South African Journal of Chemical Engineering最新文献

{"title":"Expired azithromycin and cephalexin as corrosion inhibitors for aluminum in saline-acidic solution","authors":"Zainab W. Ahmed ,&nbsp;Anees A. Khadom ,&nbsp;Enas H. Ali ,&nbsp;Khalida F. Al-azawi ,&nbsp;Abdul Amir H. Kadhum","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The research aims to study the corrosion of aluminum (5083AA) in saline-acidic solution (pH=1) in the absence and presence of 100 to 200 ppm of azithromycin (AZM) and cephalexin (CFX) as corrosion inhibitors at a temperature range of 293 to 308 K. The electrochemical polarization method was used to estimate the corrosion potential, corrosion current density, and Tafel slopes. The results show that the inhibition mechanism was due to the adsorption of azithromycin and cephalexin molecules on the surface of aluminum. The inhibitor performance, or inhibition efficiency percentage (%η), was increased with an increase in inhibitor concentration, and it was decreased with the temperature increases. Maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency was 75 % and 72 % for cephalexin and azithromycin at 200 ppm and 293 K, respectively. Polarization measurements showed that cephalexin and azithromycin have been physically adsorbed on the aluminum surface as mixed-type inhibitors and obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, such as activation energy, enthalpy of adsorption, and entropy of adsorption, were calculated to elaborate the mechanism of corrosion inhibition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 193-201"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143894757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of biodiesel production using oil extracted from microalgae harvested in Ghana","authors":"Moustafa Acakpo ,&nbsp;Nana Sarfo Agyemang Derkyi ,&nbsp;Johannes Akpabli Mawuli Awudza ,&nbsp;Benjamin Kwadzo Kokloku ,&nbsp;Felix Amankwah Diawuo","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fossil fuel is a non-renewable energy source and its combustion contributes greatly to environmental pollution such as the emission of greenhouse gas. Biodiesel is recognized as a potential renewable energy source alternative to fossil-based fuel. This paper evaluated microalgae, <em>Chlorella protothecoides</em> as a potential feedstock for sustainable biodiesel production in Ghana by optimization of synthesis parameters. Freshwater green microalgae were collected from ponds and the Black Volta River in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana, followed by drying and grinding. The oil in the microalgae was extracted with a Soxhlet apparatus using hexane as solvent at a ratio of 1:25 (g/mL) at 60 ± 1 °C for 4 hours. The conversion of the extracted microalgae oil into biodiesel was carried out via a transesterification process using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with central composite design to optimize critical production parameters such as catalyst load, reaction time, and methanol-to-oil molar ratio. The oil content of <em>Chlorella protothecoides</em> was found to be 57.61 %. For the synthesis of the biodiesel, the optimum parameters obtained using RSM were: methanol-oil molar ratio X₁ = 11.01, reaction time X₂ = 56.20 min at 65 °C, and catalyst load X₃ = 0.79 wt%. The catalyst concentration is the factor that has the greatest influence on the biodiesel yield according to the statistical analysis of ANOVA. The biodiesel yield of 98.23 % was obtained using the optimum production parameters. The calorific value, cloud point, pour point, cetane number, and kinematic viscosity cSt @ 40 °C of biodiesel produced were 39.901 MJ/kg, -1 °C, -3.40 °C, 49.914, 4.766 mm²/s, respectively. <em>Chlorella protothecoides</em> could be a sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production in Ghana.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 214-224"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143898654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lactic acid oligomer grafted gum acacia encapsulated controlled release nitrogen fertilizer for crops improvements and greener soil sustainability","authors":"Yihun Wasie ,&nbsp;Selvakumar Periyasamy ,&nbsp;Melakuu Tesfaye","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and productivity. Urea contains 46 % N, the highest content of solid nitrogenous fertilizers, but it is limited in its delivery system. In this research work, urea was encapsulated in a hydrophobic bio-adhesive, which was synthesized through a poly-condensation reaction of lactic acid (LA) and gum acacia (GA) to control its dissolution rate in water. Box-Behnken method of design expert software was used to investigate the effect of process parameters on the grafting efficiency and urea release rate. The grafting efficiency and the urea release rate were inversely proportional. The grafting of lactic acid oligomer (LAO) chains at the O<img>H and N<img>H functional groups of the GA backbone was confirmed by FTIR and NMR analyses. The solubility and hydrophobicity tests of LAO-g-GA exhibit that both increase with grafting efficiency. The study found that the urea release rate increases with the temperature of the medium and urea concentration but decreases with the increase in pH of the medium. The results observed from the study could help commercialize slow-release urea fertilizer for the effective use of nitrogen and maintain a pollution-free environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 158-175"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143887200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magnetohydrodynamics forced convective flow of micropolar ferrofluid over double stationary cylinders inside a vented chamber","authors":"Hasan Douha Touki,&nbsp;Nure Jannat