Structure Of Beads Research Articles

Formation of core–shell structures and viscous fingering in cellulose beads regenerated from [DBNH][OAc]/DMSO

AbstractSuperbase Ionic Liquids (SBILs) are efficient direct-dissolution solvents for cellulose and have found applications such as manufacturing of man-made textile fibers. In this study cellulose beads were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose dissolved in a mixture of SBIL 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-enium acetate with dimethyl sulfoxide, [DBNH][OAc]/DMSO, by drop-wise regeneration using water as an antisolvent. This resulted in cellulose regeneration by spinodal decomposition phase separation. The cross-sections of freeze-dried beads were thoroughly investigated using SEM, revealing a complex internal bead structure. Special attention was paid to structures resulting from the inwards moving regeneration front, where the solvent and antisolvent interdiffuse in opposite directions. The phase boundary at the regeneration front showed evidence of Saffman–Taylor instability, i.e., viscous fingering. Altering the diffusion environment surrounding the bead during regeneration resulted in nested layers of cores and shells. The number and placement of the core–shell separations was regulated by the number of transfers between two antisolvent baths and the duration of alternating periods of fast and slow interdiffusion of water and [DBNH][OAc]/DMSO through the bead perimeter. Graphical abstract

Entrapment of multi-scale structure of alginate beads stabilized with cellulose nanofibrils for potential intestinal delivery of lactic acid bacteria

Soybean cellulose nanofibrils (SCNFs) were formed by autoclave-enzymatic hydrolysis combined with ball milling. SCNFs were blended with sodium alginate (SA) to encapsulate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) through inotropic gelation. The effect of SCNFs on the multiscale structure of SA beads, leading to changes in the survival and release of LAB during simulated digestion, was investigated. Microscopy and rheological testing indicated that SCNF10–30 was well-dispersed in the SA paste in the form of interlaced nanofibrils, and could reduce the deformation of the paste under stress by 47.31 %. Multiscale structural analysis indicated SCNF10–30 not only increased the immobilized water of SA beads by 15.59 % by coordinating calcium, but also regulated the in situ-assembly of SA beads, including an increase in the scale of dimers from 6.73 nm to 8.32 nm and improved arrangement, thus forming a dense gel network. LAB viability of SA-SCNF10–30 in simulated digestion was increased by 1.3 log CFU/g compared to SA beads. Cellulose nanofibrils improved gastrointestinal survival and controlled release of LAB better than fiber rods. This study provides a strategy to regulate the multiscale structure of SA beads through nanofibrils to enable stabilization and sustainable release of LAB in gastrointestinal fluids.

Ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production over cobalt catalyst supported on the cerium oxide prepared via the one-step hard template method

This study describes a cobalt catalyst supported on highly porous cerium oxide beads (CeO2-XAD) prepared via the one-step hard template method (using resin Amberlite® XAD7HP as a template) for catalytic steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) for hydrogen production. For comparative purposes, Co catalyst supported on a commercial CeO2 is discussed (Co/CeO2-COM). Comprehensive studies, including TEM, XPS and H2-TPR analysis, reveal that the bare CeO2-XAD consists of tiny particles with highly damaged surfaces, which contain various forms of oxygen. The hierarchical structure of the support beads, fixed after calcination, ensures high mesoporosity favouring the formation of small, evenly dispersed Co3O4 crystallites on CeO2-XAD (∼3 times smaller than in Co/CeO2-COM), which then, after reduction, transformed into fine, homogenously dispersed Co particles that strongly interact with the support. Consequently, the Co catalyst supported on CeO2-XAD exhibits high catalytic activity in SRE (much higher than Co/CeO2-COM). Although both catalysts deactivate during SRE due to carbon deposition the process is less severe for the catalyst with smaller Co crystallites and nanostructured support. This study reveals the huge role played by the appropriate morphology and nanostructure of the catalyst support in SRE since they affect not only the ethanol conversion efficiency but also increase the selectivity of the process and thus limit the deactivation of the catalyst.

Swelling Kinetics of Hydrogel Beads in Aqueous Glycerin Solutions.

