Fast Absorption Research Articles

The study of double-network carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate based cryogels for rapid hemostasis in noncompressible hemorrhage

Developing an injectable hemostatic dressing with shape recovery and high blood absorption ratio for rapid hemostasis in noncompressible hemorrhage maintains a critical clinical challenge. Here, double-network cryogels based on carboxymethyl chitosan, sodium alginate, and methacrylated sodium alginate were prepared by covalent crosslinking and physical crosslinking, and named carboxymethyl chitosan/methacrylated sodium alginate (CM) cryogels. Covalent crosslinking was achieved by methacrylated sodium alginate in the freeze casting process, while physical crosslinking was realized by electrostatic interaction between the amino group of carboxymethyl chitosan and the carboxyl group of sodium alginate. CM cryogels exhibited large water swelling ratios (8167 ± 1062 %), fast blood absorption speed (2974 ± 669 % in 15 s), excellent compressive strength (over 160 kPa for CM100) and shape recovery performance. Compared with gauze and commercial gelatin sponge, better hemostatic capacities were demonstrated for CM cryogel with the minimum blood loss of 40.0 ± 8.9 mg and the lowest hemostasis time of 5.0 ± 2.0 s at hemostasis of rat liver. Made of natural polysaccharides with biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility, the CM cryogels exhibit shape recovery and high blood absorption rate, making them promising to be used as an injectable hemostatic dressing for rapid hemostasis in noncompressible hemorrhage.

Sebetralstat: A Rapidly Acting Oral Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitor for the On-Demand Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema

Sebetralstat is a novel, potent, and selective oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor drug candidate in clinical development for the on-demand treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE). Upon binding, sebetralstat induces a conformational change in the active site of plasma kallikrein, which contributes to its high potency (Ki 3 nM) and selectivity (>1500 fold) against other serine proteases. Its physiochemical properties promote both rapid dissolution in the stomach and rapid absorption in the upper intestine that contribute to its fast and efficient absorption. A single oral administration of sebetralstat rapidly provides near-complete inhibition of plasma kallikrein and blockade of high-molecular-weight kininogen cleavage as early as 15 min, which drives its clinical efficacy. In a phase 2 clinical trial, sebetralstat significantly reduced the time to beginning of symptom relief (p < 0.0001) with median times of 1.6 h (95% CI: 1.5–3.0) with sebetralstat versus 9.0 h (4.0–17.2) with placebo. KONFIDENT (NCT05259917) is a phase 3 clinical trial assessing the on-demand use of sebetralstat for HAE. If successful, this trial could support the approval of sebetralstat as the first noninvasive, on-demand treatment option to rapidly halt HAE attacks and provide fast symptom relief.

Investigations to intensified hydrogen production via sorption enhanced water gas shift reaction

Sorption enhanced water gas shift (SEWGS) reaction for the equilibrium enhanced hydrogen production is investigated using lithium orthosilicate (Li4SiO4) sorbents mixed with 1 wt% Pt/Al2O3 catalysts. The Li4SiO4 sorbents, synthesized using novel surfactant-mediated method, are characterized by ultra-fast CO2 capture rates with CO2 absorption capacity in the range of 319–333 mgCO2·g−s1. The thermogravimetric analysis results show ∼ 26 wt% of the carbonation sites are participating in the fast CO2 absorption (∼ 298 mgCO2·g−s1·min−1). The use of these sorbents with 1 wt% Pt/Al2O3 catalysts in the water gas shift reaction show a 103% increase in the hydrogen yield compared to the equilibrium concentration at 600◦C. The Li4SiO4 sorbent-catalyst combination show a shift in the equilibrium by preventing the reverse reaction in the temperature range of 600–650◦C. The SEWGS experiments show that the CO2 absorption capacities, and consequently the hydrogen yields, are affected by the diffusional resistance across Li2CO3 and Li2SiO3 product domains in the sorbent. The Li4SiO4 conversion rates during the SEWGS reaction are measured by sampling at different points in the SEWGS reaction and subsequent Rietveld analysis of the XRD patterns. The XRD results suggest the decrease in CO2 absorption rates as a result of the formation of additional Li2CO3 and Li2SiO3 fractions with decreasing Li4SiO4 phase in this nano-structured composite.

