Concentrated Acid Solutions Research Articles

Analysis of the Effect of Crystal form on Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) of Dead Coral Reefs with the Addition of HNO3 Concentration

Many dead coral reefs found on the coast have not been treated optimally and currently their use is still limited as decoration in aquariums. Coral reefs contain calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, sodium oxide, magnesium peroxide, and Iron (III) oxide, with a calcium carbonate content of around 73.76%. Because of its high calcium carbonate content, it can be used as a raw material for making PCC (Precipitated Calcium Carbonate) which is widely used in the industrial, health and food sectors. The aim of this research is to obtain the optimal temperature and time for CaO levels, as well as the effect of nitric acid solution concentration on the yield with a high level of purity in PCC products using the carbonization method. The fixed variables are: coral reef mass, independent variables: temperature, calcination time and nitric acid concentration and dependent variables: CaO yield and CaCO3 levels. The calcination temperature used was 700℃, 750℃, 800℃, 850℃, 900℃ and HNO3 concentration 1.50M, 2.00M, 2.50 M, 3.00M, 3.50M with Ca analysis using AAS and PCC morphology and content using SEM-EDX. Optimal conditions are the results of calcination at a temperature of 900℃ with an HNO3 concentration of 3.50 M resulting in a yield of 76% with a purity of 98.58%, pH 8, white with a Ca concentration (ppm) of 1,962,630 and the crystal form obtained at 3.00 M HNO3 is calcite and 3.50 M HNO3 is vaterite.

Fast Structural Dynamics in Concentrated HCl Solutions: From Proton Hopping to the Bulk Viscosity.

Concentrated acid solutions, particularly HCl, have been studied extensively to examine the proton hopping and infrared spectral signatures of hydronium ions. Much less attention has been given to the structural dynamics of concentrated HCl solutions. Here, we apply optical heterodyne detected-optical Kerr effect (OHD-OKE) measurements to examine HCl concentration-dependent dynamics from moderate (0.8 m) to very high (15.5 m) concentrations and compare the results to the dynamics of NaCl solutions, as Na+ is similar in size to the hydronium cation. Both HCl and NaCl OHD-OKE signals decay as triexponentials at all concentrations, in contrast to pure water, which decays as a biexponential. Two remarkable features of the HCl dynamics are the following: (1) the bulk viscosity is linearly related to the slowest decay constant, t3, and (2) the concentration-dependent proton hopping times, determined by ab initio MD simulations and 2D IR chemical exchange experiments, both obtained from the literature, fall on the same line as the slowest structural dynamics relaxation time, t3, within experimental error. The structural dynamics of hydronium/chloride/water clusters, with relaxation times t3, are responsible for the concentration dependence of microscopic property of proton hopping and the macroscopic bulk viscosity. The slowest time constant (t3), which does not have a counterpart in pure water, is 3 ps at 0.8 m and increases by a factor of ∼2 by 15.5 m. The two fastest HCl decay constants, t1 and t2, are similar to those of pure water and increase mildly with the concentration.

Multiscale Modeling of Plutonium Radiation Chemistry in Nitric Acid Solutions. 1. Cobalt-60 Gamma Irradiation of Pu(IV).

Careful manipulation of the plutonium oxidation states is essential in the study and utilization of its rich redox chemistry. To achieve this level of control, a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of radiation-induced plutonium redox chemistry is critical due to the unavoidable exposure of plutonium to ionizing radiation fields, both inherent and from in-process applications. To this end, we have developed an experimentally evaluated multiscale computer model for the prediction of gamma radiation-induced Pu(IV) redox chemistry in concentrated nitric acid solutions (1.0, 3.0, and 6.0 M). Under these acidic, aqueous solution conditions, cobalt-60 gamma irradiation afforded marginal net conversion of Pu(IV) to Pu(VI), the extent of which was dependent on the concentration of HNO3 and absorbed gamma dose. Multiscale calculations, which are in excellent agreement with experimental data, indicate that this observation is due to a combination of inherent plutonium disproportionation reactions and several radiation-induced processes, including redox cycling between Pu(IV) and Pu(III), as achieved by the reduction of Pu(IV) by nitrous acid and hydrogen peroxide, the oxidation of Pu(III) by nitrate and hydroxyl radicals, and the sequential oxidation of Pu(IV) to Pu(V) and Pu(VI) by the remaining available yield of nitrate radicals.

