Chloride Crystals Research Articles

Impact of lanthanum doping on growth, thermal stability, linear and nonlinear optical properties of metal coordinated amino acid based single crystals of glycine copper chloride

Impact of lanthanum doping on growth, thermal stability, linear and nonlinear optical properties of metal coordinated amino acid based single crystals of glycine copper chloride

Experimental investigation on the moisture movement behavior of granites

This study comprehensively investigates the hygric performance of two commonly used types of granite in masonry, each characterized by distinct porosity levels. A series of experimental tests, including capillary absorption, one-dimensional drying, cup methods, vacuum saturation, sorption/desorption isotherms, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and ultrasonic pulse velocity, was conducted in different directions and by using both pure water and NaCl solutions. The results highlight pronounced anisotropy in the granite’s hygric response, with significant directional differences in liquid and vapor moisture movement, as well as ultrasonic wave propagation. Granite with lower porosity and a finer pore structure exhibited hysteresis effects and more pronounced hygroscopic behavior, while granite with higher porosity showed greater capillary activity. The presence of salt crystals within the pore network significantly influences vapor and liquid transport properties, porosity, and moisture storage capacity. The gradual formation of sodium chloride crystals on drying surfaces noticeably altered drying kinetics, influenced by salt concentration and pore characteristics. These findings provide valuable insights into the hygric properties of granite, essential for understanding its durability and informing moisture transfer numerical models.

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of optically active polar semi-organic glycine-cobalt chloride crystals

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of optically active polar semi-organic glycine-cobalt chloride crystals

Controllably Constructing morphology and structure of potassium chloride crystal by green supersaturation modulation

Controllable and green construction of morphology and structure in potassium chloride (KCl) crystals is necessary in the fields of pharmaceuticals, catalysis, minerals, and jewels design. Here, the work presented a lucid way for preparing KCl crystal with various morphology including hopper-, sphere- and hollow cube-like structure through green supersaturation modulation. Parameters including stirring speed, cooling range, cooling rate, and excess inorganic composing ions influenced the growth kinetics of hopper KCl crystal as well as the surficial morphology and structure: (1) Metastable region and stable conditions were beneficial for uniform growth of crystal; (2) Small size of crystal particles were obtained with high shear force; (3) Corner angle of crystal would be abraded in slow cooling rate; (4) Non-uniform crystal appeared in improper cooling range condition; (5) Additional composing ions might introduce deformed structure according to the basic crystal repeating unit with corresponding elements. Based on the above study of growth kinetics, hopper-, sphere- and hollow cube-like crystal were obtained. The morphology and structure properties of various crystal were researched by three-dimensional visualization, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for optimized application such as higher exposing surface area of hopper-like crystal than original cubic crystal. The main exposed faces for smooth cubic, hollow cubic, and hopper structure exhibited were (200), (220), and (400) facet, respectively, which could be a consequence of the inner beveling. Surface of spherical structure was a circular arc with relative high roughness, being ascribed to the formation mechanism of spherical structure from cubic structure. Therefore, the work presented a strategy to controllably design KCl crystal with different structure and morphology in a green way.

Elucidating the roles of electrolytes and hydrogen bonding in the dewetting dynamics of the tear film

This study explores the impact of electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding on tear film stability, a crucial factor for ocular surface health. While mucosal and meibomian layers have been extensively studied, the role of electrolytes in the aqueous phase remains unclear. Dry eye syndrome, characterized by insufficient tear quantity or quality, is associated with hyperosmolality, making electrolyte composition an important factor that might impact tear stability. Using a model buffer solution on a silica glass dome, we simulated physiologically relevant tear film conditions. Sodium chloride alone induced premature dewetting through salt crystal nucleation. In contrast, trace amounts of solutes with hydroxyl groups (sodium phosphate dibasic, potassium phosphate monobasic, and glucose) exhibited intriguing phenomena: quasi-stable films, solutal Marangoni-driven fluid influx increasing film thickness, and viscous fingering due to Saffman-Taylor instability. These observations are rationalized by the association of salt solutions with increased surface tension and the propensity of hydroxyl-group-containing solutes to engage in significant hydrogen bonding, altering local viscosity. This creates a viscosity contrast between the bulk buffer solution and the film region. Moreover, these solutes shield the glass dome, counteracting sodium chloride crystallization. These insights not only advance our understanding of tear film mechanics but also pave the way for predictive diagnostics in dry eye syndrome, offering a robust platform for personalized medical interventions based on individual tear film composition.

