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Coinage metal nanoparticles with high dispersion can serve as highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts. However, owing to their low melting point, poor thermal stability remains a major obstacle towards their application under reaction conditions. It is a common practice to use porous inorganic templates such as mesoporous silica SBA-15 to disperse Ag nanoparticles (NPs) against aggregation but their stability is far from satisfactory. Here, we show that the catalytic activity for hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate (DMO) to methyl glycolate (MG) over Ag NPs dispersed on SBA-15 silica can be further promoted by incorporation of alkali metal ions at small loading, which follows the inverse order of their cationic size: Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+. Among these, 5Ag1–Li0.05/SBA-15 can double the MG yield compared to pristine 5Ag/SBA-15 under identical conditions with superior thermal stability. Akin to the effect of an ionic surfactant on stabilization of a micro-emulsion, the cationic charge of an alkali metal ion can maintain dispersion and modulate the surface valence of Ag NPs. Interstitial Li in the octahedral holes of the face center packed Ag lattice is for the first time confirmed by X-ray pair distribution function and electron ptychography. It is believed that this interstitial-stabilization of coinage metal nanoparticles could be broadly applicable to multi-metallic nanomaterials for a broad range of C–O bond activating catalytic reactions of esters., Coinage metal nanoparticles with high dispersion can serve as highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts.

The sulfate ions immobilization behavior of calcined layered double hydroxides (CLDHs) in the hardened cement paste was investigated. The experimental results show that the sulfate ions in cement paste are immobilized by CLDHs to reconstruct the layered structure and aggregate around CLDHs. The immobilization amount of sulfate ions by CLDHs reaches 4.74×10-3 mol/g, while the increasing amount indicates non-linear relation with the addition of CLDHs. The incorporation of CLDHs decreases the amount of ettringite formed to limit the expansion of cement paste, which decays the sulfate reaction to enhance the sulfate resistance of concrete.

A novel graphene-bridged SrTiO3 (STO) thin film loaded on the glass was fabricated using a facile sol-gel method followed by the dip-coating and spin-coating method. As-prepared STO film and GO/STO film were tested by XRD, SEM to identify the composition and surface morphology. The as-prepared thin film catalyst was employed to degrade methylene blue (MB) in water under near ultraviolet ray irradiation. Compared to pure STO, GO/STO prepared by dip-coating method displayed good photocatalytic degradation efficiency with 58% removal of MB (60 mL, 5mg/L) in 6.0 h, the GO/STO prepared by spin-coating method displayed more superior degradation efficiency with 94% removal of MB (60 mL,5mg/L) in 6.0 h. The influences of MB volume and the different methods were also investigated in details. The enhanced photocatalytic activities could be attributed to the suppression of charge recombination, high specific surface area and great adsorption capability of GO/STO. This work provides a promising approach to construct novel film GO/STO with high stability and photodegradation efficiency that can be applied in efficient treatment pollutants in wastewater.

To facilitate the pre-estimation and optimization of the prescription design of a multi-component polymer bonded explosive (PBX), a multicomponent mesoscopic reaction rate model (MC-DZK model) is developed to predicate preferably the influence of both the explosive components and the particle size of on the shock initiation. All the parameters in the model are determined directly by the parameters in the DZK model for each explosive component. Furthermore, for the multicomponent insensitive explosive PBXC10 (70% TATB, 25% HMX, and 5% Kel-F800 by weight) with different explosive particle sizes, both shock initiation experiments and corresponding numerical simulations are performed, and there is satisfactory agreement between the numerical results and the available experimental data. It is found that the pressure histories present as a shape of step increase during the whole shock initiation process, which is resulted mainly from the rapid chemical reaction rate just behind the precursory shock wave front. It is also found that the smaller the size of the explosive particulates, the faster the pressure grows on the precursory shock wave front, the shorter the run distance to detonation, and the higher the chemical reaction rate just behind the precursory shock wave front.

In this work, novel geopolymer-alginate-chitosan composites were synthesized from metakaolin geopolymer and mixtures of sodium alginate solution and chitosan for direct removal of Pb from wastewater. The results show that the equilibrium adsorption capacity of the composites for Pb removal was as high as 120.45–142.67 mg/g at pH 5 and 25 °C, and the adsorption kinetics can be described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model. The composites preserved a crystal structure of hydrocerussite (Pb-rich phase) after adsorption. Pb2+ was attracted intensely by the functionalities from alginate-chitosan and then immobilized crystallization between OH− from geopolymer and dissolved CO2 from the air.

Mononuclear platinum(II) complex trans-Pt(PPh3)2(CCC6H4SMe-4)2 (1-Pt) and its derivatives [PtM(dppm)2(CCC6H4SMe-4)2]+ (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane; M = Au, 2-PtAu; Ag, 2-PtAg; Cu, 2-PtCu) with “mono-gating” metal ions and [PtM2(dpmp)2(CCC6H4SMe-4)2]2+ (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphine; M = Au, 3-PtAu2; Ag, 3-PtAg2) with “dual-gating” metal ions were elaborately designed to modulate the conductance in platinum(II) bis(σ-acetylide) complexes through “gating” d10 metal ions. The single-molecule conductance measurements by the STM-BJ technique demonstrate that the conductance follows 10−4.5 (1-Pt) > 10−4.8 (2-PtAu) > 10−4.9 (2-PtAg) > 10−5.0 (2-PtCu) > 10−5.1 (3-PtAu2) > 10−5.3 (3-PtAg2) G0. Undoubtedly, charge transport along the platinum(II) bis(σ-acetylide) backbone is progressively restricted by introducing one to two “gating” M ions to the mononuclear platinum(II) molecule. As revealed by X-ray crystallography, the “gating” d10 metal ion is substantially bound to the acetylide and in fact the M–acetylide bonding is progressively enhanced in the order Au–Cacetylide → Ag–Cacetylide → Cu–Cacetylide, which coincides with a progressive decrease in the conductance as 10−4.8 (2-PtAu) > 10−4.9 (2-PtAg) > 10−5.0 (2-PtCu) G0. The M–acetylide coordination blocks the charge transport along the platinum(II) bis(σ-acetylide) backbone so that the d10 metal ion behaves as a resistor to suppress the conductance. Theoretical studies confirm that the “gating” metal ions control the HOMO energy, which is lowered by the increased d orbital contribution of “gating” metal ions through Pt–M interactions.

