Abstract  Silver-platinum (Ag-Pt) bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) with varying mole fractions (1:1, 1: 3 and 3: 1) were prepared by co-reduction of hexachloroplatinate and silver nitrate with sodium citrate. Upon successful formation of monometallic and bimetallic (BM) core shell nanoparticles, cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to characterize the NPs. The drop coated nanofilms on the GC electrode showed characteristic peaks of monometallic Ag NPs; Ag+/Ag-0 redox couple as well as the Pt NPs; hydrogen adsorption and desorption peaks. Varying current trends were observed in the BM NPs ratios as; GCE/Ag-Pt NPs 1:3 > GCE/Ag-Pt NPs 3:1 > GCE/Ag-Pt NPs 1:1. Fundamental electrochemical properties such as; diffusion coefficient (D), electroactive surface coverage, electrochemical band gaps and electron transfer coefficient (a) and charge (Q) were assessed using Randles - Sevcik plot. High charge and surface coverage was observed in GCE/Ag-Pt NPs 1:3 accounting for its enhanced current. GCE/Ag-Pt NPs 3:1 showed high diffusion coefficient while GCE/Ag-Pt NPs 1:1 possessed high electron transfer coefficient, which is facilitated by its heterogeneous rate constant relative to other BM NPs ratios. Surface redox reaction was determined as adsorption controlled in all modified GCEs.

Abstract  The study evaluated the effect of sub-lethal concentration of phostoxin on Clarias gariepinus juveniles. C. gariepinus juveniles belonging to the same cohort (40.1 +/- 1.2g; 18.1 +/- 1.1cm) from a commercial fish farm were randomly placed ten in each of 15 plastic tanks containing 15 liters of water. They were exposed for 96 hrs to three sub-lethal concentrations (treatments) of phostoxin (0.125, 0.250, 0.5mg L-1) and a phostoxin free control. At the end of 96 hrs exposure, they were dissected and the tissues need for histopathology removed and fixed in Bouin's fluid. The gill filament exhibited fusion at the secondary lamella that was progressive with concentration. At the highest concentration of exposure, the secondary lamellae showed marked pyknotic and necrotic changes characterized by epithelia detachment. The hepatic tissue showed mild inflammatory changes at lower concentrations while at the highest concentration of exposure there was marked inflammation with observed hydropic degeneration. In the kidney, an inflammatory change was only observed in the interstices at the highest dose of exposure with the convoluted tubules showing partial shrinkage. Phostoxin showed to have significantly caused alterations in cyto-architecture of the gills and to a considerable extent liver and kidney of C. gariepinus.

Abstract  High-energy materials such as emulsions, slurries and ammonium-nitrate fuel-oil (ANFO) explosives play crucial roles in mining, quarrying, tunnelling and many other infrastructure activities, because of their excellent transport and blasting properties. These explosives engender environmental concerns, due to atmospheric pollution caused by emission of dust and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from blasts, the latter characterised by the average emission factor of 5 kg (t AN explosive)(-1). This first-of-its-kind review provides a concise literature account of the formation of NOx during blasting of AN-based explosives, employed in surface operations. We estimate the total NOx emission rate from AN-based explosives as 0.05 Tg (i.e., 5 x 10(4) t) N per annum, compared to the total global annual anthropogenic NOx emissions of 41.3 x 10(6) t N y(-1). Although minor in the global sense, the large localised plumes from blasting exhibit high NOx concentration (500 ppm) exceeding up to 3000 times the international standards. This emission has profound consequences at mining sites and for adjacent atmospheric environment, necessitating expensive management of exclusion zones. The review describes different types of AN energetic materials for civilian applications, and summarises the essential properties and terminologies pertaining to their use. Furthermore, we recapitulate the mechanisms that lead to the formation of the reactive nitrogen species in blasting of AN-based explosives, review their implications to atmospheric air pollution, and compare the mechanisms with those experienced in other thermal and combustion operations. We also examine the mitigation approaches, including guidelines and operational-control measures. The review discusses the abatement technologies such as the formulation of new explosive mixtures, comprising secondary fuels, spin traps and other additives, in light of their effectiveness and efficiency. We conclude the review with a summary of unresolved problems, identifying possible future developments and their impacts on the environment with emphasis on local and workplace loads. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  A nitrite electrochemical sensor based on electrodeposition of zirconium dioxide nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide modified electrode was successfully constructed for the detection of nitrite. The electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric i-t curve. Under the optimal conditions, the amperometric i-t curve response of the electrode showed a linear relationship with nitrite concentration in the range of 3. 0. 10(-7) - 1. 0 x 10(-6) mol/L and 1. 0 x 10(-6) - 6. 0 x 10(-6) mol/L, and the detection limit was 1. 0 x 10(-7) mol/L (S/N = 3). The fabricated sensor exhibited high sensitivity, good stability and high reproducibility. This sensor was applied for the detection of nitrite in sausage samples with favorable recoveries of 93. 7% - 110. 4% and relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1. 6% - 2. 1%.

