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At least 559 records · Page 31

Preparation and performance study of MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/metal–organic framework composite for rapid removal of organic dyes from water

In present study, a stable and magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) material was synthesized by simple solvothermal method as adsorbent to rapid removal of two organic dyes, the Rhodamine B (RB) and Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G), in water samples. The prepared material showed great characteristics of large surface area (519.86 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}), excellent magnetic responsivity (35.00 emu g{sup −1}) and rapid removal (within 5 min). Maximum adsorption capacities of the magnetic material toward RB and Rh6G were up to 219.78 and 306.75 mg g{sup −1}, respectively. Adsorption kinetics suggested the adsorption process met the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The prepared material could be reused at least 10 times by washing with acetonitrile solution, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of these ten cycles removal efficiency was 4.8%. In conclusion, good chemical inertness, a mechanical/water stability and super-hydrophilicity feature made this MOF a promising adsorbent for targets removal from environmental water sample. - Graphical abstract: The magnetic MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/metal–organic framework with ultra-high adsorption capacity towards rhodamine dyes showed rapid removal efficiency (within 5 min) and good reusability (at least 10 times). Display Omitted - Highlights: • A stable and magnetic MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}@MOF material was synthesized as adsorbent to rapid removal of organic dyes. • The material in this article could rapidly sequestered rhodamine dyes within 5 min. • The maximum adsorption capacities of the magnetic material were high.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Fe-doped nanostructured titanates synthesized in a single step route

In this research nanostructured titanates, containing iron in the structure, were obtained through a single-step alkaline hydrothermal route aiming at reduction of band-gap energy. In the process, a Fe–Ti rich Brazilian mineral sand was mixed with 10 M of NaOH and then submitted to isothermal treatments at temperatures ranging from 110 to 190 °C in an autoclave. The as-obtained products were water-washed and then characterized by transmission electron and scanning transmission electron microscopies, X-ray photoelectron, Mössbauer and diffuse reflectance spectroscopies. Transmission electron microscopy analyses showed a morphological dependence of the product as a function of the temperature, i.e., titanate nanosheets were predominantly formed at lower temperatures (110 °C–150 °C), while nanoribbons, with some nanosheets and nanoparticles, were the main products at higher temperatures (> 150 °C). Using energy dispersive X-ray it was determined that iron was incorporated into nanosheets. On the other hand, the as-obtained nanoribbons were Fe-free, while iron was principally associated with nanoparticles attached to the nanoribbons. By means of X-ray photoelectron and Mössbauer spectroscopies, it was elucidated that iron adopted Fe{sup 3} {sup +} form in the as-prepared nanosheets, occupying octahedral sites inside the titanate lepidocrocite-like structure. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed a change of absorption pattern from nanosheets to nanoribbon/nanoparticle assembly: nanosheets exhibited high absorption from ultraviolet up to the visible light range, while the nanoribbon/nanoparticle assembly demonstrated a drop in absorption in the visible light range. These results suggest that Fe{sup 3} {sup +} incorporation inside the titanate structure is responsible for enhancing the visible light absorption, making these nanosheets potentially suitable for applications in photoinduced processes. - Highlights: • Mineral sand has been used as the precursor for the synthesis of nanotitanates. • Fe-doped nanotitanates have been prepared in a single step wet chemistry route. • The morphology of the nanometric titanates is a function of the temperature. • Mössbauer spectroscopy reveals Fe{sup 3} {sup +} in octahedral sites inside nanosheets. • The Fe incorporation in nanosheets improved the visible light absorption.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanochemical-molten salt synthesis of Na{sub 2}Ti{sub 6}O{sub 13} nanobelts

