Robust and direct electrochemical sensing of arsenic using zirconia nanocubes

Bhanjana, Gaurav,Dilbaghi, Neeraj,Chaudhary, Savita,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Kumar, Sandeep Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 The Analyst Vol.141 No.13

<P>The presence of heavy metal ions in the environment and in food items can severely harm human health. Thus, simple, reliable, sensitive, quick, and accurate methods for their detection must be developed as a means to improve healthcare worldwide. To this end, a robust method was developed for the direct sensing of arsenic(III) in control and real environmental samples (at neutral pH) by a gold electrode that was modified with zirconia nanocubes synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route. This sensing system was used to build a sensing profile for arsenic ions after characterization of their elemental, optical, chemical, and morphological behavior. Electrochemical sensing of arsenic was achieved by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry with an ultra-sensitivity of 550 nA cm(-2) ppb(-1) and a detection limit of 5 ppb (linear range of 5-60 ppb with a response time below 2 s). Although this system experienced small interference from Cd ions, the results of the real sample analysis were comparable to those of other standard techniques. The proposed method is advantageous and can be used to assess the toxicity of water, food, and other environmental samples without requiring any toxic solutions and/or gasses in any of the analytical steps. Moreover, due to its low price, portability, and easy mass production, it can be adopted for use in screen-printed electrodes.</P>

Zinc oxide nanopillars as an electrocatalyst for direct redox sensing of cadmium

Gaurav Bhanjana,Neeraj Dilbaghi,Nitin Kumar Singhal,김기현,Sandeep Kumar 한국공업화학회 2017 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.53 No.-

In this paper, we report an ultrasensitive and selective technique for direct electrochemical sensing of cadmium (Cd) by zinc oxide nanopillars (ZONPs) synthesized using a facile chemical method. The synthesized ZONPs have been characterized in terms of their topological, morphological, elemental, structural, and optical properties using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. A gold electrode was modified with the as-synthesized ZnO nanostructures and utilized for direct redox sensing of Cd using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometric techniques. This fabricated sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity and selectivity for direct redox sensing of Cd in real and laboratory samples. Using chronoamperometry, the developed sensor demonstrated ultra-sensitivity (10 mA cm2 ppb1) with a detection limit of 4 ppb (p-value < 0.0001, R-value > 0.99) in a linear range of 5–50 ppb. The enhanced reproducibility of the sensor in the presence of common interfering ions offers the potential for use in diagnostic applications involving food adulteration and in clinical healthcare.

Novel electrochemical sensing of arsenic ions using a simple graphite pencil electrode modified with tin oxide nanoneedles

Bhanjana, Gaurav,Mehta, Navjot,Chaudhary, Ganga Ram,Dilbaghi, Neeraj,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Kumar, Sandeep Elsevier 2018 Journal of molecular liquids Vol.264 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Electrochemical sensors have attained enormous attention in last few years. Various contaminants like pesticides, explosives, pharmaceutical drugs, and biological fluids have been determined qualitatively as well as quantitatively with the assistance of cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), amperometry, and impedance-based techniques. Nanoengineering based modified electrodes have contributed to the establishment of the on-site detection platform for various harmful analytes with the aid of electrochemical method. In this research, CV-based detection method has been developed and validated against arsenic (As<SUP>3+</SUP>) in real as well as laboratory samples. Lead pencil (<I>cost around 0.015 USD</I>) has been utilized as working electrode after modification with tin oxide (SnO<SUB>2</SUB>) nanoneedles. SnO<SUB>2</SUB> nanoneedles (size: 60–80 nm), synthesized using chemical precipitation method, were characterized for their elemental, topological, morphological and structural features. The surface of lead pencil (containing graphite/carbon (C)) was then coated with these nanoneedles with the help of nafion (as binding agent). This fabricated sensor recorded a detection limit of 10 ppb (linear range: 50–500 ppb) with ultrasensitivity of 28.13 μA cm<SUP>−2</SUP> ppb<SUP>−1</SUP>. This method was then applied to the direct ion quantitation of arsenic in real environmental and industrial samples collected from diverse locations.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Low temperature synthesis of SnO<SUB>2</SUB> nanoneedles </LI> <LI> In-depth characterization using TEM, SEM, FTIR and XRD analyses </LI> <LI> Fabrication of SnO<SUB>2</SUB>/Nafion/C pencil electrode </LI> <LI> Detection of As<SUP>3+</SUP> in real waste-water samples using fabricated electrode </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Carbon nanotubes as sorbent material for removal of cadmium