Abstract  Mass transfer experiments were carried out in an annular pulsed discand-doughnut column (APDDC) using 30% (v/v) TBP-kerosene + uranium nitrate + nitric acid + water system (uranium nitrate system) for both extraction and stripping processes. Parameters in the axial dispersion model (ADM) and plug-flow model (PFM), namely, the axial dispersion coefficient of the continuous phase and the number of mass transfer units, were regressed by correlating the respective model with the experimental concentration profile. The mass transfer coefficient is calculated, and new correlations are developed to predict the axial mixing coefficient of the continuous phase and the volumetric mass transfer coefficient. The height of a transfer unit is also calculated. The influence of axial mixing on mass transfer performance for the uranium nitrate system is discussed.

Abstract  Considering the occurrence of nitrite in drinking water sources, this paper investigated the modification of natural zeolite by acid, base, salt, organic surfactant, calcination and ultrasonication for eliminating nitrite from aqueous solutions. The structural and surface properties were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm, and were used to explain the nitrite adsorption capacities of the zeolites. The results show that except acid modification, the rest measures did not impose notable influences on the zeolite properties. Modification of zeolite by acids markedly increased the specific surface area and strongly protonated the material, which greatly favored the nitrite adsorption onto the resulting zeolite. The adsorption isotherms were in good agreement with Langmuir-Freundlich models, and indicated an endothermic process. At 25 degrees C, the nitrite adsorption capacity of the zeolite modified by 0.75 mol L-1. of H2SO4 for 12 h (ACMZ) was 54.5 mg N g(-1), being over 7-fold higher than that by the raw zeolite. The adsorption of nitrite onto ACMZ followed pseudo-first order kinetics. These facts suggest that the uptake of nitrite by acid modified zeolite was a chemical adsorption in nature. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The possibilities of using new reagent compositions based on diazo and azo dyestuff components that contain sulfonic groups are considered to determine nitrites in the presence of the contents of chlorides. New reagent compositions based on 1-hydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid in combination with 2,6- nitroorthanilic and 2,6-dichlorosulfanilic acids have been used to create indicator powders and indicator papers for the quantitative test determination of nitrite ions. Test methods based on sustainable indicator powders and indicator papers have been developed with the use of the ilPro portable spectrophotometer and PlustekSmartPhoto P60 compact mobile scanner combined with the Vuescan universal scan program. It has been shown that the sensitivity of the visual determination of nitrites in liquids using indicator papers is 0.5 mg/L. The sensitivity of the test method that uses indicator papers, the PlustekSmartPhoto P60 mobile scanner, and the ilPro portable spectrophotometer is 0.2 mg/L. Upon using the indicator powder and i1Pro portable spectrophotometer, the range of defined concentrations of nitrite ions is 0.01-5 mg/L.

