Search

A series of inorganic acid post-treated carbon nitride was synthesized to regulate the electronic structure, surface properties and then improve the photocatalytic activity. Carbon nitride displayed a thinner and smaller nanosheet structure after acid post-treatment, which could provide more exposed active sites and improve the charge carrier separation. The electronic band gap structure revealed that the phosphoric acid-treated sample (HP-CN) had a more positive valence band edge, endowing it with a higher oxidation ability. Furthermore, electron spin resonance (EPR) and transient photoinduced voltage (TPV) analyses demonstrated that the acid-treated carbon nitride had a higher electron–hole pair separation and transfer efficiency, thus boosting the photocatalytic performance. HP-CN possessed an optimal removal efficiency of 87.7% towards Reactive Brilliant Red X-3B (RBR X-3B), which was 1.62 times that of g-C3N4. Moreover, HP-CN showed an outstanding stability and satisfactory ability to remove RhB (rhodamine B) and TC (tetracycline), proving its potential application in environmental remediation. The photocatalytic mechanism measurement indicated that photogenerated h+, ˙O2− and ˙OH played critical roles during photocatalytic RBR X-3B decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal liquefaction technology (HTL) is a promising thermochemical method to convert biomass into novel liquid fuels. The introduction of oxides and inorganic acids/bases during the hydrothermal process significantly impacts the yield and composition of bio-oil. However, systematic research on their effects, especially at lower temperatures, remains limited. In this paper, we examine the effects of acidity and alkalinity on cotton stalk hydrothermal bio-oil by introducing homogeneous acids and bases. Given the operational challenges associated with product separation using homogeneous acids and bases, this paper further delves into the influence of heterogeneous oxide catalysts (possessing varying degrees of acidity and alkalinity, as well as distinct microstructures and pore architectures) on the production of cotton stalk hydrothermal bio-oil. The effects of nanoscale oxides (CeO2, TiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, MgO and SiO2) and homogeneous acid–base catalysts (NaOH, K2CO3, Na2CO3, KOH, HCl, H2SO4, HNO3) on the quality of cotton stalk bio-oil under moderate hydrothermal conditions (220 °C, 4 h) were investigated. Characterization techniques including infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and GC-MS were employed. The results revealed that CeO2 and NaOH achieved the highest bio-oil yield due to Ce3+/Ce4+ redox reactions, OH-LCC disruption, and ionic swelling effects. Nano-oxides enhanced the formation of compounds like N-ethyl formamide and aliphatic aldehydes while suppressing nitrogen-containing aromatics. The total pore volume and average pore width of oxides negatively correlated with their catalytic efficiency. CeO2 with low pore volume and width exhibited the highest energy recovery. The energy recovery of cotton stalk bio-oil was influenced by both acid and base sites on the oxide surface, with a higher weak base content favoring higher yields and a higher weak acid content inhibiting them. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights into the energy utilization of agricultural solid waste, such as cotton stalks, as well as to inform the design and development of highly efficient catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential impact of transitioning from conventional fossil fuel to a non-fossil-fuel vehicle fleet was investigated by measuring primary emissions via extractive sampling of bus plumes and assessing secondary mass formation using the Gothenburg Potential Aerosol Mass (Go:PAM) reactor from 76 in-use transit buses. Online chemical characterization of gaseous and particulate emissions from these buses was conducted using chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) with acetate as the reagent ion, coupled with the Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols (FIGAERO). Acetate reagent ion chemistry selectively ionizes acidic compounds, including organic and inorganic acids, as well as nitrated and sulfated organics. A significant reduction (48 %–98 %) in fresh particle emissions was observed in buses utilizing compressed natural gas (CNG), biodiesels like rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and hybrid-electric HVO (HVOHEV) compared to diesel (DSL). However, secondary particle formation from photooxidation of emissions was substantial across all the fuel types. The median ratio of particle mass emission factors of aged to fresh emissions increased in the following order: DSL buses at 4.0, HVO buses at 6.7, HVOHEV buses at 10.5, RME buses at 10.8, and CNG buses at 84. Of the compounds that can be identified by CIMS, fresh gaseous emissions from all Euro V/EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) buses, regardless of fuel type, were dominated by nitrogen-containing compounds such as nitrous acid (HONO), nitric acid (HNO3), and isocyanic acid (HNCO), alongside small monoacids (C1-C3). Notably, the emission of nitrogen-containing compounds was lower in Euro VI buses equipped with more advanced emission control technologies. Secondary gaseous organic acids correlated strongly with gaseous HNO3 signals (R2=0.85 –0.99) in Go:PAM, but their moderate to weak correlations with post-photooxidation secondary particle mass suggest that they are not reliable tracers of secondary organic aerosol formation from bus exhaust. Our study highlights that non-regulated compounds and secondary pollutant formation, not currently addressed in legislation, are crucial considerations in the evaluation of environmental impacts of future fuel and engine technology shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the removal behavior of alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs) and the evolution of microscopic characteristics in high alkali coal under the leaching of inorganic and organic acids are studied. The results show inorganic acids have better effect on the removal of AAEMs because of their stronger ability to convert carboxylate and phenol salts into covalent carboxylic acids and phenols. Citric acid has a slightly weaker effect than inorganic acids, and oxalic acid has the least effect. The improvement of slagging characteristics is consistent with the removal ability. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and citric acid are more effective in enhancing the calorific value of coal, with an enhancement of about 0.60 MJ/kg. After leaching, the pores and cracks in the coal are developed, and the mesopores have a tendency to shift to a lower pore size range. This trend is most pronounced in citric acid leached coal and hydrochloric acid leached coal. Sulfuric acid seriously damage the surface morphology, which results in a tendency of large pore transfer in S-form coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanites aegyptiaca is a multipurpose fruit tree that grows wild in many arid and semi-arid African areas; however, recent domestication efforts have been undertaken to protect the species from the threat of urbanization and climate change. Within this context, the impact of the domestication of Algerian B. aegyptiaca was evaluated on its seed oil, which is already valued as food. Hence, oils from wild and domesticated trees were comparatively investigated for their physicochemical and compositional quality. Both oil types had a good oxidative stability and met the requirements for human consumption in terms of the saponification index, the free acidity, and the peroxide value. Moreover, they showed a comparable FA composition, with high levels of oleic and linoleic acids, which are beneficial for the consumer's health. Domestication led to a statistically significant decrease in the tocopherols and polyphenols in the oil. The phytosterols and squalene were slightly lower in the domesticated oil than in the wild relative, although no statistically significant differences were observed. A comparable mineral profile was revealed and the minimal variations in the trace elements between the oils could be related to the natural variability in the seeds. Hopefully, this study will encourage the domestication of B. aegyptiaca as a sustainable