Ultrasonic Aid Research Articles

Ultrasonication-assisted synthesis of CN–TiO2 and its photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac under visible light irradiation

ABSTRACT In this study, CN codoped TiO2 nanoparticles (CN–TiO2) were fabricated by solvothermal and low temperature calcination methods with the aid of ultrasonication. According to the number of ultrasonic treatments used in the preparation process, the samples were named NN, YN, NY and YY. The characteristics of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) were employed to analyse the effect of the ultrasonic treatment step in the synthetic process. The results showed that ultrasonication can increase the CN content in TiO2, reduce the band gap energy, and improve the catalytic performance of the CN–TiO2, and the effect of secondary ultrasound is particularly obvious. The YY obtained by two-step ultrasonication with the lowest band gap energy of 3.07 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the CN–TiO2 was evaluated using the degradation of diclofenac (DCF) under visible light irradiation (white LED strips with an emission wavelength of 450 nm). It was observed that the YY exhibited significantly superior DCF degradation activity. When using 0.4 g L–1 of YY, an excellent DCF degradation of 97% could be reached, which is 1.4 times that of NN (without ultrasonication). Moreover, YY had good visible light photocatalytic activity, and the degradation efficiency of YY for DCF under visible light was comparable to that of a xenon lamp. Therefore, ultrasonication played a critical role in the enhancement of photocatalytic activity during the synthesis of CN–TiO2.

Properties of TiO2/PDMS-Ag Composites as Antibacterial Self Cleaning

TiO2 and TiO2-PDMS/Ag (PDMS = polydimethylsiloxane) composites have been prepared. The synthesis was carried out by preparing TiO2 using ball milling technique for 6, 8 and 10 hours, with the composition of TiO2: ball milling = 1:15; 1:20; and 1:25 (g/g). Furthermore, the TiO2-PDMS/Ag composite was synthesized through the solvent dispersion method with the aid of ultrasonication. The preparation of TiO2-PDMS/Ag composites was carried out with several compositions of TiO2, PDMS and Ag, as well as milling times, aiming to determine the effect of compositions and time of ball milling process on decreasing of TiO2 particle size. The addition of Ag to the TiO2-PDMS composites was carried out to investigate the effect of Ag on the antibacterial activity. TiO2-PDMS/Ag composite coating on glass was done by spray coating method. While the antibacterial activity was measured by determining the zone of inhibition by disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aurous and Escherichia coli. The results exhibited that the ball milling treatment and milling time affected the change in the crystal size of TiO2. The highest composition of TiO2: ball milling at 1:25 for 10 hours was able to reduce the crystal size of TiO2 from 65.81 nm to 46.17 nm. The other hand, the observation of the physical properties of the contact angle of glass coated TiO2-PDMS/Ag composites before irradiation obtained 107° and after irradiation with visible light the contact angle decreased to 56°, which shows that the TiO2-PDMS/Ag composites exhibit photocatalytic activity in the presence of TiO2/Ag. Furthermore, the observation of antibacterial activity on the TiO2-PDMS/Ag as a self-cleaning photocatalytic materials resulted that the largest inhibition zone reached 11.37 mm, so that the TiO2/PDMS-Ag composites had great potential as an active antibacterial self-cleaning.

Properties and Characteristics of Acid-Soluble Collagen from Salmon Skin Defatted with the Aid of Ultrasonication

Salmon skin, a byproduct from the deskinning process, can be used as an alternative source of collagen. Due to the high fat content in skin, the defatting process is required prior to extraction. The properties and characteristics of acid-soluble collagen (ASC) from salmon skin (Oncorhynchus nerka), defatted using isopropanol without and with ultrasonication (70% amplitude for 10 min), were investigated. The ASC from the skin that was defatted with aid of ultrasonication (U-ASC) exhibited lower (p < 0.05) fat content (1.86%) with extraction yield (23.18% w/w, dry weight basis). U-ASC had a higher hydroxyproline content (49.15 mg/g dry sample) and maximum transition temperature (Tmax) (11.6 °C) than C-ASC (collagen extracted from skin defatted without ultrasonication). Both of the ASCs were classified as type I collagen. C-ASC and U-ASC had isoelectric points of 7.17 and 7.40, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and circular dichroism spectra reconfirmed the triple-helix structure of both ASCs. The major amino acid of both collagens was glycine (297–308 residues/1000 residues). A high amount of imino acid (191–193 residues/1000 residues) was also found. After gastrointestinal digestion, the degree of hydrolysis of the digested U-ASC (23.19%) was slightly higher than that of the digested C-ASC (22.31%). However, both digests had no differences in antioxidant activities. Both of the ASCs could be therefore used as functional ingredient.

