From the lab to the river: Bimetallic clinoptilolite photocatalyst for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and emerging contaminants removal

The presence of contaminants of emerging concern and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in aquatic environments is a major global challenge. Heterogeneous photo-Fenton-type treatments have proven effective; however, affordable and sustainable catalysts are needed to address real-world water treatment challenges. For the first time, we report the efficacy of a heterogeneous bimetallic Fe-Cu clinoptilolite catalyst, which can remove…

A hypervalent metal MOF catalyst as an avenue to go beyond heterogeneous Fenton-like processes for organic contaminant removal in water

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently been proposed as a plausible solution to the pressing issue of water scarcity and as a means of remediating contaminated water bodies. In light-assisted water treatment, they have so far only been exploited via the hydroxyl radical route, through Fenton-like processes. A new avenue is introduced here by the biomimetic…

Topotactic Reduction-Induced Stabilization of β-La2Mo2O8.68 Phase: Structure, Static Oxygen Disorder, and Electrical Properties

La2Mo2O9 is acknowledged as an exceptional oxide ion conductor. It undergoes a reversible phase transition around 580 degrees C from the nonconductive low-temperature monoclinic alpha-La2Mo2O9 phase to the highly conductive high-temperature cubic beta-La2Mo2O9 phase. In addition, La2Mo2O9 demonstrates complex chemistry under reducing conditions. This study reports, for the first time, the stabilization at ambient temperature…

Decontamination and Circular Economy of Dredged Material and Mining Waters Using Adiabatic Sonic Evaporation and Crystallization (ASEC) Technology

Dredged material is a common environmental and economic issue worldwide. Tons of highly contaminated material, derived from cleaning the bottoms of bays and harbours, are stored until depuration. These volumes occupy huge extensions and require costly treatments. The Ria of Huelva (southwest Spain) receives additionally high metal contamination inputs from the Odiel and Tinto Rivers…

Zn2-xGeO4-GeO2:(x)Mn2+ films with long persistence, intense brightness and high quantum efficiency, deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

This work shows the synthesis and characterization of the Zn2-xGeO4-GeO2:(x)Mn2+ (x = 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 at.%) films using the Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis (USP) technique. These films were deposited at 500 degrees C and heat treated at 800 degrees C for 13 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showed the rhombohedral and hexagonal phases of Zn2-xGeO4…

Lanthanide vanadate-based nanoparticles as multimodal T1 -T2 MRI contrast agent and NIR luminescent imaging probe

We report the development of a multimodal lanthanide vanadate system suitable as dual T1-T2 MRI contrast agent as well as a luminescent imaging probe in the near-infrared region, using Dy3+ and Gd3+ as T2 and T1 components, respectively, and Nd3+ as the luminescent center. The vanadate matrix was chosen to avoid the undesired solubility associated to previously reported fluoride-based contrast agents.…

Sodium lanthanide tungstate-based nanoparticles as bimodal contrast agents for in vivo high-field MRI and CT imaging

Research on high-field magnetic resonance imaging (HF-MRI) has been increased in recent years, aiming to improve diagnosis accuracy by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and hence image quality. Conventional contrast agents (CAs) have important limitations for HF-MRI, with the consequent need for the development of new CAs. Among them, the most promising alternatives are those based…

Mixed oxide ion-proton conductivity and the ionic migration mechanism in isolated tetrahedral LaVO4 by acceptor doping

Solid-state oxide ion and proton conductors are garnering significant attention due to their high ionic conductivity and potential applications in a range of electrochemical devices, including solid oxide fuel cells and gas sensors. In this study, we report the influence of partial substitution of La3+ in isolated tetrahedral LaVO4 ceramics with 0.01 mol of alkaline-earth metals Ca2+,…