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This work uses an alumina wheel to investigate the eco-benign grinding for better surface integrity of Inconel 625 (IN 625). To achieve this, applying nanofluids (NFs) with the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) principle has been adopted, aiming at eco-benign grinding practices. In this work, MoS 2 NFs, MWCNTs NFs and hybrid NFs (prepared by mixing MoS 2 and MWCNTs in a 1:1 ratio) prepared using deionized water as the base fluid have been used. An in-house developed MQL setup is used to aim the NFs inside the grinding zone. The first attempt has been made to grind IN 625 in these environments. The characterisation of NFs in terms of nanofluid stability, dynamic viscosity, thermal conductivity and surface wettability have been performed before their utilization in grinding operations. A comparison has been made between the results obtained from NFs grinding and those from dry and soluble oil-based MQL grinding. It has been found that hybrid NFs provide excellent lubrication and cooling effects, reducing grinding forces and improving surface quality. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photon spectroscopy are applied to investigate the ground surfaces under different grinding conditions. Also, residual stress (with the help of X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction) and microhardness have been determined to gain further insights into the grinding behaviour. The wheel and chip morphology analyses have been performed to support the findings. The findings from this investigation lead to the conclusion that applying nano-MQL improves grinding effectiveness and promotes cleaner grinding outcomes. Hybrid NFs prove especially effective, as the physical synergistic effect enhances and safeguards the surface integrity of the produced ground components. [Display omitted] • This work endorses the grindability improvement of Inconel 625 using nano-MQL. • Thermos-physical and tribological characteristics of developed nanofluids have been investigated. • Ground surfaces have been investigated using SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRD and microhardness techniques. • Findings have been corroborated with the wheel and chip morphology investigations. • Nano-MQL has shown promising results in grindability improvement of Inconel 625. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the most promising three-generation semiconductor materials owing to its remarkable properties and numerous potential applications. Nevertheless, the polishing efficiency of hard-to-process single-crystal SiC remains a significant challenge due to its high hardness and chemical inertness. A novel approach by employing nanosecond laser irradiation as a pre-process for the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process was presented. By irradiating the Si-face, the substrates were processed with CMP for a short time using normal 1 wt% diamond+ 99 wt% deionized water eco-friendly slurry. The performance of nanosecond laser irradiation assisted chemical mechanical polishing (NLIA-CMP), including material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (R a), was evaluated. Besides, the possible effects were investigated. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to observe the morphologies of SiC wafers after NLIS-CMP. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used to characterize the surface morphologies and chemical composition of the SiC wafers treated with nanosecond laser. The results indicate that a highly efficient SiC-CMP with good surface quality can be realized by employing nanosecond laser irradiation as the pre-treatment and using an eco-friendly polishing slurry. The present study was a beneficial exploration of expanding the application of nanosecond laser to the CMP process. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel methodology to obtain 3D printable BiVO 4 precursor scaffolds (3DM-BiVO 4) via robocasting, showing excellent periodicity, shape retention, and mechanical stability, is disclosed for the first time. The ceramic pastes (solids at 70 wt.-%) comprised of BiVO 4 precursor, SiO 2 NPs, and a solution of deionized water: ethylene glycol (volume ratio 1:2, DI water: EG) exhibited enhanced rheology for the 3D printing of self-supported structures (3DM-BiVO 4). The thermal treatment induced a monoclinic scheelite phase, and the ethylene glycol contributed to achieving a unique square flake-like particle morphology. 3DM-BiVO 4 scaffolds were used as reusable monolithic photocatalysts, showing 72% acetaminophen mineralization at 240 min and pH = 9. This innovative approach opens avenues for designing 3D printable ceramic pastes, offering potential applications in tailoring-made monolithic photocatalyst fabrication by using SiO 2 NPs as an inorganic binder. [Display omitted] • 3D printable BiVO4 pastes by DIW using SiO2NP as a ceramic binder and DI water:ethylene glycol as solvents. • 3DM-BiVO4 scaffolds with periodicity, excellent shape retention, mechanical stability, and self-supporting were achieved. • Ethylene glycol promotes morphologies of square flake-like particles comprised of small peanut-like BiVO4 particles. • 3DM-BiVO4 exhibited good photocatalytic activity for acetaminophen mineralization. • 3DM-BiVO4 photocatalyst can be easily recovered and reused several times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and synthesis of earth-abundant and robust bifunctional electrocatalysts have been greatly sought for commercialization of the technology for clean and renewable energy and replacement of the energy equipment based on fossil fuels. In this work, a facile hydrothermal approach is used to synthesize MoS 2 /NiFe 2 O 4 -based nanocomposite as a novel electrocatalyst for alkaline water splitting. Surface analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Benefiting from the synergy of lamellar MoS 2 and crystalline NiFe 2 O 4 , the obtained MoS 2 /NiFe 2 O 4 composite shows excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (η 10 = 190 mV, η 50 = 279 mV) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) (η 50 = 350 mV, η 100 = 360 mV) activity with high TOF (0.01 s−1@190 mV for HER and 0.24 s−1 @360 mV for OER) and displays good electrochemical stability. Explicitly, the electrocatalyst requires a cell voltage of 1.69 V to drive overall water splitting at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Density functional theory (DFT) results demonstrated that the MoS 2 /NiFe 2 O 4 composite electrocatalyst has smaller hydrogen adsorption free energy (|ΔG H *|) than pristine MoS 2 and NiFe 2 O 4 , which demonstrates the effective adsorption and cleavage of water on the catalyst surface. This work thus presents an approach for the synthesis and rational design of metal oxide/metal sulfide hybrids as an electrocatalyst with high performance for overall water splitting. [Display omitted] • Heterostructured MoS 2 /NiFe 2 O 4 composites are prepared by simple hydrothermal method. • The MoS 2 /NiFe 2 O 4 electrocatalyst demonstrates exceptional water splitting activity. • The performance is due to the heterointerfaces of MoS 2 /NiFe 2 O 4 of large active area. • DFT study reveals the surface suitability of the catalyst for H adsorption in HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the SrTiO 3 -TiO 2 -CaTiO 3 /Cu 2 O quaternary composite has been designed and prepared via one-step hydrothermal process followed by a NaBH 4 reduction treatment. By comparing the H 2 production rate (HPR) of Sr-Ti-Ca/Cu samples prepared by different Cu sources, it is found that Sr-Ti-Ca/Cu has the best H 2 production performance when CuCl 2 is as Cu source. As expected, the highest HPR of Sr-Ti-Ca/Cu sample is up to 5.088 mmol g−1 h−1, which is 195.7 times as higher as that of the Sr-Ti-Ca sample (0.026 mmol g−1 h−1) under the same conditions. Moreover, the HPR reached 0.692, 0.530 and 0.647 mmol g−1 h−1 in tap water, lake water and river water, indicating that the photocatalyst has high practicability in natural water sources. In addition, the experiment of the tap water composition effect on H 2 production performance shows that NO 3 − and SO 4 2− ions have great negative influence on the HPR. Compared with Sr-Ti-Ca, the light absorption of Sr-Ti-Ca/Cu extends over the entire visible region, the interface resistance decreases, and the photocurrent density increases. These results suggest that the well-designed dual p-n heterojunctions and dual type-II heterojunctions in Sr-Ti-Ca/Cu sample can enhance the light absorption in the ultraviolet region and realize the rapid separation and migration of photogenerated charge, thereby accelerating the production of H 2. This work shows the strong advantage and potential of non-precious metal efficient photocatalyst system for producing H 2 from deionized water and natural fresh water. The SrTiO 3 -TiO 2 -CaTiO 3 /Cu 2 O quaternary composite with dual p-n heterojunctions and dual