Borate Compounds Research Articles

Effect of borax-modified activator on mechanical properties and drying shrinkage of alkali-activated slag/metakaolin mortar

Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) possess several advantages, such as high strengths and low carbon emissions. However, their application is hindered due to their significant shrinkage. This study explored the effect of borax-modified sodium silicate activator and metakaolin (MK) on the mechanical properties and drying shrinkage (DS) of alkali-activated slag (AAS) and AAS/MK (AASM) mortars. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the hydration products. The results showed that the DS reduction of the AAS mortar was related to decreased Na2O content, a reduction in the proportion of mesopores, and the formation of moisture-retaining borate compounds. The DS reduction of the AASM mortar was attributed to the ultra-fine differential effect induced by MK, reducing the connected pores. The modified activator combined with MK increased the chemically bound water content in the matrix. Additionally, the B–O bond and highly active MK improved compactness of the AASM mortar. The use of borax-modified activators and MK provides a new solution to address the significant shrinkage issue in AAMs. This sets the stage for AAMs to potentially replace OPC, contributing to low-carbon emissions and promoting environmental protection.

Trifluoromethylated Lithium Borates as Electrolyte Salts for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries with High‐Voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Positive Electrodes

AbstractLiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) is a promising positive electrode material for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high working voltage; however, its practical application is hindered by the insufficient oxidation resistance of LIB electrolytes. In this study, we aimed to address this issue by evaluating two trifluoromethylated lithium borate compounds lithium difluoro (perfluoropinacolato) borate (PFP‐F2) and lithium difluoro(2‐hydroxy‐3,3,3,3′,3′,3′‐hexafluoroisobutylato) borate (HHIB‐F2) as electrolyte salts for high‐potential LIBs (4.8 V vs. Li/Li+) with LNMO positive electrodes. In full‐cell tests, the cyclability of LIBs containing these salts is superior (60 °C) to that of the cell with lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4) as the reference electrolyte salt, which is ascribed to the formation of a positive electrode passivation layer that inhibits the oxidative decomposition of the electrolyte salt and solvent in the former case. Moreover, the oxidative decomposition of trifluoromethylated borates at 4.8 V affords a passivation layer on the negative electrode. Thus, the examined borates hold great promise for the commercialization of high‐energy‐density LNMO‐based LIBs, and the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the negative electrode resulting from the oxidative decomposition products of electrolyte salts is a promising new way to enhance the performance of high‐potential positive electrode LIBs beyond existing levels.

Investigation of radiation shielding parameters of boron compounds

The radiation shielding parameters such as effective atomic number, effective electron density, mean free path (MFP), half value layer (HVL) and tenth value layer (TVL) were calculated experimentally and theoretically for Boron Carbide(BC4), Boron nitride (BN), Boric acid (H3BO3), Iron boride (Fe2B), Lanthanum borate (BLaO3), Sodium borohydride (NaBH4), Borax (Na2H20B4O17), Titanium diboride (TiB2), and Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) compounds. In experimental measurements, the compounds were irradiated by 137Ba, 152Eu and 241Am radioactive gamma-ray sources. The theoretical results obtained with the help of the WinXCom computer program were compared with the experimental results and they were found to be in good agreement. Moreover, energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) and exposure buildup factor (EBF) values were calculated for compounds using the geometric progression (G.P.) fitting formula for the energy range of 0.015–15 MeV and penetration depth up to 40 mfp (mean free path). Buildup factors (EABF, EBF) increased with increasing penetration depth. In general, the buildup factors for all compounds formed a Gaussian curve and had the highest values in the energy range dominated by Compton scattering. As a result of the findings obtained in the study, it was seen that Lanthanum borate gave the best results in radiation shielding.