strategy for enhancing its socioeconomic value in Algerian rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix acidizing is a widely used technique in carbonate formations to improve production and injection rates by restoring or improving permeability. This study evaluates the stimulation efficacy of organic and inorganic acid combinations in the Sarajeh carbonate formation, with a focus on improving permeability within this potential tight gas formation. Through solubility and continuous flow tests, a mixture of HCl 7.5% + HAc 2.5% was found to significantly outperform the traditional HCl 15% solution. The HCl 7.5% + HAc 2.5% mixture had a solubility rate of 59.27% and improved permeability by 4.4 times compared to HCl 15%, indicating a higher dissolving capacity. The results of continuous flow tests showed that the mixed acid had the best pore volume to breakthrough (PVBt) value of 2.574 at a controlled injection rate of 2 cc/min. This study demonstrates the superior performance of a lower concentration HCl‐HAc acid formulation in matrix acidizing carbonate formations and confirms its potential as a more effective alternative to high concentration HCl treatments for the Sarajeh reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerosol hygroscopic behavior plays a central role in determining climate effects and environmental influence of atmospheric particulates. Water-soluble organic acids (WSOAs) constitute a significant fraction of organic aerosols. These organic acids have a complex impact on aerosol hygroscopicity due to their physical and chemical interactions with atmospheric inorganic salts. The mixing of WSOAs with inorganic salts exerts a multiple influence on the hygroscopic growth and phase behaviors of aerosol particles, largely depending on the composition ratio, acid properties, particle size and interactions between particle components. The WSOAs play a critical role in determining water uptake characteristics of aerosol particles, especially in the low and moderate RH ranges. The previous studies reveal the occurrence of aerosol chemistry related to chloride/nitrate/ammonium depletions in aerosol droplets containing WSOAs and inorganic salts. The potential influence of WSOAs on the atmospheric recycling of HCl/HNO3/NH3 due to the chloride/nitrate/ammonium depletion may contribute to the atmospheric budget of reactive gases. A fundamental understanding for the hygroscopic behavior and aerosol chemistry of inorganic–WSOA systems is essential for the accurate parameterization of aerosol behaviors in atmospheric models. However, there is still lack of a comprehensive understanding of the hygroscopicity and related aerosol chemistry of internally mixed inorganic–WSOA systems. The present review comprehensively summarizes the impacts of WSOAs on hygroscopicity and phase changes of atmospherically relevant inorganic salts in aerosol particles especially under subsaturated conditions, and overviews the recent advances on aerosol chemistry related to the hygroscopic process for the internally mixed inorganic–WSOA aerosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers are omnipresent in our daily life thanks to their low production cost and their ease of implementation, which makes thermoplastics more usable in supplying drinking water, distributing cold and hot water, and transporting hot corrosive fluids and industrial chemicals, including inorganic acids. The material of our study is chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC); it has better thermal insulation and a wide operating temperature range. This paper deals with the impact of thermal aging over time on the behavior of CPVC by performing two types of tests according to ISO 15877 (EN ISO 15877) two types of tests; the first is thermal aging (Fig. 1) at a temperature of 95 °C and a pressure of 10 bars for periods of up to 2000 h and the second test exposure of the pipeline to pressure until bursting. On the basis of the test results, we can predict the rupture of the pipeline and thus avoid the dangerous accidents due to the bursting under the effect of the pressure and the high temperature; by using the results of this study, the inspectors change CPVC structures at the right time, neither too early when the part is still in good condition nor too late after failure; this will be very useful to save water and money and of course save the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated a species‐specific algal–bacterial co‐culture that has recently attracted worldwide scientific attention as a novel approach to enhancing algal growth rate. We report that the type of interaction between Chlorella vulgaris and bacteria of the genus Delftia is not solely determined by species specificity. Rather, it is a dynamic process of adaptation to the surrounding conditions, where one or the other microorganism dominates (temporally) depending on the growth conditions, in particular the medium. Under laboratory conditions, we found that Delftia sp. had a negative effect on C. vulgaris growth when co‐cultured in a TAP medium. However, the co‐culture of algae and bacteria under BG‐11 and BG‐11 + acetic acid resulted in an increase in algal concentration compared to algal cultures without bacteria under the same conditions. Additional chemical analysis revealed that the presence of different carbon (the main organic carbon source—acetic acid in TAP or BG‐11 + acetic acid medium and inorganic carbon source—Na2CO3 in BG‐11 or BG‐11 + acetic acid medium) and nitrogen (NH4Cl in TAP medium and NaNO3 in BG‐11 or BG‐11 + acetic acid medium) species in the growth medium was one of the main factors driving the shift in interaction type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of CZ-xS catalysts for deNO(x) were prepared by sol–gel method. The effects of preparation methods and the amount of sulfuric acid in the sol–gel preparation process on the performance of catalyst were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption–desorption, NH3-temperature programmed desorption (NH3-TPD), H2-temperature-programmed (H2-TPR) and Scanning electron microscope/Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM/EDS). The results showed that when the mass ratio of SO42−/ZrO2 (CZ-0.4S catalyst) was 0.4, the catalytic performance of the catalyst prepared by sol–gel method was greatly improved compared with the sample prepared by coprecipitation + impregnation method. When the space velocity was 220,000 h−1 and the reaction temperature was in range of 290–500 °C, the NO conversion was higher than 90% on CZ-0.4S catalyst. Its excellent denitrification performance was attributed to its larger acidity, higher Ce3+ content, more surface adsorbed oxygen and larger specific surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production at a large scale by purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) is hindered due to high production costs and limited recovery due to its consumption during starvation periods. The present study identified cost-effective inorganic acids as inactivation methods for PPB to obtain higher PHA recovery. The study was performed on reactors of different scales (10 L and 0.5 L) to grow PPB and recover PHA subsequently. The permanent feast strategy was adopted to obtain higher PHA in an anaerobic environment. As a result, the study achieved 33% (dry weight) PHA recovery using inorganic acid inactivation, while formaldehyde inactivation (traditional method) achieved significantly lower PHA recovery (20% only). The results from inorganic acid inactivation were further examined for their stability. The samples were stable even after day 14, and the PHA recovery was the same as on day 0. This pioneering study shows that inorganic acids can be used to inactivate the PPB metabolism to obtain higher PHA recovery; inorganic acid inactivation could be economical for large-scale PHA production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fireproof sealant is a common sealing material and has a wide range of applications, which has the dual performance of sealing and fireproof. To figure out its thermal degradation behavior, the thermogravimetric experiments combined with Fourier transform infrared technology were conducted at multiple heating rates. The results showed that the pyrolysis process could be separated into three stages and the explicit reaction equations were revealed