Low Content Research Articles

A Comprehensive Study on Net Zero Energy Buildings and Sustainable Construction Materials with Low Carbon Contents

One-third of the world's greenhouse gas emissions come from the building industry, with embodied carbon from the manufacture of building materials accounting for a sizable portion of these emissions. Prior research has mostly focused on examining the carbon emissions of low-rise structures, but it has failed to consider the significant influence that high-rise buildings have on a city's overall carbon emissions. Net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) combine intelligent energy management strategies with conventional design knowledge to facilitate a sustainable and eco-friendly transition. The NZEB building revolution has the potential to become a long-term structural pillar for structures to come. The purpose of this study is to assess how various design factors and the embodied carbon in high-rise structures relate to one another. Additionally, the goal of this research is to keep annual consumer energy comfort in a home NZEB at its highest level without using any electricity from the electrical grid. In order to achieve long-term climate goals, our work emphasises the socio-economic advantages of adopting NZE buildings and further empowers consumer participation to minimise energy waste and carbon emissions. The findings provide a foundation for constructing high-rise structures in a more ecologically conscious manner to lower the structure's carbon emissions. The evaluation and comparison of the embedded carbon values takes into account the carbon emissions from the transportation and material manufacturing processes.

Enzyme-free and label-free detection of HER2 in human serum based on Ag+-released hybridization chain reaction signal amplification

The overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has been linked to aggressive breast cancer and worse clinical outcomes. However, accurately measuring HER2 remains challenging, due to its low serum content. Herein, we developed a novel method for HER2 detection in serum by the combination of aptamer with C-Ag+-C structure, Ag+-released hybridization chain reaction (Ag+-HCR) and coprecipitation of Ag+ and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the solution including Eosin Y (EY) and AgI colloids. Following the aptamer bound to HER2, signal amplification occurred through the release of numerous Ag+ by Ag+-HCR. This process subsequently induced AuNPs aggregation on the surface of AgI colloids, resulting in reduced fluorescence intensity of EY in the supernatant. The reduced value of EY fluorescence intensity in the supernatant was proportional to the level of HER2. Under optimized reaction conditions, a wide detection range was obtained between 0.09 and 9000 pg/mL with a limit of detection of 11.7 fg/mL in diluted human serum, and 96 serum samples in a 96-well plate could be measured simultaneously by a microtiter plate reader within 2 h. Moreover, the quantitative results of HER2 were consistent with those obtained using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (r = 0.9995). Therefore, leveraging the delicate design of Ag+-HCR signal amplification, this enzyme-free, label-free, and effective method has demonstrated to be capable of detecting HER2 in serum due to its high sensitivity. Remarkably, this method may be extended to detect other cancer-related proteins and genes by replacing the corresponding target sequences.

THE ROLE OF ATOMIC SCATTERING FACTORS IN DETERMINING THE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF THE BAZHENOV SUITE'S ROCKS

For the first time, it was demonstrated, that the use of standard atomic-structural parameters of minerals in X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to determine the phase composition in the Bazhenov suite's core is incorrect and most often leads to inaccurate information when calculating their quantitative ratio. In particular, by decomposing the XRD — based quantitative data on the mineral composition of the core of the Bazhenov suite into the main rock-forming oxides and further comparing them with reliable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) data, an unsatisfactory convergence between them was established. At the same time, significant differences in the results of XRD and XRF have been shown in terms of oxides of silicon, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, both at large and small mass fractions. It has been found that even with perfect XRD, achieved by optimizing the standard mineral structure parameters (lattice period, crystallite size, crystal lattice microdistortion, absorption coefficient, crystallographic texture, background) and achieving a very high degree of convergence (more than 95%) of experimental and theoretical diffractograms, the differences between oxide forms are still significant. It is shown, that the results of XRD of Bazhenov suite are questioned due to detected inconsistencies in oxide forms. Using the analysis of multiple factors and data from diffractograms of many samples, it has been established that the identified differences are primarily caused by the use of incorrect initial atomic-structure parameters of minerals in modeling. It is shown that rock minerals in the Bazhenov suite are primarily characterized by significant changes in the values of atomic scattering factors and significant displacements of atomic positions in the nodes of the crystal lattice, caused by the action of the high pressures and temperatures in the formation. For the first time, the XRD algorithm that has been developed, is presented and implemented in Bazhenov suite rocks, with consideration of the state of atoms in the analyzed mineral. Furthermore, it was found that the authors XRD approach enables the identification and quantification of the Bazhenov suite minerals with a relatively low content, which are challenging to identify during traditional XRD.