Bhanjana, Gaurav,Dilbaghi, Neeraj,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Kumar, Sandeep Elsevier 2017 Journal of molecular liquids Vol.242 No.-

<P>Heavy metal ions are highly toxic industrial pollutants of which maximum levels are regulated such as in the ppb range for drinking water. Elevated levels of heavy metals in natural water may have a detrimental effect on both human health and the environment. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been investigated widely over last two decades for numerous potential applications to exert considerable technological impact on future miniaturized, compact, cost effective, and efficient devices. The novel tubular structures of CNTs became one of the most valuable materials in water management due to their distinct features such as inertness, porous structure, low density, and affinity for pollutants. Such astonishing features help make them overcome the shortcomings of activated carbon. In this research, we focused on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of multi walled carbon nano tubes (MWCNTs) as adsorbent for removal of cadmium. MWCNTs synthesized in size range of 60-70 nm (width) and length in microns using chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method were characterized by the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopic analyses. These MWCNTs when explored for the removal of cadmium ions (Cd2+) from their aqueous solutions exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 181.8 mg/g with the Langmuir isotherm model (R-2 = 0.98). The findings of this research work project that CNTs can play a vital role as nanoadsorbent towards heavy metals management. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</P>

Low temperature synthesis of copper oxide nanoflowers for lead removal using sonochemical route

Bhanjana, Gaurav,Dilbaghi, Neeraj,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Kumar, Sandeep Elsevier 2017 Journal of molecular liquids Vol.244 No.-

<P>In this research, copper oxide (CuO) nanoflowers were obtained using a low-temperature synthesis technique with a high yield rate, and were tested as an adsorbent for the removal of lead ions (Pb2+) in aqueous systems. These CuO nanoflowers were initially characterized according to their topological, morphological, chemical, elemental, and structural parameters. Their morphology and size were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It was found that the synthesized CuO nanoflowers ranged in size range from 20 to 90 nm with consistent features in a monoclinic phase, as elucidated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses confirmed their composition to be pure CuO with minimal impurities. When these nanoflowers were utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of Pb2+, they yielded a maximum adsorption capacity of 188.7 mg/g at an adsorbent dose of 0.5 mg/mL with R-2 = similar to 0.98. The adsorption capacity of our CuO nanoflowers was considerably higher than that of adsorbents,explored by other researchers. Therefore, these CuO nanoflowers are proposed as an efficient sorbent material for waste water treatment. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</P>

Enhanced antibacterial profile of nanoparticle impregnated cellulose foam filter paper for drinking water filtration

Jain, Shikha,Bhanjana, Gaurav,Heydarifard, Solmaz,Dilbaghi, Neeraj,Nazhad, Mousa M.,Kumar, Vanish,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Kumar, Sandeep Elsevier 2018 Carbohydrate Polymers Vol.202 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Filtration is a promising water treatment method to purify drinking water. To develop highly efficient drinking water filter paper, water-resistant cellulose foam paper with a high wet strength property was fabricated using diverse metal oxide (e.g., copper oxide (CuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and silver oxide (Ag<SUB>2</SUB>O)) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal reaction method. Their morphological structures were studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The presence of coated nanoparticles on the cellulose foam filter was verified by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) methods. The antibacterial performance of different types of modified cellulose foam filters was studied against <I>E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis,</I> and <I>B. cereus</I> strains using the zone of inhibition test. The antibacterial profile of the cellulose foam filter impregnated with Ag<SUB>2</SUB>O nanoparticles, when tested against different types of bacteria, exhibited higher antibacterial activity than the cellulose foam filter impregnated with ZnO and CuO nanoparticles.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Facile synthesis of nanoparticles using hydrothermal method. </LI> <LI> Impregnation of nanoparticles in water-resistant cellulose foam paper. </LI> <LI> Morphological, structural, and elemental characterization using SEM and EDX. </LI> <LI> Antibacterial evaluation of impregnated paper against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. </LI> <LI> Enhanced antibacterial profile of nanoparticle modified filter paper compared to unmodified paper. </LI> </UL> </P>

