Low-temperature Adsorption Research Articles

Low-cost activated carbon from the pyrolysis of post-consumer plastic waste and the application in CO2 capture

Chemical recycling by pyrolysis of plastic waste has been considered a potential approach. However, little attention has been paid to the reuse of the char residue generated. The preparation of materials from char residue obtained from the pyrolysis process has become an essential task. The purpose of this work is the preparation of activated carbons from the resulting char from the pyrolysis of a dirty and wet mixture of post-consumer plastic waste. The porous materials have been applied to the adsorption of CO2. Both physical and chemical activation methods were investigated to modify the surface texture properties. The properties of the developed activated carbons were characterized by diverse techniques such as elemental and proximate analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), adsorption-desorption isotherms with N2, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Among all synthesized samples, the activated samples prepared by chemical activation with KOH (char: KOH ratio 2:1; surface area, 487.0 m2·g−1) exhibited the highest CO2 adsorption uptake (∼49 mg·g−1). The activation temperature was explored within 680–840 ºC. For physical activation, an increase in the activation temperature decreases the adsorption uptake of the samples. For chemical activation, the adsorption increased as activating temperature rise to a maximum value, subsequently decreasing with further temperature rise. Increasing the amount of the chemical activating agent significantly decreases the adsorption capacities. The best-activated carbon was chosen, and several parameters were investigated on CO2 adsorption, C: KOH mass ratio (6:1–1:4), and adsorption temperature (15–60 °C). The highest adsorption of CO2 achieved was 62.0 mg·g−1 for activated carbon operating at the lower adsorption temperature (15 ºC).

Characterization on Structure and Fractal of Shale Nanopore: A Case Study of Fengcheng Formation in Hashan Area, Junggar Basin, China

The Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in Halaalate Mountain in the Junggar Basin has enormous potential for shale oil, while few investigations on quantifying pore structure heterogeneity have been conducted. Thus, total organic carbon (TOC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and low-temperature N2 adsorption tests were conducted on the shales collected from the HSX1 well in the Hashan region to disclose the microscopic pore structure and its heterogeneity. Results show that the selected shales mainly consist of quartz, plagioclase, calcite, and clay minerals. The primary pore types are intergranular pores in quartz and carbonate and intragranular pores in clays, while organic matter (OM) pores are rare. Typical types of H2 and mixed H2-H3 were observed. Type H3 shale pore size distributions (PSD) are unimodal, with a peak at about 70 nm, while Type H2-H3 shales are bimodal, with peaks at about 70 nm and 3 nm, respectively. Type H3 shales have lower D2 than Type H2-H3 shale, corresponding to weaker pore structure heterogeneity. Multifractal analyses indicate that macropores in Type H3 shales have stronger heterogeneity with large D10−D0 ranges, while minor D−10−D0 ranges mean weaker heterogeneity of micro- and mesopores, and so do Types H2-H3 shales. The higher the contents of plagioclase and clay minerals, the more heterogeneous the micro- and mesopores are; a larger content of quartz leads to more heterogeneous macropores. Specific surface area, micro-, and mesopores contents positively correlate to D2, while average pore diameter and macropores are on the contrary, thus the higher the content of micro- and mesopores and the specific surface area, the lower the content of macropores and average pore diameter, the more complex the microscopic pore structure of shale. Micro- and mesopores control the heterogeneity of shale pore development with a great correlation of D−10−D0 and D−10−D10, and D2 can effectively characterize the heterogeneity of a high porosity area with a strong correlation of D2 and D0−D10.

The Characteristic Development of Micropores in Deep Coal and Its Relationship with Adsorption Capacity on the Eastern Margin of the Ordos Basin, China