Ultrasound‐assisted reduction of bis azo dye into aromatic amines on natural textile fibres: A greener approach

AbstractThe current study elaborates on the capabilities of ultrasonic waves in improving the conventional method for analysis of banned aromatic amines in dyed textile samples. Wool, linen and cotton were dyed according to their relative affinity with a selected benzidine‐based dye, CI Direct Red 28. The standard procedure, BS EN 14362‐1:2012, was used for testing dyed textile samples, with final estimation through gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The dyed samples, after reduction, released a significant quantity of benzidine (listed banned amine), hence were chosen for experiments with ultrasound‐assisted reduction (UAR). To explore the influence of ultrasound energy on the reduction of bis azo dye, the standard procedure for analysis of banned aromatic amines in textiles was modified incorporating minor changes. The reduction step in the altered methods was performed with ultrasonic aid in less time, while the rest of the method remained unmodified. The altered procedure was designated as “method 2”. Samples were quantified with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The extent of the reduction was correlated with wetting characteristics of textile materials. The results from the standard test procedure were used for comparison with those obtained from UAR trials. The UAR method in the case of wool, assessed in terms of greenness, provided noticeable time and energy savings. A comparative account of the chosen matrices with respect to dye reduction is also presented.

Selective Fe(ii)-fluorescence sensor with validated two-consecutive working range using N,S,I-GQDs associated with garlic extract as an auxiliary green chelating agent.

The goal of this work was to use the pyrolysis process to synthesize graphene quantum dots doped with garlic extract (as N,S-GQDs) and simultaneously co-doped with iodine (as I-GQDs). XPS, HR-TEM, FE-SEM/EDX, FT-IR, fluorescence, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy were used to characterize the N,S,I-GQDs and analyze their morphological images. The quantum yield of N,S,I-GQDs was found to be 45%, greater than that of undoped GQDs (31%). When stimulated at 363 nm, the N,S,I-GQDs display a strong fluorescence intensity at a maximum wavelength of 454 nm. Using N,S,I-GQDs as a fluorescence quenching sensor for screening tests with various metal ions, it was discovered that they are extremely selective towards Fe2+ over Fe3+ and other ions. Thus, solution pH, concentration of N,S,I-GQDs, quantity of garlic extract, EDTA and AgNO3 concentration as masking agents, reaction duration under ultrasonic aid, and tolerable limit of Fe3+ presence in the target analyte were all optimized for Fe2+ detection. A highly sensitive detection of Fe2+ was obtained using a linear curve with y = 141.34x + 5.5855, R2 = 0.9961, LOD = 0.11 mg L−1, and LOQ = 0.35 mg L−1. The method precision, given as RSDs, was determined to be satisfactory at 1.04% for intra-day analysis and 3.22% for inter-day analysis, respectively. As a result, the selective determination of trace amounts of Fe2+ in real water samples using such labile multi-element doped GQDs in conjunction with garlic extract as a green chelating agent to maintain its enhanced sensitivity was successfully applied with good recoveries ranging from 89.16 to 121.45%.

Characterization of fortified pasteurized cow milk with nanoliposome loaded with skipjack tuna eyeball oil

SummaryNanoliposomes loaded with skipjack tuna eyeballs oil (STEO‐NL) were prepared using an ethanol injection method, without and with the aid of ultrasonication. Higher amplitude (80%) and longer time (15 min) of ultrasonication reduced particle size (from 192.20 to 150.70 nm) and zeta‐potential (from −40.43 to −47.29 mV) of STEO‐NL but increased peroxide value (PV), conjugated diene (CD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of STEO‐NL. However, encapsulation efficiency was not different among all the samples (96.82‐97.70%) (P > 0.05). Cow milk was fortified by addition of STEO‐NL (without ultrasonication) at different final levels (0, 2.5 and 5.0% w/w). Subsequently, high‐temperature short‐time (72 °C, 15 s) process was employed to pasteurize the fortified milk, which were further stored up to 10 days at 4 °C. Microbiological quality and pH of pasteurized fortified cow milk were still acceptable. Addition of STEO‐NL at higher level (5%) resulted in higher PV and TBARS and lower acceptability than the control and that fortified with 2.5% STEO‐NL throughout the storage of 10 days, but sensorial acceptability was still obtained. In general, no differences in colour, and viscosity were attained among all samples. Moreover, pasteurized cow milk fortified with STEO‐NL had an increased amount of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Effects of Hydrophobic Modifications on the Solution Self-Assembly of P(DMAEMA-co-QDMAEMA)-b-POEGMA Random Diblock Copolymers.

