Mixture Of Ethanol Research Articles

Fabrication of an In Situ pH-Responsive Raloxifene-Loaded Invasome Hydrogel for Breast Cancer Management: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Background/Objectives: Raloxifene (RLF) is a therapeutic option for invasive breast cancer because it blocks estrogen receptors selectively. Low solubility, limited targeting, first-pass action, and poor absorption are some of the challenges that make RLF in oral form less effective. This study aimed to create an intra-tumoral in situ pH-responsive formulation of RLF–invasome (IPHRLI) for breast cancer treatment, with the goals of sustaining RLF release, minimizing adverse effects, and enhancing solubility, bioavailability, targeting, and effectiveness. Methods: Numerous RLF–invasome formulations were optimized using design expert software (version 12.0.6.0, StatEase Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). Integrating an optimal formulation with an amalgam of chitosan and glyceryl monooleate resulted in the IPHRLI formulation. In vivo testing of the IPHRLI formulation was conducted utilizing the Ehrlich cancer model. Results: Requirements for an optimum RLF–invasome formulation were met by a mixture of phospholipids (2.46%), ethanol (2.84%), and cineole (0.5%). The IPHRLI formulation substantially sustained its release by 75.41% after 8 h relative to free RLF. The bioavailability of intra-tumoral IPHRLI was substantially raised by 4.07-fold compared to oral free RLF. Histopathological and tumor volume analyses of intra-tumoral IPHRLI confirmed its efficacy and targeting effect. Conclusions: the intra-tumoral administration of the IPHRLI formulation may provide a potential strategy for breast cancer management.

Analytical Quality by Design Assisted Ecofriendly RP-HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Artificial Sweeteners in Commercial Food Samples Utilizing Green Ultrasound Assisted Extraction Technique: Greenness, Blueness and Whiteness Appraisal.

Acesulfame K (E950) and Saccharin Na (E954) are commonly utilized synthetic sweeteners that are added to various processed food products to improve the sweet flavor. It is essential to give priority to environmentally friendly technology while assessing them, as overuse of these sweeteners presents serious health hazards. The main aim of this study was to develop an AQbD aided ecofriendly RP-HPLC technique that can detect both Acesulfame K and Saccharin Na simultaneously incorporating green analytical chemistry (GAC) principles and white analytical chemistry (WAC); using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique on commercial food samples. The usage of ethanol was in accordance with eco-friendly ideals due to its ease of use, speed, and lack of environmental impact. Rotatable central composite designs (rCCD) was used for method optimization and a mobile phase consisting of a 50:50 (v/v) mixture of ethanol and 1% aqueous acetic acid (v/v), the separation was carried out on a Zorbax column (SB-C18, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a flow rate of 1 ml/min and a detection wavelength of 217 nm. Acesulfame K had retention duration of 1.134 minutes and Saccharin Na of 2.134 minutes. Acesulfame K and Saccharin Na recovery rates varied among different commercially available food samples, ranging from 65-102% and 75-101%, respectively. At the defined operating point, the developed procedure displays conformity with the previously defined requirements for linearity, accuracy, sensitivity, and repeatability. The most accurate assessments of greenness were produced by the GAPI, AES, and AGREE tools. Results from the Red-Green-Blue 12 (RGB 12) algorithm for whiteness and BAGI for blueness indicate that the method is very practical, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The results of this study could pave the way for more eco-friendly and effective AQbD methods to be used in the future for evaluating various sweeteners using green solvents.

Solubility study, model correlation and thermodynamics of 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one and its chlorinated derivatives in binary solvent mixtures at temperatures from 293.15 to 313.15 K

The solubility of 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (GK-1), 3-acetyl-6-chloro-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (GK-2), and 3-acetyl-7-chloro-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (GK-3) in binary solvent mixtures of methanol and ethanol was investigated using the gravimetric method over a temperature range of 293.15 K to 313.15 K under atmospheric pressure. Experimental results showed that the mole fraction solubility of GK-1, GK-2, and GK-3 increased with rising temperature and higher co-solvent proportions (0.10 to 0.90 mol fraction). Theoretical mole fraction solubility predictions were made using the Apelblat, Van’t Hoff, Yaws, CNIBS/R-K, and modified Jouyban-Acree models, all of which showed good agreement with the experimental data. Additionally, apparent thermodynamic modeling of GK-1, GK-2, and GK-3 was conducted using the Van’t Hoff equation. The solubility and thermodynamic data obtained are valuable for the processes of production, isolation, separation, and crystallization of these compounds.

