Atmospheric Pressure Research Articles

Efficient conversion of used palm cooking oil into biogasoline over hydrothermally prepared sulfated mesoporous silica loaded with NiMo catalyst

Fossil-based fuels remain a primary global energy source, but their finite and non-renewable nature raises concerns about long-term sustainability. These issues underscore the urgent need for renewable and eco-friendly alternatives such as converting vegetable oil into biofuel. The present work reported biogasoline production from used palm cooking oil catalyzed by sulfated mesoporous silica impregnated with nickel-molybdenum bimetal using the hydrothermal method for both steps. We evaluated the effect of sulfuric acid concentration and metal loading amount on the acidity of the resulting catalysts. Catalysts' performance was assessed through the catalytic cracking and hydrocracking processes with a catalyst-to-feed ratio of 1% at 550°C and an atmospheric pressure. In comparison to mesoporous silica (MS) and sulfated mesoporous silica (SMS-2), along with an increase in acidity, NiMo-impregnated mesoporous silica (NiMo 1/SMS-2) exhibited superior catalytic performance in biogasoline production in the presence of H2 gas, achieving liquid product conversion and gasoline selectivity of 55.9% and 52.37%, respectively. These results are an excellent step for developing biogasoline in a safer process and confirm the capability of mesoporous silica-based catalysts in biofuel production.

Monitoring a batch crystallization process by acoustic emission

Crystallization is regarded as an important unit operation for separation and purification, as well as the production of solid particles with specified end-use properties. However, it is still difficult to control or to optimize the crystallization process due to the complexity of the coupled phenomena taking place simultaneously in the liquid and solid phases. In order to overcome such drawback, different analytical technologies have been implemented in the literature for monitoring (in situ, at best) the key crystallization parameters, e.g. solute concentration and crystal size distribution, which in turn enhances the comprehension about this operation. In our work, a multi-probe monitoring system composed of acoustic emission, ATR-FTIR and imaging probes was applied to the crystallization of a model system (an aqueous solution of adipic acid) in a semi-batch crystallizer. The crystallization was carried out under two different feed rates and under vacuum or atmospheric pressure. The goal was to demonstrate the usefulness of the multi-probe system for monitoring the crystallization process and to study the influence of the process (stirring rotation speed, cooling speed, etc.) on the acoustic emission. As a matter of fact, the multi-probe system tracked information about the dissolved adipic acid in the liquid phase with the ATR-FTIR spectrometry, while the crystal size, shape and number were monitored with the help of the imaging probe (with image treatment methods). The acoustic emission probes were used to detect the beginning of crystallization and the phenomena of crystal growth and agglomeration

Net emission coefficient of magnesium oxide crystal arc plasma with different Mg particle concentrations

The aim of the present study was to construct a molecular spectral database of magnesium oxide crystal arc plasma, thereby allowing for the net emission coefficient of arc to be calculated at different temperatures, pressures and Mg ratios. First, Rydberg-Klein-Rees inversion method was adopted to reconstruct the potential-energy curves of diatomic molecules. Subsequently, the Schrödinger equation was solved to determine the molecular wave function. This solution combined with the electrical transition moment function facilitates the calculation of radiative transition probabilities between different energy levels and the development of this database. Second, calculation models of the bound-free and free-free radiative absorption cross-section were established and use to calculate the continuous radiation of atoms. Finally, the radiative capability of different particles was calculated separately, followed by calculation of the net emission coefficient of plasma through addition The experimental results reveal that the net emission coefficient of air plasma under atmospheric pressure is consistent with existing research in both its magnitude and trend. Given that Mg can be ionized at lower temperatures, the magnesium oxide crystal arc plasma exhibited a pronounced radiative capacity at these temperatures. Additionally, a larger optical transmission distance corresponded to a reduced net emission coefficient of the plasma.