In this work, the synthesis and the aqueous solution self-assembly behavior of novel partially hydrophobically modified poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(oligo(ethylelene glycol) methyl ether methacrylatetabel) pH and temperature responsive random diblock copolymers (P(DMAEMA-co-Q6/12DMAEMA)-b-POEGMA), are reported. The chemical modifications were accomplished via quaternization with 1-iodohexane (Q6) and 1-iodododecane (Q12) and confirmed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The successful synthesis of PDMAEMA-b-POEGMA precursor block copolymers was conducted by RAFT polymerization. The partial chemical modification of the diblocks resulted in the permanent attachment of long alkyl chains on the amine groups of the PDMAEMA block and the presence of tertiary and quaternary amines randomly distributed within the PDMAEMA block. Light scattering techniques confirmed that the increased hydrophobic character results in the formation of nanoaggregates of high mass and tunable pH and temperature response. The characteristics of the aggregates are also affected by the aqueous solution preparation protocol, the nature of the quaternizing agent and the quaternization degree. The incorporation of long alkyl chains allowed the encapsulation of indomethacin within the amphiphilic diblock copolymer aggregates. Nanostructures of increased size were detected due to the encapsulation of indomethacin into the interior of the hydrophobic domains. Drug release studies demonstrated that almost 50% of the encapsulated drug can be released on demand by aid of ultrasonication.

Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Glutathione Using Ultrasonic Aided Synthesis of Novel Graphene Quantum Dots Embedded Over Amine-Funtionalized Silica Nanoparticles

Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Glutathione Using Ultrasonic Aided Synthesis of Novel Graphene Quantum Dots Embedded Over Amine-Funtionalized Silica Nanoparticles

Green and plant-based adsorbent from tragacanth gum and carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotube hydrogel bionanocomposite for the super removal of methylene blue dye

This study aims to prepare a hydrogel bionanocomposite (HBNC) as an efficient adsorbent and introduce it as a suitable replacement for petroleum-based adsorbents. Thus, tragacanth gum (TG), and carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotube (CFCNT) were used as raw materials. HBNCs were prepared with the aid of ultrasonication, and different methods were employed to characterize them. The surface structures of the HBNCs were altered after the addition CFCNT into TG and exposure to ultrasound, as well. Transmission electron microscopy images showed CFCNTs were well dispersed in TG. Then, the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) was performed using these HBNCs. The removal efficiency was over 80% at optimized conditions. Nonlinear and linear forms of Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Sips, and Redlich-Peterson (R-P) were applied to find the proper arrangement of MB onto the adsorbent. Using statistical equations, it was revealed that the process obeyed the linear R-P model, indicating a mixture of mono- and multilayer adsorption (but mostly monolayer). Also, pseudo-second-order was the appropriate kinetic model and suggested chemical adsorption. According to the thermodynamic calculations, this process was exothermic and spontaneous, and the type of interactions between HBNC and MB was physicochemical. Also, the diffusion study indicated that film diffusion is the primary mechanism.

Preparation of NiO decorated CNT/ZnO core-shell hybrid nanocomposites with the aid of ultrasonication for enhancing the performance of hybrid supercapacitors

