Surface Growth Research Articles

Liquid Active Surface Growth: Explaining the Symmetry Breaking in Liquid Nanoparticles.

In our previous studies of metal nanoparticle growth, we have come to realize that the dynamic interplay between ligand passivation and metal deposition, as opposed to static facet control, is responsible for focused growth at a few active sites. In this work, we show that the same underlying principle could be applied to a very different system and explain the abnormal growth modes of liquid nanoparticles. In such a liquid active surface growth (LASG), the interplay between droplet expansion and simultaneous silica shell encapsulation gives rise to an active site of growth, which eventually becomes the long necks of nanobottles. For this synthetic control, the imbalance of the said interplay is the critical factor, as demonstrated by carefully designed control experiments. Thus, LASG provides a coherent mechanism that encompasses a wide range of liquid-derived nanostructures, including hollow nanospheres, asymmetric teardrops, and hollow nanobottles with an opening. By adapting nanosynthesis techniques from the solid to liquid realm, we believe that LASG would provide deeper insights and more sophisticated synthetic controls.

The Influence of Edaphic and Climatic Factors on the Morphophysiological Behavior of Young Argan Plants Cultivated in Orchards: A Comparative Analysis of Three Regions in Southwest Morocco

Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is a unique endemic species in Morocco, renowned for its ecological characteristics and socio-economic importance. In Morocco, recent years have seen an exacerbation of the harmful effects of climate change, leading to an alarming decline in the natural regeneration of this species in its original habitats. It seems that the only viable solution lies in the domestication of this genetic heritage. This study marks the first in-depth investigation of the impact of various climatic and edaphic factors on the morphological and physiological traits of Argania spinosa young plants, assessed in six separate orchards and observed over four seasons (March 2022 (Winter), June 2022 (Summer), November 2022 (Autumn), and March 2023 (Winter)). A climatic assessment was carried out at each site, including measurements of rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, mean temperature, air temperature, and wind speed. The soil was analyzed for the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), water content, limestone (CaCO3), Kjeldahl nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P2O5), organic matter (OM), and carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N). To gain a better understanding of the morphophysiological characteristics of young argan seedlings, we carried out various observations, such as measuring the height and diameter of aerial parts, and the water content of leaves (WCL) and branches (WCB), quantifying chlorophyll (mg/m2) and leaf area. The results revealed a significant impact of edaphic and climatic factors on the morphophysiological parameters of young argan trees. Results revealed significant correlations of young argan plants between edaphic and climatic factors and morphophysiological parameters. The Tamjloujt site, characterized by protective vegetation cover, showed optimal growth conditions with the highest leaf and branch water content (46.89 ± 4.06% and 37.76 ± 3.51%, respectively), maximum height growth (91.33 ± 28.68 mm), trunk diameter (24.85 ± 3.78 mm), and leaf surface area (69.33 ± 19.28 mm2) during Summer 2022. The Saharan zone of Laqsabi exhibited peak chlorophyll concentrations (506.9 ± 92.25 mg/m2) during Autumn 2022, due to high temperatures. The mountainous environment of Imoulass negatively impacted plant growth (mean height: 52.61 ± 12.37 mm; diameter: 6.46 ± 1.57 mm) due to harsh climatic and edaphic conditions. This research provides vital knowledge regarding the environmental factors influencing the establishment of young argan plants within the Argan Biosphere Reserve. This contributes to the development of more effective domestication strategies and the restoration of agroecosystems. The aim is to use this knowledge to promote the rehabilitation and sustainability of argan agroecosystems.

Investigating the impact of crystal face on SnO2/GO-A humidity sensor via adsorption kinetics and DFT calculations

Ranging from monitoring indoor air quality to controlling processes in the food, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries, humidity-sensitive sensors play a pivotal role in various industrial and environmental applications. The crystallographic orientation of their surfaces is one of the key factors influencing the performance of metal oxide-based humidity sensors. However, the study of different crystal faces of metal oxides is rarely discussed, such as surface energy, charge distribution and reactivity, which can significantly affect their water absorption behavior and thus affect the sensitivity and response time of the humidity sensor. Hence, the present study introduces a meticulously designed SnO2/GO-A sensor that not only validates the successful fabrication of SnO2/GO-A sensor featuring optimized crystal alignment but also delves into the intricate water absorption mechanisms operative across various SnO2 crystal faces. The First-principles results show that (110) face of SnO2 is more sensitive to the water molecule than others. Consequently, due to the (110) crystal surface growth with annealing process, the SnO2/GO-A sensor demonstrates significant performance enhancements, especially in response speed, recovery time, linearity, and repeatability. In particular, the SnO2/GO-A sensor exhibiting faster response and recovery times of 20s and 18s, respectively, which is higher than SnO2 and SnO2/GO sensor. This advantage makes SnO2/GO-A sensor a potential candidate for humidity sensing applications.

