Carbon Plate Research Articles

Effect of Footwear Longitudinal Bending Stiffness on Energy Cost, Biomechanics, and Fatigue During a Treadmill Half-Marathon.

Introduction: Carbon plates have been used to increase running shoes' longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS), but their effect during a long duration run remains unknown. Our study aimed to identify the effect of LBS on energy cost of running (Cr), biomechanics, and fatigue during a half-marathon.Methods: Thirteen well-trained male runners (half-marathon time < 1 h40) performed two half-marathons at 95% of the running speed associated with their second ventilatory threshold on two separate visits, with either high-LBS shoes (HLBS, with carbon-plates) or standard-LBS (SLBS) shoes. Before and after the half-marathon, Cr at 12 km/h with both shoes (two 6-min bouts: Cr12) and ankle plantarflexors (PF) force were measured. During the half-marathon, running kinematics, shoe perceived comfort, and Cr were assessed.Results: During Cr12 measurements before and after the half-marathon, HLBS was 1.0 ± 2.1% more economical than SLBS (p < 0.001). During the half-marathon, Cr increased with running duration (p = 0.048) but there was no distance × condition effect. HLBS increased contact time (+3%, p = 0.01), decreased metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion (-9%, p = 0.01), and was perceived less comfortable than SLBS, independently from running duration. At the end of the half-marathon, HLBS shoes led to higher PF force loss (-20.0 ± 9.8% vs -13.3 ± 11.0%, p = 0.048).Conclusions: Adding curved carbon plates in the running shoes slightly improved Cr during short running bouts at low intensity but not during a half-marathon. This discrepancy may be explained by day-to-day Cr variability and variation in shoe comfort. PF fatigue was higher with HLBS shoes but the accentuated fatigue did not further impact the biomechanical perturbations induced by the plates. Our results suggest that carbon plates alone do not provide a significant advantage for half-marathon performance.

Chromium oxide nanoparticles in‐situ immobilized onto nitrogen‐doped carbon plates with boosted catalytic activity toward nitrogen reduction reaction

AbstractA chromium oxide‐based nanocomposite (Cr2O3@NC) is designed and prepared via a simple pyrolysis route with Cr‐based metal organic framework (MOF) as a template. The research results indicate that Cr2O3 nanoparticles have an average size of ~70 nm and are in situ formed and imbedded onto the Cr‐based MOF‐derived 2D N‐doped carbon microplates. When employed as an inexpensive electrocatalyst for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to synthesize ammonia, Cr2O3@NC demonstrates an improved and stable catalytic activity in comparison with bare Cr2O3. A large ammonia production rate of 29.42 μg mg−1cat h−1 under a lower potential of −0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) can be acquired with a Faradic efficiency of 9.89% in sodium sulphate solution. Additionally, a satisfactory selectivity can also be achieved without hydrazine byproduct. The greatly promoted catalytic activity of Cr2O3@NC is regarded to be concerned with its desirable structures such as 2D planar topological structure with expanded active surface area, abundant catalytic sites, and effective combination with conductive carbon.

Graphene composite coating for enhanced corrosion resistance of Ni foam flow field in PEMFC

With the development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), metal foam with lightweight advantages and highly porous structures has become promising flow field material to replace traditional carbon plates. However, in the operating environment with high temperatures and acid situation, it suffers severe corrosion issues. To solve this problem, Sn and Sn/graphene composite coatings are prepared and the physical characteristics are analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tafel polarization test, potentiostat test, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used to test the corrosion resistance of coated nickel foam in a PEMFC cathodic environment. Compared to Sn-coated foam, the corrosion resistance is further enhanced with the addition of graphene. The Sn/graphene coating obtained by electrodeposition at current density of 15mA·cm–2 has the lowest corrosion current density, which accounts for only 41.20% and 33.48% of the uncoated foam value at 50°C and 80°C, respectively. It also exhibits the maximum coating resistance, the lowest potentiostatic current and interfacial contact resistance, which is 66.3% lower than the US DOE 2025 goal. After an 8h constant potential test, no noticeable pitting behavior is shown on the surface because of the compact Sn/graphene coating. The addition of graphene promotes the nucleation of Sn metal and results in lower Sn oxidation.