This study examines the swelling kinetics of polyacrylamide hydrogel beads in aqueous glycerin solutions of different concentrations. The total absorbed mass of the hydrogel beads remains nearly constant, independent of glycerin concentration, but the swelling process is markedly slower with increasing glycerin concentration in the aqueous solutions. Absorption capacity curves exhibit universal kinetics when time is rescaled using a characteristic time proportional to the viscosity of the solutions. Additionally, a novel visualization technique is employed to observe the core-shell structure of the hydrogel beads at early times in the swelling process. The evolution of the core-shell structure indicates a constant front velocity, which also reveals universal behavior with the same nondimensional time, suggesting a viscous dominated transport of the solution penetrating the beads.

Location-Dependent Phase Transformation Kinetics During Laser Wire Deposition Additive Manufacturing of Ti–6Al–4V

This work models the microstructural evolution as a function of position in laser-wire deposited Ti–6Al–4V parts using a classical multi-component JMAK nucleation and growth model with additive isothermal time-steps. Model predictions are compared to experimental observations. The model can be used to interpret nucleation and growth kinetics of various characteristic features of the microstructure that are inaccessible by experiments. It explains the presence of “layer bands” at specific locations unrelated to the weld bead structure. The last re-heating (of multiple thermal cycles) of a solidified layer, and where it peaks, plays a key role in increasing the nucleation density at specific locations, resulting in full α\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\alpha $$\\end{document}-colony microstructures constituting the “layer bands,” while the rest of the build is predominantly basketweave. Additionally, changes in the basketweave α\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\alpha $$\\end{document}-lath thickness as a function of the distance from the substrate are studied and compared with an Arrhenius-type function, with results highlighting a more complex relationship than an Arrhenius-type function would suggest.

Insight into profiled CNT/polymer interphase: A molecular dynamic simulation study of load transfer and shock response

In this paper, by utilising molecular dynamic simulations, profiled carbon nanotubes (CNT), represented by CNT containing bead and spiral structure, were built from warping graphene layers with carefully introduced defects. The tensile behaviour of profiled CNTs, pulling and shock response of profiled CNTs within the polyamide matrix were investigated and compared to the corresponding conventional CNT. The result indicates that as mechanically interlocked with the matrix, profiled CNT could effectively relieve the stress concentration during load transfer by distributing the stress into a larger part of the matrix. In this case, a more efficient load transfer could be achieved, thus contributing to the mechanical performance of the composite without modification of the chemical structure. However, the profiling geometry, which is shaped by defects, will introduce stress concentration within the profile CNTs when subject to a tensile load. The stress concentration may not only deteriorate the tensile performance of CNTs, such as ultimate load at break and modulus but also result in an earlier deformation. In this case, care should be taken during the design phase of the profiled CNT. For shocking responses, profiled CNTs were capable of constraining the local chain move thus contributing to the integrity of the composite system during shockwave propagation.

Ecofriendly magnetic gels beads based on carboxymethylcellulose and iron oxides for diclofenac adsorption

This work presents the development of eco-friendly ferrogel beads that can effectively remove emerging pollutant diclofenac (DFC) from wastewater. These beads are composed of natural polysaccharide/iron oxide. The structure and properties of the ferrogel beads were studied using various techniques. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed porosity nature of hydrogel and ferrogel beads due to the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). TEM images indicates the diameter size of MNPs around 8.3 ± 2 nm. The addition of MNPs resulted in enhanced porosity and visible MNP agglomerates. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed interactions between the polymer (carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) and iron oxide nanoparticles, as indicated by characteristic peaks associated with both compounds. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that MNPs had a crystalline nature (appears the characteristic peaks at 35.6°, 43.3° and 53.7° were corresponding to the (3 1 1), (4 0 0), (4 2 2)) while CMC hydrogel exhibited an amorphous structure.The behavior of fresh and dried beads was compared, revealing that drying increased crosslinking, particularly in the presence of MNPs. This led to a reduction in the swelling percentage of ferrogels (154% at 23 °C in water) when compared to hydrogels (581% at 23 °C in water). Magnetic properties analysis using a vibrating sample magnetometer demonstrated a Langevin-type response for NMPs dispersions, they showed no coercivity, and the saturation magnetization was 47(3) emu/g, in the case of ferrogels beads, the saturation magnetization is 3.8(2) emu/g, indicating a proportion of 8% p/p of nanoparticles relative to the dried beads.Adsorption studies showed that DCF is slowly adsorbed into the beads after 500 min, reaching 50% in the lowest DFC concentration (10 mg/L), 75% in 20 mg/L, 83% in 30 mg/L and 30% in the highest DFC concentration solution (2000 mg/L), the kinetics of DFC adsorption onto ferrogel beads followed a pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion model, indicating physical and chemical interactions as the controlling factor. Adsorption isotherm studies provided insights into the adsorption mechanism and capacity, which are crucial for optimizing adsorbent performance. It was found that the Temkin isotherm shows a better fit.Overall, these findings suggest that ferrogel beads have great potential for environmental applications in pollutant removal due to their high DFC adsorption capacity (qe = 666.7 mg/g), sustainability through reusability, and promising magnetic recovery post-adsorption capabilities.

