Microparticles (MPs) with controlled morphologies and sizes have been investigated by several researchers due to their importance in pharmaceutical, ceramic, cosmetic, and food industries to just name a few. In particular, the electrospray (ES) technique has been shown to be a viable alternative for the development of single particles with different dimensions, multiple layers, and varied morphologies. In order to adjust these properties, it is necessary to optimize different experimental parameters, such as polymer solvent, voltage, flow rate (FR), type of collectors, and distance between the collector and needle tip, which will all be highlighted in this review. Moreover, the influence and contributions of each of these parameters on the design and fabrication of polymeric MPs are described. In addition, the most common configurations of ES systems for this purpose are discussed, for instance, the main configuration of an ES system with monoaxial, coaxial, triaxial, and multi-capillary delivery. Finally, the main types of collectors employed, types of synthesized MPs and their applications specifically in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields will be emphasized. To date, ES is a promising and versatile technology with numerous excellent applications in the pharmaceutical and biomaterials field and such MPs generated should be employed for the improved treatment of cancer, healing of bone, and other persistent medical problems.

Pure forms of alkaline-earth stannates with perovskite structure (ASnO 3 , A= Ca ) have been used as photocatalysts. In this work, CaSnO 3 perovskite sample was synthesized by a modified Pechini method at 800 ºC and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic degradation of remazol golden yellow (RNL) dye under UV radiation was evaluated. The XRD pattern showed that the synthesis method favored the orthorhombic CaSnO 3 crystallization. According to the Raman spectrum, a material with high short-range order was obtained despite of the relatively low synthesis temperature, compared to the solid-state reaction one. The highest photocatalytic activity was attained at pH 3, which presented 51% discoloration and improved activity of 35% compared to discoloration solely due to adsorption (absence of radiation). The point of zero charge (PZC) and the photocatalytic results indicated that a direct mechanism prevailed at pH 3, whereas an indirect mechanism prevailed at pH 6.

TiO 2 immobilized in Sepiolite (TiO 2 /Sep) was successfully prepared by the sol-gel technique, with titanium isopropoxide as the precursor for the formation of TiO 2 in the anatase phase calcined at 400 °C. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled to energy dispersive spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that TiO 2 /Sep structure was identified in all characterizations, showing the specific peaks, bands, mass loss, and morphology after the impregnation process. Photocatalytic experiments were performed under UV irradiation with various photocatalyst concentrations and pH effects in the reaction. The prepared samples presented 72% photocatalytic efficiency for eosin (EA) dye discoloration after 150 min under UV light. This efficiency was attributed to the radicals generated from the TiO 2 and the high specific surface area, showing that TiO 2 /Sep is promising candidate in the degradation of organic pollutants.

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The ABO 3 mixed oxide class known for its perovskite-like structure has aroused great scientific and technological interest in recent decades, due to its optical, magnetic and conductive properties. The objective of this work was to search the articles and patent databases for papers that relate the activity of the alkaline earth metal stannates -BaSnO 3 , CaSnO 3 and SrSnO 3 as photocatalysts for environmental application. The databases researched were the Web of Science, Scopus and Scielo for articles and USPTO, EPO and INPI for patent banks. From the exclusion criteria, 21 review articles presented different experimental parameters and conditions. Due to the excellent photocatalytic performance, the stannates presented as promising candidates in the heterogeneous photocatalysis. A description of the main papers published in literature is provided for an overview of the literature data about these materials.A classe de óxidos mistos ABO 3 conhecida por sua estrutura do tipo perovskita vêm despertando grande interesse científicotecnológico nas últimas décadas, em função de suas propriedades ópticas, magnéticas e condutoras. Este trabalho teve por objetivo buscar, nos bancos de artigos e de patentes, trabalhos que relacionem a atividade fotocatalítica dos estanatos de metais alcalinos terrosos -BaSnO 3 , CaSnO 3 e SrSnO 3 como fotocatalisadores para aplicação ambiental. Os bancos de dados pesquisados foram o Web of Science, Scopus e Scielo para os artigos e USPTO, EPO e INPI para os bancos de patentes. A partir dos critérios de exclusão, 21 artigos de revisão apresentaram parâmetros e condições experimentais distintas. Devido ao excelente desempenho fotocatalítico, os estanatos apresentam-se como candidatos promissores na fotocatálise heterogênea. Palavras-chave: estanatos, perovskita, fotocatálise. *ieda@quimica.ufpb.br

Ibuprofen (IBU) is one of the most-sold anti-inflammatory drugs in the world, and its residues can reach aquatic systems, causing serious health and environmental problems. Strategies are used to improve the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide (ZnO), and thosethat involvethe inclusion of metalhave received special attention. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the parameters and toxicity of a photoproduct using zinc oxide that contains cerium (ZnO-Ce) for the photodegradation of ibuprofen. The parameters include the influence of the photocatalyst concentration (0.5, 0.5, and 1.5 g L−1) as well as the effects of pH (3, 7, and 10), the effect of H2O2, and radical scavengers. The photocatalyst was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Raman, X-Ray Diffraction, surface area, and diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activity of ibuprofen was evaluated in an aqueous solution under UV light for 120 min. The structural characterization by XRD and SEM elucidated the fact that the nanoparticle ZnO contained cerium. The band gap value was 3.31 eV. The best experimental conditions for the photodegradation of IBU were 60% obtained in an acidic condition using 0.50 g L−1 of ZnO-Ce in a solution of 20 ppm of IBU. The presence of hydrogen peroxide favored the photocatalysis process. ZnO-Ce exhibited good IBU degradation activity even after three photocatalytic cycles under UV light. The hole plays akey role in the degradation process of ibuprofen. The toxicity of photolyzed products was monitored against Artemia salina (bioindicator) and did not generate toxic metabolites. Therefore, this work provides a strategic design to improve ZnO-Ce photocatalysts for environmental remediation.