The accurate description of micro-/nanopores in deep coal reservoirs plays an important role in evaluating the reservoir properties and gas production capacity of coalbed methane (CBM). This work studies nine continuous samples of high–rank coal from the Daning–Jixian area of the Ordos Basin. Maceral analysis, proximate analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), low-pressure CO2 adsorption (LPA), low-temperature N2 adsorption (LTA) and high-pressure methane adsorption (HPMA) experiments were conducted for each sample. The fractal dimension (D) of the LPA data was calculated by using the micropore fractal model. The characteristics of the deep coal reservoir pore structure, proximate analysis, relationship between maceral and fractal dimensions, and gas adsorption capacity of the micropores are discussed. The results showed that the combination of LPA with nonlocalized density functional theory (NLDFT) models and LTA with NLDFT models can more accurately determine the pore size distribution of the micropores. The pore volume (PV) and specific surface area (SSA) of the coals were distributed in the ranges of 0.059~0.086 cm3/g and 204.38~282.42 m2/g, respectively. Although the degree of micropore development varies greatly among different coal samples, the pore distribution characteristics are basically the same, and the PV and SSA are the most developed in the pore size range of 0.4–0.7 nm. Ash content (Ad) and mineral composition are two major factors affecting micropore structure, but they have different impacts on the fractal dimension. The higher the vitrinite content, moisture content (Mad) and Ad are, the larger the micropore fractal dimension (D) and the stronger the heterogeneity of the pore structure. Micropores account for 99% of the total SSA in coal, and most methane can be adsorbed in micropores. The fractal dimension of micropores can be used to evaluate the pore structure characteristics. The larger the fractal dimension, the smaller the micro-SSA and micro-PV of the coal sample. Fractal analysis is helpful to better understand the pore structure and adsorption capacity of CBM reservoirs.

Isothermal and isovolumetric process of CO2 adsorption on nitrogen-doped biochar: Equilibrium and non-equilibrium states

In order to reveal the thermodynamic properties of CO2 adsorption on a promising nitrogen-doped biochar under isothermal and isovolumetric conditions, the adsorption isotherms based on 391 data points were experimentally obtained to investigate the mass and energy transfer process during CO2 adsorption by combining with model analysis. Then a series of interesting phenomena were found by analyzing those thermodynamic parameters in the equilibrium and non-equilibrium states. The capacity of CO2 on the biochar non-linearly increases with an increase of the initial pressure and volume-mass ratio but the decrease of the adsorption temperature. It can be up to 7.6 mol/kg at 273 K and 100 kPa. The adsorption system exchanges the energy with the surrounding environment mainly by heat transfer. And the interfacial energy of the adsorbent can be affected by the adsorbate system in three parts: pressure change from gas phase, molecular force from adsorbed phase and heat transfer. Then the conditions with low adsorption temperature, high initial pressure and large volume-mass ratio can provide a strong driving force for CO2 adsorption. These phenomena that have not been reported before will help us get a better technical process for CO2 capture.

Quantitative Characterization of Pore Structure Parameters in Coal Based on Image Processing and SEM Technology

The pore structure parameters of coal have an important influence on the exploration and development of coalbed methane. In this study, a series of pore structure parameters, including porosity, pore radius, pore throat radius, pore coordination number, pore throat ratio, and specific surface area, are identified, extracted, and calculated in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of coal reservoir samples using algorithms and application programs in MATLAB. Constant rate-controlled mercury injection and low-temperature N2 adsorption experiments were carried out to determine the accuracy of the SEM image-based processing analysis results. Characterization results show that the distribution of pore radius in the target coal samples of different organic matters range from 15 nm to 500 μm with porosity of 1.87–8.31% and radius distribution of 12.7 nm to ~100 μm. A noise-reduction system was constructed to eliminate the optical noise of non-porous features and repair the space affected by binarization noise. It is suggested that the characterization processing in this study is suitable for coal or other organic-rich porous materials with porosity > 2% and pore radius > 15 nm.

Screening of Palladium/Charcoal Catalysts for Hydrogenation of Diene Carboxylates with Isolated-Rings (Hetero)aliphatic Scaffold.

A series of seven palladium-containing composites, i.e., four Pd/C and three Pd(OH)2/C (Pearlman's catalysts), was prepared using modified common approaches to deposition of Pd or hydrated PdO on charcoal. All the composites were tested in the catalytic hydrogenation of diene carboxylates with the isolated-ring scaffold, e.g., 5,6-dihydropyridine-1(2H)-carboxylates with 2-(alkoxycarbonyl)cyclopent-1-en-1-yl and hex-1-en-1-yl substituents at the C(4)-position. The performance of the composites was also studied via the hydrogenation of quinoline as a model reaction. The composites were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), powder X-ray diffraction, and low-temperature N2 adsorption. It was found that the composites containing Pd nanoparticles (NPs) of 5-40 nm size were the most efficient catalysts for the hydrogenation of dienes, providing the reduced products with up to 90% yields at p(H2) = 100 atm, T = 30 °C for 24 h. The method of Pd NPs formation had more effect on the catalyst performance than the size of the NPs. The catalytic performance of Pearlman's catalysts (Pd(OH)2/C) in the hydrogenation of dienes was comparable to or lower than the performance of the Pd/C systems, though the Pearlman's catalysts were more efficient in the hydrogenation of quinoline.