Two-phase flow evolution and interfacial area transport downstream of the mixing-vane spacer grid in rod bundle channels

This study investigated the axial two-phase flow evolution and interfacial area transport characteristics downstream of the mixing vane spacer grid (MVSG) in a tight lattice rod bundle channel with a subchannel hydraulic diameter of Dh = 17.27 mm. The experiment was conducted under the air-water two-phase flow at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The phase distributions of 6 positions downstream of MVSG (Z/Dh = 9.15, 14.94, 20.73, 26.52, 32.31, and 61.26) were measured utilizing a self-developed double-layer wire-mesh sensor (WMS). 42 cases were obtained, involving the bubbly flow, cap-bubbly flow, and slug flow. Void fraction, bubble velocity, interfacial area concentration (IAC), and bubble size distribution (BSD) databases were built. Under the group-1 (G-1) flow, due to the swirling flow generated by MVSG, the G-1 bubbles were drawn from the bundle surface and the gap region into the subchannel center to form a spindle core-peak distribution. BSD results demonstrate that the swirling flow promotes bubbles’ coalescence. The one-dimensional (1-D) void fraction and IAC downstream of the MVSG decrease first and then recover, which contrasts with the non-mixing vane spacer grid (N-MVSG) effect. It was attributed to the increment of the bubbles’ velocity after MVSG due to the bubbles’ migration to the channel center and coalescence. Under the group-2 (G-2) flow, MVSG intensifies the core peak distribution of void fraction, and the void fraction profile is also spindle-shaped. The obvious bubbles’ break-up occurs at Z/Dh = 14.94 attributed to the swirling decay. The 1-D void fraction and IAC transport indicate, that with the liquid-velocity increment, the MVSG effect is different from the N-MVSG effect, which is mainly achieved by affecting the G-1 bubbles’ dynamic behaviors. The model evaluation utilizing the interfacial area transport equation (IATE) closing bubble interaction source/sink terms indicates that the advection effect dominates the IAC evolution and the contribution of the pressure effect is weak. The remarkable bubbles’ coalescence occurs under the high liquid velocity. In future studies, the additional bubble break-up and coalescence source/sink term model considering the MVSG effect should be developed based on these cases to improve the IATE prediction ability.

Effect of non-static pre-oxidation treatment on the cyclic ablation behavior of SiC-ZrC/SiC multilayer coated graphite

SiC-ZrC based ceramics have caught much attention as coatings for graphite materials. However, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between coatings and matrix severely limits their application in harsh environments. Herein, we proposed a non-static pre-oxidation treatment under an air pressure of 0.05 MPa to increase the surface roughness of graphite matrix to 18.054 μm and then prepared the SiC-ZrC/SiC multilayer coating on the pre-oxidized graphite. The results demonstrate that a firm interlocking structure was formed between SiC-ZrC/SiC multilayer coating and graphite matrix, which effectively improved the bonding strength and enhanced the cyclic ablation resistance of coatings. The bonding strength of SiC-ZrC/SiC multilayer coated on graphite pre-oxidized under negative pressure was 5.70±0.42 MPa, which was 54.89% higher than that on graphite pre-oxidized under atmospheric pressure (3.68±0.08 MPa). After the plasma ablation for 360 s (60 s × 6), the linear and mass ablation rates of SiC-ZrC/SiC multilayer coated graphite which was pre-oxidized under negative pressure were -0.083 μm/s and 0.101 mg/s, respectively.

Investigation the Thermal Behavior of Lemon and Orange Peels Composite Fuel Diesel