Colorimetric detection of ammonia using an adhesive, stretchable hydrogel patch

Currently, because of the harmful effects of ammonia on human health, ecosystems, and overall air quality, the development of easily usable, portable, cost-effective, and field-deployable ammonia sensors is urgently necessary. This study focused on the development of an ammonia-sensing patch composed of a fibrous sensing component and hydrogel-like support substrate. This sensor was capable of colorimetric ammonia sensing with a limit of detection of 0.2454 ppm. The fibrous sensing region was prepared by electrospinning a mixture of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), followed by the partial crosslinking and adsorption of transition metal ions such as copper. A support substrate was prepared by combining PVA and borate compounds, resulting in a stretchable, adhesive, and self-healing hydrogel. The ammonia-sensing patch demonstrated enough adhesion to various substrates and could be used as a sticky plaster-type sensor that also function as a sealant. The patch exhibited a distinct color change from blue–green to blue upon exposure to ammonia gas, which was attributed to the formation of a complex between the copper ions and ammonia. The color change was analyzed by monitoring the average RGB intensities using a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and a MATLAB program. Additionally, we assessed the patch's capability of detecting and sealing ammonia leakage through experiments conducted in a simulated gas leakage setup. Overall, the developed ammonia-sensing patch shows promise for the real-time colorimetric detection of ammonia gas and has potential applications in gas leakage detection and prevention.

Making Eu2+- and Sm2+-Doped Borates Fit for Solar Energy Applications

Despite the development of many luminescent materials for various applications, only a few of these phosphors are applicable for solar energy generation applications. This study used the conventional solid-state reaction method to synthesize different strontium borate compounds codoped with divalent europium and samarium ions. The material was optimized by varying the experimental procedure, the molar ratio of the boron, and the molar ratios of both codopants. Strontium hexaborate doped with a relatively high europium concentration and a low samarium concentration (Sr0.89B6O10:Eu0.1, Sm0.01) gave the optimum optical properties. These properties included a broad excitation range from 220 to 600 nm containing contributions from divalent europium and samarium ions. The material exhibited strong and narrow emission in the region from 650 to 850 nm following radiative transitions within the divalent samarium ions. The internal luminescence quantum efficiency of the optimized material was 79% (λex = 508.5 nm). There was no spectral overlap between the excitation and emission spectra, thereby reducing the reabsorption probability. These marked characteristics make this phosphor material appropriate for use as a solar radiation converter or for use in luminescent solar concentrators.

A Tb and Ag co-doped borate compound forms a high sensitive X-ray, gamma-ray and neutron luminescence dosimeter

Thermal and optical stimulations of neutron-sensitive CaB6O10:Tb3+,Ag+ led to two recombination pathways.

SYNTHESIS AND LUMINESCENCE OF CERIUM DOPED KSrY(BO3)2

The rare-earth borate compounds are widely used in various fields of science and technology as solid-state lasers, LEDs, and plasma panels. Development of blue emitting phosphors typically involves doping with cerium ions various matrices, exhibiting high photoluminescence quantum yields for LEDs. However, the main problem of such compounds, in addition to the concentration quenching, is the presence in the matrix of both the trivalent Ce3+ and tetravalent Ce4+ states of cerium ions. The goal. Study of the luminescent properties of the new KSrY0.95(BO3)2:0.05Ce3+ compound. Experimental. New phosphors based on complex borate KSrY(BO3)2 doped with cerium ions have been obtained by the solid-phase synthesis. The mixture of the starting materials after grinding in an agate mortar has been calcined at 700°C in a platinum crucible for 12 hours. The calcination temperature has been increased in steps of 50°C with re-ground of the mixture at each stage. The KSrY0.95(BO3)2:0.05Ce3+sample has been annealed in hydrogen at 900°C for 8 hours. Results and discussion. The X-ray phase analysis has shown that the new compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/m. The calculated unit cell parameters for KSrY0.95(BO3)2:0.05Ce3+are: a = 9.2861(23) Å, b = 5.3654(6) Å, c = 6.5854(14) Å, V = 289.7(1) Å3. In the crystal structure of KSrY(BO3)2, each B atom is connected to three O atoms, forming a BO3 triangle. The planar groups (BO3)3 are distributed layer by layer in the plane. The Y atoms are surrounded by six oxygen atoms, forming an octahedral structure and occupying interlayer positions.Ce3+ ions in the crystal lattice mainly replace the Y+3positions based on the similarity of the ionic radius and valency of Y+3 (r = 0.90 Å, CN = VI), Ce3+ (r = 1.01 Å, CN = VI). Conclusion. At a wavelength of 440 nm, the excitation spectrum exhibits one absorption band with the 2F7/2 → 5D1 energy transition, which corresponds to the excitation of the cerium ion from the ground state to the excited state. A decrease in the luminescence intensity of the KSrY0.95(BO3)2:0.05Ce3+ sample has been found for 3 hours after its annealing.

