Search

In this study, we carried out equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations of the liquid–liquid (LL) interface between two different Lennard-Jones components with varying miscibility, where we examined the relation between the interfacial tension and the free energy to completely isolate the two liquids using both a mechanical and thermodynamic approach. Using the mechanical approach, we obtained a stress distribution around a quasi-one-dimensional EMD system with a flat LL interface. From the stress distribution, we calculated the LL interfacial tension based on Bakker's equation, which uses the stress anisotropy around the interface, and measured how it varied with miscibility. The second approach uses thermodynamic integration by enforcing quasi-static isolation of the two liquids to calculate the free energy. This uses the same EMD systems as the mechanical approach, with both extended dry-surface and phantom-wall (PW) schemes applied. When the two components were immiscible, the mechanical interfacial tension and isolation free energy were in good agreement. When the components were miscible, the values were significantly different. From the result of PW for the case of completely mixed liquids, the difference was attributed to the additional free energy required to separate the binary mixture into single components against the osmotic pressure prior to the complete detachment of the two components. This provides a new route to obtain the free energy of mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a unique class of solvents with potential applications in advanced separation technologies relevant to the nuclear industry. ILs are salts with low melting points and a wide range of tunable physical properties, such as viscosity, hydrophobiciy, conductivity, and liquidus range. ILs have negligible vapor pressure, are often non-flammable, and can have high thermal stability and a wide electrochemical window, making them attractive for use in separations processes relevant to the nuclear industry. Metal salts generally have a low solubility in ILs; however, by incorporating new functional groups into the IL cation or anion that promote complexation with the metal, the solubility can be greatly increased. One such task-specific ionic liquid (TSIL) is 1-carboxy-N, N, N-trimethylglycine bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Hbet][Tf2N]) [Nockemann et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 110, 20978–20992 (2006)]. Water, which is detrimental for electrochemical separations, is a common impurity in ILs and can coordinate with actinyl cations, particularly in ILs containing only weakly coordinating components. Understanding the behavior of actinides in TSIL/water mixtures on a molecular level is vital for designing improved separations processes. Classical molecular dynamics simulations of uranyl(VI) and plutonyl(VI) in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][Tf2N]) with deprotonated Hbet (betaine) and water have been performed to understand the coordination and dynamics of the actinyl cations. We find that betaine is a much stronger ligand than water and prefers to coordinate the metal in a bidentate manner. Potential of mean force simulations yield a relative free energy for betaine coordination of approximately −120 to −90 kJ/mol in mixtures with water. As the amount of betaine coordinated to the actinide increases, the diffusion coefficient of the actinyl cation decreases. Moreover, the betaine ligand is able to bridge between two metal centers, resulting in dimeric complexes with actinide–actinide distances of ∼5 Å. Potential of mean force simulations show that these structures are stable, with relative free energies of up to −40 kJ/mol. The crystal structure for [(UO2)2(bet)6(H2O)2][Tf2N]4 shows that the betaine bridges between two uranium atoms to form dimeric complexes similar to those found in our simulations [Nockemann et al. Inorg. Chem. 49, 3351–33601 (2010)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrofluorocarbons are a class of fluorinated molecules used extensively in residential and industrial refrigeration systems. This study examines the potential of using adsorption processes with the silicalite-1 zeolite to separate a mixture of difluoromethane (CH2F2, HFC-32) and pentafluoroethane (CF3CF2H, HFC-125) at various concentrations. Pure adsorption data were measured using a XEMIS gravimetric microbalance, whereas binary data were determined using the Integral Mass Balance method. Grand canonical Monte Carlo molecular simulations were performed with the Cassandra package. We found that the results from molecular simulations are in satisfactory agreement with experimental loading measurements. Moreover, we show that ideal adsorbed solution theory could not quantitatively match the experimental or computational measurements of binary adsorption or selectivity. Molecular simulations show that refrigerant molecules do not have a uniform distribution in the zeolite framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We outline a surface scattering kernel for rarefied gas flows through ideally ordered nanomaterials, such as high aspect ratio carbon nanotubes. The derived model allows for a comparison of the tangential momentum accommodation coefficient, and, hence, the total effective friction, for different species of gases as a function of the particle diameter. This surface kernel is incorporated with a Fokker–Planck model as an approximation to transport of a rarefied gas through ideally ordered carbon nanotubes. The results of this analysis predict that H 2 experiences higher friction in such systems in comparison with larger molecules such as C H 4 . The results are proposed as a potential explanation of the reduced gas transport of hydrogen gas in nanoporous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid–liquid phase separation in diverse manufacturing and biological contexts often occurs in the presence of aggregated particles or complex-shaped structures that do not actively participate in the phase separation process, but these "background" structures can serve to direct the macroscale phase separation morphology by their local symmetry-breaking presence. We perform Cahn–Hilliard phase-field simulations in two dimensions to investigate the morphological evolution, wetting, and domain growth phenomena during the phase separation of a binary mixture in contact with model fractal aggregates. Our simulations reveal that phase separation initially accelerates around the fractal due to the driving force of wetting, leading to the formation of the target composition patterns about the fractals, as previously observed for circular particles. After the formation of a wetting layer on the fractal, however, we observe a dramatic slowing-down in the kinetics of phase separation, and the characteristic domain size eventually "pins" to a finite value or approaches an asymptotic scaling regime as an ordinary phase if the phase separation loses memory of the aggregates when the scale of phase separation becomes much larger than the aggregate. Furthermore, we perform simulations to examine the effects of compositional interference between fractals with a view to elucidating interesting novel morphological features in the phase-separating mixture. Our findings should be helpful in understanding the qualitative aspects of the phase separation processes in mixtures containing particle aggregates relevant for coating, catalyst, adhesive, and electronic applications as well as in diverse biological contexts, where phase separation occurs in the presence of irregular heterogeneities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the phase separation dynamics of a binary (AB), simple fluid (SF), and amphiphilic polymer (AP) mixture using dissipative particle dynamics simulation at d = 3. We study the effect of different AP topologies, including block copolymers, ring block copolymers (RCP), and miktoarm star polymers, on the evolution morphologies, dynamic scaling functions, and length scale of the AB mixture. Our results demonstrate that the presence of APs leads to significantly different evolution morphologies in SF. However, the deviation from dynamical scaling is prominent, mainly for RCP. Typically, the characteristic length scale for SF follows the power law R(t) ∼ tϕ, where ϕ is the growth exponent. In the presence of high AP, we observe diffusive growth (ϕ → 1/3) at early times, followed by saturation in length scale (ϕ → 0) at late times. The extent of saturation varies with constraints imposed on the APs, such as topology, composition ratio, chain length, and stiffness. At lower composition ratios, the system exhibits inertial hydrodynamic growth (ϕ → 2/3) at asymptotic times without clearly exhibiting the viscous hydrodynamic regime (ϕ → 1) at earlier times in our