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Polycaprolactone/polybutylene adipate terephthalate blends (PCL/PBAT) (90/10, 75/25, and 50/50 wt/wt) containing 1, 3, and 5 phr hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were prepared using solvent-casting technique. Scanning electron microscopic studies confirmed a homogeneous morphology for the blends and nanocomposites. Some agglomeration can be recognized using energy-dispersive spectroscopy mapping in the blends containing 5 phr HA. The DSC results confirmed the presence of nanoparticles in each phase, particularly in the crystalline region, and wetting coefficient confirmed the localization of nanoparticles at the interface. Thermal stability and degradation kinetics were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Based on the TGA results, a multi-step degradation process resulted in the blends and blend nanocomposites and the PCL/PBAT blends showed better thermal stability and exhibited higher Tmax and residual mass. PCL/PBAT blends were more stable at higher temperatures compared to PCL and PBAT. Various kinetics evaluation techniques, including Friedman, Flynn–Ozawa–Wall, and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose methods, were utilized to determine the activation energy of degradation. PCL/PBAT blends were more difficult to thermally degrade and showed the highest degradation activation energy. Incorporating HA led to lower thermal stability and, therefore, lower degradation activation energy. Incorporation of only 5 phr of HA resulted in greater thermal stability at higher temperatures (T90%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afoxolaner, a novel insecticidal and acaricidal drug substance from the isoxazoline family, is efficacious against various parasites among companion animals. In general, afoxolaner drug substance is quite stable in formulated and unformulated forms, when stored under International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guideline storage conditions. Exhaustive stress degradation studies of afoxolaner drug substance were conducted under various stress conditions to obtain an in-depth understanding of potential degradation pathways, including formation mechanisms of potential degradations products of this compound. Stressed degradation studies were carried out in the presence of various type/class of acid, base, and oxidation agents, including thermal and light irradiation. An investigational ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method was developed for the purpose of this study. The UHPLC method provided adequate separation of afoxolaner and its major degradation products that were generated in the exhaustively stressed samples. A total of five major degradation products (DPs) were formed under acidic, basic, photolytic, and oxidative stress conditions. Various analytical techniques such as high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS–MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to identify and propose the most probable chemical structures of the key unknown degradation products in the stressed degradation samples. Adequate amounts of two DPs, namely DP-1 and DP-3, were isolated and purified by semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Subsequently, these two DPs were examined in detail using both 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. From the proposed chemical structures of identified degradation products, most probable degradation pathways and formation mechanism is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dots (QDs) are gaining widespread attention for their applications as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) owing to their ease of solution processing and high color purity. Furthermore, current QD light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) exhibit high electroluminescence performance and lifetime comparable to those of organic LEDs. However, some challenges remain in the commercialization of QLEDs for next-generation displays. One key issue is that blue QLEDs exhibit lower efficiency and lifetimes compared to red and green QLEDs, which is attributed to a deep valence band and wide bandgap. In this study, we discuss recent developments that aim to enhance the efficiency of blue QLEDs and explore the challenges that must be addressed for their commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery recycling is a promising approach to mitigate the safety, environmental, and economic threats posed by numerous discarded lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the unclear atomic‐scale degradation of spent graphite complicates recycling, resulting in energy‐intensive impurity removal and graphitization, which hampers industrialization. This study uses Cryo‐transmission electron microscopy (Cryo‐TEM) to characterize spent graphite degradation and develop a scalable graphite self‐induced microwave plasma method for efficient regeneration. Cryo‐TEM images show graphite coated with a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, revealing lattice defects and structure expansion near the surface that impair electrochemical performance. The self‐induced microwave plasma method eradicates the SEI layer and restores the graphite lattice structure within 30 s. Multiphysics simulations indicate that the microwave field generates a strong electric field on the graphite surface, causing plasma discharge and rapid surface heating. Regenerated graphite demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance, with a specific charge capacity of 352.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and ≈81% capacity retention after 400 cycles, matching commercially available materials. This efficient method offers a promising approach for recycling graphite anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered iron (Fe) ‐based fluorophosphates, Na2FePO4F (NFPF) stands for a cost‐effective and voltage‐advantageous cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, the lack of stability imposes constraints on its development and the decay mechanism remains shrouded in ambiguity. Herein, this work proposes the breakup of Fe─F bond in octahedral dimer accountable for the dissolution of redox centers and the formation of electrochemically inert phase, ultimately leading to the deterioration of electrochemical stability. To verify and address this, Boron (B) atoms situated in interstitial positions of PO4 tetrahedra appearing trigonal BO3 can be specifically targeted to enhance bond covalency and tailor electronic rearrangements at Fe─F bonds, thus stabilizing the octahedral dimer structure. This also facilitates rapid Na+ diffusion dynamics and accelerated electronic conductivity. As expected, NFPF‐B exhibits an ultra‐high discharge specific capacity (118.34 mAh g−1 at 0.1C) and excellent long‐term durability (capacity retention of 91.9% after 1000 cycles). The stability of the octahedra dimer is underscored by minimal volume change (2.9%) within the two‐stage biphase reaction of sodium storage mechanism. This work elucidates the enduring degradation mechanism of NFPF from octahedral dimers and offer theoretical guidance for Fe‐based cathode materials with prolonged stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work was to determine the essence of the influence of the impact velocity (5, 7, and 9 m/s) on Hertzian stresses and the erosion mechanism of ferritic-pearlitic S355J2 steel. The investigations were carried out using a slurry pot tester. S355J2 steel showed a strong sensitivity to changes in impact velocity. A significant increase in erosion rate was observed at a velocity of 9 m/s. This increase was 5-fold and over 15-fold compared to velocities of 7 m/s and 5 m/s, respectively. The study of Hertzian stress is crucial in erosion research because it helps understand how impact energy is absorbed by the eroded material and the mechanisms that cause surface wear. A linear increase in mean contact pressure and maximum shear stress was observed with increasing impact velocity. The mean contact pressure increased from 4.3 GPa to 5.5 GPa and the maximum shear stress increased from 2.0 GPa to 2.5 GPa. The kinetic energy of the solid particles that hits the eroded steel is distributed in the contact area, which leads to various deformations and wear mechanisms. The primary type of deformation was fatigue degradation of the surface layers of the eroded steel. The high kinetic energy of solid particles contributed to the formation of plastic deformations and strongly deformed steel flakes. Higher impact velocities generally result in greater forces and contact stresses on the material surface. This led to the intensification of plastic deformation in the contact areas and increased the Hertzian stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated the photochemical degradation of malachite green (MG), a cationic triphenylmethane dye used as a coloring agent, fungicide, and antiseptic. UV photolysis was ineffective in the removal of MG as only 12.35% degradation of