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The Piper hispidinervium leaves and thin stems were dried under laboratory and field conditions. Laboratory drying was performed using a shade dryer operating with and without forced convection and an oven dryer operating at 30 and 40 °C. Field experiments were conducted using solar dryers with three different covers, i.e., transparent, black plastic, and palm straw covers. The essential oil extraction was performed by steam distillation, and the safrole content was analyzed by gas chromatography. Five mathematical models (Page, logarithmic, Henderson and Pabis, fractional, and diffusion) were fitted with the experimental data and compared based on the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and χ2. Results suggest that the best model was the logarithmic model (R2 > 0.99, RMSE

Gambierdiscus spp. are epi-benthic dinoflagellates that have been associated with ciguatera poisoning. These microalgae can have complex secondary metabolite profiles including ciguatoxins, maitotoxins, and gambierones, with varying compositions and toxicities across species and strains. Given this chemical diversity there is a need to develop selective and sensitive methods for secondary metabolite profiling. In this study, we used a cultured Caribbean strain of Gambierdiscus silvae to develop sample preparation and analysis strategies for characterizing vic-diol containing secondary metabolites. A pooled cellular extract was first screened by liquid chromatography–high–resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) for ciguatoxin-related compounds, which resulted in the confirmation of gambierone (1) and tentative identification of 29-methylgambierone (3). Treatment of the extract with periodate confirmed that the gambierones each contained one reactive vic-diol, which was exploited for the development of a selective extraction procedure using m-aminophenylboronic acid gel and the non-aqueous binding solvent chloroform. Using this non-traditional boronate affinity procedure, LC-HRMS also revealed the presence of additional sulfated polycyclic ethers in the gambierone-containing vic-diol fraction, while pigments and other contaminants were removed. The developed tools could be applied to screen collections of Gambierdiscus and other benthic algae to provide additional chemical characterization of gambierone-related compounds. The selective extraction procedure may also prove useful as a step in the isolation of these sulfated polyethers for structural, toxicological and biotransformation studies.

Microalgae-bacteria symbiotic association can provide many competitive advantages over the pure axenic culture of microalgae to obtain biofuel. This system significantly reduces an important technical constraint, including associated capital cost with the infrastructure required for maintaining pure microalgae culture. The current study aims to compare the symbiotic growth of Tetraselmis indica - Pseudomonas aeruginosa consortium with axenic growth of Tetraselmis indica in dairy wastewater (DWW). The extraction and optimization of chlorophyll-a were also investigated. The overall maximum chlorophyll-a recovery of 29.106 ± 0.045 mg L−1 was obtained through the sonification as extractant method with methanol as an extraction solvent. The chlorophyll-a content of consortium cultivated in DWW higher than the axenic pure microalgae culture (APMC). The maximum biomass yield of the consortium was achieved as 1454.88 mg L−1, which is much higher than APMC growth in DWW by 38.80%. On the 10th day, the consortium removed 87.49%, 83.76%, and 79.83% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and total dissolved phosphorus respectively. The higher biomass growth and wastewater nutrient removal exhibited by the symbiotic microalgae-bacteria consortium can be utilized in biofuel technology.

Agricultural and industrial wastes are produced in huge amount throughout the worldwide. In Sultanate Oman and other regions, these wastes are generally not exploited to be re-used or recycled. Waste materials have become of interest due to the beneficial use of the residual biomass left behind. These wastes tend to have harmful impacts on the environment because they might contain strong fibers that decompose at slow rate under normal environmental conditions. Agricultural waste materials contain cellulose which can be extracted to be used in many important processes including the production of bio-plastic and the production of food. The project conducted to isolate and characterize cellulose from waste residuals. Cellulose has been isolated from waste residuals via alkali pretreatment using NaOH followed by bleaching process, while cellulose was produced via acid hydrolysis method using sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The cellulose produced was characterized with Fourier Transform Inferred Spectroscopy (FTIR) in which it is found the main dominant functional groups are O–H and C–H, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) which showed a smooth surface morphology which indicates the removal of wax, lignin & hemicellulose and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) showed that the cellulose approximately contains of 64.5 wt% of C, 30 wt% of O, 1% S and 1.7% Na.

Canola meal is a low-value agricultural residue obtained after oil extraction from canola, the utilization of which requires further attention. On the other hand, plastic waste disposal is also another leading issue that creates severe environmental challenges. Supercritical water gasification is considered an environmentally friendly technology to produce hydrogen from plastic residues and organic wastes. This study deals with hydrothermal co-gasification of canola meal and plastic wastes (i.e., low-density polyethylene) while exploring the influence of temperature (375–525°C), residence time (15–60 min) and plastic-to-biomass ratio (0:100, 20:80, 50:50, 80:20 and 100:0) on hydrogen yield. Maximum hydrogen yield (8.1 mmol/g) and total gas yield (17.9 mmol/g) were obtained at optimal temperature and residence time of 525°C and 60 min, respectively. A change in the gas yield with variable plastic-to-biomass ratio showed synergistic effects between both feedstocks. The trend of catalytic performance towards improving hydrogen yield was in the following order: WO3–TiO2 (18.5 mmol/g) > KOH (16.9 mmol/g) > TiO2 (9.5 mmol/g) > ZrO2 (7.8 mmol/g) > WO3–ZrO2 (7.4 mmol/g).

Introduction: The plant used in the present study is Cassia fistula, which belongs to the family Leguminosae and has been used in traditional medicinal systems due to the presence of a copious amount of Phytochemicals with various properties. Aims: This study is focused on the extraction of phytochemicals from the Cassia fistula flower and its subsequent encapsulation into chitosan matrix for applications in drug delivery. Chitosan is approved by FDA for its use in Pharmaceutical industries. Methods: As described by several analytical techniques such as FT-IR, NMR, Thermal analysis, and SEM, the microsphere thus prepared by the current study is predicted to release the desired extract with medicinal properties in a controlled manner, allowing for more convenient and desired levels of drug administration. The swelling study and release study of the prepared microsphere have been carried out in physiological pH 2 and 7.4. NMR study has shown that sitosterol and friedelin have been encapsulated successfully into the chitosan matrix. Results: The microspheres have shown up to 80% swelling in pH 2 upto 8 days, and 60% of the in- -vitro controlled drug release has also been found in pH 2 upto 2 days. The thermal studies using TGA and DSC supported the thermal stabilities of CS beads, CFFE and CFFE-CS beads, Also, it showed the dispersion of the CFFE in the cavities of the Chitosan matrix. Conclusion: The Biomedical application of the synthesized CFFE-CS beads has also been reported on the basis of their antibacterial studies.