Single-bubble sonoluminescence of itterbium(II or III) and thulium(II or III) chloride nanoparticles colloidal suspensions in dodecane

Colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles of di- and trivalent ytterbium and thulium chloride crystals in dodecane were prepared by ultrasonic dispersion. The average nanoparticle size in the suspensions was 20–35 nm. During single-bubble sonolysis with the bubble moving at the standing wave antinode, identical bands with a maximum at 550 nm appeared in the sonoluminescence spectra with spectral resolution Δλ = 15 nm for suspensions of both Yb(II) and Yb(III) salts. Bands with a maximum at 600 nm were found for suspensions of Tm(II) and Tm(III) salts. These sonoluminescence bands coincide with the photoluminescence bands of Yb(II) (550 nm) or Tm(II) (600 nm) salts, respectively. For suspensions of divalent lanthanide salts, these sonoluminescence bands appear when nanoparticles get into a moving bubble, because of collisional excitation of Yb(II) or Tm(II) in the bubble plasma, which periodically appears during acoustic oscillations: [Ln(II)]suspension → [Ln(II)]bubble → [Ln(II)]plasma → [Ln(II)*]plasma → Ln(II) + hνLn(II). The presence of analogous bands for suspensions of trivalent lanthanide salts is caused, in particular, by also their reduction in the plasma after they get into a bubble: [Ln(III)]suspension → [Ln(III)]bubble → [Ln(III)]plasma → [Ln(II), Ln(II)*]plasma → [Ln(II)*]plasma → Ln(II) + hνLn(II). The reduction of lanthanide ions in the bubble plasma is not limited to the reaction Ln(III) → Ln(II), Ln(II)*, but can proceed further giving singly charged lanthanide cations and lanthanide atoms: Ln(II) → Ln(I), Ln(I)* → Ln(0), Ln(0)*. The single-bubble sonoluminescence spectra with Δλ = 1.5 nm for a suspension of Yb(III) salt showed characteristic lines of Yb(I) and Yb(0). These characteristic lines and bands for ytterbium and thulium atoms and ions are suitable for sonoluminescent spectroscopic analysis, that is, identification and quantification of ions in solutions and suspensions and determination of electronic temperature in bubble plasma.

Structure of Manganese Chloride and Threonine Crystals Formed by Slow Vaporization Method

Crystals of complex compounds are used in technology, optics, medicine, pharmacy, surface treatment, etc. The study of the crystal structure of complex compounds is important because they are widely used in industry and exhibit mechanical, thermal and a number of other valuable properties. Study of the crystal structure of complex compound of manganese chloride with the amino acid threonine, as well as the study of its physicochemical and biological properties. For the synthesis of complex compound, the method of slow evaporation was used. The composition of the formed crystals of the compound was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic structural analyses. the structure of the complex compound MnСl2×C4H9NO3manganese chloride and the amino acid threonine was studied. As a result of the study, it was established that the crystal structure of the compound MnСl2×C4H9NO3belongs to the orthorhombic system with space symmetry P212121.

Influence of Organic Impurities on Fractional Crystallization of NaCl and Na2SO4 from High-Salinity Coal Chemical Wastewater: Thermodynamics and Nucleation Kinetics Analysis.

It is a valid path to realize the zero discharge of coal chemical wastewater by using the fractional crystallization method to recycle the miscellaneous salt in high-salinity wastewater. In this study, the thermodynamics and nucleation kinetics of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) crystallization in coal chemical wastewater were systematically studied. Through analyses of solubility, metastable zone width, and induction period, it was found that the impurity dimethoxymethane would increase the solid-liquid interface energy and critical crystal size during the nucleation of Na2SO4. Ternary phase diagrams of the pseudo-ternary Na2SO4-NaCl-H2O systems in simulated wastewater were plotted in the temperature range of 303.15 to 333.15 K, indicating that a co-ionization effect existed between NaCl and Na2SO4, and NaCl had a strong salting out effect on Na2SO4. Finally, the nucleation rate and growth rate of Na2SO4 crystals under simulated wastewater conditions were determined by the intermittent dynamic method, and the crystallization kinetic models of Na2SO4 were established. The crystallization nucleation of Na2SO4 crystals was found to be secondary nucleation controlled by surface reactions. The basic theoretical research of crystallization in this study is expected to fundamentally promote the application of fractional crystallization to realize the resource utilization of high-salinity wastewater in the coal chemical industry.

