Elements Ti Research Articles

Tribological and Fatigue Behaviour of Ti-Nb-Zr-Sn Alloy through Powder Compacting: Novel Performance of High Niobium Alloys for Bone Tissue Compatibility

Biocompatible materials are natural or man-made substances kept in the body to turn a living cell into a working organ. Bone tissue and biocompatibility are emerging as an alternative approach to regenerating bone due to some distinct advantages over autografting and allografting. This research aimed to fabricate a novel porous scaffold Ti-Nb-Zr-Sn alloy that can be utilized as a bone substitute. Ti-Nb-Sn-Zr were selected by different weight ratios and synthesized using the powder metallurgy method. Zirconium (Zr) is incorporated to get enhanced biological performance. The elements Ti, Nb with Zr, and Sn are utilized due to their excellent biocompatibility with the human body. The Ti-35Nb-7Zr-4Sn alloy has high tensile strength between 1042 and 1603 MPa by ­increasing Zr and Nb weight ratios. In addition, 35% Nb/7% Zr with 4% Sn composite show improved hardness, which is beneficial for resembling bone tissue and die-casting fittings in automobile applications. Fatigue and wear analysis is conducted to help us understand the behaviour of the Ti-Nb-Zr-Sn alloy.

Moss biomonitoring of lithogenic impact on the distribution of various chemical elements in the air in the region of Mariovo, North Macedonia.

A study was conducted to investigate the air deposition and explore the distribution of potentially toxic elements in the Mariovo region, North Macedonia, using moss samples as biomonitors of air pollution. The distribution of 44 chemical elements was detected in 20 moss samples collected in the area. The moss samples were analyzed after microwave digestion using inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was found that atmospheric deposition for some potentially toxic elements in the moss samples in the study area was influenced only by lithogenic origin. R-mode factor analysis was used to identify and characterize elemental associations. Three factors were separated from the group of macroelements determined by ICP-AES: Factor 1 (Cr, Fe, Ni, V, Al, Zn, Pb, and Li), F2 (Li, Sr, and Ba), and F3 (P, and K); and two associations were separated from the group of trace elements determined by ICP-MS: Factor 1 (Ga, Sc, Ti, Co, Zr, Rb, As, Cs, Ge, Y, Sn, Mo, and rare earth elements - REEs) and Factor 2 (Br, B, Cd, I, and Sb).

Improving strength and elongation of laser directed energy deposited Cu-Nb alloy via Ti addition

The Ti element was designed to optimize the Cu/Nb interface structure. The Cu-Nb and Cu-Nb-Ti alloys were successfully prepared by laser directed energy deposition. Results show that the introduction of Ti can change the incoherent Cu/Nb interface into the semi-coherent Cu/β-Cu3Ti/Nb interface. The Cu/Nb interfaces are easily sheared, producing an attractive force on the dislocations, and the dislocations pile up at the incoherent Cu/Nb interfaces. As a consequence, the Cu-Nb deposited alloy exhibits a relatively low total elongation of 7.7 ± 1.1%. Instead, semi-coherent Cu/β-Cu3Ti/Nb interfaces change the movement of dislocations, making it easier for dislocations to transmit across the interface, thus relieving the stress concentration at the interface, which endows the Cu-Nb-Ti deposited alloy the higher total elongation of 13.4 ± 0.2%. In addition, due to the precipitation strengthening and solid solution strengthening, the Cu-Nb-Ti deposited alloy exhibits higher strength of 795 ± 7MPa.

High-strength and Low-Thermal-Conductivity Porous Multi-Principal Cation Mullite Ceramic

The secret of porous mullite as a thermal insulation material lies in its excellent mechanical properties and lower thermal conductivity. The optimization of performance often depends on the structure design. Herein, via NH4HCO3 as a sacrificial material to fabricate porous multi-principal cation mullite (MPCM) ceramics that have not been reported for 4 doping elements (Mg, Ti, Zr, and Cr) by a sacrificial template method. The novelties of the present work are: (1) The multiple components cause a serious lattice distortion at the microscopic scale, which increases the mechanical properties of porous MPCM ceramics. (2) Porous MPCM (total porosity ≈ 54%) exhibits superior compressive strength (≈ 93 MPa), and the compressive strength with porosity was well modeled based on the Balshin and Rice equations. (3) As a proof-of-concept, we predict the thermal conductivity of pure mullite (PM) with the same porosity as MPCM ceramics. Here it proved the superiority of MPCM (0.67 W∙m-1∙K-1, 1,000 °C) as a thermal insulation material over conventional PM. Porous MPCM prepared by NH4HCO3 will pave a new path for the design of advanced thermal-insulation materials.