Detection of Sodium Formaldehyde Sulfoxylate, Aluminum, and Borate Compounds in Bread and Pasta Products Consumed by Residents in Jilin Province, China

Food additives are widespread in the human diet; however, their excessive intake can have an impact on the quality of health. This study evaluated food additives in bread and pasta products consumed by residents in various regions of Jilin Province, People's Republic of China, from 2019 to 2021. We collected samples of bread and six types of pasta products from farmers' markets and morning markets and used high-performance liquid chromatography, UV-visible spectrophotometry, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry to detect the content of the following food additives: sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, aluminum, and borate compounds. For 836 samples in total, we detected the presence of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, aluminum, and borate compounds in excess rates reaching 3.5, 10, and 4.7%, respectively. Aluminum in fried breadsticks exceeded the standard by 40%. The results of this study can be used to assess the overall pass rate of bread and pasta products sold in Jilin Province and support the detection of possible food safety problems.

Trimethoxyboroxine as an electrolyte additive to enhance the 4.5 ​V cycling performance of a Ni-rich layered oxide cathode

Ni-rich layered oxides are attractive cathode materials for advanced lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high energy density. However, their large-scale application is seriously hindered by their interfacial instability, especially at a high cut-off potential. Here, we demonstrate that trimethoxyboroxine (TMOBX) is an effective film-forming additive to address the interfacial instability of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) material at a high cut-off voltage of 4.5 ​V. We find that TMOBX decomposes before carbonate solvent and forms a thin cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer on the surface of the NCM811 material. This TMOBX-formed CEI significantly suppresses electrolyte decomposition at a high potential and inhibits the dissolution of transition metals from NCM811 during cycling. In addition, electron-deficient borate compounds coordinate with anions (PF6−, F−, etc.) and H2O in the battery, further improving the battery's stability. As a result, adding 1.0 ​wt% of TMOBX boosts the capacity retention of a Li||NCM811 ​cell from 68.72% to 86.60% after 200 cycles at 0.5C in the range of 2.8–4.5 ​V.

Technical note: Analysis of biological substances in ink fingerprint by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

As a custom in China, a visible fingerprint pressed with red seal ink on a signature represents personal confirmation of a document. This custom makes ink fingerprints important evidence for individual identification in the forensic practice of questioned document examination. Recently, forged ink fingerprints using stamps or silica gel fingerprint models have emerged. Consequently, detecting and profiling the pattern of biological substances in visible fingerprints on questioned documents is crucial to prove that a fingerprint was imprinted by its real owner. To solve this problem, a desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) method was developed to detect the biological substances in ink fingerprints on paper. In the positive ion mode, more signals were detected, but the interference from the seal inks could not be ignored. In the negative ion mode, the ion detected in the sweat latent fingerprints at m/z 187 presented high chemical specificity for MS imaging. It was most likely a borate compound in human sweat. Using this biomarker, the fingerprint pattern was successfully profiled and the hand-imprinted fingerprint was clearly distinguished from the stamp-imprinted one. This method can help in determining the authenticity of ink fingerprints on questioned documents in forensic practice.