simulations. Our results firmly establish the existence of hydrodynamic growth regimes in low surfactant-influenced phase separation kinetics of binary fluids and settle the related ambiguity in d = 3 systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional phenolic separation processes produce a large amount of wastewater and high neutral oil entrainment. This work used the COSMO model to predict the separation performance of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for m-cresol (MCR) and identified a potential extractant EmimCl : MCR (1 : 0.4) DES and its liquid phase operating window. Partial MCR in direct coal liquefaction oil and EmimCl form a DES extractant and can be recycled. The density, viscosity and thermal stability of the extractant were determined experimentally, and the effect of experimental conditions on its separation performance was explored. The structure–activity relationship was explored through visualization of quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics simulation. The in situ DES extraction method and multi-stage flash evaporation combined with the distillation process could effectively remove neutral oil and reduce energy consumption as well as obtain 99.9% MCR product. The total annual cost of the new process was 38.8% lower than that of the traditional extractive distillation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, recovery of organic solvents using eco‐friendly methods is one of the primary industrial tasks. Separation of liquid media by pervaporation offers more advantages as compared to conventional purification methods, such as distillation, in view of low energy and resource consumption. This work is focused on the study of novel copolyamide with 2‐pyridylquinoline‐4,7‐dicarboxylic acid moieties in the main chain and its metal‐polymer complex in the form of dense films. At present, metal‐polymer complexes are growing in importance among membranes. The analysis of mechanical and thermal properties of the films also supports their high operational characteristics. Comprehensive studies of the structure of the obtained films show that both samples have a rigid and dense structure, but the metal‐polymer complex is characterized by an increased surface roughness. The hypothesis of supramolecular association between polymers and separated liquids (methanol and toluene) is confirmed by quantum chemical calculations. Transport properties of novel polymers in pervaporation of toluene/methanol mixtures are examined and compared with the literature data. Both polymer films demonstrate an outstanding selectivity toward toluene in the separation of binary mixtures. The developed films have higher values of total flux and separation factor as compared to the most of known membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gradual separation of the naphtha steam cracking product (propane/propylene/ethylene, C3H8/C3H6/C2H4) to obtain highly pure C3H6 is of great significance as it provides an alternative process for this important industrial feedstock. However, developing adsorbents to meet the efficient separation and purification application remains challenging. A water coordination‐decorated metal–organic framework (MOF, Cd‐dtzip‐H2O) material is reported. Interestingly, water molecules cooperate with the framework to build a water vortex and significantly affect the preferential adsorption for C3H6. At 298 K and 100 kPa, the loading of C3H6 in the material is 112.0 cm3 g−1, equivalent to 1.7 and 2.0 times of C3H8 and C2H4, respectively. Experimental breakthroughs show that the material efficiently separates C3H6/C3H8 and C3H6/C2H4 under different pressures. Meanwhile, it also unprecedentedly achieves the one‐step separation of C2H4/C3H8/C3H6 mixtures yielding high‐purity C3H6 (99.9%) and C2H4 (99.95%) products with the productivities of 38.2 and 12.7 L kg−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emulsions of water-insoluble organic compounds such as oil and fatty alcohol based solvents, are widely encountered in chemical industries and this type of emulsions have led to significant environmental pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to explore effective approaches for removal of waste oil and other fatty solvents present in aqueous emulsions. In this study two types of aqueous emulsions were studied to separate water; water/oil and 1-decanol/water emulsions. A vacuum membrane filtration system was used to separate the emulsions. Bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes were synthesized using Gluconacetobacter xylinus bacteria. Our findings demonstrate that BC membranes can effectively separate water from oil and fatty alcohol based solvent containing emulsions, thereby providing a viable solution for environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolite membranes are considered ideal inorganic membrane materials for separating mixtures with molecular‐level differences. However, their complex preparation process with excessive synthesis solutions for traditional hydrothermal heating methods leads to various drawbacks. Here, we describe a membrane preparation strategy involving an in situ interfacial transformation of the protomembrane without solvents. Inexpensive clay powder forms the protomembrane, and the active ingredients subsequently migrate from the interior of this protomembrane to its surface and transform into a zeolite layer. Ultimately, the protomembrane is calcined to obtain the support‐layer integrated zeolite membrane. Systematic research shows that clay not only serves as a raw material for the support but also provides active ingredients for the growth of zeolite crystals; thus, zeolite membranes with zeolite particles inserted into the support are formed. The zeolite membrane calcined at 800 °C possesses a p‐xylene/o‐xylene separation factor approaching 6263 with a permeation flux of 1.21×10−7 mol ⋅  m−2 ⋅  s−1 ⋅  Pa−1. This interfacial transformation method can be applied to other membranes and promote the development of membrane separation technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure Swing Distillation (PSD) is the only advanced technology that does not require the addition of third components to the system to enhance the separation of azeotropic mixtures. It outperforms homogeneous distillation for separating pressure-sensitive azeotropic mixtures. In this study, we aimed to separate methanol and toluene using the Non-Random Two-Liquid (NRTL) and Aspen Plus thermodynamic calculation models to simulate a binary homogeneous azeotropic system. The standard PSD process was employed to separate methanol and toluene. Furthermore, multiple optimization sequences were utilized to sequentially optimize the process for obtaining higher purities of methanol and toluene while reducing the Total Annual Cost (TAC) and heat energy consumption. The effects of the optimization sequence on the TAC were investigated. The best optimization sequences for graphing in Origin or Aspen Plus were found to be RR1, NR, NF1, NF2, NT1, and NT2. Additionally, the Double-Effect Distillation (DED) optimization sequence is similar, with TAC as the primary function in the simulation and methanol and toluene purities up to 99.99%. In the DED simulation, the feed position and tray number were found to be sensitive to TAC by the order NR > NF1 > NF2 and NT1 > NT2. This study simulated PSD using the NRTL thermodynamic calculation model in Aspen Plus and generated visualizations using Origin software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pursuit of sustainable, carbon‐free separation technology hinges on the efficient separation of gas mixtures with high separation factors and flow rates, i. e. high permselectivity. However, achieving this objective is arduous due to the meticulous engineering at the angstrom scale and intricate chemical manipulation required to design the pores within membranes. To address this challenge, a proof‐of‐concept for an anisotropic porous membrane has been devised. Employing a meticulous step‐by‐step methodology, two distinct porous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are integrated to form a monolithic anisotropic membrane. By harnessing pore anisotropy (3.4 to 6 Å) aligned with the gas permeation direction and a unique interface characterized by cross‐linked pores derived from the two distinct MOFs, this membrane transcends the performance limitations inherent in the individual MOF membranes (~45 % enhanced selectivity). This approach not only sheds light on the heterolayer membrane design strategy but also elucidates the intricate CO2/N2 permselectivity relationship inherent in the interface structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Oilfield Chemistry is the property of Sichuan University, Oilfield Chemistry 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.)