Background: The aim of this research is to investigate the thermal behavior of a composite fuel prepared by mixing diesel fuel with citrus peel powder in the presence of activators and combustion accelerators. The study focused on utilizing abundant citrus waste, such as lemon and orange peels, as sustainable bioresources to reduce environmental pollution and optimize fuel efficiency. The research explored the thermal properties of the composite fuel and compared it with pure diesel through combustion experiments conducted at atmospheric pressure and combustion pressure in the engine. Methods: The study set the limits of the investigation to various proportions of lemon and orange peel powder mixed with diesel, ranging from 5% to 15% by mass of the total fuel composite. Two catalysts, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), along with calcium oxide (CaO) powder were incorporated into the mixtures as activators to enhance combustion efficiency. The composite fuel characterization included thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermographmetric station experiments to observe the combustion processes and assess the thermal behavior of the composite fuel. Results: The results revealed four distinct phases of combustion during the burning time of 60 seconds: volatile combustion, liquid combustion, combustion of solid materials, and the interaction of active substances with combustion residues. Using activators and catalysts significantly enhanced combustion efficiency and minimized the amount of residue produced during the process, resulting in thermal behavior that is more similar to that of pure diesel. Lemon peel powder with activators demonstrates better thermal behavior compared to orange peel powder. Conclusions: Based on the findings, some recommendations are proposed for further development such as the optimization of activator ratios, exploration of different proportions of lemon and orange peel powder, and investigation of other catalysts. Real-world engine performance tests and emission profile analysis can validate the thermal behavior results obtained from combustion experiments.

Electric field components within a micro-scaled DBD measured by Stark shifting and splitting of helium lines

Abstract Atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs), such as the micro cavity plasma array (MCPA), have emerged as promising technologies for the conversion of volatile gases. These conversion processes’ effectiveness can be enhanced by integrating catalytically active surfaces. To deepen the understanding of the plasma-catalyst interaction, it is crucial to study the transport dynamics of charged species to the catalytic surface, which, due to collisions with neutrals, also directly affects the transport of reactive species to the catalyst. Thereby the transport of the charged species is in particular influenced by the electric field perpendicular to the catalytic surface. However, experimental data on the component-wise electric field strength within SDBDs are rare. To address this issue, we performed polarized optical emission spectroscopy on the shifting and splitting of the allowed 492.19 nm (1D → 1P0) and forbidden 492.06 nm (1F0 → 1P0) helium line pair. This diagnostic approach requires a non-radially symmetric geometry, which leads to an adapted reactor design of the MCPA allowing the side-on observation of the discharge. The discharge operates in pure helium at atmospheric pressure, utilizing a triangular excitation voltage with a frequency of 15 kHz and an amplitude of 600 V. We performed phase-resolved measurements of the electric field components with a temporal resolution of 1 µs. Our results revealed an electric field strength of approximately 22 kV cm−1 for the component perpendicular to the dielectric surface, while the component parallel to the dielectric surface is about 5 kV cm−1 larger during the decreasing potential phase of the applied voltage.

Facile synthesis and biomimetic amine-functionalization of chitosan foam for CO2 capture

A high-performance biomass-based adsorption materials could be the promising trend for CO2 capture and storage technology. However, the direct application of biomass-based porous materials as a CO2 adsorbent with enhanced performance is an emerging issue. Herein, a facile synthesis and a biomimetic strategy were combined to prepare amine-functionalized chitosan foam for CO2 capture, and then a porous biomass is achieved for the application on the environment protection field. Firstly, the chitosan foam was synthesized by the emulsion-templating method at room temperature. Depended on stabilizing n-octane in the chitosan hydrogel with Span 80, a tunable three-dimensional network porous structure was obtained. Subsequently, co-deposition with dopamine (DA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) was applied to load abundant amine content on the surface of chitosan foam and thereby improving CO2 adsorption capacity. Finally, the as-prepared amine-functionalized chitosan foam exhibited the impressive adsorption capacity of 3.59 mmol/g at 333 K and atmospheric pressure, and the better adsorption selectivity and stability. The results extend the preparation approach of biomass porous materials, and also its application in CO2 adsorption technology.