Performance Evaluation of an Anode-Supported SOFC Short-Stack Operating with Different Fuel Blends as Stationary-CHP System

Abstract In the perspective of the transition of gas grids towards hydrogen/natural gas blends or even pure hydrogen, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells “SOFC” could play a crucial role as efficient and clean stationary Combined Heat and Power systems, flexibly operating on different feedstocks. A solid oxide fuel cell short stack is analyzed experimentally under different fuel gas compositions which emulate different gas grid transition scenarios. The testing campaign is defined with the aid of a preliminary system-level simulation which assesses system architecture and operating strategy (off-gas recirculation, external reforming, etc.). Experimental tests (polarization curves and performance/efficiency maps) are run in different operating conditions in terms of fuel utilization and temperature in three gas composition scenarios. 
To assess the efficiency of the SOFC unit under the different feedstock operation, different formulations of stack and system efficiencies are proposed and analyzed, based on the boundary conditions considered for the input/output energy streams. 
Experimental results were key to evaluate the different efficiency definitions proposed; albeit the highest voltage/power is obtained with the 100% H2 scenario, the efficiency may be higher with 100% NG and blend scenarios, due to the lower energy content of the input fuel.

Effect of different starches in batter formulation on oil content and associated quality attributes of fried chicken nuggets

Persistent consumption of heavily fried and breaded foods over an extended period may have the potential to contribute to the development of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases, and elevated blood pressure. The potential of coating using native starches (cassava, sweet potato, and corn) in batter formulation to reduce oil uptake as well as their effects on other quality attributes (moisture, colour and textural properties) were investigated. The chicken nuggets coated with batter from different starches were fried at 170 °C for 5 to 25 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study changes in microstructural properties of fried chicken nuggets samples at different time intervals. The chicken nuggets coated with batter from sweet potato starch had lower oil (13.09%) and moisture (30.49%) contents compared with those coated with other starches. The SEM revealed that longer frying duration produced chicken nuggets with fewer gas cells and pores and subsequently lower oil content. There are changes in the colour and textural properties of the fried chicken nuggets irrespective of the starches used in batter formulation. Application of starches in batter formulation at different frying time affected some quality attributes of fried chicken nuggets with sweet potato starch having better attributes when compared with others.Graphical

Cordyceps militaris fermentation changes the flavor and chemical profiles of Lu’an GuaPian green tea with fat-lowering and anti-aging activities

Microbial tea products are widely welcomed for their unique quality and characteristics. In this study, Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris), a medicinal and edible fungus, was used to ferment Lu’an GuaPian tea (LGPT) by solid-state fermentation (SSF) and thus developed a new deeply processed tea product (SSF-LGPT) with less bitterness and a distinct herbal aroma. SSF-LGPT (100 μg/mL) showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and significantly lowered fat content (34 % inhibition rate) in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). SSF-LGPT also exhibited antioxidant activity in vitro, prolonged the lifespan, delayed the age-related decline of phenotype, and enhanced stress resistance to heat, oxidative stress, and UV irradiation in C. elegans. Together, C. militaris fermentation of LGPT improves the flavor, hypoglycemic and fat-lowering activities. This study provides a new alternative approach to comprehensively utilize resourceful green tea via C. militaris fermentation.

Houttuynia cordata Thunb: Ethnobotanical and availability notes in the Cu Chi district, Vietnam

Houttuynia cordata, a plant with a long history of traditional medicinal and culinary uses across different cultures, has shown effectiveness in treating various ailments in Southeast Asia. The Cu Chi district of southern Vietnam, is home to 35 out of the country's 54 ethnic minority groups, making it an ideal location to investigate the traditional uses and availability of H. cordata within the local community. The study findings reveal notable differences in leaf anatomy, thickness, and vascular bundles, which can be attributed to variations in soil conditions. The Phu My Hung area, characterized by lower soil moisture and nutrient content, indicates more pronounced drought conditions. H. cordata from this region exhibits higher antioxidant capacity and develops lignified cells as an adaptation to dry conditions, thereby enhancing water use efficiency. The findings of this study highlight the significant implications of the distinct populations of H. cordata belonging to the same species. These populations have undergone morphological and physiological adaptations in response to their specific ecological conditions. Notably, the H. cordata population from drought-prone areas such as Phu My Hung exhibits remarkable potential for medicinal applications. This suggests that the unique environmental pressures in these regions have influenced the plant's composition and properties, making it a valuable resource for medicinal research and potential therapeutic developments. The identification and utilization of such adaptations in H. cordata populations could have far-reaching implications in the field of medicine, offering new avenues for drug discovery and the treatment of various ailments.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum and flavourzyme on protein degradation and flavor development in grass carp during fermentation