The development of more energy‐efficient separation technologies is essential. Especially the separation of cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons from their aromatic counterparts remains a significant challenge due to azeotrope formation and similar physical properties, often requiring energy‐intensive processes. Herein, we introduce a novel class of electron‐deficient macrocycles with a unique rectangular structure to optimise interactions within the pore, enabling the highly selective molecular sieving of aromatic compounds from mixtures. Utilising dynamic covalent imine chemistry, the squareimine NDI2F42‐based crystalline functional material is directly obtained from the reaction mixture in a single self‐assembly step in high yields of 83 %, alongside the larger NDI2F82 congener, which can be obtained in 69 % yield. In vapour sorption and diffusion experiments, NDI2F42 demonstrates rapid adsorption kinetics with selectivities of 97 : 3 for benzene over cyclohexane and 93 : 7 for toluene over methylcyclohexane, while single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction studies indicate that the selectivity is primarily governed by directed interactions between the electron‐deficient panels and aromatic guests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane separation technology in the last 40 years has experienced impressive growth, displacing conventional separation processes due to inherent advantages such as less capital investment, and energy efficiency and the devices were simple, compact, and modular. In the current work, we aimed to synthesize a thin-sheet nanofiltration membrane using chitosan (CS), poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA), and montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT) for copper removal from aqueous solution. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were employed to evaluate the thermal stability of a novel organic–inorganic hybrid membrane. The tensile strength was measured over a wide range of temperatures and pressure to determine its stability. The surface and cross-section morphology of the membrane were studied through scanning electron microscopy. The prepared membrane was then tested for filtration efficiency by adjusting parameters such as pH, pressure, metal ion concentration, and membrane thickness. A mechanism was proposed to explain the hooking of copper ions with the as-prepared membrane after spectral images, such as EDAX and FT-IR, were compared both before and after filtration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of TBFS is complex. It is categorized into low (W(TiO2) < 5%), medium (5% < W(TiO2) < 20%), and high-titanium slag (W(TiO2) > 20%) based on Ti content. The titanium in the slag is underutilized, causing it to accumulate and contribute to environmental pollution. Current methods for extracting titanium from TBFS include acid leaching, alkali fusion roasting, high-temperature carbonation–low-temperature chlorination, electrochemical molten salt electrolysis, and selective enrichment. However, these methods still face challenges such as environmental impact, high costs, low Ti recovery, and low Ti grade. This paper summarizes the mechanisms and characteristics of the above methods. Future research should focus on integrating pyrometallurgy with beneficiation processes, followed by further purification of titanium-rich phases through hydrometallurgy. Additionally, combining this with novel separation technologies (such as microwave and superconducting magnetic separation) will optimize the dissociation of titanium-bearing phases after enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets are becoming increasingly attractive as promising two‐dimensional (2D) materials for proton transport due to their ionic functionality and tailor‐made pores. However, most synthetic methods for nanosheets rely on surface‐assisted methods or phase transformation often yielding nanosheets with low aspect ratios. In this study, we present a bottom‐up approach utilizing an oil‐oil‐water triphase system to achieve the large‐scale synthesis of ionic COF nanosheets. The intermediate oil layer in this system modulates the diffusion rate of monomers from the top oil phase into the aqueous phase, enabling in‐plane anisotropic secondary growth from the initial discrete fibrous structure into large and crystalline COF nanosheets. The ionic COF nanosheets exhibit excellent proton permeability while simultaneously excluding other cations by casting into crack‐free membranes, demonstrating efficient HCl extraction from acidic water waste. This strategy for larger‐scale COF nanosheet growth will offer an alternative platform for designing multifunctional COF membranes with applications in sophisticated separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary The post‐synthetic modification of two‐dimensional sub‐stoichiometric covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for gas separation, particularly for the efficient removal of CO2 from CO2/N2 mixtures, is an area of growing interest yet remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we report the precise tuning of functional groups in sub‐stoichiometric COFs to enhance CO2 capture performance. A sub‐stoichiometric COF with free aldehyde groups (HPCOF) was designed and synthesized, followed by covalent modification via ethylenediamine (EDA) grafting, yielding HPCOF‐EDA. This post‐modification strategy significantly increased CO2 adsorption capacity (55.7 cm3·g–1 at 298 K and 1 bar) and CO2/N2 selectivity (58), primarily attributed to the formation of additional N—H···O interactions. These findings demonstrate the potential of functional engineering to broaden the application prospects of sub‐stoichiometric COFs in gas adsorption and separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation on the bark of E. kingiana plant afforded ten compounds, including six polyketides namely kingianin A 1, kingianin B 2, kingianin E 3, kingianin F 4, kingianin K 5 and kingianin L 6, three endiandric acids; kingianic acid A 7, tsangibeilin B 8 and endiandric acid M 9, and one sesquiterpene; daibuoxide 10. All compounds were separated as racemic mixture by recycling high-performance liquid chromatography (RHPLC), except for daibuoxide. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic and comparative literature data analysis. This is the first report on the presence of the sesquiterpene; daibuoxide in Endiandra genus. In vitro enzymatic bio-evaluation of the isolated compounds against α-amylase and α-glucosidase showed that 4 demonstrated the best α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 181.54 ± 6.27 µg/mL and 237.87 ± 0.07 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, molecular docking analysis confirmed the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities demonstrated by 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the comprehensive optimization of domestic refining and chemical resources, the plant scale is showing a trend of large-scale and integrated development. The utilization value and potential economic benefits of refinery dry gas are becoming increasingly significant, and the effective utilization of dry gas resources has gradually become a research hotspot. This article introduces the sources and properties of refinery dry gas, summarizes the main methods for recovering refinery dry