BackgroundEnvironmental water samples are increasingly recognised as an important reservoir of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS) offer a potentially inclusive surveillance platform for a wide range of AMR genes. However, molecular methods are dependent upon the extraction of DNA of high yield and quality. Current options for DNA extraction from complex environmental matrices for downstream molecular applications are either expensive or low yielding. We present here a novel magnetic bead-based DNA extraction method, for the detection of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) from river water in Malawi, named MagnaExtract. MethodsMagnaExtract involves initial filtration of 250ml freshwater, followed by an overnight incubation of the filter in 15ml buffered peptone water (BPW), common procedure in microbiology laboratories. 200{micro}l is then taken for a boil (95{degrees}C) and spin step and mixed with magnetic beads to bind DNA. Following washes with ethanol, the DNA is eluted in nuclease-free water. To determine the effectiveness of this method, 98 freshwater samples were collected from two rivers in Southern Malawi, and DNA was isolated using the MagnaExtract method, two commercial Qiagen (Germany) kits; PowerWater and DNeasy Blood and tissue, alongside a boil and spin of BPW, and a boil and spin from bacterial isolate grown on agar media. All samples were screened with a high-resolution melt (HRM) PCR panel previously validated for the detection of third generation cephalosporin and carbapenem ARGs. We compared the DNA yield obtained using all extraction methods, as well as the identification of each ARG. ResultsDNA yield using MagnaExtract was statistically greater than both boil and spin methods and DNeasy Blood & Tissue (Qiagen, Germany). DNA yield was slightly lower than using PowerWater (Qiagen) but the difference was not statistically significant. MagnaExtract was the only method to identify ARGs in all 98 water samples compared with PowerWater (n=82), DNeasy (n=95) boilate of BPW (n=75) and boilate of bacterial isolate (n=87). The most commonly detected ARG was OXA-48 (n=93). In addition, we found overnight incubation in non-selective enrichment broth (BPW) to promote the growth of bacteria harbouring extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) genes and reduction in the detection of carbapenemase genes. ConclusionThe MagnaExtract approach offers a simple, affordable, high yielding DNA extraction method for the detection of ARGs isolated from river water samples.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are highly produced in developed countries for a variety of products. Consequently, AgNPs end up being introduced in aquatic systems all over the world, and usually deposited in riverine sediments, from where they can be taken up by aquatic organisms and transferred along the food chain. The analysis of AgNPs in natural samples is not an easy task, because of their low presence and complicated reactions, which can change their speciation. The objective of this work is to help in this challenge, developing a method applicable to analyse sediment samples from any place around the world where AgNPs are suspected to be present. Firstly, four methods for the synthesis of AgNPs were investigated by Ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) spectroscopy and particle size analysis. The methods differed in the reducing agent used and in the concentration of the stabilising agent applied. The method including NaBH4 and SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) resulted to be more adequate as the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band position and width indicated. This conclusion was corroborated considering the hydrodynamic diameters and polydispersity indices of the synthesised AgNPs. The Z-average hydrodynamic diameter and the UV–VIS spectrum of AgNPs synthesised using this method indicated that the AgNPs remained kinetically stable for at least 10 days. Finally, ten potential extraction solutions were investigated, in terms of maximal extraction efficiency, but minimal effects on AgNP dissolution and aggregation. The candidate solutions ranged from deionized water and salts to strong acids and bases. The intensity of the SPR band concluded that using NaOH media the synthesised AgNPs was kinetically stable. Moreover, TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) images showed that the AgNPs in NaOH retained their shape and size after 10 days. Therefore, NaOH media turned out to be the best potential extractant for the analysis of sediment samples.

Aim and Objective: A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for determining hypaphorine, a potential agent for treating osteoclast- based bone loss, was developed and validated in rat plasma. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples were pretreated by the protein precipitation. Chromatographic separation was performed using an Inertsil ODS-3 column (50 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm). The mobile phase consisted of water (containing 0.1% formic acid) and acetonitrile in a gradient mode at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The transitions from protonated precursor ion [M + H]+ to the particular daughter ion were acquired using selected reaction monitoring (SRM). The mass transitions of hypaphorine and IS were found to be 247 → 188 and m/z 219 → 188, respectively. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, accuracy and precision, extraction recovery and matrix effect, stability, and carryover. Results: It showed good linearity over the range of 1-2000 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9978). The intra-batch accuracy was within 93.95-105.81%, and the precision was within 4.92-11.53%. The inter-batch accuracy was within 96.18-100.39% with a precision of 6.22-11.23%. The extraction recovery and matrix factors were acceptable. Conclusion: The simple and rapid method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study in rats following oral administration of hypaphorine at the doses of 0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 mg/kg.

A tailored chitosan crosslinked isovanillin (CCIV) polymeric adsorbent generated using homogeneous catalysis was applied for the extraction and removal of direct yellow dye 50 (DY 50), through rapid adsorption due to an electrostatic attraction between the dye molecules and CCIV frameworks. The removal efficiency of DY 50 was systematically investigated to determine the effect of contact time, incubation temperature, pH of the solution, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent mass. The adsorbent also appeared to exert a novel tribocatalytic energy effect for dye decompositions, which is confirmed through comparison of removal from agitation (friction) which is thought to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species. The DY 50 adsorption was almost instantaneous, where up to 83.3% of the initial DY 50 load was removed within and up to 10 min, and then to 90–97.9% by physicochemical adsorption after 45–180 min using 0.05 g of CCIV bio sorbents under ambient temperature. The variations of DY 50 initial concentrations, contact time, and temperatures allowed us to implement three isotherm models, kinetics, and thermal dynamic studies. The comparison of adsorption equilibrium data of DY 50 on the CCIV surfaces was obtained from Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms models, indicating the “monomer to bilayer” is favorable through van der Waals interaction. Validation of the kinetic models was obtained through the ratio of 95% and 5% extraction time (t95/t5 = 19.42) and residual sum of squares (RSS

In this study, ultrasonic-assisted root extracts (methanolic and aqueous) of 16 Crinum genotypes were investigated for their antioxidants, phytochemicals and alkaloids (lycorine and galanthamine). The maximum TPC was recorded in methanolic extract of CAF1 (10.871 ± 0.2 mg TAE/g DW) and the least in CA (5.291 ± 0.1 mg TAE/g DW). TFC ranged from 0.446 ± 0.03 (CA) to 1.051 ± 0.07 mg CE/g DW (CMOR) for methanolic extracts whereas for aqueous extracts the range was 0.258 ± 0.01 (CAF2) to 1.312 ± 0.05 mg CE/g DW (COME). TTC values were recorded higher from aqueous extracts whereas TAC was on the higher side in methanolic extracts. TTC was the highest in COME (6.960 ± 0.16 mg CE/g DW) and TAC in CMOR (2.510 ± 0.21 mg BE/g DW). The highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging were noted in CMOR (1.886 ± 0.07 mg AAE/g DW) and CP (18.251 ± 1.32 mg TE/g DW), respectively. Similarly, the highest FRAP and PMA activities were found from methanolic extracts of CAF1 (6.751 ± 0.06 mg Fe(II)E/g DW) and CAF2 (6.093 ± 0.16 mg AAE/g DW). Water extract of CM (4.788 ± 0.03 mg EDTA/g DW) had the highest metal chelation potential. Maximum inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was noticed in the methanolic extracts of CV (43.51%) and CM (85.58%), respectively. Similarly, the maximum inhibition (95.99%) of acetylcholinesterase activity was noted in the methanolic extract of CA. RP-HPLC revealed that GA and COA were the most common phenolics in the roots. The alkaloid, lycorine was detected in all the genotypes and galanthamine in only 14 genotypes. The highest lycorine content was detected in CW (6.28 ± 0.54 mg/g DW) and the lowest in CXA (0.45 ± 0.01 mg/g DW). Galanthamine content ranged from 0.10 ± 0.00 μg/g DW (CP) to 348.98 ± 0.01 μg/g DW (CXA). Ultrasonic-assisted extraction can be one of the sustainable approaches for the enhanced recovery of phytochemicals from Crinum species. Present study inferred that Crinum is a magnificent source of antioxidants, natural inhibitors of α-glucosidase as well as anti-Alzheimer and anticancer drugs.