Effects of Liquid CO2 Phase Transition Fracturing on Methane Adsorption of Coal

Liquid CO2 phase transition fracturing (LCPTF) is a kind of novel waterless fracturing technology for enhancing the coalbed methane (CBM) recovery. Relevant current studies are focused on exploring the transformed effect of LCPTF on the nanopore structure in coal. However, its influence on gas adsorption capacity has been rarely reported. This study addresses coal induced with LCPTF. The structure alterations of mesopores (2–50 nm) and macropores (>50 nm) and their effects on the gas adsorption capacity are evaluated with comprehensive measurements of a mercury intrusion porosimetry, low-temperature N2 adsorption, and isothermal adsorption. The results indicate that LCPTF has an enlarged effect on macropores, resulting in an increase in pore size and volume and a reduction of the pore specific surface area. The pore-enlarged-transformed effects of LCPTF cause an increase in pore size and a reduction of the pore volume and pore specific surface area of mesopores. The variations of the pore structure after LCPTF cause a reduction of the adsorption constant a and the increase in the adsorption constant b, indicating LCPTF’s reductive effect on adsorption capacity as well as its enhanced effect on desorption capacity. A novel effect evaluation method of LCPTF for improving CBM recoverability is proposed based on the variations of gas saturation and critical desorption pressure. This study examines, from the perspective of adsorption and desorption, the mechanism of LCPTF for enhancing CBM recovery, which provides theoretical guidance for LCPTF’s technical improvement and optimization of field application so as to secure a more reliable and efficient CBM recovery.

A comprehensive insight into the effects of acidification on varied-sized pores in different rank coals

Elucidating the evolution law of coal pore structure under acidification is crucial for guiding the practical application of acidizing technology and improving the production of coalbed methane. To comprehensively investigate the influence of acidification on varied-sized pores in different rank coals, in this study, fat coal, meagre coal and anthracite coal were collected and acidified with a mixed solution composed of hydrochloric acid (9 wt%) and hydrofluoric acid (3 wt%). An approach integrating low-pressure CO2 adsorption (LPGA-CO2), low-temperature N2 adsorption (LTGA-N2) and Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) was adopted to fully characterize the varied-sized pore structure before and after acidification to eliminate the limitations of single method. The results demonstrated that acid treatment improved the pore opening degree and connectivity in coal, but had essentially no effect on the pore shape. After acidification, all the coal samples showed significant increases in the porosity and total pore volume, which was mainly contributed by the numerous newly formed large mesopores and macropores, especially the macropores (with an average contribution rate of 74.59%). Taken as a whole, acid treatment had the largest impact on macropores, followed by mesopores, and the smallest impact on micropores. In addition, the variation trend of total specific surface area (SSA) under acidification was primarily determined by micropores. For the three different rank coals selected in this study, the total SSA of fat coal (PM) was more easily affected by acidification and had the largest percentage increase after acid treatment, followed by anthracite coal (YM), while that of meagre coal (LA) decreased slightly. This difference was driven primarily by the different variation trend of micropore SSA in different rank coals. After acidification, the SSA of ultra-micropores and super-micropores all increased in fat coal (PM) and anthracite coal (YM), whereas for meagre coal (LA), although ultra-micropores SSA increased, super-micropores SSA decreased, which ultimately led to the slight decrease of its micropore SSA. Moreover, the total pore volume increment of coal was closely related to the macropore volume increment under acidification, but not significantly related to the coal maturity,which might indicate that, compared with coal rank, the mineral content in coal might be a more important consideration when measuring the applicability of acidification technology.