MG (10 mg/L) was achieved after 60 min of irradiation. In contrast, 100.00% degradation of MG (10 mg/L) was observed after 60 min of irradiation in the presence of 10 mM H2O2 by UV/H2O2 at pH 6.0. Similarly, complete removal (100.00%) of MG was observed at 30 min of the reaction time by UV/H2O2/Fe2+ employing [MG]0 = 10 mg/L, [H2O2]0 = 10 mM, [Fe2+]0 = 2.5 mg/L, and [pH]0 = 3.0. For the UV/H2O2 process, the degradation efficiency was higher at pH 6.0 than at pH 3.0 as the k obs values were 0.0873 and 0.0690 min−1, respectively. However, UV/H2O2/Fe2+ showed higher reactivity at pH 3.0 than at pH 6.0. Chloride and nitrate ions slightly inhibited the removal efficiency of MG by both UV/H2O2 and UV/H2O2/Fe2+ processes. Moreover, three degradation products (DPs) of MG, (i) 4-dimethylamino-benzophenone (DABP), (ii) 4-amino-benzophenone (ABP), and (iii) 4-dimethylamino-phenol (DAP), were identified by GC-MS during the UV/H2O2 treatment. These DPs were found to demonstrate higher aquatic toxicity than the parent MG, suggesting that researchers should focus on the removal of target pollutants as well as their DPs. Nevertheless, the results of this study indicate that both UV/H2O2 and UV/H2O2/Fe2+ processes could be implemented to alleviate the harmful environmental impacts of dye and textile industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is a significant global producer and consumer of pesticides and antibiotics, with their excessive use leading to substantial water pollution that poses challenges for subsequent treatment. Photocatalytic degradation, leveraging renewable solar energy, presents an effective approach for decomposing organic pollutants and reducing residual contaminant levels in water bodies. This approach represents one effective way for addressing environmental challenges. This paper classifies representative photocatalytic materials by structural design and degradation principles including MOFs (Metal–Organic Frameworks), metal- and nonmetal-doped, mesoporous material-loaded, carbon quantum dot-modified, floatation-based, and heterojunction photocatalysts. We also discuss research on degradation pathways and reaction mechanisms for antibiotics. Of particular importance are several key factors influencing degradation efficiency, which are summarized within this work. These include the separation and charge transfer rate of catalyst surface carriers, and the wide-spectrum response capabilities of photocatalysts, as well as persulfate activation efficiency. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the significant role played by intrinsic driving forces such as built-in electric fields within catalytic systems. Moreover, this paper introduces several promising composite-structure photocatalytic technologies from both composite-structure perspectives (e.g., Aerogel-based composites) and composite-method perspectives (e.g., the molecularly imprinted synthesis method). We also discuss their latest development status, along with future prospects, presenting valuable insights for pollutant degradation targets. This work aims to facilitate the design of efficient photocatalytic materials, while providing valuable theoretical references for environmental governance technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the environmental problems caused by microplastics (MPs) as novel pollutants have received widespread attention, and photocatalytic technology can degrade MPs into small molecule compounds such as aldehydes and ketones. Among the existing catalysts, graphitic phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) shows great potential in degrading pollutants due to its unique properties. In this paper, the structure, preparation method, modification method, mechanism of degradation of MPs and influencing factors of g-C3N4 are systematically reviewed. It is summarized that ·OH, h+, and ·O2− are the main active species in the degradation of MPs by g-C3N4, and the external conditions such as pH, light intensity, and the morphology of MPs themselves can affect the degradation of MPs. However, g-C3N4 photocatalytic degradation of MPs is still only in the laboratory stage at this stage, and problems such as the degradation of MPs in actual water bodies have not been carried out, so how to solve the above problems is the focus of future research in the field of g-C3N4 photocatalytic degradation of MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the performance of catalytic ozonation process (COP) with MgO@Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite for phenylamine removal from aqueous solution in a batch environment was evaluated. The features of the catalyst were determined by the FE-SEM, EDS, XRD, VSM and TEM techniques. The effect of several operating parameters such as solution pH, reaction time, catalyst dosage, ozone dose and the initial phenylamine concentrations was investigated in parallel with a single ozonation process (SOP). The effect of the scavengers was assessed. Possible mechanisms, by-products identification and pathway of degradation were also performed. The mineralisation rate was analysed with COD and TOC tests, respectively. The results indicated that the highest efficiency of phenylamine degradation (98.5%) and mineralisation with COD (74%) and TOC (51%) happens in the COP under the optimum conditions (pH = 11.0, reaction time = 30 min, catalyst dosage = 2.0 g/L, ozone dose = 0.38 g/h, phenylamine concentration = 10 mg/L), respectively. The experimental data were in good agreement with pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The toxicity of untreated phenylamine solution revealed that have higher acute toxicity for Daphnia magna than the phenylamine treated solution with COP. The hydroxyl radicals were dominant species during phenylamine degradation. The reusability of the catalyst was evaluated, indicating a 4.7% decrease in performance after six consecutive cycles of the process. As compared to SOP, a significant synergistic effect was observed between ozone and MgO@Fe3O4. It can be concluded that application of MgO@Fe3O4 in catalytic ozonation process is as a successful and promising method for phenylamine degradation of aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Coal Science & Technology (0253-2336) is the property of Coal Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Environmental pollution caused by persistent organic pollutants has imposed big threats to the health of human and ecological systems. The development of efficient methods to effectively degrade and remove these persistent organic pollutants is therefore of paramount importance. Photocatalytic persulfate‐based advanced oxidation technologies (PS‐AOTs), which depend on the highly reactive SO4− radicals generated by the activation of PS to degrade persistent organic pollutants, have shown great promise. This work discusses the application and modification strategies of common photocatalysts in photocatalytic PS‐AOTs, and compares the degradation performance of different catalysts for pollutants. Furthermore, essential elements impacting photocatalytic PS‐AOTs are discussed, including the water matrix, reaction process mechanism, pollutant degradation pathway, singlet oxygen generation, and potential PS hazards. Finally, the existing issues and future challenges of photocatalytic PS‐AOTs are summarized and prospected to encourage their practical application. In particular, by providing new insights into the PS‐AOTs, this review sheds light on the opportunities and challenges for the development of photocatalysts with advanced features for the PS‐AOTs, which will be of great interests to promote better fundamental understanding of the PS‐AOTs and their practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs), as the forefront of third‐generation solar technology, are distinguished by their cost‐effectiveness, high photovoltaic efficiency, and the flexibility of their bandgap tunability, positioning them as formidable contenders in the photovoltaic market. However, the stability of PSCs remains a significant barrier to their widespread commercialization. Lamination encapsulation is identified as a pivotal intervention to enhance the durability of PSCs under external environmental stress. This review initiates with an in‐depth exploration of the degradation phenomena in PSCs, triggered by environmental stressors such as water, oxygen, light, and heat. This analysis lays bare the degradation mechanisms, thereby highlighting the specific demands for effective encapsulation materials. Subsequently, the review presents a systematic discourse on the latest developments in encapsulation materials, dissecting their molecular structures and linking these to their physical properties and performance in encapsulation applications. The narrative concludes by charting potential future research pathways intended to refine and enhance the encapsulation performance of PSCs, offering several routes for overcoming current limitations and propelling PSCs toward their full commercial potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying the aging mechanisms and their evolution patterns during battery aging is crucial for enabling renewable energy. Here, key factors are monitored and quantified affecting the aging processes of LiFePO4//graphite battery by a combination of mass spectrometry titration (MST), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM), and neutron imaging techniques. Electrochemical analysis reveals the loss of active lithium inventory drives battery aging as temperature increases. It is shown that temperature‐induced accelerated decaying rate is 2.01 and 3.45 times at 45 and 65 °C compared with that of rate at 25 °C. Quantitative analysis indicates that irreversible formation of LixC6 (x ≤ 1), LiF, ROCO2Li, LiH, Li2C2, and RLi (R = CH3, C2H3, C2H5, C3H5) are the primary components of inactive lithium. The solid eletrolyte interpahse (SEI), excluding LixC6, constitutes over 70% of the total inactive lithium. With increasing cycles, SEI shows a decreasing proportion of LiF and an increasing proportion of ROCO2Li. The coupled effects of substantial SEI growth, increased irreversible formation of LixC6, and worsened conductivity result in the rapid aging of batteries tested at high temperatures. In this work, a research toolbox for the quantitative study of aging mechanisms in practical batterysystems has been provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold start impedes widespread diffusion of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) in regions with temperatures below zero. Alternating hydrogen pump (AHP) method, distinguished by its unlimited ohmic heating capability without generating water, has been shown to be a quick and efficient method of cold starts in both single cell and short stacks. In this paper, we continue to examine possible degradation with this novel method. For this purpose, we carefully designed three experiments with different levels of stress, aimed to separate the contribution to any degradation from major factors. It was found there was no significant difference among the three cases. AHP method incurred minimal degradation after 3600 times of equivalent −30 °C cold starts. This study concludes that AHP method is not only quick and efficient, but also highly durable, hence AHP is a promising alternative cold start strategy with great potential to facilitate the diffusion of FCVs. • Durability of PEMFC cold start adopting AHP method is investigated. • A cell with variable clamping pressure is exploited. • An accelerated stress test protocol using AHP method is adopted. • Three comparable experiments are designed to decouple degradation. • AHP method is intrinsically an ultralow-degradation cold start strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organolithium solutions, especially Li‐arene solutions (LASs) with high reactivity and controllable redox potentials, have gained significant attention because of their wide applications in chemical lithiation, liquid anodes, and battery recycling. However, the sudden loss of reactivity when stored or applied at room temperature is still puzzling and inhibits the application of LASs. In this work, the degradation mechanism of LASs is fully investigated and revealed by combining various experimental characterization and computational simulations. A hierarchical reaction mechanism for lithium biphenyl/2‐methyl tetrahydrofuran (Li‐Bp‐2MT), a lithiation solution used for most anodes, explains degradation and side product formation. Specifically, the dimerization of the active component Li1Bp[2MT]1 forms an inactive dimer that is irreversibly reduced in the presence of locally accumulated highly reductive Li0. This reaction mechanism reveals the atomic origins of lithiation solution deactivation and accounts for all solid and gaseous byproducts. LiH is identified as the dominating solid byproduct, indicating irreversible destruction of the active components and facilitating side reactions producing H2 and CH4. Based on reaction mechanism insights, modifying molecular interactions and reaction kinetics are experimentally shown to inhibit Li0 aggregation kinetics, enhancing long‐term prelithiation performance. This research provides comprehensive guidelines for practical applications of LASs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of sludge carbon activated persulfate technology to degrade antibiotics is an effective technical way to solve the problem of antibiotic pollution, which is in line with the current needs of udouble carbon, and low-carbon economy・ However, the activated persulfate capacity of the original sludge carbon is limited, so it needs to be modified to achieve efficient degradation of antibiotics in the environment ・ The current status of sludge biochar modification methods were introduced, the advantages and disadvantages of different modification methods were compared and analyzed, as well as the mechanism of activating persulfate and degrading antibiotics. In future studies, multiple activation methods could be used jointly and innovatively, and the modification conditions of sludge biochar could be innovated, so as to achieve efficient degradation of a variety of complex antibiotics by sludge biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery lifetime prediction at early cycles is crucial for researchers and manufacturers to examine product quality and promote technology development. Machine learning has been widely utilized to construct data-driven solutions for high-accuracy predictions. However, the internal mechanisms of batteries are sensitive to many factors, such as charging/discharging protocols, manufacturing/storage conditions, and usage patterns. These factors will induce state transitions, thereby decreasing the prediction accuracy of data-driven approaches. Transfer learning is a promising technique that overcomes this difficulty and achieves accurate predictions by jointly utilizing information from various sources. Hence, we develop two transfer learning methods, Bayesian Model Fusion and Weighted Orthogonal Matching Pursuit, to strategically combine prior knowledge with limited information from the target dataset to achieve superior prediction performance. From our results, our transfer learning methods reduce root-mean-squared error by 41% through adapting to the target domain. Furthermore, the transfer learning strategies identify the variations of impactful features across different sets of batteries and therefore disentangle the battery degradation mechanisms and the root cause of state transitions from the perspective of data mining. These findings suggest that the transfer learning strategies proposed in our work are capable of acquiring knowledge across multiple data sources for solving specialized issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Materials Engineering / Cailiao Gongcheng is the property of Journal of Materials Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dalian Island, located in the northwest of Pingtan County, Fujian Province, China, has been an important junction on the Maritime Silk Road since the Tang dynasty. This study focuses on sauce-glazed ceramic ware from the Song dynasty salvaged from the waters near Dalian Island Wharf. The composition, phase attributes, and microstructures of the marine organism remains attached to the ceramic ware were analyzed using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and micro-Raman spectrometer to investigate the influence of marine organisms on the degradation of the ceramic ware. Long-term abrasion by sea wave-borne debris led to the increased surface roughness and wettability of the ceramic ware, facilitating the attachment of marine organisms. Differences in surface roughness between the inner and outer walls led to varying levels of biomass. Coralline algae secreted inducers to attract the larvae of macrofoulers. The attachment of different types of marine organisms had varying effects on the degradation of the ceramic ware. Firmly attached unitary organisms could alleviate the scouring of sea wave-borne debris and hinder the intrusion of foreign pollutants, thereby playing a 'bio-protective' role. In contrast, the group skeletons of modular organisms could reinforce the mechanically damaged surface but failed to block the intrusion of iron rust and other pollutants, resulting in chemical alterations of the glaze. Therefore, the specific species of the attached marine organisms should be considered in subsequent conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil arching causes stress redistribution in many earth structures, such as pile-supported embankments and buried structures. A localized cyclic surface load (e.g., footing and traffic load) would weaken the arching effect and cause structural safety at potential risk. This paper presents a series of trapdoor tests using transparent soil to investigate the degradation mechanisms of soil arching subjected to a localized cyclic surface load. The particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique was adopted to monitor