Investigation of the effect of symmetrical hybrid stacking on drilling machinability of unidirectional CFRP, GFRP and hybrid composites: Drilling tests and damage analysis

Fiber-reinforced plastics are undoubtedly superior to metals in many sectors due to their advantageous properties. Especially carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) are widely used in industry. Although CFRP offers higher strength, its use is limited due to its high cost. However, with hybridisation, it is possible to produce composites that will provide sufficient strength at lower cost. The mechanical behaviour of hybrid composites may be different compared to glass or carbon composites, as well as the damage behaviour during machining. In this study, the influence of hybrid stacking in drilling hybrid composites was investigated. The results showed the hybrid stacking, especially the position of the carbon plate, has a significant impact on the force generation and damage formation in the drilling. Although stacking the carbon layer at bottom caused an increase in thrust forces, it reduced the damage formation at the hole exit.

Microneedle patch casting using a micromachined carbon master for enhanced drug delivery

For successful treatment of diseases, sufficient therapeutics must be provided to the body. Microneedle applications in therapeutic delivery and analytics sampling are restricted because of various issues, including smaller area for drug loading and analytics sampling. To achieve sufficient drug loading and analytics sampling and improve drug penetration while maintaining painless administration, patch-type microneedle arrays were designed and fabricated using polymer casting from a conical cavity mold. Microcavities were formed on a carbon plate via micromechanical machining. A porous polymer layer was coated on a microneedle patch (MNP). The pores of the porous polymer layer provided space and channels for drug delivery. A pH-sensitive polymer layer was employed to cap the porous polymer layer, which prevented drug leakage during storage and provided a stimulus drug release in response to body pH conditions. The drug can be delivered through holes connected to both sides of the patch. The drug release of the MNP was investigated in vitro and in vivo and showed conceptual proof that these MNs have the potential to enhance treatment protocols for various diseases with the flexibility of coating and therapeutic materials and offer significant scope for further variations and advancement.

(Digital Presentation) Improvement of Oxygen Reduction Activity on Ti Oxide-Based Electrocatalyst

