SiO2 Content Research Articles

Improvement in Electrochemical Performance of Waste Sugarcane Bagasse-Derived Carbon via Hybridization with SiO2 Nanospheres.

Sugar industries generate substantial quantities of waste biomass after the extraction of sugar water from sugarcane stems, while biomass-derived porous carbon has currently received huge research attention for its sustainable application in energy storage systems. Hence, we have investigated waste sugarcane bagasse (WSB) as a cheap and potential source of porous carbon for supercapacitors. The electrochemical capacitive performance of WSB-derived carbon was further enhanced through hybridization with silicon dioxide (SiO2) as a cost-effective pseudocapacitance material. Porous WSB-C/SiO2 nanocomposites were prepared via the in situ pyrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)-modified WSB biomass. The morphological analysis confirms the pyrolytic growth of SiO2 nanospheres on WSB-C. The electrochemical performance of WSB-C/SiO2 nanocomposites was optimized by varying the SiO2 content, using two different electrolytes. The capacitance of activated WSB-C was remarkably enhanced upon hybridization with SiO2, while the nanocomposite electrode demonstrated superior specific capacitance in 6 M KOH electrolyte compared to neutral Na2SO4 electrolyte. A maximum specific capacitance of 362.3 F/g at 0.25 A/g was achieved for the WSB-C/SiO2 105 nanocomposite. The capacitance retention was slightly lower in nanocomposite electrodes (91.7-86.9%) than in pure WSB-C (97.4%) but still satisfactory. A symmetric WSB-C/SiO2 105//WSB-C/SiO2 105 supercapacitor was fabricated and achieved an energy density of 50.3 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 250 W kg-1, which is substantially higher than the WSB-C//WSB-C supercapacitor (22.1 Wh kg-1).

STUDY OF K2SiF6:Mn4+@SiO2 PHOSPHOR FOR WHITE LEDS WITH HIGH ANGULAR COLOR UNIFORMITY

The distinctive wide-band blue illumination absorption and red strait-line discharge of the phosphor K2SiF6:Mn4+ (KMnSF) make it an attractive material for manufacturing warm white light-emitting diodes (WLED). Nevertheless, using the highly corrosive raw ingredient HF to produce commercial KMnSF red phosphor has negative effects on the environment and people. In this study, microfluidic technology was used to successfully manufacture the KMnSF without the need for HF compound while resulting in a phosphor product with homogenous granule shape and size. The luminescence capabilities of the KMnSF samples were then thoroughly examined and characterized. Eventually, we made WLED packages comprising of blue LED chips, yellow phosphor Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YGA:Ce), red phosphor KMnSF, and SiO2 scattering particle. Via varying the SiO2 concentration during the simulation process, the prepared WLED’s optical performances are obtained. The scattering properties of the phosphor layer as well as the lighting transmission and distribution were simulated with the utilization of both LightTools software and Monte Carlo theory. According to the outcomes, the microfluidic-synthesized K2SiF6:Mn4+ proves to be appropriate for WLED apparatuses. Besides, the proposed phosphor compound with SiO2 scattering particles showed the improvement in luminous flux and angular uniformity of the WLED.

Insight into the photodegradation of o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane in a broad spectrum of irradiation light

Photolysis is the main pathway for the degradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Most investigations, however, have been limited to the ultraviolet or visible region, and the reaction mechanism of infrared (IR) light is still unclear. In this study, the photodegradation of o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (o,p'-DDT) on the silica (SiO2)/air interface under different irradiation light sources was systematically investigated. Interestingly, for the first time, effective degradation of o,p'-DDT under IR light irradiation was observed, which was ascribed to the anti-Stokes Raman scattering process of SiO2. Moreover, desert sands could also serve as a vector for the photodegradation of o,p'-DDT. The lower removal efficiency of desert sands compared to pure SiO2 was a combined effect of differences in Fe3+ component and SiO2 content. It is worth noting that direct photodegradation plays a dominant role in the photodegradation of o,p'-DDT on SiO2. Besides, indirect photodegradation resulted mainly from •OH (25.0%), O2•− (6.9%), and 1O2 (5.6%) generated in the reaction system. In addition to hydroxylation and dechlorination products, the formation of four novel silicon-based products was observed, which resulted from the direct reaction of silyl radicals with o,p'-DDT. This study revealed that the specific Raman scattering effect of SiO2 played a vital role in the self-purification process of POPs upon SiO2-based environmental matrices. The light-mediated decontamination system upon SiO2 constructed in this study could provide critical information for addressing POPs contamination on sands.