Multi-scale pore structure characteristics and main controlling factors analysis of Longtan formation shale in Northwest Guizhou

Marine-continental transitional shale strata are widely distributed in China and have high gas potential. The Longtan shales are a typical marine-continental transitional coal-bearing shale system in Northwest Guizhou. Low-temperature N2 adsorption experiments and high-pressure mercury injection experiments were carried out on the unweathered shale samples from Well JS-1. The multi-scale fractal dimensions were calculated based on the MESP (Menger-sponge) model, MESA (mercury saturation) model, and FHH (Frenkel-Halsey-Hill) model respectively. The macropores (≥100 nm) are mainly inorganic with a fractal dimension D1 between 2.8628–3.2057, indicating the macropore structure is relatively complex. The proportion of the macropores in total pores is not high in comparison to mini-micropores (<50 nm), and the content of brittle minerals and pyrite mainly controls its structure. Among the mesopores (50–100 nm), inorganic pores are still the primary pore type, but the proportion of organic pores increases. The fractal dimension D2 is between 2.2125–2.3016. It has medium complexity, and the proportion in the total pores is slightly higher than that of macropores. The influence of organic matter abundance on mesopore structure is greater than that in macropore because of the increase in the proportion of organic pores, making the controlling mechanism of mesopore structure more complicated. Mini-micro pores are mainly organic pores. The fractal dimension D3 (fractal dimension of mini-micropores under low relative pressure, P/P0 ≤0.5) ranges between 2.6709–2.8648, and D3’ (fractal dimension of mini-micropores under high relative pressure, P/P0 >0.5) ranges between 2.6661–2.9256, indicating complex pore structures and rough surfaces. Mini-micropore accounts for the highest proportion of the total pores and its structure is mainly controlled by the abundance of organic matter. The pore structures of macropores and mesopores greatly influence the proportion of desorption gas in shale, while the structure of mini-micropores can control the maximum adsorbed gas volume of shale.

Fractal characteristics and theirs influence on methane adsorption in high-rank coals with NMR

To further understand the pore structure characteristics and their effect on CH4 adsorption capacity for high-rank coals. Based on 11 fresh coal samples from the Zhina coalfield of South China. We analyzed the pore structure characteristics of coal samples by low-temperature liquid-nitrogen adsorption (LP-N2A) measurements. On the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), we obtained the fractal dimensions of different types of pores by the new model, studied the relationship between the fractal dimensions, and the characteristic parameters of coals (composition and pore characteristics) and discussed the influence of the fractal dimensions on CH4 adsorption. The results show that according to LP-N2A isotherms, all coals can be classified into three types. The micropores provide the largest proportion of the specific surface area (SSA) of coals. Two fractal dimensions, Da (adsorption pore) and Ds (seepage pore), ranged from 2.471 to 2.805 and from 2.812 to 2.976, which were acquired in the saturated water condition by NMR. Furthermore, Da and Ds have different correlations with ash yield, carbon contents, moisture, SSA and irreducible fluid porosity. The coal composition and pore parameters have much greater control over fractal dimensions. Moreover, the different fractal dimensions have different influences on methane adsorption. With the increase of Da, the methane adsorption capacity is enhanced, but it is weakened with the increase of Ds. The high-rank coals have more SSA with higher Da and provide more adsorption sites for CH4. Langmuir pressure PL has different correlations with fractal dimensions. Da decreases with the increase of PL. The adsorption velocity is faster with higher Da. Thus, the fractal dimensions are the comprehensive reflection of differences among the physical properties of coal and are able to show the effect of coal properties on methane adsorption fully.

Forced Mineral Carbonation of MgO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Aerosol Methods at Room Temperature

Magnesium oxide (MgO) has been investigated as a wet mineral carbonation adsorbent due to its relatively low adsorption and regeneration temperatures. The carbon dioxide (CO2) capture efficiency can be enhanced by applying external force on the MgO slurry during wet carbonation. In this study, two aerosol-processed MgO nanoparticles were tested with a commercial MgO one to investigate the external force effect on the wet carbonation performance at room temperature. The MgO nano-adsorbents were carbonated and sampled every 2 h up to 12 h through forced and non-forced wet carbonations. Hydrated magnesium carbonates (nesquehonite, artinite and hydromagnesite) were formed with magnesite through both wet carbonations. The analyzed results for the time-dependent chemical compositions and physical shapes of the carbonation products consistently showed the enhancement of wet carbonation by the external force, which was at least 4 h faster than the non-forced carbonation. In addition, the CO2 adsorption was enhanced by the forced carbonation, resulting in a higher amount of CO2 being adsorbed by MgO nanoparticles than the non-forced carbonation, unless the carbonation processes were completed. The adsorbed amount of CO2 was between the maximum theoretical amounts of CO2 adsorbed by nesquehonite and hydromagnesite.