A novel route for the preparation of Na{sub 2}Ti{sub 6}O{sub 13} nanobelts by mechanochemical treatment of the TiCl{sub 4}-Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4}.10H{sub 2}O-Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} mixture for 5 min followed by molten salt synthesis is described. The mixture of the amorphous TiO{sub 2} and NaCl-Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4}.xH{sub 2}O-Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} salt matrix was generated during milling. The molten salt synthesis of the Na{sub 2}Ti{sub 6}O{sub 13} nanobelts with lengths up to 0.5-2 {mu}m and with a width in the range of 20-250 nm was carried out in the temperature range of 700-800 {sup o}C for 1 h. The partial formation of titanate nanotubes was observed after annealing at 600 {sup o}C and washing procedure. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were used to characterize the formation and structure of Na{sub 2}Ti{sub 6}O{sub 13} nanobelts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis and application of magnesium oxide nanospheres with high surface area

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► MgO nanospheres with high specific surface area synthesized by the polyol method. ► The BET specific surface area of nanopowders was 102 m{sup 2}/g by calcining at ∼250 °C. ► MgO nanospheres were applied to remove hexavalent chromium. -- Abstract: Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanospheres with a high specific surface area were synthesized by the polyol method. The BET specific surface area of the nanopowders was ∼90 m{sup 2}/g by adjusting the molar ratio of the precursor, the reaction time, and the washing solution. It was increased to 102 m{sup 2}/g by calcining at ∼250 °C. Scanning electron microscopic and transmission electron microscopic observations showed that the MgO nanospheres composed of highly folded flakes, which were responsible for the observed high surface area. The high BET characteristic of the MgO nanospheres can be applied to sintering of microwave ceramics at a reducing sintering temperature, uniformed grain size distribution, and high bulk density. Finally, their capacity to remove hexavalent chromium was presented.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Controllable synthesis of helical, straight, hollow and nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers and their magnetic properties

Graphical abstract: The helical, straight and hollow carbon nanofibers can be selectively synthesized by adjusting either the reaction temperature or feed gas composition. Display Omitted Highlights: ► CNFs were synthesized via pyrolysis of acetylene on copper NPs. ► The helical, straight, hollow and N-doped CNFs can be selectively synthesized. ► The growth mechanism of different types of CNFs was proposed. -- Abstract: Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with various morphologies were synthesized by catalytic pyrolysis of acetylene on copper nanoparticles which were generated from the in situ decomposition of copper acetylacetonate. The morphology of the pristine and acid-washed CNFs was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope and high-resolution transmission electron microscope. Helical, straight and hollow CNFs can be selectively synthesized by adjusting either the reaction temperature or feed gas composition. The growth mechanism for these three types of CNFs was proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from aqueous Aegle marmelos leaf extract

Graphical abstract: Silver nanoparticles capped with polyphenols present in Aegle marmelos leaf extract. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Silver nanoparticles are synthesized using Aegle marmelos leaf extract in aqueous media. ► Reduction reaction is fast and occurs at room temperature. ► The presence of polyphenols acts as in situ capping agent. -- Abstract: Synthesis of nanoparticles by green route is an emerging technique drawing more attention recently because of several advantages over the convention chemical routes. The present study reports one-pot synthesis and in situ stabilization of silver nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos leaf extract. Nanoparticles of almost uniform spherical size (∼60 nm) were synthesized within ∼25 min reaction time at room temperature. The size of particles depends on the ratio of AgNO{sub 3} and leaf extract. The crystallinity, size, and shape of the nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy respectively. The size stability was attained by the capping effect of polyphenolic tannin compound, procatacheuate in the extract. The capped polyphenols can be removed from the particle surface by simple NaOH/methanol wash. The involvement of phenolic compounds in metal ion reduction and capping were supported by UV–visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, and zeta potential measurements.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Co-doped mesoporous titania photocatalysts prepared from a peroxo-titanium complex solution