This study examined the effect of Flavourzyme and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on protein degradation and flavor development during grass carp fermentation. The control groups comprised natural fermentation and fermentation with L. plantarum. Compared with the two control samples, those exposed to combined Flavourzyme and L. plantarum fermentation exhibited lower moisture content and enhanced protein hydrolysis, which accelerated the production of water-soluble taste substances (trichloroacetic acid-soluble peptides and free amino acids). The electronic tongue and electronic nose results indicated that the grass carp subjected to combined fermentation way displayed a more intense umami taste and aroma. Moreover, the sensory evaluation results confirmed that the combined fermentation method significantly improved the taste and odor attributes of fermented grass carp. In conclusion, combined fermentation with Flavourzyme and L. plantarum may effectively reduce fermentation time and enhance the flavor of fermented grass carp products.

Techno–economic and environmental impact analysis of electric two-wheeler batteries in India

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive techno–economic and environmental impact analysis of electric two-wheeler batteries in India. The technical comparison reveals that sodium-ion (Na-ion) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries outperform lead–acid batteries in various parameters, with Na-ion and Li-ion batteries exhibiting higher energy densities, higher power densities, longer cycle lives, faster charge rates, better compactness, lighter weight and lower self-discharge rates. In economic comparison, Na-ion batteries were found to be ~12–14% more expensive than Li-ion batteries. However, the longer lifespans and higher energy densities of Na-ion and Li-ion batteries can offset their higher costs through improved performance and long-term savings. Lead–acid batteries have the highest environmental impact, while Li-ion batteries demonstrate better environmental performance and potential for recycling. Na-ion batteries offer promising environmental advantages with their abundance, lower cost and lower toxic and hazardous material content. Efficient recycling processes can further enhance the environmental benefits of Na-ion batteries. Overall, this research examines the potential of Na-ion batteries as a cheaper alternative to Li-ion batteries, considering India’s abundant sodium resources in regions such as Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and others.

Circadian rhythm of salivary and serum urea concentration in alpacas and sheep receiving diets with different levels of protein.

All vertebrates possess a daily rhythm, encompassing a comprehensive set of physiological, cognitive, and behavioral patterns that manifest throughout a 24-hour period. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of crude protein (CP) levels in the diet on the daily rhythm of urea in serum (US) and saliva in alpacas and sheep. Ten alpacas and ten sheep, adult, clinically healthy males, were used; they were maintained in natural light conditions and fed ad libitum with two levels of CP (16 and 7%). Blood and saliva samples were taken every 4h for 48h. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to analyze the parameters, including adjusted mean rhythm (MESOR), amplitude, and acrophase. It was found that both US and saliva urea exhibited circadian rhythms with a peak during the midday (10:59 - 12:16h). The MESOR with low CP diets was higher (P < 0.05) in alpacas. The MESOR of urea levels in saliva was greater (P < 0.05) at the highest level of CP in the diet, with no differences between alpacas and sheep (P > 0.05). The amplitude was greater (P < 0.05) in alpacas and at the high level of CP compared to the low level of CP in the diet. Our findings reveal that both serum and saliva urea levels in alpacas and sheep follow a daily rhythm and the MESOR of US was higher in alpacas when they consume food with low CP content, and this difference disappears when CP levels are increased in the diet.

Fatty acid composition and biophysical characteristics of the cell membrane of feline spermatozoa

