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The decoration of less agglomerated hierarchical semiconducting metal oxides with noble metals is a widely used strategy to obtain high-performance gas sensors. Beyond conventional approaches, we synthesized amorphous Pt-decorated NiFe2O4 nanorods as sensing materials by using a temperature-controlled one-step impregnation method. This method is characterized by its simplicity and green, energy-efficient, and economical use of noble metals. The Pt-decorated NiFe2O4 nanorods show unusual resistance behavior in air, and their operating temperature–resistance curve exhibits two transitions. This phenomenon results from the enhanced chemisorption of oxygen molecules compared to pristine NiFe2O4, which was proven by the operating temperature-dependent resistance behavior in N2. The synergistic effects between the amorphous noble metal and less agglomerated structure lead to significantly improved sensing performance to acetone, especially the 5 wt % Pt-decorated NiFe2O4. It shows a 37-fold increase in gas response, a lower optimal operating temperature, and enhanced selectivity compared to its counterpart. This research offers an efficient method for designing noble metal-decorated, high-performance metal oxide sensing materials and provides insights into the baseline resistance of oxygen chemisorption onto the surface sensing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new method is proposed to utilize a magnetic filter material to suppress the escape of fugitive particles in the iron and steel industry. The magnetic filter material was prepared using the impregnation method, exhibiting superior demagnetization resistance. The magnetic field effect generated by magnetic filter material was combined with the diffusion, interception, and inertial effects of traditional filtration mechanisms to enhance the removal of fugitive particles. The magnetic polyimide filter material improves the filtration efficiency of particles with a diameter less than 2.0 μm by approximately 20% compared with polyimide filter materials. In addition, the filtration performance was further enhanced through electrostatic agglomeration. When the positive electrode voltage is +18 kV, and the negative electrode voltage is −16 kV, after the bipolar pre-charging treatment of fugitive particles with a diameter of 0.1–1.0 μm, the magnetic polyimide filter material can achieve a filtration efficiency of more than 90%, the magnetic polyimide (P84), magnetic polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and magnetic fiberglass filter materials all achieve a filtration efficiency of over 94% with a diameter of 0.5–1.0 μm. This study lays the foundation for the proposal new dust removal methods for the iron and steel industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of life-cycle assessment (LCA) was to quantify the potential environmental impact of activated carbon production from sewage sludge by the molten salt and impregnation methods. Based on the experiments of the molten salt and impregnation methods, a flowchart was developed and the environmental impact was determined. The results showed that the environmental impacts dominated by roasting, followed by grinding or impregnating and finally by washing and drying. The uses of electricity and ZnCl2 in the production of activated carbon were the main factors causing environmental impact. The energy consumptions of the molten salt and impregnation methods were 56.16 and 73.44 MJ/kg activated carbon, respectively. The global warming potential of the molten salt and impregnation methods was found to be 14.68 and 17.15 kg CO2 eq/kg activated carbon, respectively. The impregnation method had higher energy consumption and CO2 emissions than those for the molten salt method. The LCA showed that the molten salt method offered environmental advantages in most impact categories in comparison with the impregnation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We adopted the solution impregnation route with aluminum dihydrogen phosphate solution as liquid medium for effective surface modification on graphite substrate. The mass ratio of graphite to Al(H2PO4)3 changed from 0.5:1 to 4:1, and the impregnation time changed from 1 to 7 h. The typical composite phase change thermal storage materials doped with the as-treated graphite were fabricated using form-stable technique. To investigate the oxidation and anti-oxidation behavior of the impregnated graphite at high temperatures, the samples were put into a muffle furnace for a cyclic heat test. Based on SEM, EDS, DSC techniques, analyses on the impregnated technique suggested an optimized processing conditions of a 3 h impregnation time with the ratio of graphite: Al(H2PO4)3 as 1:3 for graphite impregnation treatment. Further investigations on high-temperature phase change heat storage materials doped by the treated graphite suggested excellent oxidation resistance and thermal cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, petal sheet layered Co-Al bimetallic hydroxides were prepared using the hydrothermal method using methanol as a solvent. Pt/Co-Al-O catalysts were produced after the impregnation method and H 2 reduction. This catalyst was applied to the dehydrogenation reaction process of methylcyclohexane to toluene. A fixed-bed reaction device carried out comparative tests of this series of catalysts, and the effect of Co addition on the performance of Pt/Co-Al-O catalysts was investigated in detail. Among them, the Pt/Co 3 -Al 1 -O catalyst showed the best performance with high toluene selectivity throughout the dehydrogenation process. The MCH conversion started to be greater than 90% at 330 °C, and the hydrogenolysis rate was 262.7 mmol/g Pt /min. The conversion gradually increased with the reaction temperature, and the conversion could reach 99.5% at 410 °C. The appropriate introduction of Co element can reduce the excessive strong acidic sites of Al 2 O 3 itself and retain a certain number of weak acidic sites, while the bimetallic hydroxide carrier improves the dispersibility of the active component, reduces its particle size, and forms a certain strong interaction between the carrier and Pt. The final conversion of the catalyst decreased by about 2% in the 100 h stability test at 380 °C, which indicated that the Pt/Co 3 –Al 1 –O catalyst had strong coking resistance and good stability. These results indicate that the Pt/Co–Al–O series catalysts have potential industrial applications in hydrogen energy utilization. [Display omitted] • First application of Co–Al bimetallic hydroxide carriers as MCH dehydrogenation catalysts. • Preparation of Co–Al-LDH with special morphology to promote dehydrogenation reaction. • Prepared Pt/Co–Al–O catalysts and compared the effects of the ratio of Co and Al on the performance of the catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic synergism can effectively improve the catalytic activity of the catalyst. In this work, different catalysts were synthesized by loading Co and Ce onto copper foam (CF) by impregnation method and applied to the catalytic oxidation of toluene. Catalytic performance of the Co/Ce loaded catalysts was significantly better than the CF. Among these catalysts, Co1Ce2/CF catalyst had the best catalytic activity of toluene (T90 = 237 °C), the lowest apparent activation energy (Ea = 35.0 kJ/mol), excellent stability (40 h) and cycle stability (three cycle) at a toluene concentration of 1000 mg/m3 under WHSV = 15,000 mL/(g·h). The good catalytic