MXene-polymer hybrid composites for advanced energy storage: Insights into supercapacitors and batteries

Modern energy storage technologies are an active area of research because of their increasing demand in electronic gadgets, automotive, and electric vehicle applications. Supercapacitors and batteries substantially meet such needs due to their internal surface area, high surface-to-volume ratio, as well as high energy density and mobility of the two-dimensional (2D) materials. As a result, 2D materials—particularly MXene, comprised of carbide nitride and corresponding combinations—are ideal options for energy storage devices and applications. The present review focuses on MXene and corresponding composites—especially polymer-based. We also provide an overview of MXene and polymer harnessing methods, as well as corresponding, e.g., electrical and mechanical features. The use of MXene and polymeric materials in batteries and supercapacitors—as well as upcoming difficulties and results—are all covered in the context of energy storage applications

Toxicological Analysis of Exhumed Specimens: A Challenge for Toxicologists

The objective of this work is to describe the type of biological samples submitted for toxicological analysis after exhumation. Forensic toxicologists receive a variety of biological samples, but exhumed biological specimens with varying degrees of putrefaction pose a greater challenge for analysis. Usually, immunoassay and colorimetric screening are the first line approach for toxicological analysis. Suitable samples can be selected for direct analysis using chromatographic techniques with a mass spectrometer, providing reliable results. The authors report two case studies where exhumed specimens were submitted for the determination of possible intoxication. The deceased were severely injured and remained hospitalized for more than 24 hours before death. Their corpses were exhumed for chemical analysis. For the toxicological analysis, selected samples were analyzed by immunoassay and a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC/MS) with electron impact ionization. Although the samples were negative for drugs of abuse (benzodiazepines and opiates), by immunoassay, midazolam (benzodiazepine) was detected in putrefied material using GC/MS, thus indicating the hospitalization before death

Component analysis of illicit morphia tablets (clandestine laboratory preparation) using gas chromatography mass spectrometry: a case study

Abstract Background Various synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs like cocaine, amphetamine type stimulants (ATS), and heroin are produced and processed in clandestine laboratories. Every clan lab has its own procedures and protocols for drug synthesis and processing. A drug can be brought up in different forms like pharmaceutical tablets or raw street powder or any else, depending upon different types of adulterants or diluents and the physical modifications required for its transportation. Since a specific drug is synthesized by various clandestine laboratories, it is likely to have some differences between the two samples due to slightly different synthesis protocols used or the nature and concentration of adulterants. Detailed analysis of drug samples can determine, whether the drug belongs to common source or not. The basic purpose of alterations in physical form is to deceive the law enforcement agencies and to increase the bulk. Case presentation In this article, a clandestine product of an altered form of a drug was analyzed and reported. Two samples of orange colored “morphia tablets” seized by law enforcement officials were submitted for chemical analysis. Both of the samples were analyzed to determine physical and chemical characteristics. In both samples, the tablets were orange in color. The average weight of a tablet was 58.24 mg for sample A, and 68.85 mg for sample B. Qualitative analysis using GC-MS showed that tablets in sample A were composed of caffeine, dextromethorphan, hydromorphone, acetylcodeine, and heroin, while the tablets in sample B were composed of caffeine, acetylcodeine, heroin, papaverine, and noscapine. The concentration of heroin in sample B was much higher than that in sample A. Conclusion The analysis of morphia tablets showed that these tablets were an altered form of street heroin. On the basis of variation in weight, heroin concentration, impurities, and adulterants in both the samples analyzed, it can be concluded that they belonged to some different sources. Complete drug profiling for organic and inorganic components of tablets is recommended for future prospective