Abstract  This contribution was preliminarily presented with an oral communication during the "Water Day 2015" conference organized in Rome the 20th of March 2015 by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei. It implements a recent paper that studied the Po river water from the Alpine springs toward the Adriatic Sea (Marchina et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res 22, 5184-5203, 2015), specifically focussing on its deltaic part. The new geochemical analyses are useful to evaluate the extent of salinization (due to mixing with sea-water) and to monitor the flux of nutrients that are conveyed by the river toward the coastal environment. The paper also contains oxygen/hydrogen water isotopes that represent a snapshot of the current climatic conditions to be compared with the literature data and with the future composition to set up a hydro-archive that should be updated to evaluate on-going climatic changes. Moreover, the paper reports preliminary nitrogen isotopes composition of Po river water that trace the impact of human activities, to be monitored in the future to understand possible on-going pollutions. We conclude that geochemical researches on Po river should consider with particular attention the delta because it is an extremely fragile ecosystem where biogeochemical variations are more relevant.

Abstract  The coatings developed by sol-gel process have been proven to be an efficient alternative for corrosion protection of metal surfaces, especially to replace the chromate technique. The sol-gel processes have several advantages, such as their high purity and an excellent distribution of the components. The objective of this work is to characterize the hybrid films morphologically and electrochemically with different plasticizer concentrations, obtained by sol-gel process applied on tinplate. The film was prepared with two alkoxide precursor, 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with addition of cerium nitrate. The polyethyleneglycol (PEG) was added in four different concentrations and their effect on the film was evaluated. The morphological characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy and profilometry. The electrochemical characterization was performed using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET). The results showed that the enhanced performance was obtained with the coating containing PEG 20 g. L-1 because the corrosion of the system, which was detected after 120 hours, showed only two small points of corrosion and only one active. The lowest amount of PEG improved the plasticity and the barrier properties of the hybrid film.

Abstract  Among Meliaceae derivatives, neem cake is usually used as a fertilizer; however its origin and industrial processing are often unknown, so that its effect on soil fertility is not predictable. In this study, the effect of soil incorporation of 6 commercial neem cakes and leaves of Melia azedarach L. on nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) dynamics was investigated in a 118-day laboratory incubation experiment. Neem cake at a rate of 8 g/kg of soil and melia leaves at 16 g/kg were incorporated into the soil and their net N and C mineralisation were evaluated 2 h after application and at day 1, 2, 6, 12, 26, 54 and 118, by analysing a 50-g soil sample placed in 250 glass jars. The apparent net N mineralisation was well predicted by N concentration and C/N ratio of derivatives. The derivatives with a C/N ratio <24 caused a net N mineralisation, whereas those with a C/N ratio >= 24 caused net N immobilisation. C mineralisation ranged between 15% and 25% and was not related to chemical composition of the derivative. Neem cake with a C/N ratio < 24 can be used to add N, while neem cake with a C/N ratio > 24 can be used to reduce soil mineral N.

Abstract  During surveys of parasites of the pepper cory Corydoras paleatus Jenyns, 1842 and sided-livebearer Jenynsia multidentata Jenyns, 1842 from Samborombon River, Argentina, Trichodina corydori n. sp., Trichodina cribbi Dove and O'Donoghue, 2005 and T. jenynsii n. sp. were morphologically studied. Taxonomic and morphometric data for these trichodinids based on dry silver nitrate-impregnated specimens are presented. Trichodina corydori is characterized by a prominent blade apophysis, the section connecting the blade and central part is short, and the adoral ciliary spiral makes a turn of 370-380 degrees. Trichodina jenynsii is characterized by curved blades and prominently-shaped denticle rays that are characteristically extremely long, tapering to thin sharp points in adult specimens. This study is the first formal report of these trichodinids from South America, and the description of two new species.