Developing Sustainable Wood Preservatives: The Antifungal Efficiency of Afzelia quanzensis Welv. and Androstachys johnsonii Prain Sawdust Extracts from Mozambique

This study aimed to both develop and assess the antifungal efficacy of extractives derived from different sets of sawdust originating from two hardwood species, namely chanfuta (Afzelia quanzensis Welv.) and mecrusse (Androstachys johnsonnii Prain). These hardwood species possess inherent characteristics of high natural durability. The primary objective was to use these extractives to impregnate perishable wood species, enhancing their durability and augmenting their commercial value. Collected wood sawdust was initially sieved to remove residues and unwanted materials and conditioned until 12% moisture content. Subsequently, the sawdust was Soxhlet-extracted using a mixture of organic solvents, including acetone, ethanol, and toluene. After evaporating the solvents, the resulting extractives were used to prepare a preservative solution with ethanol and acetone. The extractive solutions from each wood species were mixed with malt extract agar and then diluted to various concentrations: 0.125 mg/mL, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL, 1.25 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, and 2.5 mg/mL. For each concentration, fungal plugs from the periphery of actively growing cultures were moved to the centre of Petri dishes and placed in controlled laboratory conditions for incubation. The antifungal efficacy was assessed against specific wood-decaying fungi, including brown rot fungi (Coniophora puteana, Postia placenta, Lentinus lapideus) and white rot (Trametes versicolor). The evaluation involved daily monitoring of the linear expansion along two perpendicular radii for each fungus expressed as a percentage of the empty Petri dish area. The results indicated that the chanfuta extractives inhibited the growth of brown rot fungi at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL and white rot fungi at 2.0 mg/mL. Similarly, the mecrusse extractives inhibit brown rot at 0.5 mg/mL and white rot at 2.0 mg/mL. The fatty acids Oleic (C18:1) present in the chanfuta extractives solution and linoleic (C18:2) in mecrusse extractives contributed to restraining the fungal growth. These results suggest that sawdust extractives from both wood species exhibit promising potential for creating environmentally friendly wood preservatives, which, with effective treatments, could extend the lifespan of perishable wood species

Optimizing the Precipitation of Bioactive Compounds From Extracted Curcuma longa Linn. Using Gas Anti‐Solvent Process

ABSTRACTTurmeric is a medicinal herb that can be used in a wide range of applications, such as food ingredients, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. The active ingredients found in turmeric are curcumin (CUR), desmethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdesmethoxycurcumin (BMDC). The aim of this research was to precipitate the active ingredients from a turmeric extract using the gas anti‐solvent process with carbon dioxide as the anti‐solvent. The effects of solvent type (ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile), precipitation temperature (25°C–45°C), and CO2 flow rate (4–12 mL/min) on the amount of precipitates were investigated using the Box–Behnken design of experiments. The precipitates were analyzed for curcuminoids and CUR content using HPLC and were tested for antioxidant activity. It was found that solvent type and temperature were significant variables at a 5% significance level on the amount of precipitates. Using a mixture of ethanol and methanol (77.5% v/v ethanol) with a polarity index of 4.48 as the solvent, a precipitation temperature of 25.40°C, and a CO2 flow rate of 7.56 mL/min was found to be the optimal conditions for achieving the highest amount of precipitates. At the optimal conditions, the amounts of curcuminoids and CUR precipitates were found to be 27.33 ± 0.23 and 13.30 ± 0.12 mg/5 mL of extracted solution, respectively. In the antioxidant studies, the Trolox equivalents found in the products at the optimal conditions using DPPH and ABTS assays were 38.19 ± 0.17 and 65.96 ± 2.36 mg/5 mL of extracted solution, respectively. The total phenolic content was found to be 30.84 ± 1.80 mg/5 mL of extracted solution.

Exploiting the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology for green hydrogen production and storage: Exergo-economic analysis

This study presents and analyses three plant configurations of the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology. All the solutions are based on using the OTEC system to obtain hydrogen through an electrolyzer. The hydrogen is then compressed and stored. In the first and second layouts, a Rankine cycle with ammonia and a mixture of water and ethanol is utilised respectively; in the third layout, a Kalina cycle is considered. In each configuration, the OTEC cycle is coupled with a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer and the compression and storage system. The water entering the electrolyzer is pre-heated to 80 °C by a solar collector. Energy, exergy, and exergo-economic studies were conducted to evaluate the cost of producing, compressing, and storing hydrogen. A parametric analysis examining the main design constraints was performed based on the temperature range of the condenser, the mass flow ratio of hot and cold resource flows, and the mass fraction. The maximum value of the overall exergy efficiency calculated is equal to 93.5% for the Kalina cycle, and 0.524 €/kWh is the minimum cost of hydrogen production achieved. The results were compared with typical data from other hydrogen production systems.