Helium (He) is commercially produced from natural gas by low-temperature condensation. The process is energy extensive because of the extremely low He concentration (

Treballs Finals de Grau de Química, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Any: 2023, Tutora: Núria Llorca Isern, The pollution of oceans and seas by microplastics has become a growing global concern affecting the economy and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to look for different technologies that can remove these pollutants in a sustainable way. Separating microplastics (MP) from environmental samples is challenging but necessary to determine their environmental prevalence. Current methods are not standardised, and it is unclear to what extent they recover smaller MP. One proposal to carry out microplastic removal is the use of magnetic oxide particles such as copper ferrites (CuFe2O4). The aim is to interact the microplastics with the copper ferrites so that, with the help of a magnet, the microplastics move together with the ferrites due to their magnetic properties. In this work, CuFe2O4 particles are prepared by a coprecipitation method from iron chloride and copper chloride in the presence of octanoic acid (C8H16O2) as surfactant. The structure of the obtained ferrites is determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while their morphology is studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). In addition, the elemental composition of the samples is determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Finally, in order to study the interaction between microplastics and copper ferrites, the surface of the ferrites is functionalized with lauric acid and the composition of the modified surface is determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

This paper provides the design and manufacture of filament extruders used to recycle used or discarded 3D printed parts. It depends entirely on the plastic extraction process. This can reduce the amount being spent on buying new filament. We can alternatively use plastic pellets for this process of extrusion. Band heater along thermocouple is used for heating the plastic.

Cladonia foliacea (CF) is a type of lichen belonging to the Cladoniaceae family, used as traditional medicine for various diseases. It is known that CF has strong antioxidant and antidiabetic effects originating from various secondary components. However, the bioactivity of CF is significantly affected by extraction conditions such as temperature, liquid/solid ratio, and solvent type/concentration. Herein, the extraction parameters (temperature, liquid/solid ratio, and methanol concentration) of CF were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on maximum total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, and α-glucosidase/α-amylase inhibitor activity. In the methanolic extraction of CF, 48.8 °C, 12.3 mL g-1 liquid/solid ratio, and 86.4% methanol concentration were determined as the optimum point. TPC, antioxidant capacity, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibition activities of CF extracted under optimum conditions were determined as 5.55 mg GAE g-1, 33.10 g sample/g DPPH, 68.78%, and 50.03%, respectively. These results suggest that extraction conditions may be a limiting factor in terms of bioactive properties and optimized extraction parameters may improve the potential antioxidant and inhibitory activity of key enzymes associated with type II diabetes of CF.

In recent decades, phytochemicals in plant extracts have been recognized as having insecticidal activity against insect pests. They have also been described as an alternative method to synthetic chemicals. The present study is a contribution on the insecticidal activity, under semi-natural conditions, of extracts of Nerium oleander L. on viviparous females of Chaitophorus leucomelas. Two extraction methods were performed with polar solvent to obtain two extracts used to carry out the insecticide tests. To identify the highest number of metabolites present in the plant three approaches were performed using supercritical fluid, ultrasound and enzymatic methods. Thirty-eight bioactive molecules were identified by GC/MS, some of which could be responsible for the insecticidal activity on viviparous females of C. leucomelas. The enzymatic extraction showed a very high monoterpene content of 34.62%, while the supercritical fluid extraction gave a content of 71.91% of oxygenated terpenic compounds. The results relating to the temporal estimation of insecticidal activity of the three studied concentrations of pure methanol and methanol-water extracts were found to be effective in terms of toxicity to viviparous females of C. leucomelas. A 100% mortality rate was observed 4 days after treatment at a concentration of 5.15g/m2

Compared with traditional sodium or calcification roasting process for vanadium extraction from raw vanadium slag(V-slag), ammonium sulfate (AS) roasting could reduce about 470 °C roasting temperature and avoid Cl2, HCl, sodium-containing waste-water and waste gypsum discharging. To reduce the amount of AS added in vanadium extraction process, an efficient AS two-stage cyclic roasting and acid leaching process was proposed. The result of TG analysis indicates V- slag could be decomposed in 275-380 °C using AS roasting process. Using 2.03:1 total mass ratio of AS to V-slag, 90.86% V and 80.54% Ti could be extracted after 380℃ roasting for 30 min and 8% initial concentration of H2SO4 leaching at 70 ℃ for 100 min. XRD analysis indicates V-containing spinel phase in the 1st stage leaching residue would be efficiently decomposed by the cyclic two-stage roasting and leaching process. Furthermore, the valence of V(III) in raw V-slag was not changed after the 1st AS roasting stage, but a part of V(III) in the 1st leaching residue was oxidized to V(V) after 2nd roasting process.

Red seaweed species Eucheuma cottonii was thought to have potential as an anesthetic agent because it is shown to contain compounds with bioactivity as antimicrobial, antifungal, and also anticancer. There have been no studies regarding the active ingredients of anesthetized. The objective of the study was to examine the potential of E. cottonii extract as a candidate for fish anesthetic based on toxicity, phytochemistry, and active compounds contained in the extract. The stages of research include extraction, toxicity test extracts (BSLT), phytochemical test, quantitative test compound phytochemical results, and the identification of active compounds with LC-MS. Test results showed that E. cottonii extract contains a total of phenols of 4.60 ± 0.06 mg/GAE g which is one presentation of the active ingredient in the extract. The extract had bioactivity with LC50 of 221.71 ± 5.74 μg/mL. E. cottonii extract contained flavonoids compounds and saponins with a consecutive number of 24.48% and 0.22%. The results of identifying active compounds were found in several compounds that had activity asantidepressants or sedatives. E. cottonii extract can be used as a candidate for a fish anesthetic agent.

The excessive exploitation of rare earth elements (REEs) has caused major losses of non-renewable resources and damage to the ecosystem. The processes of mining and smelting produce massive amounts of wastewater with low concentrations of REEs. Consequently, the enrichment and recovery of low-concentration REEs from wastewater has significant economic and environmental value. For this purpose, operation under large phase ratios (the flow rate ratio between the aqueous phase and extractant) is more desirable and economically viable. However, the traditional REE extraction process suffers from the uneven dispersion of the extractant and the difficulty of phase separation, which leads to long extraction times and large consumption of extractants. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop a green and efficient technique to extract low concentrations of REEs from wastewater. In this work, a droplet-based microfluidic technique was used to continuously extract and recover low-concentration REEs at large phase ratios. Snowman-shaped magnetic Janus nanoparticles were added to the continuous phase as emulsifiers to facilitate uniform extractant dispersion and rapid phase separation. Several key factors affecting the extraction efficiency, including pH, residence time, and the amount of added Janus nanoparticles, were systematically investigated. Compared to batch extraction, droplet-based microfluidic extraction with the addition of Janus nanoparticles showed the advantages of a large specific surface area and fast phase separation during extraction. Meanwhile, the Janus nanoparticles exhibited good emulsification performance after three extraction cycles. In summary, the Janus nanoparticle-stabilized droplet generated by microfluidic methods provides a feasible path for the efficient enrichment and recovery of low-concentration REEs.