corresponding to each stage: First, ammonium polyphosphate decomposed to produce a large amount of inorganic acid, along with a small amount of ammonia and water. Then, a large amount of ammonia gas was produced from melamine decomposition, and the substrate including acrylic resin began to react. Furthermore, the remaining base materials and intermediate carbonized materials continued to be decomposed to produce large amounts of carbon dioxide, water and residue. The experimental results indicated that the various components of fireproof sealant could cooperate closely and played a synergistic role in flame retardant, which could be an important reference value for guiding the improvement of fire sealing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, the oxidative polymerizations of o/m-anisidines and o-toluidine were carried out by ammonium peroxydisulfate in organic medium. According to the results of UV–Vis, 1H NMR and IR spectral methods the structures of the synthesized poly(o-anisidine) coincide with emeraldine base. Formation of dihydrobenzoxazole units was shown for poly(m-anisidine), which lowers the amount of both quinonediimine and methoxy groups in polymer. Obtained polymers show enhanced solubility in organic solvents. Thermal analysis shows that at 800 °C polyanisidines lost only 48% of their initial weight. Room temperature conductivity measurements show correspondingly 2.5 × 10−1 S/cm and 9 × 10−3 S/cm values for poly(o-anisidine) and poly(o-toluidine) when doped with inorganic acids. The ionization potential and electron affinities of obtained polymers were estimated by cyclic voltammograms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the distribution coefficients (D) of polonium between 0.1 mol dm−3 TOPO/toluene; TOPO/cyclohexane; TBP/toluene and TBP/cyclohexane and aqueous solutions of inorganic acids (HCl, HNO3, H2SO4 and H3PO4) were determinated. The molarities of inorganic acids were between 0.5 and 12.0 mol dm−3. The activity of extracted Po-209 was measured by means of liquid scintillation counting. The best result was obtained for TOPO/toluene and 2 mol dm−3 H2SO4 system (D = 62 ± 9). The most stable conditions of extraction were found for TOPO/toluene-HCl system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes with biologically active metabolites. The present work investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts of six isolates (Cyanobacterium aponinum (0TAÇ3), Cylindrospermum moravicum (0TAÇ4), Nostoc sp. (0TAÇ5), Pseudoanabaena lonchoides (11TAÇ8), Cyanobium sp. (11TAÇ9), and Leptolyngbya sp. (11TAÇ13)) isolated from the Tersakan Stream. By applying the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method, it was found that especially Pseudoanabaena lonchoides and Nostoc sp. extracts displayed strong antimicrobial activity (0.3125-10 mg/mL) on the tested microorganisms. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) were investigated for antioxidant activity screening. Cyanobacterium aponinum and Cyanobium sp. extracts showed strong DPPH (IC50: 0.497 and 0.479 mg/mL, respectively) scavenging and Fe3+ reducing activities (16.88 and 13.58 mg GAE/g extract, respectively). Additionally, the total phenolic content was determined spectroscopically. The antioxidant activities of the methanol extracts were found to be related to the total phenolic content. Cyanobacterium aponinum and Leptolyngbya sp. extracts had high phenolic content (28.99 and 26.42 mg GAE/g extract, respectively). Metabolite profiling was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) after the methanol extracts were derivatized with a silylation agent. The GC-MS analysis detected primary and secondary metabolites (fatty acids, organic and inorganic acids, hydrocarbons, alkaloids, terpenes, etc.) that might contribute to biological activity. According to these results, it was revealed that the studied cyanobacteria have therapeutic agents that exhibit natural antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute 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.)

Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) is essential in the chemical industry for dissolving and purifying various inorganic acids and metals, especially in hydrometallurgical processes. Recent advancements suggest that machine learning can significantly improve the prediction of TBP mixture viscosities, saving time and resources while minimizing exposure to toxic solvents. This study evaluates the effectiveness of five machine learning algorithms for automating TBP mixture viscosity prediction. Using 511 measurements collected across different compositions and temperatures, the neural network (NN) model proved to be the most accurate, achieving a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.157% and an adjusted R2 (a measure of how well the model predicts the variability of the outcome) of 99.72%. The NN model was particularly effective in predicting the viscosity of TBP + ethylbenzene mixtures, with a minimal deviation margin of 0.049%. These results highlight the transformative potential of machine learning to enhance the efficiency and precision of hydrometallurgical processes involving TBP mixtures, while also reducing operational risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping inorganic acid ions represents a promising pathway to improving the photocatalytic activity of TiO2, and oxygen vacancy has been regarded as the determinant factor for photocatalytic activity. A series of samples doped with Cl−, NO3−, and SO42− was prepared via a simple sol–gel method. Two different oxygen vacancies in the crystal layer of NO3−/TiO2 and Cl−/TiO2 were found, and those are [Ti3+]-V0-[Ti3+] and [Ti3+]-Cl, respectively. The photocurrent of NO3−/TiO2 with [Ti3+]-V0-[Ti3+] is significantly greater than that of Cl−/TiO2 with [Ti3+]-Cl. The least oxygen vacancy is in the gel layer of SO42−/TiO2, and the negligible photocurrent is due to difficulty in forming a stable sol. Furthermore, the process conditions for the application of TiO2 were investigated in this work. The optimal process parameters are to adjust the solution to pH = 3 during sol–gel preparation, to adopt 550 °C as the calcination temperature, and to use an alkaline electrolyte, while the rest of the preparation conditions remain unchanged. This work reveals a new avenue for designing efficient photocatalysts for air pollutant degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a detailed overview of the synthesis and characterization of β-hydroxyhydrophosphonic acids and their derivatives. The traditional methods for synthesizing these compounds have limitations, and the article presents a new method that uses sodium hypophosphite as a green and cost-effective phosphorus source. The reaction is catalyzed by silver trifluoromethanesulfonate and demonstrates good efficiency and functional group compatibility. The document includes information on the chemical properties of various phosphinic acids, providing data such as NMR spectra, melting points, and yields for each compound. This information can be valuable for researchers studying these compounds and their properties. [Extracted from the article]