Ultra-fast and effective ultrasonic synthesis of potassium borate: Santite

Abstract In this study, a potassium borate compound of santite is synthesized at 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, and 90°C reaction temperature for 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 min reaction time by using eight different raw material combinations of K2CO3, KNO3, NaOH, H3BO3, B2O3, Na2B4O9·5H2O, and Na2B4O9·10H2O. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis synthesized potassium borate compound is identified as “santite (KB5O8·4H2O)” with powder diffraction file no. 01-072-1688. Raman spectroscopy results showed that the synthesized compound consists of typical boron mineral bands, and the spectra obtained were in mutual agreement with potassium borate, according to the literature. Scanning electron microscopic morphologies showed that obtained santite has different particle shapes as the raw material combination changed and the particle sizes are found between 305 nm and 2.03 µm. Overall reaction yields are found between 76.11% and 99.26%, even such lower reaction times with respect to the literature.

Influence of lanthanide (Gd, Tb or Ce) and silver doping on the luminescence lifetimes of calcium borate investigated by pulsed optically stimulated luminescence

The objective of this work is to evaluate the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) lifetimes of different polycrystalline CaB6O10:Ln, Agx (Ln = Gd, Tb and Ce; x: % molar concentration) compounds. For the determination of the luminescence lifetimes, time-tagged time-resolved (TTTR) data of the OSL under pulsed stimulation were analyzed. In addition, OSL emission spectra of the samples were recorded to correlate the emission bands with the estimated lifetimes. Whereas single Ce-doped compound presented a fast dominant component (τ < 0.41 μs, ∼63% of the signal), single Gd-doped compound exhibited a slow dominant component (τ = 2.3 ms, ∼67% of the signal). All Ag-codoped compounds (except for the Ce–Ag-codoped compound) presented a common dominant component with a ∼43 μs lifetime, which is ascribed to a broad emission centered at ∼330 nm. Both lifetimes and OSL emission spectra for the Gd-Ag-codoped compounds suggest that two luminescent centers compete for the radiative recombinations, confirming previous reported results. The relative Gd and Ag molar concentrations also had a strong influence in the estimated luminescence lifetimes of the slow component, probably due to the introduction of shallow trapping centers by silver doping. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of the common luminescence in Ag-codoped compounds appeared to be in agreement with the Mott-Seitz model for luminescence quenching. This work provides a better understanding of the physical processes and dynamics behind the radiative recombinations linked to OSL in borate compounds.

Towards Elucidating Structure-Spectra Relationships in Rhamnogalacturonan II: Computational Protocols for Accurate 13C and 1H Shifts for Apiose and Its Borate Esters.

Apiose is a naturally occurring, uncommon branched-chain pentose found in plant cell walls as part of the complex polysaccharide Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II). The structural elucidation of the three-dimensional structure of RG-II by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is significantly complicated by the ability of apiose to cross-link via borate ester linkages to form RG-II dimers. Here, we developed a computational approach to gain insight into the structure–spectra relationships of apio–borate complexes in an effort to complement experimental assignments of NMR signals in RG-II. Our protocol involved structure optimizations using density functional theory (DFT) followed by isotropic magnetic shielding constant calculations using the gauge-invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) approach to predict chemical shifts. We evaluated the accuracy of 23 different functional–basis set (FBS) combinations with and without implicit solvation for predicting the experimental 1H and 13C shifts of a methyl apioside and its three borate derivatives. The computed NMR predictions were evaluated on the basis of the overall shift accuracy, relative shift ordering, and the ability to distinguish between dimers and monomers. We demonstrate that the consideration of implicit solvation during geometry optimizations in addition to the magnetic shielding constant calculations greatly increases the accuracy of NMR chemical shift predictions and can correctly reproduce the ordering of the 13C shifts and yield predictions that are, on average, within 1.50 ppm for 13C and 0.12 ppm for 1H shifts for apio–borate compounds.