the inner soil deformations during test. The test results show that soil arching under localized cyclic surface loading first degraded locally on the trapdoor center and then progressed from the center to the entire trapdoor. The soil arching degraded faster within a lower backfill, on a wider trapdoor, and under a higher load frequency of localized surface loading. Owing to the volumetric expansion during trapdoor movement, the average vertical stress with soil arching increased faster under localized surface loading than that without soil arching. After full degradation of soil arching, the stress increment and vertical displacement contours with and without arching effect gradually tended to be similar. Finally, an empirical method was proposed to predict the soil arching ratio under localized cyclic surface loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inverter-fed machines are widely used in electric vehicle drive systems and have shown a trend toward high voltage and frequency in recent years. They are subjected to multiple types of stress during operation, causing potential short-circuit fault damage to the stator winding insulation. Online condition monitoring of the insulation before or in the early stage of the short circuit fault can effectively reduce maintenance costs and ensure its health. This paper reviews and summarizes the deterioration mechanism and the recent online electrical monitoring techniques. First, four types of failure stress and each type's failure factors and mechanisms are analyzed. The coupling effect and overall process of multi-physical fields on stator insulation failure are considered. Secondly, the latest online electrical monitoring technologies are summarized. Each technique's principles, methods, advantages, and disadvantages are analyzed. Finally, existing problems and possible directions for improvement in current research are discussed, focusing on their feasibility and accuracy in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nylon 6 (PA6) with excellent fracture toughness and hygrothermal resistance is added to the high-strength/modulus carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin as a filler, which is expected to signally improve the thermal and mechanical properties. In the present paper, epoxy resin was reinforced by short carbon fibers and PA6 fillers of different content, and nylon 6 modified carbon fiber-epoxy resin (PA6CFEP) composite was successfully prepared. Water absorption behavior, thermal and mechanical performance evolution, degradation mechanism, as well as micro-structure and micro-morphology analysis of PA6CFEP before and after hygrothermal aging at 20/40/60 °C for 120 days were discussed and analyzed. The results showed that the water absorption law of PA6CFEP immersed in water solution accorded with the modified Fick's diffusion model, and the quasi-equilibrium water absorption (M∞) was 3.49%. Additionally, the maximum water absorption (Mmax) and diffusion coefficient (D) of the sample at 60 °C increased by 45.98% and 6.39% compared with those at 20 °C. Based on the optimal PA6 content (7.5 wt%), the fracture toughness of PA6CFEP-7.5 was 198.6% higher than that of the control sample, which was an increase in tensile strength (34.0%) and elongation at break (77.3%). Furthermore, the PA6 addition increased the Tg of PA6CFEP by a maximum percentage of 4.9%, which indicated that PA6 had excellent thermodynamic compatibility with the epoxy resin. After hygrothermal aging of PA6CFEP-7.5 for 120 days at 60 °C, the tensile strength, bending strength and Tg decreased by 36.5%, 38.3% and 16.9% compared to the control samples. This was because water molecules had the etching effect on the polymer chain of the resin, eventually led to the resin hydrolysis and filler/resin interface de-bonding. Finally, the fundamental reason for the degradation of the thermal and mechanical properties of PA6CFEP was that water molecules formed new hydrogen bonds (maximum increase 62.9%) with polymer chains and PA6 fillers, destroying the original cross-linking density of resin in the hygrothermal aging process. The water molecules infiltrated the available space of the resin matrix, leading to a reduction in the inter-chain force of the resin molecules.

To realize the practical application of solar photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis degradation of pollutants， the efficient， stable， and easily separable catalysts should be studied. Fe3O4@SiO2@mesoporous TiO2 （FST） composite photoelectrocatalysts were prepared by sol-gel and hydrothermal methods. The successful synthesis of nano FST was confirmed by characterization analysis. Fe3O4， SiO2， and TiO2 nanoparticles were coated layer by layer with a unique core-shell structure. The FST catalyst can be easily separated from the suspension under the applied magnetic field. The surface photocurrent response and impedance test results of FST show that its activity is significantly enhanced. The photoelectrocatalysis degradation of other organic pollutants under visible light is investigated using the synthesized FST， the 90 min photoelectrocatalysis degradation rates of methylene blue， rhodamine B， methyl orange， and amoxicillin are 98%， 95%， 92%， and 90%， respectively. The main active species capture experiments show that FST produces a large amount of h+ and ·OH through photoelectrocatalysis coupling， which degrades pollutants into CO2， H2O， and inorganic ions.

In this study, a new sludge-based biochar loaded with Fe species (Fe/SSBC) was prepared by a two-step process involving hydrothermal treatment and low-temperature air calcination, and used to degrade tetracycline (TC) by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). After 30 min reaction, more than 98 % TC (50 mg/L) could be removed by optimized Fe/SSBC/PMS system (k = 0.166 min−1), which was 2.18 times compared with individual hydrothermal treatment (k = 0.076 min−1). Besides, it also exhibited good stabilization. Detailed characterizations revealed the effect of hydrothermal treatment on the Fe–O coordination of the biochar surface and the change of the Fe valence state by air calcination. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), electrochemical analysis and quenching experiments confirmed that singlet oxygen (1O2) was the main active substance. We further elucidated the influence of grafting Fe–O on the surface electron distribution of biochar by DFT calculations. Moreover, two possible pathways were proposed based on LC-MS analysis. In this study, a method of preparing high catalytic performance sludge-based carbon materials under low energy consumption has been proposed, which provides a new strategy for sludge recycling.

Poly(butylene succinate-co-furandicarboxylate) (PBSF) and poly(butylene adipate-co-furandicarboxylate) (PBAF) are novel furandicarboxylic acid-based biodegradable copolyesters with great potential to replace fossil-derived terephthalic acid-based copolyesters such as poly(butylene succinate-co-terephthalate) (PBST) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). In this study, quantum chemistry techniques after molecular dynamics simulations are employed to investigate the degradation mechanism of PBSF and PBAF catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). Computational analysis indicates that the catalytic reaction follows a four-step mechanism resembling the ping-pong bibi mechanism, with the initial two steps being acylation reactions and the subsequent two being hydrolysis reactions. Notably, the first step of the hydrolysis is identified as the rate-determining step. Moreover, by introducing single-point mutations to expand the substrate entrance tunnel, the catalytic distance of the first acylation step decreases. Additionally, energy barrier of the rate-determining step is decreased in the PBSF system by site-directed mutations on key residues increasing hydrophobicity of the enzyme's active site. This study unprecedently show the substrate binding pocket and hydrophobicity of the enzyme's active site have the potential to be engineered to enhance the degradation of copolyesters catalyzed by CALB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of a double S-scheme heterojunction in the MoS 2 @MoO 3 /(Cu+/g-C 3 N 4) ternary composites is responsible for preserving strong reduction ability of photogenerated electrons on the Cu+/g-C 3 N 4 and strong oxidation ability of photogenerated holes on the MoO 3 , which efficiently participated in the PMS activation and the mineralization the RhB. [Display omitted] • The MoS 2 @MoO 3 /(Cu+/g-C 3 N 4) ternary composites was prepared by a simple calcination method. • The double S-scheme heterojunction was responsible for the enhanced performance in the degradation of RhB. • The reactive species for oxidizing RhB were identified by free-radical trapping experiments and ESR spectra. • The possible degradation pathway was proposed according to DFT calculations and LC-MS tests. The construction of semiconductor heterojunction is an effective way for charge