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Peroxotitanium complex for the synthesis of doped photocatalysts. • Fabrication of N doped and N/Ag co-doped photocatalysts. • Characterization of photocatalysts by SEM, XRD, BET, DRS and XPS. • Bench scale photocatalysis under simulated solar light using crystal violet pollutant. - Abstract: In this study, nitrogen doped and nitrogen/silver co-doped TiO{sub 2} photocatalsysts were fabricated using a sol–gel method at room temperature. The obtained gels were neutralized, washed with pure water, and calcined at 400 °C for 4 h. The photocatalysts were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and BET specific surface area. The results showed that spherical particles with anatase structure were produced after annealing at 400 °C. N 1s (400 eV) and Ag 3d (367.3 eV) states indicated that nitrogen doping and silver co-doping were in the form of NO bonds and AgO, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts was investigated using a batch reactor system exposed to artificial solar irradiation. Both nitrogen and silver/nitrogen co-doped materials were effective in the photocatalytic degradation of hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Monodisperse In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles synthesized by a novel solvothermal method with In(OH){sub 3} as precursors

Highlights: • Monodisperse In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles were synthesized by a novel solvothermal method. • The particle size of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles is ultrafine, ∼5 nm. • The precursor is readily available. • It is free of any surfactant and template. • The possible growth mechanism, delayed burst nucleation, are elucidated. - Abstract: A novel solvothermal method has been developed for monodisperse In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles (NPs) with ∼5 nm particle size, In(OH){sub 3} as precursors and free of any surfactant and template. The NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR). The temperature, the concentration of precursors and washing conditions dramatically affected the structure, morphology and size of NPs. The possible growth mechanism was elucidated as well, which was delayed burst nucleation. A weak quantum confinement effect of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} NPs resulting from the small particle size was observed in UV spectrum and one photoluminescence emission peak occurring in the visible region was detected as well.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

A simple route for making surfactant free lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots

Highlights: • Surfactant free PbS NCs were successfully synthesised using CoSP technique. • The technique eliminates the requirements of washing to remove the ligands. • Grinding using mortar and pestle creates well separated PbS QDs. • Surfactant free PbS NCs are stable and do not show any degradation with time. - Abstract: An efficient, cost effective and less time consuming method suitable for mass production of surfactant free quantum dots (QDs) of lead sulfide (PbS) is reported. PbS nanocrystals (NCs) are first synthesised by continuous spray pyrolysis (CoSP) technique and de-agglomeration into PbS quantum dots (QDs) is achieved by vigorous mechanical grinding using mortar and pestle. Lead acetate and thiourea were used as the precursor materials for preparation of surfactant free PbS NCs. The broadening in XRD peaks of ground NCs as compared to as synthesized PbS NCs clearly indicated the reduction in particle size to be QDs of PbS. The TEM images also showed that ground PbS NCs were nearly spherical in shape having an average diameter in the range of 4–6 nm. The shift in optical gap from 0.41 eV to 1.47 eV supported the QD formation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Nitrogen-coordinated single iron atom catalysts derived from metal organic frameworks for oxygen reduction reaction

Iron and nitrogen co-doped carbon (Fe-N-C) catalysts hold great promise to replace platinum group metal used for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in low-temperature fuel cells. However, general synthesis routes require tedious acid washing and extensive heat treatment, usually resulting in uncontrollable morphologies and undesirable compounds. In this work, a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) was employed as a self-template for one-pot synthesis of a Fe-N-C catalyst consisting of uniformly dispersed Fe single atoms. Atomically dispersed Fe atoms were well distributed along the edges of the porous carbon matrix. Each of the Fe atoms was coordinated with four N atoms in the plane and two O atoms in the axial direction. The optimized Fe-N-C catalyst showed excellent ORR activities with half-wave potentials of 0.81 and 0.90 V in acidic and alkaline solutions, respectively. The results may be important for the optimization of single-atom-based catalysts for various reactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Colloidal cobalt-doped ZnO nanoparticles by microwave-assisted synthesis and their utilization in thin composite layers with MEH-PPV as an electroluminescent material for polymer light emitting diodes

