Salt Method Research Articles

A Building Model for Enhancing Information Systems Security

Today, electronic systems and information have become no less important than food and water for human life. No one can deny this fact. Electronic information systems contribute to the development of life in many areas. But some electronic information systems should not be available for anyone to use, such as reading, operating, modifying or destroying without permission. This type of electronic information systems must be protected in some way based on the related situation. . Password-based authentication is the first defense for most information systems. Password security enhances the security of the entire information system. Therefore, password protection models become very important in such cases to help users improve authentication security. Researchers published various methods based on salting, hashing, symmetric encryption, and key splitting methods. The paper conducted by Saleh Al-Asali describes a method for generating a suitable secret key that is easy to memorize and remember, as he succeeded in generating a password that is strong and easy to remember. This paper improves the previous method by adding some improvements mentioned in the section described in the suggested method.

Crystal Structure and Molten Salt Environment Cooperatively Controlling the Morphology of the Plate-like CaMnO3 Template through Topochemical Conversion.

In the field of oxide thermoelectrics, perovskite CaMnO3 ceramics have drawn plenty of attention due to their chemical stability, low cost, and environmental friendliness. By employing Ruddlesden-Poppe phase Ca3Mn2O7 as a precursor, the plate-like CaMnO3 microcrystals were successfully synthesized by the molten salt method combined with topochemical microcrystal conversion (TMC). The plate-like morphology of CaMnO3 was coordinately optimized by modulating the crystal structure of MnO2 and the molten salt environment. Plate-like microcrystals with an average size of ∼14.55 μm and a thickness of ∼2.89 μm were obtained by TMC reaction, demonstrating an obvious anisotropy. When β-MnO2 was used as the raw material, a length-thickness ratio of 4.77 was obtained, which was attributed to the fact that CaMnO3 inherited the plate-like morphology of the Ca3Mn2O7 precursor during the TMC. The results confirm that the plate-like CaMnO3 microcrystals with obvious anisotropy can provide excellent template seeds for high-quality CaMnO3-based textured ceramics.

High temperature synthesis, surface characterization, and photoluminescence property of boron carbon nitride

The present study demonstrates the synthesis of boron carbon nitride (BCN) by molten salt method which utilizes melamine (source of carbon and nitrogen), boric acid (source of boron) and potassium chloride as the salt. The synthesis is performed at 915 °C for 4 h under N2-atmosphere. The synthesized material is further acid-treated. The physicochemical characterization data for as-synthesized and acid-treated materials confirm successful synthesis of BCN. SEM and AFM data display that synthesized BCN pre and post acid-treatment exhibit sheet-type morphology. Thermogravimetric analysis data confirm that the acid-treated material is thermally stable up to 800 °C, with only 2 % mass-loss is observed till 800 °C. Water contact angle measurement study demonstrates that acid-treatment significantly improves the surface hydrophilicity. Additionally, the low photoluminescence peak intensity of the acid-treated material indicates low electron-hole pair recombination rate. The synthesized material may be useful for the photocatalytic degradation of potentially toxic chemicals from water.

Nano-laminated BN modified graphite reinforced unfired MgO–C refractories: Preparation, properties and strengthening mechanism

To solve the problem of deterioration of oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance caused by low carbonization of MgO–C refractories, nano-laminated BN modified graphite was prepared by the molten salt method to reinforce unfired MgO–C refractories. The findings revealed that the introduction of nano-laminated BN modified graphite significantly improved the mechanical properties. Moreover, the oxidation index of MgO–C refractories with 4 wt% nano-laminated BN modified graphite was 34% lower than that of the unadded sample, and the residual strength after thermal shock was significantly increased by 224%. Furthermore, incorporating nano-laminated BN modified graphite facilitated the formation of columnar Mg2SiO4, octagonal columnar MgAl2O4, and MgO–Mg2SiO4–MgAl2O4–Mg3B2O6 dense layers, thereby contribute to overall performance improvements.

Partially oxidized mackinawite/biochar for photo-Fenton organic contaminant removal: Synergistically improve interfacial electron transfer and H2O2 activation

Immobilizing Fe-based nanoparticles on electron-rich biochar has becoming an attractive heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts (Fe/BC) for wastewater decontamination. However, the insufficient graphitization of biochar causing low electron transfer and by slow H2O2 activation limited its application. Herein, we firstly constructed FeS/biochar composite through all-solid molten salt method (Fe/MSBCs), which can provide strong polarization force and liquid reaction environment to improve carbonization. As expected, the obtained Fe/MSBCs exhibits high surface area and fast interfacial electron transfer between FeS and biochar. More importantly, the partially oxidized FeS (001) facet facilitate H2O2 adsorption and thermodynamically easily decomposition into •OH. Such a synergistic effect endowed them excellent photo-Fenton degradation performance for methyl orange (MO) with large kinetic rate constants (0.079 min−1) and high H2O2 utilization efficiency (95.9%). This study first demonstrated the critical regulatory role of molten salt method in iron-based biochar composites, which provide an alternative for H2O2 activator in water pollutant control.