Synthesis of manganese oxide thin films deposited on different substrates via atmospheric pressure-CVD

In this study, we report the synthesis of manganese oxide (MnxOy) thin films on stainless steel, silicon, and borosilicate glass substrates via atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (AP-CVD) using Mn(thd)3 and O3 as precursor and reactive gas, respectively. Deposition was achieved at a low temperature of 300 °C under atmospheric pressure, offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional high-vacuum CVD methods. The films displayed excellent adhesion and reproducibility, with substrate-dependent variations in film coloration, crystal phases, and morphology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Mn3O4 and Mn2O3 phases, with Mn3O4 predominating on stainless steel and silicon, while Mn2O3 was more prominent on glass. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed granular structures with uniform grain sizes, particularly on stainless steel substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed Mn2+ and Mn3+ oxidation states, consistent with the phase distribution observed by XRD and Raman analysis. This work demonstrates the potential of AP-CVD for scalable manganese oxide thin-film synthesis, particularly for energy storage applications, where Mn3O4 and Mn2O3 can serve as precursors to δ-MnO2 in supercapacitors. The method's simplicity, combined with the high-quality films produced, makes it a promising approach for future research and industrial-scale applications.

Theory and Experiment on Rock-Cutter Interfacial Friction and Rock Mohr-Coulomb Parameter Estimations

Summary The Mohr-Coulomb (M-C) failure criteria is by far the most widely used model for granular materials (including rocks and soils) in many geotechnical industries due to its simplicity. Its parameters are conventionally obtained by performing a series of pressurized triaxial compression tests (TCTs). The peak stress from each confining pressure is plotted at a single point as the maximum vs. the minimum principal stresses. The M-C parameters are obtained by the best linear fitting through the failure envelope formed by the peak stress points of interest. The TCT is time-consuming, costly, and destructive. Is there an experiment that can provide the failure envelope with one single test, even at the atmospheric pressure? This seems impossible, at least has never been rigorously reported. In this work, we present our finding of such a test. The paper first provides the experimental setup and the theoretical solution for a hemispherical scratch test of a polycrystalline diamond cutter (PDC) at low rate of cut (ROC) and low depth of cut (DOC); the theoretical characteristic response of the test is identified and validated. Next, the formula for the rock-cutter interfacial coefficient of friction (COF) is derived, which provides a theoretical guide for the friction measurement for shaped cutters. Then, the nominal average drag and thrust stresses are evaluated, which are observed experimentally and then proved theoretically to behave in a linear relation, analogous to the M-C envelope from the TCTs. We also provide a first method that can self-consistently evaluate the M-C parameters for the crushed zone, which plays a very important role in rock cutting. By comparing the M-C results for three rocks at different loading conditions, good agreements under different scratch conditions are made against the M-C parameters for several rocks from the TCTs.

Novel methods for determination and manipulation of surface charges performed on an atmospheric DBD microplasma

Abstract In photo- and electrocatalysis it is already well-established that surface charges can alter chemical adsorption and reaction paths of the catalyst. However, the novel realm of plasma catalysis lacks experimental exploration regarding the impact of plasma-induced surface charges on catalytic processes. This paper paves the way by introducing a straightforward method for precisely charging the dielectric (catalyst) in a dielectric barrier discharge microplasma at atmospheric pressure. It additionally enables the determination of this surface charge avoiding artifacts or volume charge interference. Through pre-charging of the dielectric, the charges’ impacts on re-ignition and forming of charge equilibria during the discharge are investigated. Moreover, a laser-assisted operando technique is introduced to generate up to 15% of either positive or negative additional surface charges (compared to the default operation) within 3.5 μs after irradiation and potential for even higher yields. The charges’ origin and the plasma’s response to these laser-induced surface charges are explored.

A low voltage semiconductor arc discharge plasma actuator with long discharge gap distance

Long-gap spark discharge is beneficial for plasma-assisted combustion. However, the longer the discharge gap, the higher the breakdown voltage required, which is not feasible in practical applications. In the present study, based on a custom-built semiconductor, a long gap discharge plasma actuator is designed, and the breakdown voltage is relatively low compared with the normal spark discharge method. The breakdown discharge voltage for 25mm gap at atmospheric pressure is only 3.24kV. The discharge characteristics were investigated in detail. The influence of voltage, capacitance, and the semiconductor geometric parameters on the discharge characteristics is investigated. Based on a high-speed camera, the temporal and spatial long gap discharge process was captured firstly. Combined the discharge waveforms and images, the discharge process of the semiconductor arc discharge plasma actuator is divided into four stages: applying high voltage, surface discharge, air breakdown, and conduction discharge. Using digital image processing techniques, the influence of voltage, capacitance and air gap on surface discharge evolution velocity was studied.