Due to the low hydration activity and poor volume stability, extensive steel slag utilization is restricted. In this paper, the hydration process and microstructure of alkali-activated materials with steel slag as a cementitious material and fine aggregate were studied. The phase composition and micro-morphology of hydration products were measured using XRD, NMR and SEM. The response relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties during hydration was revealed. The results show that the main hydration products of the alkali-activated steel slag powder-granulated blast furnace slag powder cementitious system are Ca(OH)2 and calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gel. With the progress of hydration, the amount of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel and the average molecular chain length increase, Al[4]/Si decreases, while C/S increases first and then decreases, and the structure of cement paste becomes much more compact. The interface between steel slag sand and cement paste is denser than that of river sand, since the hydration occurs on the surface of steel slag sand, which leads to the formation of C-A-S-H gel and Ca(OH)2. As a result, the compressive strength of concrete prepared by steel slag sand is higher than that of river sand with the same mix proportion.

Geopolymer is considered as a new generation of green building materials. However, metakaolin (MK) based geopolymers are prone to burst and lose mechanical strength after high temperature exposures. The high temperature gradient between the inner parts and outer surfaces of geopolymer is the main factor affecting its properties. In this work, the introduction of graphene oxide (GO) provides feasibility for improving the thermal stability of geopolymer. The optimal dispersion conditions of GO were determined and the prepared GO modified geopolymer was exposed to high temperature. The high temperature properties of geopolymer were described by measuring its surface morphology, compressive strength and linear shrinkage. The microstructure and phase transition of GO-MK geopolymer were explored by XRD, SEM, FT-IR and TG tests, and finally, the strengthening mechanism of GO was discussed. The results show that methanol is beneficial for stable dispersion of GO in alkaline environment. The addition of well-dispersed GO can accelerate the geopolymerization process and effectively prevent the development of cracks caused by thermal stress, thus improving the thermal stability of geopolymer. After high temperature exposure, the residual strength of the GO modified geopolymer was significantly higher than that of the control sample. The compressive strength of the modified geopolymer could reach to 25 MPa at 600 °C, which is 25% higher than that of the unmodified sample.

Zn2.4Ni0.6AlxFe1-xO4.5±δ catalysts were prepared by co-precipitation, tested in auto-thermal reforming (ATR) of acetic acid (HAc), and characterized by XRD, H2-TPR, BET and XPS. The Zn2.4Ni0.6Al0.5Fe0.5O4.5±δ catalyst presented a better performance in ATR of HAc. The HAc conversion and hydrogen yield remained stable at 100% and 2.39 mol-H2/mol-HAc, respectively. The characterization results indicated that the better performance can be attributed to the addition of Fe, which was helpful to increase surface area and formation of FeNiZn alloy after reduction, while resistance to oxidation and coking was improved as well.

Carbonation resistance of fly ash blended concrete incorporating LDHs was investigated. X-ray diffraction, IR-spectroscopy and thermal analysis were employed to characterize the component and structural changes of LDHs and cement paste before and after carbonation. Carbonation depths were assessed using the TG-DSC method combining the results obtained from phenolphthalein indicator. The presence of C O as a basis for determining the presence of CaCO3 was detected using IR-spectroscopy. The relationships between pH values of pore solution and carbonation depth were discussed. The experimental results show that LDHs can catch CO2 and fix them in concrete. LDHs, especially the calcined LDHs, enhances the carbonation resistance of concrete. Test results of TG-DSC indicate that there exists a sharp carbonation boundary. The TG-DSC result uncovers that the carbonation depth is twice of that determined by phenolphthalein indicator. A linear relationship was found between the carbonation depth and pH values of pore solution.

Aim To investigate the mechanism of hepatoprotection conferred by liver fibrosis through evaluating the activation phenotype of kupffer cells. Methods Control and fibrotic mice were challenged with a lethal dose of D-GalN/lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and hepatic damage was assessed by histology, serum alanine transferase (ALT) levels, and hepatic expression of HMGB1, a potent pro-inflammatory mediator. The localization of F4/80 (a surrogate marker of KCs), HMGB1, and type I collagen (Col-1) was determined by immunofluorescence staining. The phenotype of KCs was characterized by real-time PCR. KCs isolated from control or fibrotic mice were challenged with LPS or HMGB1 peptide, and HMGB1 translocation was analyzed. Results Liver fibrosis protected mice against D-GalN/LPS challenge, as shown by improved hepatic histology and reduced elevation of ALT compared with the normal mice treated in the same way. This hepatoprotection was also accompanied by inhibition of HMGB1 expression in the liver. Co-localization of F4/80, HMGB1, and Col-1 was found in fibrotic livers, indicating the close relationship between KCs, HMGB1 and liver fibrosis. KCs isolated from fibrotic mice predominantly exhibited an M2-like phenotype. In vitro experiments showed that HMGB1 was localized in the nucleus of the majority of M2-like KCs and that the translocation of HMGB1 was inhibited following stimulation with LPS or HMGB1 peptide, while both LPS and HMGB1 peptide elicited translocation of intranuclear HMGB1 in KCs isolated from the control mice. Conclusion M2-like Kupffer cells in fibrotic liver may exert a protective effect against acute insult by inhibiting the translocation of HMGB1.

In this work, new foamed thermal insulation geopolymer composite based on polystyrene particles (PP) and metakaolin was developed. Compressive strength, flexural strength, high temperature resistance and microstructure were evaluated. The experimental results show that compressivestrengthand flexural strength of the thermal insulation geopolymer composite decrease with increasing polystyrene particle content. However, it still exhibits considerable and sufficient strength. The dry density and thermal conductivityalso decrease as polystyrene particle content increases due to the contribution of polystyrene particles with low density. The floatation of the thermal insulation geopolymer composite on water surface indicates the relatively low density and a good quadratic function relationship can be found between thermal conductivity and dry density. Furthermore, the dense interfacial transition zone indicates the high compressive strength and flexural strength of thermal insulation geopolymer composites. The cumulative intrusion volume corresponding to the porosity decreases and the critical pore diametersshift to lower values with addition of polystyrene particles. Geopolymer composites gain strength after exposure around 400 °C, and it suffers dramatic strength loss after 800 °C temperature exposure especially for the 100% polystyrene particles addition specimen.

