Surface Of Beads Research Articles

A Study on the Green Laser Weldability of Copper-aluminum Battery Materials

Copper is widely utilized in electric vehicle batteries due to its excellent electrical conductivity, lightweight, and excellent corrosion resistance. However, copper has a high reflectivity of about 97% for infrared lasers, which makes it difficult to achieve stable welding quality. This study investigated using a green laser to weld nickel-coated copper and aluminum materials. After performing welding by changing the laser power and scan speed, the weld cross-section was observed with an optical microscope, and it was confirmed that the welding penetration depth and bead width increased as the heat input increased. The spatter on the bead surface and defects such as pores and cracks in the weld were caused by excessive heat input. Analysis of the weld cross-section using SEM-EDS showed that high heat input increased the formation of intermetallic compounds including CuAl2 and Cu9Al4. The mechanical properties of the weld were examined using a shear tensile test. The analysis results showed that intermetallic compounds caused brittleness in the weld joint, which lowered mechanical properties and caused defects such as pores and cracks. P60 (1.2 kW, scan speed: 250 mm/s), P80 (1.6 kW, scan speed: 375 mm/s), and P100 (1.2 kW, scan speed: 375 mm/s) were examples of excellent mechanical quality. The fastest welding condition, P100 (power: 2 kW, scan speed: 450 mm/s), was suggested as the most efficient welding condition.

B-090 Efficient Hydrophilic Surface Coating with Low Concentrations of Bovine Gamma Globulins

Abstract Background Bovine Gamma Globulin (BGG) is a high purity immunoglobulin fraction of bovine serum. BGG is used as a blocker to prevent non-specific binding in immunoassays and, due to the mixture of immunoglobulins, its blocking capabilities differ from traditional blockers like Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). Our objective was to evaluate the adsorption characteristics of BGG to In vitro diagnostic relevant hydrophilic surfaces compared to BSA. A bead-based immunoassay was utilized to quantify the mass of protein coating a bead surface and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to analyze physical properties of the protein-surface layer. Methods The mass of BGG bound to hydrophilic beads (Dynabeads M-270 Carboxylic Acid) was determined across varying concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1.0% in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer. Coated beads were heated in 1x SDS loading dye to dissociate bound protein, then ran on a nonreducing SDS-PAGE gel. The total protein was measured using densitometry against a standard curve, using ImageJ, and analyzed with GraphPad Prism. This methodology was also used for BSA. AFM was used to image a topographical view of BGG binding to a silica surface. Samples were prepared at concentrations from 0.1% to 1.0% in phosphate buffer at pH 7.0. Followed by a series of washes to remove non-bound molecules, the surface was allowed to dry, then scratched with an AFM cantilever. The surface was then analyzed for roughness and thickness of BGG adsorption for each concentration. Results BGG and BSA have notable differences in their coating properties at a concentration of 1.0%. In the bead assay, the protein-surface binding is enhanced ∼4.8-fold for BGG compared to BSA. Interestingly, even at 0.1% BGG bound ∼0.8-fold more than BSA at 1.0%. Despite a 6-fold increase in mass bound to the bead surface with 1.0% BGG compared to 0.1%, AFM revealed a 1.3-fold and 1.8-fold decrease in height and roughness at the lower concentration, while maintaining effective coating. These results suggest that higher BGG concentrations result in thicker, rougher surface coating. This could lead to steric hindrance and obstruction of binding sites, affecting assay performance. Therefore, a lower concentration of BGG may lead to better surface coating and prevent reduced sensitivity and accuracy within immunoassays. Conclusions The bead binding assay demonstrates that BGG displays surface adsorption with comparable or improved results with lower concentrations compared to BSA. At 0.1%, BGG exhibits effective binding to a hydrophilic surface equivalent to that achieved by BSA at 1.0%. Additionally, AFM data suggest that even at 0.1%, BGG effectively coats the silica surface and potentially reduces steric hinderance compared to BGG at 1%. While BSA remains a reliable choice for many applications, our findings suggest that BGG can be an effective blocker for immunoassay applications. The choice of a suitable blocker varies depending on factors such as assay high background, sensitivity, and specificity. By tailoring the choice of blocker to the specific requirements of the assay, researchers can optimize assay performance by improving the accuracy and the reliability of the assay.