For widespread utilization of fuel cell system in the future, we have focused on non-precious metal electrocatalyst against high cost of system. Especially, we have studied and reported group 4 and 5 metal oxide-based electrocatalyst as non-platinum catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) because of low-cost, abundant reserves, and high stability in acidic electrolytes [1-2]. We have found excellent ORR activity of Zr oxide-based electrocatalysts prepared from pyrazinecarboxylic acid as a precursor [3-4]. In the case of Ti oxide-based electrocatalysts, the sample prepared under low partial pressure of oxygen with the heat treatment shows high ORR activity when it uses nitrogen-containing porphyrin cyclic organic Ti complexes (TiOTPPz) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a precursor. However, the heat treatment conditions have not widely investigated yet [5]. In this study, we have investigated to improve ORR activity of Ti oxide-based electrocatalyst prepared from TiOTPPz by varying the oxygen concentration during heat treatment.Oxytitanium tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine (TiOTPPz, [TiOC24H8N16]), a porphyrin cyclic nitrogen-containing organic Ti complex, was used as a starting material. 0.39 g of TiOTPPz and 0.26 g of MWCNT were mixed and treated in a dry ball mill for 1 h to obtain the precursor. The precursor was heated up to 900 oC in an Ar atmosphere and then annealed at 900 oC for 3 h in a low-oxygen atmosphere to obtain a catalyst with precipitated carbon and Ti oxide dispersed on the MWCNTs. The conditions of the hypoxic atmosphere were 2 %H2 + n %O2 / inert gas, with n = 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0. Catalysts are denoted by TiCNO_(O2 concentration during heat treatment). The catalyst powder was dispersed into 1-propanol with Nafion solution to prepare a catalyst ink. The ink was dropped on a glassy carbon rod, and dried for an hour to use as a working electrode in electrochemical measurement.Electrochemical measurements were performed in 0.5 mol dm-3 H2SO4 at 30 oC with a conventional 3-electrode cell. A reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a glassy carbon plate were used as used as a reference and counter electrode, respectively. Slow scan voltammetry (SSV) was performed at a scan rate of 5 mV s-1 from 0.2 V to 1.2 V vs. RHE under O2 and N2. The ORR current (i ORR) was determined by calculating the difference between the current under O2 and N2.Figure 1 shows oxygen reduction activity of Ti oxide-based electrocatalyst. The vertical axis shows the |i ORR@0.8 V|. The |i ORR@0.8 V| was less than 100 mA gcat -1 at O2 concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 %, and was greatest at 0.5 % at 413 mA gcat -1. The concentration of O2 further decreased with increasing O2 concentration, and was the smallest at 2.0%. It is suggested that the O2 concentration during heat treatment may have an optimum value around 0.5%.We have also analyzed the catalysts by the XRD before electrochemical measurements. According to XRD spectra, the presence of TiC0.3O0.7 was confirmed in all catalysts. In Ti-CNO_0.5 %, the most active catalyst, the diffraction peaks identified TiO2 rutile and TiO2 anatase were observed. In the case of Ti-CNO_1 and 2 %, the peak intensities of TiO2 anatase increased and the ORR activity decreased. This indicates that the degree of Ti oxidation can be controlled by the atmosphere during heat treatment.Acknowledgement: The authors thank for providing TiOTPPz from Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd.Reference[1] A. Ishihara, Y. Ohgi, K. Matsuzawa, S. Mitsushima, and K. Ota, Electrochim. Acta, 55, 8005 (2010).[2] A. Ishihara, S. Tominaka, S. Mitsushima, H. Imai, H. Imai, O. Sugino, and K. Ota, Curr. Opin. Electrochem., 21 , 234 (2020).[3] Y. Takeuchi, K. Matsuzawa, T. Nagai, K. Ikegami, Y. Kuroda, R. Monden and A. Ishihara, Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn., 96, 175 (2023).[4] Y. Takeuchi, K. Matsuzawa, Y. Matsuoka, K. Watanabe, T. Nagai, R. Monden and A. Ishihara, Electrochemistry, (2023) in press[5] T. Hayashi, A. Ishihara, T. Nagai, M. Arao, H. Imai, Y. Kohno, K. Matsuzawa, S. Mitsushima and K. Ota, Electrochim. Acta, 209, 1 (2016). Figure 1

Surface confinement boosts the in-situ formation of peroxydisulfate metastable complexes on assembled hollow N-rich carbon plates for water purification

Herein, an innovative solution was proposed by engineering the pore-confinement microenvironment in hollow nanoporous carbon to enhance the enrichment and diffusion kinetics of reactants for an efficient peroxydisulfate-based electron transfer process (PDS-ETP). Specifically, hollow N-rich carbon plate-assembled flowers (NCU900) with accessible surface area and abundant nano-confined channels (< 4 nm) were synthesized via a secondary N doping strategy to activate PDS. The confined system (0.42 min−1) exhibits a 21-fold higher catalytic degradation kinetics than the unconfined system (0.02 min−1) toward bisphenol A, along with an outstanding stability (45 h, 94.59 %) evaluated by the continuous flow reactor. Density functional theory calculations show that the kinetics enhancement is attributed to the stronger PDS adsorption and electron transfer at active sites caused by sufficient confined space. This work aims to promote the rational design of carbon-based catalysts with a confinement effect for high-performance PDS-ETP.

Curved carbon plates inside running shoes modified foot and shank angular velocity improving mechanical efficiency at the ankle joint

Recent technologically advanced running shoes have been designed with higher stack height and curved carbon plate-reinforced toe springs to enhance running performance. The purpose of this study was to examine how curved carbon-plate reinforcement modulated mechanical efficiency at the ankle joint during the running stance phase. We prepared two footwear conditions: Non and Carbon, both had a 3D-printed midsole (40-mm heel thickness). A full-length curved carbon plate was inserted along the toe spring in Carbon. The participants included 14 non-rearfoot long-distance athletes. They were required to run at a speed of 12 km/h on a 20-m runway with both shoes. Mechanical-energy expenditure (MEE, indicating mechanical work) and compensation (MEC, indicating mechanical efficiency) were calculated in the following mechanical-energy transfer phases: concentric, eccentric, and no-transfer. Running with Carbon exhibited improved MEC and reduced MEE at the ankle joint during the concentric transfer phase than with Non. The improvement in the concentric MEC at the ankle joint indicates that a larger amount of mechanical energy is transferred from the shank into the foot segment that compensates for the force exerted by the plantar flexor muscles, which implies more mechanically efficient plantarflexion movement. As the ankle joint is the largest energetic contributor in the running stance phase, greater MEC and lower MEE and torque at the ankle joint could improve running performance. Hence, the curved carbon plate may be a key feature of advanced footwear technology.