separation in photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. In this study, a novel MoS 2 @MoO 3 /(Cu+/g-C 3 N 4) ternary composites (MMCCN) was prepared via a simple calcination method. The as-prepared composites exhibited exceptional performance in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). The activity testing results indicated that 99.41 % of RhB (10 mg·L−1, 10 mL) was effectively removed by the synergistic effect of composites photocatalyst (0.1 g·L−1) and PMS (0.1 g·L−1) under visible light irradiation for 40 min. Its reaction rate constant exceeded that of Cu+/g-C 3 N 4 , MoO 3 and MoS 2 by a factor of 3.56, 17.30 and 11.73 times, respectively. The crystal structure, band gap and density of states (DOS) of the semiconductors were calculated according to the density functional theory (DFT). Free radical trapping tests and electron spin resonance spectroscopy validated that 1O 2 , O 2 − and h+ are primary reactive species participating in the decomposition of RhB. The ternary composites demonstrated good stability and maintained excellent degradation efficiency even across four reaction cycles. Furthermore, the activation mechanism and the intermediates produced during the decomposition course of RhB by MMCCN/PMS/vis system were analyzed and elucidated. A double S-scheme heterojunctions was responsible for efficient separation of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. This work presents a novel method in the construction of double S-scheme heterojunctions for PMS activation which is expected to find wide applications in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study synthesized a ferric oxide–nanographite (NG) nanocomposite (Fe2O3@NG) from waste toner powder through carbonization. Subsequently, a TiO2/Fe2O3@NG nanohybrid was fabricated using the sol–gel technique to improve the photocatalytic degradation of dyes. TiO2/Fe2O3@NG nanocomposites were prepared at TiO2:Fe2O3@NG ratios of 2:1 (Ti:T-21), 1:1 (Ti:T-11), and 1:2 (Ti:T-12). The porosity, morphology, surface chemistry, and chemical interactions between TiO2, Fe2O3, and graphite in the prepared TiO2/Fe2O3@NG nanocomposites were characterized using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. The TiO2/Fe2O3@NG nanohybrid exhibited a reduced bandgap (2.4–2.9 eV) and enhanced charge carrier separation through charge transfer at the junction of the hetero-structured TiO2/Fe2O3@NG nanohybrid. Preliminary experiments revealed that Ti:T-21 was the most effective photocatalyst for degrading acid blue-25 (AB-25) compared to Ti:T-11, Ti:T-12, sole TiO2, and Fe2O3@NG. This study also investigated the impacts of catalyst dose and initial dye concentration on the AB-25 photocatalytic degradation. Notably, 97% of 5-mg/L AB-25 was removed using 1.25-g/L Ti:T-21 at an unmodified pH of 6.4 within 120 min. Furthermore, Ti:T-21 exhibited remarkable recyclability in its immobilized form, achieving degradation ratios of 74.7%–71.8% over five consecutive runs, compared to removal efficiencies of 85.0%–62.3% in the suspended mode. Trapping experiments identified hydroxyl radicals, holes, and superoxide as the principal reactive radicals. The TiO2/Fe2O3@NG/light system was effective in disintegrating and mineralizing other synthetic dyes such as Congo red, methylene blue, and methyl red, indicating its potential for industrial-scale degradation of authentic dye wastewater. The utilization of waste toner for water treatment is highlighted as a strategy to promote environmental sustainability, foster a circular economy, and contribute to pollution remediation.

With the wide application of antibiotics, the treatment problem of wastewater containing antibiotics is already imminent. Microalgae technology has been proved to have the potential to degrade antibiotic pollutants, and has been widely studied by industry scholars. As mixotrophic organisms, microalgae can synthesize compounds such as sugars, proteins and lipids by absorbing CO2 and nutrients, which have been confirmed to have the potential to degrade pollutants. This paper summarizes the results of the traditional and new methods of microalgae and various methods. The biomass synthesis of treated microalgae, the mechanisms of antibiotic degradation were explored and the contributions of these mechanisms were compared. Finally, the shortage of microalgae treatment of antibiotic-containing wastewater is summarized and the following research direction should be clarified, in order to lay a foundation for the further large-scale development and resource utilization of microalgae treatment in the future.

Abstract Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has seen rapid advancements over the past decade due to its promising role in green hydrogen production. Ensuring long-term functionality is as crucial as optimizing performance to achieve commercial viability and industrial integration. However, few studies have systematically discussed the degradation issues of this technology. Therefore, a thorough understanding of AEMWE degradation is needed to guide the design, assembly, operation, and maintenance of the device over its lifetime. To address this gap, this review systematically overviewed the heterogeneous degradation of AEMWE across different material and interface levels, focusing on several key components including catalysts, ionomers, membranes, and gas diffusion layers. The influences of these components and their interfaces on the catalytic efficiency, active site density, and mass and electron transfer capabilities were discussed. Moreover, the impacts of operation conditions, including temperature, electrolyte composition, and clamping pressure, on the stable operation of AEMWE were assessed. Accordingly, current mitigation strategies to resolve these degradation phenomena were rigorously evaluated. By offering insights into optimizing operations, designing materials, and improving assessment protocols for AEMWE, this work will contribute to enhancing its stability for large-scale hydrogen production.

The efficiency of the green inhibitors (sodium salts of fumarate, glycolate and gluconate) in suppressing corrosion of the structural MA8 magnesium alloy (MgMnCe) and the biomedical Mg0.8Ca alloy was studied using the hydrogen evolution measurements, mass loss test, EIS, PDP, SVET/SIET. The analysis of the morphology, chemical composition, and growth kinetic of corrosion films formed in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution with and without corrosion inhibitors was carried out. The most compact surface film with the smallest thickness was formed in a saline solution with sodium fumarate. The Mg alloy samples exhibited the highest polarization resistance, the lowest localized electrochemical activity, and the lowest corrosion rate in saline with the addition of sodium fumarate and sodium glycolate. The efficiency of the applied inhibitors was up to 81 %. The model of the corrosion mechanism based on the sorption of molecules of organic inhibitors is proposed. The results show the high compatibility of the used inhibitors with the calcium-phosphate PEO-matrix, indicating the possibility of forming a self-healing coating by means of these active substances.

Abstract To maintain performance of an aqueous-based drilling muds (ABDMs), it was imperative to understand the decay mechanism of the incorporated synthetic polymers, when exposed to the elevated temperatures. The understanding of the decay mechanism could provide a polymer replenishment strategy for the fluid to retain a specific rheology and filtrate control performance. In this context, thermal-degradation of various acrylamide co-polymers was investigated in different monovalent brines. The acrylamide co-polymers were custom synthesized, and their molecular weight and % sulfonic substitution was verified using the capillary viscometer and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques respectively. The co-polymer thermal degradation mechanism (i.e., polymer hydrolysis) in various monovalent brines (KCl, NaCl and NaBr) was quantified by novel titration for temperature range {121 °C, 177 °C}. The degradation response of the co-polymers was then correlated with their rheology and HPHT (high-pressure-high-temperature) filtrate performance; for instance, the titration studies showed that co-polymer degradation was 12–15% and 44–47% after sixteen hours aging at 121 °C and 177 °C respectively; correspondingly the co-polymer performance in ABDM, exhibited HPHT filtrate of 12–18 mL and 38–40 mL at those respective temperatures after sixteen hours of aging. The quantified understanding of the co-polymer thermal degradation was used to device a new approach for co-polymer replenishment strategy; it was illustrated that a 7% replenishment of the co-polymer for every eight hours, at 121 °C, enabled sustained HPHT filtrate of 12–18 mL for the studied evaluation period of thirty-two hours. The replenishment approach presented in the study would provide a valuable tool for drilling automation to ensure sustained fluid performance.