Abstract  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of Chaetoceros calcitrans, Navicula sp. and Phaeodactylum tricornutum (diatoms) on phytoplankton composition and the growth of Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae reared in a biofloc system. Four treatments were used: BFT (biofloc system without feed and no addition of diatoms); BFT-F (biofloc system with feed and no addition of diatoms); BFT-D (biofloc system with the addition of diatoms and no feed); and BFT-FD (biofloc system with the addition of feed and diatoms), all in triplicate. The shrimp (16 +/- 0.02mg) were stocked at 2500 postlarvaem(-3) and fed a commercial feed. Diatoms were added on the 1st, 5th, 10th and 15th day at a density of 5x10(4) cellsmL(-1) for each species. No significant differences (P>0.05) between treatments were observed for gross primary production, net ecosystem production and water column respiration rate. However, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed for nitrite, orthophosphate, alkalinity, final weight, weight gain, yield, feed conversion ratio (FCR), phytoplankton and cyanobacteria composition. The BFT-FD treatment had better performance parameters for final weight (270mg), weight gain (254mg), yield (0.67 Kgm(-3)) and FCR (0.61), indicating the benefits of the diatoms C.calcitrans, Navicula sp. and P.tricornutum for decreasing cyanobacteria and improving growth of L.vannamei postlarvae reared in biofloc systems.

Abstract  Loading CaO onto spherically-shaped gamma-Al2O3 support was applied for the preparation of a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production. Physico-chemical, textural and morphological characterization was performed using optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES), Hg-porosimetry, N-2 physisorption, scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FTIR) and Hammett indicators. The effects of catalyst preparation conditions (different precursor salts and calcination temperatures) on the catalyst activity, and the reaction conditions (methanol-to-oil molar ratio and catalyst loading) on the reaction rate and esters yield were studied. In addition, catalyst stability was investigated. The most active catalyst was derived from the nitrate precursor after calcination at 475 degrees C (inert atmosphere). Under mild reaction conditions (60 degrees C, 5 h, 900 rpm, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12:1 and catalyst loading (CaO wt% to the oil) of 0.5%), the equilibrium ester content of 94.3% was obtained in the methanolysis of sunflower oil in a batch reactor. The catalyst remained sufficiently active in two consecutive cycles without any pretreatment. Mechanical erosion caused by stirring and massive deposition of organic molecules from the reaction mixture caused the decrease of catalytic activity while CaO leaching was negligible. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  In this paper, neodymium vanadate (NdVO4) nanoparticles were synthesized via a new approach based on the reaction between neodymium nitrate hexahydrate and ammonium metavanadate in water. Besides, three carbohydrates such as fructose, galactose, and glucose were used to investigate their effects on the morphology and particle size of NdVO4 nanoparticles. According to the vibrating sample magnetometer, neodymium vanadate (NdVO4) nanoparticles indicated a ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. To evaluate the catalytic properties of nanocrystalline neodymium vanadate, the photocatalytic degradations of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation were carried out. The structural, morphological, magnetic, and optical properties of as-obtained products were characterized by techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDX, VSM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Abstract  Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (H(4)EDTA) acts as a multidentate ligand toward ytterbium nitrate in the presence of M2CO3 (M = K, Rb, Cs). All structurally characterized compounds are three-dimensional coordination polymers with eight-coordinated ytterbium and three alkali metal cations in the asymmetric unit. In the presence of potassium cations, two different phase pure reaction products can be obtained. From a water-containing solution, first a water deficient compound with composition K-3[Yb(EDTA) (CO3)](H2O)center dot H2O precipitates. When kept in the reaction mixture, this kinetic product transforms into the more water rich mixed-metal coordination network K-3[Yb(EDTA) (CO3)](H2O)(4)center dot 2H(2)O; alternatively, the conversion can be achieved by isolating the water-deficient product and immersing it into a water-containing solvent. The reverse reaction, partial dehydration, may be induced by prolonged drying in a desiccator, vacuum treatment, or heating. For the heavier alkali cations Rb+ and Cs+, only one crystalline structure type is found; it is isomorphous to the water-rich potassium derivative. Dehydration leads to amorphous products.

Abstract  Yttrium oxide nanopowder was successfully synthesized by two precipitation methods, through which Y2O3 nanopowder was prepared by ammonium hydroxide and ammonium hydrogen carbonate as precipitants. Hydroxide and carbonate precursors of Y2O3 with approximate composition of Y(OH)(3) and Y-2(CO3)(3), respectively, were synthesized using yttrium nitrate as the starting salt. XRD results show cubic yttrium oxide phase for annealed samples. SEM and TEM images show that samples are composed of agglomerated and nonagglomerated nanoparticles with different shapes and sizes. Optimal conditions for synthesis of nanoparticles were defined as 3-h aging time, ammonium hydrogen carbonate as precipitant, and calcination temperature of 1000 degrees C.