Electrochemical Surface Nanostructuring of Ti47Cu38Fe2.5Zr7.5Sn2Si1Ag2 Metallic Glass for Improved Pitting Corrosion Resistance

Ti‐based bulk metallic glasses are envisioned for human implant applications. Yet, while their elevated Cu content is essential for a high glass‐forming ability, it poses biocompatibility issues, necessitating a reduction in near‐surface regions. To address this, surface treatments that simultaneously generate protective and bioactive states, based on nanostructured Ti and Zr‐oxide layers are proposed. An electrochemical pseudo‐dealloying process using the bulk glass‐forming Ti47Cu38Fe2.5Zr7.5Sn2Si1Ag2 alloy is defined. Melt‐spun ribbons are immersed in hot concentrated nitric acid solution, monitoring the anodic polarization behavior. From the current density transient measurements, together with surface studies (field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy), the surface reactions are described. This nanostructuring process is divided into three stages: passivation, Cu dissolution, and slow oxide growth, leading to homogenous nanoporous and ligament structures. By tuning the applied potential, the pore and ligament sizes, and thickness values are adjusted. According to X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, these nanoporous structures are Ti and Zr‐oxides rich in hydrous and nonhydrous states. In a simulated physiological solution, for those treated glassy alloy samples, complete suppression of chloride‐induced pitting corrosion in the anodic regime of water stability is achieved. This high corrosion resistance is similar to that of clinically used cp‐Ti.

Moisture Sorption Studies using the GAB Model of a Beef Based Dambun Nama (A Ground Meat Product) Stored over a Period of Six Months

Water adsorption isotherms of Dambun Nama, a ground beef product, were determined over a storage period of six months, at an average ambient temperature of 33.8oC and an accelerated temperature of 50oC, using the static gravimetric method. The study was aimed at establishing the moisture sorption profile of a traditional meat product Dambun Nama common in Northern Nigeria, produced from beef and stored over a period of six months. The sample was produced using a standardized method; it was sterilized, packaged in six airtight glass containers and stored at ambient temperature as the sample stock for the analyses over a period of six months. Data was generated from the sorption studies based on the isopiestic transfer method using concentrated sulphuric acid solutions. The isotherms are generally shaped like the type 4 isotherms for food products. Between 33.8oC and 50oC adsorption, the monolayer moisture content ranged from 0.036 to 0.048 gH2O/g solids, and between 0.037 to 0.049 gH2O/g solids for desorption. There was a general increase in the GAB constants K and C. The correlation coefficient (R) values obtained for adsorption ranged from 0.941 to 0.959, and for desorption, the values ranged from 0.940 to 0.957, indicating that the GAB model was suitable in describing the moisture sorption profile of Dambun Nama within the prescribed water activity ranges and storage period.

Wet and dry etching of ultrawide bandgap LiGa5O8 and LiGaO2

Crystalline thin films of LiGa5O8 have recently been realized through epitaxial growth via mist-chemical vapor deposition. The single crystal, spinel cubic LiGa5O8 films show promising fundamental material properties and, therefore, make LiGa5O8 a potential enabling material for power electronics. In this work, chemical resistance and etch susceptibility were investigated for the first time on crystalline LiGa5O8 thin films with various wet chemistries. It was found that LiGa5O8 is very chemically resistive to acid solutions, with no apparent etching effects observed when placed in concentrated acid solutions of HCl, H2SO4, HF, or H3PO4 at room temperature. In contrast, orthorhombic (010) LiGaO2 shows effective etching in HCl solutions at varying dilution concentrations, with etch rates measured between 8.6 [1000:1 (DI water: HCl concentration)] and 6092 nm/min (37 wt. % HCl). The inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) of LiGa5O8 using BCl3/Ar and CF4/Ar/O2 gas chemistries was investigated. The etching rate and surface morphology of etched surfaces were examined as a function of RIE and ICP power. Using a CF4/Ar/O2 gas chemistry with an RIE power of 75 W and an ICP power of 300 W resulted in smooth etched planar surfaces while maintaining an etch rate of ∼24.6 nm/min. Similar dry etching studies were performed for LiGaO2. It was found that the BCl3/Ar gas chemistry was better suited for LiGaO2 etching, with similar surface morphology quality being obtained after etching as prior etching when a RIE power of 15 W and an ICP power of 400 W is utilized.

