Ion-exchange Capability Research Articles

Biodegradable Shale Inhibitors for Water Based Fluids

Swelling of shale formations is the main challenge may be encountered during the drilling operations. To address this challenge, the potassium chloride (KCl) is traditionally added as an inhibitor to the drilling mud for controlling its chemical reaction with the shale formations. However, environmental concerns surrounding the non-biodegradability and detrimental effects of chloride ions necessitate the exploration of alternative solutions. This study focuses on evaluating the efficiency of biodegradable and environmentally friendly additives in mitigating the shale swelling. Potassium sorbate, potassium citrate, and potassium bicarbonate are the selective additives with different concentrations (1%-7%). Different tests, including X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence, were conducted to characterize the shale type and determine its chemical composition or the major mineral abundances. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the microstructure of shale cuttings and identify the small-scale pore features. Furthermore, cation exchange capacity measurements were performed to ascertain the shale samples' ion exchange capabilities. The effectiveness of the additives was evaluated using the Linear Swell Test. The results revealed that potassium sorbate exhibited a remarkable performance in reducing shale swelling, its consistently yielding the lowest swelling percentage compared to other tested materials. A concentration of 4% of potassium sorbate demonstrated the lowest reduction in swelling that reaches to 3.938%. Additionally, potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate exhibited swelling rates close to those observed with KCl. The lowest swelling percentage achieved at different concentrations of potassium citrate (4% and 5%) was 12.019%. In contrast, a 11.819% of swelling percent was observed when 5% concentration of potassium bicarbonate was added to the drilling mud. This research introduces innovation biodegradable materials added to the drilling mud for mitigating the shale swelling.

Effect of Cow Bone Addition on the Humification, Heavy Metals Passivation and Fate of Resistance Genes During Swine Manure Composting

Bone meal has been used as economic and effective additive for heavy metals (HMs) pollution remediation due to the distinct components and structures that enable their favorable properties, such as its low cost, high adsorption capacity, acid-base adjustability, and ion-exchange capability. However, no attempt has been made to establish whether cow bone could promote the passivation of HMs and the removal of metal resistance genes (MRGs) and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) during the composting process. Two sizes of cow bone (meal (T2) and granule (T3)) were added to investigate their effects on humification, HMs passivation and the abundance of ARGs and MRGs during swine manure composting. Excitation-emission matrix (EEM)-parallel factor analysis showed that the percentage of maximum fluorescence intensity of humic-like substances were higher in T2 (91.82%) than in T3 (88.46%), implying that T2 could promote the humification process compared to T3. In comparison with control (T1), the addition of T2 and T3 could promote the change of exchangeable Cu and reducible Cu into oxidizable Cu, thus reducing the mobility factors (MF) of Cu in T2 and T3 treatments by 10.48% and 6.98%, respectively. In addition, T2 and T3 could increase exchangeable Zn into reducible Zn and oxidizable Zn, thereby reducing the MF of Zn in T2 and T3 treatments by 18.80% and 2.0%, respectively. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that the total abundances of MRGs were decreased by 100% in T2 and T3 treatments, and T2 decreased the total relative abundance of ARGs. Furthermore, the relative abundance of ARGs and MRGs had significantly correlated with intI1 and bio-available of Cu and Zn, which was triggered by selective pressure of HMs and horizontal gene transfer. The present study suggested that cow bone meal as additives can be a feasible approach to promote the passivation of HMs and enhance the removal of MGRs and ARGs by decreasing horizontal gene transfer and selective pressure by bioavailable HMs.