To explore the roles of mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) in cumulus cells (CCs), human CCs were cultured in vitro, and the UCP2 was inhibited by treatment with Genipin, a special UCP inhibitor, or by RNA interference targeting UCP2. No significant differences in adenosine triphosphate levels and the ratio of ADP/ATP were observed after UCP2 inhibition. UCP2 inhibition caused a significant increase in cellular oxidative damage, which was reflected in alterations to several key parameters, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels and the ratio of reduced GSH to GSSG. UCP2 blocking resulted in an obvious increase in active Caspase-3, accompanied by the decline of proactive Caspase-3 and a significant increase in the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, suggesting that UCP2 inhibition triggered cellular apoptosis and autophagy. The mRNA and protein expression of connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction channel protein, were significantly reduced after treatment with Genipin or siRNA. The progesterone level in the culture medium was also significantly decreased after UCP2 inhibition. Our data indicated that UCP2 plays highly important roles in mediating ROS production and regulating apoptosis and autophagy, as well as maintaining gap junction integrity and progesterone synthesis, which suggests that UCP2 is involved in the regulation of follicle development and early embryo implantation and implies that it might serve as a potential biomarker for oocyte quality and competency.

This paper aims to investigate the durability related performances of geopolymer composite materials that synthesized by alkali activation of metakaolin (MK) with reinforcement of wollastonite (WS), tremolite (TR) and short basalt fiber (SBF). The resulting geopolymer composites were exposed to sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) solutions (concentration 5–20%) and sodium chloride (NaCl) solution (concentration 5–20%). The compressive strengths, morphological evolution, microstructure and pore structure of the geopolymer composite specimens were examined to evaluate their durability performance. The result showed that the mix of a MK with addition of 5% WS, 5% TR, and 2% SBF exhibits the highest compressive strength in the studied range of mixture design. The compressive strength of geopolymer composites decreased with increasing of the concentration of Na2SO4 and NaCl solutions, and with the extension of exposure period as well. The average pores size of geopolymer shifted from 22 nm to 92 nm after the sulfate exposure, and the total porosity also increased. This is in agreement with the compressive strength development. The findings of this study suggest that reinforcement by mineral particles and fibers is an effective approach to increase the compressive strength of geopolymer; and it is also beneficial to the enhancement of the resistance to sulfate and chloride attack.

The intrinsic morphology and basal plane defects on g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet have important influences on its electronic structures and photocatalytic activity. In this work, we report extending thermal treatment time of g-C 3 N 4 at 550 °C not only change the morphology of g-C 3 N 4 but also element composition of g-C 3 N 4 . The morphology variation results in largely increased SSA from 40.22 to 117.27 m 2 g −1 , obviously reduced pore size from 3.99 to 2.77 nm for g-C 3 N 4 and formation of in-plane holes. Moreover, composition variation of g-C 3 N 4 has also been found to have changed as the pyrolysis time extended. These changes have significant impact on the optical properties and photoelectrical characters of g-C 3 N 4 , which were investigated by UV-DSR, PL and Photocurrent measurement. The photocatalytic activity of g-C 3 N 4 obtained via 9 h thermal treatment at 550 °C has shown highest photocatalytic activity, which is 1.77 times than that of g-C 3 N 4 obtained via 3 h thermal treatment under visible irradiation and 1.99 times under UV irradiation respectively.

Two new triterpenoids, named kadsuricoccins A and B, together with three known ones, were isolated from the Li folk herb Heilaohu, the stems of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith, which was used for food and as a healthy supplement. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data. To search healthy components, an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity test by Ellman&rsquo, s Method was conducted, kadsuricoccins A and B showed activity with the AChE inhibit index (AII) up to 68.96% &plusmn, 0.19% and 57.8% &plusmn, 0.11% at 94 nM (compared with positive control tacrine AII 79.80% &plusmn, 0.20%, 9.4 nM), respectively.

Background The specific disease, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a common pregnancy-complication. However, there are no indications for ICP in the domestic licenced drugs for protecting the liver and reducing bile acid levels, which are often based on evidence-based medicine or evidence-based pharmacy to select drugs that have been used during pregnancy and have no teratogenic evidence. Methods By analyzing the drug use (Reduced glutathione for injection, Inosine injection and Ursodeoxycholic acid tablets) and the allergic reactions in the clinical practice in a rare patient with hepatic disorders in third trimester of pregnancy, in order to remind clinicians that in the course of using hepatoprotective and bile acid-lowering drugs, their current clinical practice was not always safety. Especially when using two or more hepatoprotective drugs, should pay more attention to whether it will aggravate the risk of adverse reactions or even allergic reactions. Results Based on the literature reports and the corresponding drug instructions, it is concluded that all three drugs might cause allergic reactions, but there are few reports of allergic reactions caused by ursodeoxycholic acid tablets. So far, there have been no reports of two allergic reactions for three drugs in the same patient in a short period. In this case, we judged that the first allergic reaction was caused by reduced glutathione for injection, and the second allergic reaction was caused by inosine injection, but the combination of ursodeoxycholic acid tablets may aggravate the allergic reaction. Conclusions 1. Reduced glutathione for injection may lead to severe allergic reactions in women in the third trimester of pregnancy. 2. Ursodeoxycholic acid tablets may aggravate the risk of allergic reactions for inosine injection when combined with both drugs is used to protect liver and reduce bile acid levels in women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) has risen and drawn more and more attention of the researchers duo to its excellent photocatalytic activity based on the anisotropic charge transport theory. In this work, we first produced the regular polyhedral single-crystalline SrTiO3 particles with multiple crystal facets exposing include the {1 0 0}, {1 1 0} and {1 1 1} by one-step hydrothermal method. This SrTiO3 exhibited improved photocatalytic activity compared with that only exposing {1 0 0} crystal facet. Simultaneously, the SrTiO3 crystal growing process had been discussed. The single-crystalline SrTiO3 particles may provide a new basic material for the SrTiO3 application in photocatalysis.

