Large Contact Surface Research Articles

Cotton fabric decorated by a Zr4+ MOF for selective As(V) and Se(IV) removal from aqueous media

In this work we describe a new method for the fabrication of a bulk sorbent material composed of the metal-organic framework (MOF) [Zr6O4(OH)4(NH2BDC)6]·xH2O (MOR-1) supported on cotton textiles and demonstrate its ability to remove toxic oxyanions from the aquatic environment. The new sorbent shows exceptional capability for both individual and competitive sorption of As(V) and Se(IV) oxyanionic species from aqueous media, due to the strong binding of these species to the Zr4+ metal ions, the high permeability and large contact surface area of the fabric. The sorption capacities of MOR-1@cotton fabric for As(V) (459 mg g−1) and Se(IV) (325 mg g−1) largely exceed those of previous reported sorbents. In addition, MOR-1@cotton fabric showed excellent sorption efficiency in a wide pH range (3−7) as well as high selectivity for As(V) and Se(IV) against several competitive anionic species. Finally, the fabric sorbent was examined for its efficiency in the removal of As(V) and Se(IV) from genuine water samples (lake, river and well water) under realistic conditions with very satisfactory results. These data, along with the fact that the bulk MOR-1@cotton fabric can be easily retrieved from water after use (in contrast to sorbents being in powder form), pledges on the potential use of the material for real water treatment applications.

Efficient degradation of trimethoprim with ball-milled nitrogen-doped biochar catalyst via persulfate activation

This study explored a novel eco-friendly metal-free biochar catalyst for trimethoprim (TMP) degradation in an aqueous solution. The preparation of a ball-milled and N-doped mulberry biochar (BMNMB) for the activation of persulfate to degrade an antibiotic. BMNMB exhibits a large contact surface area and high colloidal stability compared to pristine biochar, ball-milled, and thermally treated biochar (BMMB). Surface analysis studies confirmed the heteroatom doping of the ball-milled biochar materials. The degradation efficiency of TMP in the BMNMB900/PS (>97%) was higher than those of the BMMB900/PS (73%) and pristine MB/PS (24%) systems. The TMP removal treads were further verified by the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (PFOKM). The effective degradation of TMP was obtained under neutral pH conditions. The heterogeneous catalytic reaction performance was examined using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) kinetic model. The anions had a negative impact on the catalytic activation of BMNMB900 with PS. The chemical scavenger analysis was confirmed via both radical (HO• and SO4•−) and non-radical (1O2) reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed in the BMNMB900/PS system. Further, substantial evidence of 1O2 formation in the BMNMB900/PS system was observed in the electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis in the presence of D2O. Moreover, the linear sweep voltammogram also clearly demonstrated the electron transfer process in the BMNMB900/PS system. The TMP degradation mechanisms were proposed via the intermediate analysis using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-MS/MS). The BMNMB900 catalyst with PS system successfully demonstrated the reusability of a catalyst in TMP degradation.

Fabric phase sorpitive extraction and passive sampling of ultraviolet filters from natural waters using a zirconium metal organic framework-cotton composite

In this work, we introduce the use of MOFs immobilized on cotton fabrics as a sorbent phase for the fabric phase sorptive extraction and passive sampling of non-polar organic compounds from water samples. A water-stable, Zr4+-based MOF (UiO-66(Zr)-NH2) was irreversibly immobilized on polydopamine decorated cotton through a step-wise synthetic procedure that maximized the amount of MOF immobilized on the fabric surface. In this manner it was possible to combine the permeability and the large contact surface area of the host cotton substrate with the high specific surface area and sorption capacity of the MOF. The MOF@cotton composite was used as a new sorbent phase for the fabric phase sorptive extraction of UV filters, as model organic compounds, not only under static (i.e. stirring assisted) but also in dynamic, flow-through extraction mode (i.e. as a solid phase extraction sorbent phase), producing satisfactory analytical results in terms of linearity of calibration curves (10–250 µg L−1), precision (<11%), detection limits <10 µg L−1 (using a single wavelength UV detector) and recoveries (86 - 119%) from various natural water samples. As a passive sampling sorbent phase, the MOF@cotton composite could linearly accumulate UV filters over time period of 35 days with sampling rates from 0.026 to 0.352 L d−1, which are comparable to other passive sampling sorbent phases.

Scaffold Flexibility Controls Binding of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 with Sulfated Dendritic Polyglycerol Hydrogels Fabricated by Thiol-Maleimide Click Reaction.

Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) with a diameter of 155-240nm uses electrostatic interactions to bind with the heparan sulfate present on the cell surface to initiate infection. In this work, the initial contact using polysulfate-functionalized hydrogels is aimed to deter. The hydrogels provide a large contact surface area for viral interaction and sulfated hydrogels are good mimics for the native heparan sulfate. In this work, hydrogels of different flexibilities are synthesized, determined by rheology. Gels are prepared within an elastic modulus range of 10-1119Pa with a mesh size of 80-15nm, respectively. The virus binding studies carried out with the plaque assay show that the most flexible sulfated hydrogel performs the best in binding HSV viruses. These studies prove that polysulfated hydrogels are a viable option as HSV-1 antiviral compounds. Furthermore, such hydrogel networks are also physically similar to naturally occurring mucus gels and therefore may be used as mucus substitutes.

The Effect of Chemicals of Plant Protection Products on Soil Microbiocenoses

With the emergence of agriculture, humankind faced numerous difficult tasks. For example, how to use the potential of the soil while saving its quality and functional properties, how to apply agricultural technologies effectively and environmentally friendly, how to make them safe for human health and biota, and many others. There are several informative and reliable recording criteria and indicator systems that fully and comprehensively describe changes in the ecological condition of the soil and agrocenoses. However, all these systems have one defect – the time from the impact of the factor to the “reaction” of the indicator. Early diagnosis of changes in the agrocenosis is possible due to the biological component of the soil, namely the microbiocenosis. Notably, that microorganisms have a large contact surface with the environment, high rates of reproduction in space and time, sensitivity to changing living conditions. The reaction of soil microbiocenosis and its activity (number of microorganisms of ecologicaltrophic and taxonomic groups, respiration intensity, microbial biomass content, and soil phytotoxicity) under the action of chemicals that are the basis of plant protection products (PPP) was studied in the laboratory. It was found that the number of microorganisms of different ecological-trophic and taxonomic groups under the action of a composition of cymoxanil with dimetomorph decreased by 1.5-4.5 times relative to control, chlorperifosmethyl in 1.1-2 times, and prometryn – not more than 1.5. The content of microbial biomass and the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions when using cymoxanil with dimethomorph compared to the control variant decreased by 44% and 51.4-64.8%, respectively; prometryn – by 10-13% and by 8-12%. The highest level of soil phytotoxicity was observed for variants using prometryn (20-24%), the lowest for a composition of cymoxanil with dimetomorph (7-12%). It was shown, that the high level of inhibition of test culture development with the use of prometryn associated with the class of PPP and the mechanism of its effect on the plant organism. Low indicators of soil phytotoxicity and microbiocenosis activity when using cymoxanil with dimetomorph are explained by the influence of the studied composition not only on phytopathogenic micromycetes, but also on all groups of soil micromycetes (cellulose-destroying, saprophytic) that dominate. Therefore, the influence of PPP chemicals on the microbiocenosis can be shown as follows: PROMETRYN (the lowest level of influence) → CHLORPYRIFOS-METHYL → CYMOXANIL + DIMETOMORF (the highest level of influence)

ОСОБЕННОСТИ МИКРОМЕТРАЖА ГИЛЬЗ ЦИЛИНДРОВ ДВИГАТЕЛЕЙ ЯМЗ

The most important part that limits the engine life is the cylinder liner. Before fault finding in the cylinder liners, it is necessary to carry out the micrometry of their surface to identify the areas of greatest and least wear. For carrying out the micrometry and testing it on new and worn cylinder liners, 40 cylinder liners of YaMZ engines were used. The working surface of the cylinder liners was controlled by the inner diameter, which was measured in eight sections and two planes. The micrometry was carried out with an indicating hole gauge with a digital head of increased accuracy with a sensitivity of 0.001 mm; ten new cylinder liners met the technical requirements. The micrometry of thirty cylinder liners showed that the greatest wear was 253 μm in the connecting rod oscillation plane and 189 μm in the perpendicular plane. It was found that liner micrometry should be particularly thoroughly carried out at the top of the cylinder liners. The greatest wear occurs at the top piston ring stop at the start of the expansion stroke, with more intensive wear in the connecting rod oscillation plane due to the normal force. The uppermost part of the cylinder liners is the wear-free liner flange, the diameter of which indicates the original dimensions of the liner bore. However, it must also be measured due to the effects of high temperatures, changes in the crystal pattern of the material, oxidation and the presence of combustion products in the form of carbon deposits. The lower part of the cylinder liner is subject to wear due to the friction of the piston skirt against its surface. However, due to the lower temperature, the better lubrication, the much larger contact surface and the correspondingly lower pressure, increased wear here can only occur if there are misalignments in the crank mechanism: the misaligned crankshaft axle or the bent connecting rod.

