Electrostatic Spraying Method Research Articles

Visible Photodetectors Based on Organic-Inorganic Hybrids Using Electrostatic Spraying Technology

This paper discusses an organic-inorganic hybrid white photodetector with the structure of ITO /AZO/ZnO NWs:P3HT: PCBM/PEDOT: PSS/Al produced with an electrostatic spraying method. The method of production was as follows: First, different spraying methods (continuous spraying, discontinuous spraying) and different spraying times were tested before the final electrostatic spraying. Then, different annealing times (10 min and 20 min) were tested to anneal the coated film. Lastly, we investigated the photoelectric properties, including transparency analysis of the film surface topography through XRD, OM, FE-SEM, AFM and UV-VIS. The results showed that the detector with discontinuous spraying and 20 mins annealing had a photocurrent of approx. 22.1×10 -4 A, dark current (drain current) of approx. 1.94×10 -7 A, and a ratio of photocurrent to dark current of approximately 1.14×10 4 , which produced optimal photoelectric characteristics.

The Review of Powder Coatings

With the environmental regulations becoming more stringent and awareness of consumers increasing to protect environment, an urgent problem is to reduce the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Powder coating is a kind of solid powder coating without any solvent. Due to its excellent application performance and environment-friendly, it is widely used in the field of metal coating, especially appliances of offices and home. In recent years, the use of powder coatings has been developed very fast and the requirements of functional powder coatings are also gradually strengthened. According to resin of the film forming, powder coatings can be divided into two types: thermosetting powder coatings and thermoplastic powder coatings. Each kind of powder coatings has its own advantages and disadvantages, and they will be applied in different fields. In order to improve the properties of powder coatings, there are many reports and studies about them. The compositions of powder coatings were extruded, crushed and screened to gain powder of coating. The powder always was stored at room temperature. The powder coatings often operated by two kinds which were electrostatic spraying method and fluidized bed dipping method. After that, the powder was heated to melt and cure. Finally, a smooth bright permanent film on articles was formed to achieve the purpose of decoration and corrosion. The process flow preparation of powder coatings always separated into dry process production and wet process production. The development courses of powder coatings about resins, pigments and fillers are summarized. The future development trends of powder coatings are illustrated.

The properties of MWCNT/polyurethane conductive composite coating prepared by electrostatic spraying

Abstract To improve the corrosion resistance of the steel ground grid and its discharge property, in the present work, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polyurethane (PU) composite coatings were prepared on the steel surface utilizing a novel electrostatic spraying method. The MWCNT/PU composite coatings fabricated via the electrostatic spraying route were found to have the advantage that the CNTs were uniformly dispersed in the matrix. The effect of the morphology and the content of CNTs on the resistivity of the steel ground grid, its corrosion resistance in the soil, and the contact resistance between the coating and the soil, were systematically investigated. When the content of MWCNTs was 6 wt.%, the resistivity of the composite coating reached a low value of 9.2 × 10 −2 Ω m. Moreover, a low coating/soil contact resistance of 10.6 Ω m was obtained in the coating with 6 wt.% MWCNTs, smaller than that (15.4 Ω m) of neat carbon steel. In addition, the corrosion resistance of the MWCNT/PU coated carbon steel ground grid was improved apparently. Its resistance was more than 8 times higher than that of the neat steel. These values met the requirements of ground grid.

Study on Sponge-Nafion Membranes Prepared by Electro Spinning Method

Sponge-Nafion membranes were prepared by electro-spinning (ES) method and with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as additives. First the optimum conditions of ES were achieved to prepare Nafion membranes with sponge-like structure. Then the membranes were further processed by electrostatic spray method to enhance their properties. SEM, IR were used to characterize the morphologies and structure. Proton conductivity was measured by the CHI66C electrochemical workstation (Shanghai Chen Hua Instrument Company). Results showed that the sponge-Nafion membranes possessed better proton conductivity especially at relatively high temperatures than that of commercial Nafion membranes.