This work aims to verify the feasibility and broaden the application of utilizing acicular microfiber sepiolite to make reinforced geopolymer composites. Compressive strength, flexural strength and microstructure of fly ash-metakaolin (MK) geopolymer activated by sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions blended with 0–20% sepiolite by mass with an interval of 5% were investigated. The experimental results reveal that sepiolite exhibits little effect on compressive strength before 3 days of curing. After 7 days, the addition of up to 10% sepiolite improves compressive strength, however, a further increase in the sepiolite leads to decrease in strength. Similarly, up to 10% sepiolite addition exhibits improving effect on flexural strength regardless of days of curing. With the increasing addition levels of sepiolite up to 10%, compact matrix can be observed compared to the reference geopolymers. Some crack can still be observed in specimen containing 20% sepiolite as compared to specimens containing 10% sepiolite. For geopolymer containing 10% sepiolite, cumulative intrusion volume corresponding to the porosity decreases. Further addition of sepiolite enlarges the cumulative intrusion volume and shifts the most probable pore diameters to higher values. The results from mechanical properties and microstructure observation are compatible. This work indicates that the optimal replacement of sepiolite in geopolymer is not exceeding 15%, and sepiolite is beneficial for compressive and flexural strength as well as pore refinement and denser microstructure. It will broaden the application of sepiolite in geopolymer composites.

This study aims to broaden the application of iron ore tailing (IOT) in geopolymer. Fresh properties, residual strength, mass loss and microstructure evolution of geopolymer prepared by using fly ash as starting material blended with IOT and activated by sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions were investigated after exposure to 3 and 7 heat-cooling thermal cycles at different target heating temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C and 800 °C when fly ash was partially replaced by IOT at levels ranging from 0% to 30% with an interval of 10%, by weight. The experimental results uncover that IOT addition influences the workability and setting time of geopolymer especially when more than 20% of IOT is added. Under the effects of thermal cycles, the compressive strength decreases significantly especially after 7 thermal cycles. The loss in compressive strength increases as the cycle target temperature increases from 200 °C to 800 °C. The presence of IOT evidently improves the thermal resistance of geopolymer with the replacement level of IOT less than 30%. The reduced Ca(OH) 2 and the associated formation of additional C-S-H evidences the role of IOT in the formation of C-S-H and supports the results of the increasing compressive strength. Replacing of fly ash with 20% IOT leads to a reduction of the porosity and microcrackings which results in much denser microstructure. Surface Vickers-hardness of geopolymer has also been optimized by IOT addition regardless of exposure target temperature.

This work aims to verify the feasibility of utilizing sawdust in geopolymer to make reinforced composites and broaden application of sawdust in geopolymer. Fresh properties including workability and setting time, density, nailing ability, drying shrinkage, mechanical strength and microstructure of fly ash geopolymer activated by sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions blended with 0–20% of sawdust by mass with an interval of 5% were investigated. The experimental results uncover that sawdust addition influences the workability of geopolymer. The sawdust content is inversely proportional to the setting time and a good linear relation is found between density and sawdust content. Sawdust is beneficial for the resistance to cracking and drying shrinkage especially the later ages. Sawdust exhibits little effect on compressive strength before 14 days of curing and it possesses positive effect after 28 days. 5% of sawdust addition exhibits little effect on flexural strength regardless of days of curing. The flexural strength increases with increasing content of sawdust. With the increasing addition levels of sawdust, the porosity decreases and compact matrix can be observed. Sawdust addition leads to the formation of an optimal microstructure. The results from mechanical properties and microstructure observation are compatible.

This study aims to investigate the effects of nano-TiO 2 addition on properties of fluidized bed fly ash based geopolymer. Compressive strength, drying shrinkage, carbonation and microstructure of fluidized bed fly ash based geopolymer incorporating nano-TiO 2 were reported. Geopolymer specimens were prepared by alkali activation of fluidized bed fly ash in sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions and were cured in microwave radiation environment plus a heat curing period. Properties for geopolymer with and without nano-TiO 2 were assessed and compared. The experimental results reveal that the addition of TiO 2 enhances both the early and later age compressive strength of geopolymer with the increasing content of nano-TiO 2 . The strength enhancement effect of nano-TiO 2 on geopolymer is more obviously when 5% nano-TiO 2 is introduced at 28-day. Microstructure analysis uncovers that the addition of nano-TiO 2 promotes the formation of geopolymer and results in compact microstructure with less cracks. The incorporation of nano-TiO 2 particles improves the carbonation resistance and reduces the drying shrinkage of geopolymer.

Mast cells in the gut play an important role in the innate and adaptive immune responses that are relevant to human inflammatory bowel disease. However, the contribution of mast cells to the development of inflammatory bowel disease is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the role of mast cells in oxazolone-induced colitis and to explore whether the mast cell membrane stabiliser tranilast could ameliorate colonic inflammation.Wild-type rats and mast cell-deficient rats were sensitised and challenged with oxazolone, then treated with tranilast after challenge. Controls were treated with saline.Mast cell-deficient rats presented a weak response to oxazolone, while wild-type rats showed severe ulcerative colitis after stimulation with oxazolone. The mast cell-deficient rats model had a significantly lower disease activity index score than wild-type rats model (1.8±1.64 vs. 8.3±0.58 respectively; P0.01). Tranilast could reduce the secretion of cytokines, immunoglobulins and myeloperoxidase activity in tranilast treatment groups compared with the model group. The number of mast cells in the wild-type model was higher than in the other groups. There was no significant change in mast cell-deficient rats.Mast cells play an important role in oxazolone-induced colitis. The mast cell membrane stabiliser tranilast can ameliorate oxazolone-induced colitis via a mast cell-dependent pathway.