Influence of Deep Etching Surface Treatment to The Tensile Strength and Microstructure of Brazing Aluminium - Mild Steel

Since hard metals are among the materials that liquid brazing alloys scarcely adhere to, they should not be brazed without first removing the surface layer after sintering. The electrolytic etching method, which gives the surfaces of materials that are hardly wettable very good energetic qualities, is given specific attention. Deep etching is done by using a high concentration of acid solution to roughen the surface. Both dry and wet settings are suitable for etching. An etching fluid is used for etching in a wet environment. Typically, the plate or metal is submerged in an etching solution, where the substance is chemically broken down. While in dry etching, the plasma’s gas phase is where the etching takes place. Due to the presence of plasma in this situation, the etching process that takes place combines chemical and physical processes. Plasma etching is another name for dry etching. Deep etching is an etching process to obtain a rougher surface. Wet deep etching requires a longer immersion time and even several immersions are required. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of etching treatment in the brazing process of Aluminium-Mild steel for its microstructure and mechanical properties. The specimens in this study used aluminium 6000 series, mild steel, Alusol ER4043, and etching fluid. Mild steel surfaces are deep etched before brazing. Specimen manufacturing standard refers to ASTM D1002. A micro photo test was conducted to compare the surface conditions of aluminium and mild steel with and without etching treatment. The deep etching process is carried out in three variations of time, namely 20, 30, and 40 minutes. The results showed that the tensile strength increased with deep etching treatment on the surface.

In situ detection of spatial distribution information of temperature-pH-strain of sandstone cultural relics

To monitor in situ the temperature, pH, and micro-strain change information of sandstone artifacts in the process of oxalic acid corrosion, the temperature, pH, and micro-strain fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are developed. A theoretical model of the sensors is established. The surface morphology, material composition, pore structure, temperature, pH, and micro-strain of sandstone corroded by oxalic acid solutions of different concentrations are investigated. The experimental results show that the higher the concentration of oxalic acid, the stronger the corrosiveness of the sandstone. Ferrous oxalate and calcium oxalate produced by corrosion continuously precipitate from the inside of the rock, and the dual reaction of crystallization and dissolution occurs, reducing the proportion of fine pores in the rock pore suction and gravity. The oxalic acid solution is transported to the middle of the sandstone (3 cm) and undergoes the strongest chemical reaction with ore particles and debris, resulting in the maximum wavelength drift of the temperature, pH, and micro-strain sensors. The results of this study provide important support for analyzing the acid dissolution mechanism of stone cultural relics and the preventive protection of cultural relics.

Comparative study on liquid versus gas phase hydrochloric acid hydrolysis for microcrystalline cellulose isolation from sugarcane bagasse

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was successfully synthesized from sugarcane bagasse using a rapid, low-temperature hydrochloric acid (HCl) gas treatment. The primary aim was to develop an energy-efficient “green” cellulose extraction process. Response surface methodology optimized the liquid-phase hydrolysis conditions to 3.3 % HCl at 117 °C for 127 min to obtain MCC with 350 degree of polymerization. An alternative gas-phase approach utilizing gaseous HCl diluted in hot 40 °C air was proposed to accelerate MCC production. The cellulose pulp was moistened to 15–18 % moisture content and then exposed to HCl gas, which was absorbed by the moisture in the cellulose fibers to generate a highly concentrated acidic solution that hydrolyzed the cellulose. The cellulose pulp was isolated from depithed bagasse through soda pulping, multistage bleaching and cold alkali purification. Hydrolysis was conducted by saturating the moist cellulose fibers with gaseous HCl mixed with hot air. Extensive analytical characterization using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TGA, DSC, particle size, and porosity analyses verified comparable physicochemical attributes between MCC samples prepared via liquid and gas phase methods. The gas-produced MCC revealed 85% crystallinity, 71 Å crystallite dimensions, and thermally stable rod-shaped morphology with an average diameter below 200 μm. The similar material properties validate the proposed gas-based technique as an equally effective yet more energy-efficient alternative to conventional aqueous acid hydrolysis for fabricating highly pure MCC powders from lignocellulose. This sustainable approach enables the value-addition of sugarcane bagasse agro-industrial residue into cellulosic nanomaterials for wide-ranging industrial applications. In summary, the key achievements of this work are rapid MCC production under mild temperatures using HCl gas, optimization of liquid phase hydrolysis, successful demonstration of gas phase method, and extensive characterization verifying equivalence between both protocols. The gas methodology offers a greener cellulose extraction process from biomass.

