Homogeneous Pore Size Distribution Research Articles

Surfactant-interlayer assisted interfacial polymerization for constructing Janus nanofiltration membranes: Enhanced Li+/Mg2+ separation efficiency

Nanofiltration (NF) technology shows significant potential for lithium extraction, but the limited Mg2+ rejection of conventional negatively charged NF membranes constrains Li+/Mg2+ selectivity. This work proposed a surfactant-interlayer assisted interfacial polymerization (SIAIP) methodology to convert a traditional NF membrane into a Janus membrane featuring dual-electrical properties. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) restricted the IP reaction region and modulated the interfacial diffusion behavior of amine monomers. The hydrophilic and negatively charged hyaluronic acid (HA) interlayer modified the substrate, enhancing membrane permeability. Under the combined influence of SDS and HA, more amine monomers were stored and diffused to the reaction interface, transforming the membrane surface into a positively charged region and forming a Janus structure with the negatively charged interlayer. The optimal SIAIP membranes possessed a homogeneous pore size distribution, with a high selectivity (S Li, Mg) of 42.15 and superb permeability of 11.06 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. This investigation furnishes an innovative approach for developing high-efficiency Li+/Mg2+ separating NF membranes.

Synergistically improve the strength and porosity of carbon paper by using a novel phenol formaldehyde resin modified with cellulose nanofiber for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

To optimize the imbalance between the interfacial bonding and porosity properties of carbon paper (CP) caused by phenol formaldehyde resin (PF) impregnation, and therefore improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), a new approach through cellulose nanofibers grafted with methyl methacrylate (CNFM) as a modified reinforcement and pore-forming agent for PF is investigated. Through suppressing the methylene backbone fracture of CNFM-modified PF during its thermal depolymerization, the interfacial bonding between PF matrix carbon and carbon fibers is enhanced. Compared with unmodified CP, the in-plane resistivity of CNFM-modified CP is reduced by 35.78 %, while the connected porosity increases to 82.26 %, and more homogeneous pore size distribution (PSD) in the range of 20–40 μm is obtained for CNFM-modified CP. Besides, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and air permeability of CNFM-modified CP increase by 72.78 %, 298.4 %, and 103.97 %, respectively. In addition, CNFM-modified CP achieves the peak power density of PEMFCs to 701.81 mW·cm−2, exhibiting 10.98 % improvement compared with commercial CP (632.39 mW·cm−2), evidently achieving an integral promotion of CP and comprehensive performance.

Self-assembled high polypyrrole loading flexible paper-based electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

Despite the intriguing features of freestanding flexible electronic devices, such as their binder-free nature and cost-effectiveness, the limited loading capacity of active material poses a challenge to achieving practical high-performance flexible electrodes. We propose a novel approach that integrates multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization techniques to fabricate a high-loading paper-based flexible electrode (MXene/Polypyrrole/Paper) with exceptional areal capacitance. The approach enables polypyrrole to form a porous conductive network structure on the surface of paper fiber through MXene grafting via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, resulting in an exceptionally high polypyrrole loading of 10.0 mg/cm2 and a conductivity of 2.03 S/cm. Moreover, MXene-modified polypyrrole paper exhibits a more homogeneous pore size distribution ranging from 5 to 50 μm and an increased specific surface area of 3.11 m2/g. Additionally, we have optimized in-situ polymerization cycles for paper-based supercapacitors, resulting in a remarkable areal capacitance of 2316 mF/cm2 (at 2 mA/cm2). The capacitance retention rate and conductivity rate maintain over 90 % after undergoing 100 bends.The maximum energy density and cycling stability are characterized to be 83.6 μWh/cm2 and up to 96 % retention after 10,000 cycles. These results significantly outperform those previously reported for paper-based counterparts. Overall, our work presents a facile and versatile strategy for assembling high-loading, paper-based flexible supercapacitors network architecture that can be employed in developing large-scale energy storage devices.