This work aims to investigate compressive strength changes, Vickers-hardness of exposed surface, microstructure evolution and pore structure of geopolymer prepared using fly ash as resource material and activated by sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions after exposed to sulfate attack for 28, 90 and 180 days when fly ash was partially replaced by metakaolin at levels ranging from 0% to 20% with an interval of 5%, by weight. The experimental results uncover that geopolymer suffers strength loss after sulfate attack exposure but gains strength with increasing replacement level of fly ash by metakaolin from 5% to 20% and obvious increasing in compressive strength could be observed when the replacement percentage exceeds 15%. The sulfate attack exposure shifts the peak value of pore size to a higher value and leads to the development of a macropore system with high porosity and deduction of surface Vickers-hardness. A denser microstructure with higher surface Vickers-hardness of metakaolin containing geopolymer can be obtained compared to geopolymer without metakaolin. A good linear relationship has been found between compressive strength loss and Vickers-hardness values of exposed surface. Compressive strength loss in geopolymer after sulfate attack exposure relates to the microcrack development and high porosity. Longer exposure leads to higher deduction in compressive strength and acceleration in deterioration degree which lead to expansion stress and cracks. Partial replacement of fly ash by metakaolin improves the mechanical properties, optimizes the microstructure and reduces the level of damage from sulfate attack.

All solid explosives in practical use are more or less porous. Although it is known that the change in porosity affects the shock sensitivity of solid explosives, the effect of small changes in porosity on the sensitivity needs to be determined for safe and efficient use of explosive materials. In this study, the influence of a small change in porosity on shock initiation and the subsequent detonation growth process of a plastic-bonded explosive PBXC03, composed of 87% cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX), 7% triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB), and 6% Viton by weight, are investigated by shock to detonation transition experiments. Two explosive formulations of PBXC03 having the same initial grain sizes pressed to 98 and 99% of theoretical mass density (1.873 g/cm3) respectively are tested using the in situ manganin piezoresistive pressure gauge technique. Numerical modeling of the experiments is performed using an ignition and growth reactive flow model. Reasonable agreement with the experimental results ...

This work aims to examine the impact of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on mechanical properties and microstructure of fly ash (FA) based geopolymer. Different schemes were proposed to prepare GO/rGO-geopolymer composites. The chemical composition, microstructure and hydration degree of GO/rGO modified geopolymer were characterized by using FTIR, XRD, DTG, SEM, XPS and BET. The experimental results show that GO/rGO changes the microstructural composition and pore diameter distribution of geopolymer. The increased average electron binding energy of the tetrahedron of [AlSiO4]− or [AlSi3O8]− leads to the acceleration of geopolymerization process. The decreased average pore volume and porosity confirms that GO/rGO accelerates the dissolution and hydration process of FA microspheres. GO and rGO exhibit different efficiency in promoting the hydration degree of geopolymer, which may be due to different functional groups and dispersion efficiency. Meanwhile, the flexural strength changes with addition of GO/rGO, which increases by 25% for the use of 0.30 wt% GO and 10% for the use of 0.10 wt% rGO. In general, GO and rGO are promising to promote the hydration of FA and increase the mechanical strength of geopolymer.

This work aims to investigate the sulfate resistance of geopolymer composites prepared by alkali activation of metakaolin (MK) and reinforced with polypropylene fiber (PP), polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) and wollastonite (WS). Compressive and flexural strength were measured to determine the optimum mix proportion of the composites. The sulfate resistance properties were evaluated by strength loss, mass loss, microstructure and pore structure changes after sulfate exposure. The experimental results show that the two groups containing 1% of PP + 1% of PVA and 2% of PVA +15% of WS, respectively, exhibit the highest compressive strength and flexural strength compared to non-reinforced mixtures. After sulfate exposure, the decreased compressive strength and mass loss are correlated to the concentration of sulfate and exposure period. In the simulated extreme marine environment, the deterioration of composites induced by high concentration of sulfate after 28 days of exposure reaches to the maximum level or a threshold. The average pore size and porosity increase after the sulfate exposure. The role of fibers in mechanical properties and microstructure after sulfate exposure were also investigated. The uses of hybrid organic fiber and inorganic mineral microfiber reinforcement are effective to enhance the resistance to sulfate attack.

Rubrene:MoO3 mixed films(in 1:1 wt ratio) were deposited on quartz substrates using the thermal evaporation technique and the absorption spectrum of the mixed film was measured. The results demonstrate that the mixed film shows intensively absorption at the near-infrared region(∼930 nm) which indicates that the interaction between Rubrene and MoO3 is intensively and induced intermediate level in the band gap of Rubrene and formed charge-transfer complex(CTC). Furthermore, the type of transition is direct allowed transition according to the measurement of optical band gap. To further analysis the affection of MoO3 to Rubrene, the Rubrene:MoO3 films with different proportion of MoO3 were also prepared using the thermal evaporation technique. The absorption spectrum of the mixed films was measured and the results demonstrate that the interaction between Rubrene and MoO3 is enhancing with the concentration of MoO3 increasing and the energy needed by the transition of electrons is decreasing. The near-infrared photo-detection device based on Rubrene:MoO3 film was fabricated. The current-voltage(I–V) characteristic of the device was measured and the results demonstrate that under 5 V bias, the infrared detector exhibits an I photo / I dark ratio of ∼8 under a 940 nm light illumination with a light intensity of 0.5 W·c m − 2 .

In this work, the impact of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) on sulfate attack resistance of concrete was explored. Replacement level of cement by calcined Mg-Al-CO3 LDHs was 2%. Mechanism of ion exchange and memory effects of LDHs has been revealed from structure evolution and adsorption behavior aspects of LDHs in aqueous solution. The efficiency of calcined LDHs in sulfate attack resistance was also assessed in terms of microstructure and compressive strength loss of concrete. The experimental results show that structure regeneration of calcined LDHs can be achieved based on memory effect and ion adsorption after mixing with solution. Calcined LDHs presents high sulfate ion adsorption capacity ascribes to the availability of large amounts of vacancy between the layers. The optimal dosage of calcined LDHs for achieving high uptake efficiency of sulfate ion surpasses 3.0 g/L. Langmuir isotherm suits more to describe the adsorption of sulfate ion on calcined LDHs compared with Freundlich model. Thermodynamic parameters calculation indicates the endothermic behavior (the maximum value is obtained at 40 °C) and spontaneous nature of sulfate ion adsorption on the calcined LDHs. Calcined LDHs exhibits improving effect on pore refinement. Calcined LDHs improves concrete strength and therefore enhances sulfate attack resistance especially at longer exposure days.