Supercapacitor (SC) electrodes fabricated with the combination of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metal oxides are showing remarkable advancements in the electrochemical properties. Herein, NiO decorated CNT/ZnO core-shell hybrid nanocomposites (CNT/ZnO/NiO HNCs) are facilely synthesized by a two-step solution-based technique for the utilization in hybrid supercapacitors. Benefitting from the synergistic advantages of three materials, the CNT/ZnO/NiO HNCs based electrode has evinced superior areal capacity of ~67 µAh cm−2 at a current density of 3 mA cm−2 with an exceptional cycling stability of 112% even after 3000 cycles of continuous operation. Highly conductive CNTs and electrochemically active ZnO contribute to the performance enhancement. Moreover, the decoration of NiO on the surface of CNT/ZnO core-shell increases the electro active sites and stimulates the faster redox reactions which play a vital role in augmenting the electrochemical properties. Making the use of high areal capacity and ultra-long stability, a hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) was assembled with CNT/ZnO/NiO HNCs coated nickel foam (CNT/ZnO/NiO HNCs/NF) as positive electrode and CNTs coated NF as negative electrode. The fabricated HSC delivered an areal capacitance of 287 mF cm−2 with high areal energy density (67 µWh cm−2) and power density (16.25 mW cm−2). The combination of battery type CNT/ZnO/NiO HNCs/NF and EDLC type CNT/NF helped in holding the capacity for a long period of time. Thus, the systematic assembly of CNTs and ZnO along with the NiO decoration enlarges the application window with its high rate electrochemical properties.

Electrochemistry of Solvent-Exfoliated Red Phosphorus Nanosheets

Commercially available and stable red phosphorus (RP) is a promising material to produce two-dimensional RP nanomaterials. In this work, RP nanosheets are produced using a liquid-phase exfoliation approach with aid of ultrasonication. The RP nanosheets exfoliated in the solvents of ultrapure water, isopropanol, and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) exhibit different sizes and thicknesses. More uniform and thinner RP nanosheets are obtained in DMF (ERP-DMF), due to optimized surface energies between RP nanosheets and DMF. These RP nanosheets show varied activities towards electrooxidation of one case molecule of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). ERP-DMF features a larger active area and a higher electron transfer rate than those produced in water and isopropanol. Sensitive, reproducible, stable, and selective monitoring of 4-NP is then achieved using ERP-DMF as the sensing material. This study provides a general approach to produce two-dimensional nanomaterials from bulk materials as well as the guidance to explore their potential applications.

THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENT-CARBON NANOTUBES (DES-CNT) BASED NANOLUBRICANT

Lubrication is an important aspect when it comes to machinery and equipment in the industry where nanolubricants are extensively being explored as the future of lubricants. Nanolubricants are new-engineered fluids, which are dispersed with nanoparticles that aids in the interface movement by forming a protective layer hence reducing the wear and friction and dissipate the heat generated due to friction. In this research, a new synthetic lubricant is formulated by mixing two or more components of hydrogen bond donors and halide salt that achieves lower melting points compared to individual components. In this study, Glycerol and Polyethylene Glycol 600 (PEG) acts as the HBDs with common salt of Choline Chloride (ChCl). The nanolubricants were synthesised via two-step method by dispersing three different concentration of Functionalised Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (F-MWCNTs) of 0.01 wt%, 0.05 wt% and 0.10 wt% with the aid of ultrasonication. The stability of the suspensions were studied via optical microscopy and visual observation. The addition of F-MWCNT increased the resultant dynamic viscosity of the nanolubricant whereas the density was not much affected. Besides that, thermal conductivity showed positive enhancement for glycerol DES nanolubricant and negative enhancement for PEG DES nanolubricant. Thus, this study concludes that the thermophysical properties of DES base fluids and MWCNT have potential to be used as lubricants due to its enhanced physical properties.

CLINICAL APPROACH TO THE MANAGEMENT OF FRACTURED INSTRUMENTS USING ULTRASONICS AND THE INSTRUMENT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM UNDER THE DENTAL OPERATING MICROSCOPE

Background: Instrument separation has become a major concern in the endodontic practice today. In cases where the fractured fragment completely blocks the canal, the access of disinfecting irrigants to the root canal system is limited. Literature suggesting the guidelines on the management of broken instruments is scanty. This study was aimed to establish a preliminary guideline in the management of cases with instrument fracture using the Ultrasonic tips, the Instrument Retrieval System (IRS) and Instrument bypass under the Dental Operating Microscope (DOM).
 Methods: 40 cases were selected with fractured instruments and categorized as follows-location coronal or apical to curvature- size of greater than or less than 5 mm. Patients were informed about the procedure and its complications, following which consent was taken. Management was planned in three stages. Instrument retrieval with the aid of Ultrasonics was performed under the DOM in stage 1. Retrieval using IRS was performed in stage 2. Instrument bypass was performed in stage 3. Success rate was compared using statistical analysis by the StatPac software.
 Results and conclusion: Fractured fragments with a length of less than 5mm and straight line access was retrieved successfully under the DOM using the Ultrasonics in 87.5% cases. Retrieval of fragments greater than 5mm and with a straight line access was successful with the added use of the Instrument Retrieval system/ Instrument extractor in 71.4% cases.
 Keywords: Ultrasonic, Instrument Retrieval System, Dental Operating Microscope, instrument bypass, fractured instrument
 Key Message: Instrument fracture in an endodontic practice is a stressful event. With the widespread use of rotary instruments, the incidence of instrument separation has increased. With increasing referral of such cases, management of these cases with a predictable outcome has become important in endodontic specialty. An attempt has been made to lay down guidelines regarding management of cases with fractured instruments.