Application Progress of Nano Silver Dressing in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot.

Diabetic foot is a serious infection of the lower limbs. It is caused by diabetic neuropathy and vascular disease. It is also the primary cause of disability and death in patients with severe diabetes, so prompt treatment is essential for positive outcomes. The clinical use of nano-silver dressings can be considered to further optimize the treatment process and improve the treatment efficacy in diabetic foot patients. Nano-silver dressings have a larger contact surface and a stronger bactericidal effect when compared to ordinary silver dressings. Besides, it can be disinfected repeatedly to better wound infection control and promote wound healing. The current article discusses the pathogenesis of diabetic foot, diabetic foot dressing treatment, the application of nanotechnology in diabetic foot treatment, the efficacy evaluation of different dressings, and the practical prospects of adopting nanotechnology in the treatment of diabetic foot.

Fiber Interfacial Transition Zone Concept for Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete by SEM Observation

Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), which has become quite popular in recent years, improves many of concrete’s mechanical properties. It uses fibers discretely and is utilized in different structures. This paper proposes, between steel fibers and concrete, a fiber interfacial transition zone (FITZ) which is the most vulnerable part of steel FRC (SFRC) because it has a high cracking and microcracking potential due to fiber-concrete separation. In the prepared specimens, steel fibers were added to concrete in hooked and twisted forms, the SFRC microstructure was studied in both cases under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the related images were compared as secondary electron (SE) images. The SEM analysis showed highly precise images of the cracks and their microstructures in the FITZ and lab results show that the newly defined FITZ illustrates the cracking patterns well for both fiber types. Because twisted fibers have cracking angles and larger contact surfaces, the concrete-fiber bond is increased and the related crack widths decrease considerably. A comparison of the crack widths showed that those in the FITZ of specimens with twisted fibers decreased by a factor of approximately seven compared to those with hooked fibers.

Computational screening of 645 antiviral peptides against the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein in SARS-CoV-2.

The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein plays a vital role in binding and internalization through the alpha-helix (AH) of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Thus, it is a potential target for designing and developing antiviral agents. Inhibition of RBD activity of the S protein may be achieved by blocking RBD interaction with hACE2. In this context, inhibitors with large contact surface area are preferable as they can form a potentially stable complex with RBD of S protein and would not allow RBD to come in contact with hACE2. Peptides represent excellent features as potential anti-RBD agents due to better efficacy, safety, and tolerability in humans compared to that of small molecules. The present study has selected 645 antiviral peptides known to inhibit various viruses and computationally screened them against the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 S protein. In primary screening, 27 out of 645 peptides exhibited higher affinity for the RBD of S protein compared to that of AH of the hACE2 receptor. Subsequently, AVP1795 appeared as the most promising candidate that could inhibit hACE2 recognition by SARS-CoV 2 as was predicted by the molecular dynamics simulation. The critical residues in RBD found for protein-peptide interactions are TYR 489, GLY 485, TYR 505, and GLU 484. Peptide-protein interactions were substantially influenced by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. This comprehensive computational screening may provide a guideline to design the most effective peptides targeting the spike protein, which could be studied further in vitro and in vivo for assessing their anti-SARS CoV-2 activity.

Double‐Sided Graphene‐Enhanced Raman Scattering and Fluorescence Quenching in Hybrid Biological Structures

AbstractDue to their large contact and loading surfaces as well as high sensitivities to chemical changes, graphene‐based materials (GBMs) are increasingly being employed into novel nanomedicine technologies. Here biomolecule—monolayer graphene—kidney tissue hybrid structures are studied using mapping micro‐Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies. Because in this configuration graphene interacts with molecules on both sides, a double‐sided graphene‐enhanced Raman scattering (GERS) effect up to ≈10.1 is found for biomolecules adsorbed on graphene and amino acids in the kidney tissue below graphene. Moreover, graphene causes an efficient autofluorescence quenching (FLQ) up to ≈20% emitted by the kidney tissue. Despite the complexity of such layered materials, the intriguing simultaneous occurrence of double‐sided GERS (a new development of GERS) and FLQ phenomena can be well explained by suitable molecular structure and energy level alignment between molecules and graphene. These result in effective charge transfer mediated by non‐covalent interactions as indicated by correlative strain, doping, and defect analyses in graphene based on the Raman data and energy level calculations. Last, the advantages of using graphene over standard photobleaching are demonstrated. This work can be extended to other macromolecular entities toward integrating GBMs in versatile drug delivery, imaging, and sensing devices.