Sperm membrane composition and biophysical characteristics play a pivotal role in many physiological processes (i.e. sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and fusion with the oocyte) as well as in semen processing (e.g. cryopreservation). The aim of this study was to characterize the fatty acid content and biophysical characteristics (anisotropy, generalized polarization) of the cell membrane of domestic cat spermatozoa. Semen was collected from 34 adult male cats by urethral catheterization. After a basic semen evaluation, the fatty acid content of some of the samples (n = 11) was evaluated by gas chromatography. Samples from other individuals (n = 23) were subjected to biophysical analysis: membrane anisotropy (which is inversely proportional to membrane fluidity) and generalized polarization (describing lipid order); both measured by fluorimetry at three temperature points: 38 °C, 25 °C and 5 °C. Spermatozoa from some samples (n = 10) were cryopreserved in TRIS egg yolk-glycerol extender and underwent the same biophysical analysis after thawing. Most fatty acids in feline spermatozoa were saturated (69.76 ± 24.45%), whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content was relatively low (6.12 ± 5.80%). Lowering the temperature caused a significant decrease in membrane fluidity and an increase in generalized polarization in fresh spermatozoa, and these effects were even more pronounced following cryopreservation. Anisotropy at 38 °C in fresh samples showed strong positive correlations with viability and motility parameters after thawing. In summary, feline spermatozoa are characterized by a very low PUFA content and a low ratio of unsaturated:saturated fatty acids, which may contribute to low oxidative stress. Cryopreservation alters the structure of the sperm membrane, increasing the fluidity of the hydrophobic portion of the bilayer and the lipid order in the hydrophilic portion. Because lower membrane fluidity in fresh semen was linked with better viability and motility after cryopreservation, this parameter may be considered an important factor in determination of sperm cryoresistance.

Crystal chemistry and formation of authigenic chlorite: Influence on tight sandstone reservoir in the Yanchang formation, Ordos Basin, China

Authigenic chlorite is a crucial diagenetic cement that significant impacts tight sandstone reservoirs. The occurrence, crystal chemistry, formation and influences on reservoirs of different authigenic chlorite types were studied in the Yanchang Formation tight sandstones from the Ordos Basin. This study identified two primary types of chlorites: alteration chlorite and autochthonous authigenic chlorite. The alteration chlorite, characterizing by high Fe, Mg, Ti and AlIV contents and low Si and AlVI contents, originated from biotite during diagenesis. The autochthonous authigenic chlorite can be further classified into grain-coating, pore-lining, and pore-filling chlorite. The grain-coating chlorite features thin layers and limited crystal form. During the syndiagenetic stage, Fe2+ and Mg2+ carried by water adsorbed onto the particle surfaces. Additionally, the grain-coating chlorite contains relatively high K content due to the hydrolysis of biotite during the eodiagenetic A stage. The pore-lining chlorite formed during the prolonged eodiagenetic B stage. The biotite and abundant intermediate-basic magmatic fragments released Fe2+ and Mg2+, contributing to the widespread development of euhedral pore-lining chlorite. Notably, the pore-lining chlorite displayed elemental composition variations from the grain edge to the pore center, with increased Fe, Mg and AlIV, and decreased K and AlVI. The pore-filling chlorite formed locally resulted from Fe2+ and Mg2+ crystallization due to the hydrolysis of intermediate-basic magmatic rocks and the dissolution early formed chlorite. The pore-filling chlorite contains the most Fe, Mg and Mn contents and the least K content. Overall, authigenic chlorite acts as a "double-edged sword" in tight sandstone reservoir. The grain-coating and grain-lining chlorite enhance the mechanical strength, resist compaction, and inhibit quartz overgrowth, while pore-filling chlorite trends to obstruct pore throats and break reservoir quality. This study provides valuable insights into the detailed control factors influencing reservoir quality and can serve as a reference for further research.

Cu(II) complexes using acylhydrazones or cyclen for biocidal antifouling coatings

Abstract Copper and copper-based compounds have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, but concerns about leaching into the environment and toxicity on non-target organisms is leading the use of copper-based coatings being restricted. Our objective was to develop coatings that used the biocidal activity of copper, but with low negative impacts by reducing its leaching into the environment. This study reports the synthesis and characterisation of copper coordinating ligands, their formulation into coatings and testing of their antibacterial activity. A polyacylhydrazone and a series of simple acylhydrazones were synthesised and coordinated to Cu(II), but were considered unsuitable due to either their poor water-solubility or high levels of copper leaching. In an alternative approach, copper was successfully chelated to the tetraazamacrocycle, cyclen, and used to synthesise Cu(II)-cyclen functionalised silica particles, which were successfully combined with commercial paint formulations. These functionalised products showed poor antibacterial activity when incorporated into epoxy coatings, probably due to the low copper content of the formulations. However, these ligands may have other applications, such as removal of heavy metals from contaminated effluent steams.