type-II heterojunctions was successfully designed and prepared by a facile two-step synthesis process firstly, and it exhibited high hydrogen production rate in deionized water and natural fresh water. [Display omitted] • The multi-type heterojunctions can promote the separation of carriers. • Sr-Ti-Ca/Cu exhibited high H 2 production rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cocatalysts play a key role in photocatalytic technology in remarkably improving the efficiency of H 2 evolution. Herein, S vacancies-rich Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S nanorods (CZS NRs) were prepared via solvothermal method. Then, as-obtained CZS NRs were modified with Ni–Co PBA-derived NiS x nanoparticles (NPs) cocatalyst using grinding method. The optimized CZS/NiS x -N-1.5 hybrids (CZS/NiS x -N, where N represents nickel nitrate which was used as nickel source) exhibited outstanding stability and activity, the average rate of H 2 was up to 192.82 mmolg−1h−1 in deionized water medium, which was 201.4% higher than that of CZS. Besides, NiS x -A and NiS x -C cocatalysts with different particle sizes were obtained using nickel acetate (A) and nickel chloride (C) as nickel source, respectively. The CZS/NiS x -C-1.5 and CZS/NiS x -A-1.5 exhibited the H 2 evolution rate of 180.70 and 201.93 mmolg−1h−1 in deionized water medium, respectively. The as-prepared materials also exhibited the excellent H 2 evolution performance in natural seawater medium. Besides, the photocatalytic mechanism of H 2 evolution over CZS NRs/NiSs NPs was also discussed. This work develops a novel H 2 evolution cocatalyst and unveils the relationship between the loading amount/particle size of cocatalyst on the H 2 evolution rate. CZS NRs/NiSx NPs hybrids for photocatalytic pure water and natural seawater hydrogen production. [Display omitted] • A novel photocatalytic H 2 evolution cocatalyst was prepared. • Optimized CZS/NiS x exhibits high reusability, and structural stability. • The relationship of loading amount/particle size of cocatalyst on H 2 evolution rate were unveiled. • The evolution process of morphology from Ni–Co PBA NCs to NiS x NPs was explored. • Optimized CZS/NiS x exhibits excellent high activity in deionized water and natural seawater medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical devices based on the proton conducting ceramic BaZrO 3 have shown their immense potential for efficient energy conversion and gas separation processes at intermediate temperatures. A major drawback of this material class is the inevitably high sintering temperature, which is necessary to reach sufficient densities for gas tightness. Recently, cold sintering has been applied to densify BaZrO 3 – BaCeO 3 solid solutions at low temperatures using a partial dissolution of the Ce-rich phase. Here, we apply the method to BaZr 0.8 Y 0.2 O 3-ẟ (BZY20), which is a Ce-free proton conducting ceramic. We show that densification by cold sintering is viable at temperatures between 150 °C and 250 °C under uniaxial pressures of 400 MPa and deionized water as a sintering aid. The dissolution of yttrium from BZY20 during cold sintering acts as the trigger for densification at low temperatures but forms Y(OH) 3 as an instable side product. Therefore, we developed a two-step cold sintering process that adds an additional thermal treatment between 900 and 1100 °C directly after the cold sintering process to enable electrochemical characterization and transmission electron microscopy investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers (PEMEL) are promising for the production of green hydrogen, but costs have to be reduced and lifetime has to be improved. In this study we investigate PEMEL with low catalyst loading achieved by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and 3D printing of the electrodes. Degradation processes were characterized and allocated using different electrochemical and physicochemical methods. The cell setup was optimized using Distribution of Relaxation Times Analysis (DRT) of the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and the long-term performance of the optimized cell was investigated using different electrolytes (sulfuric acid and deionized water). • PEMWE cells with a low catalyst loading and 3D printed electrode show high mass activity. • Cell configuration is optimized using electrochemical methods. • Cell degradation is shown by polarization curves and impedance measurements. • Degradation processes can be allocated using DRT analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An integrally porous MoS 2 /Ni electrode was synthesized by the 3D printing technique. • The 3D printed MoS 2 /Ni exhibited excellent removal performance and reusability. • The MoS 2 increased the dechlorination efficiency via the "Hydrogen spillover process". • Degradation mechanism and pathway for FLO were proposed. Here, we report the production of 3D-printed MoS 2 /Ni electrodes (3D-MoS 2 /Ni) with long-term stability and excellent performance by the selective laser melting (SLM) technique. As a cathode, the obtained 3D-MoS 2 /Ni could maintain a degradation rate above 94.0% for florfenicol (FLO) when repeatedly used 50 times in water. We also found that the removal rate of FLO by 3D-MoS 2 /Ni was about 12 times higher than that of 3D-printed pure Ni (3D-Ni), attributed to the improved accessibility of H*. In addition, the electrochemical characterization results showed that the electrochemically active surface area of the 3D-MoS 2 /Ni electrode is about 3-fold higher than that of the 3D-Ni electrode while the electrical resistance is 4 times lower. Based on tert -butanol suppression, electron paramagnetic resonance and triple quadrupole mass spectrometer experiments, a "dual path" mechanism and possible degradation pathway for the dechlorination of FLO by 3D-MoS 2 /Ni were proposed. Furthermore, we also investigated the impacts of the cathode potential and the initial pH of the solution on the degradation of FLO. Overall, this study reveals that the SLM 3D printing technique is a promising approach for the rapid fabrication of high-stability metal electrodes, which could have broad application in the control of water contaminants in the environmental field. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacitive deionization (CDI) technique is considered a promising eco-friendly desalination method due to its high energy efficiency, ease of operation, and simplistic electrode regeneration capability. Thus, significant research is focused on developing highly efficient electrode materials with high electrochemical stability and salt electro-adsorption capacity (Sc) behavior during operation because these are the governing factors in examining the measured activity of fabricated CDI cells. In this manuscript, we report the synthesis of hydrogenated titanium nanotubes@spongy activated carbon (HTiO 2 NTs@SAC) using pyrolysis and hydrothermal processes. The SAC is synthesized by the pyrolysis of spongy loofa in an inert atmosphere and further hydrothermally activating it in an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The hydrothermal process activates and enhances the hydrophilicity of SAC. HTiO 2 is synthesized electrochemically at 20 V in 0.1 M perchloric acid. Such HTiO 2 NTs@SAC configuration can provide excellent pathways to increase ion adsorption and improve the kinetics of charge transfer by enhancing the contact between the electrolyte and electrode at the interface. It is found that HTiO 2 NTs@SAC has a specific capacitance (Cs) of 385.7 F g−1 compared with 332.7 F g−1 for SAC. The salt electrosorption capacity (Sc) of HTiO 2 NTs@SAC electrode material is found to be 24.90 mg g−1 in 250 μS cm −1 saline solution at 1.2 V, which is much higher than the values obtained for SAC (9.8 mg g−1). HTiO 2 NTs@SAC has also shown an antimicrobial effect toward gram-negative bacteria and exhibited good performance in the supercapacitor application, wherein HTiO 2 NTs@SAC showed a higher Cs (505.55 F g−1) than SAC (380 F g−1) at 1 A g−1. Thus, we demonstrate that the prepared composite can be used as an energy storage material, an antibacterial material, and a CDI electrode in the CDI technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve high flow hydrogen production, a laminated self-thermal methanol reforming microreactor was designed. Through simulation and experiments, the hydrogen production performance of the microreactor and the compatibility between the methanol catalytic combustion module and the methanol steam reforming module were investigated. The results show that the microreactor exhibits impressive hydrogen production performance, with a methanol conversion rate of 95.27%. When the inlet flow rate of the mixture of methanol and deionized water was increased to a high flow rate, the microreactor exhibits significant cold spots over a wide range in the reaction chamber plates, which could be effectively solved by enhancing the methanol catalytic combustion