Development of nanoformulation approaches for the control of weeds

Kumar, Sandeep,Bhanjana, Gaurav,Sharma, Amit,Dilbaghi, Neeraj,Sidhu, M.C.,Kim, Ki-Hyun Elsevier 2017 Science of the Total Environment Vol.586 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The nanoformulation of pesticides has the potential to increase food productivity, while resolving the drawbacks of conventional agrochemicals, which have negative environmental impacts. In this study, herbicide (metsulfuron methyl)-loaded pectin (polysaccharide) nanoparticles were synthesized and evaluated for herbicidal activity and cytotoxicity. The optimum formulation of nanoparticles was obtained using the Central Composite Design. The basic properties (mean particle size, stability, morphology, and interaction between polymer and herbicide) were characterized using a particle size analyzer (PSA), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The nanoparticles were found to be in size range of 50–90nm with zeta potential value of −35.9mV. The herbicide loading and herbicide encapsulation efficiency of the nanoparticles were determined to be 6.30% and 63±2%, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the herbicide-loaded nanoparticles was evaluated using healthy cell lines (Vero cell lines) and compared with that of commercial herbicide. In addition, an in-field evaluation of our nanoformulation's effects on the <I>Chenopodium album</I> plant was performed using a pectin nanocarrier. The results showed that application of herbicide-loaded nanoparticles could be used to reduce the use of herbicides with improved efficacy and environmental safety.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Synthesis and characterization of herbicide (metsulfuron methyl) loaded pectin nanocapsules </LI> <LI> Optimization studies for best nanoformulation using Central Composite Design </LI> <LI> Cytotoxicity Assessment of prepared nanoformulation and commercial formulation on vero cell lines </LI> <LI> Real field studies of herbicide-loaded nanoparticles on <I>Chenopodium album</I> plant </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Modification of cellulose foam paper for use as a high-quality biocide disinfectant filter for drinking water

Heydarifard, Solmaz,Taneja, Kapila,Bhanjana, Gaurav,Dilbaghi, Neeraj,Nazhad, Mousa M.,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Kumar, Sandeep Elsevier 2018 Carbohydrate Polymers Vol.181 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Development of a foam-formed cellulose filter paper with high wet strength was carried out for application as a drinking water filter. The wet strength and antimicrobial activity of cellulose foam paper against several bacteria species (<I>Bacillus subtilis</I> MTCC 441 (Gram +ve), <I>B. cereus</I> NCDC 240 (Gram +ve), <I>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</I> NCDC 105 (Gram −ve), <I>Klebsiella pneumonia</I> NCDC 138 (Gram −ve), and <I>Escherichia coli</I> MTCC 40 (Gram −ve)) were investigated. The morphology and structure of the cellulose foam paper were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of our study confirmed that glutaraldehyde solution or 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) added to cellulose foam paper pretreated with cationic polyacrylamide (C-PAM) provided very high and stable wet strength performance together with excellent antimicrobial properties.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Development of novel porous cellulose foam filter paper. </LI> <LI> Improving wet strength using Glutaraldehyde and BTCA along with C-PAM. </LI> <LI> Evaluation of antibacterial activity against gram positive & negative bacteria. </LI> <LI> Morphological and structural analysis of developed paper using SEM. </LI> </UL> </P>