Effect of neutral electrolyzed water on biofilm formed by meat-related Listeria monocytogenes: Intraspecies variability and influence of the growth surface material

Effect of neutral electrolyzed water on biofilm formed by meat-related Listeria monocytogenes: Intraspecies variability and influence of the growth surface material

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEM FOR THE SEARCH OF SUBSTANCES WITH POTENTIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST CORONAVIRUS

Aim. Development of a biotechnological system based on a non-pathogenic coronavirus strain for humans and a sensitive cell line to the selected strain aimed at identifying compounds with potential antiviral activity. Methods. The study was conducted on the cell lines CEF, CEFs, and ВНК-21, which are sensitive to the avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Cell cultivation was performed in flasks and microplates with adhesive surfaces at 37 °C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere. To detach the cells from the growth surface, a Versene solution (0.02%) was used, and for trypsinization of CEF, a trypsin solution (0.25%) was applied. Growth media for all cell cultures were prepared based on a mixture of RPMI-1640 and DMEM in a 1:1 ratio, supplemented with 5% fetal serum. Results. The adaptation of the model virus IBV strain H120 to cultivation in ВНК-21 cell cultures was carried out using intermediate CEF and CEF cultures. In ВНК-21 cells, IBV induced a pronounced cytopathic effect and demonstrated high infectious titers, reaching 5.5 lg TCID50/mL. The use of intermediate CEF and CEF cell cultures facilitated the gradual adaptation of the virus to the new cultivation conditions due to the antigenic affinity between chicken embryo fibroblast cells and avian embryos. Conclusions: As a result of the conducted research, the vaccine virus IBV H-120 was successfully adapted to cultivation conditions in ВНК-21 cell cultures, using primary trypsinized chicken embryo fibroblast cells as an intermediate system. The obtained system "ВНК-21 cell culture + IBV H-120," cultivated at 37 °C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere, can be recommended for use in further biotechnological and virological studies, particularly for evaluating the antiviral activity of potential drugs against coronaviruses.

Numerical Analysis of Soot Dynamics in C3H8 Oxy-Combustion with CO2 and H2O

Oxygen-enriched combustion is increasingly recognized as a viable approach for clean energy production and carbon capture, offering substantial benefits for boosting combustion efficiency and mitigating pollutant emissions, which makes it widely adopted in various industrial applications. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), predominantly consisting of propane (C3H8), is commonly utilized in numerous combustion systems, yet its emissions of soot particulates have raised considerable environmental concerns. This study delves into the combustion dynamics and soot formation behavior of propane, the principal component of LPG, under oxy-fuel combustion conditions, with the inclusion of H2O and CO2, utilizing both experimental techniques and numerical simulations. The results reveal that CO2 and H2O suppress soot formation through distinct mechanisms. CO2 decreases soot nucleation and surface growth by lowering flame temperature and H atom concentration, but it minimally enhances soot oxidation. H2O significantly reduces soot formation by chemically increasing OH radical concentration, thereby enhancing soot oxidation. A detailed decoupling analysis further shows that CO2’s influence is predominantly thermal and chemical, resulting in lower OH levels and an elongated flame shape. In contrast, H2O’s substantial thermal and chemical effects decrease flame height and promote soot reduction. These insights advance the understanding of soot formation control in oxy-fuel combustion, offering strategies to optimize combustion efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

Wine Yeast Strains Under Ethanol-Induced Stress: Morphological and Physiological Responses

