Abstract: A method of detecting one or more heavy metals in a sample solution is provided. The disclosure includes adding a dye to the sample solution having the one or more heavy metals to produce a color mixture. Mesoporous TiO2 NPs are added to the color mixture to preconcentrate metal-dye complex onto the surface of the mesoporous TiO2 NPs. Presence of the one or more heavy metals is detected by change in color within about 30 seconds via a naked eye. The disclosure further includes a method of determining concentration of one or more heavy metals in a sample solution by absorbance.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing TiO2/Co3O4 core-shell photocatalysts is provided. The method includes preparing SiO2 hollow nanospheres via sol-gel synthesis in the presence of a triblock copolymer surfactant and a cationic surfactant; adding titanium sec-butoxide to a solution containing the SiO2 hollow nanospheres to provide a first combined sample; calcinating the first combined sample to provide hollow mesoporous TiO2 nanospheres; adding cobalt nitrate to a solution comprising the hollow mesoporous TiO2 nanospheres to provide a second combined sample; and calcinating the second combined sample to provide TiO2/Co3O4 core-shell photocatalysts. Methods of producing hydrogen by water-splitting using TiO2/Co3O4 core-shell photocatalysts are also provided. Such methods include photodepositing platinum onto the photocatalysts during the reaction.

Abstract: A metal organic framework composite is provided. The composite includes a plurality of zinc ions, each coordinated with a salen ligand to form a salen complex metal-organic framework; and gold nanoparticles dispersed on a surface and pores of the salen complex metal-organic framework. Antibodies may be immobilized on a surface of the gold nanoparticles to be used in highly sensitive diagnostic methods for detecting and quantifying protein biomarkers such as human chorionic gonadotropin hormone.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of zirconia-multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite utilizing Pluronics as templating agents is described. An efficient method for producing hydrogen gas using the nanocomposite as a photocatalyst.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of zirconia-multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite utilizing Pluronics as templating agents is described. An efficient method for producing hydrogen gas using the nanocomposite as a photocatalyst.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of zirconia-multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite utilizing Pluronics as templating agents is described. An efficient method for producing hydrogen gas using the nanocomposite as a photocatalyst.

Abstract: A composite containing carbon nitride and a mixed metal sulfide. The composite is useful as a photocatalyst. A method of making the composite and a method of photocatalyzing the degradation of pollutants are described herein.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of zirconia-multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite utilizing Pluronics as templating agents is described. An efficient method for producing hydrogen gas using the nanocomposite as a photocatalyst.

Abstract: A composite hollow particle comprising titanium dioxide and a metal ion in the shell which covers a hollow core. A method of making the composite hollow particle and a method of employing the composite hollow particle in production of hydrogen gas under visible light are provided.

Abstract: A photocatalytic nanocomposite hollow sphere comprising a shell surrounding a hollow core, and the shell comprising zirconium dioxide, hydroxyapatite, and platinum, as well as a method for producing the nanocomposite hollow sphere and a method employing the nanocomposite hollow sphere in reducing an aromatic nitro compound to an aromatic amine compound under visible light are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing cerium oxide and polyaniline nanocomposites, including nanospheres enclosing a hollow core, are specified. Properties of the cerium oxide and polyaniline nanocomposites are described, as well as a method of using the nanocomposites as photocatalysts for the reduction of an aromatic nitro compound using visible light. A method for reusing the nanocomposites as photocatalysts is also discussed.

Abstract: A photocatalytic nanocomposite hollow sphere comprising a shell surrounding a hollow core, and the shell comprising zirconium dioxide, hydroxyapatite, and platinum, as well as a method for producing the nanocomposite hollow sphere and a method employing the nanocomposite hollow sphere in reducing an aromatic nitro compound to an aromatic amine compound under visible light are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite containing carbon nitride and a mixed metal sulfide. The composite is useful as a photocatalyst. A method of making the composite and a method of photocatalyzing the degradation of pollutants are described herein.

Abstract: A composite hollow particle comprising titanium dioxide and a metal ion in the shell which covers a hollow core. A method of making the composite hollow particle and a method of employing the composite hollow particle in production of hydrogen gas under visible light are provided.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing cerium oxide and polyaniline nanocomposites, including nanospheres enclosing a hollow core, are specified. Properties of the cerium oxide and polyaniline nanocomposites are described, as well as a method of using the nanocomposites as photocatalysts for the reduction of an aromatic nitro compound using visible light. A method for reusing the nanocomposites as photocatalysts is also discussed.