Journal of Applied Materials and Technology

Photo-Fenton of Dyes Degradation Using Covalent Triazine Frameworks: Toward Industrial Wastewater Treatment Applications

2025-08-03T19:42:05+07:00

A Covalent Triazine Framework (CTF-1) and carbon nanospheres (CS) were synthesized to develop a porous, thermally stable, and efficient photocatalyst for dye degradation in wastewater treatment applications. The synthesized composite material exhibited a high surface area exceeding 400 m²/g, a well-defined mesoporous structure, and excellent optical properties, including strong light absorption extending up to 550 nm and a moderate band gap of approximately 2.8 eV. These characteristics promote effective visible light-driven photocatalysis. The photocatalytic performance was assessed by degrading methylene blue (MB) as a model organic dye pollutant under photo-Fenton conditions. The system demonstrated high efficiency, with over 90% of the dye removed within 120 minutes of irradiation. The degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, confirming the photocatalytic nature of the reaction. Parameter studies indicated that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were the dominant reactive species responsible for dye degradation. Moreover, CTF-1 retained its photocatalytic activity and structural integrity over multiple reuse cycles, showcasing excellent reusability and stability. The integration of high surface area for dye adsorption, efficient photoactivation under visible light, and robust radical generation synergistically contributed to the enhanced degradation performance. The study highlights the promising role of CTF-1 and its composites as multifunctional materials for advanced oxidation processes. Given its effectiveness, durability, and environmental compatibility, CTF-1 presents a sustainable and scalable solution for the treatment of dye-laden industrial wastewater. This work contributes to the development of next-generation photocatalysts aimed at addressing global challenges in water pollution and environmental remediation.

Web-Based System for Statistical Analysis and Thesis Progress Monitoring

2025-06-21T09:10:53+07:00

Web-based monitoring systems serve as valuable tools in enhancing learning activities, particularly in the context of thesis supervision. Program heads and academic supervisors require timely, accurate information regarding students’ progress to guide academic outcomes effectively. This paper presents the development and implementation of an integrated web-based statistical and monitoring application tailored for thesis progress reporting. Built using the Laravel framework, the system incorporates statistical data visualization to enable students, supervisors, and administrators to interpret progress and communicate insights effectively. The system was developed using the prototype method, allowing iterative improvements based on user feedback. To ensure quality and functionality, the system was evaluated using the ISO/IEC 25010 quality model. A case study conducted in an electrical engineering department at a public university in Indonesia, involving students, academic supervisors, and administrative staff. The results demonstrate that the system not only improves oversight and coordination but also supports data-driven decision-making. By offering a clear, accessible overview of thesis progress, the application empowers all parties to take timely corrective actions, ultimately enhancing the overall educational experience.

Self-Doped Porous Carbon Derived From Acacia Plantation Residues for Green-Supercapacitor in Sustainable Energy Applications

2025-06-21T09:05:18+07:00

To improve bio-organic-carbon quality for supercapacitors, consider using dual or more heteroatom for more profitable carbon-chain doping. Developing suitable sources and preparation strategies is challenging but essential. Herein, we introduce a potential carbon source derived from acacia plantation residues, doped with boron, oxygen, and phosphorus. The pore structure of this carbon material can be precisely tuned to exhibit a well-defined hierarchical arrangement of micro-, meso-, and macropores through a low-ratio of phosphoric acid (H?PO?) impregnation method combined with dual-environment (N₂ and CO₂) vertical pyrolysis in one step integrated. The resulting material displays a confirmed hierarchical morphology with a hierarchical transformation into tunnel pores, in specific surface area of 521.70 m²/g which contributed to high charge storage and deliverability. Additionally, the material contains significant levels of boron (0.93%), oxygen (9.19%), and phosphorus (0.34%), facilitating a reversible Faradic reaction in the working electrode. Consequently, optimized-electrode achieves a specific capacitance of 198 F/g at 1 A/g in H?SO? electrolyte. In a two-electrode system, records energy density of 14 Wh/kg (1 A/g) at a maximum power density of 670 W/kg (10 A/g). These findings suggest that the natural incorporation of boron, oxygen, and phosphorus enhances both the activity and the hierarchical pore structure of carbon derived from acacia plantation residues.