Chitosan‐Coated Glass Beads as Stabilizer of Insulin; A Novel Strategy for the Storage of Pharmaceutical Proteins

AbstractBesides the pharmaceutical protein production challenge, storing and transporting them between industrial sectors and the administration site have always been problematic. Insulin, an example of the most widely used therapeutic protein, aggregates into unstable larger particles and, in many cases, into amyloid fibrils under environmental stresses. In this study, chitosan was used to decorate the surface of glass beads (to produce Chi@GB) to increase the structural stability of insulin against environmental stresses. FT‐IR spectroscopy characterized the beads, and HPLC determined the chitosan loading. The results showed that the modified beads could inhibit insulin fibrillation. In addition, the beads can be used in biopharmaceutical containers of insulin or other proteins for long‐term storage of their commercial products.

An experimental study on wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) of 308L stainless steel and its chemical dissolution

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a potential method of producing complicated metal parts directly from computer-aided design (CAD) models. In this experiment, stainless steel 308 L alloy was deposited with a GMAW-interfaced three-axis special purpose Cartesian robot. The major goal was to understand the behaviour of deposited material and, later, its dissolution in specific concentrations of chemical combinations. The deposited samples were investigated for better understanding of the impact of welding current on bead properties, surface roughness, and microstructure. Furthermore, the dissolving behaviour of deposited samples was investigated in various acidic bath mixes to better understand the rate of dissolution. The results reveal that WAAM parameters, particularly current, have a considerable impact on bead properties, roughness, and microstructure. On the other hand, dissolution experiments demonstrated that the faster breakdown of WAAM deposited stainless steel occurs when a 1:1 ratio mixture of acids is used.

Vapor Condensates on the Most Pristine Black Beads From a Clod in Apollo Drive Tube 73001: Discovery of Lunar NaCl Nanocrystals

AbstractIdentification of the mineral species of vapor condensates on the surface of lunar pyroclastic beads, formed during the flights of beads in the lunar volcanic plume, helps to constrain the physical and chemical conditions of the lunar volcanic plume. We conducted nanomineralogy studies of vapor condensates on the surface of pristine black beads from a clod that was extracted from the recently opened Apollo drive tube 73001. This drive tube had been sealed under vacuum since its collection on the Moon and thus represents the most pristine sample in allocatable Apollo collection. Vapor condensates observed on the surface include patches made of ZnS nanocrystals and possible rare scattered NaCl nanocrystals. ZnS nanocrystals were previously found on Apollo 15 green and yellow beads, but NaCl nanocrystals are unique to black beads. Both ZnS and NaCl nanocrystals are absent in Apollo 17 74220 orange beads. Although orange and black beads are of similar chemistry, black beads in the clod 73001, 226 could form from a different environment.

High-resolution spiral microfluidic channel integrated electrochemical device for isolation and detection of extracellular vesicles without lipoprotein contamination

Recent studies have indicated significant correlation between the concentration of immune checkpoint markers borne by extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study introduces a high-resolution spiral microfluidic channel-integrated electrochemical device (HiMEc), which is designed to isolate and detect EVs carrying the immune checkpoint markers programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed death protein 1 (PD-1), devoid of plasma-abundant lipoprotein contamination. Antigen-antibody reactions were applied to immobilize the lipoproteins on bead surfaces within the plasma, establishing a size differential with EVs. A plasma sample was then introduced into the spiral microfluidic channel, which facilitated the acquisition of nanometer-sized EVs and the elimination of micrometer-sized lipoprotein-bead complexes, along with the isolation and quantification of EVs using HiMEc. PD-L1 and PD-1 expression on EVs was evaluated in 30 plasma samples (10 from healthy donors, 20 from lung cancer patients) using HiMEc and compared to the results obtained from standard tissue-based PD-L1 testing, noting that HiMEc could be utilized to select further potential candidates. The obtained results are expected to contribute positively to the clinical assessment of potential immunotherapy beneficiaries.