Preparation of amorphous Nd/Dy-based metal organic framework@MXene for solar driven selective photocatalytic and serving as sensor for fluorescence quenching detection, and biological activity

The development of a new Neodymium/Dysprosium metal–organic framework, referred to as Nd/Dy-BTC MOF, based on benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, has been achieved through an in situ growth process on 2D transition metal carbides (MXene) surfaces. This synthesis was conducted via a solvothermal method utilizing a solvent mixture of water, ethanol, and dimethylformamide. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the framework’s efficacy as a photocatalyst for the degradation of anionic dye, as well as its potential for sensing certain explosives. The Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene has been characterized by various analysis techniques. The prepared Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene was utilized as catalyst in selective degradation of methyl orange dye. The study examined the influence of pH and catalyst concentration, revealing that the catalyst achieves peak efficiency of 93.55% when exposed to sunlight in an acidic medium. The reusability of the catalyst shows the highest efficient photocatalyst after four cycles of reusability. The detection of explosives, specifically 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, through photoluminescence techniques has been conducted, utilizing the Stern-Volmer equation to evaluate the quenching efficiency. The findings indicated remarkable efficiency and selectivity of Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, achieving a quenching efficiency of 91%. Furthermore, the reusability tests demonstrated that Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene exhibits outstanding recyclability, maintaining performance over five cycles. The antibacterial activity of Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene was investigated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains due to indication of medicine properties of Nd/Dy-MOF@MXene.

Changes in the relaxivity of water-organic solvent miscible systems: Hidden forces beyond metal ions.

The relaxivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents is primarily attributed to metal ions such as gadolinium (Gd) and iron. However, the impact of organic solutes on relaxivity, particularly through alterations in water molecule dynamics, has not been thoroughly investigated. This research was aimed to explore how organic solutes affect the relaxivities of water and Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs), potentially revealing new aspects for the development of contrast agents. To investigate the effects of different proportions of water-soluble organic solvents mixed with pure water and GBCA on T1 and T2 relaxivities. Ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 1,4-dioxane, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, and PEG 400 were mixed with ultrapure water in various ratios (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, 10:90, 0:100). GBCA was added to these mixtures at a concentration of 0.05 mmol/L. The mixtures underwent T1 and T2 mapping scans using a 3.0 Tesla MRI machine, and the relaxivities R1 (1/T1) and R2 (1/T2) were calculated and compared. The relaxivity R1 of ethanol, 1,4-dioxane, and DMSO mixtures with water or GBCA, as well as R2 of DMSO mixtures with GBCA, initially increased and then decreased. Conversely, R1 and R2 increased significantly with higher proportions of diethylene glycol, PEG 200, and glycerin in the mixtures with GBCA. The increase in relaxivity R1 was correlated with greater viscosity. When the proportion of DMSO and diethylene glycol exceeded 20%, minimal variability in R2 was observed as the water content decreased. Adding organic solvents to water and paramagnetic relaxation reagents could alter T1 and T2 relaxivities, suggesting potential new directions for modifying current contrast agents. Additionally, increasing the viscosity of the contrast agent was found to enhance the relaxivity.

High quality and sensitivity phononic crystal channel drop filter to detect ethyl lactate in mixtures of ethyl lactate and 2-butoxy ethanol

This paper introduces a new sensing approach utilizing a solid-solid phononic crystal (PnC) channel drop filter structure for the detection of varying molar fractions of Ethyl lactate within a mixture of Ethyl lactate and 2-butoxy ethanol. The sensor features a two-dimensional PnC constructed from poly methyl methacrylate as the background material, incorporating a regular arrangement of circular Tungsten columns. The design integrates a bus waveguide linked to two interconnected ring resonators, which are coupled to a drop waveguide. Each ring resonator is equipped with three strategically positioned pillars near the coupling region, allowing for the accommodation of varying concentrations of Ethyl lactate. The sensor’s performance is significantly influenced by the ring resonators and the integrated pillars. It identifies specific resonance frequencies that shift in response to changes in Ethyl lactate concentrations within the resonators. The transmission resonance frequency exhibits valuable sensitivity to these concentration variations, reflecting the unique sound velocities and mass densities associated with each level of Ethyl lactate. The effectiveness of the proposed sensor is validated through coupled mode theory, demonstrating a close match with the device’s observed behavior. The measured frequency range spans from 1.972 MHz to 1.979 MHz with a step size of 1 Hz. Notably, the sensor displays considerable characteristics, including an average quality factor of 90,613, an average sensitivity of 3816 Hz, an average figure of merit of 172, an average signal-to-noise ratio of 137, an average resolution of 22 Hz, an average damping ratio of 0.56 × 10− 5, and an average limit of detection of 34 × 10− 5. These results underscore the potential of the channel drop filter for the accurate detection of Ethyl lactate concentrations with high quality factor and sensitivity. The sensor can effectively identify variations in Ethyl lactate levels, which are prevalent in various applications, including pharmaceuticals and food additives.