gas, including cryogenic separation, adsorption separation, oil absorption, membrane separation and cascade coupling recovery process, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of different technical routes. In practical operation, enterprises should conduct sufficient technical evaluation and economic analysis of different schemes based on the characteristics of the equipment, determine the optimal process route, achieve maximum benefits, and improve the market competitiveness of the enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organofluorine mass balance approaches are increasingly applied to investigate the occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other organofluorines in environmental samples more comprehensively. Usually, complex samples prevent the identification and quantification of every fluorine-containing molecule. Consequently, large unidentified fractions between fluorine sum parameters such as extractable organic fluorine (EOF) and the sum of quantified analytes are frequently reported. We propose using oxidative conversion to separate (unidentified) weakly fluorinated compounds (e.g., pesticides, pharmaceuticals) from PFAA-precursors (perfluoroalkyl chain lengths ≥ C6). We show with three organofluorine model substances (flufenamic acid, diflufenican, pantoprazole) that CF3-groups or aromatic fluorine can be quantitatively converted to inorganic fluoride and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) by applying PhotoTOP oxidation (UV/TiO2). The principle of fluorine separation in mixtures is demonstrated by the oxidation of the three weakly fluorinated compounds together with the PFAA-precursor 6:2/6:2 fluorotelomer mercaptoalkyl phosphate diester (FTMAP). After oxidation, the products F− and TFA were separated from PFCAs (> C4) by SPE, and the fractions were analyzed individually. Closed mass balances both with and without the addition of organic matrix were achieved. Eventually, the fluorine balance was verified by total fluorine measurements with combustion ion chromatography (CIC). The proposed methods should be considered a proof of concept to potentially explain unidentified fractions of the EOF, especially if compounds with low fluorine content such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and their transformation products contribute largely to the EOF. Future studies are needed to show the applicability to the complexity of environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber separation technology has been widely used in the removal of metal ions, dyes, proteins, and particles. In this work, the reversible characteristic of temperature sensitive hydrogel which possesses the expansion and contraction at different temperature is used to control the change of internal pores of filter materials for achieving the selective separation and concentration of solution. We prepared polylactic acid (PLA) hollow fiber as outer support layer by the template method and PLA electrospun membrane as internal support diaphragm by electrospinning. Then, the method of adding poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel in the hollow fiber layer by layer was adopted to form the hydrogel/PLA fiber. When the mass ratio of PNIPAM/PLA was 3/1, the sample presented the relatively tight interior morphology and was selected for protein separation. By adjusting the temperature, the rejection capacities of PNIPAM/PLA composite fiber for bovine serum albumin (BSA), and ovalbumin (OVA) were in the range of 25–36 mg/g and 22–31 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, the fiber reusability was investigated by swelling and deswelling elution processes. It was found that the sample could be reused 5 times. This work explores a novel control method for the graded filtration and concentration of targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With ordered and periodic network structures, adjustable pore sizes and high chemical stability, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have drawn much attention for the fabrication of superior separation membranes. However, it is challenging to prepare COF membranes with a molecular sieving property for gas separation due to their relatively large pore size. In this work, we develop the MOF‐in‐COF concept for vacuum‐assisted synthesis of metal–organic framework (MOF) ZIF‐8 inside the pores of TB‐COF formed from trihydroxy‐benzene‐tricarbaldehyde (T) and diamino‐biphenyl‐disulfonic acid (B), thus constructing a novel ZIF‐8@TB‐COF membrane. Attributing to the formation of a well‐defined one‐dimensional (1D) nanoscale transport channel, the ZIF‐8@TB‐COF membrane displays a high hydrogen permselectivity. At 100 °C and 200 kPa, the mixture separation factors of H2/CO2, H2/CH4 and H2/C3H8 are 21.9, 63.1 and 134.4, respectively, which are much higher than those of the pristine TB‐COF membrane due to the precise size sieving channels brought about by the incorporated MOF. The synthesis of ZIF‐67@TB‐COF membrane demonstrates the versatility of the synthesis strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane separation technology has found widespread application in molecular sieving and water reclamation. Its use in organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) has been limited by the modest permeation rates and stability of existing membranes. In this study, 2D clay nanolaminated membranes are engineered, derived from the stacking of exfoliated vermiculite nanosheets, as a potential solution for OSN. The as‐synthesized clay membrane displayed limited stability in both water and solvents due to rapid hydration or solvation of the nanosheets. To enhance the membrane's stability and sieving capabilities, cations of various valences (K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe3+) are intercalated into the interlayer of the clay nanosheets. The resulting cation‐treated clay membranes display considerable enhancement in structural stability in both aqueous and organic media. Subsequently, the solvent transport behavior and separation performance of these clay membranes are evaluated and described by molecular dynamic simulation and experiments. It is identified that Fe‐intercalated nanolaminates demonstrate controllable stacking order, resulting in enhanced sieving performance with a rejection rate of over 95% for Methyl Orange and a methanol permeation rate of ≈165 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 [LMHB]. The findings of this work pave the way for the practical applications of 2D nanolaminated clay membranes in OSN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane separation has become an indispensable separation technology in social production, playing an important role in drug production, mineral exploitation, water purification, etc. The key core of membranes lies in achieving efficient and precise sieving between substances. As a result, a typical trade‐off arises: highly permeable membranes usually sacrifice selectivity and vice versa. To address this dilemma, long‐term research has focused on comprehensive understanding and modelling of synthetic membranes at various scales. A significant advancement in this arena is the advent of three‐dimensional covalent organic framework (3D COF) membranes, a novel category of long‐range ordered porous organic polymer materials. Characterized by an abundance of interconnected channels, diverse pore