Myosin-I synergizes with Arp2/3 complex to enhance the pushing forces of branched actin networks.

Class I myosins (myosin-Is) colocalize with Arp2/3 complex-nucleated actin networks at sites of membrane protrusion and invagination, but the mechanisms by which myosin-I motor activity coordinates with branched actin assembly to generate force are unknown. We mimicked the interplay of these proteins using the "comet tail" bead motility assay, where branched actin networks are nucleated by the Arp2/3 complex on the surface of beads coated with myosin-I and nucleation-promoting factor. We observed that myosin-I increased bead movement efficiency by thinning actin networks without affecting growth rates. Myosin-I triggered symmetry breaking and comet tail formation in dense networks resistant to spontaneous fracturing. Even with arrested actin assembly, myosin-I alone could break the network. Computational modeling recapitulated these observations, suggesting myosin-I acts as a repulsive force shaping the network's architecture and boosting its force-generating capacity. We propose that myosin-I leverages its power stroke to amplify the forces generated by Arp2/3 complex-nucleated actin networks.

Microbubbles bound to drug-eluting beads enable ultrasound imaging and enhanced delivery of therapeutics

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an image-guided minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer which involves delivery of chemotherapy and embolic material into tumor-supplying arteries to block blood flow to a liver tumor and to deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumor. However, the released drug diffuses only less than a millimeter away from the beads. To enhance the efficacy of TACE, the development of microbubbles electrostatically bound to the surface of drug-eluting beads loaded with different amounts of doxorubicin (0–37.5 mg of Dox/mL of beads) is reported. Up to 400 microbubbles were bound to Dox-loaded beads (70–150 microns). This facilitated ultrasound imaging of the beads and increased the release rate of Dox upon exposure to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Furthermore, ultrasound exposure (1 MPa peak negative pressure) increased the distance at which Dox could be detected from beads embedded in a tissue-mimicking phantom, compared with a no ultrasound control.

A Novel DNAzyme Walker Biosensor for the Determination of Chromium(III)

A new DNAzyme walker biosensor has been constructed to sensitively determine chromium (III). The DNAzyme walker consisted of enzyme strands (ES) as the walking strand and carboxyfluorescein-labeled substrate strands (SS) carrying a nicking cleavage site on the surface of streptavidin-modified magnetic beads (MB@ES/SS). Cr3+ activates the nicking endonuclease activity of DNAzyme and its corresponding cleavage on SS to drive ES to move autonomously along the MB surface. As a result, FAM-labeled fragments from SS are released, producing the fluorescence signal. The MB@ES/SS walker biosensor provides rapid analysis and a low limit of detection (3.12 nM) within a linear range from 0.01 to 20 µM. This work offers a new method for Cr3+ determination and broadens its application for metal ion analysis.

Sustainable soil rehabilitation with multiple network structures of layered double hydroxide beads: Immobilization of heavy metals, fertilizer release, and water retention

The remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils necessitated a holistic approach that encompassed water and fertilizer conservation alongside soil property restoration. This study introduced the synthesis of (poly)acrylamide-layered double hydroxide gel spheres (PAM-LDH beads), which were designed to simultaneously immobilize heavy metals, control the release of fertilizers, and enhance soil water retention. Laboratory soil experiments under diverse conditions highlighted the superior performance of PAM-LDH beads in the immobilization of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The layered double hydroxide (LDH) component was identified as the key player in Cr(VI) immobilization, with anion exchange being the predominant mechanism. Notably, the encapsulated urea within the beads was released independently of environmental influences, governed by a concentration gradient across the beads surface. This release process was characterized by an initial phase of absorptive swelling followed by a diffusive phase. The impact on plant growth was assessed, revealing that PAM-LDH beads significantly curtailed Cr(VI) accumulation and alleviated its phytotoxic effects. Changes in the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content of the plants suggested that the urea encapsulated within the beads served as a nutrient source, contributing to soil fertility. Moreover, the water-holding capacity and soil-water characteristic curves of PAM-LDH beads suggested that these superabsorbent beads could delay soil water evaporation. The observed shifts in microbial community structure provided evidence for the enhancement of soil carbon and nitrogen cycles, indicative of improved soil properties.