intensity. The methanol catalytic combustion module inside the microreactor can meet the heat demand of the methanol reforming module. The microreactor operated for 20 h with a methanol-deionized water mixture inlet flow rate of 12 mL/min and a methanol inlet flow rate of 7.5 mL/min; the methanol conversion rate finally stabilized at 90.1%, which was decreased by about 2.2% compared with the initial methanol conversion rate. • Laminated self-thermal methanol steam reforming microreactor was designed with a maximum hydrogen flow rate of 10 L/min. • Thermal matching of methanol catalytic combustion reaction and methanol reforming reaction gained explored. • Methanol conversion rate was improved from 58.6% to 91.2% at the inlet flow rate of methanol of 7.5 mL/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radioactive pollution caused by uranium containing wastewater generated during the nuclear fuel cycle seriously threatens human health and environmental safety. The electrosorption (or capacitive deionization, CDI) separation of U(VI) from wastewater has the advantages of high efficiency, low energy consumption, convenient operation, and no secondary pollution, making it a promising new separation technology. By combining double layer capacitive materials with pseudo capacitive materials, the specific capacitance and ion storage capacity of the composites can be significantly improved, thereby improving the electrosorption performance. This work used natural biomass as raw material to prepare hierarchical porous biocarbon through high-temperature pyrolysis and chemical activation, and then it was incorporated with hydrothermally synthesized α-MnO 2 nanofibers to obtain novel composites (BC/α-MnO 2) with high hybrid capacitance for U(VI) removal in CDI. The electrochemical characteristics of the composites and their electrosorption performances for U (VI) were respectively investigated in a three electrode system and a CDI device. The results suggested that BC/α-MnO 2 exhibited an ideal capacitive behavior, and theoretical calculations indicated the synergistic effect of capacitive and diffusion control processes on ion storage. Among different BC/α-MnO 2 electrodes, BC/α-MnO 2 -2 had the highest specific capacitance (130.48 F/g) and also the highest adsorption capacity for U (VI) (280.20 mg/g at 0.9 V and pH 4.0). The isotherms and kinetics of U (VI) electrosorption were consistent with the Langmuir and PFO models, respectively. The electrosorption mechanism was mainly related to the contribution of pseudocapacitance and EDL adsorption. Overall, BC/α-MnO 2 -2 exhibited ideal electrochemical properties and excellent electrsorption performance for U (VI) (high electrosorption capacity, fast kinetic rate, and good cycling stability), facile fabrication and environmentally friendly, and thus it has promising application in CDI treatment of radioactive wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lymphatic system possesses the main viral replication sites in the body following viral infection. Unfortunately, current antiretroviral agents penetrate the lymph nodes insufficiently when administered orally and, therefore, cannot access the lymphatic system sufficiently to interrupt this viral replication. For this reason, novel drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing the lymphatic uptake of antiretroviral drugs are highly desirable. Dissolving polymeric microarray patches (MAPs) may help to target the lymph intradermally. MAPs are intradermal drug delivery systems used to deliver many types of compounds. The present work describes a novel work investigating the lymphatic uptake of two anti-HIV drugs: cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) when delivered intradermally using dissolving MAPs containing nanocrystals of both drugs. Maps were formulated using NCs obtained by solvent-free milling technique. The polymers used to prepare the NCs of both drugs were PVA 10 Kda and PVP 58 Kda. Both NCs were submitted to the lyophilization process and reconstituted with deionized water to form the first layer of drug casting. Backing layers were developed for short application times and effective skin deposition. In vivo biodistribution profiles of RPV and CAB after MAP skin application were investigated and compared with the commercial intramuscular injection using rats. After a single application of RPV MAPs, a higher concentration of RPV was delivered to the axillary lymph nodes (AL) (C max 2466 ng/g – T max 3 days) when compared with RPV IM injection (18 ng/g - T max 1 day), while CAB MAPs delivered slightly lower amounts of drug to the AL (5808 ng/g in 3 days) when compared with CAB IM injection (9225 ng/g in 10 days). However, CAB MAPs delivered 7726 ng/g (T max 7 days) to the external lumbar lymph nodes, which was statistically equivalent to IM delivery (C max 8282 ng/g - T max 7 days). This work provides strong evidence that MAPs were able to enhance the delivery of CAB and RPV to the lymphatic system compared to the IM delivery route. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, cobalt oxide decorated on carbon cloth (Co 3 O 4 /CC) is fabricated by the electrodeposition method by optimizing two factors: (i) the electrodeposition time; (ii) the volume ratio between ethylene glycol (EG) and deionized water (DI) in deposition solution. Results indicate that 5 min of electrodeposition is the most effective interval to acquire the sample with the most homogeneous in size and distribution. Furthermore, the addition of EG has a significant effect on the surface morphology of Co 3 O 4 /CC, causing the formation of the mesoporous Co 3 O 4 layers on the substrate's surface. Due to the porous and rough structure of Co 3 O 4 /CC, its specific surface area reaches 111.3 m2g-1 as opposed to pure CC (37.2 m2g-1). Additionally, the coverage of Co 3 O 4 on the cloth helps to enhance the electrochemical surface area up to 10 times and improve strongly the conductivity of the whole system. In the electrochemical water splitting (EWS) application, the Co 3 O 4 /CC sample prepared in precisely 5 min with the existence of EG at 40 %vol. possesses the best electrocatalytic performance with the lowest overpotentials for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with 291 mV and 357 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for each. This material also exhibits good stability to maintain a stable voltage at 10 mA cm−2 for 30 h. • Co 3 O 4 nanomaterials are synthesized on flexible carbon cloth (CC). • Co 3 O 4 /CC has good ability for both HER and OER. • Vertical CC is the best choice of soft substrate for enhancing conductivity and electron transfer process in HER/OER. • Ratio of EG: DI = 2: 3 exhibits the extraordinary surface for thin well–crystallized mesoporous layers of Co 3 O 4 /CC. • The lowest overpotentials and Tafel slopes for HER (291 mV and 202 mV.dec−1) and OER (357 mV and 283 mV.dec−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni-impregnated Gd 0.1 Ce 0.9 O 2 and Y 0.08 Zr 0.92 O 2 fuel electrodes for solid oxide cells are manufactured by the combination of the freeze tape casting and infiltration techniques. Their morphological properties are investigated by scanning electron microscope and X-Ray microtomography while their electrochemical performance is evaluated in symmetrical Y 0.08 Zr 0.92 O 2 -supported button cells by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The microstructural analysis of the manufactured scaffolds highlights the characteristic anisotropy of porosity provided by the freeze tape casting method. The average tortuosity factor across the out of plane direction has been calculated equal to 1.38, being considerably lower than the average values of the other components, (τ x = 10.2) and (τ y = 6.87). The contribution provided by gas diffusion to the overall polarization resistance of the freeze tape cast electrodes has been estimated around 6·10−4 Ω cm2 in the 600–750 °C temperature range, thus lower than the best reported values for the state-of-the-art electrodes featuring sponge-like porosity. The measured impedance data highlighted the higher electrochemical performance of the Ni-impregnated Gd 0.1 Ce 0.9 O 2 architecture, holding a polarization resistance of 0.823 Ω cm2 at 750 °C, which is regarded as a very promising result for a ∼600 μm thick electrode. The interpretation of the impedance data was supported by the distribution of relaxation times analysis and the complex non-linear least square fit. In particular, the electrochemical investigation highlighted the presence of two major resistive contributions which have been ascribed to the occurrence of a chemical capacitance within the GDC10 lattice (low frequency contribution) and to the multi-layered architecture of the tested symmetrical cells which increases the contact losses (high frequency contribution). • The electrode design optimization is expected to increase its electrochemical performance. • Nanostructured graded porous electrodes