Method for determination of gamma oryzanol in dietary supplement by high performance liquid chromatography

Gamma oryzanol (GO), a phytosterol found most abundantly in rice bran oil as well as corn, barley, rye, vegetable oils and wheat bran. Thanks to its ability to slow down the development of melanin pigments, prevent the effects and spread of ultraviolet rays on the skin's surface, limiting freckles and darkening of the skin, in recent years, GO has been added to dietary supplements to help reduce melasma, brighten and smooth the skin. For the purpose of evaluating and controlling product quality, the GO analysis method was developed and validated. GO was analyzed by HPLC using a PDA detector with a C18 chromatography column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) and a mobile phase consisting of methanol and acetonitrile in isocratic mode 35: 65 (v/v). The test sample was extracted with a mixture of n-hexane and ethanol at a ratio of 2: 5 (v/v). The method was evaluated for system suitability, specificity, calibration curve, precision and accuracy with limit of detection and limit of quantification were 15.0 µg/g and 50.0 µg/g, respectively. The analysis results of 10 real samples including 03 pellet samples and 07 powder samples showed that the method is suitable for analyzing samples with different concentration ranges.

A novel insight into the enhanced electrochemical performance of Mg-air battery in mixed aqueous and organic electrolytes

A new strategy of utilizing mixtures of ethanol and complexing agents on Mg-air battery is investigated systematically. The presence of ethanol promotes formation of a dense inner layer with a high portion of oxide in the discharge film, leading to significantly enhanced utilization efficiency. The highest utilization efficiency of Mg anode has been increased from 53.6 % to 85.7 % and the discharge potential is decreased 300 mV, when discharges in mixed electrolyte. The adsorption/deposition of S-like species on metal surface is evidenced in ethanol and 5-sulfosalicylate acid containing solution, resulting in inhibition of the hydroxide-rich outer layer growth.

Limitations and characteristics of converted industrial acrylic sheet into an in vitro platform using CO2 laser

The recent US FDA Modernization Act 2.0 has intensified interest in microfluidic-based in vitro systems for preclinical research. However, the high costs of conventional microfabrication methods and commercial devices present significant barriers, particularly in developing countries. This study addresses these challenges by exploring the use of industrial-grade acrylic sheets and a conventional CO2 laser for cost-effective microfabrication. The research investigates the effects of laser parameters—specifically nozzle speed and power—on the dimensions and quality of microchannels, surface roughness, and bonding strength. Results indicate that increased nozzle speed reduces kerf width and enhances microchannel quality, whereas high laser power (∼52 watts) induces bubbling at the edges. A simple acetone and ethanol mixture was found to provide optimal bonding strength without altering the acrylic’s molecular structure. UV spectrophotometry revealed minimal changes (∼6 %) in visible light transmittance due to bonding conditions, while FTIR analysis showed no residuals that could potentially cause cytotoxicity. Despite variations in surface roughness resulting from the etching process, cell viability remained unaffected. The surfaces supported effective cell culture for lung (A549), neuron (SH-SY5Y), and liver (HepG2) cell lines. This approach presents a practical and cost-effective solution for developing in vitro platforms, making it an accessible option for research and academic applications.

Tunable diameter of electrospun fibers using empirical scaling laws of electrospinning parameters

This study introduces a new semi-empirical power-law model for predicting electrospun fiber diameter (D), addressing key processing parameters. Polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers were produced using a solvent mixture of Trichloromethane (TCM), Dimethyl Formamide (DMF), and ethanol (EtOH). Systematic experiments validated an existing theoretical model and led to the development of a novel model: D ∼ (c1/2η1/3Q1/5X2/3)/(U2/3ω1/4I1/5). This model incorporates seven crucial parameters: viscosity (η), concentration (c), voltage (U), spinning distance (X), flow–rate (Q), current (I) and collector wheel rotation speed (ω). The model was validated through a partial factorial design experiment, proving to be a valuable and reliable tool for predicting fiber diameters and optimizing electrospinning processes. The ability to control fiber diameter is essential for tailoring electrospun fibers for various applications, including biomedicine, filtration, sensors, and lightweight materials.