The change in shock sensitivity of explosives having various explosive grain sizes is discussed. Along with other parameters, explosive grain size is one of the key parameters controlling the macroscopic behavior of shocked pressed explosives. Ignition and growth reactive flow modeling is performed for the shock initiation experiments carried out by using the in situ manganin piezoresistive pressure gauge technique to investigate the influences of the octahydro-1,3,5,7–tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) particle size on the shock initiation and the subsequent detonation growth process for the three explosive formulations of pressed PBXC03 (87% HMX, 7% 1,3,5-trichloro-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB), 6% Viton by weight). All of the formulation studied had the same density but different explosive grain sizes. A set of ignition and growth parameters was obtained for all three formulations. Only the coefficient G1 of the first growth term in the reaction rate equation was varied with the grain size; all other ...

In recent years, nanoparticles have gained more attention when used in separation science. In this study, chitosan-modified silica nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis and zeta potential measurements, etc. When added into the running buffer solution as pseudo-stationary phase in capillary electrophoresis, the separation of four representative auxins, i.e., indole-3-acetic acid, indole butyric acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid, was carried out. Some important factors, such as the nanoparticles concentration, the pH and concentration of the running buffer solution, were also investigated on the separation. Under optimized experimental conditions, all the auxins investigated can be baseline separated within 5 min with higher column performance. The method established can also be used for quantitative analysis. The relative standard deviations obtained for indole-3-acetic acid, indole butyric acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid were in the range of 1.6-5.7% for peak area and 0.53-1.60% for migration time. The calibration curves obtained from the peaks areas for auxins were linear in the range of 0.1-80 mg/L with the correlation coefficients of 0.994-0.999. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) was 11-75 μg/L. The developed method was also successfully used for the determination of auxins in fruits and vegetables samples with good recoveries.

The present study offers an economic synthesis of Al-containing spherical mesoporous Al-MCM-41 material from coal fly ash by one step. The texture and composition of the samples were characterized by XRD, N 2 adsorption, FE-SEM, TEM, FT-IR, and 27 Al MAS NMR. As a catalyst, the effects of ethyl acetate to the diameter and sphericity of the samples have also been investigated. The results show that the sample Al-MCM-41-10 prepared at the amount of ethyl acetate value of 10 mL displays the largest BET surface area (525.0 m 2 /g) and pore volume (0.71 cm 3 /g). Using this material as adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal, the adsorption capacity reaches 277.78 mg/g. The effects of pH, contact time, initial adsorbate concentration and temperature were evaluated by batch of adsorption experiments. Adsorption kinetics and isothermal adsorption studies showed that the pseudo-first-order model and the Langmuir isotherm fitted the experimental data quite well, indicating that the MB adsorption onto Al-MCM-41-10 adsorbent should be monolayer and chemical adsorption with the surface reaction. Thermodynamic analysis indicated an exothermic nature of adsorption and a spontaneous and favorable process. Our present study shows an economic way to treat MB using the industrial solid waste of coal fly ash.

Geopolymer specimens were prepared by combination of fly ash and metakaolin activated by sodium silicate (\({{\rm Na}_{2}{\rm SiO}_{3}}\)) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions. The effect of high temperature on the compressive strength, mass loss and shrinkage of geopolymer cement pastes and ordinary portland cement (OPC) pastes were assessed experimentally. Microstructure formation and development were characterized in terms of pore structure by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results reveal that at temperatures exceeding \({400\,^{\circ}{\rm C}}\) geopolymer cement paste is superior to OPC paste. Firstly, the compressive strength drops rapidly for the OPC paste to practically zero strength at \({600\,^{\circ}{\rm C}}\) , while it drops slowly for the fly ash–metakaolin-based geopolymer cement paste to 46 MPa at \({1000\,^{\circ}{\rm C}}\) . Secondly, while the mass loss increases for the OPC paste, it is maintained at a constant, lower value for the geopolymer cement paste. Thirdly, shrinkage of geopolymer cement paste is at least three times smaller than that of OPC paste.

This study aims to investigate durability and microstructure of fluidized bed fly ash and metakaolin based geopolymer exposed to elevated temperatures and acid attack. Geopolymer specimens were prepared by combination of fly ash and metakaolin activated by sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions and were cured in microwave radiation environment plus a heat curing period. Compressive strength and several key durability parameters for geopolymer and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were assessed and compared. Microstructure formation and development was characterized in terms of morphology and pore structure as well as simulation. The experimental results reveal a dense microstructure of geopolymer compared to OPC. In terms of resistance to the acidic solution and elevated temperatures, geopolymer is superior to OPC as indicated by the relatively lower strength loss and lower mass change. Compressive strength shows a dramatic drop in OPC while geopolymer shows a strength increase after 400 °C. The mass loss curves of geopolymer are similar to OPC, but it shows relatively lower mass loss compared to OPC. The result of saturated water absorption after 28 days curing indicates less water absorption in geopolymer before and after thermal and acid exposure. Durability of geopolymer is demonstrated by monitoring the pore structure.

A new kind of amino-functionalized attapulgite clay nanoparticle adsorbent (ATP@CCS) was fabricated by hydrothermal carbonization of chitosan at a mild temperature and their application for the Methylene Blue (MB) removal from wastewater was studied in this work. Characterization of material was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and zeta potential analysis. The adsorption properties of the ATP@CCS was investigated as a function of pH of solution, ionic strength, contact time, initial concentration of MB and temperature. It is revealed that the composites pretreated in the solution with higher pH value exhibited larger adsorption capacities. The ionic concentration in MB solution slightly impacted the removal of MB by the ATP@CCS composite. Kinetic studies showed that the composites could adsorb MB rapidly and reached the equilibrium in 120 min, the adsorption process followed pseudo second order kinetics and involvement of particle diffusion mechanism. Adsorption isotherms indicated that Langmuir model was more suitable than the Freundlich model for well elucidation of the experimental data, the calculated maximum adsorption capacity could be up to 215.73 mg g −1 at 318.15 K. Moreover, thermodynamic analysis indicated an exothermic nature of adsorption and a spontaneous and favorable process. Regeneration experiments revealed that the ATP@CCS could be regenerated easily and reused for five times without visible loss of its original capacity. The study suggests that the ATP@CCS is a promising adsorbent for removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solution.