Synthetic composite membranes and their manifold applications: A comprehensive review

Synthetic membranes play a crucial role in a wide range of separation processes, including dialysis, electrodialysis, ultrafiltration, and pervaporation, with growing interest in synthetic emulsion membranes due to their precision, versatility, and ion exchange capabilities. These membranes enable tailored solutions for specific applications, such as water and gas separation, wastewater treatment, and chemical purification, by leveraging their multi-layered structures and customizable properties. Emulsion membrane technology, particularly in pressure-driven methods like reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF), has shown great potential in overcoming traditional challenges, such as fouling and energy inefficiency, by improving filtration efficiency and selectivity. This review explores the latest advancements in emulsion membrane development, their adaptability to various industrial needs, and their contribution to addressing long-standing limitations in membrane separation technologies. The findings underscore the promise of emulsion membranes in advancing industrial processes and highlight their potential for broader applications in water treatment, environmental management, and other key sectors.

Preparation and electrochromic properties of polyethylene oxide intercalated Vanadium pentoxide composite films and devices

A stable and efficient composite electrochromic material, Vanadium Pentoxide combined with polyethylene oxide (V₂O₅-PEO), was exhibited using an Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) technique. The interlayer spacing of V₂O₅ was adjusted by the PEO component during electrophoretic adsorption, allowing for rapid ion exchange, with overall conductivity being enhanced and electrolyte penetration being accelerated. The elemental composition of the films was analyzed via X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). A higher relative content of V⁴⁺ was observed in the green and blue states, while V⁵⁺ was predominant in the orange state. An electrochromic device (ECD) was assembled using V₂O₅-PEO as the active electrochromic layer. Multicolor performance was demonstrated by the device, with transitions observed between yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green, orange, and various intermediate shades. Due to the moderate increase in the interlayer spacing of the film, the ionic migration ability was enhanced, with a balance achieved between the conductivity and ion exchange capability of PEO. Outstanding electrochromic performance was exhibited by the V₂O₅-0.5PEO device, including a rapid response time (3 s for coloration and 1.5 s for bleaching at 796 nm), high optical contrast (ΔT = 40 % at 796 nm), and a significant coloration efficiency (CE = 38.3 cm2/C).

Li‐ion Exchange‐Driven Interfacial Buffer Layer for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractThe goal of achieving batteries with high energy density and high safety profile has been a driving force in developing all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs). However, the complex issues arising from the interfacial interaction between lithium anode/cathode and solid‐state electrolytes (SSE) have hindered the progress of ASSLMBs. This study presents a strategy for constructing an organic/inorganic buffer layer via employing Li‐ion exchanging chemistry of H1.6Mn1.6O4 (HMO) with a flexible matrix of polyethylene oxide (PEO). The buffer layer shows a remarkable ion conductivity of 3.21 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C originating from the exceptional Li+‐H+ ion exchange capability of HMO. This PEO/HMO buffer layer not only establishes an intimate physical contact between the Li anode/cathode and the SSE but also functions as a dynamic Li+ transfer station to facilitate Li+ movement through the interfaces improving interfacial stability. By pairing with cathodes of LiFePO4 (LFP) and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811), the ASSLMBs feature high‐rate capability and stable cycling performance with low polarization. This marks the utilization of HMO as a superior interfacial material to replace conventional lithium salts, with improved ion transport, decreased polarization, and enhanced overall performances. This constitutes a significant advancement toward the next‐generation energy storage solutions for ASSLMBs.

Mechanism underlying anion-sieving in poly(ionic liquid)-based membrane: Effective acid recovery from engineering waste

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are promising for recovering acid from different engineering effluent due to their lower energy consumption, positive environmental impact, and potential for providing clean water resources. Utilizing the diffusion dialysis (DD) process, AEMs effectively retain metal ions while selectively allowing fast proton permeation. Achieving high hydrophilicity, proton conductivity, and ion exchange capacity through exact control of polymeric structure and chemical composition is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of the acid recovery process. This study presents the findings on the impact of novel Poly(ionic liquid) on cellulose acetate-based AEMs for acid recovery through DD application. In this study, interconnected nanochannel AEMs with high acid permeability are engineered using a straightforward blending technique. Poly(3-butyl-1-vinylimidazolium bromide-co-methyl methacrylate-co-styrene) (poly([BVIM]-[Br]–co–MMA-co-Styrene, PIL) is blended with cellulose acetate to achieve ionic crosslinking, resulting in a mechanically stable membrane. The dosage of PIL within the membrane matrix plays a vital role in determining the prepared membranes' physicochemical properties and ion exchange capabilities, which exhibit excellent thermal stability. Remarkably, the optimal AEM (7.5 % PILM) exhibits a high acid dialysis coefficient (UH+) of 1.05 m/h and a separation factor (S) of 802, outperforming previously reported state-of-the-art AEMs and commercial membranes. These findings indicate that the prepared AEMs are highly effective for acid recovery through DD. Notably, our work stands out by introducing new AEMs with superior acid dialysis performance and selectivity.