Freshwater and minerals recovery from synthetic produced water by membrane distillation/membrane crystallization processes

The purpose of this work is to study the influence of oil and surfactant present in produced water on the membrane distillation and membrane crystallization performance. The latter is evaluated in terms of permeate flux, quality of permeate and sodium chloride crystallization kinetics. Polypropylene and Hyflon AD40H/PVDF composite membranes with 0.2 μm\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathrm{\\mu m}$$\\end{document} pore size were used in the investigation. The tests were carried out in direct contact configuration using two synthetic feed solutions: the first one without oil and surfactant, and the second one with oil and surfactant. The achieved results showed a permeate flux reduction of 20 and 40% for PP and AD40H, respectively, in membrane distillation and of 35% in membrane crystallization. These results may be attributed to the interaction between the salts and surfactant, which led to the deterioration of the membrane performance. Despite this, high salt rejection factors greater than 99.9% and total carbon rejections ranging between 80 and 90% indicated the good potential of membrane distillation technology for the treatment of produced water. Moreover, good quality crystals and high total water recovery factor (97%) were achieved using the membrane crystallization process. Nevertheless, the presence of oil and surfactant in the feed caused an increase in the induction time compared to the system without oil and surfactant. In addition, in the performed experiments, simple physical cleaning with distillate water was sufficient to recover the initial trans-membrane flux of the membranes.

Environmentally Friendly Photothermal Membranes for Halite Recovery from Reverse Osmosis Brine via Solar-Driven Membrane Crystallization.

Modern society and industrial development rely heavily on the availability of freshwater and minerals. Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) has been widely adopted for freshwater supply, although many questions have arisen about its environmental sustainability owing to the disposal of hypersaline rejected solutions (brine). This scenario has accelerated significant developments towards the hybridization of SWRO with membrane distillation-crystallization (MD-MCr), which can extract water and minerals from spent brine. Nevertheless, the substantial specific energy consumption associated with MD-MCr remains a significant limitation. In this work, energy harvesting was secured from renewables by hotspots embodied in the membranes, implementing the revolutionary approach of brine mining via photothermal membrane crystallization (PhMCr). This method employs self-heating nanostructured interfaces under solar radiation to enhance water evaporation, creating a carefully controlled supersaturated environment responsible for the extraction of minerals. Photothermal mixed matrix photothermal membranes (MMMs) were developed by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) or carbon black (CB) into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) solubilized in an eco-friendly solvent (i.e., triethyl phosphate (TEP)). MMMs were prepared using non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). The effect of GO or GB on the morphology of MMMs and the photothermal behavior was examined. Light-to-heat conversion was used in PhMCr experiments to facilitate the evaporation of water from the SWRO brine to supersaturation, leading to sodium chloride (NaCl) nucleation and crystallization. Overall, the results indicate exciting perspectives of PhMCr in brine valorization for a sustainable desalination industry.

Sodium chloride crystallization in a model porous medium during drying with a receding sharp front

Visualization experiments in a model porous medium are presented in this work to study the interplay between salt precipitation and gas–liquid displacement during evaporation for the drying situation characterized by a receding sharp drying front. Various types of salt subflorescence are distinguished depending on the location of the subflorescence growth, namely, away from the drying front in the region predominantly occupied by gas or in the liquid-saturated region. A distinction is also made regarding the subflorescence that develops in the predominantly gaseous region depending on the degree of occupation of the pores by the subflorescence structure. The experiment confirms that the capillary liquid films can be a pathway for the dissolved salt transport. As a result of the capillary film effect, the evaporation front must be distinguished from the drying front and subflorescence structures can develop in the vicinity of the evaporation front away from the drying front. It is also shown that the pinning of the evaporation front leads to an anomalous drying front kinetics with a drying front position varying linearly with time and not according to the classical scaling with the square root of time.

Selective recovery of boron, cobalt, gallium and germanium from seawater solar saltworks brines using N-methylglucamine sorbents: Column operation performance

The European Union (EU) identified a list of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) crucial for its economy, aiming to find alternative sources. Seawater is a promising option as it contains almost all elements, although most at low concentrations. However, to the present, the CRMs' recovery from seawater is technically and economically unfeasible. Other alternatives to implement sea mining might be preferred, such as reverse osmosis brines or saltworks bitterns (after sodium chloride crystallisation). The CRMs' extraction in a selective way can be achieved using highly selective recovery processes, such as chelating sorbents. This study focuses on extracting Trace Elements (TEs) from solar saltworks brines, including boron, cobalt, gallium and germanium, using commercial N-methylglucamine sorbents (S108, CRB03, CRB05). The application of these sorbents has shown potential for boron recovery, but their selectivity for cobalt, gallium, and germanium requires further investigation. This research aims to assess these sorbents' kinetics and column mode performance for TEs recovery from synthetic bitterns. Boron and germanium were rapidly sorbed, reaching equilibrium (>90 %) within 1 h, except for S108, which took 2 h. In column mode, 20–25 pore volumes of bittern were treated to remove boron and germanium, but competition from other elements reduced treatment capacity. An acidic elution (1 M hydrochloric acid) allowed to elute them (>90 %), reaching concentration factors for germanium and boron of 35 and 11, respectively, while cobalt and gallium had less affinity for the sorbents. In addition, the experiments performed were fitted by a mass transfer model to determine the equilibrium constants and selectivities. Therefore, bittern mining has been proven as a secondary/alternative source to obtain CRMs, which can lead the EU to a position in which its dependence on other countries to obtain these raw materials would be decreased.

