Photocatalytic efficiency of iron oxide nanoparticles for the degradation of priority pollutant anthracene

Himanshu Gupta,RAHUL KUMAR,박현성,전병훈 한국자원공학회 2017 Geosystem engineering Vol.20 No.1

The present work demonstrates an efficient and cost effective methodology for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles without the assistance of any capping agent. Two different forms of iron oxide nanoparticles, namely, goethite (α-FeOOH) and magnetite (Fe3O4) were synthesized and characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The XRD spectra were found concordant with JCPDS-ICDD data. The crystallite sizes for goethite and magnetite were found to be 9.85 and 14.13 nm, respectively. The mean particle sizes estimated via SEM analysis were 32.23 and 63.27 nm, respectively. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy was used to estimate the elemental composition of the synthesized nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs were further used for the degradation of anthracene in the presence of UV light. The decay profiles of anthracene,a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon listed as a priority pollutant by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), were investigated with different forms of iron oxides NPs under UV irradiation at ambient temperature. Both forms of iron oxides were efficient for the photodegradation of anthracene. The decay profiles in both the cases followed the first-order kinetics. The half-lives for anthracene degradation were 3.21 and 4.39 h with α-FeOOH and Fe3O4, respectively. The results reveal that the photocatalytic activity of magnetite is low as compared to goethite.

Embryonic Zebrafish Model - A Well-Established Method for Rapidly Assessing the Toxicity of Homeopathic Drugs - Toxicity Evaluation of Homeopathic Drugs Using Zebrafish Embryo Model -

Gupta, Himanshu R,Patil, Yogesh,Singh, Dipty,Thakur, Mansee KOREAN PHARMACOPUNCTURE INSTITUTE 2016 Journal of pharmacopuncture Vol.19 No.4

Objectives: Advancements in nanotechnology have led to nanoparticle (NP) use in various fields of medicine. Although the potential of NPs is promising, the lack of documented evidence on the toxicological effects of NPs is concerning. A few studies have documented that homeopathy uses NPs. Unfortunately, very few sound scientific studies have explored the toxic effects of homeopathic drugs. Citing this lack of high-quality scientific evidence, regulatory agencies have been reluctant to endorse homeopathic treatment as an alternative or adjunct treatment. This study aimed to enhance our insight into the impact of commercially-available homeopathic drugs, to study the presence of NPs in those drugs and any deleterious effects they might have, and to determine the distribution pattern of NPs in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). Methods: Homeopathic dilutions were studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (SAED). For the toxicity assessment on Zebrafish, embryos were exposed to a test solution from 4 - 6 hours post-fertilization, and embryos/larvae were assessed up to 5 days post-fertilization (dpf ) for viability and morphology. Toxicity was recorded in terms of mortality, hatching delay, phenotypic defects and metal accumulation. Around 5 dpf was found to be the optimum developmental stage for evaluation. Results: The present study aimed to conclusively prove the presence of NPs in all high dilutions of homeopathic drugs. Embryonic zebrafish were exposed to three homeopathic drugs with two potencies (30CH, 200CH) during early embryogenesis. The resulting morphological and cellular responses were observed. Exposure to these potencies produced no visibly significant malformations, pericardial edema, and mortality and no necrotic and apoptotic cellular death. Conclusion: Our findings clearly demonstrate that no toxic effects were observed for these three homeopathic drugs at the potencies and exposure times used in this study. The embryonic zebrafish model is recommended as a well-established method for rapidly assessing the toxicity of homeopathic drugs.

Embryonic Zebrafish Model - A Well-Established Method for Rapidly Assessing the Toxicity of Homeopathic Drugs - Toxicity Evaluation of Homeopathic Drugs Using Zebrafish Embryo Model -

Himanshu R Gupta,Yogesh Patil,Dipty Singh,Mansee Thakur 대한약침학회 2016 Journal of pharmacopuncture Vol.19 No.4