An exploration of AFLC-14-doped ceric phosphate, a novel liquid crystal hybrid ion exchanger: synthesis, ion exchange studies and analytical insights

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterisation of an anthraquinone-based discotic liquid crystal (DLC), AFLC-14-doped ceric phosphate, a novel composite ion exchanger which exhibits superior ion exchange properties. The incorporation of AFLC-14 betwixt the layers of ceric phosphate aims to strengthen the material’s thermal property, adsorption capacity, and disinfectant properties along with ion-exchange capabilities. The reported material underwent extensive physico-chemical characterisation using various analytical techniques, including FTIR, UV-vis spectrophotometry, XRD analysis, SEM imaging, TGA/DTA studies and elemental investigation. Additionally, ion-exchange characteristics were investigated, encompassing ion-exchange capacity, concentration dependency, thermal property, adsorption studies for alkaline earth and heavy/transition metal ions, and binary separation experiments. Our findings reveal that the incorporation of a DLC betwixt ceric phosphate matrix significantly improves the exchanger’s overall performance. Notably, the hybrid ion exchanger exhibits remarkable selectivity for mercury (II) ions, indicating its potential for selective ion removal applications in environmental remediation and water purification processes.

Impact assessment of Zeolite, Ca-bentonite and Biochar amendments on Cd bioavailability and fractions in polluted calcareous soils

The refining of polluted soils by heavy elements is one of the most important environmental policies in industrialized and developing countries. Using adsorbents is a suitable procedure for the immobilization of heavy metals in polluted soils. This study aimed to assess the immobilization of Cadmium (Cd) in polluted calcareous soil affected by the application of organic and inorganic amendments including Biochar (from grape pruning residues) and natural Zeolite and their interaction under wheat cultivation. The treatments used in this study were two amendments of Zeolite and Biochar (from grape pruning wastes) at three levels (0, 1, and 4%) and three levels of Cd contamination (0, 75, and 150 mg/kg soil). A 16-week incubation period was considered for the homogenization of the amendments in soil and wheat was grown according to the standards procedure. At the end of incubation, different fractions of Cd including residual, exchangeable, bonded to organic matter, bonded to carbonate and bonded to iron and manganese. Also available Cd by DTPA and EDTA methods and 1000-grain weight of wheat were measured. The results showed that the highest amount of Cd bound to organic matter was obtained in 4% Biochar treatment to 15 mg/kg. The highest and lowest amounts of Cd extracted with DTPA were obtained in the control one (92 mg/kg) and the level of 4% Biochar (67 mg/kg), respectively. The results showed that increasing the amount of Biochar and Zeolite amendments increased the weight of 1000 grains of wheat in all treatments. According to the results of the study, the use of Biochar and Zeolite reduced the amount of Cd extracted by DTPA ( 82.436 mg/kg) and EDTA (115.605 mg/kg). Finally, the results showed that the use of Biochar and Zeolite has reduced active Cd and its mobility in the soil due to increasing organic and carbonate fractions. Combining biochar and zeolite in soil remediation efforts can enhance their effectiveness in reducing the concentration and mobility of active Cd. The biochar provides a stable carbon matrix for long-term immobilization of Cd, while the zeolite offers additional adsorption capacity and ion-exchange capabilities. This synergistic effect can lead to improved soil quality and reduced environmental risks associated with Cd contamination.