Biomass N/P co‐doped porous carbon plates for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction

AbstractNitrogen and phosphorus co‐doped porous carbon plate (NPCP) was prepared by simple pyrolysis carbonization and alkali activation of biomass duckweed NPCP displays the largest specific surface area (SSA) of 2023 m2 g−1, and is rich in pyridine N and P doping, which makes the metal‐free carbon have excellent electrocatalytic oxygen reduction performance. The best NPCP2 shows a half‐wave potential of 0.19 V vs. Ag/AgCl in alkaline electrolyte, and its activity is equivalent to that of commercial platinum carbon (Pt/C). In addition, it shows excellent methanol toxicity resistance and continuous catalytic stability. The experimental results show that the heteroatom doping method obtained by biomass hydroponics has great advantages and great application value in the catalytic field of porous carbon materials.

How athletes’ biomechanical running characteristics effect running economy during the use of running shoes with and without carbon inserts

To maximise running economy (RE), shoe manufacturers placed carbon plates within the midsole of shoes. Shoe technology research is limited on understanding the variability of individual responses to carbon-plated shoes and how these responses vary across running velocities. Little research on same shoe characteristics with and without a stiff element has been completed. This study aimed to investigate how running shoes with carbon versus without a carbon composite stiff element alter individual running biomechanics and the metabolic cost of running. Ethical approval was gained from Cardiff Metropolitan University Ethics Committee. Ten male athletes (69 ± 9 kg; 174 ± 4 cm; 28 ± 9 years) completed two submaximal incremental treadmill runs. One test was completed in a shoe without carbon (C1), the other test was completed in carbon shoes (C2), the order of testing for each shoe were randomised. Running velocity started at 9 km/h and increased by 1 km/h every four mins, blood lactate samples were taken after every stage. Once 4 mmol·L−1 (OBLA; the second lactate turn point) had been reached one more stage was completed. Gas exchange was analysed throughout the whole test. The first 15 s of the final 2 minutes of each stage was recorded using Theia3D markerless motion capture software (Theia3Dv2022.1.0.2309, Theia Markerless, Inc., Kingston, ON, Canada). Data were analysed in 4 stages, the initial stage, pre-OBLA, OBLA and post-OBLA. Physiology data were averaged over the final two mins of each stage. Discrete joint angles were taken from each stage, and an average of the 15 s recording was taken for spatiotemporal measure. Data were analysed using a four-way repeat measures ANOVA, to show individual differences. Non-parametric data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Hedges g calculations were completed to calculate effect size (ES). Results showed significant increase in flight time (FT; P = 0.04, ES = 0.20) in the pre-OBLA stage when using C2. Metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) dorsiflexion showed significant increase during the initial stage in C2 (P = 0.05, ES = 0.8), and ankle dorsiflexion had significant increase in the post-OBLA stage in C2 (P = 0.03, ES = 0.2). The were no significant differences present in the physiology data. Across the physiological, spatiotemporal and kinematics, high dispersions around the mean were exhibited. Findings suggest that to improve RE, mechanical and spatiotemporal changes need to be present when using C2. Further findings show carbon shoes elicit highly individual responses to both RE and mechanics of running.