Disposal of solid waste as building materials: A study on the mechanical and durability performance of concrete composed of gold tailings

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of gold tailings as an alternative to natural river sand for preparing concrete, to solve the problems of rapid increase in gold tailings and insufficient natural river sand stock. Additionally, gold tailings upgraded by centrifugal separation are compared with untreated gold tailings. The performances and modification mechanisms of gold tailings on the mechanical strength and durability performance of concrete were investigated. The results demonstrate that concrete composed of gold tailings exhibits commendable mechanical and durability properties, with the optimal replacement level of natural river sand being 30%. Replacing river sand with gold tailings enhances the compressive and split tensile strengths of concrete, reduces water absorption, and improves its resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and chloride ion permeability, primarily owing to the pozzolanic activity and filling effect of the gold tailings. The upgrading of gold tailings not only changed altered the particle size but also changed the active SiO2 and Al2O3 content, thus, further enhancing the mechanical and durability of concrete. The study establishes that utilizing gold tailings in construction can serve as a viable substitute for river sand, thereby mitigating potential environmental repercussions associated with gold tailings. The findings hold promise for diminishing the reliance on river sand, thereby markedly enhancing resource sustainability.

Triassic oceanic–continental transition of the Ganzi–Litang Ocean basin: Evidence from high-Mg andesites and Nb-enriched basalts in the Litang area, Eastern Tibet

Petrological evidence of the oceanic–continental transition of intra-oceanic arcs enables the identification and reconstruction of the transformation of ocean basins into continents. In this study, we present new elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions and zircon U–Pb ages for Triassic andesites and basalts in the Litang area, Eastern Tibet. Andesites in Cunge and basalts in Juewu contain zircon grains with U–Pb ages of 246 ± 2 and 248 ± 2 Ma, respectively, indicating a Middle Triassic origin. Andesites in Cunge have high SiO2 contents (53.1–56.5 wt%), MgO contents (5.15–7.13 wt%), and Mg# values (54–61), similar to Sanukite-type high-Mg andesites. Basalts in Juewu have high TiO2 (1.43–1.80 wt%) and Nb (12.5–20.2 ppm) contents, and high Nb/U and (Nb/La)N values, typical of Nb-enriched basalts. The andesites and basalts were both characterized by low (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.7033–0.7044) and positive εNd(t) values (+4.2–+4.8). Therefore, interactions between melt from the subducting slab and mantle wedge peridotite formed andesites in Cunge, whereas the partial melting of mantle peridotite metasomatized by an adakitic melt (produced by the melted slab) formed basalts in Juewu. The findings of this study indicate that the formation of the andesites and basalts in the Litang area were related to intra-oceanic subduction magmatism, which was the product of the westward subduction of the Ganzi–Litang Ocean basin in the Middle Triassic.

The Effect of Operating Variables on the Performance of Column Flotation of Silica Sand

This paper presents the results of a study performed on silica sand samples to determine the effect of operating parameters (collector type and dosage, solids content in the pulp, pulp pH and air flow rate) on the concentrate grade and mass recovery in laboratory-scale column flotation. Through the analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was determined that the pulp pH had a significant impact on all four of the observed grade parameters (mass contents of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and TiO2 in the concentrate). Air flow rate had a significant impact on the mass contents of SiO2 and Al2O3. The solids content in the pulp only significantly affected the mass content of Fe2O3. The mass recovery was significantly influenced by the pulp pH, with a high level of significance (p-value (p) = 0.002917), as well as by the air flow rate (p = 0.010285). On the basis of a model of the relationship between the respective grade parameters and tested operating variables, it was determined that with the use of the Aeromine 3030C collector (at a dosage of 500 g/t) the highest-grade concentrate regarding the mass contents of SiO2, Al2O3 and TiO2 was achieved with a pulp pH within a range from 2.4 to 3 and an air flow rate above 26 L/h. The lowest mass content of Fe2O3 in the concentrate was achieved at a pulp pH in a range from 2.2 to 2.8 and a solids content in the pulp between 2.0% and 3.5%.