Identification of Solvent Extraction of Au(III) by Cyanex 272 from Hydrochloric Acid Solutions

Bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272) is known to selectively extract Au(III) from dilute to concentrated hydrochloric acid solutions. Therefore, Cyanex 272 can be employed in the separation of Au(III) from the hydrochloric acid leaching solutions of secondary resources containing gold metal. This work identified the extraction reaction of Au(III) by Cyanex 272 from the hydrochloric acid solutions. Au(III) extraction data was obtained by varying the concentrations of HCl (1-9 M), Au(III) (0.1-1 g/L) and Cyanex 272 (0.01-0.1 M). Among the three variables, it was found that HCl concentration had the most pronounced effect on the extraction of Au(III), which increased with HCl concentration. The extraction reaction of Au(III) by Cyanex 272 is proposed by applying slope analysis method to the extraction data. Comparison of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results for the fresh and loaded Cyanex 272 revealed no change in the chemical structure of Cyanex 272 after the extraction. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data showed a change in the characteristic peaks of the phosphorus atom of Cyanex 272, indicating the formation of a coordinative bond between Au(III) and Cyanex 272. FT-IR and NMR data together with application of slope analysis clearly verified that molecular Cyanex 272 takes parts in the extraction of Au(III).

Next-Generation 3,3'-AlkoxyBTPs as Complexants for Minor Actinide Separation from Lanthanides: A Comprehensive Separations, Spectroscopic, and DFT Study.

Progress toward the closure of the nuclear fuel cycle can be achieved if satisfactory separation strategies for the chemoselective speciation of the trivalent actinides from the lanthanides are realized in a nonproliferative manner. Since Kolarik's initial report on the utility of bis-1,2,4-triazinyl-2,6-pyridines (BTPs) in 1999, a perfect complexant-based, liquid-liquid separation system has yet to be realized. In this report, a comprehensive performance assessment for the separation of 241Am3+ from 154Eu3+ as a model system for spent nuclear fuel using hydrocarbon-actuated alkoxy-BTP complexants is described. These newly discovered complexants realize gains that contemporary aryl-substituted BTPs have yet to achieve, specifically: long-term stability in highly concentrated nitric acid solutions relevant to the low pH of unprocessed spent nuclear fuel, high DAm over DEu in the economical, nonpolar diluent Exxal-8, and the demonstrated capacity to complete the separation cycle with high efficiency by depositing the chelated An3+ to the aqueous layer via decomplexation of the metal-ligand complex. These soft-N-donor BTPs are hypothesized to function as bipolar complexants, effectively traversing the organic/aqueous interface for effective chelation and bound metal/ligand complex solubility. Complexant design, separation assays, spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray crystallographic data, and DFT calculations are reported.

Densification of hydroxyapatite through cold sintering process: Role of liquid phase chemistry and physical characteristic of HA powder

Hydroxyapatite is a well-known bioactive material widely employed in bone regeneration applications. Densifying hydroxyapatite at the nanoscale remains challenging with conventional sintering methods. This investigation focuses on the densification of commercially available nano-hydroxyapatite powders through the cold sintering process, utilizing water, acetic acid, and phosphoric acid solutions as transient liquids under 360 MPa pressure at 200 °C. The study systematically examines the influence of physical parameters of hydroxyapatite powder, liquid nature, and ionic concentrations of acid solutions on densification and microstructural characteristics. The relative density of consolidated samples varied with respect to the ionic concentration of the acid solution. Notably, a maximum relative density of 90% has been achieved for hydroxyapatite cold sintered using 2 M phosphoric acid solution without changing the original phase of hydroxyapatite. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the impact of liquid chemistry on the densification of hydroxyapatite using the cold sintering technique.

Influence of enzymatic extraction on the properties of corn starch

Corn starch played an important role in the food industries, while traditional extraction method involved using sulfur dioxide that could easily cause environmental pollution and equipment corrosion. Based on these drawbacks, the main objective of this study was to develop a feasible two-step enzymatic extraction method that could isolate starch from corn kernels and evaluate the properties of corn starch. The physicochemical components of steep liquor during enzymatic extraction were researched, the single-factor experiments and response surface methodology were used to optimize the steeping conditions. As a result, optimized steeping parameters of which the first step time was 30 h, the lactic acid solution concentration was 0.45%, the protease content was 480 U/g, the l-cysteine content was 0.45 g, and the second step time was 4 h. The corn starch yield (65.18%) with enzymatic extraction was higher than that of traditional extraction (54.73%). The solubility and swelling power of all starch samples were raised with the temperature increasing. The starch extracted using the enzymatic method had a higher amylose content (35.18%) and mean diameter (30.99 μm). Compared with commercial corn starch, the starch samples presented nearly identical FT-IR spectra, the same A-type crystalline pattern and morphology, furthermore, a higher resistant starch content was detected in corn starch obtained through extraction methods. This finding will provide useful information to food industries for extraction of corn starch.