Phase equilibria and volumetric properties of mixtures of highly fluorinated alcohols and water

New thermodynamic data are reported for aqueous solutions of highly fluorinated alcohols of different chain lengths. The liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) T-x diagram of the binary mixture (1H,1H-perfluoropropanol + water) was determined, as well as the LLE phase diagram of the ternary mixture (1H,1H-perfluoropropanol + 1-propanol + water) at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The mutual solubilities of water with several linear perfluorinated alcohols (CF3(CF2)nCH2OH, n = 1–5) and the tertiary alcohol perfluoro-t-butanol ((CF3)3COH) were also measured at 298.15 K. Finally, volumetric properties such as the excess molar volumes and partial molal volumes at infinite dilution of the different fluorinated alcohols in water were also determined and discussed comparing with equivalent data from the literature for the corresponding hydrogenated alcohols.

Experimental Measurements and Modeling of Density and Viscosity for Methyl Caprate + 1-Alkanol at Atmospheric Pressure and Different Temperatures

Experimental Measurements and Modeling of Density and Viscosity for Methyl Caprate + 1-Alkanol at Atmospheric Pressure and Different Temperatures

Studies of GAGG:Ce scintillators for space missions dedicated to Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flashes and Gamma-Ray Bursts observation

Fast Gamma ray Spectrometer (FGS) is an on-going detector development for the observation of transient gamma ray events such as Terrestrial Gamma ray Flashes (TGFs) produced in Earth’s thunderstorms and Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) produced in the far Universe. In this work, we compare different Cerium-doped Gadolinium Aluminium Gallium Garnet (GAGG:Ce) scintillators, associated with Silicon Photo-Multipliers (SiPMs), quantifying their performances at atmospheric pressure and under vacuum, with different surface finitions. We also study their afterglow following proton irradiation, similar to what will be observed in space environment. Our measurements with GAGG:Ce scintillators after proton irradiation confirm that GAGG:Ce can be used in space.

Atomic-Scale Friction and Adhesion at Ambient Pressure.

In this Perspective, we present the recent advancement and the prospects of atomic-scale friction and adhesion measurements across the pressure gap between ultrahigh vacuum and ambient pressure environments using variable-pressure atomic force microscopy (VP-AFM). We introduce the VP-AFM that enables nanotribological studies under various gas conditions with partial pressure ranging from UHV (1.0 × 10-10 mbar) to 1 bar. We highlight the frictional behaviors of ultrananocrystalline diamond surface in oxygen and water gas environments, as well as the chemical states probed with near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS). The atomic scale degradation processes of MA(CH3NH3)PbBr3, which is an organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (OHP) investigated with VP-AFM are introduced. Finally, we discuss the potential works on catalytic model systems including bimetallic Pt3Ni(111) and TiO2(110) and the future perspective of nanotribology under ambient conditions.

Characterizing nodule motion in abyssal environments induced by double-row jets: A machine learning approach

Double-row hydraulic collectors are extensively utilized for deep-sea polymetallic nodule harvesting. Understanding the movement behavior of particles within the flow field is crucial for evaluating the efficiency collection system and guiding the design of deep-sea hydraulic collectors. This study first investigates the settling characteristics of particles in various deep-sea environments to assess the effects of high-pressure and low-temperature conditions on particle motion. Subsequently, the motion and force characteristics of particles under different double-row jet parameters were measured and analyzed in the laboratory using high-speed imaging. The results indicate that ambient pressure has a negligible effect on particle motion when the ambient temperature is considered. Particle is mainly lifted in an irregular spiral path by the turbulence of the upper fountain. The lifting height or force of a particle in the vertical direction is positively correlated with the frequency of horizontal fluctuations and inversely related to the average amplitude of these fluctuations. Finally, a neural network was constructed to predict the particle motion characteristics, demonstrating strong generalization and providing a reference for further use of artificial intelligence in extracting physical information of particles from the jet field. This study offers potential benefits for optimizing the design of the double-row jet collectors.