Silica and Selenium Nanoparticles Attract or Repel Scale Insects by Altering Physicochemical Leaf Traits.

Although nanoparticles have gained attention as efficient alternatives to conventional agricultural chemicals, there is limited knowledge regarding their effects on herbivorous insect behavior and plant physicochemistry. Here, we investigated the effects of foliar applications of nano-silica (SiO2NPs) and nano-selenium (SeNPs), and bulk-size silica (SiO2) on the choice behavior of the arrowhead scale insect on mandarin orange plants. One leaf of a bifoliate pair was treated with one of the three chemicals, while the other was treated with water (control). The respective SiO2, SeO2, calcium (Ca), and carbon (C) content levels in the leaf epidermis and mesophyll were quantified using SEM-EDX (or SEM-EDS); leaf toughness and the arrowhead scale density and body size were measured. First-instar nymphs preferred silica-treated leaves and avoided SeNP-treated leaves. SiO2 content did not differ between control and SiO2NP-treated leaves, but was higher in bulk-size SiO2-treated leaves. The SiO2 level in the control leaves was higher in the SiO2NP treatment compared with that in the control leaves in the bulk-size SiO2 treatment. Silica-treated leaves increased in toughness, but SeNP-treated leaves did not; leaf toughness increased with mesophyllic SiO2 content. The insect density per leaf increased with leaf toughness, SiO2 content and, in the SiO2NP treatment, with epidermal C content. There was no correlation between SeO2 content and insect density. This study highlights the potential uses of SeNPs as an insect deterrent and of silica for enhancing leaf toughness and attracting scale insects.

Investigation of Alkane-Assisted dodecylamine on flotation desilication of magnesite Tailings: Molecular dynamics simulations and model optimization

Investigating the reverse flotation desilication process of magnesite tailings (MT) holds substantial merit in the context of magnesium metal recovery from solid waste. However, scant attention has been devoted to exploring the influence of the carbon chain length of diverse alkanes on the reverse flocfloatation desilication of MT. This research systematically delved into the selective adsorption behavior exhibited by dodecylamine (DDA) and its compound collectors on the surfaces of quartz and magnesite. As the carbon chain length of alkanes increases, the efficacy of reverse flotation desilication of MT diminishes. Under optimized conditions, the concentration of MgO in the concentrate registers a 0.93% increment, accompanied by a 2.05% reduction in SiO2 content. The optimal MgO grade attains 42.68%. The augmenting carbon chain length of alkanes leads to a decline in the dispersibility of the compound collector and a reduction in the diffusion coefficient of the monolayer film at the alkane/water interface. The compound collector, comprising n-heptane and DDA, manifests a noteworthy synergistic promotion effect on the flotation desilication of MT. This effect reduces the multilayer adsorption of DDA, promotes more hydrogen bonding formation, and favors DDA adsorption on the quartz surface over magnesite. Consequently, issues related to froth entrapment and poor selectivity are alleviated. Longer alkane chains in the compound collectors result in a stronger van der Waals force effect between the carbon chains. This effect causes DDDA to slide more easily on the quartz surface, which is not conducive to enhancing the hydrophobicity of the surface. Furthermore, alkane-induced hydrophobic flocculation increases the floccules size of quartz, enhancing the likelihood of bubble-particle adhesion. This investigation elucidates the molecular-level mechanism underlying alkane hydrophobic flocculation with varying chain lengths, contributing a theoretical foundation and technical support for the large-scale MT management and the sustainable production of magnesium metal.

Influence of glass composition on the network structure and mineralization of europium containing mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles

A mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticle (MBN) containing functional elements effectively enhances its healing effect in medical applications. The MBN mainly comprises SiO2 structure and controls the composition by incorporating functional ions into the glass network, which affects the network structure and bioactivity. Europium has already been identified to have luminescence properties for drug delivery systems and positively affects osteogenic properties. Therefore, in this study, we recognize the changes in the glass network according to different compositions with the same amount of europium oxide (10 mol%).The MBN compositions with SiO2–CaO–P2O5–Eu2O3 were synthesized by sol-gel method, and we control the contents of SiO2 and CaO, respectively. The obtained Eu-containing MBNs had spherical morphology with mesoporous structure. Changes in bioactivity and mineralization properties would be investigated to apply the dental products. After soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF), Eu-containing MBNs with substituted SiO2 form an amorphous calcium phosphate phase on their surface. The results indicate that incorporating Eu in the bioactive glass network is an effective strategy for mineralization and developing novel multifunctional MBNs for bone tissue and drug delivery carriers.