Deposition Evaluation of Aerial Electrostatic Spraying System Assembled in Fixed-Wing

<abstract> <bold><sc>Abstract. </sc></bold>There are many difficulties involved with controlling pests and diseases on corn, not least of which include efficiencies relating to process, spraying chemicals, and labor. This study proposes an aerial electrostatic spraying method for the disease and pest control of corn, which is more efficient and economic than previous methods. An aerial electrostatic nozzle embedded with a conical tubular electrode was specifically designed to attach to the fixed-wing aircraft Y5B. Laboratory studies have been conducted to examine the distribution of droplet deposition on the modeled crop targets. Meanwhile, field experiments have also been conducted on the three spray treatments using the aircraft Y5B: electrostatic, non-electrostatic, and rotary sprays. The results showed that compared with non-electrostatic and rotary sprays, the size of the electrostatic spray droplet reduced and the uniformity increased. Also, the coverage of the droplet on the canopy of simulated lab targets increased by 20 and 42 drops·cm^-2. Likewise, the coverage increased 3.71 and 4.33 times on the field targets, when compared to the non-electrostatic and rotary sprays. In particular, there was a significant increase in the number of deposits in the back of the targets. The distribution of the droplet deposition on the vertical canopy showed that the droplet more successfully penetrated the field canopy compared to the same in the lab; and the droplet deposition rate on the middle and bottom of the targets increased significantly. The volume deposition on the middle was highest when using the electrostatic spray application, up to 0.046 μg.cm^-2. The mean deposition calculated was 5.64, 4.26, 3.81 L·ha^-1 for electrostatic, non-electrostatic, and rotary sprays, respectively. The pest control test demonstrated that the cumulative mortality of armyworms was as high as 95.4% under the electrostatic spray treatment, which had better control effects and was more economic than the other two treatments. This study will significantly improve the understanding of the Y5B aircraft aerial electrostatic spraying technique and contribute to the prevention of crop disease and damage.

Fabrication of Hybrid Organic Photovoltaic Devices Using Electrostatic Spray Method

Hybrid organic photovoltaic devices (OPVDs) are fabricated using the electrostatic spray (e-spray) method and their optical and electrical properties are investigated. E-spray is used to deposit a hybrid film (P3HT: PCBM/nanodiamond) with morphology and optical characteristics onto OPVDs. The root-mean-square roughness and optical absorption increase with increasing nanodiamond content. The performance of e-spray is comparable to that of the spin-coating method under uniform conditions. The device takes advantage of the high current density, power conversion efficiency, and low cost. Nanodiamond improves the short-circuit current density and power conversion efficiency. The best performance was obtained with 1.5 wt% nanodiamond content, with a current density of 7.28 mA/cm2and a power conversion efficiency of 2.25%.

静电喷雾法制备高效染料敏化太阳能电池的二氧化钛光阳极

In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), one of the key components is TiO2 anode, which plays an important role in determining the device efficiency. TiO2 electrodes are generally prepared by doctor blade or screen printing. Electrostatic spray (ES) has started to get attention for TiO2 electrodes preparation in recent years. The preparation of photoanode by electrostatic spray depends on many factors, such as voltage, feeding rate, concentration of the TiO2 suspension, spray distance and time, etc. However, the influences of these factors on the fabrication and the device performance have not been reported. This work describes the detail of TiO2 anodes preparation by ES method and their corresponding DSSC devices characterization. TiO2 powders (i.e. P25 powder) was dissolved in ethanol and dispersed thoroughly under suitable ultrasonic process, yielding TiO2 suspension with high stability and quality. This well dispersed TiO2 suspension was sprayed onto the FTO under a high electronic field. TiO2 photoanodes with different microstructures and morphologies were obtained by changing the spraying distance; their formation mechanism and impact on the cell performance were studied. Moreover, it was also showed that the post-treatment with TiCl4 aqueous could significantly improve the efficiency of the cell. By optimizing, high power conversion efficiency of 6.24% could be achieved under the following condition: liquid feeding rate of 0.8 mL/h, spraying distance of 2.2 cm, spraying time of 8 min.

A novel treatment regimen for acute liver failure based on a combination of mesenchymal stem cells transplantation and IL-lRa-loaded chitosan nanoparticles