A fast LC-APCI-MS/MS screening/confirmation method was developed and validated for trace analyses of 18 analytes which are explosives and organic gun shot residues including the challenging ones with diverse ionization conditions, in soil and on hands. (+) and (−) ionization modes were used after a single-step, low-volume solvent extraction procedure developed using methanol. Tape-lifting, stub, alcohol wipes, cotton bud were compared for collecting the residues from hands of a shooter. Tape-lifting and stub gave the highest recoveries and tape-lifting was chosen. Gradient elution system using ammonium chloride:methanol was developed. Whole procedure lasted approximately 30 min, was validated in both matrices, applied to real samples as post-blast residues, smokeless powder and the hands of a shooter, after shooting. Most of the recoveries were >80% and since all the precisions were −1 in soil, and 0.2–132.3 and 1.1–355.0 ngg−1 in tape-lift.

Neodymium naphthenate-loaded organic phase stripping using sodium oxalate solution was studied to explore the feasibility of synchronous rare earth-loaded organic phase stripping, rare earth precipitation, and blank organic phase saponification. Experimental results show that loaded organic phase stripping, rare earth precipitation, and blank organic phase saponification can be realized simultaneously. When using 20% excess of sodium oxalate over the stoichiometry with the volume ratio of organic phase to aqueous phase of 1:1 at 25 °C for 40 min, the single stage stripping rate and saponification value are about 40% and 0.29 mol/L, respectively. After 16 stages of countercurrent continuous stripping, the stripping rate of neodymium can reach 99%, the saponification value is 0.42 mol/L, the Nd3+ concentration in saponified organic phase is less than 0.0020 mol/L, and the main phase in precipitation is Nd2(C2O4)3∙10H2O. Afterwards, this saponified organic phase can be used in the extraction of NdCl3 solution, and then the loaded organic phases (neodymium naphthenate) with 0.16 mol/L Nd3+ can be retrieved. The morphology, particle size distribution, and composition of the Nd2(C2O4)3∙10H2O products are similar to those of the current direct precipitation products. The neodymium oxide prepared by continuous calcination of neodymium oxalate meets the national standard of China (GB/T 5240−2015). These results prove the feasibility of stripping neodymium naphthenate-loaded organic phase by using sodium oxalate solution. Sodium oxalate can serve as a stripping agent, a saponifier, and a precipitator, thereby simplifying rare earth extraction and separation. This study provides theoretical and technical support for the development of a novel method for rare earth extraction and separation.

Two phosphorylcarboxylic acids, 3-((bis(2-ethylhexyloxy))phosphoryl)propanoic acid (PPA) and 3-((bis(2-ethylhexyloxy))phosphoryl)-3-phenylpropanoic acid (PPPA), were synthesized for separating yttrium from other rare earths in the chloride feed of ion-adsorption type rare earth concentrate. The effect of the factors such as pH1/2, temperature, saponification degree and phase modifiers was investigated. The separation efficiencies of PPA and PPPA are obviously better than the typical extractants such as sec-octylphenoxy acetic acid (CA-12) and naphthenic acid (NA). The extraction process of rare earths by PPA and PPPA is a cation exchanging reaction, which is similar to those of CA-12 and NA. The loaded rare earths in both PPA and PPPA systems can be effectively back-extracted by 0.5 mol/L HCl or higher concentration. A cascade extraction process for separating yttrium from other rare earths was developed using PPPA as the extractant. The yttrium product with the purity of 97.20 wt% was obtained by 35 stages of extraction and 12 stages of scrubbing.

Cesium (Cs) and rubidium (Rb) separation from brine is an important and application-oriented topic. 4-tert-butyl-2-(α-methylbenzyl) phenol (t-BAMBP) has been used for Cs and Rb extraction. However, the traditional extraction technology is base and acid consumed. In the present work, an innovative process for Cs and Rb extraction with t-BAMBP is developed, which consists of saponification, extraction, scrubbing and stripping. Both infrared spectrum and electrostatic potential analysis indicate the hydrogen of phenolic hydroxyl isdissociated from t-BAMBP during saponification and the oxygen of phenolic hydroxyl is the binding site for alkali metal ions. Saponified organic phase shows an excellent extraction effect for Cs+ and Rb+. The extraction reaches equilibrium in 5 min, with 99.5% Cs+and 46.7% Rb+ are loaded into the organic phase in the single-stage extraction. Slope method indicatesthe structure of the extraction complex is MOR·3ROH (M = Cs+, Rb+, K+), where the electrostatic attraction between M+ and the oxygen of phenolic hydroxyl is dominant, and the cation−π interaction has a significant effect also. The extraction complex of MOR·3ROH dissociates in the acid environment while scrubbing and stripping is completed. The Cs+ and Rb+ are separated from the mixture phase, the proton H bonds to the phenolic hydroxyl group, and the extractant is regenerated.

Octane and p-xylene are common components in crude gasoline, so their separation process is very important in petroleum industry. The azeotrope and near azeotrope are often separated by extractive distillation in industry, which can realize the recovery and utilization of resources. In this work, the vapor-liquid equilibrium experiment was used to obtain the vapor-liquid equilibrium properties of the difficult separation system, and on this basis, the solvent extraction mechanism was studied. The mechanism of solvent separation plays a guiding role in selecting suitable solvents for industrial separation. The interaction energy, bond length and charge density distribution of p-xylene with solvent are calculated by quantum chemistry method. The quantum chemistry calculation results and experiment results showed that N-Formylmorpholine is the best solvent among the alternative solvents in the work. This work provides an effective and complete solvent screening process from phase equilibrium experiments to quantum chemical calculation. An extractive distillation simulation process with N-Formylmorpholine as solvent is designed to separate octane and p-xylene. In addition, the feasibility and effectiveness of the intensified vapor recompression assisted extraction distillation are also discussed. In the extractive distillation process, the vapor recompression-assisted extraction distillation process is globally optimal. Compared with basic process, the total annual cost can be reduced by 43.2 %. This study provides theoretical guidance for extractive distillation separation technology and solvent selection.