During alcoholic fermentation, ethanol accumulation significantly impacts yeast cells by disrupting membrane integrity, increasing permeability, and reducing cell viability. This study evaluated the effects of ethanol stress on the growth, membrane fluidity, and cell surface morphology of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeast strains, specifically Torulaspora delbrueckii and Metschnikowia pulcherrima. These strains, commercialized by AEB SpA and preserved at the Unimore Microbial Culture Collection (UMCC), were tested for fermentative performance in grape must and grown under varying ethanol concentrations. Membrane fluidity was measured using Laurdan generalized polarization (GP), while Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) assessed cell surface morphology. Results indicated that at 10% ethanol, membrane fluidity increased, particularly in strains able to tolerate up to 16% ethanol, which also demonstrated superior fermentative performance. Less tolerant strains, such as T. delbrueckii UMCC 5 and M. pulcherrima UMCC 15, showed smaller increases in fluidity. At 18% ethanol, these strains exhibited severely altered surface morphology and larger surface roughness values, suggesting increased instability under high ethanol stress, while more tolerant strains displayed better-preserved surface morphology and lower roughness values, reflecting enhanced adaptability. These findings offer insights into yeast responses to ethanol stress, supporting the development of more resilient strains for improved fermentation.

Reverse growth surface planarization mechanism and high-efficiency polishing of KDP

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a reverse growth surface planarization mechanism for achieving high-efficiency precision processing of the potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystal. The KDP crystal reverse growth has ordered and controllable characteristics similar to growth, which differs from the disordered and random dissolution in the natural state. Experiments are conducted using a high-precision annular polisher to investigate the surface characteristics, material removal, and surface planarization of different crystallographic planes in reverse growth. The repeat utilization of polishing liquids is studied to reduce processing costs. The difference in material removal and surface roughness of different crystallographic planes obtained from the same reverse growth polishing process is within 8%. The suitable undersaturation range for reverse growth surface planarization is 0.01–0.18, with a maximum material removal rate of 90 μm/min, 50 times that of the microemulsion polishing methods. Finally, a mirror-like KDP crystal surface is obtained with a surface roughness Ra of 0.00975 μm.

Numerical study of the effects of surface nitrogen-containing on soot formation process in ammonia/ethylene counterflow diffusion flames

In this paper, a modified soot kinetic model was developed to explore the potential inhibitory effects of nitrogen-containing functional groups on the soot surface growth process. In the modified soot kinetic model, the formation process of cyano functional groups on the soot surface was simulated through the reaction of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and the surface open sites, and the surface cyano functional groups were assumed to no longer participate in the subsequent hydrogen-abstraction-acetylene-addition (HACA) reaction. The prediction performance of soot volume fraction (SVF) and average particle size (D63) in ammonia doping ethylene counterflow diffusion flames was compared between the traditional soot kinetic model and the modified kinetic soot model. The results show that both models reflected the suppression effects of ammonia doping on soot formation observed in the experiments. However, compared to the traditional soot kinetic model, the modified soot kinetic model exhibited better performances in predicting SVF and D63 with prediction deviations reduced by 52.7 % and 2.3 nm, respectively. The simulation results showed the formation of surface cyano functional groups led to a nitrogen content of up to 0.84 % in the soot, which is consistent with previous experimental measurements. In-depth analysis shows that the formation of cyano functional groups on the soot surface decreased the proportion of hydrogen sites and further diminished the number of open sites, resulting in reductions in the rates of HACA surface growth and the soot mass growth by up to 22 % and 29 %, respectively. It is proposed that the nitrogen-containing functional groups on the surface of soot in ammonia-doped hydrocarbon flames inhibit the formation of soot, providing an alternative pathway to the well-known gas-phase suppression mechanism.

Nanoimprinted Polymeric Structured Surfaces for Facilitating Biofilm Formation of Beneficial Bacteria

Initial studies indicate that structured polymer surfaces can support the attachment and biofilm formation of bacteria and thereby provide enhanced positive effects of beneficial bacteria, for instance in biocontrol in aquacultures. In this study, we demonstrate a test platform to further explore the surface topography for bacterial attachment and biofilm growth. It is based on a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) materials platform, and nanoimprint technology was used for the replication of microstructures. The use of nanoimprint technology ensures precise micropattern transfer, enabling easy prototyping. Further, the process parameters of the mold preparation and nanoimprinting are discussed, with the purpose of optimizing the polymer pattern profile. This study has the potential to identify promising surfaces for biofilm growth of beneficial bacteria.