Two in One: Use of Divalent Manganese Ions as Both Cross-Linking and MRI Contrast Agent for Intrathecal Injection of Hydrogel-Embedded Stem Cells.

Cell therapy is a promising tool for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders; though, the translational efforts are plagued by ineffective delivery methods. Due to the large contact surface with CNS and relatively easy access, the intrathecal route of administration is attractive in extensive or global diseases such as stroke or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the precision and efficacy of this approach are still a challenge. Hydrogels were introduced to minimize cell sedimentation and improve cell viability. At the same time, contrast agents were integrated to allow image-guided injection. Here, we report using manganese ions (Mn2+) as a dual agent for cross-linking alginate-based hydrogels and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We performed in vitro studies to test the Mn2+ alginate hydrogel formulations for biocompatibility, injectability, MRI signal retention time, and effect on cell viability. The selected formulation was injected intrathecally into pigs under MRI control. The biocompatibility test showed a lack of immune response, and cells suspended in the hydrogel showed greater viability than monolayer culture. Moreover, Mn2+-labeled hydrogel produced a strong T1 MRI signal, which enabled MRI-guided procedure. We confirmed the utility of Mn2+ alginate hydrogel as a carrier for cells in large animals and a contrast agent at the same time.

Modeling of Visco-Elastic Environments for Humanoid Robot Motion Control

This manuscript presents a model of compliant contacts for time-critical humanoid robot motion control. The proposed model considers the environment as a continuum of spring-damper systems, which allows us to compute the equivalent contact force and torque that the environment exerts on the contact surface. We show that the proposed model extends the linear and rotational springs and dampers - classically used to characterize soft terrains - to the case of large contact surface orientations. The contact model is then used for the real-time whole-body control of humanoid robots walking on visco-elastic environments. The overall approach is validated by simulating walking motions of the iCub humanoid robot. Furthermore, the paper compares the proposed whole-body control strategy and state of the art approaches. In this respect, we investigate the terrain compliance that makes the classical approaches assuming rigid contacts fail. We finally analyze the robustness of the presented control design with respect to non-parametric uncertainty in the contact-model.

A rapid and efficient dispersive trehalose biosurfactant enhanced magnetic solid phase extraction for the sensitive determination of organophosphorus pesticides in cabbage (Brassica olearaceae var. capitate) samples by GC-FID

A simple, efficient and green method for extraction and enrichment of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) (sulfotep, diazinon, tolclofos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, isofenphos, and ethion) in cabbages was developed by dispersive biosurfactant microdroplets enhanced magnetic solid phase extraction. The approach is based on the addition of microdroplets of trehalose biosurfactant into the sample solution, which accelerates the mass transfer process between the extraction sorbent (phenyl-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles) and the aqueous solution. With the large contact surface area between both phases, the addition of this biosurfactant results in an increase in the extraction efficiency of OPPs in a short period of time. The final extraction conditions were type of desorption solvent, acetonitrile; extraction time, 60 s; mass of sorbent, 15 mg; amount of biosurfactant, 40 mg; type of disperser solvent, tetrahydrofuran; volume of disperser solvent, 500 μL; desorption time, 4 min; salt addition, 5% w/v; and sample volume, 30 mL. Under optimized microextraction and GC-FID conditions (using HP-5 MS column), the method has good linearity (0.5–500 μg kg–1) and good coefficients of determination (R2 ≥ 0.9953), low limits of detection (0.08–0.15 μg kg–1), high preconcentration factors (46–516), and satisfactory analyte recoveries (85.8–107.9 %) with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of <10 % (n=at least 3). This method was used to measure OPPs concentration levels in cabbages collected from several locations in Malaysia.