In order to clarify the solvent extraction and separation behaviors of rare earths and impurity of Al during the extraction and enrichment of low-concentration leach solution of ion-adsorption rare earth ore, the extraction mechanism and separation behaviors of Nd3+ and Al3+ in the Nd2(SO4)3–Al2(SO4)3 mixed solution using P507 were studied in this work. The extraction of Nd3+ and Al3+ follows the cation exchange mechanism. With the increase of the equilibrium pH, βNd/Al in the extraction of the Nd2(SO4)3–Al2(SO4)3 mixed solution using P507 is always higher than that in the extraction of single Nd2(SO4)3 and Al2(SO4)3 solutions. It can be attributed to the fact that the extraction of Nd3+ using P507 is much faster than that of Al3+, and Al3+ is more prone to be hydrolyzed at lower pH. βNd/Al in the extraction of the Nd2(SO4)3–Al2(SO4)3 mixed solution decreases gradually with the increase of mixing time within the equilibrium pH range of 1.5–1.9. The extraction of Nd3+ using P507 is much faster than that of Al3+, but the stability of Al3+-loaded organic phase is better than that of Nd3+-loaded organic phase, thus Nd3+ in the Nd3+-loaded organic phase is gradually replaced by Al3+ in the aqueous phase with the increase of mixing time.

Avui en dia, l’escassetat de les matèries primeres ha donat la necessitat a la Unió Europea de desenvolupar altres fonts d’obtenció. Per aquest motiu, el tractament de les salmorres d’aigua marina ha estat de gran importància, a causa de l’elevada concentració i l’alt contingut en elements que poden ser aprofitables. El projecte SEArcularMINE, finançat per Horizon 2020 de la Unió Europea, treballa per garantir i desenvolupar tecnologies innovadores i altament sostenibles per l’extracció tant de matèries primeres crítiques com d’altres d’elevat interès tecno-econòmic com el B, Sr, Co, Ga, Ge, Rb i Cs. Mitjançant aquesta idea, aquest treball pretén recuperar alguns elements crítics utilitzant resines sintètiques polimèriques de bescanvi iònic (Purolite S940, Purolite S9320, Lewatit TP208 i DIAION CRB05). En aquest treball, s’elaboren tres estudis que es basen en analitzar el comportament de les resines davants dels elements d’interès. Al primer es comparen les columnes d’adsorció de les resines S940, S9320 i TP208 davant l’obtenció i la recuperació del Sr. Els resultats obtinguts d’aquest estudi van permetre determinar la resina S940 com la més adequada deguda a la seva elevada capacitat d’adsorció (213,9 µg/g) i factor de concentració (3,9), en comparació amb les altres. Al segon experiment s’estudia el comportament de la resina CRB05 per mitjà d’un tren de columnes, que consisteix en elaborar un procés continu de dues columnes seguides, amb l’objectiu de recuperar la major quantitat possible de B i Ge. També, s’analitza l’eficàcia de la resina (capacitat d’adsorció i factor de concentració, principalment) repetint el mateix experiment una vegada és regenerada. S’observa que el seu comportament és gairebé el mateix desprès de l’etapa de regeneració. A més, s’ha observat com, un cop la resina es saturada en B, aquesta continua adsorbint Ge. Al tercer experiment, es realitza un experiment en batch (terme anglès per descriure els processos en discontinu) de la resina seleccionada al primer experiment, la S940, per determinar la dependència de l’extracció dels elements envers el pH. Com a resultat, es contempla una major extracció del elements per part de la resina a nivells de pH més bàsics. Finalment, es pot concloure que el tractament de les salmorres amb resines de bescanvi iònic és eficient per a la recuperació d’elements. A més de generar un impacte ambiental positiu, ja que normalment les salmorres són abocades al mar provocant una alteració a l’ecosistema. Hoy en día, la escasez de las materias primas ha dado la necesidad a la Unión Europea de desarrollar otras fuentes de obtención. Por este motivo, el tratamiento de las salmueras de agua marina ha sido de gran importancia debido a la elevada concentración y al alto contenido en elementos que pueden ser aprovechables. El proyecto SEArcularMINE, financiado por Horizon 2020 de la Unión Europea, trabaja para garantizar y desarrollar tecnologías innovadoras y altamente sostenibles por la extracción tanto de materias primas críticas como otras de elevado interés tecno-económico como el B, Sr, Co, Ga, Ge, Rb y Cs. Mediante esta idea, este trabajo pretende recuperar algunos elementos críticos utilizando resinas sintéticas poliméricas de intercambio iónico (Purolite S940, Purolite S9320, Lewatit TP208 y DIAION CRB05). En este trabajo, se elaboran tres estudios que se basan en analizar el comportamiento de las resinas frente a los elementos de interés. En el primero se comparan las columnas de adsorción de las resinas S940, S9320 y TP208 ante la obtención y recuperación del Sr. Los resultados obtenidos de este estudio permitieron determinar la resina S940 como la más adecuada debida a su elevada capacidad de adsorción (213,9 µg/g) y factor de concentración (3,9), en comparación con las demás. En el segundo experimento se estudia el comportamiento de la resina CRB05 por medio de un tren de columnas, que consiste en elaborar un proceso continuo de dos columnas seguidas, con el objetivo de recuperar la mayor cantidad posible de B y Ge. También, se analiza la eficacia de la resina (capacidad de adsorción y factor de concentración, principalmente) repitiendo el mismo experimento una vez regenerada. Se observa que su comportamiento es casi el mismo después de la etapa de regeneración. Además, se ha observado cómo, una vez la resina se saturada en B, ésta sigue adsorbiendo Ge. En el tercer experimento, se realiza un experimento en batch (término inglés para describir los procesos en discontinuo) de la resina seleccionada en el primer experimento, la S940, para determinar la dependencia de la extracción de los elementos hacia el pH. Como resultado, se contempla una mayor extracción de los elementos por parte de la resina a niveles de pH más básicos. Por último, se puede concluir que el tratamiento de las salmueras con resinas de intercambio iónico es eficiente para la recuperación de elementos. Además de generar un impacto ambiental positivo, ya que normalmente las salmueras son vertidas en el mar provocando una alteración en el ecosistema. Today, the scarcity of raw materials has given the European Union the need to develop other sources of supply. For this reason, the treatment of seawater brines has been of great importance, due to the high concentration and high content of elements that can be used. The SEArcularMINE project, funded by Horizon 2020 of the European Union, works to guarantee, and develop innovative and highly sustainable technologies for the extraction of both critical raw materials and others of high techno-economic interest such as B, Sr, Co, Ga, Ge, Rb and Cs. Through this idea, this work aims to recover some critical elements using ion exchange polymer synthetic resins (Purolite S940, Purolite S9320, Lewatit TP208 and DIAION CRB05). In this work, three studies are prepared that are based on analysing the behaviour of the resins in front of the elements of interest. In the first, the adsorption columns of the S940, S9320 and TP208 resins are compared before obtaining and recovering Sr. The results obtained from this study made it possible to determine the S940 resin as the most suitable due to its high adsorption capacity (213.9 µg/g) and concentration factor (3.9), compared to the others. In the second experiment, the behaviour of the CRB05 resin is studied by means of a train of columns, which consists of developing a continuous process of two columns, with the aim of recovering the greatest possible amount of B and Ge. Also, the effectiveness of the resin is analysed (adsorption capacity and concentration factor, mainly) by repeating the same experiment once it has been regenerated. It is observed that its behaviour is almost the same after the regeneration stage. In addition, it has been observed how, once the resin is saturated with B, it continues to adsorb Ge. In the third experiment, a batch experiment (discontinuous processes) is carried out on the resin selected in the first experiment, the S940, to determine the dependence of the extraction of the elements on the pH.As a result, greater extraction of the elements per pair of the resin is contemplated at more basic pH levels. Finally, it can be concluded that the treatment of brines with ion exchange resins is efficient for the recovery of elements. In addition to generating a positive environmental impact, as normally the brines are dumped into the sea causing an alteration to the ecosystem.