Analysis of metallurgical defects in enamel steel castings

Abstract The relevant experiments and studies were conducted to address the metallurgical defects such as subcutaneous bubbles and slag inclusions occurring during the enamel steel continuous casting process. According to the high-temperature experimental results, calculations were made to determine the changes in viscosity and tension due to the steel reaction with the slag. Based on the experimental findings, there was a notable variation in the content of SiO2 and Al2O3 in the slag before and after the reaction. The concentration of the element Al in the steel melt significantly decreased, whereas the concentration of Ti showed a minimal change. These observations indicate that the reduction of SiO2 at the slag–steel interface is predominantly attributed to the role of Al. The calculation results showed that at 300 s of reaction time, the viscosity rapidly increased from 0.108 to 0.133 Pa·s and then slowly increased to 0.155 Pa·s; The interfacial tension rapidly decreased from its initial value of 1,380 mJ·m−2 to a minimum of 1,320 mJ·m−2, and it then slowly increased to an equilibrium state. Therefore, the main cause of the occurrence of porosity defects in the enamel steel continuous casting process is the reduction of interfacial tension between slag, steel, and gas caused by the reaction between the slag and steel, as well as the foaming of the slag.

Refining granite generation by interrogation of zircon and monazite U-Th-Pb and Hf/Nd-O isotopes

In-situ geochemical and isotopic analyses of zircon and monazite can provide compelling and detailed insights into the source and evolution of their hosting granite. Here we investigated the U-Th-Pb and Hf/Nd-O isotopic signatures of zircon and monazite in two petrological zones (i.e., fine- to medium-grained zone and medium-grained zone) of the Laojunshan granite pluton in the Qinling Orogen, central China, to better constrain their source nature and evolution processes. Co-existing magmatic zircon and monazite in both zones gave identical crystallization ages of ca. 113 Ma. In the fine- to medium-grained zone, both magmatic and xenocrystic zircons were identified, which respectively have εHf(t) values of −6.5 to −5.0 and − 17.4 to +5.1, and δ18OVSMOW values of +5.25‰ to +5.78‰ and + 5.17‰ to +9.15‰. The age distribution pattern and HfO isotopic characteristics of the xenocrystic zircons are similar to those of detrital zircons from the wall rock, i.e., meta-sedimentary rocks in the Kuanping unit. Monazite grains in this zone have relatively low SiO2, ThO2 but high CaO contents, dominated by cheralite-type substitution. These monazites have εNd(t) values of −5.8 to −4.6 and δ18O values of +3.79‰ to +5.66‰, except one grain (εNd(t) = −10.4 to −9.6, δ18O = +9.22‰ to +9.81‰), which is likely a xenocrystic crystal assimilated from wall rocks. The identical UPb age but contrasting NdO isotopic compositions between the xenocrystic monazite and the magmatic monazite grains indicate that the former might have experienced solid-state recrystallization process and completely lost radiogenic Pb. Both zircon and monazite geochemical and isotopic signatures consistently indicate that crustal assimilation occurred in the fine- to medium-grained granite zone. In contrast, in the medium-grained zone, only magmatic zircons and monazites were identified. The magmatic zircons have εHf(t) values of −3.2 to +2.7, and δ18O values of +4.65‰ to +6.36‰. The magmatic monazites are characterized by huttonite-type substitution with high SiO2, ThO2 but low CaO contents. Their εNd(t) values vary from −5.7 to +1.6 (mostly < −4.4) and δ18O values from +4.65‰ to +6.36‰. Given that the isotopic features of zircons and monazites in this zone are consistent with their whole-rock isotope features and no inherited/xenocrystic grains were observed, the zircons and monazites should record the source isotope compositions. The presence of highly radiogenic Nd isotopes in monazite coupled with its normal mantle-like O isotopes suggest minor involvement of juvenile mantle-derived components in the magma source. Accordingly, we advocate combined study of zircon and monazite, which can better track granite source nature and evolution processes than individual mineral.