Confinement and interface engineering boosting the capacitive performance by constructing NiCo-LDH@CoSe core-shell structure for supercapacitor

The strategic design of heterostructures in multicomponent composites is a promising approach for enhancing the properties of energy storage materials. While NiCo layered double hydroxide (NiCo-LDH) exhibits favorable ion exchange and redox capabilities, its nanostructure suffers from poor conductivity, leading to aggregation during charge and discharge cycles and compromising its electrochemical stability. This study presents the novel synthesis of NiCo-LDH@CoSe core-shell heterostructure using a two-step electrodeposition technique. The NiCo-LDH@CoSe heterojunction has remarkable electrochemical characteristics, boasting a high specific capacitance of 1965.4 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1. It also exhibits an impressive rate performance of 74.4 % at 20 A·g−1, and retains 83.3 % of its capacitance after enduring 10,000 cycles at 30 A·g−1. The confinement and interface engineering of the heterojunction facilitate enhanced charge transfer from CoSe to NiCo-LDH, leading to exceptional performance and effectively addressing challenges such as poor conductivity, structural degradation, and nanoparticle clustering. The assembled NiCo-LDH@CoSe//AC hybrid supercapacitor also shows excellent performance. This research underscores the effectiveness of core-shell structure confinement and interface engineering in enhancing electrochemical performance.

A chromium-incorporated all-inorganic polyoxoniobate framework material: Good chemical stability and selective ion exchange capability

An all-inorganic three-dimensional (3D) polyoxoniobate (PONb) framework, Na6K4[(Nb6O19)CrIII(H2O)2]2·38H2O (1) has been synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The fundamental building unit of [(Nb6O19)CrIII(H2O)2]210− is connected by K+ ions, forming a 3D framework structure with channels along the b-axis. Compound 1 exhibits good thermal stability, and selectively absorbs Co2+ ions while excluding Ni2+ ions from acetonitrile solutions, PXRD analysis confirms that its framework remains intact after adsorption, indicating its potential as an effective ion-exchange material.

Removal of lead ions onto potassium-type fine-grained zeolite prepared from dry or wet milling treatment

Potassium-type zeolite (KZ) was prepared from coal fly ash by hydrothermal activation treatment using potassium hydroxide solution and potassium-type fine-grained zeolite was prepared by dry milling (KZ-D) or wet milling (KZ-W). The effects of the different treatments on the Pb2+ adsorption performance were assessed. KZ-W resulted in a much smaller particle diameter (0.61 ± 0.12 µm) than KZ-D (1.4 ± 0.48 µm) and KZ (6.5 ± 0.49 µm). KZ-W also realized a higher pore volume, mean pore diameter, and specific surface area, than KZ-D and KZ. Additionally, KZ-W realized a greater Pb2+ adsorption capacity (242.6 mg/g) than KZ (195.3 mg/g) or KZ-D (188.9 mg/g). The adsorption phenomena were fitted to the Freundlich and Langmuir models to clarify the Pb2+ adsorption mechanism, and then both models showed a good fit to the experimental data (the correlation coefficients of 0.914–0.996 for Freundlich model and 0.897–0.981 for Langmuir model). Additionally, the ion exchange capability, elemental distribution, and binding energy before and after adsorption were analyzed. The results indicated that the physicochemical characteristics of the tested adsorbent surface affected the Pb2+ adsorption capacity in the aqueous phase. According to kinetics, the pseudo-second-order model matched the experimental data (the correlation coefficients of 0.996–0.999). The samples also demonstrated selective adsorption of Pb2+ in a binary solution. The results demonstrated that KZ-W can effectively remove Pb2+ from the aqueous phase and that it may be a useful tool for preventing contamination of water bodies.