Accelerated self-assembly of filipin proteins and formation of hydrogels

This study delineates the novel revelation that traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides facilitate and expedite the intramolecular conformational alterations within filipin proteins, culminating in amplified β-fold content and self-assembly proclivity to generate hydrogels. Augmentation of assembly kinetics was achieved by pH or ethanol supplementation. The resultant self-assembled hydrogels exhibited homogenous pore size distribution, registering porosities consistently surpassing 95 ± 2.3%, effectively accommodating pharmaceutical payloads. Noteworthy characteristics included low water loss rates spanning between 15% and 25%, exceptional swelling behavior, a storage modulus (G') ranging from 68 to 283 Pa, and discernible mechanical robustness. Insights into the self-assembly mechanism were preliminarily explained via Fourier infrared, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy analyses. In-depth examinations, encompassing in-vitro release, degradation and biocompatibility, corroborated the hydrogel’s capacity for smooth drug release, sustained stability, absence of cytotoxicity and favorable biocompatibility. In conclusion, the self-assembled filipin protein hydrogels preserved polysaccharide activity to a heightened extent and enhanced drug adaptability by reducing the overall formulation volume. This innovation, we suggest, holds significant promise for applications in sustained drug release and in the realm of tissue engineering materials.

Low‐cost porous carbon materials prepared from peanut red peels for novel zinc‐ion hybrid capacitors

AbstractZinc‐ion hybrid capacitors combine the advantages of supercapacitors and batteries and are a promising electrochemical energy storage device. In order to meet the demand for materials with higher energy density and longer cycle time, there is an urgent need to find a zinc‐ion supercapacitor cathode material with lower cost and better electrochemical performance. In this experiment, low‐cost agricultural peanut red skin waste was converted into biomass‐derived carbon material (PSR‐X) with high specific surface area, larger pore volume, and more homogeneous pore size distribution through carbonisation and KOH activation. Due to the interaction of these properties, PSR‐X as the cathode material has higher specific capacity and better multiplicity performance than the zinc‐ion capacitor prepared from the initial carbonised PSR as the cathode material. In addition, the PSR‐4‐based zinc‐ion capacitor has an excellent specific capacity of 86 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1, a high capacity retention of 55 % even at a high current density of 30 A g−1, and a high energy density of 66.16 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 218.1 W kg−1. What is more gratifying is that the capacitor exhibits an ultra‐long cycle life, with a high capacity retention rate of 85 % after 8,000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1.

Role of anodic precursor layer thickness on PEO coatings: Energy consumption and long-term corrosion performance

PEO coatings with different thickness of anodic precursor films (5, 10, 20 and 40 μm) were successfully developed on AA2024 with the aim of determining how the thickness of anodic films affects the development of PEO film, structural growth, surface morphology, phase composition, and associated long term corrosion resistance properties. Compared to direct PEO treatment, reductions in the energy consumption (kW.h.m2.μm−1) of 71 %, 41 %, and 17 % are obtained at similar PEO processing conditions for the pre-anodized specimens of 40 μm, 20 μm, and 10 μm film thickness, respectively, while the time to current drop for above specimens reduced to 86.2 %, 63.3 % and 33.3 %, associated to the early formation of the “soft sparking” regime. The results suggest the effectiveness of pre-anodization on the PEO coatings for minimum energy consumption, developed explicitly on 20 and 40 μm anodic film, whereas overall PEO on anodic precursors exhibited a thicker oxide layer, homogenous pore size distribution, and long-term corrosion protection comparable to the original PEO layer. Based on the energy consumption and corrosion resistance of PEO on anodic precursor, a model of PEO coating growth is proposed, which can be considered a thorough insight towards highly developing energy-efficient PEO for practical applications.