Pore structure and fractal characteristics of Wufeng–Longmaxi formation shale in northern Yunnan–Guizhou, China

In this study, the microscopic pore characteristics of shale in marine strata are evaluated. Based on field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), low-temperature N2 adsorption (LT-N2GA), low-pressure CO2 adsorption (LP-CO2GA) and high-pressure methane adsorption (HPMA) experiments, the pore characteristics of 12 shales from the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formations in northern Yunnan and Guizhou are characterized qualitatively and quantitatively. Fractal Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) theory is used to analyse the fractal characteristics, and the adsorption pore characteristics of shale are discussed. The correlation between the fractal dimension and pore structure and adsorption performance is determined. The results show that the total organic carbon (TOC) contents of the 12 shales are in the middle–low level, ranging from 0.43% to 5.42%, and the shales are generally in the highly mature to overmaturity stage (vitrinite reflectance (Ro) values between 1.80% and 2.51%). The mineral composition is mainly quartz and clay minerals. The average clay mineral content is 40.98% (ranging from 24.7% to 63.3%), and the average quartz content is 29.03% (ranging from 16.8% to 39.6%), which are consistent with those of marine shale in the Sichuan Basin. FE-SEM and LT-N2GA isotherms reveal a complex shale pore structure and open pore style, mainly ink bottle-shaped and parallel plate-like pores. The total pore volumes (PVs) range from 0.012–0.052 cm3/g, and the specific surface area (SSA) values range from 18.112–38.466 m2/g. All shale samples have abundant micropores and mesopores, accounting for >90% of the total SSA. The fractal dimensions, D1 and D2, were obtained from N2 adsorption data, with different adsorption characteristics at 0–0.5 and 0.5–1.0 relative pressures. The fractal dimensions increase with increasing BJH PV and BET SSA and decrease with decreasing average pore diameter (APD). The fractal dimensions are positively correlated with the TOC and clay mineral contents and negatively correlated with the quartz content. The fractal dimension can be used to evaluate the methane adsorption capacity; the larger the fractal dimension is, the larger the methane adsorption capacity is. Fractal analysis is helpful to better understand the pore structure and adsorption capacity of shale gas reservoirs.

Improving the hydrothermal stability of Pd/SSZ-13 for low-temperature NO adsorption: promotional effect of the Mg2+ co-cation

Insufficient hydrothermal stability is an issue that restricts application of Pd/SSZ-13 for low-temperature NO adsorption from vehicle emissions.

Enhanced NH3 Adsorption Capacity of CuCl2 by Changing the pore structure

Ammonia is an important carrier of hydrogen energy, with the characteristics of high hydrogen content density and no carbon dioxide emission. In recent years, many methods of ammonia synthesis using biomass have been widely studied to improve ammonia yield. Therefore, safe and efficient ammonia capture for ammonia synthesis from biomass is an important way to alleviate the energy crisis and solve the energy problem. In this paper, the NH3 adsorption properties of CuCl2 were measured, and the composite adsorbents were prepared by using silicon and multi-walled carbon nanotubes respectively to support CuCl2, and the NH3 adsorption properties of the composite adsorbents were studied. The study found that the NH3 adsorption capacity of the three adsorbents decreased with the increase in temperature, so metal chlorides were more suitable for the low-temperature adsorption of ammonia. Silicon and multi-walled carbon nanotubes have an enhanced effect on the NH3 adsorption of CuCl2. The reason is that the porous material itself has a physical adsorption effect on ammonia, and silicon can play the role of skeleton support in cupric chloride particles, which enhances the pore structure of the adsorbent, thereby alleviating sintering.