Effect of increased shoe longitudinal bending stiffness on ankle and foot biomechanics in jump-cut movements of low and high degrees

Lateral ankle sprains are the most common injuries in indoor and court sports, with ankle inversion being a primary injury driver. Stabilising the ankle during multidirectional changes is crucial for injury prevention. Conversely, increased shoe stiffness has been hypothesised to influence the magnitude of ankle inversion and may raise the risk for ankle injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of shoe longitudinal bending stiffness on ankle biomechanics during indoor and court sport-specific cutting movements. Biomechanical data from 19 participants were collected using a motion capture system and force plate. A jump-cut protocol with two different cutting directions after landing was performed in indoor shoes with and without carbon plate inserts of varying stiffness. Ankle kinematics and kinetics were analysed with statistical parametric mapping and repeated measures analysis of variance. A significant increase in ankle inversion during the 180° cut and a reduction in forefoot inversion (foot torsion) for stiffer footwear conditions during both the 45° and 180° cut were observed. While dorsiflexion moments differed during the last 10% of ground contact, ankle inversion moments did not significantly diverge between shoe conditions. Furthermore, a noteworthy correlation between footwear longitudinal bending stiffness and torsional stiffness was identified. In conclusion, increased bending stiffness significantly affected ankle and foot kinematics. The ankle compensated for restricted mobility and higher demands during high-degree jump-cuts, while foot torsion played a more prominent role in low-degree cuts. The heightened ankle inversion during high-degree cuts may induce an elevated risk for lateral ankle sprains. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to comprehensively understand injury incidence and the role of shoe stiffness in injury prevention.

One-step formation of ZrON thin film on surface of carbon fine particles for membrane electrode assembly

Zirconium nitride and oxynitride films were deposited on alumina or carbon particles by reactive sputtering using a magnetron sputtering apparatus with a Zr hollow cylindrical target and a vibrating equipment with heating capability. The vibrating equipment developed in this study was effective if the particles are spherical and highly monodisperse. Uniform film deposition was achieved over the entire surface of highly monodisperse spherical alumina particles using the vibrating equipment during deposition. Pure ZrN crystalline layers was deposited under Ar and N2 gas flows with heating on XC-72 carbon powder particles removed adsorbed oxygen. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping analysis for deposited XC-72 carbon particles showed ubiquitous film deposition on agglomerated particles regardless of vibration during sputtering. Uniform film deposition with vibrating equipment was achieved on the entire surface of CGB-10 particles with more spherical and monodisperse than XC-72 but precipitated crystalline phase depended on unintentional oxygen chemisorbed on the particles. Addition and increase in flow rate of oxygen to the sputtering gas resulted in the formation of desired crystalline phase, Zr2ON2, Zr7O8N4, and monoclinic ZrO2, precipitated in the film using CGB-10 particles with chemisorbed oxygen removed. Current density for oxygen reduction reaction measured for MEA made from CGB-10 particles with ZrON-based crystals deposited was larger than that for thin film deposited on a carbon plate substrate.

β-Cyclodextrin modified SiO2 nanofluid for enhanced oil recovery

Recently, with the deterioration of oil storage conditions, the extraction of oil has been limited. In this experiment, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was grafted onto the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles. The structure and morphology of nanoparticles were analyzed by various characterization tools to effectively validate the synthesis of nanomaterials. In addition, it was experimentally demonstrated that the developed β-CD-SiO2 nanofluid has excellent stability and salt resistance. Finally, the comparative studies of the nanofluids were carried out by wettability, interfacial tension (IFT), Pickering emulsion, viscosity, and core flooding experiments. The results showed that β-CD-SiO2 nanofluid exhibited better performance: β-CD-SiO2 nanofluid changed the contact angle (CTA) of carbonate plate from 131.5º to 90.1º; the IFT was significantly reduced from about 35 mN/m to 22.5 mN/m; the emulsion droplets formed were fine and dense; the viscosity increased and viscosity not changed with shear rate; and total crude oil recovery up to 59.2%, 23.9% higher than using water drives. Overall, these results showed the great potential of β-CD-SiO2 nanofluid in ultra-low permeability reservoirs.