Room-temperature synthesis of magnetic thiophene-based covalent organic frameworks for derivatization-assisted GC–MS analysis of estrogens in environmental water

Under room temperature conditions, a novel thiophene-based magnetic covalent organic framework (COF) was ingeniously synthesized for the first time, utilizing an uncomplicated and benign Schiff base reaction between 4,4′,4″,4‴-(pyrene-1,3,6,8-tetrayl)tetraaniline (PyTTA) and 2,2′-dithiophene-5,5′-dicarboxaldehyde (BTDA), with Fe3O4 serving as the magnetic nucleus. The fabricated Fe3O4@Py-BTDA COF nanocomposite displays superior crystallinity, homogenous pore size distribution, elevated magnetic responsiveness, and extraordinary thermal and chemical stability, which is an ideal sorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of estrogens in environmental water samples. The presence of thiophene groups within the Fe3O4@Py-BTDA COF significantly bolsters the π-π interaction between the COF and the target analytes, and meanwhile provides sufficient hydrophobic sites and unique p-π interactions, thus becoming a crucial factor in augmenting the extraction efficiency of estrogens. Due to the high boiling point of estrogens, derivatization is necessary before gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. So, the conditions of derivatization, extraction and desorption were then systematically optimized. Under the optimal MSPE conditions, a rapid and sensitive method coupling MSPE with GC–MS was developed for the analysis of five estrogens in environmental water samples. The method showed good linearity (r2 > 0.9997) in the range of 0.05–100 μg L−1, low detection limits (4.0–7.0 ng/L), good spiked recoveries (91.56 %-105.80 %), and satisfactory relative standard deviations (RSD, less than 7.4 %). In addition, the method was successfully applied to the determination of estrogens in Yangtze River water, East Lake water, and tap water, with the recoveries in the range of 81.33 %-113.95 % and the RSDs in the range of 0.12 % to 7.69 % at different spiked levels. Estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) were detected in the Yangtze River water with concentrations of 0.31 μg L−1 and 0.08 μg L−1. And, the prepared Fe3O4@Py-BTDA COF nanocomposite still provides good extraction effect after five cycles of application. The developed method is rapid, simple, sensitive, and environmentally friendly, and has good application in the analysis and determination of estrogens in environmental water samples.

Mechanical Properties and in Vivo Assessment of Electron Beam Melted Porous Structures for Orthopedic Applications

Electron beam melting (EBM) is an additive manufacturing technique with the ability to produce porous implants with desired properties for orthopedic applications. This paper systematically investigated the mechanical properties and in vivo performance of two commonly used stochastic porous structures (the Voronoi structure and the randomized structure) fabricated by the EBM process. The pore geometries of two porous structures were characterized through micro-computed tomography (μCT). In addition, clinically relevant mechanical performances were evaluated for both structures, including tensile testing, shear testing and abrasion resistance testing. In vivo assessment of the two porous structures was further conducted in a dog model for three different follow-up periods. It was found that the Voronoi structures showed a higher mechanical strength compared to the randomized structures, even though both structures exhibited similar pore geometries. Further analysis revealed that the non-uniform stress distribution caused by the sample size and boundary effects led to a decrease in strength in the randomized structures. The in vivo assessments revealed the Voronoi structure exhibited a higher bone ingrowth ratio compared to the randomized structure due to its radially oriented pore geometry and homogenous pore size distribution. This study suggested that the EBM Ti-6Al-4V Voronoi porous structure has favorable mechanical performance and good osseointegration properties for orthopedic implants.

Insights into the Development of Imine-Bond-Stabilized Organic Tanning and a Heteropolymer for the Post-Tanning Process─A Metal-Free Sustainable Leather Process

Organic tanning agents present a huge opportunity for developing tanning agents devoid of metals for sustainable and cleaner leather processing. An ideal tanning agent should be nontoxic, biocompatible, and cost-effective. Herein, we report an aromatic aldehyde-based modified vanillin synthesized by a single-step substitution reaction that can be used in the tanning process. Also, multifunctional polymers with three groups (carboxyl, long-chain hydrocarbon, and quaternary ammonium) are synthesized using hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomers, which can be used in the post-tanning process. The interaction of the modified vanillin derivative with collagen was studied at the molecular and fiber levels. Circular dichroism studies confirm no changes in the triple-helical conformation with increasing concentrations of modified vanillin. The crosslinking mechanism of collagen-modified vanillin by imine bond formation was confirmed through XPS. Further, the tanning input of modified vanillin was optimized, and 10% modified vanillin-tanned leather achieved 70 °C hydrothermal stability. For an integrated post-tanning process, the synthesized multifunctional polymer results in the increased uptake of dye and fatliquor. Further, the experimental leathers showed homogeneous pore size distribution, better fullness, and good mechanical strength. As expected, the pollution load of the experimental organic tanning process is significantly lesser than that of the chromium process. Thus, the present study overlays a greener metal-free leather-processing strategy.