Biochar-based fertilizers (BBFs) agronomic performance depends on its nutrient pools, electrical conductivity (EC) and pH, conventionally assessed by laboratory classical wet methods that are non-environmentally friendly, time-consuming, and costly. However, the nutrient pools and properties of BBFs can be predicted by partial least square regression (PLS) based on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Thus, we aimed to use PLS regression based on FTIR analysis to predict the pH, EC and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) pools in BBFs produced by different routes. Sixteen BBFs were produced by mixing, previously or after the pyrolysis process of low-grade phosphate acidulated with different inorganic acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric and nitric acids), addition or no different sources of Mg (magnesium chloride and serpentinite). PLS models based on the normalized FTIR dataset in BBFs are considered good when R2 during calibration and cross-validation phases are higher than 0.81, values founded in our study to prediction of pH, EC, total, and mineral N, total P, and P soluble in water, citric acid, formic acid, and neutral ammonium citrate, and total K of BBFs. Besides, the difference between R2 of calibration and cross-validation lower than 0.2 founded indicated no overfitting. Furthermore, the PLS models had high prediction capacity (R2 of prediction higher than 0.55) and high accuracy (R2 to y-randomization <0.50). Thus, PLS regression models based on the normalized FTIR dataset in BBFs were models characterized by the good performance, robustness, and nonrandom able to predict the nutrient pools, pH, and EC in BBFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Erythrina fusca undergo acid-base extraction employing HCl and tartaric acid. • 1H NMR chemometric analysis was employed to vary phytochemical profiles of extracts. • HCl was selective in extracting alkaloids compared to tartaric acid. • The value of targeting extraction process for alkaloids. Erythrina fusca Lour. (Fabaceae) has been used traditionally to relieve toothache and migraine headaches, cleansing putrid ulcers, and reducing skin inflammations and irritation. Interestingly, most of the reported biological activities on the plant are attributed to its Erythrina alkaloids which are usually extracted through the acid-base method. While the selection of acids for the extraction process is crucial, there is limited information on comparing the efficacy of strong organic and inorganic acids in extracting Erythrina alkaloids, and, more broadly, other types of alkaloids. In this study, comparison between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and tartaric acid (H 2 T) was made to extract the Erythrina alkaloids. From the same mass (10 g) of the crude methanolic leaf extract, a significantly higher (9-fold) alkaloidal yield was obtained using H 2 T compared to the HCl. The alkaloidal extracts displayed different proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) profile where identification of their phytochemical constituents was done extensively through comparison with respective data of previously isolated compounds from the Erythrina species. Forty-seven phytochemicals were identified in the HCl extract and they were mostly alkaloids. While the H 2 T extract not only contained alkaloids, but also flavonoids, and pterocarpans. Cumulatively, 83 phytochemicals were identified from the extracts, including 35 alkaloids, 18 flavonoids, 14 pterocarpans, 9 terpenes, 3 phenols, and 4 saponins. Based on multivariate analysis (MVDA), the alkaloids erysodine (1), erysovine (2), erysopine (3), warangalone (39), calopocarpin (53), and dolichin A (60) were found in both alkaloidal extracts. The PLS-DA model further identified the variation in the two extracts where the HCl extract was characterized by the flavonoids lupinifolin (41) and erythrisenegalone (43). Conversely, the H 2 T extract contained a broader range of phytochemicals, including the alkaloids glucoerysodine (21) and erythratidinone (28), the flavonoids 5,3′-dihydroxy-4′‑methoxy-5′-(3-methyl-1,3-butadienyl)-2′′,2′′dimethylpyrano-[5,6:6,7]-isoflavanone (51), 5,3′-dihydroxy-5′-(3‑hydroxy-3-methyl-1-butenyl)-4′‑methoxy-2′′,2′′dimethylpyrano-[5,6:6,7]-isoflavanone (52), and catechin (82), the pterocarpans calopocarpin (53) and sandwicensin (63), the terpenes loliolide (70), ursolic acid (80), propyloxyamyrin (83), and stigmast-3-en-4-one (73), the saponins sigmoisides A, B, and E (75, 76 , and 77), and the phenol methyl gallate (81). The present findings highlight the value of targeting the extraction process for alkaloids, in this instance Erythrina alkaloids, using different type of acids. Furthermore, these compounds may be considered potential markers that were selectively extracted through the acid-base extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate pectin extraction from garlic (GW) and onion waste (OW) by microwave-assisted (MAE) and sequential microwave assisted-hot acid extraction (MAHE) methods. All extractions were performed under three different media including organic acids [citric (CA) and acetic (AA)], inorganic acids [sulfuric (H2SO4) and hydrochloric (HCl)] and their mixtures. GW provided more pectin yields compared with OW. While the highest pectin yields from GW and OW by MAE in H2SO4 were respectively 24.62 ± 0.65 and 24.93 ± 0.59%, these yields under MAHE were 27.99 ± 0.36 and 28.43 ± 0.42%, respectively. Higher pectin yields and galacturonic acid (Gal-A) contents were mostly achieved in inorganic acids. However, degree of esterification (DE), methoxyl content (MeO) and equivalent weight (EW) values were higher for the pectins extracted under organic acids. Extraction of pectin from GW and OW was also accomplished in dual acidic media by MAE. Addition of inorganic acids to the organic acid solutions resulted in increasing pectin yields. The highest pectin yields from GW and OW under dual acid solutions were respectively 23.36 ± 0.66 and 21.88 ± 0.52%, and achieved in 1/3 HCl-H2SO4 and 1/3 CA-H2SO4 mixtures by MAE. While increasing inorganic acid contents in dual acid solutions resulted in enhanced Gal-A contents, increasing organic acid volume also generated higher DE and MeO values of the pectins. Obtained successful outcomes indicate that MAHE method could be used as an efficient extraction technique for the higher pectin yields, and utilization of organic-inorganic dual acid mixtures during MAE provides enhanced yields and controlled physicochemical properties of pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical, microstructural and mechanical characterization of novel lightweight composites produced by adding waste cork dust to a metakaolin-based geopolymeric matrix prepared by alkaline activation is presented. The alkaline activator solutions used for the reticulation of the 3D aluminosilicate network at room temperature are composed of NaOH and sodium silicate to maintain a low cost of the final composite. In this line, the research of the highest addition of waste, e.g. cork dust, is pursued starting from 1 and reaching a maximum content of 10 wt% over metakaolin. The chemical stability is evaluated in water as well as in HNO 3 or in H 2 SO 4 0.5 and 2.5 N solutions. The addition of cork does not affect the reticulation of the geopolymeric binder used as matrix, as is demonstrated by FT-IR and XRD analyses. The modification of the dense geopolymeric microstructure with the introduction of cork dust weakens the hardened composites that become more permeable to water and acid solutions increasing the weight loss after immersion and decreasing the mechanical resistance to compression. The mechanical performance of the hardened composite with 10 wt% of cork dust still seems to be sufficient for application as self-supporting thermal insulation panels. (195/200). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible technology for the production of high purity inorganic acids has been developed, which includes the stages of chemical purification, rectification, desorption, adsorption, absorption, composition correction, and microfiltration. It is shown that one of the most important stages of the technology is chemical purification, which makes it possible to convert volatile impurities into non-volatile ones, and also to carry out deep purification of acids from arsenic impurities. A pilot installation for studying the process has been created. Based on the conducted research, a chemical purification module has been was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions between SO3 and atmospheric acids are indispensable in improving the formation of aerosol particles. However, relative to those of SO3 with organic acids, the reaction of SO3 with inorganic acids has not received much attention. Here, we explore the atmospheric reaction between SO3 and H2SO4 , a typical inorganic acid, in the gas phase and at the air–water interface using quantum chemical (QC) calculations and Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations. We also report the effect of H2S2O7 , the product of the reaction between SO3 and H2SO4 , on new particle formation (NPF) in various environments using the Atmospheric Cluster Dynamics Code (ACDC) kinetic model and QC calculations. The present findings show that the gas-phase reactions of SO3 + H2SO4 without and with water molecules are both low-energy-barrier processes. With the involvement of interfacial water molecules, H2O induced the formation of the S2O72-⋯H3O+ ion pair, HSO4- mediated the formation of the HSO4-⋯H3O+ ion pair, and the deprotonation of H2S2O7 was observed and proceeded on the picosecond timescale. The present findings suggest the potential contribution of the SO3 – H2SO4 reaction to NPF and aerosol particle growth, showing that (i) although H2S2O7 is easily hydrolyzed with water to form H2SO4 , it can directly participate in H2SO4 – NH3 -based cluster formation and can present a more obvious enhancement effect on SA – A -based cluster formation, and (ii) the formed interfacial S2O72- can attract candidate species from the gas phase to the water surface and, thus, accelerate particle growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from phosphogypsum (PG) is of great significance for the effective utilization of rare earth resources and enhancing the resource value of PG waste residues. This study used Aspergillus niger (A. niger) fungal culture filtrate as a leaching agent to investigate the behavior of extracting REEs from PG through direct and indirect contact methods. According to the ICP-MS results, direct leaching at a temperature of 30 °C, shaking speed of 150 rpm, and a solid–liquid ratio of 2:1, achieved an extraction rate of 74% for REEs, with the main elements being yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), and neodymium (Nd). Under the same conditions, the extraction rate of REEs from phosphogypsum using an A. niger culture filtrate was 63.3% higher than that using the simulated organic acid-mixed solution prepared with the main organic acid components in the A. niger leachate. Moreover, the morphological changes observed in A. niger before and after leaching further suggest the direct involvement of A. niger's metabolic process in the extraction of REEs. When compared to using organic acids, A. niger culture filtrate exhibits higher leaching efficiency for extracting REEs from PG. Additionally, using A. niger culture filtrate is a more environmentally friendly method with the potential for industrial-scale applications than using inorganic acids for the leaching of REEs from PG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly increasing amount of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) requires recycling technology with higher economic and environmental efficiency, while current hydrometallurgical recycling strategies usually consume large amounts of inorganic acids and reducing agents without reusability of the leachate due to the addition of precipitants. Herein, we report a precipitant-free and closed-loop strategy for recycling lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) where the extraction of metal elements from dissolved leachate is realized by dynamically regulating the solubility product (Ksp). A choline chloride : oxalic acid (ChCl : OA) type deep eutectic solvent (DES) has been demonstrated as the leachant while the cobalt and lithium can be recovered by either controlling the complexing process or cooling, thus achieving controlled precipitation of elements without adding precipitants, and thereby maintaining the structure of the leachate to the largest extent and realizing reusability. The strategy based on the dynamic regulation of Ksp is expected to provide a general method for designing a reusable leachant for the hydrometallurgical recycling of the electrodes of spent LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP) with an average size of 25.67 nm were synthesized via a novel wet chemical route and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Comparative antibacterial assays of Chitosan NP suspensions prepared in water (at neutral pH) and in dilute acetic acid and chitosan gel prepared in dilute acetic acid/hydrochloric acid (all at concentrations up to 1%) were performed against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) bacteria using spread plate method. A parallel viability test was conducted to confirm the presence of surviving cells in the bulk test volume. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of chitosan gel was 0.5 mg/ml for the bulk chitosan dissolved in 0.05% v/v aq. acetic acid and 0.1 mg/ml for chitosan dissolved in 0.01% v/v aqueous (aq.) hydrochloric acid. In comparison, Chitosan NP were found to be growth promoter at neutral pH and exhibited cell protective efficacy in presence of aq. acetic acid. The biocidal activity of chitosan gel in acidic media was higher when prepared in strong inorganic acid, that is, aq. HCl in comparison with the gel prepared in a relatively weak organic acid that is, aq. CH3COOH at the same concentration. Antibacterial action also showed pH dependence with higher activity at lower pH. However, respective aq. acids also gave comparable bactericidal action; indicating that chitosan may not have any inherent antibacterial property and basically it acts as a growth promoter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic acids produced by biota have been shown to accelerate the dissolution of minerals, possibly creating biosignatures in either reacting solutions or the solid materials. We tested aqueous alteration of serpentinite in three groups of solutions: inorganic acids, organic acids created through abiotic processes (termed "abiotic–organics"), and organic acids created through biotic processes (termed "biotic acids") over a range of temperatures relevant to conditions on Mars and Europa. A total of 48 batch reactor experiments were carried out at 0 °C, 22 °C, and 62 °C in 16 different acids at pH 2.6 over 28 days. Additional experiments were conducted in sulfuric acid solutions to assess aqueous alteration in sulfate-rich environments. These results show that biotic acids accelerate serpentinite dissolution compared to the control inorganic acid, whereas abiotic–organic acids have little or no effect. Sulfuric acid enhances serpentinite dissolution over nitric acid. Secondary precipitates found in the presence of biotic acids were consistently enhanced in Mn, Ti, and W. We propose that these preferentially released elements and secondary minerals may be potential biosignatures. We also show that the release of the rock-forming elements Mg and Si is correlated with stability constants for the metal–acid aqueous complex, providing a possible mechanistic interpretation of the observed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 73-74% of boron mineral reserves all over the world are located in the Western Anatolian region of Turkey, in the provinces of Eskişehir, Kütahya, Balıkesir, and Bursa. The most intense minerals extracted from these fields are colemanite, ulexite, and tincal minerals, respectively. The general principle in the recovery of these minerals is to extract the raw ore and obtain it by size reduction processes of concentrates in high grade. In addition to concentrates, boric acid (H3BO3) production is also possible in Balıkesir and Kütahya. The production of this acid in question includes a series of processes from dissolution with sulfuric acid at high temperatures to crystallization. In this study, except for the aforementioned high concentrations, boron recovery from clay waste, which is high in boron content and is collected from plant waste ponds, is investigated. For this purpose, ulexite-colemanite-containing slime wastes of the Bigadiç (Balıkesir) Plant were dissolved in 7% solids at 60°C in different sulfuric acid concentrations (1-6% H2SO4) and were obtained with 83-97% B2O3 recovery. When the boron wastes are evaluated, issues such as the discovery and establishment of a new waste pond/dam will be solved, the valuable content in the wastes will be recovered, and the environmental problems of boron and other contents in clay will be eliminated. This article includes information about the characterization of the structure by considering the dissolution of boron and other compounds, as well as obtaining boric acid from inorganic acid and boron wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sole inorganic framework-material formulated as [Li(H2O)4][{CuI(H2O)1.5} {CuII(H2O)3}2{WVI12O36(OH)6}]·N2·H2S·3H2O (1), consisting of a hydroxylated polyoxometalate (POM) anion, [{WVI12O36(OH)6}]6− and a mixed-valent Cu(II)- and Cu(I)-aqua cationic complex species, [{CuI(H2O)1.5}{CuII(H2O)3}2]5+, has been utilized to explore its proton conductivity studies. The POM cluster anion is functionalized with six hydroxyl groups, meaning there are six WVI-OH groups per cluster unit. Compound 1, insoluble