Characterization and Impact of Graphene Oxide on the Curing and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resins

2025-06-07T12:55:26+07:00

Graphene oxide (GO) has been widely studied as a nanofiller for epoxy resins due to its excellent mechanical, thermal, and interfacial properties. In this study, GO was synthesized via electrochemical exfoliation and characterized using FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM. GO was incorporated into an epoxy matrix (Litestone 3200 resin with 2131H hardener) at different weight percentages (0.10%, 0.13%, 0.20%, and 0.50%), and the curing behavior was analyzed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The cure kinetics were evaluated using the Kissinger and Ozawa methods. The results indicated that the activation energy increased at 0.13% GO but decreased at higher concentrations. TGA analysis showed that the addition of GO improved thermal stability, particularly at 0.10% GO. FTIR confirmed the presence of oxygenated functional groups in GO, XRD indicated partial exfoliation and structural disorder, and SEM revealed sheet-like morphology. These results were consistent and complementary, supporting the successful incorporation of GO into the epoxy network. The addition of GO slightly improved the mechanical modulus without significantly altering the glass transition temperature (Tg).

Treatment of Oilseed Industrial Wastewater using Corncob Modified with NaOH as An Adsorbent under A Fixed Bed Column

2025-05-05T20:42:55+07:00

The treatment of industrial wastewater is a source of environmental concern due to the presence of various pollutants that could have detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. This research aims to investigate the potential of using corncob treated with 1M NaOH as an adsorbent for the removal of pollutants from wastewater collected from Sunseed Nigeria Limited. Corncob, a byproduct of the agricultural waste, has shown capability as an adsorbent due to its high surface area and availability at low cost. The research involved the preparation of corncob adsorbent and its characterization using technique; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Adsorption experiment was conducted using continuous study by a fixed bed column with a 5.0 cm internal diameter and a height of 45cm, to evaluate the efficiency of corncob in removing pollutants from oil seed industrial effluent. The initial concentrations of the pH, TSS, DO, BOD, COD, Lead and Cadmium were examined to be; 4.8, 360 mg/l, 110 mg/l, 40 mg/l, 7000 mg/l, 1.268 mg/l and 0.138 mg/l, respectively. The best removal efficiency for cadmium and lead were: 65.94% and 94.01%, respectively at pH of 6.5 and contact time of 6hrs. Furthermore, the removal efficiency for TSS, BOD, and COD were: 20%, 55% and 57.14%, correspondingly. It was therefore concluded that corncob has proven to be a potential material for the treatment of physico-chemical pollutants from industrial effluent. It is recommended that the corncob should be utilized in large amounts for the treatment of industrial effluents.

Properties of Concrete Containing Crumb Rubber and Rice Husk Ash Mixing with Peat Water

2025-06-27T09:10:26+07:00

This study compares the effects of peat water and normal water as mixing and curing water on the properties of crumb rubber and rice husk ash concrete (CR-RHA). The number of crumb rubber and rice husk ash used on the concrete followed the optimum mixture from a previous study, which was 5% and 10%, respectively. The crumb rubber was treated to overcome the lack of adhesion by soaking it in water for 24 hours. Normal concrete (PCC) was also cast as a control. CR-RHA and PCC concrete were mixed and cured using normal and peat water. Compressive strength, tensile strength, and porosity were tested at 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. In general, CR-RHA concrete and PCC concrete showed lower performance when mixed and cured with peat water compared to normal water. Peat water with high acidity decreased the calcium content and developed the amount of pores in concrete, resulting in strength reduction. However, due to the excess pozzolan from rice husk ash, CR-RHA concrete had better resistance as the strength loss was relatively smaller, respectively 11.4% at 28 days and 10.6% at 56 days. Furthermore, CR-RHA concrete showed lower porosity, higher compressive strength, and tensile strength than PCC concrete due to rice husk ash that improved concrete density by generating CSH and crumb rubber that prevented concrete from spalling in an acidic environment. It was also found that compared to the previous study, pre-treated crumb rubber exhibited better mechanical and durability of concrete.

Microwave-Assisted Potassium Hydroxide Pretreatment to Enhance Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Rubberwood (Hevea Brasiliensis) Sawdust

2025-03-05T22:30:21+07:00

Rubberwood sawdust, a lignocellulosic resource derived from industrial and agricultural waste, has the potential for conversion into biofuel. Rubberwood sawdust underwent pretreatment to enhance the accessibility of cellulose to enzymes. The pretreated rubberwood sawdust was subsequently mixed with potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution at 1% and 2% (w/v) concentrations. Each mixture was heated conventionally for 30 min, followed by microwave penetration for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min that operated at 360 Hz, with a power level of 10% (input microwave power 150 Watts). Enzymatic hydrolysis was conducted on the pretreated samples with enhanced cellulose yields for 1 h at 50^oC. The result indicated that lignin content decreased from 29.83% (w/w) to 20.00% (w/w) and 17.36% (w/w) for 1% and 2% (w/v) KOH 25 min microwave penetration, respectively. The highest cellulose 43.73% (w/w), was obtained by 2% (w/v) KOH 25 min microwave duration. Samples were hydrolyzed for 1 h, 2% (w/v) KOH 25 min microwave exposure reached 0.027 g/L fermentable sugars. This method affected to lignin degradation, enhanced cellulose content to achieve higher sugar. The higher concentration of KOH resulted in significant lignin degradation. The microwave allowed for handling heat faster, saves energy and time, and creates less pretreatment waste.