for SOCs are shaped combining freeze tape casting and infiltration. • The anisotropy of gas diffusion channels is highlighted by the 3D reconstruction of the GDC10 scaffold. • The Ni-infiltrated GDC10 freeze tape cast scaffold is measured to be the best performing electrode architecture. • The electrochemical performance of the Ni-GDC10 electrode is mainly hindered by its low electronic conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) can be enhanced by creating continuous proton conduction channels. In this work, PVP-UiO-66-NH-SO 3 H nanoparticles (PUNSNPs) were prepared and filled into sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) to fabricate PUNSNPs/SPEEK composite PEMs. To further improve the performance of the PEMs, phosphoric acid (PA) was doped and a continuous nanopore network was formed in PA/PUNSNPs/SPEEK porous PEMs due to the dissolution of PUNSNPs. The PA/PUNSNPs/SPEEK porous PEMs have high PA uptake ratio (96%–117 %) and dimensional stability thanks to the anchoring effect of the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring on the PVP chains. The acid-base pairing interaction between the chains (residual ligands from PUNSNPs) inside the unique continuous nanopore structure allows PA/PUNSNPs/SPEEK = 20 % porous PEMs to have the highest proton conductivity of 0.350 S cm−1 (80 °C/100 % RH). Furthermore, the PA/PUNSNPs/SPEEK porous PEMs retained PA up to more than 80 % (80 °C, 40 % RH, 7 days). Similarly, PA/PUNSNPs/SPEEK = 20 % porous PEMs immersed in deionized water for 45 days were able to maintain a proton conductivity of more than 83 %. Finally, PA/PUNSNPs/SPEEK porous PEMs have low methanol permeability. Thus, this study provides a new method for the preparation of porous PEMs with a continuous nanopore network structure and excellent performance. We used PVP-UiO-66-NH-SO 3 H as a sacrificial template to construct porous PEMs. The formation of nanopores has a limiting effect on the ligands available for proton conduction resulting from the dissolution of PVP-UiO-66-NH-SO 3 H. These ligands provide a very significant contribution to the various performances of the porous PEMs. [Display omitted] • PVP-UiO-66-NH-SO 3 H nanoparticles has been synthesized by reacting of 1,3-propanesultone with PVP-UiO-66-NH 2 nanoparticles. • PVP-UiO-66-NH-SO 3 H nanoparticles can be used as sacrificial templates for the preparation of porous PEMs. • PA/PVP-UiO-66-NH-SO 3 H/SPEEK porous PEMs has a high proton conductivity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impact of doping nitrogen is calculated for combining fluoride. • The spherical La-MOFs are pyrolytic to use as electrode material to demonstrate the function of nitrogen. • The La-N-C-800°C is used for electrosorption of fluoride. • The mechanism has been studied by density functional theory calculation and experiments. Fluoride is an important pollutant in wastewater, and adsorption is an effective way to remove fluoride. Because nitrogen plays an important role in adsorbent materials, computational models were developed to understand the changes in work function resulting from nitrogen doping. La-N-C-800°C, was prepared by pyrolyzing La-MOF-NH 2 to verify the influence on the performance of removing fluoride by electrosorption. Material and electrochemical performance tests were performed to characterize La-N-C-800°C. Adsorption kinetics, adsorption thermodynamics, initial concentrations, pH, and ions competition were investigated using La-N-C-800°C for fluoride removal. In addition, density functional theory was applied to evaluate the function of nitrogen. When nitrogen atoms were added, the density of states, partial density of states, populations, and different orbits of charge were calculated to discover deep changes. Nitrogen strengthened the carbon structure and La 2 O 3 structure to remove fluoride. In addition, nitrogen can also act as an adsorption site in the carbon structure. These results provide design ideas for improving the performance of adsorbent materials by doping elements. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coupling bath of circulating, chilled, degassed water is essential to safe and precise acoustic transmittance during transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (tMRgFUS) procedures, but the circulating water impairs the critical real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An iron-based coupling medium (IBCM) using iron oxide nanoparticles previously developed by our group increased the relaxivity of the coupling bath such that it appears to be invisible on MRI compared with degassed water. However, the nanoparticles also reduced the pressure threshold for cavitation. To address this concern for prefocal cavitation, our group recently developed an IBCM of electrosterically stabilized and aggregation-resistant poly(methacrylic acid)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (PMAA-FeOX) with a similar capability to reduce the MR signal of degassed water. This study examines the effect of the PMAA-FeOX IBCM on the cavitation threshold. Increasing concentrations of PMAA-FeOX nanoparticles in degassed, deionized water were placed at the focus of two different transducers to assess low and high duty-cycle pulsing parameters which are representative of two modes of focused ultrasound being investigated for tMRgFUS. Passive cavitation detection and high-speed optical imaging were used to measure cavitation threshold pressures. The mean cavitation threshold was determined in both cases to be indistinguishable from the degassed water control, between 6–8 MPa for high duty-cycle pulsing (CW) and between 25.5–26.5 MPa for very low duty-cycle pulsing. The findings of this study indicate that an IBCM of PMAA-FeOX nanoparticles is a possible solution to reducing MRI interference from the coupling bath without increasing the risk of prefocal cavitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Electro-Fenton process is getting a rapid development recently as a novel advanced electro-oxidation technology for the removal of organic pollutants from water. In this work, a three-dimensional (3D) porous Fe 3 N/FeS composite electrode was created from a Fe 2 (SO 4) 3 -based composite ink by the direct-writing 3D printing technology combined with a high temperature heat treatment under ammonia atmosphere. Fe 3 N served as the conductive skeleton of the electrode, while FeS could provide Fe2+ to react with in-situ generated H 2 O 2 in the Electro-Fenton process to generate ·OH radicals. Thus, it could eliminate the need of external ferrous ion addition. The 3D porous Fe 3 N/FeS composite electrode had desired 3D interconnected macro-channels for efficient mass transport and rough rod surfaces to provide more active sites, which resulted in its superior degradation performance on organics than its traditional two-dimensional (2D) plate counterpart. A two-step H 2 O 2 production path was found on the 3D Fe 3 N/FeS composite electrode, which had been found to possess a faster reaction kinetics. It effectively degraded rhodamine B (RhB) within a wide pH range from ∼3 to ∼ 10, demonstrated stable performances in repeated uses, and had low iron ion leaching, all of which were beneficial for its potential applications. Furthermore, it also demonstrated effective degradation performances on antibiotics of amoxicillin (AMX) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) in both deionized (DI) water and tap water matrixes, indicating its potential to solve the emerging contaminant problem in real water treatment practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the wettability alteration (changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state) of Indiana limestone for hydrogen (H 2) geological storage. We examine the effect of hexanoic acid C 6 , lauric acid C 12 , and stearic acid C 18 , on the wettability of Indiana limestone at ambient (298 K and 0.1 MPa) and reservoir (323 K and 8.27 MPa) conditions. The effects of silica nanofluids (silica with deionized water) at various concentrations (0.1 wt%, 0.25 wt%, and 0.5 wt%) on the wettability reversal of stearic-aged samples were tested at ambient and reservoir conditions. The results revealed increased H 2 -wetness (hydrophobicity) of the rock exposed to these organic acids in reservoir conditions. However, this hydrophobicity significantly decreased with the nanofluid treatment of the stearic-aged samples. This wettability reversal may increase the H 2 storage capacity and containment security and lead to successful large-scale geological storage operations if H 2 residual trapping is minimized. • Hydrophobicity of the rock increased by exposing to organic acids. • Hydrophobicity of the stearic-aged samples decreased by treating with nanofluid. • The wettability reversal may increase the H 2 storage capacity and H 2 residual trapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a novel electrode material that combines Ti 3 C 2 MXene and high-capacity CuMn 2 O 4 to