Bacterial cellulose microfilament biochar-architectured chitosan/polyethyleneimine beads for enhanced tetracycline and metronidazole adsorption

This study investigates the potential applications of incorporating 2D bacterial cellulose microfibers (BCM) biochar into chitosan/polyethyleneimine beads as a semi-natural sorbent for the efficient removal of tetracycline (TET) and metronidazole (MET) antibiotics. Batch adsorption experiments and characterization techniques evaluate removal performance and synthesized adsorbent properties. The adsorbent eliminated 99.13 % and 90 % of TET and MET at a 10 mg.L−1 concentration with optimal pH values of 8 and 6, respectively, for 90 min. Under optimum conditions and a 400 mg.L−1 concentration, MET and TET have possessed the maximum adsorption capacities of 691.325 and 960.778 mg.g−1, respectively. According to the isothermal analysis, the adsorption of TET fundamentally follows the Temkin (R2 = 0.997), Redlich-Peterson (R2 = 0.996), and Langmuir (R2 = 0.996) models. In contrast, the MET adsorption can be described by the Langmuir (R2 = 0.997), and Toth (R2 = 0.991) models. The pseudo-second-order (R2 = 0.998, 0.992) and Avrami (R2 = 0.999, 0.999) kinetic models were well-fitted with the kinetic results for MET and TET respectively. Diffusion models recommend that pore, liquid-film, and intraparticle diffusion govern the rate of the adsorption process. The developed semi-natural sorbent demonstrated exceptional adsorption capacity over eleven cycles due to its porous bead structure, making it a potential candidate for wastewater remediation.

Effect of gravel pack permeability on horizontal well productivity loss under secondary methane hydrate formation: Experimental optimization of 3D randomly distributed mixed sand pack

Horizontal well productivity is limited by secondary hydrate formation (temperature drop results from endothermic of hydrate dissociation) during production. Seepage capacity as one of the key indexes for evaluating production efficiency, and efficiency is declined by sand production. Sand control is achieved by using gravel pack technology (selected sands for hindering the sediments particles migration), which extends the production time. However, forecasting the productivity decline trend from quantifying the permeability of the gravel pack after secondary formation remain challenges. To address these issues, a randomly distributed 3D normalized permeability (Kr) model was developed to describe the seepage capacity of gravel pack composed by various particle sizes of mixed glass beads. The theoretical modelling was established by observing micro spatial structure of glass beads with hydrate formation. The new model considered three consolidation modes of hydrate in pores (cementing + bearing, pore filling, and grain coating) and linked them with the productivity ratio equation of a horizontal gas well. To confirm the viability of the model, a series of permeability measurement experiments with various size ratios (α) from 1 to 10 were conducted. Finally, errors comparison and all parameters of the model were analyzed. The results showed that the productivity ratio declined clearly after saturation is >0.79, when α = 4. For long-term production, α = 10 would be better. The new model can help hydrate horizontal wells increase production from laboratory to industrial exploitation. KeyPoints•Secondary hydrate formation permeability model in gravel pack was established.•After secondary saturation's effect on horizontal well production was developed.•Gravel pack was simulated by random non-coincident particles with varies size ratios.•When the size ratio is 4, productivity ratio of horizontal well was extended.

