Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences

ADSORPTIVE REMOVAL OF METHYLENE BLUE DYE FROM SYNTHETIC WASTEWATER USING ACID AND BASE ACTIVATED Adansonia digitata SEED POD

2024-08-03T13:20:38+00:00

ABSTRACT

Using the batch adsorption method, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon produced from Adansonia digitata (AD) seed pods has been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the adsorbents. Following AD, HAD (H₃PO₄-activated Adansonia digitata), and KAD (KOH-activated Adansonia digitata), the C-H, O-H, C≡N, and C=C groups were found; these groups exhibited minor alterations following activation and subsequent adsorption processes. Looking into the absorbents' ash content, moisture content, and pH of point zero charge (pH_pzc), it was found that the pH_pzc of AD, HAD, and KAD were, respectively, 6.6, 6.8, and 7.2. Temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration, and agitation time optimization. The dye's maximum adsorption capacities on AD, HAD, and KAD were determined to be 91.48, 71.70, and 75.52 mg/g, respectively. The kinetic studies show that q_e._exp 19.26 is almost equivalent to q_e._cal 19.27 onto the adsorbents and that adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order model with R² values close to unity. The results of adsorption isotherm experiments indicated that the Freundlich isotherm model correlates well with the Langmuir model, which fits AD and KAD the best (values 0.9838 and 0.9969, respectively). All adsorption processes are exothermic and spontaneous, according to research on the thermodynamic parameters (negative ∆G and ∆H). The acquired results imply that the adsorbents are promising options for industrial wastewater cleanup.

IMPACT OF SIMULATION MODEL AND GRAIN SIZE ON THE BIFACIAL GAIN OF A SILICON SOLAR CELL

2024-08-15T10:05:55+00:00

The characterisation of the performance of a bifacial silicon cell in a simulation study is carried out through different simulation models. These are the one-dimensional (1D) model, the classical three-dimensional model using constant diffusion parameters and the empirical 3D model which uses diffusion parameters varying with grain size. For each of these models, by comparing the electrical parameters of the solar cell subjected to front side illumination and then to double illumination, the different bifacial gains are obtained and then compared to each other. This study revealed a tendency for the classical 1D and 3D models to overestimate the bifacial gains compared to the empirical 3D model.

ALOE VERA AS A GREEN CORROSION INHIBITOR FOR PROTECTION OF METALS AND ALLOYS-A REVIEW

2024-09-07T07:59:52+00:00

Corrosion is the deterioration of a metal by a chemical attack or reaction with its environment. Aloe vera has the ability to control the corrosion of various metals and alloys, such as aluminum, carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, iron, zinc, copper and bronze. Various techniques like the weight loss (WL) method and electrochemical methods such as potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), have been used to evaluate the corrosion inhibition efficiency (I.E.) of Aloe vera. The protective film has been analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) methods. Adsorption of Aloe vera on metal surfaces obeys the Langmuir, Al-Ewady, Frumkin, Freundlich, or Temkin isotherms, depending on the nature of metal and the corrosive environment. A polarization study reveals that Aloe vera can function as an anodic, cathodic, or mixed type of inhibitor.

Solar-Powered Sodium-Ion Batteries: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Prospects

2024-11-02T07:04:24+00:00

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their abundant raw materials, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact. Integrating SIBs with solar energy offers a promising solution for enhancing renewable energy storage, addressing the intermittency of solar power. This review examines the latest advancements, challenges, and future prospects of solar-powered SIBs, focusing on their working principles, integration with solar systems, and innovations in electrode and electrolyte materials that improve performance. Key developments include hard carbon anodes and polyanionic cathodes, which enhance energy density and cycle life. Despite their potential, SIBs face challenges such as lower energy density and material degradation, which are explored alongside future research directions. This review aims to guide stakeholders in advancing solar-powered SIBs to support a sustainable energy infrastructure.

CHEMICAL, THERMAL AND BIO-RESPONSIVE POLYSTYRENE BASED-PHOTONIC CRYSTALS: A MINI-REVIEW

2023-04-21T12:17:11+00:00

The potential uses for photonic crystals have attracted a lot of research interest. They can be employed as sensors thanks to their clearly defined physical properties, such as reflectance/transmittance, higher degrees of sensitivity producing precise detection limits, and the sparkling visual quality they present in the visible range of wavelengths. Connecting incident, reflected, and transmitted light to optical fibers allows for the sensing applications, which are then analyzed in distant locations. Responsive PhCs can be fabricated to sense chemicals, thermal and biological stimuli based on these characteristics. Evaluation of the product's cost-effectiveness and measurement accuracy in comparison to alternative approaches are essential for any sensing technology to be long-term viable. The minimal water absorption, rigidity, and low manufacturing costs of polystyrene make it a highly desirable material. This article examined some significant recent research on polystyrene-based photonic crystals that are thermo-, chemically-, and biologically sensitive.