Study of Zn electrodeposition on FTO and its nucleation and growth mechanisms from a nitrate-based electrolytic bath

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to study the electrodeposition and Zn nucleation mechanisms onto Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate from a nitrate-based electrolytic bath. The cyclic voltammetry analysis displays a reduction process (Ic) that involves three simultaneous reduction reactions: reduction of zinc neutral species ZnCl2 to Zn0, reduction of NO3− ions, and the evolution of H2 from the reduction of the medium. In addition, due to the oxidizing nature of nitrates, the surface of the recently deposited Zn0 was partially oxidized to Zn2+, which combines with OH− ions to form the Zn(OH)2 species on the surface of the deposited Zn0. Analysis of chronoamperograms showed that Zn0 nucleation onto FTO occurs via diffusion controlled 3D nucleation in the presence of NO3− ions, with the simultaneous reduction of nitrate ions on the Zn0 growth surface and the reduction of the medium occurs on the uncoated surface by the diffusion zones of Zn0 growth. SEM and XPS analysis of the deposits obtained from the chronoamperometric study evidenced the formation of the Zn(OH)2 surface species. Consequently, structures of the form Zn(OH)2/Zn0/FTO were obtained during the electrodeposition of Zn0 in the presence of nitrates.

Stacking Fault Analysis for the Early-Stages of PVT Growth of 4H-SiC Crystals

With wide band gap, high thermal conductivity, and high breakdown field, silicon carbide, typically 4H-SiC, has steadily become the material of choice for next generation high-power electronic devices[1]. However, the presence of defects especially dislocations and stacking faults (SFs), such as threading screw dislocations (TSDs), threading edge dislocations (TEDs), threading mixed dislocations (TMDs), basal plane dislocations (BPDs), Frank dislocations, Shockley SFs and Frank SFs, are hindering the widespread application of 4H-SiC device due to their harmful effects on the reliability of high-performance SiC power devices[2]. In particular, SFs are particularly deleterious as they degrade the blocking and on-state conduction performance and/or reliability of devices[3].A recent approach to lowering defect densities is to closely examine the early-stages of crystal growth when many defects are nucleated. Recently, we have reported on the expansion of Shockley stacking faults in the facet region during the early growth stage[4]. Continuing these early-stage studies, we seek to better understand the effects of various growth parameters on resulting defect structures, especially stacking fault formations. Multiple short duration growths have been carried out under varying conditions of nucleation temperature, thermal gradients, and N incorporation. In this study, three types of Frank type or Frank+Shockley stacking faults are observed distributed across the growth surface: Type A, stacking faults bounded by 2 opposite sign Frank type dislocations; Type B, stacking faults bounded by a pair of same sign Frank-type dislocations. As higher partial pressures of N2 are deployed, the occurrence of the Type B stacking fault is found to be suppressed (Figure 1); Type C, stacking faults regions shown as “carrot” defects on the as-grown surface of crystal (Figure 2). The formation mechanisms of these stacking fault formation will be suggested. The implications of these observations to achieve better control of the PVT growth process and resultant defect reduction will be discussed. Figure 1

(Invited) Growth of Germanene, Stanene, Plumbene, and Their Lateral Heterostructure