Metal concentration in bottom sediments for a tropical river, geological or anthropogenic source?

The study analyzes data from a survey of metal concentrations in bottom sediments from both margins (left and right) of the lower main channel of the Orinoco River. This study aims to analyze metal concentrations in the bottom sediments of the lower Orinoco River with different geological settings and anthropological sources. El Almacen (ALM), Las Galderas (G), Los Castillos de Guayana (C), Ciudad Bolivar (CB), and Ciudad Guayana (CG) were the sampling sites. Freshwater physicochemical parameters pH, conductivity, and DO were measured in situ at each sample site. Twenty-four bottom sediment samples were collected with an Eckman grab, dried, and sieved. Trace elements Pb, Cr, Cu, Cd, Ti, and Co were measured in sediments with grain sizes <63μm. Bottom sediment analysis followed EPA method 3050B (digestion with HNO3 + HCl + H2O2). Statistical analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk test, Spearman correlation, Kruskal-Wallis test, and principal component analysis (PCA). Physicochemical parameters highlighted the marked difference between the left and the right river margins, reflecting the cross-channel heterogeneity due to the dissimilar geology and low horizontal mixing. Metal concentrations were generally low, with higher variations associated with urban and industrial sources. Pb, Cr, Cu, Cd, Ba, Ti, and Co concentrations did not generally indicate significant pollution, but potential contamination from sewage and industrial effluents was noted. The differences between the two river margins were common in all the sampling sites, reflecting the sources of water biochemistry related to geochemical origins in the Andes and the Guiana Shield, respectively. The study emphasizes the importance of sampling location within the river channel.

Influence of Ti element on the microstructure and crack of modulated WC-strengthened Ni-based alloy coatings by laser cladding

For laser cladding of WC reinforced Ni50A Ni-based alloy coatings can cause cracks and porosity. Cracks and pores will restrict the application and performance of the coating. In order to improve the crack condition of the coating, the influence of alloying element Ti on the crack was investigated by introducing it. Cracks in the coatings were eliminated. When the addition amount of Ti is 3wt%, the morphology and properties of the coating are the best. The phase composition, microstructure, elemental distribution and grain orientation of the coatings were characterised using X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The hardness and abrasion resistance of the coatings were tested using microhardness tester and friction tester. The results show that a large number of second phases are present in the coating when Ti particles are not added. The introduction of Ti element disperses the localised stresses in the Ni50A-WC coating. The macroscopic morphology of Ni50A-WC coating was improved. The introduction of Ti reduced the area of the second phase within the coating. The introduction of Ti generated TiC/TiWC2 in situ. However, the introduction of Ti increased the dilution rate and decreased the strength of the coating. Therefore, the microstructure of the coating can be controlled and the macroscopic defects of the coating can be improved by adjusting the addition ratio of Ti elements.

Characterization of Size Segregated PM10 at a Rural Site in the Eastern Mediterranean

Size-resolved PM10 samples (PM10-2.5 and PM2.5) were collected at a rural site located in the northeastern Mediterranean between August 2010 and April 2013. A total of 461 PM10 aerosol samples were analysed for major and trace elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, As, Ba and Pb) and anions (Cl-, NO3- and SO42-). Crustal elements and sea salt particles were found to be mainly associated with the coarse fraction, whereas SO42- and NO3- were predominantly found in the fine mode. Concentrations of most aerosol species exhibited well-defined seasonal variation with higher concentrations in summer than winter. The difference between summer and winter concentrations were not significant for As, Ca, Cr, Pb and NO3-. During the sampling period, 11 specific Saharan dust events were identified.