Origin of granitoids and coeval mafic microgranular enclaves in the East Kunlun Orogen, northern Tibetan Plateau: Insights from petrography, U-Pb geochronology, geochemical and isotope analyses

Granitoids and coeval mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) provide important insights into petrogenesis and crustal evolution. In the eastern sector of the East Kunlun Orogen, the Halazha (HLZ) pluton contains abundant MMEs, recording magma mingling processes. The HLZ pluton comprises quartz diorites and granodiorites, whereas the MMEs have a gabbroic-dioritic composition. This paper provides a detailed description of the petrography and mineralogy of the HLZ pluton and MMEs, and presents new ages and geochemical data. The zircon U–Pb dating results indicate that quartz diorites and granodiorites are ranging from 243 ± 2 Ma to 244.8 ± 1.3 Ma and from 233.3 ± 1.1 Ma to 233.6 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. The zircon ages of the coeval MMEs are identical to the host rocks, i.e., 244.5 ± 1.1 Ma − 244.5 ± 1.2 Ma, and 233.7 ± 1.3 Ma, respectively. Both quartz diorites and granodiorites contain hornblende, display metaluminous characteristics with average A/CNK values of 0.93 and 0.99, respectively, and thus belong to I-type granite. Both of them are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements such as Rb and Ba and depleted in high-field-strength elements such as Nb and Ta. In addition, they both have low εHf(t) values, ranging from −5.6 to −1.7 and −5.4 to −1.79, respectively. Results suggest that HLZ pluton is derived from magmas formed by the partially melting juvenile mafic lower crust. Quartz diorites experienced hornblende accumulation for its low SiO2 contents. Whereas, the high Sr/Y ratio of granodiorites attributes to the fractional crystallization of apatite. Notably, the crystallization pressure and temperature (average 3.43 kbar and 764 °C) of the hornblende xenocrysts in MMEs is close to it of the hornblende phenocryst in quartz diorite (average 3.68 kbar and 766 °C). This similarity indicates that MMEs in the quartz diorites resulted from magmatic mingling between the mafic magma and the host rock within the deep crust. The hornblende xenocrysts present in MMEs of the granodiorites contain a higher number of inclusions, reveal higher crystallization pressures (average 2.73 kbar) and temperatures (average 825 °C) compared to their host rocks (average 1.35 kbar and 702 °C). These results suggest that MMEs in granodiorites underwent two distinct magmatic mixing processes: the magmatic mixing of mafic magma in the deep crust and then during the upwelling process after this mixed mafic magma entered the granodiorites.

Long‐term changes in stream water chemistry in small forested watersheds in the northern Kanto region

AbstractConcerns have been raised regarding the degradation of stream water quality due to the excessive influx of atmospheric deposition. This study aimed to reveal the long‐term variation in stream water chemistry in approximately 40 forested small watersheds in the northern Kanto region, based on 3 surveys conducted in 1991–1992, 2006–2007, and 2022. The factors influencing each dissolved element were investigated. Regarding long‐term variations in stream water chemistry, relatively stable concentrations of cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+) and SiO2 were observed. However, the concentrations of anions (Cl−, , and ) decreased due to the improvement in the atmospheric environment and the diminishing effect of fertilization. Furthermore, the recent increase in stream water pH was attributed to an increase in bicarbonate (), compensating for the decrease in anion concentrations relative to cations. Geology was the most significant factor for inter‐watershed variations in cations and SiO2, and this influence remained relatively constant over 30 years. Forest practices, especially fertilization, had a significant effect on Cl− and , and contributed to higher concentrations in the fertilized watersheds than in the non‐fertilized watersheds over the 15 years following fertilization. Sulfate deposition was a significant influencing factor for , and the concentration fluctuated under long‐term variations in deposition over the past 30 years. Despite substantial acid deposition in the study area, the absence of stream water acidification could be attributed to the abundant cation supply from bedrock and volcanic ash, which underwent weathering processes.