The synthesis and characterization of post-graphene materials have been intensively studied with the aim of utilizing novel two-dimensional (2D) properties. Most studies adopted molecular beam epitaxy as a synthesis method of 2D materials grown on clean crystalline surfaces. In my talk, I will talk on the epitaxial growth of (1) germanene, (2) stanene, lateral heterostructure, and (3) plumbene by segregation and deposition methods[1–11]. (1) Germanene on Ag(111) thin film by segregation [1] On annealing the specimen of Ag(111) thin film grown on Ge(111)the Ge atoms segregate on the surface and germanene has been epitaxially formed on the surface. Low-energy electron diffraction clearly shows incommensurate “(1.3×1.3)”±30° spots, corresponding to a lattice constant of 0.39 nm, in perfect accord with close-up scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images, which clearly reveal an internal honeycomb arrangement with corresponding parameter and low buckling within 0.01 nm. From the STM images, two types of protrusions, named hexagon and line, form a (7√7×7√7) ±19.1° supercell with respect to Ag(111) with a super large periodicity of 5.35 nm. (2) Stanene on Ag2Sn surface alloy by deposition [2] The lattice parameters of Ag2Sn surface alloy and free-standing stanene are close to each other. The Ag(111) easily react with Sn atoms on annealing, while the Ag2Sn surface alloy is chemically inert against the Sn atoms. Thus, the Ag2Sn surface alloy is physically and chemically ideal surface for epitaxial growth of stanene. We have successfully prepared large area planar stanene on Ag2Sn surface alloy by Sn deposition. (3) Plumbene on Pd1-xPbx(111) alloy surface by deposition and segregation [3] The bulk Pb-Pd system exists in fcc solid solution with a Pb concentration up to 10 %. The Pb atoms deposited dissolve into the Pd crystal and segregate on the surface on annealing. Through this process, plumbene is epitaxially grown on Pd1-xPbx(111) surface. The surface also exhibits a unique morphology in the STM images resembling the famous Weaire-Phelan bubble structure of the Olympic “WaterCube” in Beijing. (4) Germanene and stanene lateral heterostructure [5] We use a unique combination of atomic segregation epitaxy (ASE) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for the in-situ continuous fabrication of nearly atomically precise lateral multi-junction heterostructures, respectively consisting of atom-thin germanene and stanene on a Ag(111) thin film. The STM observations down to atomic scale and low-energy electron diffraction testify that germanene and stanene sheets without intermixing are prepared simultaneously on the same terraces at wide scale; remarkably, tin and germanium atoms neither exchange their sites nor adsorb on the germanene and stanene sheets. The atomic structure of the boundary between germanene and stanene is directly derived from atomic-scale STM images, while scanning tunneling spectroscopy reveals key features of the electronic structure at the heterojunction[1,2,5]. Our innovative approach of ASE and MBE growths combined in synergy offers great flexibility for the realization of unprecedented lateral 2D heterostructures.

Ceramic Thin-Film Composite Membranes with Tunable Subnanometer Poresfor Molecular Sieving By Atomic Layer Deposition

Membranes with tunable, sub-nanometer pores are needed for molecular separations in applications including water treatment, critical mineral extraction, and recycling. Ceramic membranes are a promising alternative to the polymeric membranes typically used in such applications due to their robust operation under harsh chemical conditions. However, current fabrication technologies fail to construct ceramic membranes suitable for selective molecular separations. In this presentation, we describe a ceramic thin film composite (TFC) membrane fabrication method that achieves sub-nm pore size control using atomic layer deposition (ALD) by incorporating a molecular-scale porogen. By co-dosing alkyl alcohols along with the H2O coreactant during Al2O3 ALD, we incorporate alkoxide species in the film which create a continuous network of pores upon calcination. Varying the alkyl alcohol (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol) tunes the pore size. We use Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to elucidate the surface chemistry and growth during the alcohol-modulated ALD as well as the subsequent pore formation. We evaluate the transport and separations properties of the ALD TFC membranes using a two-chamber diffusion cell with aqueous salt solutions. We measured a remarkable enhancement in the transport of Cl- compared to SO4 2- (8.6 times faster) matching the selectivity of state-of-the-art polymer membranes. We attribute this selectivity to the dehydration of the large divalent ions within the subnanometer pores. In addition, permeation studies using neutral adsorbates revealed average pore sizes of ~7Å, 13Å, and 19Å for ALD TFC membranes prepared using methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol, respectively. This work provides the scientific basis for the design of ceramic membranes with subnanometer pores for molecular sieving using ALD.

One-Pot Solution Synthesis of Bulk and Surface Simultaneously Optimized BiVO4 Photoanode with Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting Activity