activity of Co1Ce2/CF catalyst is mainly due to a higher proportion of lattice oxygen, Ce4+ and Co2+. Ce4+ and Co2+ can provide more oxygen vacancies for the catalyst. By H2-TPR and O2-TPD, it is found that Co1Ce2/CF catalyst's effective catalytic activity is probably attributed to its low reduction temperature, ample oxygen storage capacity and low oxygen desorption temperature. In addition, the degradation process of toluene on the catalyst was speculated. The physical and chemical properties of the catalysts were investigated by SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, BET, H2-TPR and O2-TPD. This work provides an effective way for synthesizing Co-Ce bimetallic oxide supported catalysts with great potential in toluene treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to characterize and study the properties of an Algerian diatomaceous earth (Sig-Mascara) as a catalyst carrier. A commercial product of diatomite was characterized by granulometric analysis, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy methods. To purify the diatomite and remove the impurities (iron oxides, clay minerals, quartz and organic matters), the <63 μm fraction of the diatomite was separated out. The 15Ni/Ds-700 catalyst has lower SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 and CaO contents compared with the original diatomite. The NiO content of the catalyst is 15 wt.%, indicating successful impregnation. According to the nitrogen sorption–desorption results, the specific surface area of the purified diatomite particles (<63 μm) increased from 26.47 to 46.33 m 2 g –1 compared to crude diatomite. The 15Ni/Ds-700 catalyst was applied in the dry reforming of methane to obtain synthesis gas (CO and H 2). The results showed that the catalyst was relatively stable during catalytic measurements for 6 h, although the conversion rate value was low (12%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mullite fibers possess low thermal conductivity, excellent high-temperature stability, and thermal shock resistance, making them extensively utilized in high-temperature heat-insulating components. However, the majority of current mullite fibers have solid structures, limiting the potential for further enhancement of their heat-insulating properties. Metaplexis fiber, a plant fiber with a hollow structure, effectively obstructs heat transfer, and therefore exhibits excellent heat-insulating properties. In this study, we employed metaplexis fibers as templates to fabricate mullite fibers with hollow structures. First, a precursor solution was prepared using Al(NO 3) 3 ·9H 2 O and ethyl orthosilicate as the solute and anhydrous ethanol as the solvent. The metaplexis fibers were immersed in the solution, removed, and dried to obtain precursor fibers. Finally, the precursor fibers were heated to the target temperature to obtain hollow mullite fibers. The investigation focused on the impact of preparation parameters such as sintering temperature, precursor solution concentration, and aluminum–silicon molar ratio on the morphologies, phases, pore-size distributions, and thermal conductivities of the resulting hollow mullite fibers. The results demonstrated that the prepared mullite fibers inherited the hollow structure of metaplexis fibers, with the cavity diameter in the range of 3–6 μm and porosity of 91 %. Compared to traditional solid mullite fibers, the thermal insulation performance was improved by more than 59 %. These findings highlight the significant potential of hollow ceramic fibers for the development of heat-insulating materials. Using the unique characteristics of their hollow structure, these fibers offer improved heat-insulating properties compared to their solid counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrophobicity of polyolefin separators causes poor compatibility with the internal environment of lithium-ion batteries and thus elevates lithium-ion migration barriers. In this research, hydroxy-terminated hyperbranched polymer (HTHP) coated separators are fabricated successfully based on the simple and easy-on impregnation method. Abundant hydroxyl groups in HTHP reinforce separator electrolyte affinity, generating the much lower contact angle and higher electrolyte uptake. Accordingly, HTHP-coated separators show broader electrochemical window and superior ionic conductivity and Li+ transport number, which facilitate the Li+ migration within porous pathways and hence maximally weaken counteranions-induced polarizations. The lower interfacial resistances also guarantee the Li+ accelerated diffusion via the separator–electrodes interfaces. Therefore, batteries containing modified separators exhibit optimized C-rate capacity and cycling stability. However, immoderate HTHP coating blocks partial pores and thus restricts Li+ transference, which deteriorates C-rate capacity and cycling durability in turn. This separator modification scheme possesses advantages of simple preparation, environment-friendly, and low manufacturing cost, providing practical guidance for low-cost and high-performance separator manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnO2@PCs (porous carbons) exhibiting high energy and power density are utilized as supercapacitor electrodes and prepared by impregnating porous carbons (PCs) derived from coal tar pitch (CTP) with KMnO4 as the manganese source. This study systematically investigates the impact of MnO2 loading on the microstructure and electrochemical performance in sample. It is found that the specific surface areas (SSA) of all MnO2@PCs significantly reduced compared to that of the PCs 2789 m2 g−1. The suggested mechanism might be a combination of the energy storage mechanism of dual layer capacitors with pseudo‐capacitance due to redox reactions of MnO2. Notably, MnO2@PCs‐0.0075 exhibits a maximum SSA of 1454.62 m2 g−1. Its specific capacitance reached 561 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, while the capacitance of the PCs increased by 81.5% to 309 F g−1. Remarkably, the Coulombic efficiency remained at 100%. The power density and energy density are determined in a two‐electrode test system to be 0.5 kW kg−1 and 58.01 Wh kg−1, respectively, at 0.5 A g−1. Concluding from these results and related literature, the MnO2 content significantly influences the electrochemical performance, suggesting that MnO2@PCs‐0.0075 could be a promising supercapacitor (SC) electrode material, provided its capacitance retention is enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the goal of finding low-cost materials that can completely substitute the precious- and noble-containing catalysts and be active toward the oxidation of CO at low temperatures (around 100 °C), transition metal oxide-doped cryptomelane (e.g., K-OMS-2, MeOx/K-OMS-2, and CuOx-MeOx/K-OMS-2; Me = Ni, Fe, Cd, Sn, Mn, Cr, Co, Zn, and Al) were obtained by the impregnation method with different synthesis conditions. The synthesized samples were then tested for CO conversion and characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction, elemental mapping and composition, as well as scanning electron microscopy. It was demonstrated that the K-OMS-2 support doped by a composite of CuOx-NiOx (promoter) and calcined at 400 °C gave higher catalytic activity than the other samples, with a 90% CO conversion at around 120 °C. Other factors that could be controlled for increasing CuOx-NiOx/K-OMS-2_400 activity were to set the mass percentage of dopants and the atomic ratio of Cu:Ni to about 15 mass% and 1:1, respectively. Under