Shear Capacity of RC Beam with Opening Strengthened Using CFRP Sheet and Plate

This paper investigates the use of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets and plates for the bi-directional reinforcement of reinforced concrete beamswith transverse single and double symmetrical openings. The dimensions of the under-reinforced specimens are 1900mm in length, 150mm in width, and 300mm in height, with 3H12 tension reinforcement, 2H6 compression reinforcement, and R6-300 stirrups. This study aims to compare the maximal shear capacity of each CFRP configuration to that of conventional beams andevaluate the deflection profiles, failure modes, strain distribution, and crack patterns under shear loads. The beams are created using in-situ casting, and the openings are treated using post-drilling techniques to simulate real-world procedures. The beam specimens are subjected to a four-point stress test following the application of Sikadur-330 and CFRP. The principal findings indicate that the application of CFRP sheets increases the ultimate shear strength compared to conventional beams with openings, whereas the application of CFRP plates has the opposite effect. Nevertheless, the control beam with no openings has the greatest ultimate shear capacity. In addition, the sheet reinforced CFRP specimens exhibit less deflection than the control beam and conventional beams. The use of both CFRP sheets and plates aids in the transition from shear failure to flexural failure.

Effect and mechanism of PEDOT-Cu/Cu2O on the electrochemical reduction of nitrate with carbon electrodes

Electrochemical nitrate reduction for ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) generation is a promising method for resources recycling and relies on cheap and stable electrodes. In this study, carbon plate (CP), carbon felt (CF), and carbon brush (CB) were compared to identify their potential value on electrochemical nitrate reduction. By using the electrodeposition technique, copper-based nanometallic particles (Cu/Cu2O NPs) and poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) were loaded on the carbon substrates to prepare the (Cu/Cu2O) NPs/PEDOT/(Cu/Cu2O) NPs/CF electrode, which was tested in a single chamber electrolytic cell and subjected to continuous electrolysis of artificial wastewater (25–100 mg L−1 NO3--N) for 12 h. At a current density of 30 mA cm−2, the electrode achieved 97% nitrate removal and 81% NH4+-N selectivity. The synergistic catalytic interaction between Cu/Cu2O NPs and PEDOT improved the electrode reduction activity and NH4+-N selectivity, and had a good H* providing ability as noble metals. This provides a new method for nitrate reduction and NH4+-N recovery.

Ammonia synthesis over cesium-promoted mesoporous-carbon-supported ruthenium catalysts: Impact of graphitization degree of the carbon support

Carbon-supported ruthenium catalysts facilitate electrically-assisted Haber–Bosch ammonia synthesis. However, the relationship between carbon supports and catalytic performance remains ambiguous. We developed ordered mesoporous carbon plates (MCPs) with varying graphitization degrees as Cs-promoted Ru catalyst supports, examining correlations between ammonia synthesis rate and key structural parameters, included graphitization degree, Ru nanoparticle size, and Cs/Ru ratio. High-graphitization-degree carbon supports resisted methanation and facilitated formation of reductive activation enabled dynamic Cs0 species as electronic promotor, induced by spillover hydrogen from the Ru surface to CsOH. Density functional theory calculations further revealed that CsOH alleviated hydrogen poisoning. Notably, the catalyst supported on MCP-1100—which exhibited the highest graphitization degree among the supports and superior stability—with 10 wt% 2.3-nm-sized Ru nanoparticles and Cs/Ru = 2.5 achieved high ambient-pressure ammonia synthesis rates (7.9–43 mmolNH3·g−1·h−1) below 410 °C. Furthermore, it functioned under intermittent operating conditions, potentially integrating renewable-electricity-based electrolytic hydrogen production.

ОГЛЯД ВІЗЕЙСЬКИХ КОЛЕКТОРІВ НЕТРАДИЦІЙНОГО ТИПУ ДНІПРОВСЬКО-ДОНЕЦЬКОЇ ЗАПАДИНИ ТА ПОРІВНЯННЯ З ПІВНІЧНОАМЕРИКАНСЬКИМИ НЕТРАДИЦІЙНИМИ ФОРМАЦІЯМИ