Influence of SiO2–ZnO mixed soft abrasive on tribological behavior and polishing performance of sapphire wafer

The use of reactive soft abrasives, capable of undergoing solid-state reactions with sapphire, is a promising approach for low-damage and low-contamination machining of sapphire wafers. This study calculates the Gibbs free energy change of these chemical reactions based on thermodynamic principles. SiO2–ZnO mixed soft abrasives were selected for the polishing of sapphire wafers. Friction and wear experiments were conducted to explore the tribological behavior of sapphire wafers with various mixed abrasives, leading to the optimization of the abrasive composition. The results show that mixed abrasives significantly enhance the material removal rate (MRR) of sapphire wafers. As the proportion of SiO2 in the mixture increases, the MRR correspondingly rises. Specifically, an SiO2–to–ZnO ratio of 2:1 in the mixed abrasives results in a 91.68% increase in MRR compared to using SiO2 abrasives alone. Based on these findings, five grinding discs with different abrasive ratios were prepared using a resin binder for mechanical–chemical polishing experiments on sapphire wafers. The polishing results corroborate those of the friction and wear experiments, confirming that an increased SiO2 content in the mixed abrasive discs leads to higher MRR. With a 2:1 ratio of SiO2 to ZnO in the mixed abrasive disc, the MRR is enhanced by 342.9% compared to discs with only SiO2 abrasives, while reducing the surface roughness to 3.21 nm. In the SiO2–ZnO mixed abrasives, the inclusion of ZnO enhances chemical reactions during polishing. Aided by the mechanical removal efficacy of SiO2, this approach significantly increases MRR while maintaining superior polishing quality.

Early Cretaceous continental arc magmatism in the Wakhan Corridor, South Pamir: Mantle evolution and geodynamic processes during flat subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab

The petrogenesis of continental arc magmas provides critical insights into thermal evolution and geodynamics of the continental lithosphere, crust-mantle interaction, and deep dynamic processes. In this study, we report new zircon U-Pb ages along with isotopic and elemental whole-rock geochemistry, mineral chemistry, and Hf-O isotope data for the Kalaqigu diorites and monzogranites of the Chinese Wakhan Corridor, South Pamir. Zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the Kalaqigu pluton was emplaced in the Early Cretaceous (ca. 108−106 Ma). The diorites are geochemically characterized by low SiO2 (51.9−54.5 wt%) and CaO (7.7−9.4 wt%) contents, but high MgO (5.3−8.3 wt%), Al2O3 (12.8−16.8 wt%), and TiO2 (0.6−1.1 wt%) contents as well as high Mg# (56−65) values. Thus, they are similar to high-Mg diorites: enriched in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., K, Sr, and Ba) and light rare earth elements, while depleted in high field strength elements (i.e., Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf). Combined with negative εNd(t) (−6.9 to −14.0) and εHf(t) (−9.9 to −12.2), and high (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.7075−0.7086) ratios, these observations indicate that they originated from an enriched lithospheric mantle source. High δ18Ozrn (7.49‰−9.01‰) values, in conjunction with relatively high 207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb ratios, suggest that the source was modified by subducted sediment-derived melts. Variable Cr contents (54−117 ppm) are likely controlled by minor fractionation of olivine and orthopyroxene. The monzogranites show high SiO2 contents (69.2−72.0 wt%), and low Rb/Sr (0.4−0.6), (K2O + Na2O)/CaO (2.6−4.8), and FeOT/MgO ratios (2.6−3.2). They contain diagnostic cordierite and show strongly peraluminous characteristics (A/CNK &amp;gt; 1.1) with high δ18Ozrn (7.82‰−8.85‰) values that are compatible with those of typical S-type granites. Their abundant inherited zircons, with age populations similar to those of detrital zircons from regional early Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks, indicate that they were derived from partial melting of ancient metasedimentary rocks. Phase equilibrium modeling is consistent with biotite-dehydration melting of metagreywacke, probably at ∼750 °C and ∼6.0 kbar, as indicated by the biotite chemistry. Based on regional geochronology, a south-to-north magmatic migration suggests that northward flat-slab subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab played an important role in the generation of these widespread Early Cretaceous continental arc magmatic rocks. However, the granitoids were generated earlier than the mantle-derived mafic rocks, which suggests that crustal melting occurred during the early stage of subduction. The continuous flat-subduction resulted in partial melting of subducted sediments, which metasomatized the mantle wedge. Contemporaneous regional compression primarily occurred far north of the subduction zone (i.e., North and Central Pamir), inducing deformation as well as crustal shortening. With the flare-up of continental arc magmatism in South Pamir, crustal shortening moved southward. These processes, combined with the addition of voluminous, mantle-derived magmas, played an important role in crustal thickening in Pamir during the Early Cretaceous.