The objective of this study is the evaluation of the anticoagulant activity of polyphenols obtained from olive extracts (Olea europaea L.) Of the margines of two varieties cultivated at Khenchela (East of Algeria) , the first one is souidi from Chacher and the second one is chemlal from Baghai. The physicochemical characteristics of the two varieties studied showed a difference in water content, total solid content (dry matter), total solid in suspension, potential hydrogen, and especially its content in polyphenols and flavonoids. The quantitative analysis of the two extracts has revealed a great richness of the margines of the souidi variety of polyphenols and flavonoids content compared to the margines of the chemlal variety. The dosage of polyphenols is 0.8 mg EAG / mlE) for Souidi and (0.5 mgEAG / mlE) for Chemlal. The in vitro evaluation of the anticoagulant activity of the margines of two varieties souidi and chemlal revealed that the margines of the souidi variety has a good anticoagulant activity vis-à-vis the endogenous pathway Time of Céphaline Kaolin (TCK).

Highlights • Supported liquid extraction is easy to use as visual phase separation isn't needed. • Automated sample preparation allows fast sample process and subsequent analysis. • Automated liquid handling coupled with LC-MS/MS as high-throughput method. • Washout gradient in LC method removes strongly retaining compounds from the column. • Sensitive method of 1.08/1.41 ng/ml for amodiaquine/desethylamodiaquine., Amodiaquine is a drug used for treatment of malaria and is often used in combination with artesunate in areas where malaria parasites are still susceptible to amodiaquine. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry was used to quantify amodiaquine and its active metabolite, desethylamodiaquine, in plasma samples. A low sample volume of 100 µl, and high-throughput extraction technique using a supported liquid extraction (SLE+) technique on an automated liquid handler platform for faster sample processing are some of the advantages of this method. Separation of amodiaquine from desethylamodiaquine was achieved using a reversed phase Zorbax SB-CN 50 mm × 4.6 mm, I.D. 3.5 µm column with acetonitrile and 20 mM ammonium formate with 1% formic acid pH ~ 2.6 (15–85, v/v) as mobile phase. The absolute recoveries of amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine were 66% to 76%, and their isotope label internal standard were in the range of 73% to 85%. Validation results of the developed method demonstrated intra-batch and inter-batch precisions within the acceptance criteria range of ± 15.0%. There were no matrix or carry-over effects observed. The lower limit of quantification was 1.08 ng/ml for amodiaquine and 1.41 ng/ml for desethylamodiaquine. The method showed robust and accurate performance with high sensitivity. Thus, the validated method was successfully implemented and applied in the evaluation of a clinical trial where participants received artemether–lumefantrine plus amodiaquine twice daily for three days (amodiaquine dose of 10 mg base/kg/day).

Seaweed fibre is usually discarded as biomass waste after extraction of useful ingredients from seaweed. However this seaweed fibre, a natural abundant cellulose material with uniform dimensions 10 times smaller than other plant-based fibre can be utilized as electrode material for energy storage. In this work, we converted seaweed fibre into conductive carbon electrodes by a thermal carbonisation method. The morphology, chemical composition and conductivity are highly influenced by the carbonisation temperature. In comparison to other biomass sources such as cotton pulp, seaweed fibre is finer, smoother and more conductive at low carbonisation temperature. These carbonized seaweeds were then used as a supercapacitor, giving a high supercapacitance (226.3 Fg−1) at the carbonisation temperature of 900°C, and good stability within 2400 cycles. This specific capacitance is significantly higher than values obtained from filter paper or cotton pulp.

A simple and efficient dithizone-functionalized solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure, online coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, was developed for the first time for enrichment and determination of ultra-trace mercury (Hg) species (inorganic divalent Hg (Hg(II)), methylmercury (CH3Hg(II)) and ethylmercury (C2H5Hg(II)) in cereals and environmental samples. In the proposed method, functionalization of the commercial C18 column with dithizone, enrichment, and elution of the above Hg species can be completed online with the developed SPE device. A simple solution of 2-mercaptoethanol (1% (V/V)) could be used as an eluent for both the SPE and HPLC separation of Hg species, significantly simplifying the method and instrumentation. The online SPE method was optimized by varying dithizone dose, 2-mercaptoethanol concentration, and sample volume. In addition, the effect of pH, coexisting interfering ions, and salt effect on the enrichment was also discussed. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of Hg species for 5 mL water sample were 0.15 ng/L for Hg(II), 0.07 ng/L for CH3Hg(II), and 0.04 ng/L for C2H5Hg(II) with recoveries in the range of 85%–100%. The developed dithizone-functionalized C18 SPE column can be reused after a single functionalization, which significantly simplifies the enrichment step. Moreover, the stability of Hg species enriched on the SPE column demonstrated its suitability for field sampling of Hg species for later laboratory analysis. This environment-friendly method offers a robust tool to detect ultra-trace Hg species in cereals and environmental samples.

Background: The marine algae are considered a diverse source of bioactive compounds. Many active compounds have been isolated from algae and show good biological activities. Materials and Methods: The aim of this study is to detect the antiviral and anticancer activities in some extracts of marine algae. Extraction, purification and identification of some marine algae common in Egypt were conducted. Extraction of Ulva lactuca, Sargassum dentifolium, and Cystoseiara myrica was conducted. A sequence of extractions, including extraction by ethanol, boiling water, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide were carried out. The obtained extracts were evaluated for their antitumour and antiviral activities against liver tumour cells, brain tumour cell lines, measles virus, mumps virus and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The extracts of the best activities were subjected for purification by size exclusion chromatography and anion exchange chromatography for ethanolic extracts or precipitation by cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) then by size exclusion chromatography and anion exchange chromatography for aqueous extracts. Separation by GLS/MS was performed. The structures of the active compounds have been identified through different chemical analyses, including sugar analysis, configurational analysis, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), Gas-Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GLC-MS) and 1H,13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at ZV. Results: The active compounds from the water extracts have been identified mainly as polysaccharides and sulphated polysaccharides. The antitumour and the antiviral activities of ethanolic extracts are attributable to compound identified as Ethyl Palmitate. These natural compounds did not show cytotoxic effect. Conclusion: These outputs could be preliminary for further biological studies aiming to therapeutic application.

