Phuong Nguyen-Tri

• Professor
• Professor at University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres

Atomic force microscopy coupled with infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) was combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the tridimensional lamella assembly and polymer segregation mechanism at the nanoscale of equimolar crystalline/crystalline poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) blends, isothermally crystalli...

Hybrid nanoparticles are expected not only to simply combine individual nanoparticles, but also to significantly enhance their properties. Depending on the nanostructure and synthesis/fabrication method, hybrid nanoparticles might provide the new chemical and physical properties and capabilities. This chapter aims to emphasize the effects of hybrid...

This work aims to mainly use a recent resonance-enhanced atomic force microscopy coupled with infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) to follow the accelerated degradation process of a polyester (PET) membrane at the surface. By analyzing at the nanoscale of the chemical composition and the distribution of functional groups appearing on the aged sample surf...

The crystallization and segregation behavior of immiscible polycaprolactone/poly(ethylene glycol) PCL/PEG (50/50) blends was investigated using mainly resonance-enhanced atomic force microcopy coupled with infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) which allows a spatial resolution of the order of 30–50 nm. Chemical infrared images of the blends at different s...

With the recent progress in nanotechnology and material engineering, nano-based coatings have become multifunctional, smarter, efficient, versatile and durable. Superhydrophobic coatings are an important class of the smart coating family, which has gained recognition in coating science over the last few years. The uniqueness of superhydrophobic coa...

Novel Carbon nanospheres@graphitic-carbon nitride nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by a simple, inexpensive and ecofriendly chemical method (hydrothermal). The as-prepared materials Carbon nanospheres (CNS), pure g-C3N4, CNS@g-C3N4 and heat treated (HT)CNS@g-C3N4 were characterized by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, XRD, TEM, EDX and N2-...

This work describes the thermal aging behavior of three industrial elastomeric compounds based on styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) reinforced with carbon black. Samples were exposed to thermo‐oxidative aging at temperatures ranging from 70 to 120°C for durations between 14 and 365 days. The tensile and hardness tests were performed on the samples to...

Paper packaging coated with synthetic materials raises major environmental and health concerns. As a response, new promising approaches consist of using sustainable coatings based on nano‐biocomposites. In this work, polylactic acid (PLA)/organoclays (OC) aqueous dispersions thickened by xanthan gum were applied on paper using the bar coating techn...

In the current work, a novel approach is developed to modulate the photocatalytic performance of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) via Ni doping coupled with the decoration of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). In-depth analysis using advanced techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and High-Resolution Transmissio...

The development of environmentally friendly polymer‐based materials with antibacterial and biodegradable properties is bringing significant benefits to the packaging industry. In the present work, green‐synthesized zinc oxide microporous particles (ZnO MPs) are dispersed in the poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrix using a simple casting method to p...

The rise of antibiotic-resistant microbes and concerns over non-biodegradable waste highlight the need for innovative materials with integrated functionalities that address these critical issues. In this study, we synthesized poly (3hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) electrospun nanofibers blended with gelatin (Ge) and loaded with photoactive AgTiO2 nanopartic...

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO 2) reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) is gaining attraction as it enables the generation of highly valuable chemicals while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Numerous efforts have been dedicated to designing efficient catalysts that selectively reduce CO 2 into various chemicals such as formic acid/ formate, carbon m...

For decades, thousands of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been synthesized and applied in numerous applications such as gas storage, gas separation, catalyst, drug delivery, etc., offering a large specific surface area, highly biocompatible, and highly active photocatalytic, MOFs have great potential for antibacterial application. However, the...

A sustainable solution to prevent the waste of fruits and vegetables from spoilage is the use of edible coatings or films. This research project aimed to create a fresh coating recipe that could effectively extend the shelf life of mangoes. The coating was composed of chitosan, glycerol, and gum Arabic mixed with the extract obtained from the extra...