Influence of introducing Zr, Ti, Nb and Ce elements on externally solidified crystals and mechanical properties of high-pressure die-casting Al–Si alloy

Influence of introducing Zr, Ti, Nb and Ce elements on externally solidified crystals and mechanical properties of high-pressure die-casting Al–Si alloy

Excellent strength-ductility synergy in oxide dispersion strengthened AlCrFeNi high-entropy composites by heterostructure strategy

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) AlCrFeNi high-entropy composites were produced by different heterostructure strategies to achieve strength and ductility synergy. The effects of different reinforcement types, reinforcement contents and oxide-forming elements in the matrix on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ODS-AlCrFeNi composites were investigated. The results showed that in the composites with different reinforcement types (ternary ODS-CrFeNi, quaternary ODS-CoCrFeNi and quinary ODS-CoCrFeNiMn), spinodal decomposition is observed in the all reinforcements, resulting in the formation of ellipsoidal/cuboidal B2-structured NiAl-rich phase and BCC-structured FeCr phases. As the number of the principal elements in the reinforcing phase decreases, the spinodal decomposition size gradually decreases. In the composites with varying ODS-CrFeNi reinforcement contents (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%), the occurrence of spinodal decomposition is also observed in the reinforcement. The spinodal decomposition size in the composite with 15% and 20% reinforcement content is smaller than that with 5% and 10% content. It is noteworthy that the incorporation of oxide-forming elements of Zr and Ti or only Zr together with Y2O3 in to the matrix result in different reinforcement structures. The former is typical spinodal decomposition, whereas latter displays a gradient network structure comprising a FCC-structured FeNi phase and a BCC-structured Cr-rich phase. The superior strength-ductility synergy, a compressive strength and strain of 7,690 MPa and 15.5%, which are 2.7 and 2 times higher than those of the unreinforced reference alloy, respectively, is achieved. This is mainly contributed by the novel gradient network structure in the reinforcement.

Unravelling crack tip damage mechanisms: In-situ tensile assessment of Al-6Zn-2.1 Mg-2Cu alloy strengthened by Ti, Zr, and Sc micro-alloying

This study investigates the effect of micro-alloying elements (Ti, Zr and Sc) on the crack tip damage behaviour of cast Al-6Zn-2.1Mg-2Cu-X alloys to understand the effect of grain boundary interfaces, matrix, intermetallics and dispersoids on deformation and fracture behaviour. Notched tensile specimens were prepared and subjected to in-situ tensile deformation under FESEM to investigate the crack initiation, propagation, and eventual failure processes under uniaxial tensile loading. The experimental results reveal that fracture in the four Al-6Zn-2.1Mg-2Cu-X alloys is quasi-brittle due to strain accumulation and cleavage fracture mechanisms. The crack mainly initiates from the grain boundary lath S-Al2CuMg and η-MgZn2 intermetallic phases. Adding 0.25 % Sc forms small coherent Al3(Sc, Zr) dispersoids, increasing crack resistance. The ductility of the matrix is due to void nucleation, crack meandering, and crack tip-blunting phenomena. At high additions of microalloying elements (1 wt%), large Al3(Zr, Ti) intermetallics form and agglomerate, contributing to premature fracture. These findings from materials characterization and in-situ tensile testing indicate potential methods to enhance the fracture toughness of Al-6Zn-2.1Mg-2Cu alloys with additions of Zr, Ti, and Sc.

Short wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectral and geochemical characteristics of white micas in the Xiaonangou gold deposit, East Qinling: As a hyperspectral tool in exploration

The Xiaoqinling-Xiong’ershan region, a prominent component of the East Qinling Belt, is renowned worldwide for its molybdenum and gold ore fields. Moreover, with gold reserves of at least 1300 tons, it is also China’s major gold mining province, second only to Jiaodong. Seated in eastern center of the Xiong’ershan area, the Xiaonangou gold deposit has an estimated gold reserve of over 60 tons and is characterized by disseminated gold in altered rocks. Based on detailed petrographic investigation, coupled with an analysis of crosscutting relationships, there are three stages of hydrothermal alteration and mineralization: pre-ore K-feldspar + quartz (stage Ⅰ), ore quartz + ankerite + disseminated pyrite + polymetallic sulfide (stage Ⅱ), and post-ore quartz + carbonate (stage Ⅲ). As revealed by a systematic analysis of short wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy, four main types of alteration minerals exist, including white micas, clay minerals, chlorite, and carbonate minerals. In the ore body, white micas mainly developed in stage Ⅱ, and slightly occurred in stage Ⅰ. The clay minerals and chlorite usually developed in the banded alteration zones outside the orebody. Most of the carbonate minerals, including calcite and dolomite, mainly developed in stage Ⅲ, but the ankerite was associated with disseminated pyrite, quartz and polymetallic sulfides in stage Ⅱ. Of these, white micas were recognized as the most abundant hydrothermal alteration minerals, which were observed to be widely distributed within alteration zones in the Xiaonangou gold deposit. The SWIR parameters and its spatial variation of white mica indicate that the Al-OH absorption positions (Pos2200) exhibit a drifting tendency towards longer (>2205 nm) wavelengths in the ore body vicinity. Additionally, there is a discernible increase in illite crystallinity (IC values) in the same region. The temperature, redox, and pH conditions for associated fluids can be reflected through characterization of these parameters. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the ore-proximal zones are situated in a relatively oxidized, alkaline, and high-temperature environment in the Xiaonangou gold deposit. According to the electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) results, two distinct end members exist in white mica: a Si-poor, Al-rich muscovite and an Al-poor, Si-, Fe-, and Mg-rich phengite. The Si, ivAl, viAl, Mg, Fe, and Ti elements exhibit a linear correlation with the wavelength of Pos2200, demonstrating that the shift in wavelength of white mica is predominantly controlled by Tschermak substitution (ivSivi(Mg，Fe) ↔ivAlviAl). The application of spatial variation in the SWIR spectral parameters along with geochemical properties of white mica facilitates the effective guidance of mineral exploration. In comparison to other deposits, it can be concluded that the longer (>2205 nm) wavelength of the Pos2200 along with the higher IC values (>1.4) of white mica are applicable as valid vectors towards gold mineralization in the Xiaonangou gold deposit.