Background. Modern advances in the extraction of hydrocarbons from shale and tight formations, namely improved horizontal drilling technologies and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing at economically viable costs, are opening up new horizons for oil and gas exploration and development around the world. The importance of shale oil and gas has sparked interest around the world following the great success of production in North America. This article is a continuation of a series of publications on the study of Visean unconventional reservoirs within Dnipro-Donets Depression. In this paper, the Visean sediments, namely the Lower Visean carbonate plate of the XIII MFH (horizons V-24-25), and the "Rudov Beds", siliceous calcified organic-rich shales (V-23) within the identified prospective zones of the Dnipro-Donets Basin (DDB), are considered for their unconventional reservoir development potential using the method of analogy with successful North American formations. Methods. Key geological and geochemical parameters were compared with the selected analogues, namely, geological age, sedimentation conditions, lithology and sediment thickness, geochemical data (total organic carbon (TOC), vitrinite reflectance (Ro), rock generation properties according to pyrolytic studies and rock maturity), mineralogical composition and porosity. Results. According to this study, the Visean unconventional deposits within DDB clearly correlate with the most productive gas fields from unconventional reservoirs (shales, organic-rich carbonates) in North America. The depth and geological position of the Visean unconventional targets are generally comparable to or slightly higher than their North American counterparts based on available data; sediment thicknesses are in similar ranges. In terms of mineralogical composition, namely X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the ore beds are similar to the Barnett and Woodford shales, and the V-24-25 carbonate horizons correspond to the Eagle Ford Formation. The high average TOC content of the V-23 horizon (up to 10% by weight) is comparable to the Bakken and Woodford shales. Сonclusions. The geological and geochemical parameters of the Visean horizons considered in this paper are promising in terms of the prospects for the development of unconventional reservoirs to increase Ukraine's energy resource base. However, in order to draw conclusions about the economic profitability of the development of the studied objects, a more detailed study is required, taking into account the results of drilling and testing after multistage hydraulic fracturing.

The Impact of Running Experience and Shoe Longitudinal Bending Stiffness on Lower Extremity Biomechanics

Purpose The impacts of shoe stiffness on running biomechanics are well-documented, while the specific effects on the performance of biomechanically distinct groups such as novice runners and experienced runners are still largely unexplored. The study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of different shoe longitudinal bending stiffness (adjusted by inserting carbon plate) on the lower limb during running in novice runners and experienced runners. Methods Twelve experienced runners and ten novice runners ran at a speed of 4.47 m/s while randomly wearing shoes with either low stiffness (5.9 Nm/rad) or high stiffness (8.6 Nm/rad). An Opensim musculoskeletal model was adopted for estimating lower limb joint angles, joint angular velocities, joint moment, joint work, peak joint reaction forces during running stance phase. Results Results showed that novice runners displayed greater lower limb joint mobility and less joint moment, while experienced runners exhibited less joint mobility but greater joint moment, and higher peak joint reaction forces were observed at the knee and ankle joints. Furthermore, increased shoe longitudinal bending stiffness resulted in higher peak joint reaction forces at the metatarsophalangeal joint for novice runners while lower for experienced runners. Conclusions Novice runners may face an increased risk of metatarsal pain or stress fractures when dealing with higher shoe stiffness. This nuanced understanding of joint dynamics underscores the need for tailored training and footwear recommendations to mitigate injury risks specific to different levels of running experience.

2D carbon-supported MnO@C nanoparticles for high capacity and long life lithium-ion battery anode enabled by a relatively green and facile method

MnO is regarded as a promising alternative anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its large specific capacity. Nonetheless, low intrinsical conductivity and large volumetric change of the MnO anode cause fast capacity fading during cycle, and hence its practical use in LIBs is hindered. In spite of many effective solutions for above problems, most of them involve requirement of harmful chemicals or special equipments, are not conducive to development of MnO anode. Herein, a relatively green and facile method is demonstrated to prepare a two dimensional (2D) MnO/C composite (MnO NPs@C Ps), consisting of carbon-coated MnO nanoparticles anchored on 2D carbon plates. The results confirm outstanding electrochemical performances of the MnO NPs@C Ps anode in terms of high capacities and ultra-long lifespan, with 1046.8 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 200 mA g−1 as well as 463 mA h g−1 after even 1500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. The combination of the materials and electrochemical characterizations demonstrates that the rational synergistic effects of nano-sized MnO particles and 2D carbon support contribute to thus outstanding electrochemical performances of the MnO NPs@C Ps anode. It is believed that this work may provide a meaningful insight into development of other advanced metal oxides/carbon composite anodes.