Water is the basic entity required for the survival of any life form on earth. However, in the present scenario, due to its contamination with various types of contaminants, there is a global crisis of water. One of the major organic pollutants described to be present in most industrial-modeled water is 4-nitrophenol. Due to its persistence and hig...

Developing highly antimicrobial coatings is an important strategy to control the risk of pathogen colonization and biofilm formation, especially in indwelling and implantable medical devices. This work presents a facile and practical approach to preparing potent antimicrobial coatings based on the chitosan-silver composite. The synthesis is conduct...

Water based polylactic acid (PLA)‐surface modified montmorillonite (MMt) nanocomposites as biobased formulations for paper coating were successfully developed using emulsification solvent evaporation method. Electrostatic and steric stabilization mechanisms have contributed to the production of stable emulsions up to 5 months at 23 ± 1°C, revealing...

Developing advanced materials with antibacterial and antifouling activities offers an adequate protection solution against surface bacterial contamination—a common cause of infection threatening human health. The current work reports the preparation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) microfiber membranes decorated with photoactive Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles u...

This study investigates the effects of molecular weight and crystallinity of polylactic acid (PLA) on the morphology and crystallization behavior of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)/PLA blends. Utilizing a solution casting method, we discovered that the molecular characteristics of PLA significantly influence the thermal and structural properties of the b...

Porous hydrogels have been developed by chemical modification of chitosan, followed by electrostatic extrusion of the polymer solutions and stabilization of the gels by CaCl2 and genipin. The characterization of the polymers and hydrogels was completed by carrying out FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR, BET, SEM and EDX spectroscopy. The Zeta potential and...

Sillenite materials have been the subject of intense investigation for recent years due to their unique characteristics. They possess a distinct structure with space group I23, allowing them to exhibit distinctive features, such as an electronic structure ideal for certain applications such as photocatalysis. The present research delves into the st...

We report the preparation of Ag nanoparticles functionalized MoS2 nanoflakes by using the chemical reduction method followed by the hydrothermal method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping reveals the uniform functionalization of Ag nanoparticles with MoS2 nanoflakes. High density of Ag plasmonic nanoparticles onto MoS...

Water contamination is a developing hazard that endangers both the environment and human health. Because of water pollution's negative impacts, particularly the rise of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, antibiotics have become a major source of danger. It is consequently critical to create environmentally safe and effective means of treating the...

In this study, quaternary MgY2O5@g-C3N4 nanomaterials were produced using a simplistic ultrasonic power technique in the presence of an organic solvent, and their capability to abolish Cu (II) from an aqueous solution was evaluated. As validated by powder X-ray diffraction, the synthesized nanomaterials possessed excellent crystallinity, purity, an...

The diseases caused by microorganisms are innumerable existing on this planet. Nevertheless, increasing antimicrobial resistance has become an urgent global challenge. Thus, in recent decades, bactericidal materials have been considered promising candidates to combat bacterial pathogens. Recently, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been used as gree...

Artificial photosynthesis is the process of converting solar energy into useful fuels and represents a significant achievement in the production of clean energy for the planet. In the process, energy is generated from water and CO2 reduction using solar-powered photocatalysis. This book provides a comprehensive overview of recently developed, multi...

This book provides comprehensive description of polymeric membranes in water treatment and remediation. It describes both the sustainability challenges and new opportunities to use membranes for water decontamination. It also discusses the environmental-related issues, challenges and advantages of using membrane-based systems and provides comprehen...

This research intends to produce TiY2O5@g-C3N4 nanocomposite that can be utilized to eliminate Ba⁺² from aqueous solutions. The nanocomposite was studied with XRD, BET, EDX, and TEM investigation. The TiY2O5@g-C3N4 nanocomposite sorption effectiveness was studied by contact time, adsorbent dose, beginning pH, and initial barium ions concentration i...

The current work reports a green and straightforward preparation of superhydrophobic cotton coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PMDS) via the water/oil/water (W/O/W) emulsion approach. The W/O/W emulsion containing Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)-water as the internal phase, PDMS as the dispersed phase, and water as the continuous phase is prepared in less...