different catalytic reaction conditions such as various inlet CO concentrations (CCO, 750–4000 ppm), amounts of catalyst (mcat, 0.25–1.25 g), and gas-air flow rates (Fgas, 0.5–1.25 L/min), the catalyst activity was found to be enhanced when the CCO and Fgas were reduced and the mcat raised. Moreover, the CuOx-NiOx/K-OMS-2_400 catalyst exhibited high stability and durability. The calculated average size of K-OMS-2 crystallites was approximately 12 nm, while the composite phase was in its amorphous state. This sample showed a morphology of nanofiber-like shapes with different lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic oxide catalysts derived from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have good catalytic oxidation activity, but their application is limited because the powder is not conducive to industrial production. In this study, CoCeOx/cordierite monolithic catalysts derived from ZIFs were prepared by a simple impregnation method. Firstly, a phase transition of Co‐ZIF was induced in ethanol solution by adding excessive Ce(NO3)3. Subsequently, tannic acid (TA) was used to chelate excess metal on the surface to expose more active sites. Meanwhile, TA staying on the surface of the precursor could also prevent the accumulation of Ce at high temperatures. After the activity test, CoCeOx/cordierite showed excellent activity for the catalytic oxidation of o‐xylene with a T90 of 295 °C. The mechanical stability of the catalyst was also tested by ultrasonic vibration method. In addition, we investigated the influence of factors such as impregnation cycles and TA treatment time on the physical and chemical properties. This paper provides a new idea for preparing monolithic catalysts derived from ZIFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnO2@PCs (porous carbons) exhibiting high energy and power density are utilized as supercapacitor electrodes and prepared by impregnating porous carbons (PCs) derived from coal tar pitch (CTP) with KMnO4 as the manganese source. This study systematically investigates the impact of MnO2 loading on the microstructure and electrochemical performance in sample. It is found that the specific surface areas (SSA) of all MnO2@PCs significantly reduced compared to that of the PCs 2789 m2 g−1. The suggested mechanism might be a combination of the energy storage mechanism of dual layer capacitors with pseudo‐capacitance due to redox reactions of MnO2. Notably, MnO2@PCs‐0.0075 exhibits a maximum SSA of 1454.62 m2 g−1. Its specific capacitance reached 561 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, while the capacitance of the PCs increased by 81.5% to 309 F g−1. Remarkably, the Coulombic efficiency remained at 100%. The power density and energy density are determined in a two‐electrode test system to be 0.5 kW kg−1 and 58.01 Wh kg−1, respectively, at 0.5 A g−1. Concluding from these results and related literature, the MnO2 content significantly influences the electrochemical performance, suggesting that MnO2@PCs‐0.0075 could be a promising supercapacitor (SC) electrode material, provided its capacitance retention is enhanced.

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This paper presents the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts for the direct hydrogenation process of CO2 to methanol. The development of the modern chemical industry is inextricably linked to the use of catalytic processes. As a result, currently over 80% of new technologies introduced in the chemical industry incorporate catalytic processes. Since the basic factor of catalytic processes is the catalysts, the studies for the deepening of the knowledge regarding the nature of the action of the catalysts, for the development of new catalysts and catalytic systems, as well as for their improvement, represent a research priority of a fundamental or applied nature. The Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst for the synthesis of green methanol, using precursors of an inorganic (copper nitrate, denoted by Cu/ZnO/Al2O3-1) and organic (copper acetate, denoted by Cu/ZnO/Al2O3-2) nature, are obtained by chemical impregnation that includes two stages: preparation and one of calcination. The preparation methods and conditions, as well as the physico-chemical properties of the catalyst precursor, play a major role in the behavior of the catalysts. The prepared catalysts were characterized using atomic adsorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, specific surface area and pore size analyses, adsorption, and the chemisorption of vapor (BET). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution is a serious problem in both developed and developing countries. Several methods have been used to purify wastewater, among which photocatalytic decomposition is widely used to purify organic pollutants in wastewater. In this work, hollow nanospheres of titanium dioxide TiO2 were first prepared by the carbon sphere template method and sol–gel method, and then, the hollow nanospheres of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were compounded with silicon dioxide (SiO2) by the impregnation method to generate complexes with different ratios of hollow nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide. The best degradation performance of the h-TiO2/SiO2 photocatalytic materials was achieved when the ratio of h-TiO2 to SiO2 used was 5:1. The cyclic decomposition efficiency of the 5:1 h-TiO2/SiO2 composites showed only a slight change in the photocatalytic capacity compared to the first cycle, thus ensuring the durability of the samples. However, quenching experiments yielded that hydroxyl radicals play a major role in the degradation process, and possible reaction mechanisms are discussed in detail. The high photocatalytic performance of the environmentally friendly h-TiO2/SiO2 nanosphere photocatalysts makes them ideal for water purification applications and offers potential applications for the utilization of solar energy to effectively reduce environmental pollution. The h-TiO2/SiO2 nanophotocatalysts can not only degrade dyes but can also be valuable for self-cleaning glass applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propensity of foamed concrete to absorb water results in a consequential degradation of its performance attributes. Addressing this issue, the integration of aerogels presents a viable solution; however, their direct incorporation has been observed to compromise mechanical properties, attributable to the effects of the interface transition zone. This study explores the incorporation of MTES-based aerogels into foamed cement via an impregnation technique, examining variations in water–cement ratios. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, evaluating the influences of MTES-based aerogels on the thermal conductivity, compressive strength, density, chemical composition, and microstructure of the resultant composites across different water–cement ratios. Our findings elucidate that an increment in the water–cement ratio engenders a gradual regularization of the pore structure in foamed concrete, culminating in augmented porosity and diminished density. Notably, aerogel-enhanced foamed concrete (AEFC) exhibited a significant reduction in water absorption, quantified at 86% lower than its conventional foamed concrete (FC) counterpart. Furthermore, the softening coefficient of AEFC was observed to surpass 0.75, with peak values reaching approximately 0.9. These results substantiate that the impregnation of MTES-based aerogels into cementitious materials not only circumvents the decline in strength but also bolsters their hydrophobicity and water resistance, indirectly enhancing the serviceability and longevity of foamed concrete. In light of these findings, the impregnation method manifests promising potential for broadening the applications of aerogels in cement-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites based on indium oxide containing different amounts of zinc oxide are synthesized by hydrothermal and impregnation methods. The phase composition, structure, and specific surface of the obtained composites are studied by various physicochemical methods. The electrophysical properties of composites synthesized by different methods are compared. It is shown that the method of formation has a significant effect on the structural characteristics of the composites, which in turn leads to the implementation of various conduction mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the utilization of abundant biomass to develop advanced materials has become an utmost priority in recent years, we developed two sustainable routes (i.e., the impregnation method and the one-pot synthesis) to prepare the hydrochar-supported catalysts and tested its catalytic performance on the reductive amination. Several techniques, such as TEM, XRD and XPS, were adopted to characterize the structural and catalytic features of samples. Results indicated that the impregnation method favors the formation of outer-sphere surface complexes with porous structure as well as well-distributed metallic nanoparticles, while the one-pot synthesis tends to form the inner-sphere surface complexes with relatively smooth appearance and amorphous metals. This difference explains the better activity of catalysts prepared by the impregnation method which can selectively convert benzaldehyde to benzylamine with an excellent yield of 93.7% under the optimal reaction conditions; in contrast, the catalyst prepared by the one-pot synthesis only exhibits a low selectivity near to zero. Furthermore, the gram-scale test catalyzed by the same catalysts exhibits a similar yield of benzylamine in comparison to its smaller scale, which is comparable to the previously reported heterogeneous noble-based catalysts. More surprisingly, the prepared catalysts can be expediently recycled by a magnetic bar and remain the satisfying catalytic activity after reusing up to five times. In conclusion, these developed catalysts enable the synthesis of functional amines with excellent selectivity and carbon balance, proving cost-effective and sustainable access to the wide application of reductive amination.

Excess phosphate in water can cause eutrophication, resulting in the destruction of water ecosystems. Phosphate removal has become one of the most important issues in wastewater treatment, and the adsorption is one of the important methods. Bentonite has been widely used for phosphate-containing wastewater treatment due to its low cost and large reserve. However, the unmodified bentonite usually has a relatively weak phosphate removal ability because of its negatively charge. Here, the lanthanum-modified bentonites were prepared by three methods (impregnation, acidification-impregnation, and ion exchange) in order to improve the phosphate removal capacity. The structures of the lanthanum-modified adsorbents were characterized and the effects of the modification method and adsorption conditions on the phosphate removal were investigated. The results show that the phosphate removal efficiency of the bentonite was increased after the lanthanum modification. In particular, the lanthanum-modified bentonite prepared by impregnating 0.1 mol·L-1 La3+ solution has the largest pore size and pore volume, which are 7.4 nm and 0.423 cm3·g-1, respectively. This lanthanum-modified bentonite also has the highest phosphate adsorption capacity, which is about 24.9 mg·g-1 at the optimal working conditions (initial phosphate concentration of 50 mg·L-1, adsorbent dosage of 2 g·L-1, temperature of 30°C, and pH of 6). The corresponding removal rate is as high as 99.5% in 30 min, while that of the raw bentonite is only about 26.8% in 60 min. The results show that the lanthanum-modified bentonite prepared by impregnation method could be a promising adsorbent for efficient phosphate removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • [Ni(en) 3 ](NO 3) 2 is a better precursor of nickel than Ni(NO 3) 2. • Nickel dispersion can be improved by the coordination nickel precursor. • As-synthesized catalyst with less metal, but has better performance. A bimetallic Ni-Pt catalyst (6Ni-Pt-HMS) was designed for the dehydrogenation of 1,2-cyclohexanediol (CHD) to catechol. The hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) as support, loaded with platinum and nickel by one-pot and incipient-wetness impregnation method, respectively. [Ni(en) 3 ](NO 3) 2 is used as the precursor of nickel. The physi-cochemical properties of the catalysts were examined by XRD, BET, SEM and TEM techniques. The effect of ethylenediamine on nickel dispersion during impregnation was studied by comparing with the traditional precursor (nickel nitrate). FTIR and TGA results showed that the presence of ethylenediamine modifies the behavior of nickel during impregnation and calcination. The activity and stability of the catalysts were evaluated on a fixed-bed, revealing the influence of mesoporous structure, ethylenediamine, and platinum on reaction. The 6Ni-Pt-HMS catalyst, with the conversion of CHD is 100 %, the selectivity of catechol as high as 99.7 % with the liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) is 9 h−1, and a long-term stability. The deactivation mechanism of the spent catalyst was analyzed by BET, TGA, SEM, TEM-EDX and ICP-OES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propensity of foamed concrete to absorb water results in a consequential degradation of its performance attributes. Addressing this issue, the integration of aerogels presents a viable solution; however, their direct incorporation has been observed to compromise mechanical properties, attributable to the effects of the interface transition zone. This study explores the incorporation of MTES-based aerogels into foamed cement via an impregnation technique, examining variations in water–cement ratios. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, evaluating the influences of MTES-based aerogels on the thermal conductivity, compressive strength, density, chemical composition, and microstructure of the resultant composites across different water–cement ratios. Our findings elucidate that an increment in the water–cement ratio engenders a gradual regularization of the pore structure in foamed concrete, culminating in augmented porosity and diminished density. Notably, aerogel-enhanced foamed concrete (AEFC) exhibited a significant reduction in water absorption, quantified at 86% lower than its conventional foamed concrete (FC) counterpart. Furthermore, the softening coefficient of AEFC was observed to surpass 0.75, with peak values reaching approximately 0.9. These results substantiate that the impregnation of MTES-based aerogels into cementitious materials not only circumvents the decline in strength but also bolsters their hydrophobicity and water resistance, indirectly enhancing the serviceability and longevity of foamed concrete. In light of these findings, the impregnation method manifests promising potential for broadening the applications of aerogels in cement-based materials.