Integration of semi-batch cultivation and extraction for maximal lipid production in Chlamydomonas sp. Tai-03

Rapid improvements in bioseparation technology, new regulatory directives, product quality constraints, and the production efficiency have necessitated the development of more advanced and powerful downstream bioprocesses for biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals industrial. This has transformed in dramatically improvements in traditional bioseparation processes as well as the development of entirely new approaches. In this paper, we highlight some of these recent advances of integration of semi-batch cultivation and extraction for maximal lipid production in Chlamydomonas sp. Tai-03. This includes extractive cultivation, extractive bioconversion aqueous two-phase system, aqueous two-phase flotation, and newly developed liquid biphasic flotation. Alcohol/salt liquid biphasic flotation (LBF) with aid of ultrasonication which have the ability of killing two birds with one stone, it not only capable in cell rupturing, it also able to recover bioproducts simultaneously and continuously. The effect of varying crude feedstock concentration, flotation time, type of salt, concentration of salt, type of alcohol, concentration of alcohol, initial volumes of salt and alcohol were investigated. Microalgal biofuels or generation three biofuels have been widely recognized as potential replacements of fossil fuels. One of the most attractive option is the partial or full replacement of diesel fuel with microalgal biodiesel. Here, Chlamydomonas sp. Tai-03 was cultured using semi-batch cultivation to enhance its lipid production. Upon lowering the culture replacement fraction to 25%, the greatest biomass and lipid productivities were obtained at 1.23 ± 0.02 g/L/d and 239.6 ± 24.8 mg/L/d. After transesterification, palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1), and linoleic acid (C18:2) were the main fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) present. These short-chain FAMEs and high productivities of Chlamydomonas sp. Tai-03 are suitable for biodiesel output.

Al3Ti/ADC12 Composite Synthesized by Ultrasonic Chemistry in Situ Reaction

Abstract Al3Ti/ADC12 composite was synthesized in situ using Al-fluoride potassium titanate (K2TiF6) as the reaction system and an ultrasonic assisted direct melt reaction. Results indicate ultrasonic chemistry reactions are both accelerated and more complete compared to traditional in situ reactions. Al3Ti reinforced particles with a regular shape and size of 1-2 μm were well distributed and as-cast microstructures of composites were superior. Composite particles under ultrasonic assistance were also refined to a greater extent. Tensile strength and elongation rate of the composites reached 255 MPa and 2.2%, an increase of 19.1% and 37.5% respectively to those without ultrasonic aid. Cleavage surface of the composite declined and the number of dimples increased while dimples became smaller and deeper, showing obvious ductile fracture.

High internal phase Pickering emulsions stabilized with graphene oxide in supercritical CO2 system

With aid of ultrasonication, water-in-supercritical CO2 (scCO2) Pickering-type emulsions were successfully prepared by using graphene oxide as stabilizer. The phenomenon was observed from observation window that after the termination of ultrasonication, the darkness of the emulsion declined rapidly in a short period, and then kept relatively stable for a relatively long duration. The addition of graphene oxide (GO) greatly increases the proportion of dispersed phase (water) in the scCO2 continuous phase. Under optimized conditions, GO emulsifies up to 23% water in scCO2 with droplets around 0.5 μm–3 μm. The stabilization time of these emulsions exceeded 10 h and increased with system pressure and GO concentration. The superiority of GO as a Pickering stabilizer was theoretically analyzed in this study: by taking advantage of 2D morphology, GO sheets are more likely to irreversibly attach to the scCO2-water interface to form a stabilized emulsion than the conventional 3D particles.