Drug removal and release studies of mesoporous and modified silica

ABSTRACT The synthesis, characterization and modification of mesoporous silica (MS) were carried out and, drug removal and release studies were also performed. The synthesized MS has an ordered structure with high surface area and homogeneous pore size distribution, which was then modified with a Schiff base (S) ligand. The characterization of MS and Schiff base modified MS (S-MS) was accomplished with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen gas adsorption, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. The adsorption of diclofenac sodium (DS) and metformin HCl (MF), which were preferred as model drugs, onto MS and S-MS, was investigated in an aqueous solution with respect to pH, the amount of adsorbent and contact time. The maximum calculated values from the pseudo-second-order model for the adsorption of MF and DS were determined as 625.5 and 675.0 mg g‒ 1 for MS and 558.5 and 765.7 mg g‒ 1 for S-MS, respectively. In addition, the hybrid structures of MS and S-MS were prepared for use in the drug release studies, and their efficiencies in releasing drugs were then investigated. The releases of DS and MF from silica hybrid structures after 4 h were determined to be at around 30% and 70%, respectively.

A Comparative Study on the Microstructure and Petrophysical Properties of Undeformed and Naturally Deformed Shales

Structural deformation is one of the main impacts responsible for understanding the hydrocarbon accumulation mechanism. Predicting its function in gas storage and migration in a microscopic scale is thus a significant issue in predicting reservoir quality. The purpose of this article is to make a comparative study on the microstructure and petrophysical properties of undeformed and naturally deformed shales developed in the Southeast Sichuan Basin. The results show that (1) organic pores, ranging from 10 to 200 nm, are more developed in undeformed shale, whereas carbonate solvopores, clay-hosted pores, and microfractures are dominant in deformed shale. (2) Undeformed shales have Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) CO2 adsorbed contents ranging between 0.009 and 0.018 g, DR CO2 micropore surface areas of 3.90–15.59 m2/g, and Dubinin–Astakhov (DA) CO2 micropore volumes of 0.002 and 0.035 cc/g. Naturally deformed shales have larger DR CO2 adsorbed contents, DR CO2 micropore surface areas, and DA CO2 micropore volumes, typically in the ranges of 0.019–0.031 g, 13.15–20.97 m2/g, and 0.006–0.012 cc/g, respectively. (3) Undeformed shales have N2 adsorbed contents ranging between 1.94 and 6.03 cc/g, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) N2 mesopore and macropore surface areas of 0.55–7.35 m2/g, and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) N2 mesopore and macropore volumes of 0.002 and 0.006 cc/g. Naturally deformed shales have larger N2 adsorbed contents, BET N2 mesopore and macropore surface areas, and BJH N2 mesopore and macropore volumes, typically in the ranges of 5.72–14.45 cc/g, 7.47–17.64 m2/g, and 0.005–0.015 cc/g, respectively. (4) All samples have a unimodal micropore size distribution with a distinct peak associated with a 1.5 nm micropore fraction and have a multimodal mesopore and macropore size distribution. Naturally deformed shales show more homogeneous pore size distribution curves with morphological consistency than undeformed shales, indicating that structural deformation can significantly influence pore structural heterogeneity. (5) Deformed shales exhibit higher porosity and permeability compared to the undeformed samples due to the open pore-fracture network associated with the inorganic pores and microfractures. Average porosity and permeability in deformed shales can be 1.8 and 15 times higher than those in the undeformed shales. We conclude that the microstructural heterogeneity from strong to weak and the changes of a relatively single organic pore-dominated pore system to complex pores and microfractures dominated the pore-fracture system within shales due to structural deformation being the key cause of the quantitatively and qualitatively studied microstructure and petrophysical property differences.

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Removal from Aqueous Phase Using a Ceramic-Derived Activated Carbon.

Emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, have been detected in surface and groundwaters. The adsorption of paracetamol and ibuprofen, two widespread drugs, has been studied in aqueous medium, using a ceramic-derived carbon (CeDC) and a commercial activated carbon (CoAC). CeDC yielded a BET surface area of 895 m2 g−1, a bimodal pore size distribution (13.2 and 35 nm) and a total pore volume of 1.99 cm3 g−1. CoAC had an approximate surface area of 1000 m2 g−1, a homogeneous pore size distribution and a total pore volume of 0.42 cm3 g−1. Kinetic and equilibrium tests were carried out in batch systems to study the materials’ sorption performances. The intraparticle diffusion model best fitted the experimental kinetic data. The maximum ibuprofen sorption capacities were 120 mg g−1 and 133 mg g−1 for CoAC and CeDC, respectively, whereas no major differences on the maximum paracetamol sorption capacities (qm) were observed among the sorbents (150–159 mg g−1). Therefore, CeDC, synthesized easily from a ceramic composite, improved time and sorption capacity of paracetamol and ibuprofen compared to the commercial activated carbon, indicating the potential of the developed carbon as an emerging pollutant sorbent material.

High performance supercapacitors using selenium partially reduced Co3O4 on carbon cloth electrode with 3D interconnected architecture nanowires

The electrodes with high conductivity, large specific surface area and homogeneous pore size distribution are greatly desirable for supercapacitors applications. Herein, a hydrothermal and subsequent annealing approach was adopted to fabricate 3D interconnected nanowires architecture of selenium partially reduced spinel Co3O4 grew on the carbon cloth (COS@CC). The binder-free COS@CC electrode displays excellent specific capacitance, 1046.9 C g−1 at 1 A g−1, superior rate capability, 51.6% capacitance retention and superior cyclic stability, 92.0% capacitance retention after 15,000 cycles. These electrochemical performances were found to be better than that of the Co3O4@CC electrode. The enhanced electrochemical performance was ascribed to the fact that 3D interconnected architecture nanowires could shorten the ion transfer distance and heighten the rate of the redox reaction. In addition, increased specific surface area and homogeneous mesopore size distribution could assist effective diffusion and transfer of OH– between electrodes and electrolyte. The enhancement of conductivity, which is caused by the selenium partial reduction and more oxygen vacancies in the structure, facilitates electrons transfer and consequently improves the electrochemical properties of supercapacitors. These remarkable electrochemical performances indicate that the CSO@CC can be employed for developing high-energy and power-density supercapacitors.

Evaluation of the impact of pH of the reaction mixture, type of the stirring, and the reagents' concentration in the wet precipitation method on physicochemical properties of hydroxyapatite so as to enhance its biomedical application potential.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) constitutes a significant inorganic compound which due to its osteoinductivity, osteoconductivity as well as the ability to promote bone growth and regeneration is widely applied in development of biomaterials designed for bone tissue engineering. In this work, various synthesis methodologies of HAp based on the wet precipitation technique were applied, and the impact of pH of the reaction mixture, the concentration of individual reagents as well as the type of stirring applied (mechanical/magnetic) on the properties of final powders was discussed. Spectroscopic methods (Fourier transform infrared, Raman) and X-ray diffraction allowed to verify the synthesis parameters leading to obtaining calcium phosphate with 96% HAp in phase which indicated higher homogeneity of obtained powder (93.4%) than commercial HAp. Powders' morphology was evaluated using microscopic techniques while specific surface area was determined via Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. Particle size distribution, porosity of powders, and stability of HAp suspensions were also characterized. It was proved that synthesis at pH=11.0 using mechanical stirring resulted in calcium phosphate with a high phase homogeneity and homogeneous pore size distribution (6-20 nm). Moreover, obtained HAp powder showed 71.8% more specific surface area than commercial material-that is, 110 m3 /g for synthetic HAp and 64 m3 /g in the case of commercial powder-which, in turn, is significant in terms of its potential application as carrier of active substances. Thus it was demonstrated that by applying appropriate conditions of HAp synthesis it is possible to obtain powder with properties enhancing its application potential for medical purposes.