Oriented 1D Metal-Organic Frameworks for Selective Chemisorption by a Substitution-Insertion Mechanism.

Chemisorption on organometallic-based adsorbents is crucial for the controlled separation and purification of targeted systems. Herein, oriented 1D NH2-CuBDC·H2O metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) featuring accessible CuII sites are successfully fabricated by bottom-up interfacial polymerization. The prepared MOFs, as deliberately self-assembled secondary particles, exhibit a visually detectable coordination-responsive characteristic induced by the nucleophilic substitution and competitive coordination of guest molecules. As a versatile phase-change chemosorbent, the MOFs exhibit unprecedented NH3 capture (18.83 mmol g-1 at 298 K) and bioethanol dehydration performance (enriching ethanol from 99% to 99.99% within 10 min by direct adsorption separation of liquid mixtures of ethanol and water). Furthermore, the raw materials for preparing the 1D MOFs are inexpensive and readily available, and the facile regeneration with water washing at room temperature effectively minimizes the energy consumption and cost of recycling, enabling it to be the most valuable adsorbent for the removal and separation of target substances.

Investigation of the physicochemical and thermodynamic characteristics of imidazole ionic liquids with water and ethanol mixtures

Investigation of the physicochemical and thermodynamic characteristics of imidazole ionic liquids with water and ethanol mixtures

Hydrothermal liquefaction of southern yellow pine with downstream processing for improved fuel grade chemicals production

The hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technique for liquefying lignocellulose biomass feedstock is often associated with low biocrude yield and poor fuel properties. This study examined the HTL of southern yellow pine sawdust and the hydrotreatment (HYD) of produced biocrudes in an effort to address these challenges. Pine HTL treatment was performed within water and water–ethanol mixed reaction medium at 250, 300, and 350℃ temperatures using metallic iron (Fe) as a catalyst. The rising reaction temperature in a water medium and increasing ethanol content in a mixed reaction medium were found to be effective in enhancing the biocrude yield from the non-catalytic pine HTL process. Maximum non-catalytic biocrude yield of 18 wt.% was produced in water at 350℃, whereas the ethanol and water (1:1 on mass basis) mixture generated the highest biocrude yield of 34 wt.% at 300℃ without any catalyst. The iron catalyst facilitated a maximum of 29 wt.% of biocrude yield as opposed to 18 wt.% without the catalyst at 350℃ in water. The use of an iron catalyst also raised the calorific value of produced biocrudes by 2.5–14 % within 250-350℃ in both water and water–ethanol media. The catalytic and non-catalytic biocrude products were chosen to undergo HYD treatment at 400 °C under high hydrogen pressure (initial 1000 psi) using an alumina-supported cobalt-molybdenum catalyst. The HYD treatment reduced the oxygen content of upgraded oils by 36–60 % compared to the parent HTL biocrudes with 35–37 MJ/kg calorific values. The simulated distillation detected the maximum gasoline range compounds in upgraded oil from catalyst and water–ethanol conditions, whereas the GC–MS analysis revealed the production of increased aromatic hydrocarbons in all upgraded HYD oils. This work has demonstrated the potential of ethanol and inexpensive iron catalyst in enhancing the biocrude production from pine, which could be upgraded to better fuel using the HYD process.

Optimization of the experimental design parameters for synthesis of Fluconazole loaded transethosomes as nano-based antifungal vesicles