Biodiesel Production by Esterification Reaction on K+ Modified MgAl-Hydrotalcites Catalysts

K+ modified hydrotalcites and its activity as a solid base catalyst for ultrasonic wave- assisted biodiesel conversion was investigated. The solid alkaline catalysts of the MgAl-hydrotalcites (HT) was prepared by co-precipitation and modified with K+ by impregnation. The influence of K+ incorporation on the performance of Mg-Al hydrotalcites catalysts was investigated by SmartLab X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), infrared spectrum (IR), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA), CO2 temperature programmed desorption (CO2-TPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm (BET). The research discovered that K+ modified of double layered structure of MgAl-hydrotalcite resulted in a significant increase in catalytic activity in transesterification of rapeseed oil. It exhibited high catalytic activity that achieved a biodiesel yield of 99% when the reaction was conducted with 2 wt% catalysts, K+/HT load ratio of 6.25%, a methanol/rapeseed oil molar ratio of 12:1, and reaction at 60 °C over 1 h. The result showed that the K+ modified HT as a transesterification catalyst had the potency for biodiesel conversion. In addition, under the above reaction conditions, the biodiesel yield was up to 99.9% in only five minutes with ultrasonic aid.

Effect of Synthesis Condition on the Structural Features of Ni-Ce Bimetallic Catalysts Supported on Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

In this paper, screening study in regards to preparation of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (FMWNT)-supported bi-metallic catalyst is discussed. Functional groups such as hydroxyl and carboxylic acid are introduced on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) surface using acid treatment method with the aid of probe-type ultrasonication. It is done by varying the concentration of nitric acid (HNO3) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4), acid volume ratio and treatment duration. Catalysts with different ratios of cerium and nickel nanoparticles which are either loaded inside or outside of MWCNT were prepared via ultrasonic-assisted co-precipitation method (NiCe/CNT). This is done to study the effect of cerium loadings. The characterization of the FMWNT and catalysts are carried out using transmission electron micrographs (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the treatment in concentrated HNO3/H2SO4 with volume ratio of 3:1 for 8 h was the most suitable condition to generate large amount of surface oxygen group with minimal defects. The observations for each used condition were discussed thoroughly. Decoration of MWCNT with different metal loadings resulted in different distribution and dispersion of metal on nanotubes surface.

Influence of Synthesis Parameters of FeNi3 Alloy Nanoparticles Obtained by Chemical Reduction Method in Aqueous Solution

This paper reports the synthesis of FeNi3 alloy nanoparticles by chemical reduction of the Fe2+ and Ni2+ ions, from the corresponding chlorides, with hydrazine (N2H4�H2O) as a reducing agent in aqueous solution at room temperature by modifying the molar ratio of the ions Fe2+: Ni2+, reaction time, with and without amine-type growth promoter, and reducing both, with or without ultrasonic aid. The FeNi3 alloy nanoparticles have been investigated by XRD, EDS spectrum analysis, SEM and VSM. When the molar ratio of Fe2+ and Ni2+ is equal to 1:3, reducing both, with or without ultrasonic aid, Fe2+ and Ni2+ were completely reduced into Fe and Ni, resulting FeNi3 alloy with a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. EDS analysis supported the presence of metal ions in atomic weight corresponding to the stoichiometric ratio of initial reaction. SEM analysis showed that nanoparticles of FeNi3 alloy have a spherical structural morphology. Hysteresis loop show a ferromagnetic behaviour of the FeNi3 alloy nanoparticles at room temperature.

Effect of copper oxide nanoadditive on diesel engine performance operated with dairy scum biodiesel

ABSTRACT The conversion and utilisation of dairy waste scum as a fuel is most meticulous to avoid disposal problem and environmental pollution. In this study, experiments are conducted on a diesel engine fuelled with copper oxide (CuO) nanoadditive-blended DSOME-B20 (20% Dairy scum oil methyl ester + 80% diesel) fuel to appraise the performance, combustion and emission behaviours. Different mass fractions of copper oxide namely 25, 50 and 75 ppm are added into the DSOME-B20 fuel blend with the aid of mechanical stirrer and ultrasonicator. From this study, it is perceived that the addition of CuO nanoadditive with DSOME-B20 could enhance the brake thermal efficiency and marginally lower the brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and HC, CO emissions. This study also revealed that 75 ppm nanoadditive fuel blend has exhibited the better performance, combustion and emission (HC and CO) characteristics when compared to other nanoadditive fuel blends.