Dynamic Adsorption/Desorption of NOx on MFI Zeolites: Effects of Relative Humidity and Si/Al Ratio.

Adsorption is a potential technology that is expected to meet NOx ultra-low emission standards and achieve the recovery of NO2. In this study, the adsorption/desorption behavior of NOx with competitive gases (e.g., H2O(g) and CO2) was studied on MFI zeolites with different Si/Al ratios and under different relative humidity (0~90% RH). Sample characterization of self-synthesizing zeolites was conducted by means of X-ray diffraction, Ar adsorption-desorption, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that low-silica HZSM-5(35) showed the highest NOx adsorption capacity of 297.8 μmol/g (RH = 0) and 35.4 μmol/g (RH = 90%) compared to that of other adsorbents, and the efficiency loss factor of NOx adsorption capacity at 90%RH ranged from 85.3% to 88.1%. A water-resistance strategy was proposed for NOx multicomponent competitive adsorption combined with dynamic breakthrough tests and static water vapor adsorption. The presence of 14% O2 and lower adsorption temperature (25 °C) favored NOx adsorption, while higher CO2 concentrations (~10.5%) had less effect. The roll-up factor (η) was positively correlated with lower Si/Al ratios and higher H2O(g) concentrations. Unlike Silicalite-1, HZSM-5(35) exhibited an acceptable industrial desorption temperature window of NO2 (255~265 °C). This paper aims to provide a theoretical guideline for the rational selection of NOx adsorbents for practical applications.

Melamine foam-supported CoMo catalysts with three-dimensional porous structure for effective hydrodesulfurization of thiophene

The performance of the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts is generally subjected to the characteristics of supports. In this work, the melamine foam (MF) was employed as the support for fabricating a series of three-dimensional porous (3DP) CoxMo/MF supported HDS catalysts. The properties of the obtained HDS catalysts were characterized by XRD, TG, SEM, TEM, and low-temperature N2 adsorption–desorption techniques. The characterization results demonstrated that the CoxMo/MF supported catalysts possessed the 3DP structure, in which the metal oxides were attached to the prismatic pillars of the MF framework. The activity test results illustrated that the thiophene conversion over the Co2.0Mo/MF catalyst could reach 96.96% under 1 MPa and 360 °C. The unique 3DP structure with rich meso-/macropores, low average length and average stacking of crystalline MoS2 promoted the HDS activity of the Co2.0Mo/MF catalyst. This research shows the potential application of MF support in the field of catalysis and provides the possible direction for the further development of the supported HDS catalysts.

Application progress of small-pore zeolites in purifying NOx from motor vehicle exhaust

• Small-pore SSZ-13 and SSZ-39 zeolites have unique advantages in purifying NOx. • Pd/zeolites as PNAs present the superior low-temperature NOx adsorption activity. • Non-precious metal Co/zeolite is an ideal substitute for Pd/PNAs to reduce the cost. • Cu/zeolites possess the excellent high-temperature NH3-SCR catalytic activity. • Fe/Mn/Ce doped Cu/zeolites can broaden the NH3-SCR active temperature window. Lean-burn mode results in the high NOx emission of diesel vehicles despite its high fuel economy. NOx can be effectively removed by the SCR unit during normal operation, however, elimination during the cold start period needs to be addressed soon. Passive NOx adsorber (PNA) was proposed to adsorb and store NOx emitted during the cold start period. With the increase of exhaust gas temperature during normal operation, the adsorbed NOx will be quickly released and efficiently converted to N 2 when flowing through the downstream SCR catalyst. After years’ investigation, small-pore zeolites such as CHA and AEI have been found to possess superior hydrothermal stability and NOx selectivity compared with medium and large pore zeolites, and the former’s eight-membered ring structure effectively exclude large hydrocarbons from entering the zeolite channels, making them play a prominent role in NOx purification via both PNA and SCR units. SSZ-13 and SSZ-39 zeolites, which belong to CHA and AEI topologies respectively, has been confirmed to exhibit excellent low-temperature NOx adsorption performance and high-temperature SCR denitrification performance. In the field of purifying NOx from the diesel vehicle exhaust, the review simultaneously focused on the application of SSZ-13 and SSZ-39 zeolites in NOx purification from two aspects of PNA and SCR in recent decades. In addition, the unique advantages of their modified form of loading Pd/Co as PNAs, or loading Cu doped with Fe/Mn/Ce as SCR catalysts were systematically clarified, in order to provide some advanced guidance for the researchers in the purification of NOx from the diesel engine exhaust.

ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF HEXAGONAL BORON NITRIDE ON TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF GREASE

The article discusses the problem of using hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) as a grease additive. The literature on the subject was analysed in terms of greases into which hexagonal boron nitride was added. Particular attention was paid to the nano h-BN, due to the topicality of this topic and the potential of nano-additives to lubricants noted in published scientific studies. It was found that in order to indicate the regularities describing the tribological interaction of hexagonal boron nitride, detailed studies and an analysis of its properties are required. The important factors determining the application of this additive include particle size distribution, morphology, specific surface area, and porosity. The mentioned properties were determined for four samples of hexagonal boron nitride, which were also objects of tribological experiments. For this purpose, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and XRD method were used, and low-temperature adsorption isotherms were determined. The research on the influence of h-BN on the lubricity properties of lithium grease was carried out on a four-ball apparatus. Possible mechanisms of interaction of different types of h-BN in the friction zone were identified using the information collected on their important properties. Based on the results of the research, it was found that the use of nano h-BN in the discussed context seems promising. Article published in connection with the Autumn Tribological School.

Mineral Composition and Full-Scale Pore Structure of Qianjiadian Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits: Application for In Situ Leaching Mining

In situ leaching (ISL) is becoming the main mining practice for sandstone-type uranium deposits in China. The key to ISL technology is to aid the leaching solution in contacting the ore bed over a large range, which will induce a series of chemical reactions to extract uranium; thus, it is essential to thoroughly understand the reservoir physical properties of uranium deposits. Taking the Qianjiadian sandstone-type uranium deposits (southern Songliao Basin, China) as an example, the mineral composition and pore structure of samples in different layers were measured using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thin section analysis (TSA), low-temperature N2 adsorption (LTN2A), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and their influences on the ISL effect were analyzed. The results show that more than 65% of the minerals in the Qianjiadian uranium deposits are felsic minerals, and the carbonate minerals, clay minerals, and augite are auxiliary minerals. The primary intergranular pores, intergranular-dissolved pores, intragranular-dissolved pores, intercrystalline pores, and microfractures are developed in uranium deposits with various lithologies to different degrees. The macropores ( >1000 nm) and mesopores (100-1000 nm) of medium sandstone, argillaceous sandstone, and siltstone are well developed; in contrast, the proportions of micropores ( <10 nm) and transition pores (10-100 nm) in coarse sandstone, fine sandstone, and sandy mudstone are quite high. The heterogeneity of pores in uranium deposits of different lithologies is strong and influences the mineral composition and its fabric mode. Coarse sandstone, fine sandstone, and sandy mudstone are favorable for ISL mining in Qianjiadian uranium deposits because their permeability is above the required permeability threshold of ISL. The uranium deposits with permeability below the threshold are recommended to adopt the blasting-enhanced permeability method to improve their permeability for achieving large-scale and high-efficiency ISL mining. This study can provide guidance for the selection of favorable ore beds for ISL mining and reservoir stimulation methods in low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposits.

Strategies for palladium nanoparticles formation on halloysite nanotubes and their performance in acetylene semi‑hydrogenation

Pd nanoparticles are widely applied in catalysis. In this work, the deposition of Pd nanoparticles onto halloysite (Hal) nanotubes from different Pd precursors and solvents has been investigated. The prepared Pd/Hal catalysts have been characterized by low-temperature N2 adsorption, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential measurement, and tested in the hydrogenation of acetylene. On calcined Hal, the largest nanoparticles are formed in acid media, and the smallest are formed in non-aqueous one. Silanization of halloysite decreases absolute values of its zeta potential significantly and drops PdNPs size twice. Catalytic tests have shown that acetylene conversion and selectivity to ethylene depend on the deposition method, and the most active catalysts were prepared from Pd acetate dissolved in acetone. The lowest activity and highest selectivity to ethylene were demonstrated by the azine-modified halloysite, that could be related to Pd poisoning with nitrogen.