wall properties, tunable structures, and robust thermal and chemical resilience, 3D COF membranes offer a promising approach for efficient substance separation. This review undertakes a meticulous investigation of the synthesis and physicochemical properties of 3D COF membranes, accentuating the underlying design principles, fabrication methods, and application attempts. A comprehensive assessment of their research trajectory and current standing in the field of membrane processes is provided. The review culminates in a forward‐looking outlook, summarizing future research directions and highlighting the substantial potential of this innovative work to shape the future of efficient membrane separation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interlayer bonding is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of asphalt pavement structures. Addressing a crucial research gap, this study uniquely investigated the impact of interface morphology on interlocking properties and interlayer shear strength in three typical double-layered asphalt systems: AC-13/AC-20, SMA-13/AC-20, and OGFC-13/AC-20. Through the innovative application of nondestructive separation technology and three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning, interface morphology characteristics were thoroughly analyzed. This approach enabled the detailed extraction of texture parameters, unveiling the complex relationship between interface morphology and interlayer bonding strength. Interface shear tests further assessed the difference in shear strength, revealing significant differences in texture characteristics influenced by the mineral size variance in the upper layer. This analysis led to the development of a predictive model for interlayer shear strength based on morphological characteristics, offering a new tool for approximating the shear bonding condition, despite challenges in capturing the complex interaction between interface morphology and interlocking effects. The comprehensive examination of 3D interface morphology, combined with the shear strength analysis, clarified the mechanisms of interlayer bonding in relation to interface morphology. This breakthrough provides essential insights into the role of interface morphology in bonding efficacy and represents a significant advancement in understanding of interlayer bonding mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present paper studies the rarefied flow of binary Neon–Argon mixture in plane channel induced by pressure gradient and counteracting drag by moving walls. The problem is studied numerically using Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method. It is demonstrated that drag force induced by motion of channel walls leads to the effect of enhanced mixture separation. Stronger separation effects are unexpectedly observed for denser gases and thorough explanation for such behavior is provided. It was also shown that gas flow rate in the channel decreases non-monotonically with increasing speed of the walls, having local minimum at wall speeds close to mean thermal speed of molecules. The influence of other parameters, such as channel length and accommodation coefficient on the walls, was also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collecting fog water is crucial for dry areas since natural moisture and fog are significant sources of freshwater. Sustainable and energy-efficient water collection systems can take a page out of the cactus's playbook by mimicking its native fog gathering process. Inspired by the unique geometric structure of the cactus spine, we fabricated a bioinspired artificial fog collector consisting of cactus spines featuring barbs of different sizes and angles on the surfaces for water collection and a series of microcavities within microchannels inspired by Nepenthes Alata on the bottom to facilitate water flowing to the reservoir. However, replicating the actual shape of the cactus spine using conventional manufacturing techniques is challenging, and research in this area has faced a limitation in enhancing water-collecting efficiency. Here, we turned to 3D printing technology (vat photopolymerization) to create bio-mimetic fog collectors with a variety of geometric shapes that would allow for the most effective conveyance and gathering of water. Various barb sizes, angles between each barb in a single array, spine and barb arrangements, and quantity of barbs were tested experimentally and numeric analysis was carried out to measure the volume of water collected and optimize the mass rate. The result shows that optimal fog collection is with a mass flow rate of 0.7433 g/min, with Li = 900 μm, θ = 45°, ϕ = 90°, Nb = 2, and Ns = 5. This study presents a sustainable and ecologically sound method for efficiently collecting humid air, which is expected to be advantageous for the advancement of future-oriented fog-collection, water-transportation, and separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of ethylene (C2H4) is typically accompanied by the formation of impurities like ethane (C2H6), making the separation of C2H4 and C2H6 crucial in industrial processes. Here, we investigated the S-shaped adsorption phenomenon of C2H6 on the metal–organic framework HKUST−1. The virial equation is used to fit the C2H6 and C2H4 adsorption isotherms under low coverage. The results showed that the repulsion energy between neighboring C2H6 molecules was significantly higher than that between neighboring C2H4 molecules, which was an important reason for the lower adsorption of C2H6 by HKUST−1 at low coverage. As more molecules are adsorbed, gas molecules aggregate within pores, leading to more hydrogen bonds formed between HKUST−1 and larger-sized C2H6 under high coverage conditions. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in the S-shaped adsorption behavior of HKUST−1 on C2H6. Additionally, this unique adsorption behavior allows for the efficient separation of C2H4/C2H6 mixtures at low pressures. The ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) selectivity of HKUST−1 for C2H4/C2H6 mixtures was 3.78 at 283 K and 1 bar, but increased significantly to 7.53 under low pressure. This unique mechanism provides a theoretical basis for the low-pressure separation of C2H4/C2H6 by HKUST−1 and establishes a solid foundation for future practical research applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraction of organic and bioactive compounds from plant materials with the traditional organic solvents aided by water or oil bath heating is not sustainable, because it consumes a lot of energy, time, water/oil, solvents, and results in lower yield. This review discusses deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a green solvent, physical field technology (PFT) as a water‐saving and green technology, and how the coupling of PFT (ultrasound [US], microwave [MW], infrared [IR]) to DES will improve the yield and quality of protein, polysaccharides, polyphenols, pectin, and terpenoids extracted from plant materials. Ultrasonication increases DES extraction efficiency via cavitation dislodgement and pores creation. IR coupling to DES enhances the extraction yield of polyphenols and the antioxidant and antiradical activity. MW improves DES extraction yield, reduces energy consumption, operational cost, and compound degradation, and is inferred to be the greenest technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas–solid separation fluidized bed is an efficient and clean coal separation technology with a good separation effect for coal particles. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the complex motion behavior of the feeding particles in gas–solid separation fluidized beds. In this study, the separation kinetics of non-spherical single feeding particles in the fluidized bed are examined. The particle sphericity coefficient Φ is introduced to characterize the morphology of irregular coal particles, and the drag coefficient for the feeding particles is modified to verify the suitability of the non-spherical particle drag model for gas–solid fluidized bed separation. After optimization and correction, a ρS.sus (the bed density when single feeding particles are suspended in the gas–solid separation fluidized bed) prediction model is obtained. When the prediction accuracy of the ρS.sus prediction model is 90%, the confidence degree is 85.72%. This ρS.sus of the single non-spherical feeding particle prediction model highlights a direction for improving the separation effect, provides a theoretical basis for the industrialization of gas–solid fluidized bed, and promotes the process of dry fluidized separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of gravity based on the vector sum of gravity and buoyancy forces working spontaneously for all species was introduced into capillary electrophoresis (CE) as another important force which cooperated with electrophoretic flow and electro-osmotic flow. Their portion was adjusted by simply tilting the whole of the capillary at an angle during CE running. The related formula was proposed and verified through a series of experiments. After investigating the related parameters, results showed that the gravity effect was significantly affected by additives in the buffer, the length, and the inner diameter of the capillary, and the size of the sample molecule. This made the different ions with opposite or significantly different mobilities to be observed at a CE run. It significantly improved separation efficiencies of some small molecules, chiral compounds, macromolecules and cells when the tilt angles of the capillary were adjusted to a special range predicted through the fitting curve. In addition, micrometer level microspheres and cells were firstly separated by the new CE strategy and the resolutions were more than 1.0. After ingeniously designing the gradient of the tilting angle with time, we were able to further enhance the separation efficiency of the targets. For example, the resolution of lysozyme and ribonuclease A could be increased from 3.691 to 7.342. These indicated the huge potential of the new CE strategy and its gradient mode in separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmented polymers, such as polyether block amide (PEBA), exhibit unique properties due to the combination of different segments. PEBA consists of soft polyester and rigid polyamide blocks, enabling its use in various industrial applications, including membrane technologies. In this study, PEBA membranes modified with a holmium-based metal–organic framework (Ho-1,3,5-H3btc) were developed for enhanced pervaporation separation of water/isopropanol and water/phenol mixtures. The effect of 1–7 wt.% Ho-1,3,5-H3btc content variation and the selection of a porous substrate (commercial from fluoroplast F42L (MFFC) and developed membranes from polyvinylidene fluoride without (PVDF) and with a non-woven polyester support (PVDF-s)) on dense and/or supported membrane properties, respectively, was investigated. The dense and supported PEBA/Ho-1,3,5-H3btc membranes were studied by use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, swelling measurements, and pervaporation experiments. The supported membrane from PEBA with 5 wt.% Ho-1,3,5-H3btc applied onto the PVDF-s substrate exhibited optimal pervaporation performance: a 1040 g/(m2h) permeation flux and a 5.2 separation factor in water/phenol (1 wt.%) mixture separation at 50 °C due to optimal values of roughness, swelling degree, and selective layer thickness. This finding highlights the potential of incorporating Ho-1,3,5-H3btc into PEBA for developing high-performance pervaporation membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric membranes have emerged as a versatile and efficient liquid separation technology, addressing the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance separation processes in various industrial sectors. This review offers an in-depth analysis of recent developments in polymeric membrane technology, focusing on materials' advancements, innovative fabrication methods, and strategies for improving performance. We discuss the underlying principles of membrane separation, selecting suitable polymers, and integrating novel materials, such as mixed-matrix and composite membranes, to enhance selectivity, permeability, and antifouling properties. The article also highlights the challenges and limitations associated with polymeric membranes, including stability, fouling, and scalability, and explores potential solutions to overcome these obstacles. This review aims to guide the development of next-generation polymeric membranes for efficient and sustainable liquid separation by offering a detailed analysis of current research and future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-fall tribo-electrostatic separators have long been used for sorting granular plastic wastes. The aim of this paper is to propose a modified configuration of the electrode system of such a separator and validate its effectiveness for processing a mixture of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) flakes originating from the processing of packaging waste at GRANUPLAST Company, Jassans-Riottier, France. The mixture to be treated is not homogeneous and consisted of roughly 2/3 PE and 1/3 PP. The granular mixture samples were charged by triboelectric effect in a fluidized bed device, and then introduced into a laboratory-scale free-fall electrostatic separator. Preliminary tests were conducted to ascertain the mass of the mixture to be introduced in the fluidized bed and the duration of the charging process. Better results were obtained with the modified electrode configuration of the free-fall electrostatic separator. Thus, from 100 g of mixed flakes, 98.2% of PE and 96.6% of PP were recovered with purities of 99.1% and 98%, respectively. In addition, numerical modeling of the PP and PE particles trajectory was performed to simulate the behavior of charged particles in the standard and modified electrode configurations. Work is in progress for the industrial implementation of this tribo- electrostatic separation technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermodynamic analysis of a novel two-stage ejector refrigeration cycle is made. • Cycle performance and exergy efficiency are improved by the separation of mixtures. • COP improvement increased by 41.6 % and 89.6 % for 134a/R32 and R600a/R290. • Three largest exergy destruction occurs in the ejector, condenser, and generator. To improve the ejector refrigeration cycle performance, this paper presents a theoretical thermodynamic analysis of a novel two-stage ejector refrigeration cycle (TSERC) with a gas-liquid separator using R134a/R32 and R600a/R290 as refrigerant. By separating the relatively low-boiling-point and high-boiling-point