High oxygen concentration oxy-fuel circulating fluidized bed (CFB) combustion technology is a high efficiency and low cost oxy-fuel combustion technology, which also has high potential of optimization and efficiency improvement. In this research, energy efficiency is analysed to acquire the effects of flue gas recirculation mode, preheating temperature and oxygen purity on the net efficiency and energy consumption of the 50% oxy-fuel combustion system, so as to obtain the further optimization strategy. The following results are obtained by simulation. The optimal extraction position of recycled flue gas (RFG) is gas preheater outlet, and the net power generation efficiency increases by 0.23% to 25.08%. As the preheating temperature increases from 230 to 400 °C, the net efficiency increases by 1.19% to 26.04%. The net efficiency increases first then decreases as the oxygen purity at ASU outlet increase from 89% to 97.4%, and the optimal value is the 94%. Finally, the optimal system is obtained when RFG is extracted from gas preheater outlet, the preheating temperature is 400 °C and the oxygen purity at ASU outlet is 94%. The net efficiency of the optimization system reaches 27.4%, increasing by 2.55%.

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) possess great advantages in terms of high safety and low cost, and are regarded as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, limited by the electrochemical kinetics and structural stability of the typical cathode materials, it is still difficult to simultaneously achieve high rates and high cycling stability for ZIBs. Herein, we present a manganese oxide (SnxMnO2/SnO2) material that is dual-modified by SnO2/MnO2 heterostructures and pre-intercalated Sn4+ cations as the cathode material for ZIBs. Such modification provides sufficient hetero-interfaces and expanded interlayer spacing in the material, which greatly facilitates the insertion/extraction of Zn2+. Meanwhile, the “structural pillars” of Sn4+ cations and the “pinning effect” of SnO2 also structurally stabilizes the MnO2 species during the repeated Zn2+ insertion/extraction, leading to ultra-high cycling stability. Due to these merits, the SnxMnO2/SnO2 cathode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 316.1 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1, superior rate capability of 179.4 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, and 92.4% capacity retention after 2000 cycles. Consequently, this work would provide a promising yet efficient strategy by combining heterostructures and cations pre-intercalation to obtain high-performance cathodes for ZIBs.

The knowledge of solubility of a salt in either the pure solvent or blend solvent is of great importance for studying or operating the crystallization, extraction, and distillation processes. The solubility of sodium acetate (NaAc) in four pure solvents (water, ethanol, acetic acid and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol) and four binary solvents (water-ethanol, water-acetic acid, acetic acid-ethanol, and acetic acid-ethyl acetate) were measured by using the laser dynamic method at temperatures from 288.15 K to 338.15 K at 0.1 MPa. The results showed that the solubility of NaAc was influenced by either the solution temperature or solvent composition. The aqueous sodium acetate solution possessed the maximal solubility under the experimental conditions. The solubility of NaAc in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol was found to be decreased with the increase of the solution temperature. While, the solubilities of NaAc in other seven solvents increased as the solution temperature was elevated. Besides, five correlation models, including the van't Hoff model, modified Apelblat model, Yaws model, λh model, and modified Apelblat-Jouyban-Acree model were used to correlate the solubility data of those sodium acetate solutions with acceptable deviation, respectively. Finally, van't Hoff analysis method was selected to analyze the change law of thermodynamic properties of a salt during the dissolution process.

Background/purpose As an extraction wound closes, the mucosal epithelium of the tooth extraction wound impedes the space for new bone formation by invading into the extraction socket. Thus, the height of the alveolar crest decreases, causing significant depression of the alveolar mucosa. In this study, we created a rat tooth extraction model and examined the effects of laser irradiation by CO2 and diode on the dynamics of myofibroblast expression through α-SMA, and TGF-β1. Materials and methods After tooth extraction of five-week-old male Wistar rats, they were divided into two laser treatment groups (CO2 laser or diode laser was irradiated into tooth extraction socket) and non-laser treatment group (control group). Surrounding tissues, including the extraction socket, were removed at 3, 5, 7, and 21 days after tooth extraction and the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 was verified using immunohistological techniques (6 animals in each group and each period, 72 animals in total). Results α-SMA-positive cells and TGF-β1-positive areas were significantly lower in the two laser treatment groups than in the control group. Particularly, the diode group almost had no TGF-β1-positive areas on the 21st day when healing after tooth extraction was deemed to be completed. Conclusion Both CO2 and diode laser irradiation of tooth extraction wounds decreases α-SMA-positive cells and TGF-β1-positive areas. Further, it causes a decrease in myofibroblast expression and suppresses the invasion of mucosal epithelium into the extraction socket. Therefore, laser irradiation may exert a space-making effect for new bone formation and also contribute to socket preservation.

Extraction reactor is a major research area of interest within the field of rare earths extraction and separation. SiC foam offers excellent material characteristics as well as three-dimensional (3-D) reticulated structure; however, very little research has been carried out on its application in extraction reactor so far. In this work, a static mixer reactor based on SiC foam was designed and demonstrated to extract and separate Ce(III) and Pr(III) from nitric acid media by using 2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (P507) as extractant. The structure–performance relationship between SiC foam and extraction performance was studied by experiment combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The experiment data are in good agreement with the simulation results. Contrast experiment by using a Kenics mixer was carried out, and SiC foam shows better extraction and mass transfer performance. Using the optimal structural SiC foam (pore size D = 2.3 mm, open porosity e = 85%, foam length L = 80 mm), high extraction efficiency η (Pr(III): 94.6%, Ce(III): 88.5%) and separation factor β (2.27) between Ce(III) and Pr(III) is achieved at a high total throughput of 200 mL/min. Besides, overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient KLa of Pr(III) and Ce(III) are 0.519 and 0.378 s−1 at the residence time τ of 3.6 s, respectively, which reach the high level of microchannel reactors and are better than conventional extractors and other static mixers. SiC foam is found to be applicable as a static mixer for efficient and high-throughput extraction and separation of rare earths.

A series of spiro-type hole transporting materials, spiro-OMeTAD, spiro-SMeTAD and spiro-OSMeTAD, with methoxy, methylsulfanyl or half methoxy and half methylsulfanyl terminal groups are designed and prepared. The impact of varied terminal groups on bulk properties, such as photophysical, electrochemical, thermal, hole extraction, and photovoltaic performance in perovskite solar cells is investigated. It is noted that the terminal groups of the hole transporting material with half methoxy and half methylsulfanyl exhibit a better device performance and decreased hysteresis compared with all methoxy or methylsulfanyl counterparts due to better film-forming ability and improved hole extraction capability. Promisingly, the spiro-OSMeTAD also shows comparable performance than high-purity commercial spiro-OMeTAD. Moreover, the highest power conversion efficiency of the optimized device employing spiro-OSMeTAD exceeding 20% has been achieved.

The pore structure and oil content of shales have an important influence on the oil mobility and enrichment. In this study, the lacustrine shale samples from the Qingshankou Formation (Q1) of Songliao Basin were selected. TOC, pyrolysis, XRD and nitrogen adsorption were performed on the original and extracted shale samples. Then the influence of mineral composition and organic matter (OM) on the development of nano-scale pore, the oil phase states and mobility were analyzed. The Q1 shale samples can be sub-divided into three types according to the isotherm characteristics. Type A samples are characterized by high kerogen content, with oil mainly existing in the free phase state. Type B samples are characterized by medium kerogen content, oil mainly exists in the absorbed phase state. Type C samples are characterized by low kerogen content, with trace oil found in the absorbed phase state. Nano-scale organic pores are well developed in the Q1 Formation. Oil is primarily found in the pore spaces with diameters of less than 10 nm, this being the pore size threshold for mobile shale oil. When TOCo > 2.0 wt.% and EOM > 1.0 wt.%, Q1 Formation shale oil mobility is high, resulting in prospective drilling targets.