Objectives: Advancements in nanotechnology have led to nanoparticle (NP) use in various fields of medicine. Although the potential of NPs is promising, the lack of documented evidence on the toxicological effects of NPs is concerning. A few studies have documented that homeopathy uses NPs. Unfortunately, very few sound scientific studies have explored the toxic effects of homeopathic drugs. Citing this lack of high-quality scientific evidence, regulatory agencies have been reluctant to endorse homeopathic treatment as an alternative or adjunct treatment. This study aimed to enhance our insight into the impact of commercially-available homeopathic drugs, to study the presence of NPs in those drugs and any deleterious effects they might have, and to determine the distribution pattern of NPs in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). Methods: Homeopathic dilutions were studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (SAED). For the toxicity assessment on Zebrafish, embryos were exposed to a test solution from 4 - 6 hours post-fertilization, and embryos/larvae were assessed up to 5 days post-fertilization (dpf) for viability and morphology. Toxicity was recorded in terms of mortality, hatching delay, phenotypic defects and metal accumulation. Around 5 dpf was found to be the optimum developmental stage for evaluation. Results: The present study aimed to conclusively prove the presence of NPs in all high dilutions of homeopathic drugs. Embryonic zebrafish were exposed to three homeopathic drugs with two potencies (30CH, 200CH) during early embryogenesis. The resulting morphological and cellular responses were observed. Exposure to these potencies produced no visibly significant malformations, pericardial edema, and mortality and no necrotic and apoptotic cellular death. Conclusion: Our findings clearly demonstrate that no toxic effects were observed for these three homeopathic drugs at the potencies and exposure times used in this study. The embryonic zebrafish model is recommended as a well-established method for rapidly assessing the toxicity of homeopathic drugs.

Synthesis of biodegradable films obtained from rice husk and sugarcane bagasse to be used as food packaging material

Himanshu Gupta,Harish Kumar,Mohit Kumar,Avneesh Kumar Gehlaut,Ankur Gaur,Sadhana Sachan,Jin-Won Park 대한환경공학회 2020 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.25 No.4

The current study stresses on the reuse of waste lignocellulose biomass (rice husk and sugarcane bagasse) for the synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and further conversion of this CMC into a biodegradable film. Addition of commercial starch was done to form biodegradable film due to its capacity to form a continuous matrix. Plasticizers such as Glycerol and citric acid were used to provide flexibility and strength to the film. Biopolymer film obtained from sugarcane bagasse CMC showed maximum tensile strength and elongation in comparison to the film synthesized from commercial CMC and CMC obtained from rice husk. It has been observed that an increase in sodium glycolate/NaCl content in CMC imposed an adverse effect on tensile strength. Opacity, moisture content, and solubility of the film increased with a rise in the degree of substitution of CMC. Therefore, CMC obtained from sugarcane bagasse was better candidate in preparing biopolymer/biocomposite film.

Stoichiometry dependent changes in the optical properties and nanoscale track formation of PECVD grown a-SiNx:H thin films upon 100 MeV Au8+ ion irradiation

Gupta Harsh,Ghosh Santanu,Khan Saif A.,Srivastava Himanshu,Srivastava Arvind,Srivastava Pankaj 한국물리학회 2021 Current Applied Physics Vol.24 No.-

-SiNx:H thin films of different stoichiometry grown by PECVD were subjected to irradiation by 100 MeV Au8+ ions with various fluences to understand the effect of stoichiometry on properties of thin films upon irradiation. Ellipsometry and UV–Vis study suggest the variation in the refractive index of thin films with fluence. The evolution of Hydrogen due to irradiation is quantified with the help of ERDA. RBS was probed to study the change in thin films’ composition upon irradiation, which further helps understand the change in thin films’ optical properties. Quenching of photoluminescence in the films with all stoichiometries was also observed due to ion irradiation. X-TEM images show the formation of discontinuous ion tracks of radius 2.5 nm in the film closer to silicon nitride stoichiometry. However, Si rich film does not show the clear formation of tracks. Results are explained in the framework of the Thermal spike mechanism of ion-solid interaction.

Dynamics and actuating torque optimization of planar robots

Vinay Gupta,Himanshu Chaudhary,Subir K. Saha 대한기계학회 2015 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.29 No.7

An optimization methodology is presented for design of serial-chain planar robots for minimizing torque at joints, when its endeffectoris supposed to move on a prescribed path. In particular, the end-effector of the robot is allowed to move on a circular path. Forthe respective joint trajectories, the weighted sum of root mean square (RMS) of the actuating torques is minimized by the mass redistributionof the links. To achieve the goal, the DeNOC (Decoupled natural orthogonal complement) based dynamics was formulated byrepresenting the rigid links as a set of rigidly connected point-masses known as equimomental system. The methodology is illustratedusing a planar two-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot with two revolute joints.

Distribution of trace elements in flowing surface waters: Effect of seasons and anthropogenic practices in India

Kumar, Rahul,Rani, Manviri,Gupta, Himanshu,Gupta, Bina,Park, Daeryong,Jeon, Byong-Hun Taylor Francis 2017 International journal of environmental analytical Vol.97 No.7

Design and Performance Evaluation of Low Cost Earth to Air Heat Exchanger Model Suitable for Small Buildings in Arid and Semi Arid Regions

Anil Kumar Misra,Mayank Gupta,Manish Lather,Himanshu Garg 대한토목학회 2015 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.19 No.4

