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, Volume: 21( 4)

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Green synthesized nanoparticles via plant extracts: actual and potential applications

Samuel Johnson* Department of Materials Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA *Corresponding author: Samuel Johnson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, E-Mail: s.johnson@mit.edu Received: January 6, 2025; Accepted: January 12, 2025; Published: January 22, 2025

Abstract

The use of plant extracts is attracting much attention as a simple, environmentally friendly route to obtain metal, metal oxide, non-metal and even organic nanoparticles; considered an example of green chemistry, these extracts replace expensive and toxic compounds used as reducing and/or capping agents during the synthesis of the nanoparticles. These green nanoparticles have applications in a wide range of fields, such as medicine, biosensors, pollutants treatment, agriculture, catalysis and energy storage. In this chapter, preparation and characterization of silver, gold and iron nanoparticles prepared from plant extracts and inorganic salts of the metals are described, together with their main actual and potential uses. Biography Prof. Litter is Doctor in Chemistry (Buenos Aires University, Argentina, 1974) with Postdoctoral stage at the University of Arizona (USA, 1983). She is Senior Researcher of the Research Council (CONICET) and Full Professor at the University of General San Martín, Argentina. She was Principal Researcher at the National Atomic Commission where she was Head of the Environmental Chemistry Remediation Division. She authored more than 200 publications. She received the Mercosur Prize twice in 2006 and 2011. She was President of the 5th. International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment (As2014), Argentina, May 2014. She was designated pioneer on photo catalysis in Argentina (2016), Member of the TWAS (2019) and Member of the Latin American Academy of Sciences (2020). She has been finalist of the L'Oréal prize for women in Science 2021 Edition and received the Dr. Eduardo Charreau Prize 2021 Edition.

Samuel Johnson* Department of Materials Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA *Corresponding author: Samuel Johnson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, E-Mail: s.johnson@mit.edu Received: January 6, 2025; Accepted: January 12, 2025; Published: January 22, 2025 Abstract Electrochemical cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through redox reactions. This article examines cell components, operating principles, and performance parameters. Applications in energy storage, conversion, and sensing are highlighted. Cyclic voltammetry is one of the most widely used electrochemical techniques for studying redox reactions. This article discusses its principles, interpretation, and applications in material characterization and sensing. Emphasis is placed on reaction reversibility, peak analysis, and kinetic information extraction.Corrosion electrochemistry examines the degradation of materials through electrochemical reactions with their environment. This article explores fundamental corrosion mechanisms, thermodynamic and kinetic aspects, and modern electrochemical techniques used for corrosion analysis. Strategies for corrosion prevention, including inhibitors and protective coatings, are discussed with industrial relevance. Conductive electrolytes serve as the ion-transport medium in electrochemical systems, directly influencing efficiency, stability, and safety. This article reviews the development of liquid, polymer, and solid-state conductive electrolytes, highlighting their physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance. The role of ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability windows, and compatibility with electrode materials is discussed. Emerging electrolyte systems are evaluated for their potential in next-generation batteries and sensors. Charge transfer resistance is a critical parameter governing the efficiency of electrochemical reactions at electrode–electrolyte interfaces. This article examines the theoretical foundations, measurement techniques, and practical implications of charge transfer resistance in diverse electrochemical systems. Emphasis is placed on its role in batteries, fuel cells, and corrosion processes. Factors such as electrode material composition, surface morphology, and electrolyte properties are discussed in detail. Understanding and minimizing charge transfer resistance is essential for enhancing electrochemical device performance. Keywords: Cyclic voltammetry, Redox reactions, Electrochemical analysis, Electrochemical cells, Redox reactions, Energy conversion Citation: Samuel Johnson. Fundamental Design and Operation of Electrochemical Cells. Res Rev Electrochem. 2023;13(1):256. © 2019 Trade Science Inc. Introduction Electrochemical cells consist of electrodes, electrolytes, and external circuits enabling controlled redox reactions (1). Cell efficiency depends on electrode kinetics and ionic transport (2). Different cell configurations serve diverse applications (3). Advances in materials science have enhanced cell performance (4). Understanding cell fundamentals is critical for innovation (5). Cyclic voltammetry provides valuable information about electrochemical reactions by monitoring current response as a function of applied potential (1). It is widely used to characterize electrode materials and reaction mechanisms (2). Peak shapes and separations reveal kinetic and thermodynamic parameters (3). The technique has been instrumental in battery research and sensor development (4). Advances in instrumentation continue to expand its analytical capabilities (5). Corrosion is an electrochemical process involving anodic metal dissolution and cathodic reduction reactions (1). It poses significant economic and safety challenges across industries (2). Electrochemical techniques such as polarization studies provide insights into corrosion kinetics and mechanisms (3). Environmental factors, including pH and ionic composition, strongly influence corrosion behavior (4). Advances in electrochemical analysis have enabled more effective corrosion mitigation strategies (5). Electrolytes play a fundamental role in electrochemical devices by enabling ionic transport between electrodes (1). Traditional liquid electrolytes offer high conductivity but pose safety and leakage concerns (2). Polymer and solid-state electrolytes have emerged as promising alternatives, providing improved thermal stability and mechanical robustness (3). The conductivity of electrolytes depends on ion mobility, solvation effects, and structural characteristics (4). Recent research focuses on tailoring electrolyte composition to enhance conductivity while maintaining electrochemical stability (5). Conclusion Electrochemical cells underpin modern energy and sensing technologies. Optimizing their design remains essential for achieving higher efficiency and durability. Cyclic voltammetry remains a cornerstone technique in electrochemistry. Its versatility and simplicity make it indispensable for both fundamental research and applied electrochemical studies. Understanding corrosion electrochemistry is essential for developing durable materials and protective technologies. Electrochemical diagnostics combined with innovative coatings and inhibitors offer effective solutions to minimize corrosion-related losses. Through careful electrode design and electrolyte selection, it is possible to significantly reduce kinetic barriers and improve device efficiency. Continued research combining experimental diagnostics and theoretical modeling will enable more precise control of interfacial charge transfer processes. Advances in batteries and energy storage systems are fundamentally linked to progress in electrochemistry. Improvements in electrode materials, electrolytes, and interface stability continue to push the limits of performance and reliability. As energy demands grow and sustainability becomes a global priority, electrochemical energy storage will remain a critical research focus. Future developments will depend on interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates electrochemical theory with practical engineering solutions. Oppositely charged ions from radioactive decaying elements theoretically should provide enough current (charged particles per second), and an electrical potential difference, to perform electrical work. From micro-amps to milliamps. But common naturally occurring radioactive alpha isotopes, have too long a half-life to provide practical low amps of power. Unless a basketball court of fridge size nuclear batteries is considered more practical than say a small creek hydroelectric unit. Above or below ground. REFERENCES 1. Storan A, Martine R. Physics VCE Units 1 and 2. Nelson, 3rd Edition Cenage Learning Australia Pty Ltd. 2008;Chapter 4:96-110. 2. James M, Stokes R, Wan NG et al. 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