Dynamic Interfacial Properties and Foamability of DoTAB/SiO2 Mixtures

The interaction between nanoparticles and cationic surfactants is an exciting and emerging field in interfacial science. This area of research holds significant promise, linking fundamental principles to practical applications in a variety of industries, including chemical processes, biomedical applications and the petroleum industry. This study explores the interaction between dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DoTAB) and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles, investigating their influence on dynamic interfacial properties and foam characteristics. Through equilibrium and dynamic surface tension measurements, along with examining the dilational visco-elasticity behavior, this research reveals the complex surface behavior of DoTAB/SiO2 mixtures compared to individual surfactant solutions. The foamability and stability experiments indicate that the addition of SiO2 significantly improves the foam stability. Notably, stable foams are achieved at low SiO2 concentrations, suggesting a cost-effective approach to enhancing the foam stability. This study identifies the optimal stability conditions for 12 mM DoTAB solutions, emphasizing the crucial role of the critical aggregation concentration region. These findings offer valuable insights for designing surfactant-nanoparticle formulations to enhance foam performance in various industrial applications.

High-Mg andesites and Nb-enriched basalts in the Dulate arc, East Junggar (NW China): Evidence of ocean ridge subduction

Abstract The Dulate arc, located in East Junggar (NW China) in the southern Central Asian orogenic belt, records a Devonian magmatic arc evolution, offering a window to understanding the orogenic processes of the Central Asian orogenic belt. Here we present new geochemical and isotopic data for Late Devonian high-Mg andesite (HMA) and Nb-enriched basalt (NEB) suites from the Qiakuerte area, East Junggar. The HMA samples are typical subduction-related volcanic rocks. They have SiO2 contents ranging from 53.30 to 54.59 wt%, high MgO (5.0–5.26 wt%), and high Mg# values (~55) and show enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depletions in high field strength elements (HFSEs). The HMA samples have high (La/Yb)N ratios and Sr/Y (~6.5 and 50–59, respectively) with no Eu anomalies. The HMA samples have high Na2O (~3.3 wt%) and low K2O (~2.5 wt%) and Th (~2.4 ppm) contents, combined with positive εNd(t) and low (87Sr/86Sr)i values. These characteristics suggest that the samples were formed mainly through interactions between subducted oceanic melts and mantle peridotites. Compared to normal arc basalts, the NEB samples have higher concentrations of Nb (~20 ppm), higher primitive mantle–normalized Nb/La (0.50–0.58), and higher ratios of Nb/U (9.4–14.6). The NEB samples also have positive εNd(t) and low (87Sr/86Sr)i values, indicating that their source was mantle wedge that had been metasomatized by slab melt. Considering the widespread presence of A-type granites, the abnormally high heat flow, and the tectonic characteristics of East Junggar, we conclude that a slab window created by the subduction of an ocean ridge was responsible for the melting of slab and the formation of the NEB-HMA suites. These processes may have also played a key role in the tectonic evolution processes of East Junggar during the Late Devonian.

Optimization of spraying process and stoichiometric stage of plasma‐sprayed Yb2Si2O7 environmental barrier coating

AbstractYtterbium disilicate (Yb2Si2O7) is a potential environmental barrier coating (EBC) material. In this paper, the microstructure and phase composition of plasma‐sprayed Yb2Si2O7 coatings with different spraying process were systematically investigated to optimize the spraying power and spraying distance. Furthermore, in order to obtain Yb2Si2O7 coating with single phase, a certain proportion of SiO2 was added to the Yb2Si2O7 powder to compensate for the volatilization of SiO2 during plasma‐spraying process, and the influence of spraying powder composition on the microstructure and phase structure (composition and content) of Yb2Si2O7 coatings were also characterized in detail. The results showed that the Yb2Si2O7 coating was dense with fewer pores and cracks at the spraying power of 40 kW and the spraying distance of 100 mm. Yb2Si2O7 coating with the “sandwich” structure was composed of Yb2Si2O7, Yb2Si2O7 + Yb2SiO5, and Yb2SiO5 three microstructures, which was mainly caused by the volatilization of SiO2 in Yb2Si2O7 spraying powder. The Yb2Si2O7 coating contained 90.68 mol.% Yb2Si2O7 phase and 9.32 mol.% Yb2SiO5 phase after crystallization at 1300°C for 20 h. The coating was composed of Yb2Si2O7 phase and amorphous phase after SiO2 addition. Yb2SiO5 phase precipitated from the coating after heat treatment at 1300°C, and its content decreased with the increase of SiO2 content. The content of the Yb2Si2O7 phase was as high as 99.41 mol.% when SiO2 content was 10 mol.%, which would provide a scientific basis for further research on stoichiometric Yb2Si2O7 EBCs with excellent properties.