Enhanced properties of Nafion nanofibrous proton exchange membranes by altering the electrospinning solvents

Abstract Nanofibrous proton exchange membranes (PEMs) play an important role in improving the performance of the fuel cells. In this paper, two kinds of Nafion nanofibrous PEMs, Nafion-E/W and Nafion-DMF, were fabricated respectively by using ethanol/water (E/W) and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent and their properties, such as the morphologies, water uptake, area swelling, ion exchange capabilities, conductivities, and mechanical properties were examined. Nafion-E/W nanofibers showed a thick diameter of 6,089 nm and Nafion-DMF nanofibers a thin diameter of 410 nm. Then the two Nafion nanofibers were annealed to provide the PEMs. Compared with Nafion 117 membranes and Nafion-DMF PEMs, Nafion-E/W PEMs showed the greatest water uptake and area swelling of respectively 59.75 % and 30.31 % and the conductivity increased to 0.1405 S/cm, more than twice as much as Nafion 117 membranes, but the broken stress decreased to 5.49 MPa, nearly half of Nafion 117 membranes. Nafion-DMF PEMs showed the lowest water uptake, area swelling, and conductivity of 22.67 %, 10.75 %, and 0.0410 S/cm, and the broken stress reached 14.20 MPa, greater than 11.0 MPa of Nafion 117 membranes. The obtained experimental results are instructive to improve the properties of Nafion PEMs.

Record High Iodate Anion Capture by a Redox-Active Cationic Polymer Network.

As a critical radioactive anionic contaminant, traditional adsorbents primarily remove iodate (IO3 -) through ion exchange or hard acid-hard base interactions, but suffer from limited affinity and capacity. Herein, employing the synergistic effect of ion exchange and redox, we successfully synthesized a redox-active cationic polymer network (SCU-CPN-6, [C9H10O2N5 ⋅ Cl]n) by merging guanidino groups with ion-exchange capability and phenolic groups with redox ability via a Schiff base reaction. SCU-CPN-6 exhibits a groundbreaking adsorption capacity of 896 mg/g for IO3 -. The inferior adsorption capacities of polymeric networks containing only redox (~0 mg/g) or ion exchange (232 mg/g) fragments underscore the synergistic "1+1>2" effect of the two mechanisms. Besides, SCU-CPN-6 shows excellent uptake selectivity for IO3 - in the presence of high concentrations of SO4 2-, Cl-, and NO3 -. Meanwhile, a high distribution coefficient indicates its exemplary deep-removal performance for low IO3 - concentration. The synergic strategy not only presents a breakthrough solution for the efficient removal of IO3 - but also establishes a promising avenue for the design of advanced adsorbents for diverse applications.

The characteristics of high temperature polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cell based on 2-pyridene based polybenzimidazole blended with poly(vinyl-phosphonic acid)

The present study has focused on exploring new 2-pyridine-bridge-based polybenzimidazole (2-Py-PBIs) based materials for various energy-related uses in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). An electrochemical device, which transforms chemical energy into electrical energy, is known as fuel cell. Using solution polymerization with polyphosphoric acid as a solvent, a series of 2-Py-PBIs were synthesised from the 4,4'-([2,4′-bipyridine]-2′,6′-diyl)bis (benzene-1,2-diamine). 2-Pyridine bridge Polybenzimidazoles are cross-linked with poly (vinylphosphonic acid), which helps us to improve membrane properties like mechanical properties and proton conductivities. FT-IR was used to characterize chemical structure, Ubbelohde viscometer was employed to determine the inherent viscosity. Additionally investigated were the oxidative stability, swelling ratio, ion exchange capability, and water uptake for 2-Py-PBIs. Thermogravimetric analysis is used to evaluate thermal stability. The obtained 2-Py-PBIs membranes were thermally stable and mechanically strong when compared with conventional polybenzimidazole-based membranes. The 2-Py-PBIs:PVPA membranes showed proton conductivity between 0.10 µS/m to 4.65 µS/m.