Fabrication of anti-fouling and photocleaning PVDF microfiltration membranes embedded with N-TiO2 photocatalysts

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes are promising materials for purifying and recycling wastewater in cold regions due to their high mechanical strength and low temperature stability. However, in practical wastewater treatment services, PVDF is easily fouled by organic pollutants because of its hydrophobic characteristics. In addition, because of the large amount of reagent utilized in the conventional cleaning process, a new hydrophilic membrane with simple cleaning characteristics needs to be developed. In this work, a novel anti-fouling membrane (N-TiO2@PVDF) was obtained by implanting a N-TiO2 photocatalyst into a PVDF membrane. N-TiO2@PVDFshows a more homogeneous pore size distribution and a larger average pore diameter, which results in a higher water flux (1017.8 L/m2•h compared to 217.4 L/m2•h PVDF), higher model pollutant bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution flux and higher BSA rejection rate (92.3% compared to 81.4% for PVDF). Furthermore, N-TiO2@PVDF shows an outstanding hydrophilicity performance compared to the PVDF membrane. The water contact angle of N-TiO2@PVDF 14 decreases sharply from 93.7° (PVDF) to 53.5°, and the BSA adsorption amount decreases significantly from 1.41 mg/cm2 (PVDF) to 0.05 mg/cm2. The total fouling ratio of N-TiO2@PVDF is decreased to a value of 25.5% compared to a value of 70.3% for PVDF, and the irreversible BSA fouling ratio is even decreased to 5.8% compared to 57.2% for PVDF. This result indicates that N-TiO2@PVDF shows outstanding antifouling performance. The N-TiO2@PVDF membrane also has a photocleaning function, and the BSA flux recovery ratio reaches up to 94.7% under simulated sunlight irradiation for 2 h without additional treatment. The results obtained from hydroxyl radical (OH) detection indicate that OH degradation of organic pollutants is the dominant mechanism for the N-TiO2@PVDF photocleaning. This anti-fouling and photocleaning N-TiO2@PVDF membrane offers a solution to wastewater treatment problems of membrane brittleness and easy fouling in cold places. It can also be a good choice for the drinking water purification process.

METHANOL MASS VARIATION OF MESOPOROUS SILICA SYNTHESIS USING RICINOLEIC METHYL ESTER AS A TEMPLATE

This study aims to synthesize mesoporous silica using ricinoleic methyl ester as a template with the variation of methanol mass. Mesoporous silica was synthesized using ricinoleic methyl ester as a template, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane as a structural directing agent, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a source of silica. The novelty of this study lies in the use of ricinoleic methyl ester as a template. The reaction conditions were varied by varying the amount of methanol without adding hydrochloric acid 0.1M. The yield of mesoporous silica in samples named MSME A, MSME B, and MSME C was 1.63 g, 1.70 g, and 1.80 g. It shows that adding methanol mass affects the yield of mesoporous silica. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that all silica products formed Si-O-Si bonds between 1103 cm-1 and 1111 cm-1 due to asymmetric stretching vibration. All silica products have a diffractogram at 2θ between 10o and 30o, indicating amorphous. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) image demonstrates the mesoporous silica morphology as a mixture of spherical particles and multiple sheets, fused round particles, aggregated particles, and spreading spherical particles. The BET analysis reveals a homogeneous pore size distribution in the third and fourth treatments. Each is dominated by a pore size range of 8.43 nm to 8.50 nm.

Catalytic pyrolysis of used tires on noble-metal-based catalysts to obtain high-value chemicals: Reaction pathways

A systematic study on the use of noble metals (Pd, Pt, Au) supported on titanate nanotubes (NT-Ti) for selectively producing BTX and p-cymene from waste tire pyrolysis is provided here. All the materials were characterized for chemical, textural and structural properties using a range of analytical techniques. The M/NT-Ti (M: Pd, Pt, or Au) catalysts exhibit low nanoparticle sizes (1.8 <NPs<2.2 nm), and a homogeneous pore size distribution. The catalysts demonstrated excellent activity for converting WT into BTX-enriched oil when tested in a micropyrolysis system coupled to chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS). The BTX production was enhanced by the presence of catalysts with a selectivity order as follows Pd > Pt ≈ Au > support > non-catalyst. The Py-GC/MS suggest that the catalysts participate in the secondary reactions of dealkylation, dehydrogenation, isomerization, aromatization, and cyclization leading to a higher formation of BTX than the uncatalyzed reaction. Finally, a comprehensive reaction pathway describing the catalytic pyrolysis of WT over Pd/NT-Ti was proposed by studying the catalytic pyrolysis of individual polymers constituting the waste tires, and D,L-Limonene.