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4, BVO) with a monoclinic crystal structure has attracted significant interest in photoelectrochemical (PEC) and photocatalytic (PC) oxidation that are utmost critical processes to producing clean hydrogen fuels from solar energy. BVO has a suitable bandgap (2.4 eV), which enables it to absorb sunlight up to a wavelength of 520 nm. Furthermore, it possesses a suitable location of the valence band edge for water oxidation, decent photoelectrochemical/photochemical activity, and moderate stability in neutral electrolytes. Nevertheless, PEC performance is hindered by diverse inherent drawbacks, including inadequate conductivity and mobility, limited light absorption, and significant charge recombination at the bulk and surface 1,2.This study demonstrates a novel one-pot solution method to synthesize high-performance BVO photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting. We designed a stepwise dual reaction (SDR) to optimize the bulk and surface characteristics via texturing and surface reconstruction. The key innovation lies in controlling precursor concentration, ethylene glycol (EG), and manipulating growth kinetics and surface reconstruction. EG plays a crucial role in achieving this texture and surface reconstruction. Compared to conventional BVO (non-textured and non-surface-reconstructed), the optimally synthesized textured and surface-reconstructed BVO (ts-BVO) exhibits significantly improved charge transport (70% vs. 8%) and surface charge transfer efficiencies (85% vs. 9%). Furthermore, by depositing the CoBi oxygen evolution electrocatalysts, the ts-BVO achieved a steady photocurrent density of 4.3 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and an almost unity Faradaic efficiency of 98% under simulated sunlight illumination (1 sun). Our findings highlight the effectiveness of solution chemistry in controlling the texture and surface characteristics of photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical water-splitting 3,4. Keywords: One-pot hydrothermal, ethylene glycol, BiVO4, texture, surface activation, photoelectrochemical water-splitting Reference 1 H. S. Han, S. Shin, D. H. Kim, I. J. Park, J. S. Kim, P. S. Huang, J. K. Lee, I. S. Cho and X. Zheng, Energy Environ Sci, 2018, 11, 1299–1306.2 Y. J. Jeong, S. W. Hwang, S. Chaikasetsin, H. S. Han and I. S. Cho, Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022, 435, 135183.3 I. S. Cho, H. S. Han, M. Logar, J. Park and X. Zheng, Adv Energy Mater, 2016, 6, 1–9.4 I. S. Cho, Z. Chen, A. J. Forman, D. R. Kim, P. M. Rao, T. F. Jaramillo and X. Zheng, Nano Lett, 2011, 11, 4978–4984.

Morphological evolution and optical properties of ZnO microstructures

Three kinds of ZnO microstructures are controlled synthesized on silicon substrates including microcolumns, microfences and hollow microcolumns. The morphological evolution of the prepared ZnO microstructures are systematically analyzed. It is found that the growth parameters play crucial roles on it, such as the growth temperature and the concentration of gaseous source atoms on the growth surface. Moreover, the optical characterizations suggest the structural advantages of ZnO microfence, that is, its excitation density has been enhanced due to its special symmetric hexagonal array, which has also switched on the p-band emission.

Preparation of hydrogen evolution electrode from nickel slag: Crystal surface modulation and selective growth

Hydrogen production from electrolytic water is a key component in realising a hydrogen economy. At the same time, resourceful utilization of nickel slag can reduce environmental and health hazards. The aim of this study is to prepare clean and efficient hydrogen evolution electrodes from nickel slag by modulating the crystal surface of electrolytic catalyst. According to the density functional theory calculations, the crystal surface with the best catalytic properties is Ni (111). Based on the theoretical calculations, this work proposed controlling the reduction order and reduction efficiency of Ni2+ and H2O in the nickel slag leachate during electrolysis to modulation of crystal surface growth of Ni. Moreover, amorphous Ni(OH)2 was designed to selectively grow in Ni product to further improve the catalytic performance of Ni (1 1 1). The electrodes with the best catalytic performance for hydrogen evolution were obtained when the electrodeposition conditions were 30 min, 0.05 M, and 12.5 mA/cm2. A current density of 10 mA/cm2 was achieved with an overpotential of only 17.46 mV. The Tafel slope was 31.2 mV·dec−1. The proposed method is a straightforward and clean approach that does not require membrane addition. At the same time, using nickel slag as raw material can not only reduce the harm of nickel slag to the environment, but also reduce the cost of preparing electrodes. Therefore, this method offers an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective approach to preparing high-performance catalytic electrodes for hydrogen evolution.