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have emerged as an alternative to petrochemical-based plastics in recent decades. They are biodegradable linear polyesters that are mainly produced from microorganisms. They are also biocompatible and non-toxic, making them great candidates in medical and pharmaceutical applications such as drug delivery. The PHA family...

Extensive research and developments in novel smart coating system facilitates better corrosion protection and longer service life. Recent research in biomimetics materials lead the fabrication of smart multifunctional coating systems. Unique properties of the lotus leaf, pitcher plant, and mussels were duplicated on various artificial surfaces over...

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants have rapidly spread worldwide, causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with numerous infected cases and millions of deaths. Therefore, developing approaches to fight against COVID-19 is currently the most priority goal of the scientific community. As a sustainable solution...

Commercialization in the meat-processing industry has emerged as one of the major agrobusiness challenges due to the large volume of wastewater produced during slaughtering and cleaning of slaughtering facilities. Slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) contains proteins, fats, high organic contents, microbes, and other emerging pollutants (pharmaceutical...

In solar photocatalysis, light utilization and recycling of powder from reaction solution are the main obstructions that hinder the photocatalytic efficacy of any photocatalyst. In this respect, a floatable system is effective for efficient solar photocatalysis by light utilization. Due to the maximum solar light absorption property, floating nanoc...

ZrO2@g-C3N4 photocomposite has been prepared from ZrO2 nanoparticles and g-C3N4 nanosheet using methanol via the ultrasonic method. The prepared photocomposite was characterized using XRD, TEM, EDX, DRS, FTIR, and XPS techniques and compared with pure ZrO2 and g-C3N4. A comparative study between the photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposite p...

A forming organic film applied onto a metallic surface to resist electrochemical corrosion is demonstrated as a potentially new low-cost, low toxicity solution. In this work, the inhibitory effect of Malpighia glabra leaf extract (MGLE) on the corrosion of mild steel in 0.01, 0.10, and 1.00 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) media and the changes in its inh...

Accessibility to a clean indoor environment is still an important problem in the world. Photocatalysis based on semiconductor materials was proposed as a green solution for contaminated surfaces and domestic areas. This treatment has been considered by many researchers using diverse preparation methods. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was extensively inves...

The present contribution is about the synthesis of a composite mesoporous with a high surface area and superior adsorption capacity to explore the possibility of using it for the removal of hazardous and harmful dyes from water. This composite was the mesoporous MgO/g-C3N4 (MGCN), which was successfully constructed through the sonication method in...

The 2D MXenes (carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides) is an emerging class of atomic layered nanomaterials that calls for intensive investigation. The tunable structures, large-surface to volume ratio, high electrical conductivity, rich surface chemistries, hydrophilicity and large redox active sites are some vital features which makes MXenes the suita...

This study summarizes the state-of-the-art research progress concerning the influence of high-temperature exposure on the residual bond strength of steel rebar. Also, an experimental database from the literature was collected and analyzed for use in fire safety management in concrete design codes and specifications for high important reinforced con...

With the depletion of fossil fuels and an increase in global warming, developing clean and sustainable energy resources is imperative. Among the different possible eco-friendly energy resources, H 2 has a bright perspective since it is a clean, environmentally benign, and sustainable energy carrier. Sunlight-triggered H 2 evolution reaction (HER) i...

The exposure to extreme temperatures in workplaces involves physical hazards for workers. A poorly acclimated worker may have lower performance and vigilance and therefore may be more exposed to accidents and injuries. Due to the incompatibility of the existing standards implemented in some workplaces and the lack of thermoregulation in many types...

The cover image by Muhammad Bilal and colleagues shows an SEM micrograph representing the fractured surface of clay reinforce sulfonated polyimide nanocomposite. The SPI membrane characterizes a homogenous morphology throughout the matrix due to the uniform distribution of clay nanoparticles with no pore or cracks. The uniform distribution and prop...