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With the increasing use of fully biodegradable mulch film, it is important to clarify its degradation mechanism to improve the degradation effect. In order to sort out and clarify the research status of the degradation mechanism of fully biodegradable mulch film, this paper summarized the research status of the degradation mechanism of fully biodegradable mulch film by using the bibliometrics method, and found that the degradation mechanism was mainly carried out from the aspects of soil physical and chemical properties, ultraviolet light, microorganisms and enzyme activities, among which the degradation effects of microorganisms and enzymes were crucial in the degradation process. Degradation is often the result of the combined effects of microorganisms, soil physical and chemical properties, ultraviolet rays and other factors, and there is a lack of research on the degradation mechanism in the actual environment. It is suggested that future studies should be strengthened to explore the application potential of fully biodegradable mulch film, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of fully biodegradable mulch film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In salt lake areas, the cast-in-situ concrete structure has been corroded by the combination of sulfate and chloride for a long time. The incorporation of basalt fiber materials into concrete helps to improve the durability of concrete. In this paper, experiments were conducted to study the corrosion deterioration mechanisms of basalt fiber-reinforced cast-in-situ concrete under sulfate, chloride, and combined attack. The appearance, size, mass, flexural, and compressive strength of specimens were investigated during the immersion period to determine the changes in the physical and mechanical properties of specimens. Moreover, the microstructure and mineral changes of specimens during the immersion period were observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric (TG)/ Derivative Thermogravimetric (DTG) analyses. Results show that premixed chloride has a significant detrimental influence on the strength development of cast-in-situ concrete, with concrete powder spalling occurring on the surface of the specimen. Severe corrosion degradation of specimens occurs under the external sulfate and internal chloride combined attack, resulting in lower flexural and compressive strength. The compressive strength and flexural strength of the corroded specimens decreased by 15.4% and 24.8%, respectively, compared with the control group at 28 days. Moreover, premixed basalt fiber has a beneficial influence on cast-in-situ concrete. When the basalt fiber content is 0.5%, the flexural strength of the specimen is increased by 16.2%. The filling and bridging effect of basalt fiber alleviates the negative effects caused by corrosion. In addition, increasing fiber content is beneficial for enhancing its effectiveness when the fiber content is less than 0.5%. This paper provides a valuable reference for the application of basalt fiber-reinforced cast-in-situ concrete under the condition of sulfate–chloride compound corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Control of ROS types and ratios based on catalyst structure and component modulation. • Selective degradation of pollutants according to the ratio of different ROSs in the system. • Abundant large pores and open channels are created by confined expansion pore-making strategy. • Possible degradation pathways were proposed by DFT calculations and LC-MS. Selective removal of target organic pollutants in complex water quality of municipal sewage is extremely important for the deep treatment of water quality. Here, energetic MOF and Fe-MOF are doped in electrostatic spinning process to adjust the structure and composition of the catalysts, active oxygen species (ROSs), realizing the selective removal of organic pollutants. Non-azo and azo pollutants are selected as target pollutants. Catalysts PCFe-8 with Fe nanoclusters, EPCFe-8 with Fe-N x , and EPC-8 without Fe doping are used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degrading pollutants. The results show that the PCFe-8/PMS system can produce the most SO 4 − and exhibit superior removal of azo pollutants, whereas the degradation behavior of non-azo pollutants is more inclined to occur in the EPCFe-8/PMS system and the EPC-8/PMS system. This work provides a reference for elucidating the relationship between catalyst structure and components, types of ROSs, and selective degradation of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliable anchorage and long‐term durability of high‐performance fiber reinforced polymer composites were the decisive factors for engineering applications owing to the anisotropy of materials and the complexity of service environment. In this paper, an innovative glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (GFRPP) self‐anchor plate cable was developed to utilize the high toughness/durability of thermoplastic resin and self‐anchor load‐bearing system. The effects of different reinforcement methods and cable arc angles (10°, 20°, and 30°) on mechanical properties of plate cable were investigated. Water absorption behavior and mechanical properties immersed in alkali solution were tested to evaluate its long‐term service behavior. The thermogravimetric and surface morphology analysis were conducted to reveal the performance evolution mechanism. The results showed through the combination of secondary melting, carbon fiber winding confinement and epoxy reinforcements, the splitting failure of transition zone and interlaminar cracking failure of straight zone for plate cable were effectively avoided. The tensile strength retention of plate cable for arc angles of 10°, 20° and 30° were 45.6%, 41.3%, and 34.0% of GFRPP plate, respectively. Larger arc angle increased the curvature of arc‐straight transition zone and stress concentration near the straight section, leading to interlaminar splitting failure of plate cable at weak transition zone. The tensile strength of plate cable with the immersion time deteriorated obviously until the lowest retention of 29.7%. The degradation mechanism was mainly due to the etching of glass fibers in alkali solution and the formation of pores and internal defects, including fiber/resin interface debonding and resin swelling. The research results were of significance for solving the anchoring problems and promoting the long‐term service reliability in bridge applications. Highlights: The mold can realize reliable molding of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene cables after the reinforcements.The tensile strength retention of plate cable was up to 34.0%–45.6% of plate.Larger arc angle increased the stress concentration near the straight section.Non‐polar polypropylene plate was proved to have better hydrophobic performance.The degradation mechanism of plate cable in alkali solution was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on long‐term tests held during 1,000 h on different Membrane‐Electrode‐Interconnect Assemblies (MEIAs), consisting of an Fe‐Ni alloy interconnect and an electrochemical cell based on a Ce0.8Sm0.2O2–δ electrolyte, the double‐layer working electrode with a La2NiO4 + δ – Ce0.8Sm0.2O2–δ composite functional layer, and a LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3–δ current collector layer, and a platinum reference electrode (O2, LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3–δ|La2NiO4 + δ – Ce0.8Sm0.2O2–δ|Ce0.8Sm0.2O2–δ|Pt, O2). These tests were carried out on MEIAs with the Cr‐free 47ND alloy of the Fe–Ni system with and without surface modification at 850°C in air. The electrochemical performance of MEIAs was studied without polarization as well as under cathodic and anodic polarization with current density 0.5 A cm−2 by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The mechanism of the MEIA evolution during long‐term test is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, a novel catalyst named Dy2EuSbO7 was successfully synthesized via the high-temperature solid-state sintering method (HTSSM). Dy2EuSbO7/ZnBiDyO4 heterojunction photocatalyst (DZHP) was fabricated through the HTSSM for degrading chlorpyrifos (CPS) in the pesticide wastewater under visible light irradiation (VSLID). Under VSLID, DZHP could effectively degrade CPS in pesticide wastewater. The experimental outcomes suggested that the kinetic curve with the Dy2EuSbO7/ZnBiDyO4 heterojunction (DZH) as a photocatalyst for the reduction of CPS under VSLID conformed to the first-order kinetics (FOKT). After VSLID of 156 min, the photocatalytic