Integrated sedimentological and petrophysical characterization for clastic reservoirs: A case study from New Zealand

The present study aims at characterizing the sedimentological and petrophysical properties of the Middle-Late Miocene Mt Messenger reservoir in Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. It is a detailed study based on availability of sedimentological (petrography, SEM and XRD), well log data (gamma ray, neutron, density, sonic, shallow and deep resistivity, PEF and RFT logs), in addition to conventional and special core analysis data for Mt Messenger reservoir.The Mt Messenger Formation is considered onshore fan units of low resistivity clastic rocks with high percentage of metamorphic lithic fragments. From the RFT logs, it is composed of two or three compartments partially separated from each other by some tight zones. The reservoir zones are represented by thin beds of well sorted very fine to silty-grained litharenite; sometimes is feldspathic, argillaceous and/or micaceous with very good intergranular porosity of average reaches to 25%. Petrographically and petrophysically four reservoir rock types (RRTs) or hydraulic flow units (HFUs) can be assigned, each with its diagnostic petrophysical properties and storage and flow capacities. The reservoir quality increases to the south at Ngatoro-2 well, where a total of gas- and oil-bearing 5 prospective thin beds are recognized, which are mostly composed of litharenite with very good porosity (21–27.8%) and permeability (63–368 md). Its reservoir quality index (RQI) and flow zone indicator (FZI) indicates fair to good reservoir quality (0.544 = RQI ≤ 1.151 μm, and 1.972 = FZI ≤ 3.049 μm). Presence of argillaceous and/or micaceous materials in addition to the silt-sized grains decreased the reservoir quality from RRT1 samples which are characterized by fair to good reservoir properties (homogeneous pore size distribution, 0.18 = R35 ≤ 1.32 μm) to the RRT4 samples which are considered slightly tight reservoir (slightly heterogeneous pore size distribution, 4.44 = R35 ≤ 9.97 μm).

Preparation and characterization of porous zircon aggregates by granulation method: Roles of the polymorphism of Al2O3

In this paper, eight zircon granules were prepared by granulation method, using zircon powders as raw material, α-Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3 as additives and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as binder, respectively. Then, the influence of α-Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3 addition on phase composition, lattice parameters, microstructure and physical characterization were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results reveal that Al2O3 could influence the Al2O3–ZrSiO4 system by reacting with SiO2 and dissolving into the zircon crystal lattice. The changing of the crystal lattice and the formation of mullite were the main influence factor. The zircon aggregate with 3.0 wt% γ-Al2O3 rendered an optimal apparent porosity of 25.2 %, a high cylinder compressive strength retention rate of 55.1 %, a relatively homogeneous pore size distribution and a smaller changing in lattice parameters.

Erratum to: Ferrocenyl building block constructing porous organic polymer for gas capture and methyl violet adsorption

Ferrocene-based porous organic polymer (FcPOP) was constructed with ferrocene and porphyrin derivatives as building blocks via Schiff-base coupling. FcPOP was well characterized, and exhibited good thermal stability, high porosity, microporous structure, and homogeneous pore size distribution. Ferrocene blocks with highly electron-rich characteristics endowed FcPOP with excellent adsorption capacity of CO2 and methyl violet. The kinetic study indicated adsorption of methyl violet onto FcPOP mainly complied with pesudo-second order model. The maximum adsorption capacity of FcPOP derived from Langmuir isotherm model reached up to 516 mg/g. More importantly, FcPOP could be easily regenerated and repeatedly employed for removal of methyl violet with high efficiency. Overall, FcPOP in the present study highlighted prospective applications in the field of gas capture and dyeing wastewater treatment.