Facile Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2/SnS Nanocomposites by Eco-Friendly Methods

The acid etching mechanism of FTO film using zinc powders has been explored, and sulfuric and hydrochloric acid solutions of different concentrations were tested as etching agents. Compact and mesoporous films of titanium dioxide were prepared by spin-coating and doctor blade techniques on FTO glass. Tin sulfide films were formed through a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process using different numbers of deposition cycles, and TiO2/SnS nanocomposites were synthesized. The thin films and the prepared composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. In this study, the principal characteristics of deposited tin sulfide films on two different types of TiO2 films are shown.

The Effect of Type and Concentration of Receiving Phase on Silver Separation Efficiency by Supported Liquid Membrane Technique

The Effect of The Type and Concentration of The Receiving Phase on The Efficiency Of Silver Separation with Liquid Supported Membrane Techniques. The process of making negative x-ray films in a radiology laboratory produces liquid wastes containing various chemical compounds with the main content being Ag metal (in the form of Ag+ cations). This waste is categorized as a dangerous and toxic material. Therefore it is necessary to separate the Ag metal before it is discharged into the environment so as not to be harmful to life and the environment. One of the separation techniques that can be used is with supported fluid membrane technique (Supported Liquid Membrane, SLM). The supported liquid membrane has three important components: the feed phase containing the component to be separated, the membrane phase containing the carrier compound and the receiving phase containing the integral component. The three-phase composition determines the efficiency of the separation process. This study aims to identify the type and concentration of the receiving phase solution to improve silice metal separation efficiency by SLM technique. To obtain an efficient composition in the recipient phase was carried out by varying the type of acid received solution ie H3PO4, HNO3 and CH3COOH with respective concentrations of 0.01; 0.05; 0.10; 0.15; and 0.20 M. Measurement of metal ion concentration of Ag+ before and after transport was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (SSA) at wavelength 328,22 nm. Based on the result of research that type and concentration of acid solution in the receiving phase has an effected on separation efficiency. The optimum transport percentage has obtained on the used of H3PO4 receptor solution at a concentration of 0.1 M with a percentage of Transport Ag of 46.84%.

Evaluation of Peracetic Acid Treatment on Beef Trimmings and Subprimals Against Salmonella and E. Coli O157:H7 Within Regulatory Retained Water Limitations

The application of antimicrobial treatments to beef trimmings prior to grinding for the reduction of microbial contamination in ground beef has increased recently. However, raw single-ingredient meat products are not permitted by Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) to retain more than 0.49% water resulting from postevisceration processing. The effectiveness of antimicrobials with the limited water retention is not well documented. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of peracetic acid at varied concentrations against E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on the surface of beef trimmings and beef subprimals that was applied at industry operating parameters within the retained water requirement. One hundred and forty-four each of beef trimmings and subprimals were used to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of peracetic acid solution on reducing E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on surfaces of fresh beef within the FSIS requirement of ≤0.49% retained water from antimicrobial spray treatments using a conveyor system. A ten-strain cocktail mixture was inoculated on surfaces of fresh beef and subjected to water or four different concentrations of peracetic acid (130, 150, 200, and 400 ppm). Spray treatments with 130, 150, and 200 ppm peracetic acid reduced (P ≤ 0.05) E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella at least 0.2 log on surfaces of beef trimmings and subprimals. Spray treatment with 400 ppm peracetic acid resulted in approximately 0.5 and 0.3 log reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella, respectively. Results indicate that all concentrations (130–400 ppm) of peracetic acid significantly reduced E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on beef trimmings and subprimals compared to untreated controls. Thus, a range from 130 to 400 ppm of peracetic acid can be used during beef processing to improve the safety of beef trimmings and subprimals when weight gain is limited to ≤0.49% to meet regulatory requirements.