increase the energy density of supercapacitors, which are a popular choice for energy storage due to their high-performance potential. The electrode material was synthesized using the hydrothermal method with varying deposition times (3 h, 6 h and 9 h), and the resulting composite materials were characterized using advanced analytical techniques. The CuMn 2 O 4 /MXene composite electrode synthesized at 3h exhibited exceptional performance, with a specific capacitance of 628 mF/cm2 at 4 mA/cm2, due to the enhanced electrical conductivity and charge storage properties of CuMn 2 O 4 and MXene sheets. We also uncovered an intricate charge transfer mechanism and storage kinetics of CuMn 2 O 4 /MXene composite on a nickel foam electrode, revealing a diffusion-controlled energy storage mechanism with fast mass transportation. To demonstrate practicality, we constructed an asymmetric coin cell supercapacitor device using CuMn 2 O 4 /MXene composite synthesized at 3h and activated carbon as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The device showed a specific capacitance of 496 mF/cm2 at 6 mA/cm2 with cyclic stability of 80% for up to 10,000 cycles, and a power density of 1.5 mW/cm2 at a higher energy density of 0.073 mWh/cm2. Our results demonstrate the potential to significantly advance the development of high-performance supercapacitors by combining Ti 3 C 2 MXene and high-capacity oxides, refining the synthesis process, and exploring innovative electrode architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing red light-emitting phosphors with high performances is an imperative issue for achieving high-quality warm white light-emitting diodes. Here, red light-emitting K 2 Ge 1- x Ti x F 6 :Mn4+ phosphors with high luminescence performances are obtained. Benefiting from the Ti4+-doping in K 2 GeF 6 , a high internal quantum yield of 96% can be obtained. The emission intensity at 423 K keeps 83% of the initial value at 298 K in K 2 Ge 0.6 Ti 0·4 F 6 :Mn4+. The moisture resistance property of K 2 Ge 0.6 Ti 0·4 F 6 :Mn4+ is significantly enhanced and can keep 71% of the original luminescence intensity after immersing in deionized water for 180 min. A warm white light-emitting diode with high color rendering index of 92.4, low correlated color temperatures of 3113 K, and high luminous efficiency of 123.1 l m/W is simultaneously obtained by encapsulating K 2 Ge 0.6 Ti 0·4 F 6 :Mn4+ with commercial yellow phosphor on blue chips. This work proves the prospects of K 2 Ge 1- x Ti x F 6 :Mn4+ as promising red phosphors for potentially viable application in warm white light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different water matrices on the photocatalytic degradation of dissolved pharmaceuticals was explored. The focus was on the degradation efficiencies in wastewater effluent from a bioreactor and water effluent from a central wastewater treatment plant and comparing the results with degradation in deionized H 2 O. The compounds tested included: oxytetracycline, marbofloxacin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, phenytoin, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole. For the experiments performed in this study, a compact packed-bed photocatalytic reactor was used in which the hybrid TiO 2 photocatalyst (sol-gel/P25) was deposited on ∼3 mm glass beads. As expected, the reactions proceed more slowly in wastewater than in deionized water, yet it is shown that removal of the compounds from the water is still possible even when other organic molecules are present. Total organic carbon measurements have shown that complete mineralization takes place albeit at slower rates than the initial degradation of parent compounds. The results show that an acidic pH can increase the reaction rates and the adsorption on the photocatalyst surface. Analyses of the degradation intermediates were performed using tandem liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry system. Additionally, X-ray absorption spectroscopy was applied to get insight into the local structure of the photocatalyst before and after use. Understanding the effects that different wastewater compositions have on photocatalytic reactions will help to refine the potential applications of the technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2D carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, are among the most recent, and quickly expanding, material families. The field is experiencing very fast growth with the number of papers on MXenes roughly doubling every year since their discovery in 2011. Great progress in synthesis and control of MXene properties has since been achieved. Synthesis of numerous theoretically predicted MXenes, including ordered solid solutions and high-entropy structures, led to the exploration of numerous applications. MXenes are not only promising candidates for energy storage and related electrochemical applications, such as electrocatalysis, but also applications in optoelectronics, plasmonics, electromagnetic interference shielding, medicine, sensing, catalysis and water desalination. We particularly focus on key material manufacturing and stability issues. We describe the scalable synthesis of MXenes by selective etching in aqueous acidic solutions; alternative synthesis methods, particularly fluorine-free synthesis; delamination without the use of organic intercalants; and improving the environmentally stability and shelf life of MXenes in colloidal suspensions. Finally, we discuss the current understanding of electronic transport in MXene films, which is of critical importance for many MXene applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen production via electrolysis is an efficient way to store excess energy from renewable energy plants, but electrolysis must be made more applicable. Conventional water electrolysis is complicated by a gas distribution and management system to prevent the mixing of H 2 and O 2 gases, which creates significant safety hazards. The use of membranes and diaphragms solves the gas mixing problem but reduces efficiency and directly affects the cost of hydrogen production. Here we show decoupled water electrolysis concept, where hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution are spatially and temporally separated using a WO 3 charge storage electrode as a red-ox mediator. Electrolysis is realized in two steps, where in the first step the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and intercalation of H+ in the WO 3 material take place. In the second step, the deintercalation of H+ from the WO 3 material and the reduction of H+ to H at the other electrode takes place. In the electrolysis process H 2 and O 2 gasses are produced with purity >99.9%. The overall efficiency of the electrolyzer is 65%. [Display omitted] • Hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution has been spatially and temporally separated. • Acid electrolyser of primary Pt electrode in connection with pseudocapacitive WO 3. • Acid decoupled H 2 O electrolysis produces gasses in two-step process with high purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An alternative way to perform underwater laser ablation without submersion was achieved. • An innovative approach to laser cleaning of gilded bronze was successfully demonstrated. • A novel tool to obtain localized water vesicles during laser cleaning was developed. A group of twenty-eight fragments of monumental bronze statues from the Roman Age, recently underwent a series of conservation treatments at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure (OPD) in Florence, Italy. These fragments had never been investigated or cleaned before. During this restoration, supported by an extensive diagnostic campaign, an attempt was made to understand the conservation issues of each fragment and to identify the most suitable cleaning treatment in order to guarantee the removal of concretions and alteration products without damaging these precious artworks. In particular, two large scale fragments, depicting the two sides of a horse's maned neck, and identified as part of an equestrian monument, showed traces of gilding emerging from a thick layer of mineralization and sand encrustations. The bronzes were then subjected to cleaning tests by means of laser ablation to reveal any further remains of gilding. Among the different application methods of laser cleaning, irradiation in water has demonstrated its effectiveness in this case, offering operational advantages due to cavitation-mediated processes. Due to the size and shape of the artefacts (characterized by protruding details such as the mane, etc.), and the general state of conservation, it was impossible to submerge them completely or apply plastic films on their surface to create "pocket pools" filled with deionized water. In this paper we present a new tool for underwater laser cleaning application based on the modification of a water brush pen capable of creating an extremely localized water