Arthrocnemum Moq.: Unlocking Opportunities for Biosaline Agriculture and Improved Human Nutrition.

(1) Background: This study provides novel insights into the elemental content and biomineralization processes of two halophytic species of the genus Arthrocnemum Moq. (A. macrostachyum and A. meridionale). (2) Methods: Elemental content was analyzed using ICP-MS, while biominerals were detected through electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and X-ray diffraction. (3) Results: The elemental content showed significant concentrations of macronutrients (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) and micronutrients, especially iron. Iron was consistently found as ferritin in A. macrostachyum chloroplasts. Notably, A. macrostachyum populations from the Center of the Iberian Peninsula exhibited exceptionally high magnesium content, with values that exceeded 40,000 mg/kg d.w. Succulent stems showed elemental content consistent with the minerals identified through X-ray diffraction analysis (halite, sylvite, natroxalate, and glushinskite). Seed analysis revealed elevated levels of macro- and micronutrients and the absence of heavy metals. Additionally, the presence of reduced sodium chloride crystals in the seed edges suggested a mechanism to mitigate potential sodium toxicity. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of Arthrocnemum species as emerging edible halophytes with nutritional properties, particularly in Western European Mediterranean territories and North Africa. They offer promising prospects for biosaline agriculture and biotechnology applications.

Surface characteristics and in vitro biocompatibility of titanium preserved in a vitamin C-containing saline storage solution

The purpose of this study is to explore a storage solution for titanium implants and investigate its osteogenic properties. The commercial pure titanium (cp-Ti) surface and double-etched (SLA) titanium surface specimens were preserved in air, saline, 10 mM Vitamin C (VitC)-containing saline and 100 mM VitC-containing saline storage solutions for 2 weeks. The surface microtopography of titanium was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the surface elemental compositions of the specimens were analyzed by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle and surface roughness of the specimens were tested. The protein adsorption capacity of two titanium surfaces after storage in different media was examined by BCA kit. The MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were cultured on two titanium surfaces after storage in different media, and the proliferation, adhesion and osteogenic differentiation activity of osteoblasts were detected by CCK-8, laser confocal microscope (CLSM) and Western blot. The SEM results indicated that the titanium surfaces of the air group were relatively clean while scattered sodium chloride or VitC crystals were seen on the titanium surfaces of the other three groups. There were no significant differences in the micromorphology of the titanium surfaces among the four groups. Raman spectroscopy detected VitC crystals on the titanium surfaces of two experimental groups. The XPS, water contact angle and surface roughness results suggested that cp-Ti and SLA-Ti stored in 0.9% NaCl and two VitC-containing saline storage solutions possessed less carbon contamination and higher surface hydrophilicity. Moreover, the protein adsorption potentials of cp-Ti and SLA-Ti surfaces were significantly improved under preservation in two VitC-containing saline storage solutions. The results of in vitro study showed that the preservation of two titanium surfaces in 100 mM VitC-containing saline storage solution upregulated the cell adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic related protein expressions of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In conclusion, preservation of cp-Ti and SLA-Ti in 100 mM VitC-containing saline storage solution could effectively reduce carbon contamination and enhance surface hydrophilicity, which was conducive to osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts.Graphical

Crystal chemistry and predicted ionic conductivity of hydrothermally synthesized Na9Zn2(PO4)4Cl

Single crystals of sodium zincophosphate chloride were obtained under medium-temperature hydrothermal conditions and its crystal structure was determined using low temperature X-ray diffraction.

