Carbon-supported ZnO materials for sulfur capturing in supercritical water Florentina Maxim, Giuseppe Stefan Stoian, Elena Ecaterina Toma, Camelia Nicoleta Borca, Elisabeth Agnes Müller Gubler, et al. Scientific Reports, 2025 Sulfur (S) capturing materials working at supercritical water (SCW) conditions need to be designed and developed to overcome issues related with catalyst poisoning during the hydrothermal gasification of wet biomass, an efficient and sustainable technology for alternative fuels production. Sorbent materials of zinc oxide (ZnO) deposited on porous carbon (C) support were prepared by an innovative continuous flow SCW impregnation method. Their S-adsorption performance was tested under the same supercritical conditions in the presence of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), as model inorganic sulfur compound. During sulfidation experiments, ZnS replaced ZnO indicating an efficient chemisorption of S with the formation of the sulfide particles by a pseudomorphic replacement mechanism. The S adsorption capacity of the ZnO/C composites reaches 1.55 molS/molZn at relatively low temperature, which is much higher than those of other reported S capturing materials employed in SCW processes. The results reported here confirm that S sorbents can be both generated and used under the continuous flow SCW conditions relevant for technological applications towards the production of hydrogen and methane from biomass wastes and residues.
Influence of Zeolite-A Doping and Solvent Mixing Ratio for Electrospun PVDF-Based Membranes Ionut Procop, Viorica Mușat, Elena Maria Anghel, Nicolae Țigău, Felicia Stan, et al. Molecules, 2025 The current study evaluates the characteristics of electrospun PVDF-based membranes doped with zeolite-A in terms of their structural, morphological, thermal, mechanical, hydrophobic, optoelectrical, and adsorption properties. The effects of the DMF–acetone ratio on solvent and zeolite-doping concentration have been evaluated using SEM-EDX, BET, Raman, XRD, DSC-TGA, UV-VIS spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and mechanical testing. The membranes prepared with solvents low in acetone and increased zeolite content exhibited a higher crystallinity degree exceeding 50%. Zeolite-enriched membranes have a slightly higher content in the α crystalline phase of PVDF when compared to zeolite-free membranes. Electrospinning processing decreased the sample’s subcooling, improving its thermal stability. Zeolite-doping reduced the band gap energy to 1.3 eV from a maximum of 2.7 eV in PVDF membranes. Membranes doped with 3 or 4 wt.% zeolite exhibit improved load-elongation values at break, reaching up to 4.2 N and 47 mm, respectively, and increased flexibility due to their porous structures and the ratio of crystalline to amorphous phases. The membranes adsorbed an MB equilibrium quantity up to 18.5 mg/g and obeyed the pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model within the first 24 h. Thus, the synergistic effect of zeolite content and solvent ratio can effectively adjust the sample’s structure, texture, and properties.
Cellulose-Derived Gels for Topical Delivery: HPMC as a Functional Matrix for Porphyrinic Photosensitizers Emma Adriana Ozon, Andreea Mihaela Burloiu, Adina Magdalena Musuc, Gina Manda, Valentina Anuta, et al. Gels, 2025 Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a biocompatible polymer widely used in topical formulations due to its suitable rheological behavior, film-forming capacity, and good compatibility with different active pharmaceutical ingredients. The present study demonstrates the potential of HPMC-based gels for dermal delivery of porphyrinic photosensitizers, aiming to enhance the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in potential skin cancer applications. HPMC-based gel incorporating two previously synthesized porphyrinic photosensitizers, named 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl) porphyrin (P2.1) and 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl) porphyrin (P2.2), was developed and carefully characterized regarding its rheological behavior, texture, and in vitro activity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence, and UV-Vis spectroscopy were carried out to evaluate the structural and morphological changes induced by the incorporation of the porphyrins in the HPMC gel matrix. The gels were subsequently evaluated by pharmacotechnical analysis, including pH (7.2 for both HPMC-P2.1 and HPMC-P2.2), viscosity, spreadability, texture profile analysis, and drug content uniformity. Rheological behavior confirmed the pseudoplastic behavior, suggesting a structured system with a gel-like consistency, while physical measurements demonstrated the stability and preserved functionality of the photosensitizers within the HPMC matrix. In vitro studies revealed an efficient cellular internalization of selected porphyrins into human epidermoid carcinoma cells, a critical requirement for topical PDT applications. The study highlights the capability of HPMC gels to serve as effective delivery platforms for porphyrin-based photosensitizers, supporting their application in localized skin cancer treatment through PDT.