The impact on Cd bioavailability and accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) induced by dry direct-seeding cultivation method in field-scale experiments

Dry direct-seeded rice cultivation has gained popularity and expanded its cultivated area due to reduced labor requirements and water consumption. However, the impact of this cultivation method on cadmium (Cd) bioavailability in soil and the accumulation levels in grains remains uncertain. Field experiments were conducted in acidic soils at two locations in southern China to compare rice varieties and evaluate the dry direct-seeding method alongside the wet direct-seeding and traditional transplanting methods. Dry direct-seeded rice reached significantly higher Cd concentrations in its tissues starting from the heading stage than transplanted rice. Cd accumulation levels by the maturation stage in the brown rice of dry direct-seeded rice were 18.33 %–150.69 % higher than those of wet direct-seeded and transplanted rice, with a considerable ability to translocate Cd into brown rice. Furthermore, dry direct seeding decreased iron plaque formation, particularly in the amorphous Fe form; it resulted in high soil temperature and low moisture content during tillering, elevating Cd availability in the soil. Additionally, the proportion of ions and more labile forms of Cd in the soil solution was high. Moreover, the soil under dry direct seeding had high urease and acid phosphatase enzyme activities. However, low richness and diversity in the bacterial community were characterized by a significant increase in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria at the class level, while exhibiting decreased relative abundances of Alphaproteobacteria, Bacilli, and KD4-96, along with fewer biomarkers. Nonetheless, these differences are gradually reduced during the maturation stage. Overall, although dry direct seeding offers several advantages, it is crucial to implement additional measures to mitigate the increased health risks linked to rice cultivation through this approach in Cd-contaminated areas.

HS-SPME-GC-MS and Chemometrics for the Quality Control and Clustering of Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A 3-Year Study on Terpenes and Pentene Dimers of Italian Cultivars.

Terpenes and pentene dimers are less studied volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but are associated with specific features of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs). This study aimed to analyze mono- and sesquiterpenes and pentene dimers of Italian monovarietal EVOOs over 3 years (14 cultivars, 225 samples). A head space-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) method recently validated was used for terpene and pentene dimer quantitation. The quantitative data collected were used for both the characterization and clustering of the cultivars. Sesquiterpenes were the molecules that most characterized the different cultivars, ranging from 3.908 to 38.215 mg/kg; different groups of cultivars were characterized by different groups of sesquiterpenes. Pentene dimers (1.336 and 3.860 mg/kg) and monoterpenes (0.430 and 1.794 mg/kg) showed much lower contents and variability among cultivars. The application of Kruskal-Wallis test-PCA-LDA-HCA to the experimental data allowed defining 4 clusters of cultivars and building a predictive model to classify the samples (94.3% correct classification). The model was further tested on 33 EVOOs, correctly classifying 91% of them.

Red propolis extract reduces the lipid oxidation of lamb meat

Context Brazilian red propolis stands out for its diverse composition, which includes phenolic compounds whose effects may be similar to those of synthetic feed additives. Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of red propolis extract on the carcass and meat characteristics of lambs finished under confinement conditions. Methods The meat quality characteristics of the longissimus lumborum muscle were evaluated in 35 Santa Inês lambs, with an average age of 5 months and an initial average body weight of 17.08 ± 2.36 kg (mean ± s.d.), submitted to five distinct treatments (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 mL of red propolis extract/animal.day) over 68 days. Key results The use of propolis did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) the characteristics of the carcass, as well as the chemical composition and cholesterol content. Among the physico-chemical parameters of meat, only the shear force had a quadratic effect (P &lt; 0.05). There was also an exponential effect for lipid oxidation (P &lt; 0.05), where the treatment with propolis had greater antioxidant effect. Meat with a lower content (P &lt; 0.05) of saturated fatty acids was observed in sheep that received extract. There was also an increase (P &lt; 0.05) in the content of monounsaturated acids and consequently an improvement in nutritional quality, atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes of desirable fatty acids. Conclusions The red propolis extract improved the lipid profile of the lamb meat. We recommend the inclusion of 7 mL red propolis extract/animal.day (or 59.50 mg total flavoloids/animal.day) in the diet of lambs finished under confinement conditions. Implications The red propolis extract proved to be a viable alternative as a natural feed additive.