Use of a hydrotalcite isopropanol dispersion for deacidification and preservation of cellulose cultural heritage objects - Preliminary study

Preservation of cellulose cultural objects, particularly books, is a field of research with about 100 years of history. The most dangerous in terms of their lifespan is the use of acidic wood-based paper which represents a problem in both quality and durability. Acid hydrolysis of polymeric cellulose chains is a key factor responsible for loss of visual appearance quality and mechanical strength. Sulphate and aluminium ions together with generated formic, acetic, and other higher carboxylic acids accelerate the rate of degradation catalytically as well as autocatalytically. Alkaline species (alkali and alkali earth hydrogen carbonates, oxides, organocompounds, and amines) suppress the degradation processes. This paper refers to the utilisation of hydrotalcites (HT, MgxAl2(OH)2x+4CO3, x > 6) as deacidifying agents in a non-halogenated low toxic carrier – isopropanol. Preparation of an HT dispersion, its characterisation, and application to (acidic) test paper are described. Due to its ion exchange and neutralization capabilities, HT increased pH of test papers from about 4 to at least 6. Similarly to the action of HT as antacids, it is possible to suppose the neutralizing capability in deacidifying of aged-acid papers, even at pH lower than 7. A higher increase of pH was achieved only with extremely high loadings of HT; 16 g / m2 allowed to reach a surface pH value equal to 7.8. Both the optical properties and mechanical strength of treated samples were improved at loadings up to 3 g / m2.

Constructing ionic highway in capacitive deionization via integrated electrodes based on bifunctional ionomer

In this work, bifunctional ionomeric capacitive deionization (BICDI) electrode are constructed by using bifunctional ionomer as electrode binder and ion exchange material for the enhancement of desalination performance. Compared with traditional membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) electrodes, the BICDI electrodes were fabricated by using the poly(arylene alkylene) based ionomer to substitute the PVDF binder and ion exchange membrane (IEM). The BICDI electrode based on bifunctional ionomer exhibits higher hydrophilicity, special ion exchange capability, as well as excellent electrochemical properties in comparsion with that of MCDI electrode counterpart. The built-in ionic groups in poly(arylene alkylene) based ionomers could create interconnected ionic highway between different electrode particles, which encourages effective ion transport. The desalination results validated that the salt adsorption capacity (SAC) of carbon-based BICDI electrodes reached 19.2 mg g−1, which is 2.2 times that of MCDI electrodes during adsorption-desorption cycles. Meanwhile, BICDI electrode possesses exceptional charge efficiency (96.6 %), which is much higher than that of MCDI (76.8 %). In the case of BICDI device, the ionomer utilization rate increased by a factor of 88 compared to that of ion exchange membrane in MCDI device. Especially, the economic cost of the integrated BICDI electrodes module is only $35 m−2, which is much cheaper than that in conventional MCDI system ($520 m−2). It is reasonable to believe that the integrated BICDI electrode incorporated with charged bifunctional ionomer proposed in this work provide novel insights and strategies for the high-performance and large-scale CDI applications.

Incorporation of multilayered double hydroxides/sepiolite augments proton conductivity performance in low sulfonated polyether sulfone octyl sulfonamide

AbstractLow-sulfonation-level polyether sulfone octyl sulfonamide (LSPSO) was blended with a layered double hydroxides (LDHs, Mg2AlCl)/sepiolite nanostructure clay as a filler to create an electrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications. Comprehensive characterization of the composite membranes was conducted, encompassing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, mechanical stability assessment, thermal gravimetric analysis, ion exchange capability, swelling characteristics, water uptake performance, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. In comparison to the pristine LSPSO membrane, the presence of LDHs/sepiolite nanoarchitecture material within LSPSO exhibited superior water retention and proton conductivity values, especially at elevated temperatures. The proton conductivity of the composite membranes reached approximately 250 mS/cm, while the unmodified LSPSO membrane only achieved 35 mS/cm at 100 °C. Moreover, LSPSO composite membranes demonstrated enhanced chemical and thermal stability along with higher proton conductivity when compared to pristine LSPSO membranes. These findings highlight the potential of developing tailored LSPSO composite membranes to advance the prospects of commercial applications in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Constructing blocked-nanolayer by surface charge inversion over anion exchange membrane for improved antifouling performance

