M.Phil / MS
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.cuilahore.edu.pk/handle/123456789/30
This collection archives the complete set of theses produced by students of the COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus.
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Item Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals for Effective Pesticide Removal from Model Wastewater(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Amina Naveed; CIIT/FA23-R06-003/LHR; Dr. M. Shahid Nazir; LHR TP 9681Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a renewable and biodegradable emerging nanomaterial obtained by acid hydrolysis having high surface area, abundant hydroxyl groups, and strong dispersibility. The combination of CNCs with spinel ferrite nanoparticles could produce such composites with excellent features and enhanced performance for environmental applications. Therefore, the aim of this work is to synthesize a stable, sustainable photocatalyst for imidacloprid (IMI) degradation from the model wastewater by synthesizing Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄ nanoparticles using the sol-gel method and then incorporating CNC to create a novel photocatalyst CNC@Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄. Characterizations were conducted with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The FTIR results exhibit the CNC blending with ferrite nanoparticles through intermolecular bonding. The XRD pattern shows the CNC@Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄ crystallinity, which is similar to that of pure CNC and pure Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄, indicating successful blending stability. The SEM images reveal an interconnected porous microstructure with Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄ nanoparticles evenly dispersed within the CNC matrix. The UV-VIS results confirm the changes in electronic properties of the synthesized photocatalyst. The photocatalyst CNC@Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O₄ shows effective photocatalytic degradation ability to degrade IMI from model wastewater under UV light, indicating the applicability of this photocatalyst for environmental remediations. The optimal conditions, using box-Behnken design, were pH 6, catalyst 22.5 mg, 112.5 µL hydrogen peroxide, IMI concentration of 50 mg/l and reaction time 10 minutes to achieve 97.95% degradation efficiency. The photocatalyst shows promising reusability in three successive runs.Item Metal Modified ZIF-8 MOF for Control Drug Release Study(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Noor Ul Huda Mehmood; CIIT/FA23-R06-018/LHR; Dr. M. Shahid Nazir; LHR TP 9691This research introduces a novel nanocomposite, Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4@ZIF-8, which has been developed and tested as a promising nanocarrier for delivering the anticancer drug cisplatin in a controlled manner. This composite combines the impressive surface area and pH-sensitive attributes of ZIF-8 with the unique magnetic and catalytic features of Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles. The method involved the in situ development of ZIF-8 on the surface of Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4, which was treated with CTAB, and this took place in a methanol medium. The analyses of the structure and morphology confirmed that the formation and encapsulation were achieved successfully.We fine-tuned the drug loading experiments with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using a Central Composite Design (CCD), and we managed to achieve an impressive drug loading efficiency of 74%. We carried out in vitro release tests under three different pH levels (5.4, 7.4, and 8.5) to mimic the conditions found in tumor environments and the human body. The results indicated that the release profile was responsive to pH changes, peaking at around 75% when the pH was neutral (7.4).We explored different models to analyze how the drug is released, and it turns out that the pseudo-second-order model fit the data really well (R² > 0.99). This suggests that the mechanisms of chemisorption and complex formation play a key role in how the drug is released. The improved formulation displayed a steady release pattern, hinting that it could help cut down on how often doses are needed and lessen adverse effects.To sum it up, this research highlights that Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4@ZIF-8 stands out as a potential multifunctional platform for innovative smart drug delivery systems. It offers adjustable loading and release capabilities, magnetic responsiveness, and finely-tuned release kinetics specifically designed for cancer treatment.