Desulfurization technology is vital in the removal of sulfur compounds in diesel to attain clean fuels. In this research, the mixing assisted oxidative desulfurization (MAOD) in conjunction with a high shear mixer was used with the catalyst of the activated carbon supported phosphotungstic acid. This study discusses the desulfurization of a simulated diesel, containing 2.3 wt% S of dibenzothiophene and benzothiophene in real fuel oil. The influences of mixing speed (8,000 rpm to 16,800 rpm), mixing time (30 min to 90 min), and mixing temperature (25°C to 65°C) were examined for the sulfur oxidation. A 2k full factorial design and a face-centered cube design were utilized for the screening and optimization studies, respectively, in the experimental runs. The analysis of variance was able to determine and generate a simplified quadratic model to predict the response in the MAOD process. The optimum variables for sulfur conversion were achieved at 88.5 min (mixing time), 16,800 rpm (mixing speed), and 63.28°C (mixing temperature). The confirmatory run resulted in percent oxidation of 62.37 % and validated the generated model. Moreover, the fundamental properties of diesel oil were analyzed for comparison prior to and after the MAOD method. The results revealed the retention of essential properties of the simulated diesel oil even after the MAOD treatment step. Thus, the MAOD process has successfully preserved the properties of diesel oil even after its treatment process. This indicates a promising result of the MAOD process favorable for its future applications.

Magnetic pore fabrics (MPFs) serve as efficient proxy for pore alignment and preferential flow directions. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility of impregnated samples reflects the shape and arrangement of ferrofluid‐filled pores. Reliable interpretation requires that the entire connected pore space is reached by ferrofluid. This study investigates impregnation efficiencies of various methods (standard vacuum, pressure injection, magnetic flowthrough, and resin impregnation) and ferrofluids (water‐based versus oil‐based) on sandstone and calcarenite with different wettabilities. Mass‐based and susceptibility‐based impregnation efficiencies further evaluate the influence of impregnation time and flow rate. Because directional impregnation may introduce artificial fabrics, mutually perpendicular cores were measured, and subsamples served to capture spatial variability. Impregnation efficiencies vary between <1% and >100%, with resin impregnation and pressure injection using oil‐based ferrofluids being least efficient. Oil‐based ferrofluid generally leads to lower susceptibility‐based compared to mass‐based impregnation efficiencies, suggesting particle filtering. Water‐based ferrofluids show larger ranges of susceptibility‐based compared to mass‐based impregnation efficiencies. In particular, impregnation efficiencies >100% exclusively occur for susceptibility‐based impregnation efficiencies of water‐based ferrofluid, using either standard vacuum or pressure injection methods. MPFs after magnetic flowthrough impregnation reflect the impregnation direction rather than pore fabric. A major challenge is to apply enough force to reach sufficiently high impregnation efficiencies without creating MPFs that do not represent pore fabrics. While we cannot define a best practice for ferrofluid impregnation yet, this study improves our understanding of the impregnation process, and provides experimental procedures to identify artifacts. Plain Language Summary: The details of a rock's pore space define how fluids move from pore to pore, and is thus important for groundwater or oil flow. One simple and efficient way to describe pore space properties and predict flow directions is using magnetic methods. For this, pores are filled with a strongly magnetic fluid, a so‐called ferrofluid, and then the magnetic properties of the impregnated rock are measured as a function of measurement direction. Two prerequisites to obtain reliable results are that a large part of the pores is invaded by the ferrofluid, and that the pore space remains intact during the experiment. When more force is applied, the chances that pores are filled become higher, but at the same time also the risk of creating artificial fabrics increases. Here, various methods and ferrofluid types are tested on rocks with different properties. There is no single best method; however, the results presented here help increase our understanding of the impregnation process. Key Points: Impregnation efficiency of standard vacuum, pressure injection, magnetic flowthrough, and resin impregnation was determinedMagnetic flowthrough impregnation introduces artificial fabrics where the maximum susceptibility reflects impregnation directionNeed to check for impregnation artifacts by testing impregnation efficiencies and MPFs of perpendicular cores [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in critical bone diseases and defects in the world's population increases the need for bone substitutes to restore form and function. Organic and inorganic scaffolds with antibacterial properties could provide advantages for bone regeneration. In this study, we obtained scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL) charged with calcium phosphates nanoparticles and impregnated with extracts of Colombian plants as an alternative for potential bone regeneration. Calcium phosphate nanoparticles were obtained via auto-combustion synthesis. The nanoparticles were incorporated into the PCL with a chemical dissolution-disperse process. The composite obtained was used to produce a filament to print Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) based scaffolds. Such geometry facilitates cellular growth thanks to its interconnected porosity. The scaffolds were impregnated with extracts of Justicia cf colorifera (Acanthaceae), and Billia rosea (Sapindaceae) due to their ancestral medical applications. A physical and biological characterization was conducted. The process to print scaffolds with an enhanced geometry to facilitate the flux of biological fluids was successful. The scaffolds loaded with B. rosea showed strong antibacterial behavior, suggesting the presence of reported terpenoids with antibacterial properties. The approach used in this study evidenced promising prospects for bone defect repair.