Effect of oxygen contents on morphology, nanostructure, and its formation of soot in laminar coflow ethylene-ammonia diffusion flames

Oxygen content plays a crucial role in influencing the characteristics and formation processes of soot particles. This study explores the effects of varying oxygen levels on the morphology, nanostructure, and formation of soot particles in laminar coflow ethylene-ammonia diffusion flames using a combination of experimental analysis, model development, and numerical simulation. Initially, the impact of oxygen concentration on morphology and nanostructure of particles is examined experimentally. Subsequently, a novel C2H4-NH3-PAHs kinetic model, incorporating cross-reactions between C3\\A1-A3 and HCN, is developed and validated through parameters such as ignition delay, laminar flame speed, and species concentrations. The new model is then used to analyze the effects of different oxygen concentrations on soot formation and nitrogen-containing PAHs in ethylene-ammonia flames. The findings show that a decrease in oxygen concentration results in an increase in the average diameter of primary particles, a reduction in fringe separation distance and fringe length, and an increase in fringe tortuosity. Additionally, lower oxygen concentrations are found to slightly reduce PAH formation and significantly decrease the surface growth rate via the HACA mechanism, leading to reduced soot formation. Furthermore, the primary nitrogen-containing PAHs identified are 2-benzonitrile and 2-naphthonitrile, followed by pyrrolyl and cyanophenanthrene, with lower oxygen concentrations diminishing the formation of these nitrogen-containing PAHs.

Green Infrastructure Mapping in Almeria Province (Spain) Using Geographical Information Systems and Multi-Criteria Evaluation

Green infrastructure (GI) is increasingly prioritised in landscape policy and planning due to its potential to benefit ecosystems and enhance wildlife conservation. However, due to the uneven distribution of protected areas (PAs) and the fragmentation of habitats more generally, multi-level policy strategies are needed to create an integrated GI network bridging national, regional and local scales. In the province of Almeria, southeastern Spain, protected areas are mainly threatened by two land use/land cover changes. On the one hand, there is the advance of intensive greenhouse agriculture, which, between 1984 and 2007, increased in surface area by more than 58%. On the other hand, there is the growth of artificial surfaces, including urban areas (+64%), construction sites (+194%) and road infrastructures (+135%). To address this challenge, we present a proposal for green infrastructure deployment in the province of Almeria. We combine Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) techniques to identify and evaluate suitability for key elements to be included in GI in two key ways. First, we identify the most suitable areas to form part of the GI in order to address vulnerability to degradation and fragmentation. Second, we propose 15 ecological corridors connecting the 35 protected areas of the province that act as core areas. The proposed GI network would extend along the western coast of the province and occupy the valleys of the main rivers. The river Almanzora plays a leading role. Due to its remoteness from the coast and its climatic conditions, it has not attracted intensive greenhouse agriculture and urban development, the main drivers of the transformation and fragmentation of traditional land uses. Around 50% of the area occupied by the proposed corridors would be located in places of medium and high suitability for the movement of species between core areas.

The Importance of Pocket Parks on Air Quality: A Comparative Approach

Population growth, increasing construction, and impervious surfaces are among the factors leading to the deterioration of the natural balance. Increasing population density has led to a gradual decrease in green areas for living spaces, transport routes and car parks. In addition, the rate of urbanisation and related environmental problems are one of the biggest threats to the sustainability of open green spaces. Accurate identification of problems, such as air, water, and soil pollution is critical to addressing current environmental problems and preventing future problems. Air pollution poses a significant threat to the global community and has sequential impacts on health systems, ecosystems and economies in both developed and developing countries. Cities are home to 50 per cent of the world's population and are expected to reach 70 per cent by 2050. The rapid urbanisation process leads to the transformation of natural and semi-natural landscapes into impervious surfaces and increased heat absorption rates. This study focuses on Jumeirah Island in Dubai. This artificial island is home to many businesses that support social life. Each café in these areas is located with public green areas in front of it and its own open spaces. In the study, 40 measurement points were established in two contrasting environmental conditions and air quality measurements were made manually. The stations are divided into blue and red stations and have contrasting characteristics. While the red measurement points have more green areas, water elements, qualified landscape texture, the blue measurement points have these characters to a lesser extent. Thanks to this comparison, the effect of vegetation texture and pocket parks on air quality in the study area was analysed. As a result of the analyses, the air quality in both areas was found to be good and acceptable, while the results at the red measurement points were found to be of better quality than the blue measurement stations. As a result of the study, the effect of water elements, qualified landscape design and vegetative texture on air quality has been proved with numerical data.