Presently, there is an emerging research trend in the fabrication of the noble Phytogenic Magnetic Nanoparticles (PMNPs) and their application in the water/wastewater treatment (WWT).

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In order to facilitate the large-scale applications of rechargeable Zn-air batteries, non-noble-metal based materials with high activity for oxygen reduction (ORR) and evolution reactions (OER) are highly needed for replacing noble-metal based materials. Here, a new method is used for developing Cu-doped ZIF-67 (Cu/ZIF-67) nanoparticles and carbonizing at various temperatures (500-900°C). Benefiting from the doping of Cu nanoparticles on the surface of the ZIF-67 and the synergistic interaction between Cu and the underlying Co atoms, the Cu/Co-NC-800 electrocatalyst exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity for both ORR (Eo 0.98, E1/2 0.84 V) and OER (overpotential 0.278 V) and superior alkaline media stability relative to both prepared and commercial Pt/C (Eo 0.96 V). These insightful findings inspire new perspectives for economical-practical bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts to be designed and synthesized rationally.

Pt/Graphene has been prepared by polyol method using pre-functionalized graphene and Pt salt solution, hexachloroplatinic acid. Electrochemical studies of the Pt supported onto graphene showed improved performance for hydrogen oxidation reaction and methanol oxidation reaction compared to state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. A thermal treatment applied to the catalysts improved the catalytic activity and stability of Pt/Graphene catalyst showing an electrochemical surface area of 58m2.g-1 and the stability was found 3-fold higher than the Pt/C conventional catalyst. The cyclic voltammetry measurements showed that the Pt/Graphene catalyst lost only 20% of the Pt initial ECSA, whereas the degradations of Pt /C catalyst was quite high showing 65% loss. The Pt/Graphene catalyst also exhibited a higher performance in the methanol electrooxidation for the promotion of C–H breaking and COad tolerance and good stability as well. Due to the homogenous distribution of Pt particles on the graphene as well as the availability of these surfaces for hydrogen adsorption and desorption processes, Pt/Graphene was reported to have 2-fold greater electrochemical performance towards methanol oxidation than Pt/C. Additionally, the findings contribute to improved mass movement in the catalyst layer. According to this research, the oxygenation groups and graphitization both have a dual role in the catalytic activity.

Abstract-Waste has been recognized as a major problem in the construction industry and its effects on working efficiency as well on general economy of country. Waste generation results from numerous factors at different stages of construction projects. The main objective of this paper is to identify the most significant causes of waste in construction projects of Sindh. This study is based on questionnaire survey investigation. Total seventy-three (73) respondents having construction site experience, participated during data collection. The gathered data was assessed through statistical method with help of Average indexing (A.I) technique. Findings of analyzed questionnaires present that, unsuitable methods of material storage, worker's mistakes, poor management system at site, effect of sub surface ground conditions, excessive use of construction material, inexperienced constructor hire for construction project work, poor site layout, poor coordination among the construction stakeholders, improper planning schedule of project by the constructor and problem between main constructor and sub-constructor are major construction waste issues in Sindh region.

A significant step in commercializing zinc-air batteries is the development of a low platinum-group metal (PGM) concentration, high catalytic activity, and effective electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution process. A nitrogen-doped carbon stabilized Pt-Co bimetallic nanoparticle (Pt@Co-NC-900) with very low Pt content (2 wt.%) was successfully produced using a metal-organic framework (MOF) templated technique. The as-developed Pt@Co-NC-900 demonstrates exceptional catalytic activity and long-term durability, exceeding commercial RuO2 catalysts and many previously reported catalysts with significant PGM content, attributed to its low overpotential of 223 mV. Using an N-containing MOF template, this research proposed a new approach for developing cost-effective and multifunctional catalysts.

Pakistan is heavily dependent on imported fuel for power generation. Depending on imported fuel has not only increased GHG emissions, but it has also put a burden on the national exchequer and raised apprehensions on energy security. This paper thus investigates the consequences of oil-based power generation on the economy, environment, and energy security of Pakistan. SWOT-Delphi approach has been adopted. The study discovered that the use of imported oil for power generation is detrimental to the economy, environment, and energy security of Pakistan. It further suggests that Pakistan should immediately abandon oil-based power generation and explore green energy alternatives for its sustainable economic growth. This study uses a hybrid model that combines strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) analysis with the Delphi method.