In this study, Co x Zn 1-x O (x = 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1) nanoparticles were prepared by microwave-assisted polyol method from zinc acetate dihydrate and Co(II) acetylacetonate. The reactions were performed in diethylene glycol (DEG) at 250 °C with the use of oleic acid as a surfactant. Resulting nanoparticle (ca. 10 nm) precipitates were washed with methanol and dried or kept as colloidal solutions redispersed in toluene. Colloidal solutions were mixed with the Poly [2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) polymer to produce thin nanocomposite layers with specific optoelectronic properties. The electronic structure in terms of density of states (DOS) of MEH-PPV and MEH-PPV/nanocomposite layers was investigated by recently proposed energy resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method. The MEH-PPV polymer and its nanocomposites with ZnO or Co x Zn 1-x O nanoparticles were used as thin active layers in polymer light emitting diodes (PLED). The nanocomposite layers exhibited optoelectronic properties which were found to be beneficial as the active layer in PLEDs, exhibiting an order of magnitude enhancement in electroluminescence intensity. Finally, a pronounced effect on the opening bias voltage of final devices with Co x Zn 1-x O nanoparticles was also observed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The current status of high temperature electrochemistry-based CO 2 transport membranes and reactors for direct CO 2 capture and conversion

The concept of direct CO 2 capture and conversion has attracted significant interest from industries and academia in recent decades due to its potential to address the current grand challenge of global warming/climate change, rapid depletion of fossil fuels and realization of a future carbon neutral ecosystem. The incumbent benchmark technology for CO 2 capture is the post-combustion flue-gas “amine washing”, which is energy intensive and costly for large-scale commercial implementation. The CO 2 conversion technologies, on the other hand, are still at their infancy with many technical challenges to overcome, but primarily being explored in laboratory-scale, low-temperature, solution-based and high-temperature, solid-oxide-based electrochemical cells with renewable electricity perceived as the energy input. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview on an emergent class of high-temperature electrochemical CO 2 transport membranes that can capture and convert CO 2 into valuable chemicals in single catalytic reactor fashion. The review starts with the chemistry and transport theory of three basic types of membranes purposely designed for different CO 2 feedstocks and downstream conversions. A range of key functional materials used in these membranes and their microstructural/electrochemical properties important to the CO 2 transport are then thoroughly discussed in conjunction with the effects of surface modifications and operating conditions. Several types of combined CO 2 capture and conversion catalytic reactors based on these membranes are also assessed with a focus on their working principles, system configurations and performance demonstrations. Finally, challenges and prospective of these electrochemical CO 2 transport membranes and their associated conversion reactors are candidly discussed for future development.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗

Radon kinetics in a natural indoor radon chamber

An unusual 180 m 3 storage room in the basement of a two-story laboratory building is unventilated, and separated from occupiable rooms by double steel doors. The space completely borders on soil through the concrete floor and two of its concrete walls. The room also contains a separate inner chamber with 1 m thick concrete walls designed to damp vibrations in the room above it. The space boasts a relatively high radon level, 1083 Bq m –3 , which varies with local outdoor environmental conditions. Measurements were made of radon concentrations at various locations and heights within the facility. More than a year of continuous radon concentration data corresponding to a single location are also available, along with measurements of indoor and outdoor pressure, temperature, and humidity. Data were also collected with as many as five fans placed in different locations and cycled on for variable time periods. First order linear kinetic models were created to explain the observed approaches to steady state due to changing conditions and wash-out resulting from intentional ventilation. Results demonstrate a good fit between changes in the radon concentration level and the developed compartmental models. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between radon concentration at different locations or heights in the chamber.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

High-coercivity ThMn 12 -type monocrystalline Sm–Zr–Fe–Co–Ti particles by high-temperature reduction diffusion