Preparation and Characterization of Silica-Coated Sodium Alginate Hydrogel Beads and the Delivery of Curcumin

In this study, to address the defects of sodium alginate (SA), such as its susceptibility to disintegration, silica was coated on the outer layer of sodium alginate hydrogel beads in order to improve its swelling and slow-release properties. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was used as the hydrolyzed precursor, and the solution of silica precursor was prepared by sol-gel reaction under acidic conditions. Then SA–silica hydrogel beads prepared by ionic crosslinking method were immersed into the SiO2 precursor solution to prepare SA–silica hydrogel beads. The chemical structure and morphology of the hydrogel beads were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and SEM, and the results showed that the surface of SA–silica beads was successfully encapsulated with the outer layer of SiO2, and the surface was smooth and dense. The swelling experiments showed that the swelling performance effectively decreased with the increase of TEOS molar concentration, and the maximum swelling ratio of the hydrogel beads decreased from 41.07 to 14.3, and the time to reach the maximum swelling ratio was prolonged from 4 h to 8 h. The sustained-release experiments showed that the SA–silica hydrogel beads possessed a good pH sensitivity, and the time of sustained-release was significantly prolonged in vitro. Hemolysis and cytotoxicity experiments showed that the SA-silica hydrogel beads were biocompatible when the TEOS molar concentration was lower than 0.375 M. The SA–silica-2 hydrogel beads had good biocompatibility, swelling properties, and slow-release properties at the same time.

Cellulose aerogel beads and monoliths from CO2-based reversible ionic liquid solution

The CO2-based reversible ionic liquid solution of 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (TMG) and ethylene glycol (EG) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) after capturing CO2, (2[TMGH]+[O2COCH2CH2OCO2]2−/DMSO (χRILs = 0.1), provides a sustainable and effective platform for cellulose dissolution and homogeneous utilization. Highly porous cellulose aerogel beads and monoliths were successfully prepared via a sol-gel process by extruding cellulose solution into different coagulation baths (NaOH aqueous solution or alcohols) and exposing the cellulose solution in open environment, respectively, and followed by different drying techniques, including supercritical CO2-drying, freeze-drying and air-drying. The effect of the coagulation baths and drying protocols on the multi-scale structure of the as-prepared cellulose aerogel beads and monoliths were studied in detail, and the sol-gel transition mechanism was also studied by the solvatochromic parameters determination. High specific surface area of 252 and 207 m2/g for aerogel beads and monoliths were achieved, respectively. The potential of cellulose aerogels in dye adsorption was demonstrated.

Constructing multiple heterogeneous interfaces in one-dimensional carbon fiber materials for superior electromagnetic wave absorption

Due to impedance mismatch and a single loss mechanism, carbon fiber fails to meet the requirements for efficient absorbers in terms of lightweight construction and broad absorption band. In this study, we have successfully prepared one-dimensional beaded SiO2@SiC@C nanofiber (SSCF) composites with multiple heterogeneous interfaces by employing the electrospinning-carbothermal reduction method. The beaded SSCF composites effectively address the impedance mismatch issue by controlling silicon dioxide and silicon carbide through carbothermal reduction. This optimization enriches the defects and interfaces of carbon fibers composites, consequently enhancing the electromagnetic wave absorption performance. The SSCF composites demonstrate remarkable performance, with a minimum reflection loss of −59.53 dB at a matched thickness of 2.21 mm and a maximum absorption bandwidth of 6 GHz. This outstanding performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of the multi-phase composition, bead structure, and one-dimensional network structure. These features not only optimize impedance matching but also enhance defect loss, interface polarization loss (SiC/SiO2, C/SiO2, SiC/C, C/Air), conduction loss, and relaxation loss of the SSCF composites. Furthermore, radar cross-section analysis utilizing computer simulation technology confirms the excellent attenuation of microwave energy by the SSCF composites under realistic far-field conditions. This study provides valuable insights for designing efficient one-dimensional carbon-based electromagnetic wave absorbers.

Synthesis of fenugreek gum-based metal-organic framework (FG/Zr-AIPA MOF) composite beads for sequestration of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a prominent class of materials due to their large surface area and customized structures. This gives them specificity and high adsorption capacity while they lack mechanical strength and reusability. Integrating MOFs with polysaccharide matrix may retain MOF characteristics along with imparting structural integrity. In the present study, zirconium MOF-based fenugreek composite (FG/Zr-AIPA) beads were synthesised by a single droplet method and utilised for removal of Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Fe(III) from aqueous solution. The structure, morphology and composition of beads were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, FESEM, EDX, XPS and zeta potential analysis. Adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics were studied for Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Fe(III) adsorption. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm study revealed that all the metal ions were adsorbed through a monolayer chemisorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity was 344.43, 270.02 and 223.21mgg-1 for Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Fe(III), respectively, based on the Langmuir isotherm study. The thermodynamics study revealed that the interaction between the metal ions and the composite beads was spontaneous and endothermic. The FG/Zr-AIPA composite beads exhibited good reusability for the removal of Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Fe(III). The results open new possibilities for the preparation of polysaccharide MOF-based composite beads which exhibit substantial potential for water treatment applications.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLIED TO QUALITY DEFECTS CLASSIFICATION FOR TYRES