Development of peat-containing mixtures for thermal insulation of steel castings tops using glyceroborates

To insulate the castings tops, heat-insulating shells are made from peat-containing mixtures, which are characterized as inexpensive, non-scarce and environmentally friendly substances. However, due to their low strength characteristics and a high degree of fire hazard, their widespread use in foundry is limited. The article presents the results of research on the development of effective mixtures for insulating the steel castings tops using peat and borate compounds. The development of an effective heat-insulating mixture for heat insulation of castings on the basis of peat mass using glyceroborate of the general formula (СН2О)3ВОН, glyceroborate of oleic acid of the general formula С17Н33СООСН(СН2О)2ВОН and glyceroborate of stearic acid of the general formula С17Н35СООСН(СН2О)2ВОН. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved: determination of the tripoli content in the peat mass, at which the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.42 W/(m ∙ K) and the indicator of the mixture crumbling at this value; study of the influence of glyceroborates on binding properties of technical lignosulfonates; creation of a heat-insulating mixture from peat, tripoli, lignosulfonate and glyceroborates; study of crumbling, formability, ultimate compressive strength in a wet state and ultimate tensile strength in a dry state of an insulating mixture in dependence on the content of glyceroborates. Studies of the influence of glyceroborates on the binding properties of technical lignosulfonate have established an increase in its binding properties in relation to fillers by 35&ndash;39 %, which helps to reduce crumbling, improve formability and increase the strength properties of heatinsulating mixtures. Tests of mixtures consisting of peat, tripoli, lignosulfonate and glyceroborates for crumbling, formability, compressive strength of samples in a wet state and tensile strength of dry mixtures under tension showed that the addition of glyceroborate compounds improves the technological performance of the mixture. An effective heat-insulating mixture has been developed for the steel castings tops of the following composition, wt.%: peat mass &mdash; 60; tripoli &mdash; 20; technical lignosulfonate &mdash; 10&ndash;12; glyceroborate (oleic acid glyceroborate, stearic acid glyceroborate) &mdash; 8&ndash;10.

Precise determination of 6Li/7Li isotopic ratio with NaLiBO2+ ion using total evaporation and ion integration by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry(TIMS)

Total Evaporation and Ion Integration technique (TE & II) was used for determination of the 6Li/7Li isotope ratio with the NaLiBO2+ (m/z 71–73) and Na2BO2+ (m/z 88, 89) molecular ions emitted from the sodium lithium borate compound on the single filament assembly. Since the ion intensities are simultaneously collected by the multi-collector assembly and integrated till the sample is completely consumed, the measured ion intensity ratio 72I/73I is less affected by fractionation and hence closer to the true value. The fractionation profile for lithium isotopes showed concurrence with the Rayleigh's distillation law since the measured instantaneous ratio of 72I/73I at ∼63% sample consumption was equal to the integrated value at 100% sample consumption. The minimum sample size requirement for molecular ion method decreased to 50 ng of lithium for the TE method of data acquisition compared to 1–2 μg of lithium required for conventional method of limited scans. The relative standard deviation of 6Li/7Li ratio determined from the analyses of six samples of 500 ng each of the two natural Li2CO3 samples namely L-SVEC and high purity Spec-pure lithium was about 0.05% (1σ). Refractory materials Li2TiO3 and LiAlO2 were also successfully analysed by the developed TE method with reduced sample size. The TE method enhanced the benefits of the molecular ion method by further decreasing the effect of fractionation as well as sample size requirement for accurate determination of 6Li/7Li ratio. The method could clearly distinguish between the two natural lithium samples, L-SVEC lithium and Spec pure lithium having a difference of 0.5% in their 6Li/7Li ratio.

Miriding Mutailipu.

"The natural talent I would like to be gifted with is to assemble atoms and units in optimally aligned configurations … I celebrate success by having a quick break and then working harder than ever before …" Find out more about Miriding Mutailipu in his Introducing … Profile.

Nanometer-Sized Boron Loaded Liposomes Containing Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles and Tributyl Borate and Anti-Albumin from Bovine Serum Antibody for Thermal Neutron Detection.