Nitric oxide-releasing photocrosslinked chitosan cryogels

The highly porous morphology of chitosan cryogels, with submicrometric-sized pore cell walls, provides a large surface area which leads to fast water absorption and elevated swelling degrees. These characteristics are crucial for the applications of nitric oxide (NO) releasing biomaterials, in which the release of NO is triggered by the hydration of the material. In the present study, we report the development of chitosan cryogels (CS) with a porous structure of interconnected cells, with wall thicknesses in the range of 340–881 nm, capable of releasing NO triggered by the rapid hydration process. This property was obtained using an innovative strategy based on the functionalization of CS with two previously synthesized S-nitrosothiols: S-nitrosothioglycolic acid (TGA(SNO)) and S-nitrosomercaptosuccinic acid (MSA(SNO)). For this purpose, CS was previously methacrylated with glycidyl methacrylate and subsequently submitted to photocrosslinking and freeze-drying processes. The photocrosslinked hydrogels thus obtained were then functionalized with TGA(SNO) and MSA(SNO) in reactions mediated by carbodiimide. After functionalization, the hydrogels were frozen and freeze-dried to obtain porous S-nitrosated chitosan cryogels with high swelling capacities. Through chemiluminescence measurements, we demonstrated that CS-TGA(SNO) and CS-MSA(SNO) cryogels spontaneously release NO upon water absorption at rates of 3.34 × 10−2 nmol mg−1 min−1 and 1.27 × 10−1 nmol mg−1 min−1, respectively, opening new perspectives for the use of CS as a platform for localized NO delivery in biomedical applications.

New peptide analgesic, μ1-opioid receptor agonist tafalgin, in multimodal pain management. First results of using in a multidisciplinary hospital

Therapy of chronic pain syndrome and adequate perioperative pain management during treatment of malignant neoplasms are important problems at the current stage of clinical medicine development. Currently, multimodal pain management is effectively applied through drugs of various pharmacological groups prescribed depending on pain intensity in accordance with a digital rating scale. Associated adverse events as well as impossibility of using peroral or transdermal forms in some cases, limit the use of opioid analgesics. High bioavailability and fast absorption of μ1-opioid receptor agonist tafalgin shown during preclinical studies, relatively favorable safety profile allowed to use this drug in oncological clinic.An experience of using tafalgin in treatment of pain syndrome in patients with malignant tumors at the “Lapino” clinical hospital since 2022 is presented. The effectiveness of the drug is evaluated, and its niche in multimodal pain management is determined.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Cabotegravir Following Oral Administration and Long-Acting Intramuscular Injection in Real-World People with HIV.

Long-acting cabotegravir has been studied mainly in the stringent framework of clinical trials, which does not necessarily reflect the situation of people with HIV (PWH) in routine clinical settings. The present population pharmacokinetic analysis aims to build real-world reference percentile curves of cabotegravir concentrations, accounting for patient-related factors that may affect cabotegravir exposure. The second objective is to simulate whether dosing interval adjustments of cabotegravir could be considered in specific subpopulations. Overall, 238 PWH contributed to 1,038 cabotegravir levels (186 during the initial oral administration phase and 852 after intramuscular injection). Cabotegravir pharmacokinetics was best described using a one-compartment model with distinct first order-absorption for oral and intramuscular administrations, and identical volume and clearance. Our model showed almost 40% faster absorption and 30% higher clearance than previously reported, resulting in a time to steady-state of 8 months and an elimination half-life of 4.6 weeks for long-acting cabotegravir. Sex and body mass index significantly influenced absorption, and bodyweight affected clearance. Model-based simulations showed that cabotegravir trough concentrations in females were 25% lower 4 weeks after the intramuscular loading dose, but 42% higher during the late maintenance phase. Finally, simulations indicated that in females, despite significantly higher cabotegravir concentrations, longer intervals between injections may not consistently ensure levels above the 4-fold protein-adjusted 90% inhibitory target concentration.

Soft and flexible polyvinyl alcohol/pullulan aerogels with fast and high water absorption capacity for facial mask substrates

Facial mask substrates commonly used in skincare are often considered unhealthy and environmentally unfriendly due to their composition of premoistened nonwovens containing various preservatives. This study aims to address this issue by developing a preservative-free degradable aerogel made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/pullulan (PUL) using a unidirectional freeze-drying method. The aerogels had ordered three-dimensional porous structures and exhibited desirable mechanical properties. They were soft and flexible in both dry and wet states, and their Young's moduli were comparable to that of human skin. The aerogels had high porosity, ranging from 93.0 % to 95.1 %, and exhibited a high water absorption rate and water absorption capacity (ranging from 7.5 g/g to 10.1 g/g). After 30 min of water evaporation, the aerogels showed excellent moisture retention, ranging from 88 % to 93 %. Additionally, the PVA/PUL aerogel efficiently loaded and released active ingredients, such as rapidly releasing ascorbic acid (> 90 % within 30 min). These findings suggest that the PVA/PUL aerogel has potential as a material for facial mask substrates.

