Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) have garnered significant interest as a viable substitute for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), primarily due to their impressive energy density and low cost. However, the efficacy of zinc–air batteries is heavily dependent on electrocatalysts, which play a vital role in enhancing reaction efficiency and stability. This scholarly review article highlights the crucial significance of electrocatalysts in zinc–air batteries and explores the rationale behind employing Fe-Co-Ni-Zn-based metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived hybrid materials as potential electrocatalysts. These MOF-derived electrocatalysts offer advantages such as abundancy, high catalytic activity, tunability, and structural stability. Various synthesis methods and characterization techniques are employed to optimize the properties of MOF-derived electrocatalysts. Such electrocatalysts exhibit excellent catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity, making them suitable for applications in ZABs. Furthermore, they demonstrate notable capabilities in the realm of ZABs, encompassing elevated energy density, efficacy, and prolonged longevity. It is imperative to continue extensively researching and developing this area to propel the advancement of ZAB technology forward and pave the way for its practical implementation across diverse fields.

We studied the sequestration of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) from an aqueous solution using chemically modified pomegranate peel (CPP) as an efficient bio-adsorbent. The synthesized material was characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The impacts of parameters like solution pH, Cr(VI) concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage were investigated. Experimental results of the isotherm studies and adsorption kinetics were found agreeing to the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics, respectively. The CPP showed appreciable Cr(VI) remediation capacity with a maximal loading capacity of 82.99 mg/g at pH 2.0, which was obtained in 180 min at room temperature. Thermodynamic studies revealed the biosorption process as spontaneous, feasible, and thermodynamically favorable. The spent adsorbent was eventually regenerated and reused, and the safe disposal of Cr(VI) was ensured. The study revealed that the CPP can be effectively employed as an affordable sorbent for the excision of Cr(VI) from water.

The potential of a biosorbent derived from Arundo donax stem, a readily available agricultural product, was examined to remove Cr(VI) from water. Various techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX were used for the characterization of the prepared adsorbent. The optimal pH for Cr(VI) biosorption was found to be 2.0. The experimental data best suits the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudosecond-order kinetics. The maximum biosorption capacity (q_max) of the investigated biosorbent for Cr(VI) was evaluated to be 76.92mg/g by the Langmuir model. From the results of the Cr(VI) biosorption using charred Arundo donax stem powder (CADSP), it can be a novel, cost-efficient, and effective material for removing Cr(VI) from water and wastewater.

Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR is a robust, versatile technique for detecting small molecules binding to large receptors. In addition to identifying binding molecules in the presence of nonbinding molecules, the STD‐NMR technique can be used to determine epitope maps and binding constants. In recent years, this technique has been applied to small molecules interacting with nanoparticles. In this tutorial, we introduce the technique of STD‐NMR and how it can be used to gain information about small molecules interacting with nanoparticle surfaces. After describing the principle of the STD‐NMR technique, we will explain how to best prepare the sample, set up the experiment, and analyze the resulting data when nanoparticles are involved. We will also present extensions to the STD‐NMR technique, alternative approaches for when STD‐NMR is not ideal, and future directions for the field.