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Fabrication of composite photocatalysts that provide an easy charge transfer mechanism to enhance the photocatalytic activity is a promising approach for the removal of organic contaminants from the water bodies. In this series, for the first time, we have decorated Ni, Pt, and Pd on the surface of hydrothermally synthesized Cu-doped biphasic Bi2O3. The synthesized composites were analyzed using advanced characterization techniques to uncover the physicochemical properties of the materials. The XRD results revealed well crystalline nature of the materials with enhanced particle size as compared to binary composite. The optical analysis showed the improved optical characteristics of ternary composites. The photocatalytic activity was tested against the RhB and observed the ternary materials with enhanced activity when compared with the binary composite and 5 wt% was the optimum loading of the metal on the surface of Cu- doped Bi2O3. Pd decorated samples showed the highest photo removal of RhB where complete mineralization of dye is achieved only in 50 min which is ascribed to the increased absorption and reduced reunion of charge carriers. The effect of pH of the reaction medium and the role of reactive oxygen species were also examined. In the acidic medium, complete degradation of dye is achieved in 10 min only and holes are found prominent active species for the degradation of RhB. The synthesized materials were stable and could be used many times without significant loss in the photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicochemical properties of pure liquids and their liquid mixtures at different compositions and at different temperatures have a significant role in the optimisation of chemical processes. Present report involves the analysis of the physicochemical properties of 1,3-diaminopropane and alkyl acetate. The viscosity ( η) and refractive index ( n D ) of 1,3-Diaminopropane, 1,3-DAP (1), with alkyl acetates, AAc, (C1-C4) (2) were measured at different temperatures (T = 303.15 to 318.15 K) under the atmospheric pressure 0.1 MPa. Deviation in viscosity, Δ η , deviation in refractive index, Δ n D , and excess Gibbs free energy of activation, G ∗ E for these binary mixtures were calculated from measured viscosity and refractive index data and fitted to Redlich-Kister polynomial equation (R.K.). The Δ η data were analysed in terms of the Graph theoretical approach (GTA) to study the interactions in binary mixtures. The η values were also correlated by using Bloomfield and Dewan (BFD) model and various correlations. n D data were correlated by various relevant correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the intrinsic active behavior of photocatalyst benefits to design a superior photocatalyst with a little bit amount of noble metal as compared to their heavily loaded counterparts and mixed oxides will always be appreciable. Herein, systematic studies of Pd deposition on ZnO/CeO2 nanostructures were explored to realize superior photodegradation efficacies. Pd-dispersed ZnO/CeO2 were successfully synthesized via hydrothermal method followed by ultrasonication deposition technique. Pd functionalization improved the structural, morphological, optical, and photocatalytic properties of ZnO/CeO2 composites. Experimental data and kinetics studies revealed that composites with 1.0 wt. % Pd exhibit superior photocatalytic activity toward Rhodamine B and Triclopyr degradation. To evaluate the highest active species, different scavengers like IPA, EDTA, and BQ were used. The degradation kinetics at different pH values were also explored to study the effect of reaction medium pH. This work offers new insights to scheme Pd deposition on the binary composite to improve photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The earth thermal resistance is the largest resistance to heat dissipation for underground cables, and is by far the most variable of the resistances. Accurate knowledge of this resistance, and its modification, can provide substantial ampacity increases, with confidence that the cables will remain within allowable operating temperatures for all designed loading conditions. This paper provides background on the history and present use of controlled backfill, the effect on cable ampacities, and procedures for optimizing the amount of controlled backfill based upon cable installation conditions, including native soil thermal resistivity. Backfill optimization for a specific pipe-type cable circuit with high ampacity requirements is reviewed, and installation procedures are described.