The paper considers the relationship between the structure and properties of nanostructured conductometric sensors based on binary mixtures of semiconductor oxides designed to detect reducing gases in the environment. The sensor effect in such systems is determined by the chemisorption of molecules on the surface of catalytically active particles and the transfer of chemisorbed products to electron-rich nanoparticles, where these products react with the analyzed gas. In this regard, the role is evaluated of the method of synthesizing the composites, the catalytic activity of metal oxides (CeO2, SnO2, ZnO), and the type of conductivity of metal oxides (Co3O4, ZrO2) in the sensor process. The effect of oxygen vacancies present in the composites on the performance characteristics is also considered. Particular attention is paid to the influence of the synthesis procedure for preparing sensitive layers based on CeO2–In2O3 on the structure of the resulting composites, as well as their conductive and sensor properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the crystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) ZIF-67 was obtained using the solvent-free ball milling method, which is a fast, simple, and economical green method without the need to use solvents. Using the impregnation method, platinum metal ions were loaded in the MOF cavities. Various descriptive methods have been used to explain the prepared Pt@ZIF-67 compound, such as FTIR, BET, TEM, SEM, EDS, XRD, TGA, and ICP. Based on this, the results showed that Pt nanoparticles (0.26 atom%) were located inside the pores of ZIF-67. In addition, no evidence supports their accumulation on the MOF surface. The efficiency of Pt@ZIF-67 was approved in the reduction of toxic and harmful nitrophenol compounds in water. The results showed that the removal of 4-nitrophenol in aqueous medium was successfully achieved with 94.5% conversion in an optimal time of 5 min with the use of NaBH4, and catalyzed by Pt@ZIF-67. Additionally, the Pt@ZIF-67 was recoverable and successfully tested for five qtr runs, with reasonable efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activation effect of boric acid as an activator is good, and we investigate the best activation conditions for the boric acid impregnation method. To represent the structural characteristics and adsorption performance of the Stellera Chamaejasme based carbon molecular sieves, we use Brunner-Emmet-Teller (BET) measurements, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectra (Raman), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and adsorption property measurement. When the loading ratio was 0.68:1, the specific surface area was 532.21 m2/g, the total pore volume was 0.24 cm3/g, the average pore size was 1.81 nm, the adsorption value of methylene blue was 145.28 mg/g, and the adsorption value of iodine was 713.33 mg/g, the results showed that boric acid had better activation effect. The carbon molecular sieves made from Stellera Chamaejasme and activated with boric acid produce two peaks on the aperture distribution graph that are densely distributed in the micropore range. This indicates that boric acid's pore-forming tendency is primarily micropore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to treat antibiotic wastewater with high efficiency and low energy consumption, this study proposed the coupling of electrocatalytic degradation and biodegradation, and explored a new modified electrocatalytic material in the coupling system. The stainless-steel mesh based molybdenum carbide (SS-Mo2C) was prepared by a low-cost impregnation method and showed superior electrocatalytic degradation ability for tetracycline (TC) when used as the anode in the electrocatalytic system. The degradation rate of TC with SS-Mo2C anode was 17 times higher than that of stainless-steel (SS) anode, and TC removal efficiency was 77% higher than that of SS anode. The electrocatalytic system prior to the biological reactor was proven to be the optimal coupling method. The external coupling system achieved a significantly higher TC removal (87.0%) than that of the internal coupling system (65.3%) and SS-Mo2C showed an excellent repeatable and stable performance. The fewer and smaller molecular weight intermediates products were observed in bio-electrocatalytic system, especially in the external coupling system. Alpha diversity analysis further confirmed that bio-electrocatalytic system increased the diversity of the microbial community. The stainless-steel mesh based molybdenum carbide (SS-Mo2C), which was prepared by a simple and low-cost impregnation method, significantly improved the electrocatalytic activity of anode, thus contributing to tetracycline removal in the bio-electrocatalytic system, especially in the external coupling system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the combustion temperature of diesel soot, the Fe−Ce composite oxide catalysts with varying composition supported by three‐dimensional nickel foams were prepared by hydrothermal reaction and impregnation method. The internal structure and performance of the monolithic catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Raman, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and catalyst activity evaluation techniques. The results revealed that when the molar ratio of Ce and Fe was 0.5, the CeO2/Fe2O3@NF catalyst showed the best catalytic activity of soot oxidation, good stability and water resistance. Besides, the addition of NO and H2O was helpful to improve the catalytic performance for soot oxidation, when 10 % H2O and 800 ppm NO were mixed into 20 %O2/N2 atmosphere, the T10, T50 and T90 values could decrease to 299 °C, 344 °C and 389 °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic pore fabrics (MPF) are an efficient way to characterize pore space anisotropy, i.e., the average pore shape and orientation. They are determined by impregnating rocks with ferrofluid and then measuring their magnetic anisotropy. Obtaining even impregnation of the entire pore space is key for reliable results, and a major challenge in MPF studies. Here, impregnation efficiency and its spatial variability are systematically tested for natural (wood, rock) and synthetic (gel) samples, using oil- and water-based ferrofluids, and comparing various impregnation methods: percolation, standard vacuum impregnation, flowthrough vacuum impregnation, immersion, diffusion, and diffusion assisted by magnetic forcing. Seemingly best impregnation was achieved by standard vacuum impregnation and oil-based ferrofluid (76%), and percolation (53%) on rock samples; however, sub-sampling revealed inhomogeneous distribution of the fluid within the samples. Flowthrough vacuum impregnation yielded slightly lower bulk impregnation efficiencies, but more homogeneous distribution of the fluid. Magnetically assisted diffusion led to faster impregnation in gel samples, but appeared to be hindered in rocks by particle aggregation. This suggests that processes other than the mechanical transport of nanoparticles in the pore space need to be taken into account, including potential interactions between the ferrofluid and rock, particle aggregation and filtering. Our results indicate that bulk measurements are not sufficient to assess impregnation efficiency. Since spatial variation of impregnation efficiency