Introduction: Antifungal drugs formulated in conventional pharmaceutical forms are not fully effective due to various factors. New approaches have focused on transdermal delivery drugs, including transethosomes, where the mixture of ethanol and surfactant allows a deeper drug skin’s penetration. Formulation parameters and process variables can make their optimization a considerable challenge. This study aimed to formulate Fluconazole-loaded transethosomes using a full-factorial design with the goal of optimizing formulation and process variables. Method: Fluconazole transethosomes were developed using the cold Method. A 21,31 full-factorial design was created by Design Expert® Software, where the impact of surfactant’s type and soy lecithin to surfactant ratio on resulting formulation were investigated. The formulations were tested for vesicle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency. Results: Formulations containing Tween®80 presented the smaller particle sizes and showed a considerable entrapment efficiency for Fluconazole, they were more homogenous and highly stable compared to those prepared with Span®80. The optimized soy lecithin to surfactant ratio of 90:10 with Tween®80 was deemed apt for the synthesis of transethosomes giving the optimal formulation with a small particle size (300.2±5.57 nm), a low PDI (0.203±0.004), a good zeta potential (−31.75±0.68 mV) and a high entrapment efficiency (88.11±0.74 %). Conclusion: This study enabled the in-depth identification and optimization of the key factors involved in the experimental process, such as the type of surfactant used and the soybean lecithin-to-surfactant ratio. To ensure safety and effectiveness in use, this work provides the perspective of continuing the study by evaluating the antifungal activity, long-term stability and safety of Fluconazole-loaded transethosomes.

A novel microwave microfluidic sensor for purity detection of Medicines’ raw materials

A novel microwave microfluidic sensor is offered for purity detection of medicine’s raw materials which is composed of two radial components and a PDMS microfluidic holder to apply the test samples. The basis of the sensing method is the shift in the resonance frequency and quality factor of the resonator in the presence of liquids with different complex permittivity. To investigate the performance of the proposed sensor, various solvents, binary mixtures of ethanol–water, and raw materials of 3 different medicines have been checked and a 980 MHz variation of resonance frequency, which provided a very high sensitivity equal to 0.53, was achieved for a complex permittivity range of 1–78.4. The proposed sensor has a small size, simple design, easy fabrication process, and very high sensitivity while it is fabricated on an FR4 substrate which decreases the total cost significantly.

Speed Effects on the Performance of a Gasoline Engine Using a Mixture of Gasoline-Ethanol Fuels

In recent years, to quantify the quality, energy called "exergy" has been widely used in designs, simulations, and evaluation of the performance of various thermal-chemical systems. The main goal of this project is to evaluate the quality of gasoline engines and the efficiency of a gasoline engine using a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. Furthermore, the effects of 2500 rpm and 4500 rpm on analyzing the second law of thermodynamics were investigated with different fuels. The methods examined in this research include efficiency through heat transfer, irreversibility, total efficiency, and efficiency of burned fuel. The results showed that the performance parameters for gasoline and different ethanol compounds increase until the combustion stage then decrease with the beginning of the expansion phase. For fuel E85, 32.323% of the input energy is converted into indicative exergy and this value for E0, E20, E40, and E60 fuels was 26.27%, 28.5%, 30.3%, and 31.8% respectively. By increasing the amount of ethanol, the efficiency of the second law of thermodynamics increases. The second law efficiency at 4500 rpm for E0, E20, E40, E60, and E85 fuels was, 32%, 35.7% 39.8%, 42.8%, and 50% respectively. Furthermore, by reducing the speed to 2500 rpm, the efficiency for E0, E20, E40, E60, and E85 fuels reduced to 26.7%, 30.4%, 31%, 34%, and 36%, respectively.

ZnO/AgSbO3 as an improved nanophotocatalyst in the synthesis of some naphthopyranopyrimidines

The design of heterogeneous photocatalyst ZnO/AgSbO3 by incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver antimonate (AgSbO3) afforded a new efficient photocatalyst. The physicochemical and optical properties of the synthesized material were also studied by various common techniques such as FE-SEM, FT-IR, XRD, EDS, DRS, and UV–Vis. The hydrothermal deposition method was used for the synthesis of this nanocomposite and led us to control structural integrity of the nanomaterial with improved charge separation efficiency. In this study, ZnO/AgSbO3 photocatalyst effectively facilitated synthesis of different naphthopyramidines by increasing charge separation, generating reactive species, and promoting the desired chemical transformation under a green-light irradiation. This approach not only improved efficiency, but also contributed to a more environmental benign approach for the synthesis of the target heterocycles. The results showed that the reaction efficiency is around 97 % based on the isolated yield under optimal conditions. The best reaction condition involved condensation of benzaldehyde (1 mmol), 2-naphthol (1 mmol), and N,N-dimethylbarbituric acid (1 mmol) in a mixture of ethanol (3 ml) and deionized water (1 ml) in the presence of ZnO/AgSbO3 (0.006 g) at room temperature under irradiation of a green light emitting diode. Reusability experiments revealed that FT-IR, XRD, and FE-SEM of the new and reused photocatalysts are comparable, confirming stability of the nanomaterial during the condensation reaction.