Novel Magnetically Recoverable Amino-Functionalized MIL-101(Fe) Composite with Enhanced Adsorption Capacity for Pb(II) and Cd(II) Ions Claudia Maria Simonescu, Daniela C. Culita, Gabriela Marinescu, Irina Atkinson, Virgil Marinescu, et al. Molecules, 2025 In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel NH2-MIL-101(Fe) magnetic composite, developed via in situ formation of NH2-MIL-101(Fe) in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles embedded within a chloropropyl-modified mesoporous silica layer. This hybrid composite retains the high adsorption capacity of NH2-MIL-101(Fe) while benefiting from the easy magnetic separation enabled by Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The mesoporous silica forms a protective porous coating around the magnetic nanoparticles, significantly enhancing its chemical stability and preventing clumping. Beyond protection, the mesoporous silica layer provides a high-surface-area scaffold that promotes the uniform in situ growth of NH2-MIL-101(Fe). Functionalization of the silica surface with chloride groups enables strong electrostatic interactions between the magnetic component and metal organic framework (MOF), ensuring a homogeneous and stable hybrid structure. The new composite’s capacity to remove Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions was systematically investigated. The adsorption data showed a good fit with the Langmuir isotherm model for both ions, the maximum adsorption capacities calculated being 214.6 mg g−1 for Pb(II) and 181.6 mg g−1 Cd(II). Furthermore, the kinetic behavior of the adsorption process was accurately described by the pseudo-second-order model. These findings confirm the effectiveness of this composite for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions, demonstrating its potential as an efficient material for environmental remediation. The combination of magnetic recovery, high adsorption capacity, and stability makes this novel composite a promising candidate for heavy metal removal applications in water treatment processes.
Organic and Ionic Liquids Electrolyte Solutions as Versatile Media for Metallic Lithium Recovery Mihai Tudor Olaru, Alexandru Matei, Irina Atkinson, Adelina Ionela Matei, Elena Bacalum, et al. Materials, 2025 For various applications, particularly in battery technology, there is a significant demand for uniform, high-quality lithium or lithium-coated materials. The use of electrodeposition techniques to obtain such materials has not proven practical or economical due to the low solubility of most lithium salts in suitable solvents. In this study, we propose efficient lithium electrodeposition processes and baths that can be operated at low temperatures and relatively low costs. We utilized organic solvents such as dimethyl acetamide (DMA), dimethylforamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), as well as a mixture of DMSO and ionic liquid [1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide BMIMTFSI]. Lithium salts such as LiCl, Li2CO3, and LiNO3 were tested. Lithium metal was deposited on copper substrates at different temperatures and selected current densities within an argon-filled glovebox using a DC power source or a PARSTAT-4000A potentiostat. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to determine and compare the deposition processes. The obtained deposits were analyzed through visual inspection (photography) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical analysis (ICP-OES) and XRD confirmed the presence of lithium and occasionally lithium hydroxide in the deposits. The best results were achieved with the deposition of lithium from DMSO-LiNO3 and DMSO-BMIMTFSI-LiNO3 systems.
Physicochemical Investigations on Samples Composed of a Mixture of Plant Extracts and Biopolymers in the Broad Context of Further Pharmaceutical Development Andreea Roxana Ungureanu, Adina Magdalena Musuc, Emma Adriana Ozon, Mihai Anastasescu, Irina Atkinson, et al. Polymers, 2025 Vegetal sources are a continuous research field and different types of extracts have been obtained over time. The most challenging part is compounding them in a pharmaceutical product. This study aimed to integrate a mixture (EX) of four extracts (SE-Sophorae flos, GE-Ginkgo bilobae folium, ME-Meliloti herba, CE-Calendulae flos) in formulations with polymers (polyhydroxybutyrate, polylactic-co-glycolic acid) and their physicochemical profiling. The resulting samples consist of particle suspensions, which were subjected to Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. When compared to single-extract formulations spectra, they revealed band changes, depending on the complex interactions. Using X-ray Diffractometry, the partially crystalline phase was highlighted for EX-PLGA, while the others were amorphous. Moreover, Atomic Force Microscopy pointed out the nanoscale particles and the topography of the samples, and the outstanding roughness belonging to EX-PHB-PLGA. A 30 min period of immersion was enough for the formulations to spread on the surface of the compression stockings material (CS) and after drying, it became a polymeric film. TGA analysis was performed, which evaluated the impregnated content: 5.9% CS-EX-PHB, 6.4% CS-EX-PLGA, and 7.5% CS-EX-PHB-PLGA. In conclusion, the extract’s phytochemicals and the interactions established with the polymers or with the other extracts from the mixture have a significant impact on the physicochemical properties of the obtained formulations, which are particularly important in pharmaceutical product development.
Ti-sba-15 mesoporous photocatalysts modified with lanthanides for degradation of dyes in aqueous solution** ”Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Roumanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei 202, 060021, Bucharest, Roumania, Daniela NEGOESCU, Daniela Cristina CULITA, ”Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Roumanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei 202, 060021, Bucharest, Roumania, Irina ATKINSON, et al. Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2021
Thermal behavior of Cu-doped TiO2 gels synthesized by the sol-gel method ”Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Roumanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Roumania, Jeanina PANDELE-CUSU, Irina ATKINSON, ”Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Roumanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Roumania, Adriana RUSU, et al. Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2021
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles obtained by “green” synthesis with well dispersed Pd-Au bimetallic nanoparticles Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2018
Impact of RbLaTa2O7 layered perovskite synthesis conditions on their activity for photocatalytic abatement of trichloroethylene Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2018
Thermosensitive triblock copolymer templated synthesis of Pt-Cu supported on TiO2: Investigation of their catalytic activity for CO oxidation reaction Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2018
Pristine and au-modified ZnO vs. TiO2 nano-powders prepared by sol-gel: Synthesis, structural properties and photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2018
Structural and morphological investigations of ZnO nanostructures obtained by hydrothermal methods at different reaction times Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2016
An experimental approach for finding low cost alternative support material in PEM fuel cells Revue Roumaine De Chimie, 2016