Development of a Colorimetric and SERS Dual-Signal Platform via dCas9-Mediated Chain Assembly of Bifunctional Au@Pt Nanozymes for Ultrasensitive and Robust Salmonella Assay.

Timely screening for harmful pathogens is a great challenge in emergencies where traditional culture methods suffer from long assay time and alternative methods are limited by poor accuracy and low robustness. Herein, we present a dCas9-mediated colorimetric and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) dual-signal platform (dCas9-CSD) to address this challenge. Strategically, the platform used dCas9 to accurately recognize the repetitive sequences in amplicons produced by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), forming nucleic acid frameworks that assemble numerous bifunctional gold-platinum (Au@Pt) nanozymes into chains on the surface of streptavidin-magnetic beads (SA-MB). The collected Au@Pt converted colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxidized TMB (oxTMB) via its Pt shell and then enhanced the Raman signal of oxTMB by its Au core. Therefore, the presence of Salmonella could be dexterously converted into cross-validated colorimetric and SERS signals, providing more reliable conclusions. Notably, dCas9-mediated secondary recognition of amplicons reduced background signal caused by nontarget amplification, and two-round signal amplification consisting of LAMP reaction and Au@Pt catalysis greatly improved the sensitivity. With this design, Salmonella as low as 1 CFU/mL could be detected within 50 min by colorimetric and SERS modes. The robustness of dCas9-CSD was further confirmed by various real samples such as lake water, cabbage, milk, orange juice, beer, and eggs. This work provides a promising point-of-need tool for pathogen detection.

Coupled CFD-DEM simulation of pin-type wet stirred media mills using immersed boundary approach and hydrodynamic lubrication force

Qualitative description of stressing energies between grinding beads/media in wet stirred media mills at different operation settings could provide a comprehensive understanding of the process parameter influence. In the current work, a modeling approach for wet stirred media mills is described, employing a coupled CFD-DEM framework. This study employs an immersed boundary methodology to emulate the pin-type stirrer rotation in CFD and utilizes a hydrodynamic lubrication force to model the squeezing out and sucking in of fluid between two grinding bead surfaces. The results indicate the influence of process parameters such as the stirrer rotation speed, bead diameter, and bead filling degree. Key findings include the necessity of coupled CFD-DEM with lubrication (i.e., comparison of results from DEM, and coupled CFD-DEM simulations). Dependence of system dynamics on the fluid properties is numerically analyzed using the properties of water–glycerol mixtures.

Numerical evaluation of interwire angle influence on molten pool fluid dynamics and weld defects in tandem NG-GMAW of 5083 aluminum alloy

The impact of interwire angle on the fluid dynamics and weld defects in tandem NG-GMAW of 5083 AlMg alloy was investigated through experimental and simulation methods. The rotating coordinate system was employed to model the inclined arc and arc interaction, while a pulsed Gaussian distribution arc model was adopted to consider factors such as arc heat, arc pressure and drag force. Experimental results demonstrate that different interwire angles lead to different weld formation and varying levels of porosity and pore distribution. A sound weld bead with no formation defect and low porosity was achieved when the interwire angle was set at 10°. Simulation results illustrate the relationship between weld formation, bubble escape and molten pool fluid dynamics under diverse interwire angles. As the interwire angle increases, the weld surface becomes concave. At the interwire angle of 0°, the weld bead surface appears leveled and porosity tends to occur near the sidewalls due to roundabout flows in that region. At an interwire angle of 14°, roundabout flows converge at the central longitudinal section, resulting in significant porosity in this area. However, when the interwire angle is set at 10°, backward flows driven by two arcs suppresses roundabout flow throughout the entire molten pool, leading to a lower percentage of porosity area.