Reworking and maturation of continental crust in collision zones: Insights from Early Cretaceous compositionally diverse magmatic rocks in central Tibet

The reworking of continental crust in collision zones is a key process in the chemical maturation of crustal rocks. However, the mechanisms that cause crustal reworking remain highly controversial. The compositionally diverse magmatic rocks along the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision zone provide a favorable opportunity for studying the mechanism of crustal reworking and maturation in continental collision zones. Here we report zircon UPb ages and Hf isotopes, mineral major elements, and whole-rock geochemistry and SrNd isotopes for the Momu intrusive complex in the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision zone, central Tibet. Zircon UPb ages reveal that the intrusive complex formed during the late Early Cretaceous (115–113 Ma). Diorites from the intrusive complex have high Mg# values (49.7–51.2) and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7082 to 0.7083), and low εNd(t) values (−7.3 to −6.9), with negative to slight positive zircon εHf(t) values (−3.8 to +0.8), suggesting that these rocks were likely generated by the partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle. Granodiorites from the intrusive complex have high SiO2 (64.4–67.9 wt%) and Al2O3 (14.8–16.1 wt%) and low MgO (1.4–1.8 wt%) contents. These rocks are also characterized by high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7091–0.7098) and whole-rock negative εNd(t) (−9.9 to −8.4) and zircon εHf(t) (−7.9 to −2.2) values. The associated granites have the highest SiO2 (68.7–71.5 wt%) contents among the intrusive complex rocks, high initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7089–0.7093) ratios, and negative whole-rock εNd(t) (−10.1 to −7.7) and zircon εHf(t) (−5.3 to −0.2) values. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the granodiorites were most likely derived from the partial melting of ancient continental crust and that the coeval granites were formed by the fractional crystallization of granodioritic magmas. Integrating our new results with data for the coeval magmatic rocks of the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision zone, we suggest that the Momu intrusive complex formed in a post-collisional slab breakoff setting. Asthenosphere upwelling caused by slab breakoff could have provided a substantial source of heat for crustal reworking, which gradually contributed to the maturation of continental crust in the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision zone.

Petrogenesis of Variscan and Yanshanian magmatic rocks in the Longjiang region of Heilongjiang province and implications for ore exploration

The Longjiang region is located on the eastern slope of the southern section of the Great Xing'an Range, in the transition zone between the Songliao Basin and Great Xing'an Range uplift. As it is an extension of the Inner Mongolia Linxi-Tuquan Cu-Mo-Pb-Zn metallogenic belt in the Heilongjiang region, it has conditions conducive to the formation of porphyry deposits. We report zircon U-Pb dating and whole-rock geochemistry data of magmatic rocks in representative mineralized points in the Longjiang region. Zircon U-Pb age shows that the age of magmatic rocks is concentrated in the Variscan period (312 ± 5 ∼ 294 ± 2Ma) and Yanshanian period (134 ± 2 ∼ 123 ± 1Ma). According to whole-rock geochemical analysis, the granites have SiO2 contents of 61.2–69.16 % (66.9 % on average), Al2O3 contents of 13.87–15.98 %, MgO contents of 0.6–2.22 %, TiO2 contents of 0.25–0.88 %, K2O contents of 2.70–3.63 %, Na2O/K2O ratios of 1.05–2.05, and high K2O+Na2O contents (5.8–7.17 %), which are consistent with adakitic rocks. Yanshanian granites have A/CNK values of 1.02–2 and an average differentiation index of 84.7, which indicates that they are highly differentiated I-type granites. Variscan I-type granites represent the post-collisional setting of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and are relatively scarce in the region. Yanshanian highly differentiated I-type granites are products of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean's post-collisional retreat and are widely distributed in the region. As the materials and fluids that formed the Liujiushan, Haiyang, and Fendou deposits were derived from magmatic activities, and Variscan and Yanshanian magmas have excellent ore-forming potential. The highly differentiated I-type granites formed by intense Yanshanian magmatism are the most promising candidates for ore exploration in this region.