Iron oxide nanoparticles, especially hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄) have attained substantial research interest in various applications of green and sustainable energy harnessing owing to their exceptional opto-magneto-electrical characteristics and non-toxicity. In this study, we synthesized high-purity hematite and magnetite nanoparticles from a facile top-down approach by employing a high-energy ball mill followed by ultrasonication. A systematic investigation was then carried out to explore the structural, morphological, thermal, optoelectrical, and magnetic properties of the synthesized samples. The experimental results from scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction corroborated the formation of highly crystalline hematite and magnetite nanoparticles with average sizes of ~80 nm and ~50 nm, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed remarkable results on the thermal stability of the newly synthesized samples. The optical studies confirmed the formation of a single-phase compound with the bandgaps dependent on the size of the nanoparticles. The electrochemical studies that utilized cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques verified these iron oxide nanoparticles as electroactive species which can enhance the charge transfer process with high mobility. The hysteresis curves of the samples revealed the paramagnetic behavior of the samples with high values of coercivity. Thus, these optimized materials can be recommended for use in future optoelectronic devices and can prove to be potential candidates in the advanced research of new optoelectronic materials for improved energy devices.

The world’s need for energy is increasing with the passage of time and the substantial energy demand of the world is met by fossil fuels. Biodiesel has been considered as a replacement for fossil fuels in automotive engines. Biodiesels are advantageous because they provide energy security, they are nontoxic, renewable, economical, and biodegradable and clean sources of energy. However, there are certain disadvantages of biodiesels, including their corrosive, hygroscopic and oxidative natures. This paper provides a review of automotive materials when coming into contact with biodiesel blended fuel in terms of corrosion. Biodiesels have generally been proved to be corrosive, therefore it is important to understand the limits and extents of corrosion on different materials. Methods generally used to find and calculate corrosion have also been discussed in this paper. The reasons for the occurrence of corrosion and the subsequent problems because of corrosion have been presented. Biodiesel production can be carried out by different feedstocks and the studies which have been carried out on these biodiesels have been reviewed in this paper. A certain number of compounds form on the surface of materials because of corrosion and the mechanism behind the formation of these compounds along with the characterization techniques generally used is reviewed.

Eprosartan mesylate is a poorly water-soluble drug. It does not dissolve well in the aqueous gastrointestinal fluid, which means it is not absorbed well via the oral route, because a drug can cross cell membranes when it is dissolved in the gastrointestinal fluid. The purpose of this research was to enhance the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of eprosartan mesylate using the solid dispersion technique. Enhancing the solubility and dissolution leads to better absorption via the oral route. A number of eprosartan mesylate-laden polymeric solid dispersions were prepared with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polysorbate 80 by means of the solvent evaporation technique. The impact of the weight ratios of the constituents on the solubility and dissolution rate was studied in comparison with the plain drug. The formulation presenting the optimal solubility and dissolution underwent the solid-state characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both polysorbate 80 and HPMC positively affected the solubility and dissolution of eprosartan mesylate. In particular, a ternary solid dispersion consisting of eprosartan mesylate, HPMC and polysorbate 80 at a weight ratio of 1:4.2:0.3 showed the highest solubility (36.39 ± 3.95 mg/mL) and dissolution (86.19 ±4.09% in 10 min). Moreover, the drug was present in the amorphous form in the solid dispersion with no covalent drug-excipient interactions.

In current times, the diminishing reserves of petroleum, increased energy consumption across various sectors, and their consequential environmental impact have become apparent. Consequently, it is necessary to develop sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources to meet growing demands. The article aimed to blend castor and neem oils (in a 50:50 ratio) to rectify the drawbacks present in castor biodiesel such as elevated kinematic viscosity and density. Response surface methodology was used to study the optimization of the two-step biodiesel production process through the use of a central composite design (CCD). For the esterification step, a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 7.5:1, 1.75 wt.% of H₂SO₄, and a temperature of 55 °C were optimal. In the transesterification step, optimized conditions included a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 9:1, 2.50 wt.% of calcium oxide, a temperature of 55 °C, and a stirring speed of 900 rpm, resulting in a 93% yield of methyl ester. Different properties of produced biodiesel were examined using the standard values provided by EN 14214 and ASTM D6751. The production of biodiesel from a mixture of castor and neem oils did not have any adverse impacts on food security.

The elimination of reserves of petroleum and their consequential environmental impact prompts the development of alternative fuels. This study aimed to blend castor and neem oils (at an 80 : 20 ratio) to address the drawbacks present in castor oil biodiesel, such as elevated kinematic viscosity and density. We propose that this new blending with a highly effective heterogeneous calcium oxide catalyst is the novelty of this work. This study employed a response surface approach to optimize biodiesel production. Biodiesel blends (B10, B20, and B30) were examined via standards EN 14214 and ASTM D6751. The performance of the biodiesel blends was scrutinized under experimental conditions, operating at a steady 2000 rpm with engine loads in the 25–100% range. Biodiesel production was optimized at an 8.75 : 1 methanol-to-oil ratio, 3.01 wt% calcium oxide, 56.6 °C, and 800 rpm, achieving a 95% methyl ester yield. The engine performance results indicated that brake thermal efficiency was lower than that of petroleum diesel. Conversely, brake-specific fuel consumption exhibited higher values than those observed with petroleum diesel. In terms of emissions, carbon monoxide and smoke opacity were less common than when using petroleum diesel, as the average smoke opacity for diesel was 10.46%, 18.43%, and 26.93% greater than that of the B10, B20, and B30 blends, respectively. However, the carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions were greater than those of petroleum diesel. Thus, a biodiesel blend from castor and neem oils can be a viable substitute fuel for internal combustion engines.