Zubly,&nbsp;Sumon Saha","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work delivers a comprehensive study on the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) forced convective circulation of micropolar ferrofluid over two static cylinders placed within a vented cavity. The cavity has an inlet port at the left bottom and an exit port at the right top. The bottom wall has a constant heat flux source, whereas the other two walls (except the cold right wall) and the cylinder’s surfaces are adiabatic. A constant magnetic field is induced horizontally at the right wall. This study seeks to optimize heat transfer by arranging the cylinders in various configurations under the given conditions, and it also contributes to optimizing heat transfer in various engineering and industrial applications, particularly in systems where fluid flow and magnetic fields influence thermal performance. The leading equations for MHD forced convection heat transport in the cavity are solved using the finite element method. Micropolar Fe₃O₄-water ferrofluid acts as the working fluid to capture additional fluid behavior at small scales, including micro-rotation and viscous impacts on the heat transport process. The system’s thermal effectiveness can be assessed by the average Nusselt number on the heated wall, mean ferrofluid temperature, pressure coefficient, and performance evaluation criterion. Those performance parameters are computed for three configurations of the cylinder-pair with the selected ranges of Reynolds number (1 ≤ <em>Re</em> ≤ 10³), Hartman number (1 ≤ <em>Ha</em> ≤ 31.623), and material parameter (0 ≤ <em>K</em> ≤ 2) to understand the thermo-hydraulic characteristics. Upon extensive analysis, it is evident that the performance evaluation criterion varies significantly depending on the cylinder configurations. Heat transport in a cavity without a cylinder is less than in one with a cylinder pair at lower Reynolds numbers. The optimal horizontal position of the cylinder pair is three-fourths of the length of the cavity. The influence of the magnetic field on the average Nusselt number remains minimal across all Reynolds number ranges. Although the micropolar parameter has little effect at these lower Reynolds numbers, a rise in <em>K</em> leads to a decline in heat transport efficiency and an increase in pressure losses, adversely impacting thermal and hydraulic performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 176-192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143891150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing PVDF-Tannic acid membrane for treating actual river water using response surface methodology","authors":"Rosmaya Dewi ,&nbsp;Muhammad Roil Bilad ,&nbsp;Muhammad Saifullah Abu Bakar ,&nbsp;Ahmad Fauzi Ismail ,&nbsp;Norazanita Shamsuddin","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we refined the development process of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). to address a key research gap in multi-step tannic acid (TA)–based membrane modification for real river water treatment. This multi-step approach integrates phase inversion with surface coatings to minimize morphological alterations commonly encountered in single-step methods. Our goals were to maximize both pure and river water permeability (PWP and RWP, respectively) and achieve high rejection of natural organic matter (NOM). The Central Composite Design matrix was utilized to effectively assess how various factors influence these goals and develop predictive regression models. Three key parameters were selected: tannic acid [TA] in the range of 0–1 g/L, [Fe³⁺] in the range of 0–1 g/L, and coating duration spanning from 0.5 to 5 min. Performance assessment of the membranes was carried out using a cross-flow microfiltration system enhanced practical applicability by treating actual river water. The results indicate that the developed membranes exhibit enhanced hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties compared to the pristine PVDF membranes. According to the analysis of variance, all parameters hold statistical significance in relation to PWP and NOM rejection, with [Fe³⁺] and coating duration being particularly significant for the RWP model. The optimal experimental conditions for PWP, RWP, and NOM rejection were [TA] at 0.542 g/L, [Fe³⁺] at zero, and a coating duration of 0.5 min. Remarkable performances were obtained, including a maximum NOM rejection of 91.546 %, RWP of 546.203 L/m²h bar, and PWP of 739.997 L/m²h bar. The error percentages for PWP, RWP, and NOM rejection between the predicted and experimental values were found to be 7.7 %, 2.9 %, and 1.9 %, respectively, confirming the validity and accuracy of the models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 202-213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143898426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the effective parameters on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles","authors":"Nurul Syahirah Nasuha Sa’aya ,&nbsp;Norhana Abdul Halim ,&nbsp;Hairul Anuar Tajuddin ,&nbsp;Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim ,&nbsp;Siti Zulaikha Ngah Demon ,&nbsp;Fadhlina Che Ros ,&nbsp;Shujahadeen Aziz ,&nbsp;Muhammad Hafiz Hamsan ,&nbsp;Ahmad Farid Mohd Azmi ,&nbsp;Nadiah Husseini Zainol Abidin","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing challenge of environmental pollution has driven intense research into advanced materials for pollutant degradation. Among them, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles stand out for their efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, offering a promising solution for environmental remediation. In this study, TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized to measure their structural, morphological, and optical properties, which directly influence their photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB), a model organic dye. TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol-gel method, enabling fine-tuned control over their crystallization and purity, and subsequently characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a particle size analyzer. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by measuring the degradation rate of MB under UV light irradiation. One hour of sonication was employed after the optimization study to enhance the dispersion of the nanoparticles, resulting in a more uniform size and shape for further characterization. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of both anatase and rutile phases, with peaks at 386 cm⁻¹ and 516 cm⁻¹ indicating anatase, while the rutile phase was identified by peaks at 451 cm⁻¹ and 615 cm⁻¹. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed characteristic bond formations at 1643 cm⁻¹ (Ti-OH) and 3338 cm⁻¹(O<img>H). The degradation analysis was performed via UV–Vis spectrophotometer, which demonstrated a decrease in absorbance at λ_max of 662 nm within 240 min. Additionally, UV–Vis spectroscopy was employed to determine the band gap energy of TiO₂, calculated to be approximately 3.19 eV. Morphological analysis using FESEM revealed flake-like structures with an average size distribution of 52 nm, consistent with the nanoscale distribution observed using the particle analyzer and UV–Vis spectroscopy. In summary, this study successfully synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles with a mixed crystalline phase, achieving about 96.6 % photocatalytic efficiency for MB degradation, highlighting their potential for environmental treatment applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 127-141"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143887198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring disintegration and swelling dynamics in Kappa-Carrageenan-based seaweed capsule shells","authors":"Maya Soraya,&nbsp;Hendrawan Laksono,&nbsp;Renny Primasari Gustia Putri,&nbsp;Ida Royanti,&nbsp;Dayu Dian Perwatasari,&nbsp;Rizky Aulia Prasasti Dewi,&nbsp;Heri Purwoto","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Kappa-Carrageenan or κ-Carrageenan-based seaweed capsule shells offer an appealing option for pharmaceutical formulations, particularly for vegetarian preferences. However, their disintegration kinetics present challenges for efficient medication release. This study investigates the disintegration dynamics of seaweed capsules, focusing on the swelling mechanism and the influence of various disintegrants. κ-Carrageenan-based capsule shells incorporating Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Primogel, Croscarmellose sodium, and Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose were examined for swelling behavior and disintegration time. Results reveal deviations in swelling behavior, with added disintegrants altering the disintegration mechanism towards wicking. Notably, Primogel demonstrates a significant wicking mechanism effect, evidenced by its markedly lower swelling value compared to other disintegrants (949.944 %). Analysis of swelling kinetic parameters further elucidates distinct trends in the swelling behavior of capsules containing different disintegrants, suggesting that Primogel promotes a gradual water uptake, facilitating wicking within the capsule matrix. Furthermore, capsules with Primogel exhibit the lowest disintegration time among tested disintegrants, achieving 36 min and 21 s. The study also explores the impact of disintegrants on capsule shell coloration and surface morphology, crucial factors influencing consumer acceptance. In conclusion, the study underscores the relationship between swelling propensity and disintegration time, providing valuable insights for optimizing capsule formulations in pharmaceutical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 96-102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143867854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High efficiency on resin photocatalysis: Study on application and kinetic mechanism using langmuir Hinshelwood Model","authors":"Restu Hikmah Ayu Murti,&nbsp;Muhammad Abdus Salam Jawwad,&nbsp;Khusnul Khotimah Ayuningtiyas,&nbsp;Euis Nurul Hidayah","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Resin Immobilize Photocatalyst on reducing tofu waste water under the UV light, the resin is doped with two different semiconductor metals, ZnO and TiO₂. Resin Immobilization Photocatalyst Process (RIPT) was synthesized by impregnating resin and catalyst. In this study, RIPT was made with variations in catalyst weight to determine the effect of catalyst ratio. The primary focus of this study is the reduction of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in tofu wastewater. A Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model was used in the photocatalysis kinetic study to determine the reaction rate, in this study the resin capacity of each sample was also calculated. In RIPT-ZnO, the weight of the catalyst affects the reduction of BOD, the highest BOD reduction was obtained from RIPT with 30 g ZnO with a performance that can reduce BOD of tofu waste by 90.2 %, while in removing COD parameter RIPT-ZnO weighing 30 g can reduce 92.61 %. In RIPT-TiO₂ also shows the same trend, the more catalyst used, the greater the removal, whether in BOD or COD, sequentially the reduction in BOD and COD is 79.96 % and 85.29 %. The results of this study indicate that the use of RIPT with different catalyst ratios can effectively reduce BOD and COD in tofu wastewater, with ZnO showing superior performance compared to TiO₂.