An aluminum oxide, Al2O3, template is prepared using a novel Ni imprinting method with high hexagonal pore accuracy and order. The pore diameter after the widening process is about 320 nm. TiO2 layer is deposited inside the template using atomic layer deposition (ALD) followed by the deposition of 6 nm TiN thin film over the TiO2 using a direct current (DC) sputtering unit. The prepared nanotubular TiN/TiO2/Al2O3 was fully characterized using different analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical UV-Vis spectroscopy. Exploring the current-voltage relationships under different light intensities, wavelengths, and temperatures was used to investigate the electrode’s application before and after Au coating for H2 production from sewage water splitting without the use of any sacrificing agents. All thermodynamic parameters were determined, as well as quantum efficiency (QE) and incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE). The QE was 0.25% and 0.34% at 400 mW·cm−2 for the photoelectrode before and after Au coating, respectively. Also, the activation energy was 27.22 and 18.84 kJ·mol−1, the enthalpy was 24.26 and 15.77 J·mol−1, and the entropy was 238.1 and 211.5 kJ−1·mol−1 before and after Au coating, respectively. Because of its high stability and low cost, the prepared photoelectrode may be suitable for industrial applications.

This study considers the progress of our previous study for hydrogen generation depends on the highly ordered metal oxide/plasmonic materials. This study reports the preparation of Ag2O-Ag/Au on the Al2O3 template (Ag2O-Ag/Au/Al2O3) for photocatalytic sewage water splitting and H2 gas production. Ni imprinting, followed by two-step anodization procedures, prepare the Al2O3 template. Ag2O-Ag and Au materials are prepared inside the template using electrochemical deposition and sputter coating methods, respectively. The chemical structure is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, in which all the peaks characterized by Ag2O, Ag, Au, and Al2O3 are confirmed. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirm the preparation of a highly ordered hexagonal Al2O3 template with a pore wide of about 350 nm. Ag2O-Ag/Au accept the same morphology after the deposition process, in which the materials are deposited inside and on the Al2O3 template, in which the hexagonal pores are still opened after the deposition process. These open pores increase the surface area and then enhance the optical and electrical properties. For the H2 generated from sewage water, the produced Ag2O-Ag/Au on the Al2O3 photoelectrode achieved an incident to photon conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 30%. Additionally, the impact of light wavelength and intensity on photoelectrode performance is evaluated. Under increasing the light total power from 25 to 75 mW.cm−2, the current density (Jph) value goes up from 8.9 to 9.5 mA.cm−2. The current study’s findings show promising results for resolving the issue of energy in remote areas by turning wastewater into hydrogen fuel.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to assess the cytotoxic effect of different concentrations of Chitosan Nanoparticles (CNPs) and Propolis Nanoparticles (PNPs) on periodontal ligament stem cells using MTT assay. Materials and Methods:Immature, impacted third molars were used to isolate stem cells. Cells were seeded in 96-well culture plates. Groups were divided into six experimental groups: Group I: 17% EDTA, Group II: 1% propolis NPs, Group III: 2% propolis NPs, Group IV: 1% chitosan NPs, Group V: 2% chitosan NPs, Group VI: cultured cells not receive any material. Cytotoxic effect of these materials on stem cells was evaluated using MTT assay at 24, 72,120 hours and 14 days. Results: In all assay intervals; 2%CNPs group showed the statistically significant highest median value and control group showed the statistically significant lowest median values. After 24 and 72 hours; there was no statistically significant difference between 2% PNPs and 1% CNPs groups followed by 1% PNPs group. Both EDTA and control groups; showed the statistically significantly lowest median values with no statistically significant difference between them. After 120 hours; there was no statistically significant difference between 2% PNPs and 1% CNPs groups in median value followed by 1% PNPs then EDTA groups. After 14 days; there was no statistically significant difference between 1% PNPs, 2% PNPs and 1% CNPs groups in median value followed by EDTA group. Conclusion: The ability of 2% Chitosan NPs to promote periodontal ligament stem cell viability makes them a promising irrigating solution. The cell viability of 2% Propolis NPs was comparable to that of 1% Chitosan NPs, which was better than EDTA.