degradation (PTD) removal rate of CPS using DZH as photocatalyst was 1.12 times, 1.21 times, or 2.96 times that using Dy2EuSbO7 as a photocatalyst, ZnBiDyO4 as a photocatalyst, or nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst. After VSLID of 156 min for four cycle degradation tests (FCDTS) with DZH as a photocatalyst, the removal rate of CPS reached 98.78%, 97.66%, 96.59%, and 95.69%, respectively. Above results indicated that the DZHP possessed high stability. Experiments with the addition of trapping agents showed that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) owned the strongest oxidative removal ability for degrading CPS compared with superoxide anions (•O2−) or holes (h+). The oxidation capacity of three oxidation radicals for eliminating CPS was ranked in the ascending order as follows: h+ < •OH < •O2−. Lastly, the possible degradation pathway and degradation mechanism of CPS were discussed in detail. A visible light responsive heterojunction catalyst with high catalytic activity and a photocatalytic reaction system which were capable of efficiently removing toxic organic pollutants from pesticide wastewater were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared Co@O-gCN as a means of activating peroxomonosulfate (PMS) to remove acid orange 7 (AO7). The effects of a series of considerations including catalyst amount, PMS dosage, pH and temperature on the degradation of AO7 were evaluated, and we discovered that the time needed to remove AO7 completely decreased as pH increased, and as the pH was adjusted to 11, the addition of 10 mg Co@O-gCN and 375 mg/L PMS resulted in the complete removal of 20 mg/L of AO7 within 10 min. The effects of coexisting anions and the actual water matrix in the process of removing AO7 by the Co@O-gCN /PMS system were investigated. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and quenching experiments revealed that under acidic as well as neutral conditions, Co (IV) was the main reactive species, whereas under alkaline conditions, the main reactive species changed to superoxide radicals (O2·−), followed by monoclinic oxygen (1O2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Z-type ZnIn 2 S 4 @CuO composites with a core–shell structure were synthesized. Under visible light irradiation, ZnIn 2 S 4 @CuO generates electron-hole pairs, and the presence of an internal electric field (IEF) improves the charge transfer mechanism of the composites and promotes the separation of charge carriers. The electrons on the conduction band of ZnIn 2 S 4 combine with dissolved oxygen in water to generate •O 2 –, and the holes on the valence band of CuO combine with OH– and H 2 O in water to generate •OH, and the generated reactive substances attack atoms on the TC to cause its ring-opening degradation, and ultimately mineralize the TC into CO 2 and H 2 O. [Display omitted] • A novel method for efficient construction of binary composites is proposed. • Z-type heterostructure reduces the photogenerated carrier complexation efficiency. • Verification of the Z-structure charge transfer mechanism. • TC degradation pathways proposed in combination with HR-MC and FEDs. In this study, copper oxide (CuO) was prepared by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique subsequently, CuO was grown in situ onto different rare metal compounds to prepare Z-scheme heterojunctions to improve the degradation efficiency of tetracycline (TC) in water environments. Various characterization proved the successful synthesis of all composite materials, and the formation of tight heterojunction interfaces, among which, the core–shell structure ZnIn 2 S 4 @CuO exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation capability. Research results indicated that the degradation efficiency of ZnIn 2 S 4 @CuO for TC (50 mg/L) in the water environment reached 95.8 %, and the degradation rate is 2.41 times and 12.93 times that of CuO and ZnIn 2 S 4 alone, respectively, the reason is because of the introduction of ZnIn 2 S 4 , Z-scheme heterojunction structures and internal electric field (IEF) is constructed and formed to extend the visible light response range of photocatalysts to improve electron-hole separation efficiency, and enhance charge transfer. In addition, ZnIn 2 S 4 @CuO-2 exhibited good stability and reproducibility, with no significant loss of activity after five cycles. Finally, the precise locations of free radical attack on TC were investigated by the combined use of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MC) and frontier electron densities (FEDs), and a reasonable degradation pathway was provided. The results of this research provide a new and viable approach to overcome the limitations of conventional photocatalytic materials in terms of limited visible light absorption range and fast carrier recombination rates, which offers promising prospects for a wide range of applications in the field of wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maintain performance of an aqueous-based drilling muds (ABDMs), it was imperative to understand the decay mechanism of the incorporated synthetic polymers, when exposed to the elevated temperatures. The understanding of the decay mechanism could provide a polymer replenishment strategy for the fluid to retain a specific rheology and filtrate control performance. In this context, thermal-degradation of various acrylamide co-polymers was investigated in different monovalent brines. The acrylamide co-polymers were custom synthesized, and their molecular weight and % sulfonic substitution was verified using the capillary viscometer and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques respectively. The co-polymer thermal degradation mechanism (i.e., polymer hydrolysis) in various monovalent brines (KCl, NaCl and NaBr) was quantified by novel titration for temperature range {121 °C, 177 °C}. The degradation response of the co-polymers was then correlated with their rheology and HPHT (high-pressure-high-temperature) filtrate performance; for instance, the titration studies showed that co-polymer degradation was 12–15% and 44–47% after sixteen hours aging at 121 °C and 177 °C respectively; correspondingly the co-polymer performance in ABDM, exhibited HPHT filtrate of 12–18 mL and 38–40 mL at those respective temperatures after sixteen hours of aging. The quantified understanding of the co-polymer thermal degradation was used to device a new approach for co-polymer replenishment strategy; it was illustrated that a 7% replenishment of the co-polymer for every eight hours, at 121 °C, enabled sustained HPHT filtrate of 12–18 mL for the studied evaluation period of thirty-two hours. The replenishment approach presented in the study would provide a valuable tool for drilling automation to ensure sustained fluid performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silty mudstone distributed in southern China subjected to wet–dry cycling exacerbates the rock deterioration, posing significant challenges to slope stability. This study aims to investigate the damage characteristics and degradation mechanisms of silty mudstone after undergoing multiple wet–dry cycles. The specimen variation was simulated in laboratory under repeated cycles and the degree of specimen degradation across various cycle numbers (N) was evaluated using a combination of geotechnical tests (uniaxial compressive and split tensile tests) and microscopic observations via Scanning Electron Microscopy. Further, the fractal feature was characterized by Box-counting Dimension method implemented in MATLAB, and the damage evolution equation was obtained based on the damage theory. The findings reveal a pronounced decline in mechanical properties and a transition from brittle to shear failure modes with an increase in N, alongside an enhancement in cross-sectional integrity post-damage. Porosity changes notably, with an increased proportion of larger pores post-erosion. The fractal dimension escalates with rising N, with the damage variable and strength degradation rate initially increasing followed by stabilizing. A developed quadratic polynomial damage model exhibits universality for silty mudstone submitted to wet–dry cycling. The degradation mechanism is identified as resulting from cement dissolution and recrystallization, mineral surface hydration, and particle softening and disintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has seen rapid advancements over the past decade due to its promising role in green hydrogen production. Ensuring long-term functionality is as crucial as optimizing performance to achieve commercial viability and industrial integration. However, few studies have systematically discussed the degradation issues of this technology. Therefore, a thorough understanding of AEMWE degradation is needed to guide the design, assembly, operation, and maintenance of the device over its lifetime. To address this gap, this review systematically overviewed the heterogeneous degradation of AEMWE across different material and interface levels, focusing on several key components including catalysts, ionomers, membranes, and gas diffusion layers. The influences of these components and their interfaces on the catalytic efficiency, active site density, and mass and electron transfer capabilities were discussed. Moreover, the impacts of operation conditions, including temperature, electrolyte composition, and clamping pressure, on the stable operation of AEMWE were assessed. Accordingly, current mitigation strategies to resolve these degradation phenomena were rigorously evaluated. By offering insights into optimizing operations, designing materials, and improving assessment protocols for AEMWE, this work will contribute to enhancing its stability for large-scale hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