may affect MPF orientation, degree and shape, impregnation efficiency should be tested on sub-samples prior to MPF interpretation. Article Highlights: Even ferrofluid impregnation is a key prerequisite for reliable pore fabric characterization by magnetic methods Spatial variability of impregnation efficiency on sub-samples suggests that flow-through methods provide homogeneous impregnation Successful impregnation depends on pore size, wettability, existing pore fluid, impregnation method, and ferrofluid-sample interactions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is one of the major concerns of this century. The photocatalysis through TiO2 can be suitable for improving liquid wastewater treatment. However, TiO2 is used as a powder (nanoparticles), which is a drawback for full-scale applications. To overcome this, in the present work, powder TiO2 was impregnated on ceramic material. Several parameters, such as support cleanliness, support load, TiO2 suspension concentration, powder dispersion in a solvent, contact method, and drying temperature, were evaluated on the impregnation method. The influence of TiO2 concentration in suspensions was tested from 1 to 10% w/w. The results showed that the preparation conditions impact the TiO2 impregnation yield. The 10%TiO2/Leca was the most effective in photocatalysis but had a relevant loss of TiO2 from the support by erosion. For 3.6%TiO2/Leca and 5%TiO2/Leca, at TiO2 concentrations of 86.6 and 102.5 mg/L promoted 71 to 85% of sulfamethoxazole removal in 6 h under UVA radiation, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the TiO2 adhesion onto the surface of the ceramic material, and the thickness of the TiO2 layer over the support can attain 7.64 to 10.9 μm. The work showed that the TiO2 impregnation method over Leca could be suitable for obtaining cost-effective photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain a kind of superhydrophobic sponge with high oil and water selectivity, the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge was prepared via a two-step hydrophobic fabrication based on the melamine sponge (MS), tetrabutyl titanate (TBOT), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The effects of modification time, the concentrations of TBOT and PDMS on the properties of the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge were studied, and the separation mechanism was also discussed based on the interaction between the oil and the surface of the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge. The results suggest that under optimal conditions, the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge show superhydrophobicity. The contact angle and adsorption capacity for oil of the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge are 149.2° and 98.5 g·g−1, respectively, and they can be recycled for about 25 cycles after oil–water separation test. This study prepares a new composite material with high oil–water selectivity, which is a good foundation for the development and research of new oil adsorbents. HIGHLIGHTS The MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge was prepared via a two-step hydrophobic fabrication.; The contact angle of the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge was 149.2°.; The adsorption capacity for oil of the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge are 98.5 gg−1.; The MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge can be recycled about 25 cycles after oil-water separation test.;

The exploitation of noble-metal-free photocatalysts with high solar-to-H 2 conversion efficiency is a hot topic in the photocatalysis field. Molybdenum sulfide materials, which have good physicochemical properties and excellent hydrogen evolution activity, have become an effective noble metal cocatalyst substitute and attracted widespread attention. In this work, a highly efficient photocatalyst constructed by decorating thiomolybdate [Mo 2 S 12 ]2- nanoclusters on TiO 2 is reported for the first time. The resultant [Mo 2 S 12 ]2-/TiO 2 photocatalyst shows a remarkable enhanced hydrogen evolution rate under the Xenon light irradiation. At the optimal loading amount of [Mo 2 S 12 ]2-, the photocatalyst exhibits a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 213.1 μmol h−1 g−1, which is about 51 times that of the pure TiO 2. Characterization results show that the intimate contact between [Mo 2 S 12 ]2- and TiO 2 promotes the separation of hole-electron pairs, prolongs the lifetime of carriers, and thereby increases the photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, abundant bridging S in the [Mo 2 S 12 ]2- acts as active sites for hydrogen evolution, which also contributes to the enhanced hydrogen production rate. This work demonstrates an efficient way for the construction of noble-metal-free hydrogen evolution photocatalyst and provides a useful reference for the development of low cost photocatalysts in the future. [Display omitted] • [Mo 2 S 12 ]2- was decorated on TiO 2 to obtain the [Mo 2 S 12 ]2-/TiO 2 nanocomposite by a facile impregnation method. • The [Mo 2 S 12 ]2-/TiO 2 shows a greatly enhanced hydrogen evolution activity. • The [Mo 2 S 12 ]2- cluster acts as the active site for hydrogen evolution. • The decoration of [Mo 2 S 12 ]2- on TiO 2 promotes the separation of hole-electron pairs and prolongs the lifetime of carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A copolymer of poly(BuMA–co–EDMA) modified with C-tetra(nonyl)calix[4]resorcinarene was obtained via the impregnation method. The formation of the modified copolymer was confirmed and investigated using various techniques; in this way, the presence of calix[4]resorcinarene was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The modified copolymer was used for the removal of highly toxic cations (Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cd2+) from aqueous solutions. To perform the removal, we used the batch sorption technique and the effects of time of contact, pH, and volume of sample on the effective sorption were determined. The best results were observed for Pb2+ extraction, which was comparatively more efficient. Adsorption–desorption experiments revealed that the modified copolymer could be used for several cycles without significant loss of adsorption capacity. Finally, the results showed that the modified copolymer application is highly efficient for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, using impregnation method, spinel cobalt and copper ferrites nanoparticles are synthesized on the surface of hematite. Synthesized powders were characterized and examined by FTIR, XRF, XRD, FESEM, BET and EDS analysis and the dye degradation were investigated by UV-vis and AAS methods. Specific surface area increased especially in the sample containing cobalt, which indicates the precise of synthesis and the creation of high surface nano particles at hematite surface. The size of particles was in the nano scale and a good uniformity observed in the structure. The results indicated a significant increase in the catalytic ability of hematite nano composite after synthesis. Their catalytic capability investigated by the Fenton reaction with complete removal of methylene blue from the solution via UV-vis irradiation. The samples stability discovered to be excellent by the AAS method.