Assessing Electrochemical Stability Windows of Li1+XAlxM2-X(PO4)3 (M=Ge,Ti) Nasicon Solid Electrolytes for Their Application in All Solid-State Lithium Batteries

All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries (ASSLBs) are a new generation of lithium batteries that are developed to meet expectations in terms of safety, stability and high energy density. The liquid electrolyte of conventional Li-ion batteries is replaced in ASSLBs by a safer and more stable solid electrolyte (SE). ASSLBs are promising because they may enable the use of high potential materials as positive electrode and lithium metal as negative electrode. This is only possible through SE stated large electrochemical stability windows (ESW). Nevertheless, values for these electrochemical windows are very divergent in the published literature. Recently, several studies have come to specifically decry the frequent overestimation of SE electrochemical stability windows 1- 4 . Establishing a robust procedure to accurately determine SEs ESW has therefore become crucial.Our work is focused on using an original experimental set up to assess the ESW of two widely investigated NASICON-type SEs Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) and Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 (LAGP). The experimental set-up provides a large contact surface between the SE and the conductive material, which maximizes the redox current signals. A combination of Potentiostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (PITT) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements allowed us to precisely determine the ESW of LATP and LAGP solid electrolytes. Using EIS and physico-chemical characterizations, we attempted to shed light on the degradation mechanisms occurring upon the solid electrolytes’ oxidation. 1 - Y. Tian et al. Energy Environ. Sci. 2017, 10, 1150. 2 - Z. Zhang et al. Energy Environ. Sci. 2018, 11, 1945-1976. 3 - F. Han et al. Adv. Energy Mater. 2016, 6(8), 1501590. 4 - T. Schwietert et al. Nature Mat. 2020, 19, 428–435.

Assessing the Electrochemical Stability Window of NASICON-Type Solid Electrolytes

All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries (ASSLBs) are promising since they may enable the use of high potential materials as positive electrode and lithium metal as negative electrode. This is only possible through solid electrolytes (SEs) stated large electrochemical stability window (ESW). Nevertheless, reported values for these ESWs are very divergent in the literature. Establishing a robust procedure to accurately determine SEs’ ESWs has therefore become crucial. Our work focuses on bringing together theoretical results and an original experimental set up to assess the electrochemical stability window of the two NASICON-type SEs Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) and Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 (LAGP). Using first principles, we computed thermodynamic ESWs for LATP and LAGP and their decomposition products upon redox potentials. The experimental set-up consists of a sintered stack of a thin SE layer and a SE-Au composite electrode to allow a large contact surface between SE and conductive gold particles, which maximizes the redox currents. Using Potentiostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (PITT) measurements, we were able to accurately determine the ESW of LATP and LAGP solid electrolytes. They are found to be [2.65–4.6 V] and [1.85–4.9 V] for LATP and LAGP respectively. Finally, we attempted to characterize the decomposition products of both materials upon oxidation. The use of an O2 sensor coupled to the electrochemical setup enabled us to observe operando the production of O2 upon LAGP and LATP oxidations, in agreement with first-principles calculations. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) allowed to observe the presence of an amorphous phase at the interface between the gold particles and LAGP after oxidation. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements confirmed that the resulting phase increased the total resistance of LAGP. This work aims at providing a method for an accurate determination of ESWs, considered a key parameter to a successful material selection for ASSLBs.

Development of high thermally conductive and electrically insulated epoxy nanocomposites with high mechanical performance

AbstractDeveloping polymer‐based nanocomposites with high thermal conductivity, mechanical performance, and electrical insulation becomes a huge challenge in both academia and industry. In this article, the synergistic effects of boron nitride (BN) nanosheets and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of epoxy nanocomposite adhesives were investigated. The results showed that the addition of one‐dimensional CNTs and two‐dimensional BN nanosheets into the epoxy matrix contributes to the formation of a three‐dimensional network and a larger contact surface between the nanofillers and the epoxy matrix. The hybrid filler of BN and CNTs provided significant improvements in thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposite adhesives. At 1.06 vol% of BN‐CNTs, epoxy nanocomposite adhesives provide higher Young's modulus, fracture toughness (K1C), energy release rate (G1C), lap shear strength, and thermal stability compared with epoxy/BN nanocomposite adhesives. The thermal conductivity of epoxy/BN‐CNT nanocomposites recorded its maximum values of 0.49 K m−1 k−1 at 3.79 vol% and increased by 335% compared with 133% in case of epoxy/BN at the same fraction of 3.79 vol%.

Phase, microstructure and service character of as-deposited and short-time heat-treated Ni-Mo alloys with mixed state.