A shortage in the supply of 3He used for thermal neutron detector makes researchers to find 3He alternatives for developing new neutron detectors. Here, we prepared a neutron-sensitive composite liposome with tributyl borate and encapsulating with Fe3O4@oleic acid nanoparticles (Fe3O4@OA NPs), methylene blue (MB), or anti-albumin from bovine serum (anti-BSA). The tributyl borate compound was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In addition, the morphology, element compositions, and magnetic properties of the composite liposome were investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. The results indicated that a typical ellipsoidal magnetic liposome structure was obtained, and the lengths of the minor axis and major axis were 49 ± 1 nm and 87 ± 3 nm, respectively. Under thermal neutron irradiation, the structure of composite liposome was destroyed, and encapsulated reporter molecules were released, which was detected by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology. The response of this sensor based on a destructive assay shows a good correlation with neutron doses. Besides, the sensor has a neutron to gamma-ray rejection ratio of 1568 at a thermal neutron flux rate of 135.6 n/cm2·s, which makes it a promising alternative to 3He.

Characterization Studies on Calcium Borate Compound Modified by ZnCO3, CaCO3 and Fructose

Calcium fructoborate solid materials of formula Ca(C6H10O6BO)2 ·3.5H2O were prepared by chemical wet technique. The neutral trigonal form of boron organic ester with fructose, under the solid form, is prepared and modified in solution in the anionic tetrahedral form; the borate compound is investigated by XRD spectroscopy. An ideal strong amorphous forming material is obtained upon modification with ZnCO3 or CaCO3. 11B NMR solids and solution and Raman spectroscopy were developed to determine different types and the amount of borate derivative present in products. The modifier portion from calcium carbonate and fructose are consumed for boron transformation from three to four coordinated units. Raman spectra of pure B2O3 confirm the presence of the borate boroxol ring as the main structural units. But different borate units are formed upon modification by calcium carbonate and fructose. Modification by ZnCO3 had a few effects on boron transformation. The chemical shift of 11 B NMR spectra is remaining unchanged upon its addition.

Performance of two magnesium borate compounds, with thermoluminescent properties, to γ-rays and neutrons

There is a permanent effort to search for natural and artificial materials with thermoluminescent properties useful for radiation dosimetry. In the aim to understand the radiation interactions with these materials, several features are determined. Here, the performance to photons and neutrons of MgB4O7:Dy and Mg2B2O5:Dy,Na were studied. The mass interaction coefficients, the linear attenuation coefficients, the mean free path and the Zeff for photons were calculated. In addition, the absorbed dose response to gamma rays and neutrons were estimated. The linear attenuation coefficients to gamma-rays for MBO:Dy,Na is larger than the coefficients for MBO:Dy due the density and Dy concentration, however the absorbed dose response for both materials are approximately the same due to the Zeff. The absorbed dose response to monoenergetic neutrons and those from isotopic neutron sources, and with Maxwellian distribution has the same trend. This response is larger for 252Cf/D2O; the absorbed dose response to neutrons is larger for MBO:Dy due to the boron concentration.

Fireproofing wood using borate and vinyl phosphorus compounds and its water resistant treatment using copolymer of dimethyl vinylphosphonate and methyl methacrylate

Vinyl phosphorus compounds such as poly (vinyl phosphonic acid) (PVPA), poly (dimethyl vinyl phosphonate) (PDMVP) impart high flame retardancy to wood comparable to conventional fireproofing wood by combined use of sodium polyborate (SPB) in contrast to their single use. The differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry (DTA/TG) suggest a synergy effect between SPB and PVPA. The water resistance of the treated wood is improved by copolymerization of dimethyl vinyl phosphonate (DMVP) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) inside the wood after the impregnation of SPB, and the incombustibility of the wood is mostly maintained after leaching tests. The combustion residues of the wood treated with DMVP and MMA after SPB show high compressive strength, and their SEM images suggest that the strength is due to formed charcoal.