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with excellent antifouling property are essential for treating highly saline organic wastewater through electrodialysis (ED). In this study, we proposed a strategy of surface charge inversion to construct a blocked- nanolayer based on in-suit dopamine (DA) deposition followed by grafting negative-charged 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) for promoting the antifouling performance of AEM. It's indicated that the surface hydrophilicity and negative charge density was gradually enhanced with the increase of AMPS grafting density without sacrifices of ion exchange capability, swelling ratio and desalination performance. In the simulated fouling experiments, the optimal AEM-AMPS-105 membrane exhibited excellent antifouling property due to the improved surface hydrophilicity and high electrostatic repulsion against organic matter. It's highlighted that the transmembrane voltage of modified membrane after operating 200 min was reduced from 7.12 V to 4.85 V with a significant decrease of energy consumption by 55.1 % while maintaining a high current efficiency level of 85.5 %. Moreover, the modified membrane performed significantly enhanced salt/contaminant selectivity and high stability in dye wastewater treatment. We anticipated that the construction of charge-blocked nanolayer by surface charge inversion offered a practical method for improving the organic fouling-resistance of AEMs.

A Research on Developing Zeolite Based Lime Mortars

Zeolites are aluminosilicate materials that possess a crystalline structure characterized by an interlinked three-dimensional framework of AlO4 and SiO4 tetrahedra. This framework contains open cavities in the form of channels and cages, leading to the designation of zeolites as molecular sieves. The characteristics of molecular sieves enable zeolites to have high adsorption capacity, ion exchange capability, and catalytic properties, which also contribute to improving indoor environmental quality. Zeolites also exhibit pozzolanic reactivity due to their high silica content. These chemical and physical properties of zeolites offer the potential to produce a lime-based mortar with improved mechanical performance, which can also contribute to the physical conditions of the environment with its hygroscopic behavior. For this purpose, under the scope of the research, the pozzolanic reactivity of zeolite obtained from the Manisa Gördes region of Türkiye has been evaluated first. After establishing the pozzolanic property of zeolite, mortar alternatives with different pozzolan/binder ratios, curing conditions, and aggregate sizes are investigated through a combination of physical and mechanical testing methods. Clinoptilolite-type natural zeolite in the form of powder and aggregates, which vary between 0-7 mm (0-2 mm, 2-4 mm, 4-7 mm) particle size, and class CL 90 – S type slaked lime were used to produce zeolite based lime mortars. The different particle sizes of zeolite aggregates were added to increase the moisture adsorption capacity of the mortar.

Nanucellulose from Tofu Production Waste for Wastewater Treatment

Solid waste from tofu production, also known as okara, has numerous applications and can produce high-value-added products. However, the utilization of okara in Indonesia is not yet significant. This written work proposes okara as a source of nanocellulose to produce wastewater adsorbents in freshwater by fabricating it as aerogels and hydrogels. Wastewater is highly hazardous to the environment and living organisms as it can contain saturated salts, heavy metals, organic compounds, oil emulsions, dyes, and even microbes as pollutants that can lead to various diseases or death. Therefore, research on biosorbents is always a hot topic. Biosorption is the process of binding metal ions into the cellular structure of biological materials. Lignocellulosic biosorbents have high adsorption properties due to their ion exchange capability. Okara biosorbent can increase the absorption capacity of Pb2+ ions by up to 20% compared to conventional absorbents. The soybean skin component could also remove contaminated textile dyes from water. Additionally, the low lignin content in okara makes it easier to utilize than other lignocellulosic materials. This research study also shows that okara-based nanocellulose aerogels can maintain their shape or exhibit full shape recovery properties even after being used repeatedly.