AbstractDuring seasonal rainfall periods, natural rocks typically undergo repeated wetting-drying cycles, which directly affects the micro-structure of the rock samples and consequently leads to the deterioration of their mechanical properties, especially in mudstone. Therefore, this paper investigated the degradation pattern of strength parameters and failure pattern of mudstone samples under wetting-drying cycles through a series of laboratory tests and quantitatively characterized the micro-structural changes in the samples. Additionally, numerical simulations were utilized to delve deeper into the degradation mechanism of the samples. The results indicate that with an increasing number of wetting-drying cycles, the degradation of peak strength and elastic modulus becomes more pronounced. Moreover, there is a continuous increase in micro-porosity within the samples, accompanied by changes in pore structure and morphology. According to the simulation results, the wetting-drying cycles change how the samples fail, transitioning from mixed tensile-shear failure to predominantly shear failure. This study not only deepens the theoretical understanding of the deterioration mechanisms in mudstone but also provides important guidance for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining industries have long relied on cyanidation as the primary method for gold extraction, but this process generates thiocyanates as a problematic byproduct, posing challenges for wastewater treatment and recycling. The stability of thiocyanates makes their reduction or elimination in mining wastewater difficult. In this study, a p-n heterojunction of ZnO and BiOI was created and evaluated for its ability to photodegrade thiocyanate ions under simulated solar conditions. Various analytical techniques revealed a highly porous structure with a sponge-like morphology and agglomeration in the synthesized heterojunction. The compound exhibited crystalline patterns without impurity peaks, a slight red shift in absorbance, and Type IV isotherm adsorption. The synthesized heterostructure achieved the complete destruction of thiocyanate ions in less than 30 min. The investigation of different process parameters indicated that the destruction of the contaminant by the heterostructure was influenced by the initial thiocyanate concentration, which decreased as the thiocyanate concentration increased. The peak photodestruction reaction was observed at pH 7. By applying a pseudo-first-order kinetic model, it was found that increasing the catalyst mass to 15 mg raised the rate constant from 0.188 to 0.420 min−1, while increasing the pH to 10 led to a 3.5-fold reduction. The strong correlation between the observed data and the predicted values of the pseudo-first-order kinetic model was indicated by the observed (R2) values. The findings of this study hold potential significance for mining industries, as it offers a potential solution for eliminating cyanide and thiocyanates from mining wastewater. The elimination of thiocyanate generation in the cyanidation process is crucial for mining companies, making this study valuable for the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since enormous amounts of antibiotics are consumed daily by millions of patients all over the world, tons of pharmaceutical residuals reach aquatic bodies. Accordingly, our study adopted the Fenton catalytic degradation approach to conquer such detrimental pollutants. (Ce0.33Fe) MIL-88A was fabricated by the hydrothermal method; then, it was supported on the surface of g-C3N4 sheets using the post-synthetic approach to yield a heterogeneous Fenton-like (Ce0.33Fe) MIL-88A/10%g-C3N4 catalyst for degrading the tetracycline hydrochloride drug. The physicochemical characteristics of the catalyst were analyzed using FT-IR, SEM-EDX, XRD, BET, SEM, and XPS. The pH level, the H2O2 concentration, the reaction temperature, the catalyst dose, and the initial TC concentration were all examined as influencing factors of TC degradation efficiency. Approximately 92.44% of the TC was degraded within 100 min under optimal conditions: pH = 7, catalyst dosage = 0.01 g, H2O2 concentration = 100 mg/L, temperature = 25 °C, and TC concentration = 50 mg/L. It is noteworthy that the practical outcomes revealed how the Fenton-like process and adsorption work together. The degradation data were well-inspected by first-order and second-order models to define the reaction rate. The synergistic interaction between the (Ce0.33Fe) MIL-88A/10%g-C3N4 components produces a continuous redox cycle of two active metal species and the electron-rich source of g-C3N4. The quenching test demonstrates that •OH is the primary active species for degrading TC in the H2O2–(Ce0.33Fe) MIL-88A/10%g-C3N4 system. The GC-MS spectrum elucidates the yielded intermediates from degrading the TC molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple two step hydrothermal method is developed for synthesizing p‐type zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods surface modified with nitrogen doped silicon dioxide dots (ZnO/N‐SiO2). The structure, morphology, and chemical compositions are confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and by Mott‐Schottky studies. The N‐SiO2 dots on the surface of p‐type ZnO nanorods are formed during hydrothermal treatment at 90 °C (i.e., at 363 K), named as [ZnO/N‐SiO2]363K. While N‐SiO2 dots are embedded in the ZnO nanorods of the batch synthesized at 453 K. The band gap of the batches of ZnO/N‐SiO2 are wider (3.24–3.30 eV) than the pristine ZnO (3.16 eV). The modification of ZnO nanorods by the N‐SiO2 dots is corroborated by changes in the flat band potential, revealed from Mott‐Schottky measurements. The EPR and photoluminescence studies confirm p‐type ZnO attributable to zinc vacancies (VZn). The batch [ZnO/N‐SiO2]363 exhibits maximum photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin in water. The specific rate constant is k′ = 0.97 min−1 g−1, which is nearly three times higher than that exhibited by the irregularly spherical pristine ZnO nanoparticles (k′ = 0.36 min−1 g−1). The enhanced photocatalytic degradation is attributed to holes mediated hydroxyl radical generation. The degradation mechanism is proposed by carrier mobility studies, radical scavenging studies and by identifying the degradation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li/Mn‐rich layered oxide (LMR) cathode active materials promise exceptionally high practical specific discharge capacity (>250 mAh g−1) as a result of both conventional cationic and anionic oxygen redox. The latter requires electrochemical activation at high cathode potential (>4.5 V vs Li|Li+), though it is accompanied by capacity and voltage fade in the course of continuous release of lattice oxygen, layered‐to‐spinel phase transformation, redox couple shift, as well as transition metal dissolution, whereas the latter is particularly detrimental for graphite‐based anodes due to electrode crosstalk. Herein, the degradation is investigated in LMR || graphite full cells by systematically varying the voltage windows, analyzing electrochemical data and changes at the anode surface. Based on this, the optimal operational voltage window, i.e., upper and lower cutoff voltage (UCV and LCV), is elaborated to finally solve the dilemma of decent cycle life (at high UCVs) and insufficient LMR activation/capacity (at low UCV) and is shown to be superior via distinguishing between formation and postformation cycles of 4.5 and 4.3 V, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]