refrigerants, the cycle compression ratio decreases, the cycle performance increases, and the energy utilization efficiency can be improved. Energy and exergy analysis were conducted for the traditional single-stage ejector refrigeration cycle (SSERC) and TSERC. The effect of the mixture mass fraction on cycle performance under a fixed external heat source operating condition was studied, and the cycle performance comparisons between TSERC and SSERC at different evaporation temperature, condensation temperature and generation temperature were conducted. Results show that for TSERC, the maximum COP values 0.126 and 0.11, the maximum exergy efficiency 4.51 % and 4 % are obtained as the low-boiling-point mass fraction equals 0.6 and 0.4 respectively for R134a/R32 and R600a/R290. It is found that exergy destruction mainly occurs in the low-pressure sub-cycle of TSERC, the top three largest exergy destruction components are ejector 1, condenser 1 and generator 1, while the smallest exergy destruction occurs in pump 2. In addition, cycle performance comparison between SSERC and TSERC shows that the maximum COP improvement increased by 41.6 % and 89.6 % for 134a/R32 and R600a/R290 for TSERC, while the maximum entrainment ratio improvement increased by 32.4 % and 87.6 %. Moreover, it is concluded that the cycle performance improvement of TSERC is more significant at lower evaporation temperature, higher condensation temperature, and lower generation temperature compared to SSERC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The membrane technology has been receiving significant interest in both research and industrial applications, particularly in the separation of CO2/CH4. These methods, as published, aim to overcome the limitations of pure polymeric membranes and offer an alternative approach in separation techniques where membrane technology can overcome the constraints of conventional methods such as Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE). Fabricating membranes using fillers as adsorbents can enhance membrane separation performance due to their porous nature. Hence, the selection of suitable fillers is crucial to maximize membrane efficiency in separating analytes. This paper will review 3 types of fillers-metal-organic frameworks, carbonaceous nanomaterials and mesoporous molecular sieves-from various research papers published in recent years. [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.)

Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department 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.)

Copyright of Nonferrous Metals (Mineral Processing Section) is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group 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.)

Copyright of Low-Carbon Chemistry & Chemical Engineering is the property of Low-Carbon Chemistry & Chemical 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.)

The preliminary selection of adsorbents for the separation of a gas mixture based on pure gas adsorption remains a critical challenge; thus, an approximate adsorption performance indicator (AAPI) was proposed for the initial evaluation of the adsorbents to separate the biogas main constituents (carbon dioxide/methane (CO2/CH4)) by studying their pure gas adsorption. Three samples derived from cocoa pod husk (CPH), namely Cabosse-500 (pyrolyzed at 500 °C), Cabosse-700 (pyrolyzed at 700 °C), and Cabosse-A-700 (activated with CO2 at 700 °C), were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for the pure gases adsorption. This study presents an AAPI evaluation, which takes into account adsorption capacity, approximate selectivity, and heat of adsorption. Adsorption isotherms indicate the ability of the CPH family to selectively capture CO2 over CH4, as they have a high approximate selectivity (>1) thanks to their physical properties. Changing the pyrolysis temperature, activation methods, and varying the pressure can significantly change the choice of the most effective adsorbent; Cabosse-A-700 showed better performance than the other two in the low and high pressure range owing to its presence of micropores and mesopores, which enhances the CO2 adsorption and therefore the AAPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distinctive challenges in developing oleophilic/hydrophobic membranes through the coating technique for the separation of oil–water mixtures are the lengthy processes, the release of volatile contents, and the decrease in separation efficacy with repeated cycles. In this work, an attempt has been made to develop cost-effective, eco-friendly, bio-based, sustainable, and durable hydrophobic/oleophilic polybenzoxazine (PBZ) matrices coated on the cotton fabric for efficacious separation of oil–water emulsion mixtures. The benzoxazine monomers were synthesized using eugenol, furfuryl amine or stearyl amine, and paraformaldehyde (E-fa and E-sa) by a solvent-less, green synthetic approach. The synthesized benzoxazine monomers were characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR. Trifunctional benzoxazine monomers were synthesized by a simple thiol-ene click reaction using E-fa, E-sa, and trithiocyanuric acid. Later, the hydrophobic cotton fabric or filter paper was prepared by a simple dip coating method using E-fa, E-sa, E-fa/TCA, and E-sa/TCA separately, followed by thermal curing. The hydrophobic PBZ coated on the fabric/filter paper materials revealed better separation of emulsified oil–water mixtures with a separation efficacy of > 98% even after 15 repeated cycles. The thermal behavior of developed PBZ showed better thermal stability (thermal degradation and higher char yield) than conventional bisphenol A and F based PBZs. The hydrophobic/oleophilic surface on the cotton fabrics/filter paper, altered with the sustainable bio-based eugenol-based benzoxazines, is eco-friendly and easy to scale up, revealing prodigious capacities in several practical applications including oil–water separation and self-cleaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports recent advances in thermally induced phase separation technology in fabricating microporous scaffold polymeric membranes as devices suitable for the controlled release of insect repellent. The key aspects, such as the crystallization behavior and morphological study of the polymeric membrane‐based repellent, were reported and discussed. Studies demonstrated that trapping of such repellents into microporous polymeric materials can be achieved by spinodal decomposition of the polymer/liquid repellent system. Usually, solubility is enhanced at elevated temperatures. Rapid cooling of such solution below the UCST leads to the formation of cocontinuous phase structures by decomposition. The polymer then forms an open‐cell structure with the repellent trapped inside. Approaches to forming such an open‐cell polymer structure containing mosquito repellent were successfully performed and confirmed with the SEM and POM techniques. It showed the structure of a polymer and liquid repellent prepared by spinodal decomposition, providing proof that thermally induced spinodal decomposition is a route to trap liquid mosquito repellent into a microporous polymer matrix. Additionally, the effects of polymer type, repellent nature, cooling conditions, and fillers on the morphology and performance of TIPS membranes are also discussed. Finally, challenges in developing microporous polymeric