Preliminary XRF Analysis of Coal Ash from Jurassic and Carboniferous Coals at Five Kazakh Mines: Industrial and Environmental Comparisons

This study analyzes 105 coal ash samples from Jurassic and Carboniferous coals from five mines in Kazakhstan, Lenin, Saradyr, Bogatyr, Maikuben, and Shubarkol, focusing on the inorganic elemental compositions, their occurrence, and industrial and environmental implications. Methods include coal ash yield and volatile matter analysis, mineralogical characterization via low-temperature ash X-ray diffraction (LTA-XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). High-temperature ash (HTA) was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), highlighting XRF’s potential for rapid multi-elemental analysis. Nine major elements (Al, Si, P, S, Fe, K, Ca, and Ti) and eleven trace elements (As, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, V, Ga, Mn, Ni, Y, Yb, and Zr) were identified in HTA samples through EDXRF. SEM and dendrogram analysis confirm their co-occurrence with quartz, kaolinite, pyrite, and accessory minerals such as chalcopyrite, zircon, rutile, and REE-bearing apatite. The elemental content of samples enhances industrial suitability by reducing emissions. Only Yb shows slight enrichment for economic benefits, along with La, Ce, and Nd, while concentrations of potentially toxic elements indicate minimal environmental risk. EDXRF demonstrates its efficiency for large-scale investigations, with all samples analyzed in a few days using automated overnight measurements. This approach shows promise for future studies focusing on trace elements, including REE.

Effects of alloying elements on the corrosion behavior and discharge performance of Al-Zn-Mg-In-Ti-Sn sacrificial anode

A range of Al-Zn-Mg-In-Ti-Sn sacrificial anode alloys were designed and prepared, and the effects of In, Sn and Ti elements on the microstructure, self-corrosion and discharge properties of the alloys were investigated by orthogonal experiments. The experimental results indicate that In and Ti are solidly dissolved in the matrix, and Sn exists as Mg9Sn5 phases at the grain boundaries. Ti refines the grain size. The order of alloying elements affecting the corrosion rate and current efficiency of Al-Zn-Mg-In-Ti-Sn alloy is In>Sn>Ti. In promotes the activated dissolution of the anode due to dissolution-redeposition mechanism, but excessive addition of In inhibits the shedding of discharge products, leading to deteriorative discharge activation. Addition of Sn in Al anode increases the amount of anodic Mg9Sn5 phases and promotes the discharge activation of the substrate due to the galvanic corrosion. Al-5.5Zn-1.0Mg-0.02In-0.04Sn sacrificial anode has a current efficiency of 98.6 % and an actual capacity of 2816.9 Ah/kg, demonstrating an excellent discharge performance. During the discharge process, anodic dissolution mainly occurs along grain boundaries and the second phases, forming corrosion pits and then expanding over time. The accumulation of discharge products and excessive second phases leading to grain detachment significantly decrease the current efficiency of the Al-Zn-Mg-In-Ti-Sn alloy.

