This paper reports an investigation of the microwave-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using extract of stinky bean (Parkia speciosa Hassk) pods (BP). The formation of Ag NPs was identified by instrumental analysis consists of UV-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis. Furthermore, Ag NPs were used as antibacterial agents against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results indicate rapid formation of Ag NPs during microwave irradiation with similar properties to those obtained through the aging method. In general, the use of microwave irradiation yields larger particles, and it is affected by volume ratio of the extract to the AgNO3 solution. The prepared materials demonstrated antibacterial activity.

The catalytic and thermal decomposition of plastic waste to fuels over low-cost catalysts like zeolite, clay, and bimetallic material is highlighted. In this paper, several relevant studies are examined, specifically the effects of each type of catalyst used on the characteristics and product distribution of the produced products. The type of catalyst plays an important role in the decomposition of plastic waste and the characteristics of the oil yields and quality. In addition, the quality and yield of the oil products depend on several factors such as (i) the operating temperature, (ii) the ratio of plastic waste and catalyst, and (iii) the type of reactor. The development of low-cost catalysts is revisited for designing better and effective materials for plastic solid waste (PSW) conversion to oil/bio-oil products.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) utilizing heterogeneous catalysts have attracted great attention in the last decade. The use of solid catalysts, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticle support materials, exhibited better performance compared with the use of homogeneous catalysts, which is mainly related to their stability in hostile environments and recyclability and reusability. Various solid supports have been reported to enhance the performance of metal and metal oxide catalysts for AOPs; undoubtedly, the utilization of clay as a support is the priority under consideration and has received intensive interest. This review provides up-to-date progress on the synthesis, features, and future perspectives of clay-supported metal and metal oxide for AOPs. The methods and characteristics of metal and metal oxide incorporated into the clay structure are strongly influenced by various factors in the synthesis, including the kind of clay mineral. In addition, the benefits of nanomaterials from a green chemistry perspective are key aspects for their further considerations in various applications. Special emphasis is given to the basic schemes for clay modifications and role of clay supports for the enhanced mechanism of AOPs. The scaling-up issue is suggested for being studied to further applications at industrial scale.