Considering the amorphous and nano-crystalline cluster structure and their activity, on the basis of the mixed structure Ni-Mo alloys, the crystallization kinetics of the alloys and the performance of the alloys after heat treatment with different mixed structure were studied. The phase structure and composition were determined by X-ray powder diffraction. The crystallization activation energy of the mixed structure was obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. The electrochemical activity of the mixed structure alloy was determined by electrochemical analysis. The experimental results show that the structural stability of the mixed-structure alloy is better, but the crystallization activation energy is much lower than that of the amorphous alloy. The crystallization process consists of a meta-stable structure transition and a new phase formation. The electrochemical properties of the alloy indicated that the alloy with the mixed structure has higher electrochemical activity, with higher hardness and better corrosion resistance, which results from the large true contact surface and the large number of active centers in this material structure.

In silico Approaches for the Design and Optimization of Interfering Peptides Against Protein-Protein Interactions.

Large contact surfaces of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) remain to be an ongoing issue in the discovery and design of small molecule modulators. Peptides are intrinsically capable of exploring larger surfaces, stable, and bioavailable, and therefore bear a high therapeutic value in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Given these promising properties, a long way has been covered in the field of targeting PPIs via peptide design strategies. In silico tools have recently become an inevitable approach for the design and optimization of these interfering peptides. Various algorithms have been developed to scrutinize the PPI interfaces. Moreover, different databases and software tools have been created to predict the peptide structures and their interactions with target protein complexes. High-throughput screening of large peptide libraries against PPIs; “hotspot” identification; structure-based and off-structure approaches of peptide design; 3D peptide modeling; peptide optimization strategies like cyclization; and peptide binding energy evaluation are among the capabilities of in silico tools. In the present study, the most recent advances in the field of in silico approaches for the design of interfering peptides against PPIs will be reviewed. The future perspective of the field and its advantages and limitations will also be pinpointed.

Facile fabrication of bifunctional ZIF-L/cellulose composite membrane for efficient removal of tellurium and antibacterial effects

Fabrication of simple and efficient adsorbents is greatly vital to satisfy the requirements of removal of tellurium in wastewater treatment, yet remains challenging. Here, a facile and cost-effective strategy to develop ZIF-L coated self-crosslinking cellulose membrane (ZIF-L/SC membrane) for tellurium adsorption was presented. In-situ vertical growth of ZIF-L nanoplates with functional properties on membrane substrate is an available strategy, effectively remedying deficiency of pure nanosized sorbent in agglomeration problem and unhandy recovery. The SC membrane formed by strong hydrogen bonding among cellulose fibers is an excellent substrate, due to the favorable mechanical strength and abundant hydroxyl groups. The as-prepared ZIF-L/SC membrane shows advantageous morphology of large contact surface, fine thermal stability and eligible mechanical strength. The adsorption performance and possible mechanism of ZIF-L/SC membrane for Te (IV) were investigated by diverse characterization methods, showing admirable adsorption effect. Furthermore, the ZIF-L/SC membrane has excellent antibacterial properties, thus it is expected to deal with membrane fouling caused by microorganism breeding. Therefore, the bifunctional ZIF-L/SC membrane with excellent antibacterial activity is anticipated to be a promising candidate for efficient tellurium adsorbents, and simultaneously have potential in various fields in the future.

Error in bubble velocity measurement using 4-sensor void probe due to interface deformation

Multi-sensor void probe is efficient to measure the local parameters of two-phase flow such as bubble interface velocity. In general, meniscus due to surface tension is formed and shape of the gas–liquid interface deforms when an object contacts the gas–liquid interface. The deformation of the interface by penetration of the front sensor affects the penetration time of the rear sensor, and as a result, an error can occur in the measurement of the bubble interface velocity. The characteristics of the meniscus formation around the sensor was investigated and the error in the measurement of the interface velocity was evaluated. It was clarified that the size, shape of the sensor and the contact angle of the sensor surface affect the error in interface velocity measurement as well as the interface velocity itself, and no measurement error would occur in air-to-water penetration by using a sensor with a large surface contact angle. A double sensor void probe was applied to bubbly flow to measure the bubble interface velocity. The measurement error due to the meniscus also occurred in the actual experimental measurement. It was shown, that it is necessary to use only the velocity of the lower surface of the bubble or to make certain appropriate error correction for the velocity of the upper interface of the bubble.