On the Influence of Microstructure and Properties of Direct Laser Deposited 50Cr6Ni2Y Coatings with Different TiC Contents

Three 50Cr6Ni2Y + x wt.% TiC (x = 1.5, 3.0, 4.5) alloy steel coatings were prepared using direct laser deposition (DLD) technology. The microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of DLD samples were studied. The results indicate that DLD coatings were composed of α-Fe (Fe-Cr-Ti), γ-Fe (Fe-Ni), and TiC. When the added TiC content was 3.0 wt.%, the DLD coating without cracks was fabricated, and TiC particles were well embedded in the sample. In addition, the coating demonstrated the best performance, with a microhardness of 758 ± 23.3 HV0.2, an average friction coefficient of 0.58, and a wear rate of 0.37 %. The addition of an appropriate amount of TiC as a reinforcing phase, on the one hand, had played a role in the second phase strengthening. On the other hand, the diffusion interfaces formed between TiC particles and the matrix allowed some Ti elements to melt into the matrix and formed a solid solution, playing a role in solid solution strengthening. The results could provide a reference for the preparation and repair of laser additive manufacturing high-performance wear-resistant parts.

Metal Contamination and Human Health Risk Assessment of Soils from Parks of Industrialized Town (Galati, Romania)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contamination state of the surface soil from 10 parks from Galati, Romania, and the health hazards of the soil. The soil samples, collected in each site from the playing ground and from the edge of the park, were analyzed by using combined Wavelength- (WDXRF) and Energy-Dispersive (EDXRF) X-ray fluorescence techniques. A total number of 27 chemical elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, Zn and Zr) were quantified in the urban soils, and the results were compared to the normal and alert values from Romanian legislation for toxic trace elements, as well as with European and world average values of element concentrations. The mineralogical analyses were performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (SEM-EDX) and the Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared technique (ATR-FTIR). To assess the soil contamination and the impact on human health of the presence of potential toxic elements and heavy metals in the soil, a series of pollution and health risk indices were used. All the results indicated an unpolluted to moderately polluted soil. The soil samples collected from the edge of the parks presented higher values for the specific pollutants, which originated from heavy traffic, such as Cu, Cr, Zn and Pb. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk to children was assessed using estimated daily intake (EDI) in relation to the pathways whereby pollutants can enter the human body, such as ingestion, dermal contact, inhalation and vaporization. Using the obtained values for EDI, the hazard quotient and hazard index were determined, which strengthen the formerly issued presumption that soil pollution is moderate and, by itself, does not present any threat to children’s health.

Preparation of TiCl4 from Ilmenite Concentrates via Carbothermal Reduction and Boiling Chlorination for Different Carbon Proportions.

Low-temperature boiling chlorination is the most common approach used to achieve a clean preparation of TiCl4 from ilmenite concentrates with high contents of calcium and magnesium impurities. However, this process did not systematically investigate the impact of the Ti/C ratio of the raw materials on the chlorination efficiency of Ti, Ca, and Mg elements. Thus, the influence of the carbon allocation proportion on the carbothermal reduction and boiling chlorination process of ilmenite concentrates with high contents of calcium and magnesium impurities was investigated in this study. The results show that the reduction products of ilmenite concentrates are mainly Mg-rich Ti2O3 impurities at a low carbon proportion. However, with increasing carbon proportion, Ti2O3 is gradually reduced to TiC x O1-x , and Mg2TiO4 appears. The Ti2O3 content in the acid-insoluble matter of the reduced products decreases after acid washing, while the TiC x O1-x content increases with increasing carbon allocation proportion. With increasing carbon proportion, the chlorination rate of the acid-insoluble matter increases, and the corresponding chlorination rates of titanium, magnesium, and calcium also increase. The residual carbon produced by acid-insoluble chlorination at high carbon proportions exacerbates the chlorination of Mg and Ca impurities.

Dopant effects on the environment-dependent chemical properties of NiO(100) surfaces

NiO is a promising material for applications such as electronic devices and catalysts due to its low cost, environmental friendliness, and optimal chemical and electronic properties. Inclusion of a dopant element into the NiO near surface structure can further tune material properties. Despite extensive studies on doped NiO (M−NiO) materials, there remains a lack of knowledge regarding the connection between dopant, environment-dependent dominant near surface structures, and overall chemical properties. Here, the dopant effects on the near surface structure and electronic properties on M−NiO(100) are systematically examined using a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio phase diagrams. The simultaneous factors tested include dopant element (Al, Mo, Nb, Sn, Ti, V, W, or Zr), dopant placement (surface or subsurface), Ni/O vacancies (surface or subsurface), and oxygen species (O* or O2*) adsorption. The results reveal the dominant structures and compositions of M−NiO(100) under a wide range of environmental conditions (i.e. varying temperature and pressure). Subsequent electronic analyses of the dominant M−NiO(100) structures show non-uniform changes in charge redistribution, band gap, work function, and d-band center with dopant and near surface structure, emphasizing the role of dopants in tuning M−NiO(100) both geometric and electronic properties. Overall, these multiscale modeling results enable a rapid, effective, and a priori prediction of dominant M−NiO(100) structures with distinct chemical properties, crucial for guiding NiO-based materials design with enhanced performance for advanced electronics, energy storage, and catalytic systems.