A novel coordination polymer, [Pb(1,3-pda)(H2O)]n (1) (1,3-pda = 1,3-phenylenediacetic acid), was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in orthorhombic, space group P212121 with a = 7.3259(7), b = 9.0626(9), c = 16.6368(16) A, C10H10NO5Pb, Mr = 417.37, V = 1104.55(19) A3, Z = 4, Dc = 2.510 g·cm−1, S = 1.069, R = 0.0458, and wR = 0.1155 (I > 2σ(I)). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound 1 is a novel 3D complicated framework resulting from the interweaving of 1D rod-shaped [Pb(COO)2O]n chains and [Pb(pda)]n helical chains. Topological analysis suggests that compound 1 features a uninodal 4-connected sra net with the point symbol of (42.63.8). Solid-state properties, such as photoluminescence and thermal stability of 1, have also been investigated.

Dissolution of cement clinker minerals involves a number of physical and chemical processes, and the simulation of dissolution processes helps to understand cement hydration conveniently. Dissolution model of cement clinker minerals was set up based on simulation theory of geochemical reaction equilibrium, PHREEQC simulation software provided by United States Geological Survey (USGS) was employed for thermodynamic calculation of C-S-H system. Stability of C-S-H system with low Ca/Si ratio at normal temperature was also explored. The results show that many phase assemblages coexist with the aqueous phase depending on its composition. The most stable product varies with different Ca/Si ratio of C-S-H system. Active SiO2 will consume excessive CH, so the Ca/Si ratios of C-S-H system decrease, C-S-H with low Ca/Si ratio becomes the most stable product, and this is the thermodynamic driving force of secondary pozzolanic reaction.

N-octadecane microcapsules phase change materials(MicroPCMs) were prepared by thein-situ polymerization method using n-octadecane as core materials, urea-formaldehyde resin as shellmaterials respectively. Melamine–formaldehyde (MF) microcapsules have been widely applied inmany functional materials. Free formaldehyde content are important safetyfactor determining the survival of the microcapsules during fabrication andapplication. In this study, the formaldehyde content of n-octadecane MicroPCMs decrease to 0.35g/Kg which even lower than the standard EuropeanE3 level (0.6g/Kg) through regulation the synthesis conditions such as urea/formaldehyderatio of weight from 1:2 to 1:1.6, urea batch feeding three times ,curing endpH value to 1.0-1.5,reactive time extend to 4h,addition melamine and PVA.

Our previous study found that glucosylceramide, a type of sphingolipids, was associated with liver inflammation and fibrosis. Glucosylceramide is generated by glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), which is encoded by the UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) gene. GCS is a key enzyme to regulate the physiological activity of cells. However, the role of GCS in hepatic cells remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanism of GCS in the proliferation and apoptosis of liver cells. Following the interference of expression of GCS in vitro by UGCG small interfering (si)RNA, the MTT method was performed to detect the proliferation of HL-7702 hepatocytes, and ELISA was used to determine the concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and cytochrome c in the supernatant of culture system. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the apoptosis of liver cells stained by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the gene expression apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 (Bcl-2), apoptosis regulator Bax (Bax) and caspase-3. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of caspase-3 protein in the liver cells. Following treatment with UGCG siRNA for 24 h, the proliferation of HL-7702 hepatocytes was significantly inhibited when compared with the transfection reagent group. Furthermore, the early and advanced apoptosis of liver cells showed an increasing trend. Additionally, concentrations of TNF α and cytochrome c showed no significant difference between the UGCG siRNA and transfection reagent groups. Compared with the transfection reagent group, Bcl-2 mRNA expression decreased, and Bax and caspase-3 mRNA expression increased in the UGCG siRNA transfection group. The protein expression level of caspase-3 showed increased in hepatocytes following the treatment with UGCG siRNA. In conclusion, the metabolic changes of sphingolipids caused by the lack of GCS may be involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of liver cells through the Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of hereditary retinal diseases characterized by the loss of photoreceptors. Cell transplantation has been clinically applied to treat RP patients. Human retinal progenitor cells (HRPCs) and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) are the two commonly and practically used stem cells for transplantation. Since combined transplantation could be a promising way to integrate the advantages of both stem cell types, we transplanted HRPCs and HBMSCs into the subretinal space (SRS) of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. We report that HRPCs/HBMSCs combined transplantation maintains the electroretinogram results much better than HRPCs or HBMSCs single transplantations. The thickness of outer nuclear layer also presented a better outcome in the combined transplantation. Importantly, grafted cells in the combination migrated better, both longitudinally and latitudinally, than single transplantation. The photoreceptor differentiation of grafted cells in the retina of RCS rats receiving combined transplantation also showed a higher ratio than single transplantation. Finally, activation of microglia and the gliosis of Müller cells were more effectively suppressed in combined transplantation, indicating better immunomodulatory and anti-gliosis effects. Taken together, combining the transplantation of HRPCs and HBMSCs is a more effective strategy in stem cell-based therapy for retinal degenerative diseases.

The reactions of Co II or Ni II acetate with azobenzene-3,3′-dicarboxylic acid (3,3′-H2AZDB) and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) afforded two isomorphic compounds [M 2(3,3′-AZDB)2(bpe)2]n (M=Co (1) and Ni (2)) under hydrothermal conditions. They were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 have similar 3-D 3-fold interpenetrating structures in which each 3-D net displayed a 6-connected pcu network consisting of M 2+-AZDB2− layers and bpe pillars. Variable-temperature magnetic-susceptibility measurements revealed the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Co(II) atoms in 1.