To evaluate whether a combination therapy using allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) chitosan nanoparticles is more robust than MSC transplantation alone for treating acute liver failure and to investigate the mechanisms of the improved therapeutic effect using a swine model system. IL-1Ra-loaded nanoparticles were made of lactosylated chitosan-FITC using the electrostatic spray method and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The active live targeting of these nanopaticles were investigated by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometer(FCM). The combined therapy was given and the Detailed Steps as follows: Chinese experimental mini swine were given D-galactosamine to build models of acute liver failure. Thirty-four pigs were randomly divided into five groups. In the control group(A),the normal saline was injected into liver via portal veins after 24 h; in IL-1Ra group(B), IL-1Ra was injected via ear veins 6 h before normal saline; In the MSCs transplantation group (C), 8 * 107 MSCs were injected into liver via portal veins after 24 h; IL-1Ra together with MSCs transplantation group(D) and nanopaticles group(E) as follows: on the one hand, 8 * 107 MSCs were injected into liver via portal veins after 24 h, on the other hand, rhIL-1Ra in group C or IL-1Ra chitosan nanopaticles in group D was injected via ear veins respectively at 6 h before. Liver function, serum inflammation and pathological changes were measured. The fate of MSCs was also observed. The profiles in vitro shown that there was a steady-state release after a fast linear release; The live targeting of the lactosylated chitosan-based nanoparticles was achieved by ligand-receptor specificity; The biochemical assay, the serum inflammation lever and pathological changes of the nanopaticles group were all greatly different from the other groups, the hepatocytes grow rate was significantly improved after 1 week; The liver engraftment was very low in group C and D with significantly higher numbers found in nanopaticles group, but the differentiation of MSCs after 2 weeks relatively rare; western blot showed that there was more HGF and VEGF secreted in nanopaticles group. IL-lRa-loaded lactosylated chitosan-based nanopaticles have significant liver targeting abilities and slow release characteristics in PBS solution. The combined therapy showed great synergistic effects through suppression of liver inflammation and paracrine.

Visible Photodetectors Based on Organic-Inorganic Hybrids Using Electrostatic Spraying Technology

This paper discusses an organic-inorganic hybrid white photodetector with the structure of ITO/AZO/ZnO NWs:P3HT: PCBM/PEDOT: PSS/Al produced with an electrostatic spraying method. The method of production was as follows: First, different spraying methods (continuous spraying, discontinuous spraying) and different spraying times were tested before the final electrostatic spraying. Then, different annealing times (10 min and 20 min) were tested to anneal the coated film. Lastly, we investigated the photoelectric properties, including transparency analysis of the film surface topography through XRD, OM, FE-SEM, AFM and UV-VIS. The results showed that the detector with discontinuous spraying and 20 mins annealing had a photocurrent of approx. 22.1×10–4A, dark current (drain current) of approx. 1.94×10–7A, and a ratio of photocurrent to dark current of approximately 1.14×104, which produced optimal photoelectric characteristics.

Superior photoelectrodes for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells using amphiphilic TiO2

Anatase amphiphilic TiO2 (am-TiO2) nanoparticles with an average diameter of ∼15 nm were synthesized using a sol–gel hydrothermal synthesis. The colloidal dispersion of am-TiO2 in alcoholic solvents had outstanding stability for several months at room temperature (RT). Hierarchically structured TiO2 nanospheres (TiO2-NSs) were then successfully prepared by an electrostatic spray (e-spray) method using the am-TiO2 dispersion at RT. The e-sprayed TiO2-NSs were employed as photoelectrodes for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (ss-DSSCs), in which a novel plastic crystal/polymer blend based solid-state electrolyte (PC-SSE), iodine-doped succinonitrile/polyacrylonitrile, was used. A photovoltaic power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ∼7.6% was reached under simulated AM 1.5 G (100 mW cm−2) illumination, while the incident photon-to-electrical current conversion was >60% upon excitation at 550 nm. The unique morphology of the TiO2-NSs, in which primary anatase TiO2 nanoparticles are interconnected within the submicron-scale spheres, exhibited superior characteristics as photoelectrodes for our ss-DSSCs compared to conventional TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). The nanoparticles-in-sphere shape offered enhanced surface area and pore volume for high dye-loading and beneficial solid-state electrolyte (SSE) infiltration, while the submicron-scale of the spheres induced efficient visible-light scattering. The efficient interconnection among the primary anatase TiO2 nanoparticles within the e-sprayed NSs offered enhanced charge collection efficiency and photoelectron density, which were confirmed by intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These superior properties of the TiO2-NSs were manifested in the cell performance. The PCE of the TiO2-NS-based ss-DSSCs was >2 times higher than that of TiO2-NP-based ss-DSSCs, with notable concurrent improvement in the short-circuit current (JSC = 13.9 mA cm−2), open circuit voltage (VOC = 765 mV), and fill factor (FF = 71.6%). The optimized cell efficiency of 7.6% is thus far the highest reported efficiency for PC-SSE-based DSSCs. Both the single-crystal-like anatase primary particles and the advantageous morphology effectively contributed to the high performance of the ss-DSSCs. Since the e-spray method is a high-throughput, scalable process, our hierarchically structured TiO2-NSs are a promising material for high-efficiency ss-DSSCs, possessing a range of advantages over conventional TiO2-NPs.