In this study, we investigated the performance of a synthetic resin for the adsorption of Li from pre-desilicated solution which is the waste liquid produced by extracting aluminum from fly ash. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of the resin were obtained and analyzed. The saturated adsorption sites of the resin were in agreement with the quasi-second-order kinetic model. Then, the pore diffusion model (PDM) was applied to represent the lithium adsorption kinetics which confirming that the external mass is the limiting step. Moreover, we evaluated the adsorption properties of this resin in fixed-bed mode. We established a feasible extraction process for Li from strong alkaline solutions with low Li concentrations. The process parameters, such as the flow rate, initial adsorption solution concentration, water washing process, desorption agent concentration, and flow rate were studied. The desorption rate of the Li+ ions was directly proportional with the concentration of the desorption agent. The time required to accumulate Li decreased as the hydrochloric acid concentration and flow rate increased. Time of the peak appeared increased from 0.5 bed volume (BV) to 2.5 bed volume (BV) as the concentration was increased from 1 to 3 mol·L−1, and the peak increased from 231 to 394 mg·L−1. The resin presented good selectivity for Li+ ions and could effectively separate impurity ions from the pre-desilication solution.

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), an important anticancer compound found in broccoli, has attracted considerable attention. The rapid extraction and accurate analysis of I3C in the pharmaceutical industry in broccoli is challenging as I3C is unstable at low pH and high temperature. In this study, a rapid, accurate, and low-cost ultrasound-assisted dispersive-filter extraction (UADFE) technique based on poly(deep eutectic solvent)-graphene oxide (PDES-GO) adsorbent was developed for the isolation and analysis of I3C in broccoli for the first time. PDES-GO with multiple adsorption interactions and a fast mass transfer rate was synthesized to accelerate adsorption and desorption. UADFE was developed by combining dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) and filter solid-phase extraction (FSPE) to realize rapid extraction and separation. Based on the above two strategies, the proposed PDES-GO-UADFE method coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) allowed the rapid (15–16 min), accurate (84.3–96.4%), and low-cost (adsorbent: 3.00 mg) analysis of I3C in broccoli and was superior to solid-phase extraction, DSPE, and FSPE methods. The proposed method showed remarkable linearity (r=0.9998; region: 0.0840–48.0 μg/g), low limit of quantification (0.0840 μg/g), and high precision (relative standard deviation ≤ 5.6%). Therefore, the PDES-GO-UADFE-HPLC method shows significant potential in the field of pharmaceutical analysis for the separation and analysis of anti-cancer compounds in complex plant samples.

Aim and Objective: Europium (Eu(III))isa rare-earth metal, the softest, least dense, and most volatile member of lanthanides. It is greatly applied in control rods of nuclear reactors. Although various extraction methods of Eu(III)have been reported, we present a novel mixture ofeasily available extractants in optimizedexperimental conditions to extract it efficiently, quickly, and cost-effectively. Materials and Methods: Physical-chemical conditions (e.g. pH, equilibration time, temperature, europium concentration, extractants concentration, presence of specific metal ions) were optimized. The extractantspicrolonic acid (HPA) and di-n-butylsulfoxide (DBSO) were thoroughly mixed at equal concentrationin chloroform. Standard Eu(III) solution was used for method accuracy.Reagent blank was prepared under identical conditions but without metal ions.Using the metallochromic dye arsenazoIII as blank, absorbance of Eu(III) was measured spectrophotometricallyat 651 nm. Distribution ratio (i.e.Eu(III) concentration in aqueous phase before and after extraction) defined the extraction yield. Results: HPA/DBSO mixture (0.01 M)had a synergistic effect on Eu(III) extraction (1.19×10-5 mole/dm3) achieving a maximum yield (≥99%) at pH2, during 5 minutes equilibration,atroom temperature.Eu(III) extraction was reduced depending on the nature but not on the metal ions concentration. Extractants could be recycled four times without consequent degradation. Deionized water (dH2O) was the best strippantbesides its availability and low-cost. The composition of the extracted adduct was defined as Eu(PA)3.2DBSO. Conclusion: This alternative method was stable, simple, rapid, cost-effective, reliable, accurate and sensitive.It could be used forEu(III) extraction and refining on a pilot plant scale.

BACKGROUND: Berberine, extracted from Berberis vulgaris, is one of the well-known natural antioxidant sources. OBJECTIVE: Optimizing the berberine extraction conditions from the whole Barberry plant and microencapsulation of the optimized extract to be used as a bioactive ingredient in functional orange juice. METHODS: Seventeen extraction processes were designed to determine an optimized method for producing an ethanol/water extract with maximum yield, safety, and antioxidant properties. The optimal extract was microencapsulated by complex coacervation using tragacanth/gelatin and then spray-dried. The selected microcapsules based on morphology, particle size, and solubility were added to orange juice, and the physical and sensory properties of the functional drink, as well as the kinetic release models, were analyzed. RESULTS: An optimal extract with 82% antioxidant activity was prepared using a 75% ethanol/water ratio and an extraction time of 0.5 h at 22.3°C. Spherical-shaped microcapsules could create a desirable cloudy appearance with good stability in the pH of orange juice. The kinetics of the berberine release revealed an initial burst phase followed by a prolonged one, which would appeal to consumers’ sensory perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: The excellent compatibility between berberine and orange juice provides a potential capacity to fortify a high-consumption drink with a phytonutrient presented in a berry fruit.

Oxidation remediation is a commonly used technology for PAHs contaminated soil presently, but the overestimate of efficiency due to ongoing remediation by residual oxidants during extraction and testing has not been paid enough attention. In this study, persulfate was activated by Fe(II) to investigate the effects of residual oxidants on PAHs removal during detection process and the elimination effects of adding Na2SO3 and extending sampling time on residual oxidants. Results verified that the residual oxidants removed PAHs in extraction process, making the results lower than the actual values: the detection recovery rate η of ∑PAHs and 3-6 ring PAHs ranged from 24.3% (25% Na2S2O8 treatment) to 87.4% (5% Na2S2O8+4/4Fe2+ treatment), 20.1%-99.0%, 28.9%-87.9%, 20.8%-89.4%, and 18.6%-76.9%, respectively. After adding Na2SO3, the accuracy of detection results increased significantly: the η of ∑PAHs and 3-6 ring PAHs increased to 64.1%-96.5%, 58.8%-95.5%, 73.8%-114.4%, 60.6%-95.6%, and 45.4%-77.1%, respectively. After 49 days of adding oxidants, residual oxidants had no considerable effect on the detection of PAHs, indicating it was appropriate to start soil remediation verification sampling49 days after the remediation was completed. The observed results will help scientific evaluation of the remediation effects of chemical oxidation on organic contaminated soil.