Five new coordination polymers, namely, [Mn(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2(H2L1)]n (1), {[Co(btb)(H2O)2(H2L1)]·0.5H2O}n (2), [Co(bib)(H2O)2(H2L1)]n (3), [Ni2(bpm)(H2O)3(L2)]n (4), and {[Co2(H2O)3(OH)(HL2)]·H2O}n (5), (H4L1 = 1,1′:2′,1′′-terphenyl-4,4′,4′′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid, H4L2 = 1,1′:2′,1′′-terphenyl-3,3′′,4′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, btb = 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butane, bib = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)butane, bpm = bis(4-pyridyl)amine), have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Complex 1 exhibits a 3D supramolecular framework based on 1D chains. Both complexes 2 and 3 are 3D supramolecular frameworks constructed from 1D zig-zag chains. Complex 4 features a 3D tetra-nodal (3,4,4,5)-connected architecture containing 1D μ-COO bridged chains with (5(2)·6(2)·7.9)(5(2)·6(4)·7(3)·8)2(5(2)·6)2(6(3)·7(2)·9) topology. Complex 5 shows a 3D penta-nodal (3,4,4,6,6)-connected net containing 1D μ-OH/μ-COO bridged chains and mononuclear Co(II) nodes with a (4(2)·6(3)·8)(4(3))2(4(4)·6(2))2(4(4)·6(6)·8(5))2(4(4)·6(7)·8(4)) topology. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that complexes 2 and 3 show antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Co(II) ions, whereas 4 is a ferromagnetic system.

The Pilot-Scale Hydrate Simulator (PHS, 117.8 L pressure vessel) is used to study the methane hydrate dissociation with dual horizontal wells using both the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) and the steam assisted anti-gravity drainage (SAAD) methods. This study is the first time to propose the evaluation and the comparisons of the methane hydrate dissociation using these two methods. Both SAGD and SAAD technique are suitable for recovering gas from the unconsolidated hydrate reservoirs with high permeability. The experimental results indicate that in SAGD, the steam chamber expands and the fluid (gas and water) production process can be divided into three stages: (1) the original water and gas in the vessel are driven towards the well, and only gas is produced, (2) the gas and the original water are produced simultaneously, and (3) the steam chamber expands to the production well, and the hot water is produced. The area with limited temperature increase during the steam injection process corresponds to the hydrate undissociated zone in the reservoir. The hydrate dissociation rate, the gas production rate and the energy efficiency ratio ( EER ) in both the cases of SAGD and SAAD decrease over time. Comparing with that in SAGD, gas is easier to be produced from the upper production well in SAAD, and the long-term EER in SAAD is also larger. In a word, as a gas-producing method, SAAD seems to be more suitable for recovering gas from the hydrate reservoir than SAGD.

A 117.8 l three-dimensional pressure vessel is used to study the methane hydrate dissociation with the steam assisted gravity drainage (sagd) method. it is called the pilot-scale hydrate simulator (phs). this study proposes the evaluation and the comparisons of the gas production performance by sagd method from the methane hydrate reservoir with different steam injection rates. it indicates that the experiment could be divided into three main stages: the original gas releasing stage, the original and the hydrate-originating gas releasing stage, and the hydrate-originating gas releasing stage (the sagd process). furthermore, the temperature change consists of the four periods: decreasing dramatically, keeping stable, rising gradually, and keeping steady. with the injected steam flowing downwards and sideways, the steam chamber is expanding. the gas production rate increases with the steam injection rate, while the energy efficiency ratio (eer) and gas-to-water ratios are improved by the decrease of the steam injection rate. (c) 2013 elsevier ltd. all rights reserved.

Two new mixed-ligands Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(hfipbb)(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2]n (1) and [Cu2(hfipbb)2-(4,4′-bipy)(H2O)]n (2) (H2hfipbb = 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid)), were prepared, which both show different 2D networks and the antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Cu(II) ions as well as photocatalytic degradation activity for dye degradation.

A novel entangled coordination polymer [Cd(cmb)(bix)] n (1) [H2cmb = 2,2′-(2-(carboxymethoxy)benzoic acid), bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene], has been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction of Cd(Ac)2·2H2O, bix and H2cmb, and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, PXRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure determination reveals that the complex 1 shows a new 2D → 3D parallel polycatenation framework based on highly undulating 2D 44 -sql layers, in which each layer is polycatenated with adjacent two others (one above and one below, DOC = 4) which have parallel but not coincident mean planes. Moreover, the thermal stability and photoluminescence property of 1 were also discussed. A novel 2D → 3D parallel polycatenated coordination polymer [Cd(cmb)(bix)] n (1), based on highly undulating 2D 44 -sql layers, has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. Moreover, the thermal stability and photoluminescence property of 1 were also investigated.

Calcium Silicate Hydrates (C–S–H) is the main products of cement hydration, influence of different organic component (organic macromolecular or polymers) on composition and structure of calcium silicate hydrate has important implications. Pore structure parameters of pure C–S–H with specific surface area of 43.67 m 2 /g and average diameter of 9.75 nm (A), polycarboxylic organic macromolecular doped C–S–H with specific surface area of 139.86 m 2 /g and average diameter of 9.81 nm (B) and aliphatic organic macromolecular doped C–S–H with specific surface area of 114.96 m 2 /g and average diameter of 14.87 nm (C) were calculated based on nitrogen isotherm of adsorption and desorption, and the fractal dimension was calculated using two types of model (FHH and Neimark). The results show that compared with aliphatic organic macromolecule, polycarboxylic organic macromolecule is apt to form mesopore with smaller pore diameter, which contribute more to the total pore volume and have little effect on large pore. Aliphatic organic macromolecule contributes more to form mesopore with larger pore diameter and have little effect on smaller pore. Two kinds of organic macromolecule have effects on surface fractal characteristics, and the sequence of fractal dimension is A > C > B, which shows that the roughness or irregular degree of C–S–H becomes weak gradually, surface of samples becomes smooth. Difference between the surface fractal dimension of samples A and C derived from FHH and Neimark equation is not obvious compared to sample B.

The occurrence and multi-phase distribution of five pharmaceutical compounds were investigated in an urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) receiving river by analysis of pharmaceuticals in sediment, particulate matter, conventional dissolved phase (>0.7 μm), colloidal phase (5 kDa to 0.7 μm), and truly dissolved phase (