The ThMn 12 -type (Sm,Zr)1(Fe,Co,Ti) 12 compounds have the potential of powerful permanent magnets. Magnetically hard and anisotropic powders of such compound have been prepared by subjecting elemental oxides and Co mixed with Ca and CaO dispersant to a succession of high-energy ball-milling, reduction diffusion at 990–1220 °C and repeated washing. The size of the resulting ThMn 12 -type crystallites, their coercivity and fraction of monocrystalline particles were all found to increase with the reduction-diffusion temperature. Particles synthesized at 1220 °C were highly monocrystalline with a mean size of 0.54 μm and, after a magnetic-field alignment, exhibited a coercivity of 1.26 T and a full-density-projected maximum energy product of at least 209 kJ/m 3 (26.3 MGOe). Here, the strong positive effect of the reduction-diffusion temperature on the coercivity has been attributed to separation of the crystallites and to decrease in the incidence of structural defects.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A study of appliance ownership and electricity consumption determinants in urban Ghanaian households

The residential sector in Ghana accounts for about 40% of aggregate electricity consumption out of which urban centers contribute 70%. The high weighted share of residential electricity use is attributed to high appliance ownership and use, and other household/building factors. The ability to determine how changes in the pattern of these factors influence electricity demand is critical if efforts to reduce consumption are to be effective. Here this study combines a residential electricity consumption survey (RECS) with electricity end-use monitoring of 60 households in Tema city Ghana, to yield the first ever comprehensive investigation of city-scale electricity consumption in urban Ghanaian homes. A multiple linear regression analysis is used to identify the most statistically significant indicators of appliance ownership and household electricity consumption. Results indicate that ownership of air conditioner, freezer, fan, refrigerator and television; and changes in socio-economic and building factors such as energy efficiency awareness and practice; income; household size and floor space show high statistical significance, and collectively explain 57% variance in households’ total electricity consumption. The presence of dependent children increases ownership of television, iron, washing machine and small kitchen appliances. This work provides a solid foundation for developing more tailored energy-saving policy interventions targeted at households.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Rapid recovery of At-211 by extraction chromatography

The near quantitative separation, purification, and recovery of 211 At has been demonstrated through an extraction chromatography process which utilizes porous beads impregnated with 3-octanone, resulting in an elution yield of 92–95%. Moreover, the rapid nature of this process, <20 min, was achieved after dissolution of a Bi metal target in HNO 3 following retrieval from the beamline after α-particle bombardment. The solution was directly loaded onto the column with no volume or acidity adjustment. The column was washed with HNO 3 and H 2 O, and 211 At was eluted with ethanol, collecting roughly 87–93% in 1 mL. This process of recovering high purity 211 At, in near quantitative yields, represents a significant advance in At separations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Advanced nuclear reactor integration opportunities for the pulp and paper industry in the U.S. context: Technical perspectives, gap analysis, and preliminary technoeconomic assessment

Pulp and paper (P&P) manufacturing requires a large amount of low-pressure (LP) steam to digest, wash wood fibers and dry pulp into paper. Most of the LP steam is extracted from backpressure turbines that produce power from high-pressure (HP) steam. This HP steam is generated from burning wood waste material; bark is burned in hog boilers, and lignin is boiled in a black liquor recovery boiler. In a typical integrated P&P mill, 50–100% of the steam is produced from these sources, while additional steam is produced in natural gas (NG), fuel oil, or coal boilers. The other energy-intensive process in the plant is the chemical-recovery section (e.g., lime kiln), which requires high-temperature processing from NG combustion to retrieve and recirculate spent chemicals. This paper assesses the energy and heat demand and material balances of a typical generic kraft pulp mill, along with the nuclear heat, steam, and power integration opportunities to replace conventional combustion systems. The paper also addresses steam and electricity generation through a comprehensive technical and engineering gap analysis of five different nuclear-integration opportunities and their process economics, thus enabling the lignin and bark to be further processed into biobased chemicals or fuels, as well as the potential to reduce overall emissions from kraft pulping. Preliminary findings have shown that the P&P industry could achieve technological benefits by integrating their current manufacturing process with small modular nuclear reactors (SMNRs) on a national level. This research aims to set the path forward for a cleaner and more resilient P&P industry.

Advanced nuclear reactor↗