Effects of envelopes on cardiac implantable electronic device pocket healing: A head-to-head preclinical evaluation

BackgroundThe healing response to cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation results in inflammation that can lead to fibrous pocket formation, which may disrupt pocket healing or complicate future interventions. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess CIED pocket healing with use of the second-generation TYRX absorbable antibacterial envelope (T2), the next-generation (NG) TYRX absorbable antibacterial envelope under development, and the CanGaroo® extracellular matrix envelope (ECM) compared to no envelope. MethodsA total of 110 CIEDs were implanted in an ovine model, either with (T2, NG, or ECM) or without envelopes. Histopathologic and morphometric analyses were completed at several timepoints after implant (3 days, 7 days, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks). An independent pathologist completed a blinded histopathology assessment of the pockets. ResultsTYRX (T2/NG) pockets showed similar inflammatory and healing profiles to controls with more rapid provisional matrix formation compared to controls and ECM. ECM pockets exhibited increased acute (3 and 7 days) and chronic (24 weeks) inflammation. T2/NG had almost complete (T2) or complete (NG) absorption by week 12. ECM remained present at week 24 and was associated with significantly thicker capsules (ECM 0.80 ± 0.14 mm; NG 0.37 ± 0.10 mm; control 0.56 ± 0.17 mm). ConclusionCompared to ECM, pockets with TYRX showed less inflammation, more rapid provisional matrix formation, faster absorption, and thinner capsules. TYRX pockets had low inflammation comparable to controls with accelerated provisional matrix deposition and tissue adhesion. The healing response to CIEDs used with TYRX fosters the formation of a well-healed pocket, which may bring patient benefit beyond its proven infection reduction.

Effect of Cr/Mn Addition in TiVNb on Hydrogen Sorption Properties: Thermodynamics and Phase Transition Study

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a promising class of materials that can grant remarkable functional performances for a large range of applications due to their highly tunable composition. Among these applications, recently, bcc HEAs capable of forming fcc hydrides have been proposed as high-capacity hydrogen storage materials with improved thermodynamics compared to classical metal hydrides. In this context, a single-phase bcc (TiVNb)0.90Cr0.05Mn0.05 HEA was prepared by arc melting to evaluate the effect of combined Cr/Mn addition in the ternary TiVNb. A thermodynamic destabilization of the fcc hydride phase was found in the HEA compared to the initial TiVNb. In situ neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments put forward a fcc → bcc phase transition of the metallic subnetwork in the temperature range of 260–350 °C, whereas the H/D subnetwork underwent an order → disorder transition at 180 °C. The absorption/desorption cycling demonstrated very fast absorption kinetics at room temperature in less than 1 min with a remarkable total capacity (2.8 wt.%) without phase segregation. Therefore, the design strategy consisting of small additions of non-hydride-forming elements into refractory HEAs allows for materials with promising properties for solid-state hydrogen storage to be obtained.

Biomimetic Dual Absorption-Adsorption Networked MXene Aerogel-Pump for Integrated Water Harvesting and Power Generation System.

Harvesting atmospheric water and converting it into electricity play vital roles in advancing next-generation energy conversion systems. However, the current water harvester systems suffer from a weak water capture ability and poor recyclability due to high diffusion barriers and low sorption kinetics, which significantly limit their practical application. Herein, we drew inspiration from the natural "Pump effect" observed in wood and successfully developed a dual "absorption-adsorption" networked MXene aerogel atmospheric water harvester (MAWH) through ice templating and confining LiCl processes, thereby serving multiple purposes of clean water production, passive dehumidification, and power generation. The MAWH benefits from the dual H-bond network of MXene and cellulose nanocrystals (absorption network) and the hygroscopic properties of lithium chloride (adsorption network). Furthermore, its aligned wood-like channel structure efficiently eliminates water nucleation near the 3D network, resulting in fast moisture absorption. The developed MAWH demonstrates a high moisture absorption ability of 3.12 g g-1 at 90% relative humidity (RH), featuring rapid vapor transport rates and durable cyclic performance. When compared with commercial desiccants such as the 4A molecular sieve and silica gel, the MAWH can reduce the RH from 80% to 20% within just 6 h. Most notably, our integrated MAWH-based water harvesting-power generation system achieves a high voltage of ∼0.12 V at 77% RH, showcasing its potential for practical application. These developed MAWHs are considered as high-performance atmospheric water harvesters in the water collection and power generation field.