Mn-Na2WO4/SiO2-tridymite with improved stability and selectivity for high-pressure oxidative coupling of methane

Elevated pressures are essential for industrial chemical processes. Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is also preferred to be operated at high pressures. This study investigates high-pressure OCM with operando temperature visualization over the Mn-Na2WO4/SiO2 and Mn-K2WO4/SiO2 catalysts (initially with cristobalite SiO2), which have potential applicability in the selective conversion of CH4 to olefins and paraffins frequently measured at ambient pressure. At high pressure condition of 0.9 MPa, we observed the decrease in C2-4 selectivity and stability with time. During the deactivation, the hotspot generated in the catalyst bed was found to shift towards the end of the bed and sintered the catalyst in the process. High-pressure OCM condition was necessary to cause a phase transformation from SiO2-cristobalite to SiO2-tridymite, resulting from high temperatures in the presence of high H2O pressure (>100 kPa) and was found to play a major part in loss of surface area of active site (Na and K). The hotspot’s influence was reduced by increasing the CH4/O2 ratio, and treatment to form SiO2-tridymite prior to the start of the reaction was found to significantly increase the high-pressure stability. After optimizing the reaction conditions and catalyst, the C2-4 selectivity decreased only from 77.0 % to 76.5 % with a CH4 conversion of 12.7 % over 100 h at a total pressure of 901 kPa and a furnace temperature of 775 °C with Mn(2 wt%)-Na2WO4(5 wt%)/SiO2-tridymite catalyst. In addition, a practical method is proposed to design SiO2-tridymite supported alkali metal catalyst. The insights obtained could be used to design new catalysts and minimize stability issues during high-pressure OCM reactions and in other catalyst systems.

Pressure-driven perfection: Advancing lead-free halide perovskites Rb2AgBiX6 (X = Br, Cl) for optoelectronic applications

This research employs first-principles simulations to systematically study the structural, elastic, electronic mechanical, and optical characteristics of lead free halide Rb2AgBiX6 (X = Br, Cl) perovskites under pressure. The computed structural parameters are in good agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results. The obtained elastic constants met the Born stability requirements, showing that our materials are mechanically stable at variable hydrostatic pressures, as supported by the computed negative formation energy values. The covalent bond exhibits metallic characteristics, and induced hydrostatic pressure leads to a decrease in bond lengths. Mechanical analysis demonstrates that the studied materials are ductile and mechanically stable, with enhanced ductility under pressure. The materials are small band gap (1.30 eV, 1.801 eV for Rb2AgBiX6 (X = Br, Cl, respectively) semiconductors at ambient pressure with superior optoelectronic performance. Under hydrostatic pressure, Rb2AgBiX6 (X = Br, Cl) experiences a reduction in its band gap (0.545 eV, 1.305 eV for Rb2AgBiX6 (X = Br, Cl, respectively), accompanied by improved physical characteristics. This suggests the potential for increased utilization of this material in optoelectronic devices and solar cells compared to ambient pressure conditions.

Electrolytic Conversion of Nitro Compounds into Amines in a Membrane Reactor.

Aromatic and aliphatic amines are key intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and agrochemicals. These amines are often sourced from nitro compounds. The hydrogenation of nitro compounds into amines requires harsh reaction conditions (e.g., high pressures and high temperatures) or additives that are usually toxic. Here we demonstrate the electrochemically-driven hydrogenation of nitro compounds into amines in the hydrogenation compartment of a membrane reactor. The hydrogen is sourced from water in an adjacent electrolysis compartment separated by a hydrogen-permeable palladium membrane. Modifications of the palladium membrane with catalyst coatings enabled a wide range of commercially relevant nitro compounds to be hydrogenated into amines, without any additives, at ambient pressure and room temperature. This membrane reactor also enables nitro hydrogenation at high reagent concentrations with high functional group tolerance.