Three-dimensional (3D) printed hydrogel scaffolds enhanced with ceramics have shown potential applications for cartilage regeneration, but leaving biological and mechanical properties to be desired. This paper presents our study on the development of chitosan /alginate scaffolds with nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) by combining 3D printing and impregnating techniques, forming a hybrid, yet novel, structure of scaffolds for potential cartilage regeneration. First, we incorporated nHA into chitosan scaffold printing and studied the printability by examining the difference between the printed scaffolds and their designs. Then, we impregnated alginate with nHA into the printed chitosan scaffolds to forming a hybrid structure of scaffolds; and then characterized the scaffolds mechanically and biologically, with a focus on identifying the influence of nHA and alginate for potential cartilage regeneration. The results of compression tests on the scaffolds showed that the inclusion of nHA increased the elastic moduli of scaffolds; while the live/dead assay illustrated that nHA had a great effect on improving attachment and viability of ATCD5 cells on the scaffolds. Also, our results illustrated scaffolds with nHA impregnated in alginate hydrogel enhanced the cell viability and attachment. Furthermore, antibacterial activity of hybrid scaffolds was characterized with results indicating that the chitosan scaffolds had favourable antibacterial ability, which was further enhanced with the impregnated nHA. Taken together, our study has illustrated that chitosan/HA/alginate hybrid scaffolds are promising for cartilage regeneration and the methods developed to create hybrid scaffolds based on 3D printing and impregnating techniques, which can also be extended to fabricating scaffolds for other tissue engineering applications. • 3D-printed chitosan/nHA/Alginate scaffold for cartilage tissue was fabricated.· Alginate with or without nano-hydroxyapatite was used as impregnating agent to fabricate hybrid structure. • Alginate with or without nano-hydroxyapatite was used as impregnating agent to fabricate hybrid structure. • Nano-hydroxyapatite particles improved scaffolds' elastic modulus and thermal stability behavior. • Impregnated scaffolds with sodium alginate showed an improvement in swelling, hydrophilicity properties, and cell viability. • With using alginate-based impregnating, and nano-hydroxyapatite, chondrocyte cells attachment and viability increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at the preparation of antimicrobial nanoparticles hybrid based on silver (Ag) doped Zn1−xCuxO. Zn1−xCuxO nanocomposite Ag-doped prepared via wet chemical route, co-precipitation, and impregnation method, respectively. The inclusion of silver in the nanocomposite did not change its structure. However, the insertion of CuO into the ZnO structure has no impact due to the similarity of Cu ion radius with Zn ion radius (0.74 toward 0.73 Å). Hybrid nanomaterials characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and FESEM technique. The effect of loading of CuO nanoparticles into ZnO nanomaterials investigated on their antimicrobial behavior. For this purpose, CuO with a variety ratio doped on the ZnO nanoparticles, and then Ag entrapped by impregnation methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration measurements were carried out to measure the antimicrobial behavior of ZnO(Ag) and mixed hybrid Zn1−xCuxO(Ag) towards Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungus. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were generally more sensitive to ZnO and CuO nanoparticles, respectively. Then, these hybrid nanomaterials can be an excellent candidate for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni-based cermet as solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes suffers from redox instability issues when operated with hydrocarbon as fuel. This paper investigates the Cu impregnated NiO-GDC as anode electrode for intermediate temperature (IT-) SOFCs using structural and morphological characterizations along with the dc conductivity measurement in hydrogen and biogas. The bulk of Cu impregnated NiO-GDC composite and its reduced (heat-treated in H2 at 850 °C for 3 h) counterpart samples were analyzed after exposing different layers within the bulk of samples to different characterization tools. Cu particles are observed at all three layers investigated, suggesting the distribution of Cu in the bulk of composite anode samples. Also, the porous morphology of fabricated samples was decreased with increased depth into the sample. The BSE and EDS characterization show that Cu and Ni particles are distributed within the bulk of the reduced composite anode sample while the Cu particles are largely located in the middle layer. Relatively higher (lower) dc conductivity (activation energy) was observed for the reduced composite anode sample in biogas than that of hydrogen and were 9.9 × 10−3 (0.81 eV) and 4.5 × 10−3 S/cm (0.88 eV), respectively.

Stereolithography(SLA) combined with reactive melt infiltration (RMI) is an effective way to fabricate silicon carbide(SiC) ceramic components with complex shapes and high precision. The purpose of this paper is to increase the content of SiC in the sintered body and improve the properties of SiC ceramics prepared by SLA/RMI technologies by the impregnation of the precursor of carbon source after debinding. The effects of the concentration of phenolic resin solution on the strength of sintered body were studied. The results show that this method can reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion and improve the thermal conductivity of the final body. At the same time, when the concentration of phenolic resin solution is 40 wt%, the final body obtained the best comprehensive properties. The value of bulk density, flexural strength and elastic modulus were 2.89 g/cm3, 244.17 ± 5.13 MPa and 402.39 GPa, respectively. This strategy provides a promising prospect for the preparation of space optical mirrors with complex shapes and high strength by the SLA/RMI method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study involves the synthesis of a mesoporous CaMoO 4 /TiO 2 solid catalyst through the impregnation method. The catalyst, known for its novelty, efficiency, and recyclability, was thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) studies. Waste cooking oil is analysed using FTIR spectroscopy for its free fatty acid content. In addition, the specific catalytic activities are investigated under a variety of reaction conditions. A yield of 95.6 % is achieved under the standard trans esterification reaction operating parameters such as catalyst loading of 4 wt %, methanol to waste cooking oil molar ratio of 15:1 (v/v), reaction duration of 70 min, reaction temperature of 55 °C, stirring speed of 270 rpm, and temperature of calcination as 650 °C. The reaction kinetics (pseudo first order) is also studied. Solid catalysts can also be reused up to five successive times. Biodiesel is characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR studies to examine the presence of functional and methyl ester groups respectively, and the extracted biofuel met the specifications of ASTM D 6751 norms for standard diesel fuel. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the preparation of nickel catalyst supported on gamma alumina with high surface area was done; nickel sulphate was used as a source of nickel. Impregnation method was used in the preparation with two-stage, as it is known cannot use this method to prepare catalysts with a high content of metal Despite the ease and simplicity of it, so the solution is fragmented into two parts and download each part separately. Nickel content was measured in solution by atomic absorption device as well as the comparison was made between the prepared catalyst and commercial catalyst by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray deflection (XRD). (XRD) .

Water scarcity is one of the major concerns of this century. The photocatalysis through TiO2 can be suitable for improving liquid wastewater treatment. However, TiO2 is used as a powder (nanoparticles), which is a drawback for full-scale applications. To overcome this, in the present work, powder TiO2 was impregnated on ceramic material. Several parameters, such as support cleanliness, support load, TiO2 suspension concentration, powder dispersion in a solvent, contact method, and drying temperature, were evaluated on the impregnation method. The influence of TiO2 concentration in suspensions was tested from 1 to 10% w/w. The results showed that the preparation conditions impact the TiO2 impregnation yield. The 10%TiO2/Leca was the most effective in photocatalysis but had a relevant loss of TiO2 from the support by erosion. For 3.6%TiO2/Leca and 5%TiO2/Leca, at TiO2 concentrations of 86.6 and 102.5 mg/L promoted 71 to 85% of sulfamethoxazole removal in 6 h under UVA radiation, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the TiO2 adhesion onto the surface of the ceramic material, and the thickness of the TiO2 layer over the support can attain 7.64 to 10.9 μm. The work showed that the TiO2 impregnation method over Leca could be suitable for obtaining cost-effective photocatalysts.