Spatiotemporal Visualization of Paraquat Distribution, Toxicokinetics, and Its Detoxification in Zebrafish Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Paraquat is a highly toxic quaternary ammonium herbicide. It can damage the functions of multiple organs and cause irreversible pulmonary fibrosis in the human body. However, the toxicological mechanism of paraquat is not yet fully understood, and due to the lack of specific antidotes, the clinical treatment of paraquat intoxication is still a great medical challenge. In-depth research on its toxicity mechanism, toxicokinetics, and effective antidotes is urgently demanded. A new molecular imaging technique, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), can simultaneously achieve quantitative and spatial analysis and offer an alternative, distinct, and useful technique for paraquat intoxication and consequent detoxication. Here, we visualized the spatial-temporal distribution and conducted toxicokinetic research on paraquat in zebrafish by using stable isotope-labeled internal-standard-aided MALDI-MSI for the first time. The results indicated that paraquat had a fast absorption rate and was widely distributed in different organs, such as the brain, gills, kidneys, and liver in zebrafish. Its half-life was long, and the elimination rate was slow. Paraquat reached its peak at 30 min and was mainly distributed in kidneys and intestines and then showed a tendency of declining first but mildly rising later at 6 h, accompanied by a wide distribution in kidneys and intestines again. It suggested that entero-systemic recirculation might lead to the observed secondary peaks, and perhaps it extended the residence time of paraquat in the body. In addition, we validated the potential detoxification effect of sodium salicylate as a potential antidote for paraquat from both the dimensions of distribution and quantification. In conclusion, MALDI-MSI conveniently provided the distinct and quantitative spatial-temporal distribution information on paraquat in the whole body of zebrafish; it will promote the understanding of its toxicokinetic characteristics and provide more valuable information for clinical treatment.

Absorption to fluctuating bunching states in nonunitary boson dynamics

We show that noisy nonunitary dynamics of bosons drives arbitrary initial states into a novel , where all bosons occupy one time-dependent mode. We propose a concept of the noisy spectral gap, a generalization of the spectral gap in noiseless systems, and demonstrate that the exponentially fast absorption to the fluctuating bunching state takes place asymptotically. The fluctuating bunching state is unique to noisy nonunitary dynamics, with no counterpart in any unitary dynamics and nonunitary dynamics described by a time-independent generator. We also argue that the times of relaxation to the fluctuating bunching state obey a universal power law as functions of the noise parameter in generic noisy nonunitary dynamics. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Elucidating the anti-inflammatory activity of platycodins in lung inflammation through pulmonary distribution dynamics and grey relational analysis of cytokines

Ethnopharmacological relevancePlatycodonis Radix (PR) is a traditional herbal remedy used to prevent and treat lung inflammation, and platycodins are speculated to be the major active constituents. However, concrete experimental verification for this assertion remains absent thus far. Aim of the studyThis study aims to compare the pulmonary distribution dynamics of five platycodins and analyze their effects on cytokines. Through the grey relational analysis (GRA) between pulmonary active components and cytokines, the study ascertains platycodins as the potential effective component against lung inflammation. Materials and methodsA rat lung inflammation model was created using lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Pulmonary distribution dynamics were analyzed via LC-MS/MS. Cytokine changes and distribution patterns in lung tissues were studied by multi-factor reagent kit. GRA was applied to determine correlations between pulmonary components and cytokines. Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties of platycodins were further studied using LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells in vitro. ResultsThe results showed that five platycodins (Platycodin D, Platycodin D3, Deapio Platycodin D, 3-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl Platycodigenin, and Platycodigenin) featured fast absorption rate, short time to peak, and slow metabolism rate. The pulmonary distribution dynamics were significantly affected within 2 h after LPS modeling. At the same time, PR altered the relationships among different cytokines induced by LPS stimulation, particularly inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN-γ. The GRA results indicated good correlation between the pulmonary distribution dynamics of the five platycodins components and the changing patterns of cytokine levels, with Platycodin D3 contributing the most. Additionally, Platycodin D3 exhibited a protective role against LPS-induced inflammation by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-8, and ROS, as well as increasing the expression of the anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10. ConclusionsPlatycodins are the main anti-inflammatory agents in PR and there is a good correlation with cytokines. This contributes to the anti-pneumonia effect of PR.