Abstract  The present research aims to derive the intrinsic vulnerability of groundwater against contamination using the GIS platform. The study applies DRASTIC model for Ahmedabad district in Gujarat, India. The model uses parameters like depth, recharge, aquifer, soil, topography, vadose zone and hydraulic conductivity, which depict the hydrogeology of the area. The research demonstrates that northern part of district with 46.4% of area is under low vulnerability, the central and southern parts with 48.4% of the area are under moderate vulnerability, while 5.2% of area in the south-east of district is under high vulnerability. It is observed from the study that lower vulnerability in northern part may be mostly due to the greater depth of vadose zone, deeper water tables and alluvial aquifer system with minor clay lenses. The moderate and high vulnerability in central and southern parts of study area may be due to lesser depth to water tables, smaller vadose zone depths, unconfined to semi-confined alluvial aquifer system and greater amount of recharge due to irrigation practices. Further, the map removal and single-parameter sensitivity analysis indicate that groundwater vulnerability index has higher influence of vadose zone, recharge, depth and aquifer parameters for the given study area. The research also contributes to validating the existence of higher concentrations of contaminants/indicators like electrical conductivity, chloride, total dissolved solids, sulphate, nitrate, calcium, sodium and magnesium with respect to groundwater vulnerability status in the study area. The contaminants/indicators exceeding the prescribed limits for drinking water as per Indian Standard 10500 (1991) were mostly found in areas under moderate and high vulnerability. Finally, the research successfully delineates the groundwater vulnerability in the region which can aid land-use policies and norms for activities related to recharge and seepage with respect to existing status of groundwater vulnerability and its quality.

Abstract  In this research, synthesis of cyanide antidote (3-methylbutyl) nitrite has been designed and performed by response surface methodology. The antidote was prepared by the reaction of 3-methyl-1-butanol with sodium nitrite, which is the nitrosonium (NO+) source, in the presence of sulfonic acid-functionalized Fe3O4 (Fe3O4@SO3H) as a nanomagnetic solid acid catalyst and triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate as ionic liquid in aqueous media. Optimization of the reaction conditions was investigated using the response surface method (central composite design). In accordance with analysis of variance, a quadratic polynomial model was able to predict the response. Predicted response values by the obtained model was in good agreement with the experimental results. A clean reaction, easy workup procedure, reusability of the catalyst and a high yield are some advantages of this method.

Abstract  In this article we have applied liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) as a sample preparation technique for detection of sulfadimethoxine (one of sulfonamide drugs) in urine using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). SERS substrate based on silver nanoparticles has been prepared by citrate reduction of silver nitrate. Obtained calibration curve (SERS intensity vs. sulfadimethoxine concentration) has been used for detection of sulfadimethoxine in human urine samples artificially contaminated by sulfadimethoxine. Three different solvents (ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, chloroform) have been used for LLE performance tests. Chloroform being found as the most effective one based on calculation of recoveries after SERS measurements. Thus we would like to propose fast (less than 20 minutes), simple and sensitive (detection limit up to 1 mu g/ml) test for detecting sulfa drugs in urine using a combination of SERS with LLE with sample volume as low as 100 mu L. Such test can be applied for evaluation of the degree of drug extraction from human body and half-life of such drug applied in the course of therapeutic treatments of certain diseases.