An experimental study was performed on a prototype model of Earth to Air Heat Exchanger System (EAHE) equipped with low cost material like PVC pipes and exhaust fans made on temporary platform. Emphasis was given on the design of the duct system suitable for small houses without any space in urban and rural areas. Tests were performed to predict the cooling potential and impact of the material on the performance of EAHE system. Experiment was performed continuously for more than three weeks and the result shows that irrespective to the inlet air temperature (ranges from 34oC to 44oC), outlet air temperature was recorded between 20oC to 22oC, which shows the effectiveness of the system. No significant affect of the material used for making the underground air pipe system was recorded on the performance of the model. The Minimum EER (W/W) ratio calculated for the prototype model was around 3.78, which is equivalent to a Energy Star 5 rating, the most efficient system. The weekly energy saving potential of the model before and after integration of EAHE was analyzed i.e., around 5 kWh/week and 20 kWh/week respectively. This considerable increase in weekly energy savings potential of model due to EAHE leads to mitigation of CO2 emissions if implemented in the residential, commercial and industrial buildings and the corresponding annual carbon credit of these buildings can be decreased manifold. The Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis of model also shows that the payback period is around 3 to 4 years for the investment on EAHE system. After a series of experimental analysis the study also reveals that EAHE system is easily and economically feasible technique which can drastically reduce the consumption of energy in future and eliminate the need for conventional compressor based cooling systems.

2D materials: increscent quantum flatland with immense potential for applications

Ranjan Pranay,Gaur Snehraj,Yadav Himanshu,Urgunde Ajay B.,Singh Vikas,Patel Avit,Vishwakarma Kusum,Kalirawana Deepak,Gupta Ritu,Kumar Prashant 나노기술연구협의회 2022 Nano Convergence Vol.9 No.26

Quantum flatland i.e., the family of two dimensional (2D) quantum materials has become increscent and has already encompassed elemental atomic sheets (Xenes), 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), 2D metal nitrides/carbides/carbonitrides (MXenes), 2D metal oxides, 2D metal phosphides, 2D metal halides, 2D mixed oxides, etc. and still new members are being explored. Owing to the occurrence of various structural phases of each 2D material and each exhibiting a unique electronic structure; bestows distinct physical and chemical properties. In the early years, world record electronic mobility and fractional quantum Hall effect of graphene attracted attention. Thanks to excellent electronic mobility, and extreme sensitivity of their electronic structures towards the adjacent environment, 2D materials have been employed as various ultrafast precision sensors such as gas/fire/light/strain sensors and in trace-level molecular detectors and disease diagnosis. 2D materials, their doped versions, and their hetero layers and hybrids have been successfully employed in electronic/photonic/optoelectronic/spintronic and straintronic chips. In recent times, quantum behavior such as the existence of a superconducting phase in moiré hetero layers, the feasibility of hyperbolic photonic metamaterials, mechanical metamaterials with negative Poisson ratio, and potential usage in second/third harmonic generation and electromagnetic shields, etc. have raised the expectations further. High surface area, excellent young’s moduli, and anchoring/coupling capability bolster hopes for their usage as nanofillers in polymers, glass, and soft metals. Even though lab-scale demonstrations have been showcased, large-scale applications such as solar cells, LEDs, flat panel displays, hybrid energy storage, catalysis (including water splitting and CO2 reduction), etc. will catch up. While new members of the flatland family will be invented, new methods of large-scale synthesis of defect-free crystals will be explored and novel applications will emerge, it is expected. Achieving a high level of in-plane doping in 2D materials without adding defects is a challenge to work on. Development of understanding of inter-layer coupling and its effects on electron injection/excited state electron transfer at the 2D-2D interfaces will lead to future generation heterolayer devices and sensors.

Facile Synthesis of Bio-Composite Films Obtained from Sugarcane Bagasse and Cardboard Waste

Sanjeev Makin,Satish Kumar Singh,Sweety Verma,Himanshu Gupta,Avneesh Kumar Gehlaut,Suantak Kamsonlian,Surya Narain Lal,Ankur Gaur 한국화학공학회 2023 Korean Chemical Engineering Research(HWAHAK KONGHA Vol.61 No.4

In this study, we focus on the recycling of cardboard waste and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) for the preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and its conversion into a biodegradable film. Sodium alginate (SA) was added to form a biodegradable composite film. SA was used to increase film permeability. Glycerol, which is a plasticizer, was used to increase the tensile strength (TS) and film expansion. To characterize the CMC, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used. The addition of olive oil to the CMC-SA matrix highlighted its antimicrobial property against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). A slight decrease in tensile strength was observed with the addition of olive oil (OO), which improved the functional properties of the control films as well as lowered moisture content and water solubility. But considering all other factors, the composite films obtained from sugarcane bagasse and cardboard waste incorporated with olive oil are suitable for applications in the field of food packaging.