Interdigitation of lipids for vesosomal formulation of ergotamine tartrate with caffeine: a futuristic trend of intranasal route

Objective This research work aimed to form vesosomes using combination of two drugs ergotamine (ERG) and caffeine for synergistic activity when given intranasally resulting in faster absorption, steric stability, and controlled release. Significance The multicompartment vesicles viz., vesosomes of ERG tartrate proved to increase absorption of drugs post-intranasal administration, bypassing the blood–brain barrier via the olfactory pathway. Methods The phospholipids like soya lecithin, cholesterol, and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were used to form a multicompartment structure called vesosomes using ethanol-induced interdigitation of lipids as the preparation method. Results The formulation showed low particle size (PS) of 315.48 ± 14.27 nm with zeta potential (ZP) of −21.78 ± 4.72 mV, higher % EE of 91.13 ± 1.29%, and controlled release kinetics, when assessed for in-vitro and ex-vivo studies as 97.64 ± 5.13% and 82.25 ± 3.27% release, respectively. Vesosomes displayed several advantages over liposomes like improved stability against phospholipase-induced enzymatic degradation and higher brain uptake 3.41-fold increase of ERG via the olfactory pathway. Conclusions The stable vesosomes prepared using interdigitation of saturated phospholipids proved to be a viable option for ERG when administered intranasally for better absorption and bioavailability coupled with ease of administration gaining wider patient acceptance.

Phosphate-rich cellulose beads for efficient cesium extraction from aqueous solutions: a novel approach for cellulose utilization.

In this work, phosphate-rich cellulose beads (CBPs) were first used for cesium extraction from aqueous solutions. These green, abundant, cheap, and renewable CBPs demonstrated a high adsorption capacity and fast absorption rate. Besides, the CBPs also exhibited excellent stability and recycling performance, as well as good selectivity. This study presents the promising application potential of cellulose for efficient cesium extraction from aqueous media.

In Vitro and In Vivo Performance of Pickering Emulsion-Based Powders of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are essential nutrients for human health and have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, a spray-dried powder formulation based on Pickering emulsions stabilized with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) has been developed. The formulation was compared in vitro and in vivo to reference emulsions (conventional Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System, SEDDS) to formulate n-3 PUFA pharmaceutical products, specifically in free fatty acid form. The results of in vivo studies performed in fasted dogs showed that Pickering emulsions reconstituted from powders are freely available (fast absorption) with a similar level of bioavailability as reference emulsions. In the studies performed with dogs in the fed state, the higher bioavailability combined with slower absorption observed for the Pickering emulsion, compared to the reference, was proposed to be the result of the protection of the n-3 PUFAs (in free fatty acid form) against oxidation in the stomach by the solid particles stabilizing the emulsion. This observation was supported by promising results from short-term studies of chemical stability of powders with n-3 PUFA loads as high as 0.8 g oil/g powder that easily regain the original emulsion drop sizes upon reconstitution. The present work has shown that Pickering emulsions may offer a promising strategy for improving the bioavailability and stability as well as providing an opportunity to produce environmentally friendly (surfactant free) and patient-acceptable solid oral dosage forms of n-3 PUFA in the free fatty acid form.

Synergy of carbanion siting and hydrogen bonding in super‐nucleophilic deep eutectic solvents for efficient CO2 capture

AbstractCarbanion‐based ionic liquids are proposed and utilized as the key components for the construction of five super‐nucleophilic deep eutectic solvents (SNDESs) in the paper. The super‐nucleophilic nature of carbanion‐based ionic liquids (ILs) is found to enable the capture of CO2 with large absorption capacity. However, the absorption is very slow in the IL due to high viscosity. The synergy of carbanion siting and hydrogen bonding is found to enable high and fast absorption of CO2 in [N2222][CH(CN)2]‐ethylimidazole (Eim), and a synergistic absorption mechanism is proposed and validated from spectroscopic analyses and quantum calculations. The enthalpy change of CO2 absorption in [N2222][CH(CN)2]‐Eim is calculated to be −39.6 kJ mol−1 according to the thermodynamic model, and the moderate value implies that both absorption and desorption of CO2 in the DES are favored and well balanced. The carbanion and hydrogen bond mediated by SNDESs provides a novel insight into the efficient CO2 capture.