in water, can be described as an inorganic acid because its water suspension shows an acidic pH. The presence of these six hydroxyl groups per cluster unit having six labile protons has encouraged us to perform proton conductivity studies of this system. The highest proton conductivity of compound 1 is 1.72 ×10−2 S cm−1 at a temperature of 80 °C at 98% relative humidity (RH). Arrhenius plot has been constructed from the temperature-dependent proton conductivity values. The concerned Arrhenius plot has shown good linearity throughout the temperature range of 40 to 80 °C, revealing an activation energy of 0.41 eV. The compound has also shown remarkable stability in the conductivity value for 40 h. The proton conductivity studies of a framework-material [Li(H2O)4][{CuI(H2O)1.5} {CuII(H2O)3}2{WVI12O36(OH)6}]·N2·H2S·3H2O (1) have been performed. Compound 1 exhibits proton conductivity value of 1.72 ×10−2 S cm−1 at a temperature of 80 °C at 98% relative humidity. The concerned Arrhenius plot gives the activation energy value of 0.41 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics is a global concern due to the growing volume of plastic waste and its environmental impact. We studied PET hydrolysis and acidolysis processes to recover the PET monomer terephthalic acid (TPA) using various acid catalysts (zeolites, inorganic acids, ionic liquids, carboxylic acids, metal salts, and CO2) below the PET melting point and under identical conditions. TPA yield depended largely on the solution pH for some catalysts, especially aliphatic carboxylic acids, nitric acid, and CO2. However, TPA yields from hydrolysis with metal salts, ionic liquids, sulfuric acid, and aromatic carboxylic acids are also influenced by factors such as solubility limits, oxidation, and anion effects (for metal salts). Under mild hydrolysis conditions at 200 °C for 2 hours, carboxylic acids and metal salts achieved TPA yields > 80%, outperforming nitric acid, which required much more corrosive conditions at pH = 0.7. Zeolites have minimal impact on TPA yields in hydrolysis below the PET melting point. CO2 as a catalyst precursor to carbonic acid did not increase TPA yields significantly. We also explored using acetic acid as the sole reaction medium (acidolysis), which exhibited high TPA yields and a similar environmental energy impact to acid-catalyzed hydrolysis. Propanoic acid showed comparable efficiency, offering promising avenues for chemical recycling of PET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engine oil oxidation is one of the major reasons for oil aging which can result in variations in the physical and chemical properties of oil. Organic acids generated by oil oxidation can react with water to form inorganic acids and acidic substances (including organic and inorganic acids) that corrode engine parts, resulting in the generation of rust or damage to engine parts. This is one of the important reasons why oil should be regularly changed. One of the most commonly applied methods for judging the aging degree of engine oil is monitoring its acid number (AN). However, generally, the effect of oil water content on acid value measurement is not considered. When oils are used in engines, they are often contaminated by water due to condensation, which accelerates engine oil aging. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the water content effect on AN in the process of engine oil aging. In this research, a water content sensor was applied to characterize moisture content in oxidized oil samples. The sensor could also obtain oil sample electrical conductivity which corresponded to its dielectric constant. Using a mid-infrared spectrometer to measure oil sample AN at this point to obtain the variation in AN with oxidation time, oil sample AN was connected in series with the water content, dielectric constant and electrical conductivity. These parameters were monitored through sensors, and the effect of water content on AN was studied. Experimental results revealed that with the increase in oxidation time, the water content, electrical conductivity, dielectric constant increase and AN of oil were increased. At the same time, since the temperature had a greater effect on electrical conductivity, the application of an air-conditioned constant-temperature environment removed the effect of temperature change on electrical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New particle formation contributes significantly to the number concentration of ultrafine particles (UFPs, d ≤ 100 nm) and has a great impact on human health and global climate. Iodine oxoacids (HIO x , including iodic acid, HIO 3 , and iodous acid, HIO 2) have been observed in pristine regions and proved to dominate new particle formation (NPF) at some sites. However, the knowledge of HIO x in polluted urban areas is rather limited. Here, we conducted a long-term measurements of gaseous iodine oxoacids and sulfuric acid in Beijing from January 2019 to October 2021 and also in Nanjing from March 2019 to February 2020 and investigated the contribution of HIO x to UFP number concentration in both urban environments. HIO 3 is highest in summer, up to 2.85 × 10 6 and 2.78 × 10 6 cm -3 in Beijing and Nanjing, respectively, and is lowest in winter by 96 % and 75 %, respectively. HIO 3 exhibits more prominent variation than H 2 SO 4 in both urban sites. HIO 3 concentration shows a clear diurnal pattern at both sites with a daily maximum at around noontime, similar to the atmospheric temperature, solar radiation, and ozone (O 3) levels. HIO 2 concentration has the same diurnal and seasonal trend as HIO 3 but is overall about an order of magnitude lower than HIO 3 concentration. Back trajectory analysis suggests that the sources for inland iodine species could be a mix of marine and terrestrial origins, with both having peak iodine emission in warm seasons. While the contribution of HIO 2 to particle growth is marginal in Beijing and Nanjing, our results demonstrate that HIO 3 enhances the particle survival probability of sub-3 nm particles by about 40 % (median) and occasionally by more than 100 % in NPF events, suggesting HIO x are significant contributor to UFPs in polluted urban areas. As the growth contribution from HIO 3 and H 2 SO 4 is similar on a per-molecule basis, we propose that the sum of HIO 3 and H 2 SO 4 could be used to estimate sub-3 nm particle growth of inorganic acid origin in polluted atmospheres with a significant amount of HIO x. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorine is commonly used by the fresh produce industry to sanitize water and minimize pathogen cross-contamination during handling. The pH of chlorinated water is often reduced to values of pH 6–7, most commonly with citric acid to stabilize the active antimicrobial, hypochlorous acid (a form of free chlorine). Previous studies have demonstrated that citric acid reacts with chlorine to form trichloromethane, a major chlorine by−product in water and a potential human carcinogen. However, it is unclear if other pH control agents could be used in the place of citric acid to minimize the formation of trichloromethane. The objective of the present study was to determine the reactivity of organic and inorganic pH control agents, with chlorine, to generate trichloromethane. Free chlorine (∼100 mg/L) was mixed with 10 mM of each of twelve organic acids and two inorganic pH control agents (i.e., sodium acid sulfate and phosphoric acid) to effect a pH level of 6.5. Free chlorine and trichloromethane levels were measured over 3 h at 3 and 22°C. Results demonstrated that ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, citric acid, and malic acid rapidly depleted free chlorine concentrations at both 22°C and 3°C, while tartaric acid and lactic acid decreased chlorine concentrations more slowly. Other pH control agents did not significantly reduce free chlorine either at 22 or 3°C. Citric acid led to the generation of significantly higher concentrations of trichloromethane than did other acids. Chloroacetone was also found in chlorinated water in the presence of citric acid and ascorbic acid. Taking buffering capacity and pKa values into account, phosphoric acid and some organic acids may be used to replace citric acid as pH control agents in chlorinated water for washing fresh produce, to stabilize free chlorine level and reduce the generation of trichloromethane.