Tribological modifications of water flow at liquid–solid interface by nanobubbles

Previous studies investigated on friction reduction at the solid–liquid interface due to the presence of metal nanoparticles and fine bubbles such as microbubbles. This paper experimentally investigated how nanobubbles (ultrafine bubbles) change the tribological nature of water flow at the solid–liquid interface. We flowed air nanobubbles-containing water into a cylindrical cell filled with soda-lime glass, alumina, and high-carbon chromium-bearing steel beads. We then estimated the changes in the ratio of Darcy's friction factor of nanobubbles-containing water flow (fnb) to that of water flow before injecting nanobubbles (fref) with the time of injecting nanobubbles. We found that nanobubbles are capable of reducing the friction in water flow running through the soda glass beads, accounting for up to 6.1% reduction in terms of Darcy's friction factor ratio (fnb/fref) in our experiment. The magnitude of friction reduction by nanobubbles can be greater with a larger total surface area where surface nanobubbles are present. In contrast, nanobubbles encouraged enhancement of the friction of water flow within the high-carbon chromium-bearing steel beads, showing 3.8% enhancement in the friction factor ratio (fnb/fref). The results indicate that nanobubbles play a role in the friction reduction of water flow when the surface of the bead material is rougher than the size of nanobubbles, while nanobubbles enhance the friction of water flow when the bead surface is smooth enough. Therefore, nanobubbles can be a green nanoscopic additive for modifying the friction and lubrication performance of water flow depending on the surface roughness of the flow material.

Microstructural and mechanical characterization of direct energy deposited 316L stainless steel developed using an evolutionary computational approach

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a technology that has revolutionized the fabrication of large metallic components in various industries. However, previous studies have predominantly relied on trial and error or statistical techniques to determine process parameters, neglecting the potential of evolutionary algorithms for optimizing. In the present work, detailed investigations were performed on the WAAM-based gas tungsten arc welding to predict and optimize the process parameters of the 316L austenitic stainless steel. The input process parameters viz., current, wire feed speed, travel speed, and wire feed direction play a significant role in determining the single bead geometry. The study investigated the influence of these parameters on bead characteristics (such as height to width ratio and percentage dilution) and surface roughness. Multiobjective optimization was carried out using both the response surface methodology-desirability approach (RSM-DA) and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). In the case of NSGA-II, the optimal parameters were determined through a fuzzy decision method and it was validated experimentally. The NSGA-II approach showed superior performance over the traditional RSM-DA model in predicting the responses. In addition, the thin-walled structure printed for the parameters suggested using RSM-DA and NSGA-II approach. In a comprehensive property-based comparative analysis, the NSGA-II optimized parameters demonstrated improved mechanical properties attributed to increased low-angle grain boundaries and kernel average misorientation values. This study highlights the effectiveness of evolutionary computation methods in achieving superior performance and mechanical characteristics in the fabrication of SS316L components.

Fabrication, characterization, and antibacterial properties of sodium alginate/chito-oligosaccharide gel beads

Developing sodium alginate (SA)/chito-oligosaccharide (COS) beads with antibacterial properties is highly appealing for food industrial applications. Herein, in this paper, the different viscosity-average molecular weight of SA/COS polyelectrolyte (SCP) gel beads were prepared by adding a low concentration of calcium ions (Ca2+) as crosslinker and their size, mechanical property, microscopic morphology, elemental composition, and thermal stability of the gel beads were characterized. Furthermore, the morphological changes of gel beads in in vitro simulated digestion were investigated. A time-dependent co-culture assay was used to explore the antibacterial effect of gel beads on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results showed that as the viscosity-average molecular weight (Mv) of SA decreased, the bursting strength faded, the thermal stability decreased, and the swelling index increased. Similarly, increasing the Ca2+ content could also regulate the characteristics of the gel beads, such as diminishing size, increasing the bursting strength, making the surfaces rough, and producing the network structure in the cross-section. In addition, Ca2+ competes with COS in cross-linking with the carboxyl groups of SA, which leads to a decrease in the content of N element on the surfaces of the gel beads and to a weakening of the antibacterial effect. After the addition of COS, the gel beads obtained antimicrobial effects and a denser cross-sectional structure. The present study could provide a theoretical basis for the design and development of novel gel foods in the food industry.