vesicle, avoiding placing any containment system on the surface. This method has proved to be very powerful in removing the mineralized layer without affecting the underlying gold leaf, leaving only a few traces of the deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maltooligosaccharides (MOS) have become a prominent market in the pharma and food industries due to their excellent bio-preservative and prebiotic properties. However, producing specific maltooligosaccharides like maltopentaose (G5) is relatively tedious and expensive. Here, a novel maltooligosaccharide-forming α-amylase from Bacillus cereus (BcMFAse) was characterized and exhibited a specific activity of 1965.0 ± 9.7 U/mg. The BcMFAse principally produced G5 by hydrolyzing soluble starch, with a maximum G5 yield of 215.8 ± 5.9 g/kg starch, accounting for 63.8 % of the saccharide mixture. The enzymatic hydrolysate was purified by AB-8 macroporous resin column chromatography. Briefly, 1.0 mL adsorbate containing 486.6 g/L total saccharides with deionized water elution at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min and column temperature of 55 °C. Afterward, G5 was enriched up to 95.4 % purity, and 72.2 % was recovered in solution. The proposed process was simulated by SuperPro Designer software, and the remarkable economic results included a payback period of 0.08 years and an internal rate of return of 294.6 %. This study represented that BcMFAse could be a promising candidate for applications in the food and pharma fields. It first provided a high-efficiency process for producing > 90 % pure G5, which was economically attractive on an industrial scale. [Display omitted] • A novel maltooligosaccharide-forming α-amylase (BcMFAse) was firstly reported. • BcMFAse had 1965 U/mg of amylase activity and 63.8 % of maltopentaose specificity. • A high-efficiency process for producing pure maltopentaose was developed. • 95.4 % of maltopentaose purity was achieved by AB-8 macroporous resin purification. • Techno-economic analysis of high-purity maltopentaose production was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble Mn2+ doped CsPbCl 3 nanocrystals coating by 6-aminocaproic acid (ACA) ligand were prepared by a simple ligand assisted reprecipitation method at room temperature. The CsPbCl 3 :Mn2+/ACA nanocrystals were almost cubic phase and had mean size of about 10 nm. Due to the coating and passivation of ACA, the CsPbCl 3 :Mn2+/ACA nanocrystals retained the initial fluorescence intensity of 20% after being dispersed in deionized water for 20 days. The orange LED device based on CsPbCl 3 :Mn2+/ACA nanocrystals were prepared with excellent luminescence properties. In the cytotoxicity test, even if the MCF-7 cells were cultured for 24 h at the concentration of CsPbCl 3 :Mn2+/ACA nanocrystals as high as 160 μg·ml−1, the cell survival rate was still 70%. Confocal fluorescent cell imaging results showed that the nanocrystals had remarkable fluorescent cell imaging effect even after 24 h. The synthesized CsPbCl 3 :Mn2+/ACA nanocrystals have nice water solubility, good water stability, low cytotoxicity and highly luminescence properties, and have great application potential in the field of orange LED and fluorescent probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at sustainable treatment of municipal landfill leachate (MLL) along with resource recovery by integrating acidogenesis and bioelectrogenesis. Initially, during acidogenic fermentation, more than 60 % of MLL COD was converted to biohydrogen (0.23 L/g COD load) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs; 56.15 g COD/L). Acetic (25.09 g COD/L), propionic (1.27 g COD/L), and butyric acid (29.77 g COD/L) made up the majority of VFAs. To increase MLL's further treatment, the left-over COD in the acidogenic effluent was introduced into bio-electrochemical treatment system. Three differently configured bio-electrochemical treatment systems (BET 1 , BET 2 , and BET 3) were evaluated varying their anode composition. BET 1 was operated with a capacitive designed PANi/CNT composite electrode, while BET 2 was operated with PANi-SSM and BET 3 with a graphite electrode. The modified composite electrode in BET 1 played a significant role in leachate treatment (COD removal, 71.21 %) displaying a power density of 35 mW/m2. Apart from higher removal of ammoniacal nitrogen, sulfates and phosphates, the composite electrodes in the BET 1 resulted in improved bioelectrogenic activity and capacity of electrons migration between electrode and biocatalyst. Additionally, the modified anode showed higher redox peak currents, lower charge transfer resistance, and ohmic losses. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calibration is an important source of variability in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods for insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This study investigated the impact of different calibrator matrices on IGF-1 measurements by LC-MS. Moreover, the comparability of immunoassays and LC-MS was assessed. Calibrators from 12.5 to 2009 ng/ml were prepared by spiking WHO international Standard (ID 02/254 NIBSC, UK) into the following matrices: native human plasma, fresh charcoal-treated human plasma (FCTHP), old charcoal-treated human plasma, deionized water, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and rat plasma (RP). A validated in-house LC-MS method was calibrated repeatedly with these calibrators. Then, serum samples from 197 growth hormone excess and deficiency patients were analysed with each calibration. The seven calibration curves had different slopes leading to markedly different patient results. The largest differences in IGF-1 concentration from the median (interquartile range) was observed with the calibrator in water and the calibrator in RP (336.4 [279.6–417.0] vs. 112.5 [71.2–171.2], p < 0.001). The smallest difference was observed with calibrators in FCTHP and BSA (141.8 [102.0–198.5] vs. 127.9 [86.9–186.0], p < 0.049). Compared to LC-MS with calibrators in FCTHP, immunoassays showed relevant proportional bias (range: −43% to −68%), constant bias (range: 22.84 to 57.29 ng/ml) and pronounced scatter. Comparing the immunoassays with each other revealed proportional bias of up to 24%. The calibrator matrix is critical for the measurement of IGF-1 by LC-MS. Regardless of the calibrator matrix, LC-MS shows poor agreement with immunoassays. Also, the agreement between different immunoassays is variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconducting two-dimensional (2D) materials, or nanosheets, have been gaining wide attention in photocatalysis field due to their abundant active sites, short charge diffusion length, and more powerful photo-reduction/-oxidation ability than that of the bulk counterparts. The heptazine-based crystalline carbon nitride, named poly(heptazine imide) (PHI), is a polymer semiconductor being extensively investigated in the past decade. PHI nanosheets have demonstrated the superiority in photocatalytic reactions over bulk PHI, however, the current strategies to derive PHI nanosheets are generally costly, energy-consuming, as well as destructive. Herein, PHI nanosheets are sustainably and mildly synthesized by simply agitation of the bulk PHI in deionized water, which acts as both ion-exchange and stabilization agents. As-prepared PHI nanosheets exhibit significantly improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity than that of the bulk PHI under visible light irradiation. The sustainable and large-scale synthesis of PHI nanosheets was proposed to stimulate the exfoliation research of other 2D materials. [Display omitted] • The sustainable and mild exfoliation of bulk PHI into nanosheets was realized. • The exfoliation of bulk PHI was driven by ion exchange in deionized water. • 4.7-fold enhancement of H 2 evolution was realized in comparison with bulk PHI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of our study involved the treatment of real process wastewater from the production of rayon fiber. During the annual monitoring of the production facility, we performed a mass balance of three problematic sources of process wastewater and analyzed them repeatedly. All three sources showed high values of COD = 0.4–30 g/L, TOC = 0.09–7.1 g/L and the concentration of Zn2+ 0.09–0.5 g/L. At a total volume of 1.84 million m3, this represents a significant pollution source for the Elbe River. At lab-scale, we tested a combination of filtration, microfiltration, and oxidation using the Fenton, electro-assisted Fenton, and the electrochemical oxidation methods, both on the plate and newly developed macroporous BDD electrodes on a ceramic substrate, along with the final adsorption of Zn2+ emissions on the strongly acidic cation exchange resin Lewatit Mono plus S108. It was tested in Na+ and H+ cycles. Using an optimized technological sequence, we have achieved a COD reduction of up to 98%, and a TOC reduction of 85%. During the H+ cycle cation regeneration by sulfuric acid, Zn2+ emissions were converted to zinc sulfate that can be recycled in the spinning bath of the production process. The method was verified at a pilot scale. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study was conducted to evaluate the hydraulic performance of GCL overlaps. • Na-B GCLs consisting of different geotextile combinations were tested. • Test were conducted with saline solutions at 20 to 500 kPa confining stress. • The GCL overlaps permeated with saline solutions had horizontal flow. • The horizontal flow through GCL overlaps reduced at higher confining stress. Hydraulic conductivity of the overlap region of two needle-punched sodium bentonite (Na-B) geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) permeated with CaCl 2 solutions under confining stresses of 20, 100, 250, and 500 kPa were evaluated. One of the GCLs consisted of a uniform layer of Na-B encapsulated between a nonwoven (NW) and a woven (W) geotextile, and the other one consisted of NW geotextiles on both sides. Supplemental bentonite was placed within the overlap region. Experiments were conducted with 10, 20, and 50 mM CaCl 2 solutions representing dilute and aggressive leachates. The results indicate that in most of the scenarios there is a possibility that the flow is not completely vertical (meaning flow passes through the overlap region horizontally). As the confining stress increased, the horizontal flow through the overlap region for GCLs reduced effectively when permeated with deionized water and 10 mM CaCl 2 solution, whereas the reduction of horizontal flow was limited to 20 mM and 50 mM CaCl 2 solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermohydraulic characteristics of microchannel direct liquid cooling were studied. • The influence of axial thermal conduction was considered. • The influence factors of wall temperature uniformity were analyzed. • Effect of swing on thermohydraulic characteristics of microchannels was studied. • Performance factor was defined to evaluate microchannel comprehensive performance. In this paper, the thermohydraulic characteristics of direct liquid cooling in rectangular microchannels were studied under swing condition. Deionized water was used as the coolant. The effects of coolant flow rate, coolant inlet temperature, microchannel equivalent diameter and heating power on the thermohydraulic performances were studied. In addition, the wall temperature uniformity and axial heat conduction effect were discussed. Furthermore, the influence of swing speed on the performances of microchannel direct liquid cooling was studied. The performance factor was defined to evaluate the microchannel comprehensive thermohydraulic performance. The results show that the transition Reynolds number of microchannels with equivalent diameters of 0.9–1.6 mm is between 500 and 2000. The wall temperature uniformity is improved with the increase of coolant flow and the decrease of coolant inlet temperature. The axial heat conduction demonstrates a great influence on the microchannels, which accounts for about 40%-50% to the total heat. With the increase of swing speed, the drag coefficient decreases slowly within 4%. Meanwhile, the flow rate should be in 0.14–0.2 L/min to obtain an optimal effect of the performance factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluated the Odanacatib inhibitor treatment on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contamination effect on cathepsin-K mediated dentin degradation by analysis of type I collagen C- and N-termini telopeptides. Pulverized and disks of human dentin were demineralized and LPS contaminated, or stored in deionized water (DW) for 12 h. Samples were challenged with lactic acid (LA). Aliquots of dentin powder were treated with 1 mL Odanacatib or stored in DW for 30 min. Dentin collagen degradation was determined by sub-product release of C-terminal (ICTP and CTX) and N-terminal (NTX) telopeptides, normalized to total protein (tp) concentration (n = 3). Dentin matrix was evaluated for gravimetric (n = 8) and ultrastructural changes. Data were analyzed by Student t -test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 5 %). LA incubation significantly increased telopeptide release compared with DW (p < 0.05). In untreated groups, significantly higher CTXtp, NTXtp telopeptide rates were observed for LA+LPS samples compared with DW (p < 0.01). Odanacatib significantly reduced ICTPtp, CTXtp, and NTXtp telopeptide release for LPS, LA, and LA+LPS conditions. In untreated groups, LPS and LA+LPS challenge significantly increased dentin weight loss (p = 0.02). Within each storage condition, Odanacatib treatment did not affect weight change (p > 0.05) of dentin disks. This study showed that LPS contamination resulted in significantly higher rates of NTX than CTX from dentin matrix. Odanacatib significantly reduced telopeptide release rates of LPS contaminated dentin matrix. • Odanacatib treatment reduces or inhibits dentin type I collagen telopeptide release. • Lipopolysaccharide contamination intensifies cathepsin-K activity. • NTX is a suitable marker for quantification of dentin matrix degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two sodium alginate-based Pb2+-imprinted thermosensitive hydrogels (SPIT (without ɛ-PL) and SPPIT (with ɛ-PL)) were synthesized, with sodium alginate and ɛ-polylysine (ɛ-PL) as the matrix, N-isopropylacrylamide as the monomer. Characterization with differential scanning calorimeter, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the aimed structure of the hydrogels. The adsorption capacity of SPIT and SPPIT for Pb2+ was 98.64 mg/g and 153.49 mg/g, respectively. Washing the Pb2+-loaded adsorbent with 10 °C deionized water, SPIT and SPPIT achieved a desorption efficiency of 94.59 % and 97.51 %, respectively. After 10 cycles of adsorption-desorption process, the adsorption capacity and desorption efficiency remained at about 80–88 % of the original ones, expressing excellent reusability. In a mixture containing eight metal ions (Pb2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cd2+, Na+, K+, Fe3+), the adsorption capacity of SPIT to Pb2+ was 92.49 mg/g, and that of SPPIT was 102.49 mg/g, much higher than that to the other ions (1.50–11.38 mg/g on SPIT, 9.48–27.45 mg/g on SPPIT), showing excellent adsorption selectivity. The introduction of ɛ-PL enhanced the adsorption capacity, antibacterial ability and stability of the hydrogel, ensuring better application potential in real wastewater. • Two Pb2+-imprinted adsorbents were prepared with sodium alginate as the matrix. • The differential scanning calorimeter test confirmed the reversible thermosensitivity of the adsorbents. • Washing with cold water (5-10 °C) could regenerate the Pb2+-loaded adsorbents. • After 10 cycles of reuse, 80–88 % of the adsorption capacity was remained. • The adsorptive selectivity coefficient of adsorbent was up to 33.99. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the measurement of discharge reaction force with respect to the discharge bubble in wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) using the horizontal Hopkinson bar method. Using an RC discharge pulse generator circuit which is of the single pulse control functionality, independent discharges are ignited in the gap between the wire electrode and end face of the Hopkinson bar while deionized water is continuously flushed. The reaction force acting on the Hopkinson bar from a single discharge was measured without the interference of subsequent discharges. The peak value of measured discharge reaction force reached several Newtons level in both finishing and roughing. The waveform patterns of discharge reaction force in WEDM were found to be significantly different from that in sinking EDM. The first peak of the force acting on the Hopkinson bar was found to be equivalent to the force acting on the wire electrode based on the observation of the interelectrode gap using a high-speed camera. Moreover, the influences of different discharge conditions on the force were investigated. • Discharge reaction force generated from a single discharge using Hopkinson bar method was measured in WEDM. • Force peak reaches several Newtons. • First peak timing and discharge duration were studied. • Comparison between finishing and roughing of the force peak is given. • Influences of gap width and discharge polarity on the discharge reaction force are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic particles (Fe 3 O 4 /CIP) in magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) were used as solid-phase catalysts in the heterogeneous Fenton reaction for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of single-crystal SiC. The polishing effect and polishing mechanism were investigated by experiments and polishing debris analysis. The results show that when using H 2 O 2 polishing solution the material removal rate (MRR) was higher and the surface roughness (Ra) was lower at all stages of polishing