Dear Colleagues, A biomaterial is any substance that has been engineered to interact with biological systems for a medical purpose - either a therapeutic or a diagnostic one. In the medical application, biomaterials are often used perform, augment, or replace the natural function of living structures or biomedical devices. Biomaterials are also us...

Nowadays, air pollution is an increasingly important topic, as environmental regulations require limiting pollutant emissions. This problem requires new techniques to reduce emissions by either improving the current emission control systems and processes or installing new hybrid treatment systems. These are of broad diversity, and every system has...

The exposure to extreme temperatures in workplaces involves physical hazards for workers. A poorly acclimated worker may have lower performance and vigilance and may therefore be more exposed to accidents and injuries. Due to the incompatibility of the existing standards implemented in some workplaces and the lack of thermoregulation in many protec...

This work focuses on the degradation mechanism and self-cleaning ability of acrylic/A-TiO2 nanocomposite coating. In the study of photocatalytic degradation, Infrared spectroscopy (I.R.) data indicated that both the losses of alkane C.H. group, the weight and transparency of nanocomposite coating increased with increasing the nanoparticle content....

The quest for finding an effective photocatalyst for environmental remediation and treatment strategies is attracting considerable attentions from scientists. In this study, a new hybrid material, Cu0.5Mg0.5Fe2O4–TiO2, was designed and fabricated using coprecipitation and sol-gel approaches for degrading organic dyes in wastewater. The prepared hyb...

Biomass has been extensively considered a sustainable resource for preparing activated carbon for energy and environmental applications. However, the fabrication of activated carbon from biomass with a high surface area that can be effectively utilized for environmental treatment remains the main drawback. In this study, activated carbon with an ul...

Herein, coatable sulfonated polyimide (SPI) and clay‐reinforced SPI membranes SPI‐clay 3%, SPI‐clay 5%, and SPI‐clay 7% were successfully fabricated by one‐step high temperature via direct imidization method. The membranes were cast as a coatable thin film using a solution casting method and grafted vermiculite clay nanoparticle were incorporated i...

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) spreads and develops quickly worldwide as a new global crisis which has left deep socio-economic damage and massive human mortality. This virus accounts for the ongoing outbreak and forces an urgent need to improve antiviral therapeutics and targeted diagnosing tools. Researchers have been working to find a new drug to combat...

In this study, the effect of salinity on the removal of organic matter and nitrogen concentrations in bioreactor was investigated using a hybrid bench scale down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) system for 145 days of operation. The reactor had three identical sections that were filled to 30% volume with Bio-Bact to serve as attached media. The DHS reacto...

Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant and sustainable feedstock available globally. As a source of the polysaccharides, cellulose and hemicellulose, it can be converted into biofuels and other platform chemicals. This article highlights some important aspects that needs to be focused upon for the commercial development of lignocellulosic bio...

With the progress of the nanotechnology and production methods, coatings today are becoming lighter, cheaper, more durable, and more versatile. At present, a great progress has been made in design, preparation, and characterization of organic coatings, making them smarter and versatile. By creating new properties using suitable fillers and matrix a...

Functional polymer composites are now making significant strides in synthesis, design, preparation, processing, and promising applications. Today, polymer composites are becoming lighter, cheaper, more durable, and more versatile. At present, great progress has been made in the design, preparation, and characterization of polymer composite material...

CoBi2O4 (CBO) nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a complexing reagent. For a single phase with the spinel structure, the formed gel was dried and calcined at four temperatures stages. Various methods were used to identify and characterize the obtained spinel, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scannin...

Radiation can be lethal at high doses, whereas controlled doses are useful in medical applications. Other applications include power generation, agriculture sterilization, nuclear weapons, and archeology. Radiation damages genetic material, which is reflected in genotoxicity and can cause hereditary damage. In the medical field, it is essential to...

In photo catalysis, the transition metals are an emerging class of materials due to their activity and stability with ligands coordination. Such metal can be stabilized by the Schiff base ligands, which could prevent the leaching of the metal active centers during the catalytic process The present works describe the copper(II) and nickel(II) Schiff...