Study on the impact toughness and crack propagation behavior of Ti microalloyed weathering steel laser-MAG hybrid welded joints

In this work, the effect of Ti microalloying on the impact toughness of weathering steel laser-MAG hybrid welded joints was investigated and the corresponding crack initiation and propagation mechanisms were revealed. The results show that the impact toughness of heat affect zone (HAZ) increased by 39.4% and weld metal (WM) by 70.9% compared to Ti-free weathering steel welded joints. The degree of improvement in impact toughness gradually increases with the direction from BM (base metal) to WM. In the WM, Ti element can refine the precipitations and reduce the shape and size of M−A constituents. Furthermore, the microstructure in the WM exhibits the obvious preferred orientations, i.e., the maximum IPF intensity value are concentrated around the [111] pole (the slip direction of BCC structure), which is more prone to slip under external forces. In the HAZ, the addition of Ti mainly plays a role in decreasing the size of precipitations, inducing AF precipitation and increasing the homogeneity of grain size. Therefore, the impact toughness of WM and HAZ for Ti microalloyed weathering steel welded joints is improved by hindering the crack propagation. In addition, in the WM, the main crack path is flatter and the number of secondary cracks is more than that in the HAZ, indicating that the impact toughness of WM is poorer.

An Investigation into the Viability of Portable Proximal Sensor X-Ray Fluorescence Data for Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination in Urban Soils: A Case Study in Changchun, China.

In order to validate the applicability of pXRF for rapid in situ detection of heavy metals in urban soils and to accurately obtain an assessment of soil quality in Changchun, a city in northeast China, 164 soil samples from within the main urban area of Changchun were collected for pXRF analysis. The main stable elements Si and Ti were used to establish a matrix effect correction model, and the values of Cr (64.2 mg⋅kg-1), Cu (43.8 mg⋅kg-1), Zn (96.2 mg⋅kg-1), As (20.9 mg⋅kg-1), and Pb (57.4 mg⋅kg-1) were predicted. The empirical findings indicate that the quality of soil data from the pXRF was improved to different degrees under the correction model, and it became a relatively reliable dataset; the order of improvement was Cu > Pb > Cr > Zn > As. A comprehensive assessment indicated that Changchun City is primarily contaminated by the heavy metals As, Pb, and Cu, with the main sources being automobile manufacturing and pharmaceutical chemical production. These findings align with previous studies and have produced favorable outcomes in practical applications. This rapid, non-destructive and economical detection method is very applicable and economical for the sustainable monitoring and control of heavy metals in large cities. This study provides a basis for rapid large-scale prediction of urban soil safety and protection of local human health.

Fabrication of Zn and Ti-loaded Carbon-silica Composite Derived from Gelatin Template for the Photodegradation of Methylene Blue

Carbon-silica nanocomposites (CSNs) from gelatin as a carbon source and natural template and TEOS as a silica source have been successfully synthesized and impregnated into ZnO and TiO2 photocatalysts. The structural, morphological, and textural properties and photocatalytic activity for methylene blue degradation of TiO2/CSNs and ZnO/CSNs were investigated. XRD data revealed that TiO2/CSNs and ZnO/CSNs had different structural characteristics with similar crystallinity. FTIR spectra demonstrated the presence of Zn–O and Ti–OC bonds, respectively, at about 500-450 cm-1 and 1500 cm-1. The morphological surface exhibited stacked tubular shapes of TiO2/CSNs and ZnO/CSNs with the primary elements of Ti, Zn, Si, C, and O. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption curves revealed both micropores and mesopores of TiO2/CSNs and ZnO/CSNs where the surface area reduced due to the blocking pore after impregnation. Moreover, ZnO/CSNs verified a higher degradation percentage against methylene blue than that of TiO2/CSNs. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).