Activity and Durability of ALD-ZrO2 Coated IrO2 Film in Sulfuric Acid

The technology of power-to-gas (P2G) is drawing attention in and outside Japan for its ability to store renewable energy as hydrogen [1]. For the aspect of P2G, the water electrolyzer plays important role to produce “Green Hydrogen” [2]. On Sep. 26, 2022, Hydrogen energy ministerial meeting was held as online special event. In the open session, the water electrolysis is one of the main topics of the session, and due to the demand for “Green Hydrogen”, installed capacity of water electrolyzer has been required for the huge size of its module [3].In Japan, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) with small size produced by Kobelco Eco-Solutions Corp have released already installed over 200 units for 25 years. Recently, the PEMWE with MW-class as installed in Yamanashi Hydrogen Company has also applied for the demonstration project [3]. However, the conventional electrocatalysts for PEMWE uses precious metal materials, and especially, the iridium oxide (IrO2) is used as an anode. As the iridium is by-product of platinum, its resources is very poor. Moreover, it is reported that the low loading of IrO₂ easily causes the degradation under dynamic operation condition simulated variable renewable energies (VRE) [4]. From this point of view, the durability of anode against VRE should be required for “Green Hydrogen” production. We focused on ZrO2 which has high stability in acidic solution [5]. Moreover, we found that an oxide-based film which is formed by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) showed bi-functional effects on the electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction; it can reflect the electrochemical properties of the substrate and it can also protect the consumption of the substrate by potential scan. In order to apply for PEMWE, we have investigated the catalytic activity of IrO2 electrodes deposited with ZrO2 using ALD for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).IrO2 film on Ti rod as substrate was fabricated by thermal decomposition under air atmosphere at 400°C for 10 min. The loading amount of IrO2 was 2.35 mg cm-2 at constant. ZrO2 was deposited on IrO2 film by using ALD at 225°C, the film thickness of ZrO2 was varied in the range of 2 to 10 nm that calculated from the number of ALD cycles. After coating, the heat treatment was performed under air atmosphere at 400oC for 10 min. We used conventional three electrode cell with each sample as working electrode while the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and carbon plate were used as reference and counter electrode to demonstrate the electrochemical measurement in 1 M H2SO4 at 303 K. After the pretreatment, the cyclic voltammetry was demonstrated in the range of 0.05 to 1.2 V. In order to evaluate the OER activity of samples, the slow scan voltammetry (SSV) was performed from 1.2 to 2.0 V vs. RHE.Figure 1 shows the polarization curves of OER on the ALD-ZrO2 of 5 nm coated on IrO2 with and without heat treatment (5nm, 5nm(HT)). The result of IrO2 with and without heat treatment (0nm, 0nm(HT)) are also shown in the Fig. 1. These results are IR-free data. The vertical axis is based on geometric current density (i geo). In the case of IrO2, the i geo of 0nm was larger than 0nm(HT). On the other hand, the i geo of 5nm(HT) was obviously larger than that 5nm in the case of ALD-ZrO2 of 5 nm coated on IrO2, and the i geo of 5nm(HT) at 1.55 V was almost same as that of 0nm(HT). The redox peak of Ir(IV)/Ir(V) or Ir(IV)/Ir(VI) was observed in the cyclic voltammogram (CV) of 5nm(HT) around 1.2 V. This peak also obtained in the CVs of both 0nm and 0nm(HT). However, it is not clearly shown in the CV of 5nm. From the results of SEM-EDX, the coating of ZrO2 of 5nm(HT) was remained after electrochemical measurement while the that of ZrO2 of 5nm was removed after electrochemical measurement. Therefore, the heat treatment after ALD coating was effective for enhancing OER activity.Acknowledgement: This work is partially supported by the Suzuki Foundation and JFE 21st Century Foundation.Reference Fuel Cell RD & D in Japan 2022, Fuel Cell Development Information Center (FCDIC), pp.8. Fuel Cell Development Information Center (FCDIC), Tolyo (2023).K. Ota, A. Ishihara, K. Matsuzawa, and S. Mitsushima, Electrochemistry, 78, 970 (2010).https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2020/1015_001.html M. Alia, and G. C. Anderson, J. Electrochem. Soc., 166, F282 (2019).A. Ishihara, Y. Ohgi, K. Matsuzawa, S. Mitsushima, and K. Ota, Electrochim. Acta, 55, 8005 (2010). Figure 1