Adsorption Performance and Mechanism of H3PO4-Modified Banana Peel Hydrothermal Carbon on Pb(II)

This study investigated the adsorption performance of hydrothermal carbon derived from banana peel and modified with different concentrations of phosphoric acid solution, then used to adsorb lead ions in an aqueous solution. The surface structure and functional groups of the modified hydrothermal carbon were analyzed using XRD, SEM, FT-IR, elemental analysis, and BET. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of modified hydrothermal carbon derived from banana peel reached 40.64 mg/g at a hydrothermal temperature of 240 °C, a phosphoric acid solution of 2 mol/L, and a solid–liquid ratio of 2 g/L, with a removal efficiency of 82.74%. The adsorption process conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm equation. The correlation coefficient of 0.99 for fitting the adsorption process using an artificial neural network, indicating that the artificial neural network could be used to predict adsorption. The adsorption of Pb(II) from an aqueous solution by phosphoric acid-modified hydrothermal carbon was dominated by monolayer chemical adsorption, and the adsorption mechanisms included electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, surface complexation, and physical adsorption.

The pH-Induced Increase of the Rate Constant for HER at Au(111) in Acid Revealed by Combining Experiments and Kinetic Simulation.

Origins of pH effects on the kinetics of electrocatalytic reactions involving the transfer of both protons and electrons, including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) considered in this study, are heatedly debated. By taking the HER at Au(111) in acid solutions of different pHs and ionic concentrations as the model systems, herein, we report how to derive the intrinsic kinetic parameters of such reactions and their pH dependence through the measurement of j-E curves and the corresponding kinetic simulation based on the Frumkin-Butler-Volmer theory and the modified Poisson-Nernst-Planck equation. Our study reveals the following: (i) the same set of kinetic parameters, such as the standard activation Gibbs free energy, charge transfer coefficient, and Gibbs adsorption energy for Had at Au(111), can simulate well all the j-E curves measured in solutions with different pH and temperatures; (ii) on the reversible hydrogen electrode scale, the intrinsic rate constant increases with the increase of pH, which is in contrast with the decrease of the HER current with the increase of pH; and (iii) the ratio of the rate constants for HER at Au(111) in x M HClO4 + (0.1 - x) M NaClO4 (pH ≤ 3) deduced before properly correcting the electric double layer (EDL) effects to the ones estimated with EDL correction is in the range of ca. 10 to 40, and even in a solution of x M HClO4 + (1 - x) M NaClO4 (pH ≤ 2) there is a difference of ca. 5× in the rate constants without and with EDL correction. The importance of proper correction of the EDL effects as well as several other important factors on unveiling the intrinsic pH-dependent reaction kinetics are discussed to help converge our analysis of pH effects in electrocatalysis.

Magnesium Hydrogen-generating Materials and a Hydrogen Generation Setup

The reaction of composites consisting of MgH2 and a graphene-like or nickel–graphene material with water or citric acid solutions of various concentrations was studied. The composites were prepared by mechanochemical treatment in a hydrogen atmosphere. The reaction of an aqueous citric acid solution with the composites is fast: 98% hydrogen yield is reached at the MgH2 : citric acid molar ratio of 1 : 1. A setup for preparing compressed hydrogen from the composites was developed. It can be used in autonomous mobile installations for hydrogen generation under high pressure, followed by filling balloons.

Effect of Various Acid Solutions on the CO2 Dissolution Rate, Morphology, and Particle Size of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Synthesized Using Seashells.

In this study, the influence of acid solutions on the production of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) using seashells was investigated. In terms of the Ca dissolution efficiency and atmosphere for dissolving CO32-, the results indicate that HCl, HNO3, CH3COOH, and HCOOH at 1.0 M were the most ideal among the acid solutions. The use of weak acids resulted in the low degree of dissolution of Al and Fe. These impurities could be mostly removed through the pH adjustment process, leading to PCC with a purity of 99% or more. Further, CH3COOH and HCOOH exhibited low CaCO3 carbonation efficiency owing to the hydrogen bonding of the carboxyl group and its hindering effect on the growth of CaCO3 particles. In addition, in the presence of the carboxyl group, the morphology tended to be oval, and the particle size was small. Particularly, when CH3COOH was used, the combined effect of the low initial Ca ion concentration and slow CO2 dissolution rate resulted in minimal changes during the carbonation time and the smallest particle size. However, variations in the degree of Ca concentration with a change in the acid solution concentration influenced the dominance of nucleation and particle growth, leading to variations in the particle size. The results of this study revealed that when manufacturing PCC using seashells, the appropriate acid solution must be selected to obtain the required PCC properties.