Antimicrobial properties of silver/graphene oxide nanocomposite prepared by redox chemical reaction

2025-01-28T10:11:40+07:00

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit outstanding antimicrobial properties, making them highly valuable in biomedical applications. This study presents the synthesis of a graphene oxide-silver nanoparticle (GO-Ag) nanocomposite via a redox chemical reaction, where the hydroxyl groups reduced silver ions present in graphene oxide (GO). Graphene oxide was obtained through electrochemical exfoliation of graphite, followed by ultrasonic exfoliation in the presence of silver ions to form GO-Ag. The materials were characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). UV-Vis, FTIR, and Raman spectra confirmed GO synthesis. In contrast, XRD and UV-Vis spectra verified the presence of silver nanoparticles in GO-Ag by detecting the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band and silver’s characteristic diffraction peaks. SEM analysis showed the successful formation of silver nanoparticles on GO sheets. The disc diffusion method assessed Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative). GO-Ag nanocomposite displayed significant antibacterial activity, as evidenced by the formation of inhibition zones, whereas GO alone showed no antimicrobial effect. The enhanced antibacterial properties of GO-Ag are attributed to the synergistic interaction between GO and AgNPs. The increased surface area of silver nanoparticles further enhances their antibacterial effectiveness by facilitating better interaction with bacterial membranes. These findings highlight GO-Ag’s potential for use in antimicrobial coatings, wound dressings, and biomedical devices. This study demonstrates an effective, environmentally friendly approach to synthesizing antimicrobial nanocomposites, paving the way for their application in various medical and industrial fields.

Remediation of Lead-Contaminated Sludge for Soil Conditioning Using Waste Lemon Peel

2025-01-26T08:57:48+07:00

Enhancing soil fertility, organic matter, and nutrient content through sludge application to agricultural land is a promising approach to improve crop efficiency. Waste lemon peel, considered agricultural waste, has potential as a remediation agent for lead-contaminated sewage. This study examines the physical and chemical properties of lemon peel extract to evaluate its potential as a substitute for commercial fertilizer. The response surface methodology was employed to investigate the factors influencing the process. A multi-objective numerical optimization technique based on the desirability function was used to identify the optimal conditions for lead removal efficiency in contaminated wastewater. The study focuses on parameters such as pH, extractant concentration, and contact time. The optimization analysis achieved a maximum removal efficiency (ER) of 94.42% at a pH of 5.0, an extractant concentration of 20 g/L, and a contact time of 135 minutes. Under optimal conditions, the highest lead removal efficiency was 90.50%, while the lowest efficiency observed was 47.0%. The findings of this study underscore the significant issue of environmental contamination, particularly with heavy metals like lead, and highlight the necessity for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. The effective use of lemon peel extract demonstrates its potential as a viable alternative for remediating lead-contaminated wastewater.

Synthesis of ?-MnO2@Mn2O3 and ?-MnO2 nanoparticles using tartaric/maleic acid and their enhanced performance in the catalytic oxidation of pulp and paper mill wastewater

2025-01-28T10:37:35+07:00

Two MnO_x, namely ?-MnO₂@Mn₂O₃and ?-MnO₂catalyst, were successfully synthesized using two different organic acids, tartaric and maleic acid, as a reduction in the redox process of KMnO₄. The obtained catalysts are used in the AOP degradation reaction for paper mill effluent. The organic content in the effluent is analogous to the COD number in the effluent. The degradation process is depicted as a decrease in the COD number. The catalyst properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and N₂ sorption. The obtained materials were then studied for PMS activation using Oxone® as a sulfate radical source for COD removal reactions. The ?-MnO₂@Mn₂O_3,which is compromised by Mn (IV) and Mn (II, III), by using 0.3 gL^-1?-MnO₂@Mn₂O₃has the best efficiency with almost 75% COD removal, higher than the ?-MnO₂catalyst. The activation energy of the ?-MnO₂@Mn₂O₃ is measured up to 11.4 kJ mol^-1.