membrane‐based repellent using TIPS technology are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycling of lithium-ion batteries is increasingly important for both resource recovery and environmental protection. However, the complex composition of cathode and anode materials in these batteries makes the efficient separation of metal mixtures challenging. Hydrometallurgical methods, particularly liquid extraction, provide an effective means of separating metal ions, though they require periodic updates to their extraction systems. This study introduces a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent composed of trioctylphosphine oxide, di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid, and menthol, which is effective for separating Ti(IV), Co(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), and Li+ ions from hydrochloric acid leachates of NMC (LiNixMnyCo1−x−yO2) batteries with LTO (Li4Ti5O12) anodes. By optimising the molar composition of the trioctylphosphine oxide/di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid/menthol mixture to a 4:1:5 ratio, high extraction efficiency was achieved. The solvent demonstrated stability over 10 cycles, and conditions for its regeneration were successfully established. At room temperature, the DES exhibited a density of 0.89 g/mL and a viscosity of 56 mPa·s, which are suitable for laboratory-scale extraction processes. Experimental results from a laboratory setup with mixer-settlers confirmed the efficiency of separating Ti(IV) and Co(II) ions in the context of their extraction kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee is one of the most widely traded commodities worldwide and its popularity is only increasing. The International Coffee Organisation (ICO) reported a 6% increase in global production in 2020 to 10.5 million tonnes. Coffee production is quite involved (from sowing to harvesting, processing, packaging, and storage); consequently, the industry faces major challenges in terms of the assessment of its quality, flavour, and the components which contribute to coffee's characterisation, as well as the sustainability of coffee production and global trade. This has prompted multiple studies on the nature of the aroma and taste of the many varieties of coffee around the world, which has resulted in the identification of approximately 1000 volatile compounds and the development and implementation of upwards of 100 lexicons to describe the specific sensory characteristics of coffee. The complex nature of coffee has necessitated the development and incorporation of new analytical methodologies, such as multidimensional separation technologies and spectroscopy coupled with multivariant analysis, to qualify the essential characteristics of coffee's flavour. This work aims to review the research on coffee's flavour, covering the roasting process of coffee beans, the volatile and non-volatile components generated by this process, and the chemical reactions responsible for their formation, as well as coffee's sustainability, the coffee value chain, and various forms of regulation, particularly the current emphasis on 'fair trade'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental Science & Technology (10036504) is the property of Editorial Board of Environmental 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.)

Enzymatic reactions play an important role in numerous industrial processes, e.g., in food production, pharmaceuticals and the production of biofuels. However, a major challenge when using enzymes in industrial applications is maintaining their stability and activity, especially under harsh operating conditions. To solve this problem, enzyme immobilization techniques have been developed. Immobilization involves fixing the enzymes on solid supports, which increases their stability, enables their reusability and facilitates the easy separation of reaction mixtures. In addition, immobilized enzymes are ideal for continuous flow systems such as millireactors, where they allow better control of reaction conditions, improving efficiency and product consistency. Glucose dehydrogenase is an important enzyme in biotechnology, particularly in biosensors and the production of biofuels, as it catalyzes the oxidation of glucose to gluconolactone, reducing NAD+ to NADH. However, like many other enzymes, it tends to lose activity over time. The immobilization of glucose dehydrogenase in a millireactor provides a controlled environment that increases the stability and activity of the enzyme. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different immobilization strategies on the performance of glucose dehydrogenase in a 3D printed millireactor. The enzyme was immobilized in alginate gel in three immobilization strategies: as beads, on the bottom surface, and on both the top and bottom surfaces of the millireactor. The results showed that the application of the enzyme on both surfaces improved the glucose conversion two-fold compared to immobilization in beads and four-fold compared to immobilization only on the bottom surface. The dual-surface enzyme immobilization strategy showed the highest efficiency, achieving the highest conversion of 95.76 ± 1.01% (τ = 131 min) and NADH productivity of 0.166 ± 0.01 mmol/(L·min) (τ = 7.11 min) combined with operational stability over five days. Effective diffusion rates comparable to those of aqueous solutions confirmed the suitability of alginate gels for biocatalysis. These advancements highlight the potential of this modular and scalable platform for various biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 separation technology at low pressure is most desirable in carbon capture projects to mitigate global warming. Facilitated transport membranes offer selective and effective CO2 permeation using a wide range of carbon carriers at low pressure. Porous fillers were recently included as they can carry abundant fixed carriers besides offering open channels for CO2 permeation. This study investigates the effects of amine‐modified zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) with well‐defined micropores and gas sieving ability in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes containing an ionic liquid that worked as mobile carriers. The effects of amine‐modified ZIF‐8 and silica nanoparticles on membrane properties and separation performance were also compared. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the incorporation of ZIF‐8, secondary amine, IL anions, and silica nanoparticles in PVA membranes. Energy dispersive analysis showed the good dispersion of inorganic fillers. The amine‐modified silica nanoparticles resulted in higher thermal stability compared to the amine‐modified ZIF‐8 in PVA membranes containing [bmin][Ac] ionic liquid, as shown in the thermogravimetric analysis. However, the CO2 separation performance of PVA membranes containing [bmim][Ac] ionic liquid was improved more significantly by the amine‐modified ZIF‐8 with microporous structure. A CO2/N2 ideal selectivity of 85.65 and CO2 permeance up to 4,502.91 GPU were attained. Unlike the CO2/N2 ideal selectivity, the CO2 permeance was not significantly affected either using [bmin][Ac] or [bmin][BF4]. The humid gas greatly enhanced the CO2 permeance without much changes in the CO2/N2 ideal selectivity due to the promotion of facilitated transport. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]