Transplantation of Co-Microencapsulated Hepatocytes and HUVECs for Treatment of Fulminant Hepatic Failure

Microencapsulated hepatocytes might solve immunological rejection, broadening a new perspective for the treatment of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). However, the transplantation of microcapsulated hepatocytes is limited by low cell viability. Nevertheless, the co-microencapsulation of hepatocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) may make the treatment of FHF more promising. We prepared the microcapsules using the high-voltage electrostatic droplet spray method, transplanted the empty microcapsules, isolated hepatocytes, microcapsulated hepatocytes, and co-microencapsulated hepatocytes and HUVEC intraperitoneally into rat models of FHF induced by D-aminogalactose (D-gal). After 1, 3, and 7 days, and 2, 3, and 4 weeks posttransplantation, we calculated the mortality and assessed alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and albumin (ALB) levels in the serum of the model; evaluated the integrality and recovery of microcapsules; and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) the recovered microcapsules as well as the liver of the FHF rats. Hepatocyte-specific functions, including the levels of ALT, AST, and ALB in the serum of the co-microencapsulation group, were significantly better than those in the other groups (p<0.05) from 2 to 4 weeks after transplantation. Moreover, cotransplantation of the microencapsulated hepatocytes and HUVECs decreased the mortality rate of the FHF rats. The recovered microcapsules were intact, and recovery was up to 90%. H&E staining showed that the microencapsulated cells were still alive, and the liver tissues had started to recover after 4 weeks posttransplantation. The microcapsules have good biocompatibility and immunoprotection to protect the hepatocytes from immunological rejection. Cotransplantation of the microencapsulated hepatocytes and HUVECs could decrease mortality rates and improve liver function in FHF.

助剂对啶虫脒静电喷雾液剂的物理性能及沉积量的影响&lt;br&gt;Effect of Adjuvants on Physical Properties and Target Deposition of Acetamiprid 10ED

研究了1%啶虫脒静电喷雾液剂配方中助溶剂N-甲基吡咯烷酮和导电剂农乳500#含量的变化对该制剂电导率、粘度、挥发率的影响，同时利用农药残留检测方法测定静电喷雾的沉积量，研究了该制剂中助溶剂和导电剂含量的变化对1%啶虫脒静电喷雾液剂静电喷雾时在玉米叶片正面和反面上沉积量的影响规律。研究结果表明，该制剂中助溶剂和导电剂含量的变化，对制剂粘度和挥发率几乎无影响，而制剂的电导率随着两种助剂含量的增大而增大。两种助剂含量的变化对1%啶虫脒静电喷雾液剂在玉米叶片的正面和反面上的沉积量影响无显著性差异。同时发现使用静电喷雾喷洒1%啶虫脒静电喷雾液剂具有良好的包抄效应。 The effect of content variations of cosolvent 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and conductive agent ABS-Ca used in acetamiprid 10ED on conductivity, viscosity and volatilization rate of this formulation has been studied. At the same time, the deposition of the electrostatic spraying was determined utilizing the method of pesticide residue detection. Furthermore, it pointed out influence law of deposition on both sides of corn leaves affected by content variations of cosolvent and conductive agent. The results show that the content variations of cosolvent and conductive agent have no effect on the viscosity and volatilization rate. But there are positive relation between the conductivity of formulation and the content change of two adjuvants. No significant differences were found between the content variations of the two additives and the deposition amount of aceta- miprid 10ED on both sides of the maize leaves. It was also found that using electrostatic spraying method has excellent encircling effect.

Genipin-crosslinked N-carboxymethyl chitosan microcapsules prepared by electrostatic spray method

Genipin-crosslinked N-carboxymethyl chitosan microcapsules prepared by electrostatic spray method

Preparation of Silk Fibroin Microspheres

TheBombyx morisilk fibroin microspheres with controllable size were prepared by electrostatic spraying and freeze-drying method. The effects of solution concentration, voltage and flow rate on the sphere size were discussed. The morphology of microspheres was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of ethanol treatment on the molecular conformation of silk fibroin microspheres was investigated by XRD and FT-IR spectra. The results indicated that the silk fibroin microspheres with diameter in range of 117-363 μm were spherical in shape, and there were plenty of pores both on the surface and in the interior of the microspheres. The sphere size increased with the rising of silk fibroin solution concentration and flow rate, while decreased as the voltage enhanced. The conformation of silk fibroin microspheres changed from random coil to silk II structure after ethanol treatment.