The manufacture of radial tires is complex, and for this reason some defects inevitably end up appearing in the production process. Currently the commonly used defect detection is manual detection, among these techniques are ultrasound testing, thermal detection, X-ray detection, digital holography, among others. The X-ray or technical radiography allows the analysis of all the internal components of the tire, such as the bead structure and the different layers of rubber and cords, whether metallic or textile. The task of detecting defects using X-ray images is done manually, which causes loss of time and costs for the company. Furthermore, it is a subjective, inefficient, time-consuming and even biased process as it requires a high level of concentration and focus. The objective of this work is the digitization of the conventional process of analysis of quality failures in metallic radial tires using algorithms developed with Artificial Intelligence resources, capable of identifying and classifying defects present in X-Ray images. This work presents a brief introduction about what the tire is, as well as the development of the proposed algorithm, using classic image segmentation techniques with a Computer Vision library and two different convolutional neural network structures. Through the comparison, it was verified that the algorithm based on U-Net obtained more relevant results, however, the algorithm based on Mask R-CNN was also promising and could be useful in new works, with a larger database and different settings parameters.

Cation Effect in Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel Beads Produced for Europium Adsorption from Aqueous Solutions

In recent decades, renewable and biodegradable polysaccharide-based hydrogels have enjoyed wide applicability among them also as adsorbents for heavy metal removal from wastewaters. Herein we prepared hydrogel beads from iota and kappa carrageenans using a variety of salts as crosslinkers, that were tested for the first time in europium ion (Eu3+) sorption from an aqueous solution as representative lanthanide. The type of the salt, and especially the valance and the hydrated radius of the cation, were found to dictate hydrogel bead formation and structure and, therefore, the Eu3+ sorption yield. The results of ATR-FTIR, SEM and TGA analyses to characterize the iota carrageenan hydrogel beads that were prepared with alkali cations, before and after interaction with Eu3+, indicate that the adsorbent prepared with LiCl was much stiffer and more stable than those prepared with NaCl or KCl. The iota carrageenan beads that were prepared with LiCl were also reused 5 times while exhibiting high adsorption capacities.

Investigation of swelling behaviour monolayer and double Layer polysaccharide based composite hydrogels

ABSTRACT In this study, monolayer and double layer (core-shell) composite hydrogel beads with and without hydroxyapatite which have potential applications in drug delivery systems were synthesized, and their swelling behaviours were investigated in different pH mediums. The composite hydrogel beads was prepared by crosslinking sodium alginate and kappa-carrageenan (by using Ca+2 and K+1). Core-shell hydrogel beads were formed by coating monolayer composite hydrogel beads with the mixture of sodium alginate and kappa-carrageenan. The structure of hydrogel beads was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The effects of the composite hydrogel beads combination and the concentration of crosslinker on swelling behaviours were investigated. Swelling kinetics data were tested using pseudo-second-order model, and the pseudo-second-order model is estimated as a convenient model to represent the swelling kinetic. The results indicated that swelling behaviours of hydrogel beads changed with composite hydrogel beads combination and concentration of crosslinker.

Improving the survival of Lactobacillus plantarum FZU3013 by phase separated caseinate/alginate gel beads

The phase separation behavior of mixed solution of caseinate (Cas) and alginate (Alg) was investigated. Lactobacillus plantarum FZU3013 was encapsulated using 4 % Cas/1 % Alg gel beads with a phase-separated structure. The bacteria were predominantly distributed in the Alg-rich continuous phase. The use of 4 % Cas/1 % Alg beads resulted in higher encapsulation efficiency for L. plantarum FZU3013 compared to 1 % Alg beads. After 5 weeks of storage at 4 °C, the viable count in 4 % Cas/1 % Alg beads was 8.3 log CFU/g, which was 1.1 log CFU/g higher than that of the 1 % Alg beads. When 1 % Alg beads of the smallest size were subjected to in vitro digestion, no viable bacteria could be detected at the end of the digestion, whereas the 4 % Cas/1 % Alg beads of the smallest size had a viable count of 3.9 log CFU/g. When the size of the 4 % Cas/1 % Alg beads was increased to 1000 μm, the viable count was 7.0 log CFU/g after digestion. The results of infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential indicated that hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between caseinate and alginate reinforced the structure of the gel beads and improved the protection for L. plantarum FZU 3013.

Chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol-diatomite hydrogel removes methylene blue from water

Dye pollution in the aquatic environment can harm ecosystems and human health. Here, we developed a new green adsorbent by applying an improved drying process. Diatomite was embedded in a network structure formed between chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol without using any crosslinking agent to prepare chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol-diatomite hydrogel beads through alkali solidification. The beads were tested for removing a cationic dye (methylene blue (MB)) from water. The structure of the adsorbent beads was analysed using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity was investigated, and the results indicated excellent MB adsorption properties. The adsorbents had a rough surface and high swelling capacity of 66.9 g/g. The maximum MB adsorption capacity was 414.70 mg/g, and the adsorption followed the Freundlich isothermal and quasi-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption was an endothermic spontaneous process governed by both intra-particle and external diffusion processes. The proposed adsorption mechanisms involved hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. These adsorbent beads have considerable application potentials owing to their high adsorption capacity, green composition, and non-polluting nature.

Bacterial cellulose microfiber reinforced hollow chitosan beads decorated with cross-linked melamine plates for the removal of the Congo red

In this epoch, the disposal of multipollutant wastewater inevitably compromises life on Earth. In this study, the inclusion of Bacterial cellulose microfilaments reinforced chitosan adorned with melamine 2D plates creates a unique 3D bead structure for anionic dye removal. The establishment of an imine network between melamine and chitosan, along with the quantity of inter- and intra‑hydrogen bonds, boosts the specific surface area to 106.68 m2.g−1. Removal efficiency and in-depth comprehension of synthesized adsorbent characteristics were assessed using batch adsorption experiments and characterization methods. Additionally, pH, adsorbent quantity, time, beginning concentration of solution, and temperature were analyzed and optimized as adsorption essential factors. Owing to the profusion of hydroxyl, amine, imine functional groups and aromatic rings, the synthesized adsorbent intimated an astonishing maximum adsorption capacity of 3168 mg.g−1 in Congo red dye removal at pH 5.5. Based on the kinetic evaluation, pseudo-second-order (R2 = 0.999), pseudo-first-order (R2 = 0.964), and Avrami (R2 = 0.986) models were well-fitted with the kinetic results among the seven investigated models. The isothermal study reveals that the adsorption mechanism predominantly follows the Redlich-Peterson (R2 = 0.996), Koble-Carrigan, and Hill isotherm models (R2 = 0.994). The developed semi-natural sorbent suggests high adsorption capacity, which results from its exceptional structure, presenting promising implications for wastewater treatment.

Tailoring hierarchical nanostructures of tannin acid/alginate beads for straightforward selective recovery of high-purity Au(0) from aqueous solution

The utilization of biomass materials with functional properties and rational porous structures holds significant potential for the recovery of precious metals from secondary resources, while facing challenges in achieving rapid reduction and high recovery rates of metallic Au(0). Herein, a novel concept of achieving high-purity Au(0) efficiently by tailoring tannin acid (TA) architecture and porous structure of TA-functionalized alginate beads (P-TOSA). Optimized by structural engineering, the hierarchically nanostructured P-TOSA beads demonstrate exceptional selectivity and recovery capacity (756.1 ± 2.7 mg/g at pH 5), while maintaining a recovery efficiency of over 99 % across a broad range of pH values (1.0–8.0) through the synergistic combination of chelation-based chemisorption and phenolic groups-based redox reaction. Notably, the TA-based nanostructure-boosted reduced Au(0) served as nucleation sites, facilitating elongation and migration of gold crystals across the vein network, thus forming a shell composed with 90.4 ± 0.4 % of element gold. UV radiation exposure could further generate a dynamic redox system and expedite Au (III) reduction to ultra-high purity Au(0) (93.3 ± 1.1 %) via abnormal grain growth mode. Therefore, this study presents a practical and straightforward approach utilizing biomass microbeads for recycling precious metals in metallic form without the use of toxic eluents or additional reductants.