Exploring Fibrin Protein Hydrogels for the Production of Heteroatom‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanoarchitectures as Efficient Metal‐Free Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts

Although protein hydrogels are excellent carbonization precursors for synthesizing carbon nanoarchitectures as efficient metal‐free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, research on this topic has rarely been conducted. In this study, fibrin protein hydrogels templated with sodium chloride (NaCl) crystals are proposed as novel precursors for the manufacture of heteroatom‐doped planar carbon nanostructures containing internal pores. By systematically adjusting the carbonization conditions, it is revealed that their effects on material properties and ORR characteristics. The catalyst carbonized at 900°C for 12 hr demonstrated excellent performances in an alkaline solution, including onset potential (Eon; 0.86 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode), diffusion‐limited current (–4.0 mA cm−2 at 0.05 V), electron transfer number (2.84), and durability (–18 mV shift in Eon after 30,000 cycles). This is attributed to the synergistic action of fast out‐of‐plane electron transport, sufficient adsorption sites, enhanced activity by heteroatom doping, and effective mass transfer through interconnected pores.

Investigations on the Growth and Optical, Dielectric and Antibacterial activity of L-Leucine Barium Chloride crystals

Investigations on the Growth and Optical, Dielectric and Antibacterial activity of L-Leucine Barium Chloride crystals

Methyl orange-doped thiourea barium chloride crystals: Natural bond orbital analysis of the fock matrix for laser applications

Pure thiourea barium chloride (TBC) crystals were synthesised using a slow cooling rate (0.05°C/day) and gradual evaporation from an aqueous solution. The growth process occurred over more than 19 days at a temperature of 39°C. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis has proven beneficial for studying charge transfer and conjugative interactions in molecular systems. Moreover, it sheds light on intermolecular bonding, and the interactions between these bonds have implications for optical applications. Additionally, the charge transfer interactions within the molecule that influence its catalytic activity can be elucidated by a lower HOMO and LUMO energy gap. This energy difference can be an indicator of a compound’s excitability; the more readily a compound can be excited, the narrower the energy gap. The energy gap might be significantly affected by the influence of thermal energy. The non-linear optical (NLO) efficiency of methyl orange-doped (MOD) TBC crystals was contrasted with that of the pure form, and the doped version exhibited greater efficiency, particularly for high-frequency applications.

Atmospheric water harvesting by osmotic distillation and direct contact membrane distillation using hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes

The use of a liquid desiccant air dehumidifier is an energy-efficient technology that can improve both indoor air temperature and humidity. However, the risk of concentrated liquid desiccant leakage into the air conditioning system during dehumidification can corrode the system, negatively impact indoor air quality, and potentially harm residents. To address this issue, this study investigates the effectiveness of osmotic distillation (OD) and direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) for dehumidification and regeneration, respectively. The study analyzes the impact of inlet operating parameters, including liquid desiccant concentration, temperature, and flow rate, and air flow rate on the dehumidification performance and stability of the OD process. Calcium chloride was utilized as the liquid desiccant in this study. The results indicated that the dehumidification performance of the OD process improved with a higher desiccant concentration and lower desiccant temperature. However, the desiccant flow rate did not have a significant impact on dehumidification performance. Furthermore, the dehumidification performance decreased with a higher inlet air flow rate, but the moisture removal rate increased. The OD process demonstrated stable operation during the dehumidification process. DCMD was effective for desiccant regeneration, and no scaling occurred due to the deposition of calcium chloride crystals. However, the permeation flux of DCMD decreased as the feed concentration increased due to a decline in the feed vapour pressure and an increase in concentration polarization effect. In conclusion, the experimental results indicated that OD can effectively dehumidify humid air, while DCMD is a viable option for desiccant regeneration.

Investigating the molecular crystals of L-Alanine, DL-Alanine, β-Alanine, and Alanine hydrogen chloride: Experimental and DFT analysis of structural and optoelectronic properties

In this study, DFT calculations were employed to assess and contrast the structural, electronic, and optical characteristics of five alanine crystal forms. The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with the Tkatchenko-Scheffler dispersion correction scheme was employed and compared to the PBE functional and the local density approximation (LDA) without dispersion correction. Experimentally, alanine crystal powders were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–VIS absorption spectrum. Additionally, UV–VIS absorption measurements were performed on L-α-alanine, DL-alanine, β-alanine, and alanine hydrochloride solvated in water. Significant deviations (>10%) were observed between the experimental crystal lattice parameters and those predicted by the GGA and LDA methods. Incorporating dispersion correction into the GGA functional improved prediction accuracy. Additionally, time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) computations using the polarizable continuum model were conducted to analyze the UV/VIS absorption spectrum of α-, β-, DL-, and hydrogen chloride alanine in water and interpret experimental data. Different alanine crystals exhibited substantial anisotropic electronic and optical properties, including effective masses, absorption, and dielectric function. The L-α-HCl structure displayed the smallest band gap (4.67 eV), suggesting its suitability for applications such as L-α/L-α-HCl/L-α quantum well structures. The main effective masses of electrons and holes were also determined for each crystal for a better understanding of their electronic transport properties.