Cobalt Ferrite Nanocrystallites for Sustainable Hydrogen Production Application

Cobalt ferrite, CoFe2O4, nanocrystalline films were deposited using electrostatic spray method and explored in sustainable hydrogen production application. Reflection planes in X-ray diffraction pattern confirm CoFe2O4phase. The surface scanning microscopy photoimages reveal an agglomeration of closely-packed CoFe2O4nanoflakes. Concentrated solar-panel, a two-step water splitting process, measurement technique was preferred for measuring the hydrogen generation rate. For about 5 hr sustainable, 440 mL/hr, hydrogen production activity was achieved, confirming the efficient use of cobalt ferrite nanocrystallites film in hydrogen production application.

Cable System Using Epoxy-Coated Prestressing Steels in China

Using the electrostatic spraying method to spray the epoxy coating on the surface of prestressing wire or strand. By this method, the mechanical properties can reach the same level of original prestressed steel, the anti-corrosion ability is superior to that of galvanized steel, and the epoxy coating not only does not have a negative impact on anchorage performance, but also improve the bond strength between wire and cold-cast filler. The LZM cable system using epoxy-coated wire and the OVM250 and GJ cable system using epoxy-coated strand have been developed and widely applied in China since the year of 2001.

Large area (9 × 9 cm 2) electrostatically sprayed nanocrystalline zincite thin films for hydrogen production application

Synthesis of single phase nanocrystalline zinc ferrite (zincite) thin films that provides high surface area for active redox reactions is reported. Electrostatic spray method is employed for obtaining these ferrite films onto a stainless steel substrate of 9 × 9 cm 2 area using zinc acetate and iron nitrate precursor solutions, mixed in 1:1.5 proportions in triply-distilled water. Single zinc ferrite phase in films, confirmed from the X-ray diffraction pattern, reveals the aggregation of several nanometer-sized spherical grains. About 4 nm average roughness is obtained from the 3D AFM image. Zinc ferrite film deposited onto a glass substrate shows both direct (2.96 eV) and indirect (1.92 eV) band gap energies. Hydrophilic behavior that might facilitate easy reaction kinetics in a water splitting process is noticed. Finally, 450 mL/h hydrogen production rate is confirmed when zinc ferrite film electrode was used as an anode in presence of Pt mesh as a cathode.

Sterilization of Escherichia coli by using near-UV LED and TiO2 nanofibers that were prepared by using electrostatic spray

TiO2 nanofiber films were prepared by a homemade electrostatic spray method at 13 kV using a high power supply. As-prepared TiO2 was used to sterilize enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in polluted water by using near-UV LEDs at three different wavelengths with variable exposure time and frequency of irradiation. Irrespective of the wavelength of the light source used, longer irradiation times such as 1 h completely inactivated the E. coli. However, a wavelength of 375 nm was effective in inactivating in a shorter irradiation time (15 min). When the frequency of irradiation was 1 kHz, almost 95% of the E. coli was inactivated after 30 min exposure.

Encapsulation of Living Cells in Small (∼100 μm) Alginate Microcapsules by Electrostatic Spraying: A Parametric Study

A parametric study was performed to understand the effect of preparation parameters on size, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency (i.e., cells/microcapsule) of alginate microcapsules prepared using the electrostatic spray method. The preparation parameters studied include sodium alginate concentration, spray voltage, flow rate, and cell density. It was found that both the flow rate and spray voltage have a significant impact on microcapsule size while the microcapsule morphology is greatly influenced by both the sodium alginate concentration and spray voltage. To obtain small ( approximately 100 mum) cell-loaded microcapsules with good morphology (i.e., round in shape and uniform in size) and high encapsulation efficiency (>5 cells/microcapsule), the optimal ranges of spray voltage, flow rate, alginate concentration, and cell density are from 1.6-1.8 kV, 1.5-3 ml/h, >1.5% (w/v), and (3-5)x10(6) cells/ml, respectively. Under optimal preparation conditions, cells were found to survive the microencapsulation process well.

Ozonation of Soluble Organics in Aqueous Solutions Using Microbubbles

This work investigates ozonation of a mixture of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) dissolved in aqueous solutions having salt concentrations ranging from 0 to 2 M. The effect of microbubbles on the ozonation rate is examined. Microbubbles are formed either by an electrostatic spraying method or by a small-pore bubble diffuser. Although electrostatic spraying is effective for BTEX removal in low-conductivity solutions, results indicate it is not suitable for microbubble formation in high-ionic-strength solutions due to high electric current. In contrast, the bubble-diffuser method proved to be very effective in producing small bubbles in high-ionic-strength solutions. The production of small bubbles makes it possible to mitigate the mass transfer limitation, which has been shown to be the primary restriction in ozonation systems. When a bubble diffuser is employed, the removal rate of BTEX from simulated seawater is approximately twice that obtained with a simple capillary tube.