In this work, we report the formation of heterojunctions comprising of graphene quantum dots (GQD) decorated ZnO nanorods (NR) and its use as efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation. The heterojunctions has been designed to be active both in the UV and visible light regions and anticipated utilize the maximum part of the solar light spectrum. In this view, we examined the photocatalytic performance of our heterojunctions towards the degradation of colored pollutant (methylene blue (MB) dye) and a colorless pollutant (carbendazim (CZ) fungicide) under sunlight irradiation. Compared to bare photocatalyst ZnO and GQD, the heterojunction with 2 wt% of GQD (ZGQD2) showed the best photocatalytic activity by effectively degrading (about 95%) of organic pollutants (MB and CZ) from water within a short span of 70 min. The superior photocatalytic activity of these ZnO-GQD heterojunctions could be attributed to efficient charge carrier separation lead suppressed recombination rate at photocatalyst interfaces. In addition to the enhanced light absorption from UV to visible region, the high specific surface area of ZGQD2 heterojunction (353.447 m² g-1) also imparts strong adsorption capacity for pollutants over catalyst surface, resulting in high photoactivity. Based on the obtained results, band gap alignment at ZnO-GQD heterojunction and active species trapping experiments, a plausible mechanism is proposed for photocatalytic reaction. The excellent photostability and recyclability of the ZnO-GQD heterojunctions fostering as promising photocatalyst candidate for environmental remediation applications.
In quest of developing alternative technological solutions
to increase
agricultural production for feeding the growing population, extensive
research is being performed in the agriculture area. In this regard,
massive attention is being paid to develop polymer based engineered
materials with a multitude of unique physicochemical properties using
the concepts of modern polymer chemistry, materials technology, and
nanotechnology. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advancements
in polymer based engineered materials for striving toward sustainable
agricultural practices. Herein, we discuss both natural and synthetic
polymer based materials such as nanocarriers, electrospun fibers,
hydrogels, and sensors for controlled agrochemical release, promoting
growth, soil conditioning, sensing of soil condition, and other combined
multiple actions in agriculture. Polymeric nanocomposites have promoted
the growth of plants via an increase in the release rate of loaded
agrochemicals. Polymer based nanofibers with a fiber diameter of <0.5
μm have stimulated the germination and nutrient supply to the
plant along with providing a better seed coverage. Hybrid hydrogels
possess the characteristic features of both natural and synthetic
polymers, thus providing a better solution for the sustained release
of agrochemicals in an economical way. Although the polymer based
engineered materials have provided a significant contribution toward
sustainable agriculture, still challenges such as the overall cost
of fabricated material and practical feasibility in the agriculture
fields need to be addressed. The side effects of the degraded products
on the environmentally friendly microorganisms and the contamination
of our natural underground water resources are some of the research
areas which need to be explored further in the future.
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