Baicalein, usually obtained after the removal of 7-O-β-D-glucuronic acid from baicalin, has strong pharmacological activity. In this study, a novel strategy for efficient and eco-friendly preparation of baicalein was established by high-temperature-little-acid hydrolysis of baicalin. The effects of inorganic acids, solvents, solid-liquid ratio, HCl concentration and hydrolysis duration on the yield of baicalein were investigated by one-factor-at-a-time experiment. Then, an orthogonal experiment design was conducted for the optimal hydrolysis conditions, namely, baicalin was boiled in n-BuOH solution containing 0.50% HCl (w/v) at 130°C for 2.0 h with solid--liquid ratio at 1:25 (g/mL). In the 60-fold scale-up experiment, the yield of baicalein was achieved at 83.5% ± 6.3%, and its purity was increased from 74.2% to 98.7% after purification. Compared with reported methods, acid consumption per unit product of the newly developed strategy was approximately 80 times lower than that of conventional acid hydrolysis, and time consumption was substantially reduced. Overall, the novel strategy showed great prospects for a cleaner largescale production of baicalein, which provides a new alternative desirable for the preparation of natural products with high efficiency and low consumption in the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic development of tight carbonate reservoirs requires hydraulic or acid fracturing stimulation. Acid fracturing better activates natural fractures, resulting in increased stimulated reservoir volume and improving oil and gas flowability. In order to solve the problem of excessive acid-rock reaction due to high temperature, this paper screened four kinds of solid forms of acid with the maximum quantity of acid and reaction rate as the index and formed a high temperature-resistant mixed solid acid system with solid organic acid as the main part and inorganic solid acid as the auxiliary part. The maximum quantity of acid produced and effective acid concentration of the system were greater than 50%, and no residue was precipitated after the complete reaction. Dynamic acid-rock rate tests were performed on different types of retarded acid at 140 °C. The test results show that the solid acid dissolves to form a low-viscosity acid solution, and the reaction rate is one order of magnitude lower than that of gelled and cross-linked acids at the same hydrogen ion concentration, and it is little affected by temperature. Moreover, the paper compares the treatment effect of micro-proppants and solid acids on micro-fractures. The results show that the core permeability improvement multiples up to 900 times under low dissolution of solid acid and the formation of oil and gas flow channels with the same scale as micro-proppants. The experimental results demonstrated the ability of solid delayed acid to transport the fracture leading edge at high temperatures and effectively activate micro-fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) availability in soil is often limited, posing a challenge for sustainable agricultural production. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) have emerged as a promising biological approach to enhance soil P availability while minimize negative environmental impacts. Exploring the impact of PSMs on increasing soil available P is crucial for optimizing the utilization of insoluble P in soil and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review on the dynamics of soil available P, including its input, loss and transformation processes. Additionally, we draw a conclusion about how PSMs increase the availability of P in soil, including solubilizing inorganic P (Pi) and organic P (Po) by secreting substances such as protons, organic acids, inorganic acids, exopolysaccharides, hydrogen sulfide, siderophores and phosphatases. Notably, the factors influencing the P solubilizing activity of PSMs in soil are thoroughly discussed. Moreover, practical applications of PSMs for increasing soil P availability are summarized. Future research should focus on exploring novel PSM isolates, conducting long-term field experiments to assess the effects and potential risk of PSMs under diverse conditions, and investigating synergistic approaches with other P activators or beneficial microorganisms. This review will advance our understanding of PSMs and their practical application, enabling their widespread adoption in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, three tritopic carboxylic acids were used to construct three Zr-MOFs, HIAM-4033, HIAM-4034, and HIAM-4035, to investigate the effect of carboxyl position on the MOF structures. The results showed that HIAM-4033 and HIAM-4034 possess (3,9)-c models with different underlying nets, whereas HIAM-4035 exhibits the same underlying net as UiO-68. Nanosized HIAM-4033 exhibits excellent sensitivity and selectivity for detecting aromatic acids, such as benzoic acid and 2-fluorobenzoic acid, compared with aliphatic acids and inorganic acids. This study offers new insights into achieving an organic linker directed structure evolution of Zr-MOFs, which might facilitate the discovery of unprecedented underlying nets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mycobacterium bacteria, encompassing both slow growth (SGM) and rapid growth mycobacteria (RGM), along with true pathogenic (TP), opportunistic pathogenic (OP), and non-pathogenic (NP) types, exhibit diverse phenotypes. Yet, the genetic underpinnings of these variations remain elusive. Methods: Here, We conducted a comprehensive comparative genomics study involving 53 Mycobacterium species to unveil the genomic drivers behind growth rate and pathogenicity disparities. Results: Our core/pan-genome analysis highlighted 1,307 shared gene families, revealing an open pan-genome structure. A phylogenetic tree highlighted clear boundaries between SGM and RGM, as well as TP and other species. Gene family contraction emerged as the primary alteration associated with growth and pathogenicity transitions. Specifically, ABC transporters for amino acids and inorganic ions, along with quorum sensing genes, exhibited significant contractions in SGM species, potentially influencing their distinct traits. Conversely, TP strains displayed contraction in lipid and secondary metabolite biosynthesis and metabolism-related genes. Across the 53 species, we identified 26 core and 64 accessory virulence factors. Remarkably, TP and OP strains stood out for their expanded mycobactin biosynthesis and type VII secretion system gene families, pivotal for their pathogenicity. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of gene family contraction in nucleic acids, ions, and substance metabolism for host adaptation, while emphasizing the significance of virulence gene family expansion, including type VII secretion systems and mycobactin biosynthesis, in driving mycobacterial pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been considered desirable extractants and catalysts for desulfurization. However, their hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) are usually sole organic acids, which are not conducive to efficient green catalysis. Herein, a novel inorganic–organic dual-acid DES (DADES) was reported for efficient extractive and oxidative desulfurization. Benefiting from the physical interaction among the three components in a DADES, a transparent homogeneous liquid can be obtained even though inorganic acid (boric acid, BA) and organic acid (acetic acid, AA) can be immiscible. Furthermore, the dual-acid HBD can increase the acidity of the DADES and reduce its viscosity, accelerating its mass transfer efficiency and enhancing its catalytic activity. With 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) as the hydrogen bond acceptor, [Bmim]Cl/BA/0.3AA effectively activated hydrogen peroxide and achieved sulfur removal of 96.6% at 40 °C. Furthermore, the universality of the synergistic effect in various DADESs was confirmed by the modulation of the types of organic acids. This study not only motivates the construction of more intriguing novel DESs based on the DADES concept but also highlights their potential in clean fuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertigation solutions with high pH are a challenge in organically certified greenhouse production. We investigated how organic and inorganic acids affected pH of a fertigation solution derived from certified organic chicken manure extract (CME) in a 23-day pot experiment with coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The pH was adjusted to 6.0 using four organic acids: apple vinegar (CAV), citric acid (CCA), redcurrant juice (CR) and lactic acid water (CAW); and using inorganic sulfuric acid to adjust pH to 6.0 (CIN6.0), 6.5 (CIN6.5) and 7.0 (CIN7.0). CME without pH adjustment (C) and an inorganic fertigation treatment with a pH of 6 (IN) served as controls. Nutrient status, pH and oxygen concentration of the growing medium, and biomass yield parameters of coriander were measured. The pH of CME fertigation solutions increased by 0.9–1.4 units within seven days. CME lowered concentrations of NO3, Ca, Mg and B, increased concentrations of NH4, P, K, Cl, Na and Fe, and electrical conductivity (EC) in the growing medium solutions compared to IN. Most macro- and micronutrients concentrations in shoots (except N, K and Mg) were higher when coriander was given CIN6.0 compared to CME with organic or no pH-adjustment. Oxygen concentration was lower in CME than IN treated pots at 7 cm depth. Organic acids failed to efficiently control the pH of CME fertigation solutions, reduced nutrient availability and resulted in lower root score and a 29–41% lower coriander biomass than IN. Despite inefficient pH control, organic acids did not reduce coriander biomass compared to inorganic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorosilicone rubber, essential in automotive and aerospace owing to its excellent chemical resistance, plays a pivotal role in sealing technology, addressing the industry's evolving demands. This study explores the preparation and properties of fibrillated cellulose-reinforced fluorosilicone rubber composites to enhance their stiffness and oil resistance. Fibrillated cellulose sourced as a wet cake and subjected to processing and modification is incorporated into a fluorosilicone rubber matrix. The resulting composites are analysed by tensile and compression tests, along with compressive stress-relaxation testing in air and in an oil-immersed environment. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in the mechanical properties, including an increased Young's modulus and elongation at break, whereas the tensile strength remained uncompromised throughout the testing procedures. Morphological analysis of the fracture surfaces revealed a remarkable interfacial affinity between the fibrillated cellulose and rubber matrix, which was attributed in part to the modified fatty acids and inorganic nanoparticles. The presence of fibrillated cellulose enhanced the stress-relaxation characteristics under oil-immersion conditions. These results contribute to the domain of advanced elastomer materials, with potential for applications requiring enhanced mechanical properties and superior oil resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of [MoH4(depe)2] (1) (depe=1,2‐bis(diethylphosphino)ethane) with different proton sources (HPtBu3+, C6H5COOH, C6F5COOH, H2SO4) was investigated. Whereas complete conversion of 1 into its protonated form is observed in the presence of the phosphonium salt, [MoH5(depe)2]+ only transiently forms upon treatment with the other acids. Further reactivity of the pentahydride complex is indeed noticed with the conjugated base, typically resulting in the formation of neutral (C6F5COOH, H2SO4) or cationic (PhCOOH) molybdenum dihydride complexes. The compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallographic studies were performed when suitable crystals were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide bandgap and large birefringence, as well as strong second harmonic effect, are important but often mutually restraint prerequisites for deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, a type of photoelectronic materials that play an indispensable role in the DUV laser generation. For the long term, the search for new DUV NLO crystals has focused on the alkali‐metal inorganic acid salts where the variations of anionic groups are considered. Herein, another design strategy is reported, in which the alkali‐metal cations are substituted by the asymmetrical non‐π‐conjugated cations to harmonize the above mutual restrictions. Accordingly, LiN2H5SO4 (LNHSO) crystal is obtained by the substitution of [N2H5]+ for alkali‐metal ions in LiMSO4 (M = Na, K, and Rb). Compared with LiMSO4 (M = Na, K, and Rb), LNHSO exhibits a moderate phase‐matching second‐harmonic generation response (0.6 × KH2PO4), increased birefringence (two to three times that of other sulfates), and the widest bandgap (7.69 eV) among all the reported NLO sulfates. The structural analysis and theoretical calculation reveal that the structural anisotropy, arrangement, and packing configuration of the novel NLO‐active [N2H5]+ cation in LNHSO effectively promotes the optical properties and enlarges the bandgap. This work provides an innovative perspective for the rational design and synthesis of DUV NLO materials with excellent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report analyzes various methods of disposal and processing of exhaust from complex chemical current sources, subdivided into pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and combined. The complex technology for processing lithium-cobalt current sources (LCCS), developed at the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute, is described, including the stages of discharge, opening in an inert atmosphere, crushing, grinding (with mechanical activation), and leaching with extraction. The data from additional studies on the alkaline leaching process of the LCCS cathode are presented. In this case, the degree of aluminum extraction from the LCCS cathode reached 94.2%. Data on a comprehensive study of the distribution of metal components in fractions after grinding and milling in blade and ball mills were analyzed. The results showed that Co, Li compounds, and graphite are contained in powders of size 50–1000 pm, and fractions of size 1000–2500 pm contain Cu, Al compounds, and polymer particles. A fractional (staged) technology is proposed for separating valuable metal components from LCCS with water separation and leaching. The results of leaching mechanically activated powders with inorganic acids are presented. A comparative analysis of the results obtained with data from international authors on the efficiency of LCCS leaching was performed, and a mathematical description of the process kinetics was proposed. A modernized block diagram of combined mechanical processes with leaching and extraction processes was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to compare the physicochemical properties and yields of pectins extracted from onion waste under hot acid (HAE) and pulsed ultrasound‐assisted extraction (PUAE) methods using different organic–inorganic acids, their mixtures, and pure water. The extraction temperature for experiments carried out under HAE was kept at 90°C for 90 min, whereas PUAE experiments were accomplished at RT in 15 min. In general, HAE gave better pectin yields compared with PUAE due to the significance of the increasing extraction temperature for the release of pectin from the plant matrix. While the maximum pectin yield from onion waste was 16.22% for HAE, the highest yield for PUAE was 9.83%. PUAE provides less time‐ and energy‐consuming extraction of pectin within 15 min and thus seems to be more economic compared with the HAE. According to the physicochemical properties (equivalent weight (EW), degree of esterification (DE), methoxyl (MeO), and galacturonic acid (Gal‐A) contents) of obtained pectins, extracted pectins were mostly high methoxy pectin. While the DE and MeO values of pectins extracted in organic acid conditions under HAE were higher, these values were found to be higher for pectins extracted in inorganic acids under PUAE. For acid mixtures, the DE and MeO values of pectins under HAE were mostly found to be lower than those under PUAE. Sequential PUAE and HAE methods for the extraction of pectin from onion waste were also found to be useful in terms of obtaining higher yields and better physicochemical properties. The highest pectin yield was 20.32% for the sequential PUAE and HAE methods. FT‐IR analyses of the extracted pectins by both HAE and PUAE methods showed similar vibration bands compared with those of commercial citrus pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions between SO3 and atmospheric acids are indispensable in improving the formation of aerosol particle. However, relative to those of SO3 with organic acids, the reaction of SO3 with inorganic acids has not received much attention. Here, we explore the atmospheric reaction between SO3 and H2SO4, a typical inorganic acid, in the gas phase and at the air-water interface by using quantum chemical (QC) calculations and Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations. We also report the effect of H2S2O7, the product of the reaction between SO3 and H2SO4, on new particle formation (NPF) in various environments by using the Atmospheric Cluster Dynamics Code kinetic model and the QC calculation. The present findings show that the gas phase reactions of SO3 + H2SO4 without and with water molecule are both low energy barrier processes. With the involvement of interfacial water molecules, H2O-induced the formation of S2O72-⋅⋅⋅H3O+ ion pair, HSO4- mediated the formation of HSO4-⋅⋅⋅H3O+ ion pair and the deprotonation of H2S2O7 were observed and proceeded on the picosecond time-scale. The present findings suggest the potential contribution of SO3-H2SO4 reaction to NPF and aerosol particle growth as the facts that i) H2S2O7 can directly participate in H2SO4-NH3-based cluster formation and can facilitate the fastest possible rate of NPF from H2SO4-NH3-based clusters by about a factor of 6.92 orders of magnitude at 278.15 K; and ii) the formed interfacial S2O72- can attract candidate species from the gas phase to the water surface, and thus, accelerate particle growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]