Abstract  The Chtouka-Massa area in Southern Morocco has shown an increase in water scarcity during the last decades, caused mainly by withdrawal of water resources aggravated by agricultural intensification and climate change impacts. To better understand the changes of groundwater quality, a sampling campaign was conducted in many wells during March 2015 and compared to historical chemical data from the hydraulic basin agency, as well as previous studies performed at Ibn Zohr University. All data were used to assess the spatial-temporal evolution of nitrate and salinity relevant to the recent sampling. This paper describes the current state of groundwater quality in the Chtouka-Massa zone with an overview of different sources of water mineralization and the nitrate evolution in an agricultural area. Our results indicate a general increase in mineralization from the north to the south, and from the east to the west. The plain, dominated by farms, shows a relatively high conductivity (up to 2000 mu S/cm), while in both costal area and Anti-Atlas Mountain the water salinity shows a gradient increase from the north to the south. However, the highest electrical conductivity is observed along the Massa River. The water type is bicarbonate, chloride, and sodium for farm samples, while from the other parts, it is mostly dominated by chloride and sodium. The spatialtemporal analysis of nitrates generally shows an increasing trend. However, the levels remain overall lower than the limit. The temporal evolution of control points set by the hydraulic agency shows a decreasing trend decline that can be explained by the improvement of agriculture practices, including the conversion towards drip irrigation mode. Different chemical tracers highlighted some processes involving the changes of mineralization of groundwater (e.g., irrigation water return, marine intrusion, and water/rock interaction). The results will be used to improve water management in this area showing water quality degradation.

Abstract  Ring contraction of 2,4,6-triarylpyrylium perchlorates by use of sodium nitrite mediated by ionic liquid has been used as a new, direct, and environmentally benign method for synthesis of bioactive 2-aroylfuran and novel 3,5-diaroyl-4-arylisoxazole derivatives in excellent yields. The versatility of the approach enables rapid and simple access to these pharmaceutically important compounds. The products were readily isolated from the reaction mixture by simple filtration.

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Abstract  Cadmium chromite nanostructures were synthesized in high yield by a simple co-precipitation method. CdCr2O4 nanostructures have been achieved using cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate and CrCl3 center dot 6H(2)O as precursors by a co-precipitation method. The effects of various parameters including alkaline agent, pH value, reaction temperature, and surfactant type were investigated to discover the optimum conditions, and it was found that the size and morphology of products can be affected by these parameters. The structure, morphology and surface chemistry of CdCr2O4 powder were investigated by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the chromite spinel phase with good crystallinity and an average crystallite size of approximately 20 nm. The hydrophilicity of the calcined oxides was investigated by wetting experiments and the sessile drop technique which were carried out at room temperature in air to determine the surface and interfacial interactions.

Abstract  We report the synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of a new mononuclear silver(I) complex, [Ag(catsc)(PPh3)(2)]NO3 (catsc = 3-phenylpropenalthiosemicarbazone). The complex was prepared by the reaction of catsc and AgNO3 in the presence of PPh3 and characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), FFIR, H-1, C-13 and P-31 NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the complex, catsc acts as a bidentate NS ligand while the nitrate is a counter ion. The silver ion is coordinated by a bidentate ligand and two PPh3 in the form of a distorted tetrahedron. In addition, the antibacterial effect of the complex was studied against the standard strains of two gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and two gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. (C) 2016 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Sonochemical preactivation of moist gels of tin dioxide in the presence of additives of chromium(III) oxide, silver nitrate, and zinc acetate with subsequent heat thermal treatment leads to change in the porous and crystal structure of the resulted SnO2 samples obtained via doped with compounds of these metals. The doped samples have a narrower band gap and stronger absorption of visible light. Among the materials studied, Ag/SnO2 displays the highest photocatalytic activity in the oxidation of rhodamine B, safranin T, methyl orange, and phenol upon irradiation with visible light.

Abstract  A new method has been proposed for the synthesis of catalytically active 80 wt % SnO2 + 20 wt % CeO2 materials supported on glass fiber, which involves the use of an ethanolic film-forming solution based on cerium(III) nitrate and salicylic acid, with the addition of tin(IV) chloride. We have studied the morphology of the materials thus prepared and assessed their catalytic activity for the deep oxidation of methane. The results indicate that the appreciable catalytic activity of the materials is ensured by their uniform distribution over the support surface and the small oxide aggregate size ( 10 mu m), which is due to the use of the filmforming solution of the proposed composition.