Development of Novel Delayed Swelling Polymer Gel Particles with Salt Resistance for Enhanced In-Depth Permeability Control

Summary Prolonged waterflooding or polymer flooding in oil fields often exacerbates reservoir heterogeneity, leading to premature water breakthrough and high water cut, which significantly hinders efficient oilfield development. To address this issue, polymer gel particles have been prescribed to enhance sweep efficiency and augment waterflooding recovery by plugging preferential pathways within the reservoir. However, inherent weaknesses of polymer gel particles, such as fast water absorption and expansion rates in the initial stage and low post-expansion rates, make it difficult to balance in-depth transportation and plugging performance. Additionally, these gel particles are sensitive to ions in the formation water, resulting in reduced expansion rates under high-salinity conditions. Therefore, there are still challenges in the application of polymer gel particles for in-depth permeability control. In this study, a new type of delayed swelling and salt-resistant polymer gel particle was synthesized through inverse emulsion copolymerization. To achieve delayed swelling, we use a degradable crosslinker and hydrophobic monomer to enhance the crosslinked network density and hydrophobicity of gel particles. Our double crosslinked gel particles keep their original size until Day 2, then gradually swell up to 20 days in NaCl solution with a concentration of 15×104 mg·L−1 at 90°C. In comparison, the traditional single crosslinked gel particles show significant disparities in swelling behaviors and quickly swell when just dispersed in a 15×104 mg·L−1 NaCl solution at 90°C, maintaining roughly the same size over the testing period. Coreflooding experiments demonstrate that the residual resistance before and after aging increases from 2.37 to 6.82. The newly synthesized delayed swelling and salt-resistant polymer gel particles exhibit promising potential for overcoming the challenges associated with reservoir heterogeneity and high salinity.

Preparation of ionic liquids amine hybrid solvents, characterization for CO2 absorption, and kinetic performance

The thermo-physical characteristics of an ionic liquid-amine hybrid solvent were studied in this work as a result of its potential use in the CO2 absorption process. The hybrid solvents were developed by mixing 30 wt% MDEA with ionic liquid at different concentrations of 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt% and 20 wt%. Three imidazolium-based ILs were investigated: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide [bmim][DCA], 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [bmim][Ac] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate [bmim][TfO. Aqueous ionic liquid-amine hybrid solvent's density, surface tension, refractive index, viscosity and were studied between 25 °C and 70 °C with a regular interval of 5 °C. Whereas the influence of temperature on viscosity is negligible beyond 65 °C and the influence of temperature changed certain physicochemical properties. Furthermore, high-pressure solubility tests were conducted at a fixed temperature of 30 °C to determine the solubility of CO2 in hybrid media at pressures ranging from 2 bar to 50 bar. The results showed that the CO2 solubility of the different ionic liquid-amine hybrid systems decreases in the following sequence: [bmim][TfO] + MDEA > [bmim][DCA] + MDEA > [bmim][Ac] + MDEA. It was also found out that the optimum concentration of ionic liquids in the solution is 10 wt%. The kinetics study of the hybrid solvents was studied as a function of concentration, and experimentally determined that 10 wt% [bmim][TfO] exhibited the fast CO2 absorption kinetics. The kinetics performance study was further conducted as a function of pressure, and the highest absorption rate was recorded at 50 bar as expected. Overall, the addition of ionic liquids was verified to improve the CO2 absorption and thus it was reported that ionic liquid-amine hybrid solvent is an auspicious solvent for CO2 removal in the future.

Prospect of ultrahigh-resolution fast neutron absorption spectroscopy based on a laser plasma electron accelerator

Abstract Fast neutron absorption spectroscopy is widely used in the study of nuclear structure and element analysis. However, due to the traditional neutron source pulse duration being of the order of nanoseconds, it is difficult to obtain a high-resolution absorption spectrum. Thus, we present a method of ultrahigh energy-resolution absorption spectroscopy via a high repetition rate, picosecond duration pulsed neutron source driven by a terawatt laser. The technology of single neutron count is used, which results in easily distinguishing the width of approximately 20 keV at 2 MeV and an asymmetric shape of the neutron absorption peak. The absorption spectroscopy based on a laser neutron source has one order of magnitude higher energy-resolution power than the state-of-the-art traditional neutron sources, which could be of benefit for precisely measuring nuclear structure data.