-histidine (TiVO4CsLH) HNM's were successfully synthesized via a wet chemical solgel route followed by surface functionalization. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of phase-pure tetragonal TiVO4 with an average crystallite size of ?38 nm, which was significantly reduced to ?24 nm upon CsLH functionalization. UVVisible spectroscopy revealed band gap narrowing from 4.75 eV (TiVO4) to 4.15 eV (TiVO4CsLH), indicating modified electronic structure and improved light absorption. The TiVO4CsLH HNM's exhibited superior broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 18 to 19 mm against Gram positive, Gram negative and fungal strain, outperforming TiVO4. In vitro anticancer evaluation against MCF-7 breast cancer cells demonstrated pronounced concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, with IC50 values decreasing from 29.8 ?g mL?1 (24 h) to 20.6 ?g mL?1 (72 h), significantly lower than those of TiVO4. Biocompatibility studies using L929 fibroblast cells revealed high cell viability (>82%) even at 60 ?g mL?1, which confirms the selective anticancer activity of TiVO4-Cs-LH HNMs. The enhanced biological performance of the TiVO4CsLH HNM's arose from synergistic effects of reduced crystallite size, improved dispersion, defect-assisted charge separation, and biofunctional surface chemistry, making it a promising candidate for antimicrobial and anticancer applications. 2026 Elsevier B.V. -
Plant extract aided synthesis of iron sulphide/nickel sulphide type-II heterostructure for photochemical CO2 reduction and simultaneous degradation of dyes
The green synthetic route, solving issues in the energy sector and the removal of wastes for a clean environment are the major concerns across the globe for a sustainable future. The current work involves the synthesis of iron sulphide (FeS), nickel sulphide (NiS) and FeS/NiS heterostructure using a Calotropis procera leaf and flower extract as a reducing agent without any additional sulphur source. Structural optical, photo/electrochemical and morphological characterizations suggest the formation of a heterostructure between FeS and NiS of type II with tuned edge potentials. Due to which FeS/NiS showed enhanced activity in evolving CO and CH? through photoctalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CRR) and was found to be 2.5 and 2 times higher than FeS and NiS, respectively. Further, all three materials were studied for photocatalytic degradation of two cationic dyes (methylene blue: MB and safranin O: SO) under different light sources. The % degradation of dyes MB and SO was found to be 98 and 96 %, respectively, in the presence of FeS/NiS heterostructure under sunlight. The factors affecting the dye degradation (pH, initial concentration, catalyst dosage) were optimized to achieve maximum efficiency. The degradation study using FeS/NiS was additionally examined in industrial effluent and the simultaneous degradation of MB and SO and the results are satisfactory. Photocatalytic mechanism was predicted based on the degradation results using liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometry (LCMS). The decreased charge transfer resistance, superior photocurrent response, bandgap tuning, shift in edge potentials, and formation of heterostructure and effective charge separation could be attributed to the appreciable efficiency of FeS/NiS. This work may lead to further research on the formation of metal sulfide-based heterostructures using a green approach and their application towards waste reduction and converting them to wealth towards energy and environmental remediation. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Functional carbon nanospheres from mulberry leaves for improved flux, fouling resistance and dye rejection
Carbon-based nanomaterials obtained from biological sources have emerged as promising candidates for advanced water remediation. In this research, carbon nanospheres (CNS) were synthesized using a one-step pyrolysis method, utilizing mulberry leaves as a precursor. The CNS were further modified through surface functionalization with the addition of carboxyl groups to enhance surface hydrophilicity, contributing to improved membrane performance. The functionalized carbon nanospheres (FCNS) ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 wt% were incorporated into Polysulfone (PSF) membranes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the spherical nature and average size found to be 6070 nm. The PSF/FCNS composite membranes were casted via phase inversion method. The fabricated PSF/FCNS composite membranes with 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 wt% FCNS concentrations were defined as M-0, M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-4 respectively. SEM, Contact angle, Pure water flux and Antifouling ability using Bovine serum albumin (BSA) were conducted to achieve the target of this paper. Among the developed membranes, the M-2 variant, with 0.2 wt% FCNS, demonstrated optimal performance, exhibiting improved hydrophilicity from 77.49 to 65.48 and reduced surface roughness. This resulted in an increased pure water flux (PWF) of 632.5 L m?2 h?1 and a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 93.54 %. Furthermore, M-2 achieved dye rejection rates 96.5 % and 95 % for methylene blue and congo red, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of low-cost, bio-derived FCNS as efficient nanofillers for developing high-performance membranes, offering a suitable approach to tackle the multifaceted challenges of water treatment applications. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Silver decorated copper coordination polymer for the electroreduction of CO2 to hydrocarbon liquid fuels
Recently, the development of bimetallic interfaces has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing electrocatalytic CO2 electroreduction (CO2ER) efficiently, with selectivity towards energy-dense hydrocarbons. In this study, we report an electrochemically designed silver-decorated copper-dimercapto thiadiazole modified carbon electrode (Ag@Cu-DM), which facilitates a controlled transition from C1to C2liquid products. The optimized electrochemical synthesis method enabled precise control over the polymer-metal interface, promoting strong electronic interactions and charge transfer. The multiple characterizations conducted for the material revealed distinct lattice fringes corresponding to well-defined Cu and Ag phases. The interplay between Cu and Ag, along with the heteroatoms present within the polymer enhances CO2 activation and intermediate stabilization. The developed Ag@Cu-DM catalyst achieved 89 % F.E. for liquid products alone at a low potential of -0.73 V vs RHE and also demonstrated stable electrolysis for upto 8 Hr. 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. -
Recent trends in the transformative impact of biomass-derived carbon dots in biomedical science
Carbon dots (CDs) have gained significant attention from researchers due to their unique properties, which make them a promising option among nanomaterials for biomedical use. From recent trends, it is confirmed that CDs are the best candidates available among nanomaterials for the treatment of various diseases, including Ulcer, Diabetes, Gout, Wound healing and other syndromes. Semiconductor dots, which dominated in the early days, have been replaced by biomass-derived CDs (BCDs) due to their low toxicity, biocompatibility, and ease of synthesis. Although extensive research has been carried out on the applications of CDs in the biomedical field, the use of biomass as a precursor for CDs in therapeutic and clinical applications remains least explored and has not been systematically reviewed. This review primarily focuses on synthesis strategies, factors influencing the biomedical use of CDs, and recent research in therapeutic and clinical applications. In addition, the earlier trend of employing BCDs in bioimaging, biosensing, and molecular detection is also discussed. By examining the latest research developments, we provide a comprehensive overview of the progress and future prospects of BCDs in healthcare. This exploration highlights not only the potential of these sustainable nanomaterials but also their promise in enabling new breakthroughs in disease treatment. 2025 Elsevier Ltd.