20 research outputs found
Chemically exfoliated graphene detects NO2 at the ppb level
Abstract The high sensitivity of graphene to the adsorption/desorption of gas molecule, is at the very beginning of its exploitation. This sensitivity relies on the two-dimensional nature of graphene allowing a total exposure of all its atoms to the adsorbing gas molecules, thus providing the greatest sensor area per unit volume. Indeed several technological limits weigh on the synthesis and manipulation of the material for the device fabrication. Herein a simple approach to fabricate conductometric sensors based on chemically exfoliated natural graphite is presented. The devices were tested upon sub-ppm concentrations of NO 2 in environmental conditions and show the ability to detect this toxic gas down to few ppb at room temperature
Toxicological effects of transition metal-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles on goldfish (Carassius auratus) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
The aim of present study was to assess the toxicological effects of transition metal-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) on histopathological changes, behavioral patterns, and antioxidant responses of goldfish (Carassius auratus) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV�visible, and Vibration Sample Magnetometer. Fish in four experimental groups exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of pure TiO 2 NPs (10 mg L �1 ), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni) doped TiO 2 NPs for seven days. Statistical analysis of oxidative stress responses in gills showed significant differences in superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde parameters between two species and in all parameters than glutathione peroxidase between experimental groups and control group. In intestine, no significant difference was observed among groups, but oxidative responses were markedly different in all parameters among fish species. The histopathological analysis showed hyperplasia, fusion, and aneurism in the gills as well as degeneration, integration of villi, necrosis and erosion of the intestine. Our findings indicated that compare to pure TiO 2 NPs, exposure to transition metals-doped TiO 2 NPs induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes in both fish species. © 2018 Elsevier Lt