than using deionized water polishing solution. The MRRs when polishing for 60 min with the deionized water and the H 2 O 2 polishing debris were, respectively, 636.94 nm/h and 1194.27 nm/h (an increase by 87.5%), and the corresponding Ra values were, respectively, 12.445 nm and 4.420 nm (a decrease by 64.5%). From the analysis of the polishing debris after 60 min of polishing, it was found that the H 2 O 2 polishing solution was polished with laminated loose chips, and the main elements of the chips were C, O, and Si, with O element accounting for 38.585 wt%. This indicates that a chemical reaction has occurred on the SiC surface during polishing, generating low hardness and low binding strength SiO 2 , and thus resulting in increased material removal; this phenomenon is confirmed by the profile morphology of SiC wafer by fixed-point polishing. It is shown that the use of Fe 3 O 4 /CIP in MRE as a solid-phase catalyst for the heterogeneous Fenton reaction of polishing SiC can substantially increase the material removal capacity of MRE polishing pads and improve the polishing quality at the same time. • A MRE polishing pad with heterogeneous Fenton reaction was provided. • Magnetic particles in MRE were used as solid-phase catalysts in the heterogeneous Fenton reaction for CMP. • The material removal model for polishing single-crystal SiC with MRE polishing pads was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two hybrid regeneration methods are proposed for absorption system. • Both charge efficiency and refrigerant purity are enhanced in hybrid systems. • Models are developed to evaluate and optimize the performance of hybrid systems. • Operating parameters are optimized to achieve the optimum system performance. • The hybrid regeneration methods improve the system COP by around 30%. Absorption air-conditioning system is considered as sustainable but its performance is limited by the low efficiency of conventional thermal boiling method. This study proposes two hybrid regeneration methods: one combines capacitive deionization (CDI) and solar steam (SS) process for regeneration, the other combines CDI and reverse osmosis (RO) process for regeneration. These two regeneration methods can overcome the inherent limitation of conventional absorption system. Absorbent is regenerated by electrosorption and refrigerant is obtained by solar interfacial evaporation or water permeation, which circumvents the inefficient separation of thermal boiling method. The processes of new systems have been designed. Models have been established to evaluate and optimize system performance and experiments have been conducted to acquire the corresponding performance indexes. Based on models and experimental results, the influence of some key parameters has been revealed. For CDI-SS system, a real-time control strategy has been developed to achieve its optimum performance. For CDI-RO system, the optimum inlet concentration of RO regenerator has been determined from energy and economic viewpoints. Both systems exhibit a better performance than conventional absorption system. Compared with CDI-SS system, CDI-RO system has advantages in operation and application but its COP is lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low capacity, poor rate capability and sluggish kinetics limit the practical application of carbonaceous materials. Heteroatom doping is an effective method to regulate the intrinsic property and improve electrochemical reactivity of carbon-based materials. Herein, we prepare N/O co-doped porous carbon nanofibers (N/O–PCNF) with large surface area and high heteroatom doping for sodium ion batteries. The excellent electrochemical performance of optimized N/O–PCNF sample is due to high diffusion coefficient and low charge transfer resistance during the sodiation/desodiation process. Kinetic analysis reveals that the capacitive behaviors play an important role in sodium storage performance of N/O–PCNF sample. Moreover, density functional theory calculations further demonstrate that N/O co-doping can promote the adsorption capacity of sodium ions, and provide theoretical guidance for the excellent sodium storage performance of the electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC)-based extrafibrillar demineralization conditioner on dentin bonding durability and explore the possible mechanisms. The SCMC-based extrafibrillar demineralization conditioner was facilely developed by dissolving SCMC into deionized water at an appropriate concentration. A single layer collagen mineralization/demineralization model was designed to visualize extrafibrillar demineralization in detail. Dentin surfaces of human third molars were conditioned with 3 % SCMC or 37 % phosphoric acid (PA). The morphology, composition, and mechanical properties of conditioned dentin from each group were characterized. To evaluate dentin bonding performance, SCMC- and PA- conditioned dentin were applied with adhesive restoration using the dry-bonding technique. The microtensile bond strength (MTBS), interface nanoleakage, and in situ zymography were measured after 24 h of water storage, 10,000 thermocycles, or one month of collagenase aging. The inhibitory effect of SCMC on recombinant human matrix metalloproteinase-2 (rhMMP-2) and cell toxicity were also investigated. After SCMC conditioning, both demineralization of extrafibrillar minerals and retention of intrafibrillar minerals were observed in the single layer collagen model and the dentin ultrastructure. The mechanical properties of SCMC-conditioned dentin were largely preserved. Compared with PA, SCMC conditioning produced greater MTBS values and less nanoleakage expression after aging. Endogenous gelatinolytic activity was suppressed in SCMC-conditioned dentin. In addition to being nontoxic, the inhibition of rhMMP-2 by SCMC was confirmed to be dose-dependent. From the perspective of minimal intervention, the SCMC-based extrafibrillar demineralization conditioner could improve dentin bonding durability, suggesting a promising strategy to extend the service life of adhesive restorations. [Display omitted] • 3 % SCMC could demineralize extrafibrillar minerals while preserve intrafibrillar minerals. • The adhesive-dentin bonding durability was enhanced by SCMC as an extrafibrillar demineralization conditioner. • SCMC exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on rhMMP-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of high-entropy carbides in bulk quantities and in powder form via simple methods at relatively low temperature is challenging. Here, we report the first synthesis of (ZrTiTaNbMo)C high-entropy carbide (HEC) powders via magnesiothermic reduction process. In this, a mixture of individual metallic oxides, graphite and magnesium is treated at a temperature of 1350 °C under Ar atmosphere. The (ZrTiTaNbMo)C powders are obtained after acid leaching, deionized water cleaning and drying process, and synthesized powders shows single-phase face-centered cubic (fcc) structure with the oxygen content of only 0.35 wt% and particle-size range of 5–60 µm. Such powders are in potential demand for additive manufacturing techniques, while high dense HEC bulk ceramic is fabricated by hot pressing sintering using ball-milled HEC powders in preliminary researches. The successful synthesis of (ZrTiTaNbMo)C powders may guide the way towards synthesis of many other high-entropy carbide powders via magnesiothermic reduction process. • Magnesiothermic reduction was used to prepare single-phase (ZrTiTaNbMo)C powders. • The oxygen content of (ZrTiTaNbMo)C powders was as low as 0.35 wt%. • As-prepared (ZrTiTaNbMo)C powders possessed high compositional uniformity. • High dense (ZrTiTaNbMo)C bulk ceramic with hardness of 22.0 ± 1.7 GPa was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-SiAlON–Si 3 N 4 composite ceramics were prepared by varying β-SiAlON content in the raw material and the content effect on the sintering, phase, microstructure and bacteriostatic properties of the resultant ceramics are studied. It was found that the main crystal phase was determined to be β-Si 3 N 4. With an increase of the content of β-SiAlON, the crystal phase changed from α to β, the sintering became denser, the bulk density and compressive strength increased, the porosity decreased gradually. When the β-SiAlON content reached 30 wt%, the optimal properties were observed for a ceramic prepared (bulk density of 2.63 g/cm3, porosity of 17.35%, and compressive strength of 1093 MPa). Ion release, chemical erosion and bacteriostatic testing showed that ammonia nitrogen was released from the ceramics in deionized water, which inhibits the proliferation of bacteria. Finally, the antibacterial mechanism of β-SiAlON–Si 3 N 4 composite ceramics was proposed. The β-SiAlON–Si 3 N 4 composite ceramics prepared in this study show potential for future application in the field of biological bacteriostasis as a bone substitute material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]