A highly sensitive fluorescence sensor for tobacco mosaic virus RNA based on DSN cycle and ARGET ATRP double signal amplification

AbstractEarly and sensitive detection of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is of great significance for improving crop yield and protecting germplasm resources. Herein, we constructed a novel fluorescence sensor to detect TMV RNA (tRNA) through double strand specific nuclease (DSN) cycle and activator regenerative electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) dual signal amplification strategy. The hairpin DNA complementarily paired with tRNA was used as a recognition unit to specifically capture tRNA. By the double‐stranded DNA hydrolyzed with DSN, tRNA is released to open more hairpin DNA, and more complementary DNA (cDNA) is bound to the surface of the magnetic beads (MBs) to achieve the first amplification. After binding with the initiator, the cDNA employed ARGET ATRP to attach more fluorescent signal molecules to the surface of MBs, thus achieving the second signal amplification. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the logarithm of fluorescence intensity versus tRNA concentration showed a good linear relationship in the range of 0.01–100 pM, with a detection limit of 1.03 fM. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated according to LOD = 3 N/S. Besides, the sensor showed good reproducibility and stability, which present provided new method for early and highly sensitive detection for plant viruses.

Experimental study on creep characteristics of glazed hollow beads-cement/sodium silicate grouting materials

This study introduces a new thermal insulation grouting material designed for high-temperature mine environment. The thermal insulation effect of cement/sodium silicate grouting materials can be enhanced by adding glazed hollow beads with outstanding thermal insulation properties. The ratio with the best comprehensive performance was selected through orthogonal tests, and the long-term creep mechanical characteristics of glazed hollow beads-cement/sodium silicate grouting materials were analyzed. Graded equal incremental loading with different loading durations was used to test the specimens' instantaneous strain, creep strain, creep rate, critical stress, and microscopic structures. For each loading stage, the Burgers model was used to fit the creep curve. The results show that graded loading intensity surpasses uniaxial loading across different loading durations. The different loading durations significantly affect the creep parameters, and stress concentration damage initially manifests on the surface of glazed hollow beads. Finally, the theoretical curve obtained by the Burgers model fits well with the creep test curve. This study has good practical significance for high-temperature roadway thermal grouting insulation technology.

Decoration of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane modified zinc oxide nanoparticles on the surface of polymeric beads for enhanced antibacterial and photocatalytic activity

Decoration of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane modified zinc oxide nanoparticles on the surface of polymeric beads for enhanced antibacterial and photocatalytic activity

Probing the potential of mercury removal by covalently immobilized phycobiliproteins onto the surface of chitosan beads

Mercury emissions represent a significant risk to the environment and human health. Mercury is persistent and can circulate in the environment for thousands of years, which is why treating this toxic metal is important. Chitosan polymer is easily obtainable, and it has good mercury adsorption characteristics. This study aimed to improve its capabilities to absorb mercury by immobilizing phycobiliproteins (PBPs) onto the surface of chitosan beads (chitosan–PBPs). Phycobiliproteins, light-harvesting proteins from algae and cyanobacteria, have several industrially essential applications. These proteins can bind heavy metals with high affinities. Protein extracts obtained from both Arthrospira platensis, with C-phycocyanin (C-PC) as the primary protein, and Porphyra yezoensis, with R-phycocyanin (R-PC) and R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) as the dominant PBPs, were covalently immobilized onto chitosan beads. Beads with immobilized PBPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Binding analysis showed that, on average, each chitosan bead weighed 20 mg and immobilized 63.54 μg of PBPs from Spirulina and 44.12 μg of PBPs from Porphyra. Immobilized proteins were still in their native state, with no visible color change months after immobilization. Chitosan–PBPs and chitosan alone were tested for mercury adsorption at pH 4 and pH 7 by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The tested concentration range of mercury was from 1 to 70 ppm. Affinity, calculated using Henry's binding isotherm, of chitosan–PBPs for mercury was twice as much higher at both pH values than chitosan alone. Furthermore, chitosan-PBP beads were able to absorb more mercury than chitosan alone. These results showed that the covalent immobilization of PBPs onto chitosan improves its mercury adsorption characteristics and creates a more efficient eco-friendly adsorbent to potentially remove mercury ions in the tested concentration range from polluted waters.