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 87-95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143863516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developed a unique technique for creating stable gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to explore their potential against cancer","authors":"Anas S ALmomani ,&nbsp;Ahmad Fairuz Omar ,&nbsp;Ammar A. Oglat ,&nbsp;Sarah Shakir Al-Mafarjy ,&nbsp;Mohammed Ali Dheyab ,&nbsp;Thair Hussein Khazaalah","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are frequently employed in biomedical science because to their inertness, small size, stability, biocompatibility, large surface area, and low toxicity. The crucial problem, however, is to produce non-toxic and biocompatible AuNPs. Unlike chemically manufactured AuNPs, laser ablation synthesis provides a non-toxic, easy, and cost-effective alternative.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In this study, distilled water (DW) and Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) with phenol red are used to create small nanoparticles (NPs) with a narrower size distribution in highly stable colloidal NPs. The ability of these liquid media to replicate the spectral and size distributions of the synthesis of biocompatible AuNPs using laser ablation (LA) is also compared.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We determined the sample size using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The AuNPs were synthesised in liquid form by adding several materials and compounds from MEM with phenol red and DW. Then, a laser was used to irradiate the target and ablate the metal plate. A drop of colloidal AuNPs was applied to a silicon wafer, which was then dried in an air oven to determine the materials' microstructural characteristics using a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) was used to evaluate the materials' elemental makeup. Furthermore, MCF-7 cells grown in DMEM media were used to test the cytotoxicity of the AuNPs using the MTT assay.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>AuNPs in MEM with phenol red produced the smallest particles, size 8.84 nm at a wavelength of 532 nm, while AuNPs in DW produced particles size 16.3 nm at a wavelength of 1064 nm, as determined using TEM. These particle sizes were further confirmed by FESEM analysis, which showed closely comparable results, with AuNPs in MEM size 8.5 nm and those in DW size 18.6 nm. This difference is mainly due to physical and chemical properties and selecting a suitable laser wavelength with a limited absorption depth is critical to achieving efficient and rapid ablation with high-energy deposition in a small volume.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The non-toxic process of laser ablation can be used to create biocompatible AuNPs, which may find use in cancer treatment. In order to improve their efficacy in targeted cancer treatment, future research should concentrate on controlling parameters and investigating media.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 142-152"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143887199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization and evaluation of immobilized bimetallic and trimetallic nanoparticles fabricated using grape leaf extract and glass waste for cefixime removal","authors":"Teeba Salih Merjan,&nbsp;Ziad Tark Abd Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.04.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Maintaining a clean and pollutant-free environment is an important issue for all living organisms, including humans, through the adoption of eco-friendly technologies that minimize ecological harm while enhancing sustainability. The present study was directed towards applying a green and eco-friendly approach in nanotechnology to develop sustainable solutions for pollution control and environmental remediation. The immobilization of bimetallic (Fe/Cd) and trimetallic (Fe/Cd/Cu) nanoparticles utilizing glass waste (G) as an inert support material was investigated in this work to produce two nanocomposites (G-Fe/Cd &amp; G-Fe/Cd/Cu, were employed to eliminate cefixime (CEF) from aqueous solutions. The grape leaf extract was used as a green antioxidant instead of harmful chemicals. Compared to the bimetallic nanocomposite, which showed a 26.23 mg/g capacity under optimal circumstances, the trimetallic nanocomposite had exceptional adsorption capability and a maximum CEF adsorption capacity of 32.51 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics were best characterized by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the primary mechanism. The experimental adsorption data tightly matched the Freundlich isotherm model, showing a heterogeneous adsorption process. External mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion-controlled adsorption illustrate the efficiency and intricacy of the interaction processes. Negative magnitudes of ΔG° showed that the adsorption of CEF was spontaneous and thermodynamically beneficial; high ΔS° and ΔH° magnitudes indicated increasing randomness at the solid-liquid interface and an endothermic adsorption process. Moreover, copper's inclusion in the trimetallic system increases adsorption effectiveness by adding more reactive sites, thus enhancing surface characteristics and facilitating more efficient interaction with CEF molecules. This paper emphasizes the possibilities of nanocomposites as effective, sustainable, ecologically acceptable materials for eliminating antibiotic pollutants like CEF from aqueous solutions. These results provide important new perspectives for creating sophisticated adsorbents based on nanocomposites for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 73-86"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143863513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}