Thermo‐mechanical properties and optimization of sodium alginate as a polymer backbone substrate for biosensor application

AbstractThis study was aim to optimize the formulation of the sodium alginate biosensor substrate with incorporation of sodium alginate (1%‐6%(w/v)) as a polymer backbone and glycerol (10–50 wt%) as a plasticizer. The effect of their interaction on film's tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) were analyzed via response surface methodology‐central composite design (RSM‐CCD). The optimum parameter of the films for the maximum TS was at 1.90%(w/v) of sodium alginate and 17 wt% of glycerol and for maximum EB was at 4.89%(w/v) of sodium alginate and 49.65 wt% of glycerol. The optimum parameter of the films had revealed the better TS was at lower sodium alginate content and better EB was at higher glycerol content. In terms of thermal stability, the thermal decomposition temperature (Tonset) of sodium alginate decreased with the incorporation of glycerol.

Quality of black pellets of charcoal fines produced with different moisture content and drying time

Charcoal fines are co-products of the wood carbonization process, unwanted because they reduce the gravimetric yield of the main product, charcoal. It can be produced due to the carbonization process, during the storage and transport of charcoal. Pelletizing charcoal fines increases the energy density of this material, producing a homogeneous fuel with lower moisture content, enabling burning in equipment with high energy efficiency, in addition to desirable properties in energy products such as high fixed carbon content and low moisture content. This study evaluated the effect of moisture content and drying time on the production of black pellets from charcoal fines bound with rice starch (Oryza sativa) on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics. Black pellets were produced using two proportions of water (10 or 20%) and a drying time of 4 or 6 hours. Black pellets were evaluated for their proximate analysis, elemental composition, moisture content, size, apparent density, calorific value and energy density. The addition of water did not affect the content of volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon, while the treatment with addition of 20% water and four hours of drying showed a higher moisture content (3.34%). The addition of water allowed for better heat conduction and particle arrangement, producing pellets with a durability greater than 98%. The better arrangement promoted by the addition of 20% water also increased the density of the pellets, resulting in greater energy density. Black pellets can be considered an alternative for residential heating, with T3 treatment (20% - 4h) with a high energy density and better performance in terms of desirable properties for use and commercialization according to the standard EN 14961-6.

The multi‐stage gasification process of low‐rank coal samples from gravity separation process

AbstractThe separation process is a well‐established method for beneficiation technologies of low‐rank coal, especially in the case of utilization in the thermochemical processes. In this study, three coal samples, including the original low‐rank coal sample and two coal samples (C1 and C2) from the gravity separation process of the original coal sample, were gasified in a multi‐stage gasification process at the gasification temperature of 900°C and the steam‐to‐carbon (S/C) ratio of 1.00 and 1.25. The separation process led to a significant improvement in the quality of coal samples. This improvement is particularly characterized by a higher carbon and volatile fractions and a lower ash content compared with the original coal. This could be the main reason for the higher gasification performance in the case of the experiment of C1 and C2 coal samples. The volume of syngas obtained from gasification experiments of C1 and C2 samples increased between 1.3 and 1.5 times that of the original coal sample. At all S/C ratios and 900°C, the gasification experiment of the C2 sample produced the highest produced gas yield followed by the gasification experiment of the C1 sample. From the chemical point of view, the produced gas had an H2/CO ratio close to the desired ratio of 2.00, which is suitable for chemical synthesis processes. In the case of C1 sample experiments, the H2/CO ratios were 2.11 and 2.18 at S/C ratios of 1.00 and 1.25, respectively. For the experiments of the C2 sample, the H2/CO ratio reached 1.88 and 2.00 at S/C ratios of 1.00 and 1.25, respectively.

Effect of Mg/Sn ratio on the structure and electrochemical performance of O3-type high entropy layered oxides for sodium-ion battery cathodes

The design of high-entropy O3-type layered oxides has been considered as an effective method for suppressing multiple phase transitions during cycling and improving stability. Herein, a series of high entropy layered oxides (HEOs) with different Mg:Sn ratios are investigated. It is found that the structural stability and electrochemical performance of these HEOs can be optimized by varying the Mg to Sn ratio. A lower Mg content is conducive to the formation of a single-phase HEO. An optimized HEO composition (namely NaNi0.1Co0.2Mn0.2Fe0.2Cu0.1Mg0.04Sn0.16O2) exhibits high specific capacity (137.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1C) and good rate capability (~100 mAh g−1 at 1C). The cycling performance (capacity retention of ~87 % after 200 cycles at 0.5C) is also comparable to the reported O3-type HEOs. Such good performance can be attributed to its good redox activity, low interfacial impedance, higher Na+ diffusion coefficient (2.26 × 10−11 cm2 s−1) and reversible O3-P3 phase transition.