This study aims to clarify how different transition metals influence the pseudocapacitive performance of layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based nanocomposites. We investigated reduced graphene oxide (rGO)@NiM LDH/SrTiO3 (M = Cu, Mn, or Co) hybrids to examine the role of metal selection in both structural evolution and electrochemical performance. The morphology of the NiM LDH NCs, decorated on SrTiO₃ nanosheets, varies significantly with the metal additive: Cu-containing hybrids exhibit a nanoparticle morphology, while Mn- and Co-based hybrids display a nanoflower-like structure. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm the in-situ formation of rGO during the electrodeposition of NiM LDH, without the need for any external carbon source. Furthermore, the characteristics of the interfacial oxygenated carbon bonds between rGO and NiM LDH NCs and the resulting synergistic interactions depend on the incorporated metal type. Electrochemical testing shows that all rGO@NiM LDH@SrTiO3 hybrids outperform pristine SrTiO3, achieving specific capacitances of 2053–2337 mF·cm⁻2 at 1 mA·cm⁻2 compared to 1182 mF·cm⁻2 for bare SrTiO3. Among assembled asymmetric supercapacitors, Co-based devices deliver the highest energy density (82.3 μWh·cm⁻2 at 5.59 mW·cm⁻2), Mn-based devices provide moderate performance (59.5 μWh·cm⁻2 at 6.12 mW·cm⁻2), and Cu-based devices show the lowest energy density (55.26 μWh·cm⁻2 at 5.87 mW·cm⁻2). However, Cu-based devices exhibit better energy retention, maintaining 46.5 μWh·cm⁻2 at a higher power density of 57.7 mW·cm⁻2. These findings highlight that metal choice critically governs both morphological features and energy storage characteristics, providing guidelines for the design of LDH-based pseudocapacitive materials. Graphical abstract

Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate how microalgae Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis and macroalgae (Padina pavonica) were used as sources of bio-stimulants instead of chemical fertilizers. The principal goal is increasing various crop plant quality and productivity, particularly in sesame, while reducing environmental impacts.
Methods Both types of algal biomass were applied to Sesamum indicum L. plants either as a powder (3 g kg− 1 of soil) or water extract (9 g of algae 720 mL− 1 of tap water) during two developmental stages (the vegetative and productive stages).
Results In the vegetative experiment, the application of S. platensis, either powder or extract, had stimulative effects on all growth parameters and some metabolites in shoots and roots of sesame plants, while the application of Padina and Spirulina as a powder or extract induced the antioxidant concentrations. Tracking their effects until the productivity stage showed that the application of all treatments (powder or extract) to the soil improved the productive criteria, such as branch length, capsule numbers, and seed index. Also, similar responses were observed for the mineral composition of different plant parts.
Conclusion The biomass of algae can be used as a biofertilizer in addition to being a source of nutrition to increase crop
production to solve the problems of famine in poor countries. FT-IR analysis was used to qualitatively predict the most
important chemical components of P. pavonica and S. platensis as a powder and aqueous extract, which exhibited several active groups that make them effective as bio-stimulants for the sesame plant.

Silicon has long been recognized as a beneficial element in plant biology. Recent advances in nanosilicon technology have revealed its transformative potential in legume-rhizobia symbiosis. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how silicon and SiO₂ nanoparticles (Si-NPs) influence nodulation, microbial metabolism, and soil–plant interactions. We highlight emerging evidence that Si-NPs enhance symbiotic signaling, strengthen infection pathways, and mitigate oxidative stress, thereby supporting nitrogen fixation efficiency. Beyond the rhizosphere, nanosilicon improves soil structure, microbial diversity, and plant resilience under abiotic stress, offering a multifaceted approach to sustainable agriculture. The novelty of this review lies in its integrative perspective, connecting molecular mechanisms with ecological impacts and climate-smart applications. By examining Si-NPs across three domains—soils, rhizosphere metabolites, and plants—we provide a framework for understanding their role in enhancing productivity while reducing environmental costs. Importantly, we identify critical research gaps, including the need for standardized application protocols, large-scale field validation, sustainable nanosilicon production, and robust regulatory frameworks. These insights position nanosilicon as a promising tool for advancing legume productivity, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and contributing to global food security. This review underscores silicon’s potential not only as a plant nutrient but also as a strategic agent in climate-resilient agriculture.

Dye pollution in water poses serious health and ecological risks, requiring wastewater treatment before discharge and prompting increased research attention due to the widespread use of dyes in various industries. This study investigates the biosorption of methylene blue (MB) using a novel composite of chitosan and Bacillus subtilis exopolysaccharides (EPS). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of essential functional groups for dye adsorption. The biosorption process was pH-dependent, with optimal removal efficiencies at pH 6 for the chitosan/EPS composite and pH 7 for chitosan alone, showing increased adsorption capacity with rising pH from 3.0 to 7.0. Contact time experiments demonstrated efficient MB removal in approximately 30 min, achieving decolorization rates of 71.6% for the composite and 60.62% for chitosan. The composite also demonstrated a higher …