One-step synthesis of BiOCl/Bi4NbO8Cl heterostructures with high-purity and enhanced photocatalytic activities via in-situ room-temperature acid-etching

In this study, BiOCl/Bi4NbO8Cl heterojunctions with improved photocatalytic performance were designed and synthesized by in-situ room-temperature acid-etching. Bi4NbO8Cl prepared by the solid-phase method was often accompanied by certain impurities, such as Bi24O31Cl10 and Bi3NbO7. With the assistance of glacial acetic acid, the impurities could be eliminated. At the same time, BiOCl nanosheets were formed in situ at room temperature, and BiOCl/Bi4NbO8Cl (BBN) heterostructures were obtained. For comparison, pure Bi4NbO8Cl was prepared using the molten salt method (S-BNC). Compared to S-BNC, BBN exhibited better performance in degrading rhodamine B (RhB) and ciprofloxacin (CIP). The mechanism of the improved photocatalytic activities was studied by analyzing photoluminescence spectra, UV–vis diffuse reflection absorption spectra, and cyclic voltammetry curves.

Structural and resistivity properties of Fe1-xCoxSe single crystals grown by the molten salt method

A series of tetragonal Fe1-xCoxSe single crystals with a complete Co doping range (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.52) up to its solid solubility limit in FeSe have been grown by an eutectic AlCl3/KCl molten salt method. The typical lateral size of as-grown Fe1-xCoxSe single crystals is 1–5 mm. The chemical composition and homogeneity of the crystals was examined by both inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that the crystal lattice parameters a and c are both linearly decreased with increasing Co doping level x. In the whole doping range, all the samples show metallic behaviour in contrast to a metal insulator transition of Cu-doped FeSe according to the resistivity measurements.

One-step molten salt synthesis of high entropy oxides

High-entropy oxides (HEOs) have received widespread attention owing to their tunable properties and vast composition spaces. However, the universal synthesis of HEOs with high purity still faces challenge. In this work, a one-step molten salt method is reported for the synthesis of phase-pure rock salt-type (Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)O. When used as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, (Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)O exhibits high specific capacity and cycling stability, maintaining a capacity retention of 94% after 220 cycles (0.2 A g−1). The superior performance can be attributed to accelerated electron and ion transport as well as enhanced Li adsorption/coupling induced by internal defects. To further demonstrate the wide applicability of the molten salt method, single-phase spinel and pyrochlore HEOs are also successfully synthesized. The presented molten salt method, with its ease of operation, homogeneous reaction environment and low synthesis temperatures, makes it an ideal synthesis technique for the development of novel HEO powders, especially for electrode materials.

Designing a bi-layer multifunctional hydrogel patch based on polyvinyl alcohol, quaternized chitosan and gallic acid for abdominal wall defect repair

In abdominal wall defect repair, surgical site infection (SSI) remains the primary cause of failure, while complications like visceral adhesions present significant challenges following patch implantation. We designed a Janus multifunctional hydrogel patch (JMP) with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-adhesive properties. The patch comprises two distinct layers: a pro-healing layer and an anti-adhesion layer. The pro-healing layer was created by a simple mixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), quaternized chitosan (QCS), and gallic acid (GA), crosslinked to form PVA/QCS/GA (PQG) hydrogels through GA's self-assembly effect and hydrogen bonding. Additionally, the PVA anti-adhesive layer was constructed using a drying-assisted salting method, providing a smooth and dense physical barrier to prevent visceral adhesion while offering essential mechanical support to the abdominal wall. The hydrogel patch demonstrates widely adjustable mechanical properties, exceptional biocompatibility, and potent antimicrobial properties, along with a sustained and stable release of antioxidants. In rat models of skin and abdominal wall defects, the JMP effectively promoted tissue healing by controlling infection, inhibiting inflammation, stimulating neovascularization, and successfully preventing the formation of visceral adhesions. These compelling results highlight the JMP's potential to improve the success rate of abdominal wall defect repair and reduce surgical complications.

Luminescence properties of (Gd, M)2O2S: Tb3+, Dy3+ (M = Lu, Y, Zn, Ti) phosphors

(Gd, M)2O2S: 3.5 %Tb3+, 0.75 %Dy3+ (M = Lu, Y, Zn, Ti) phosphors were prepared using a molten salt method. The samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence. The XRD results showed that the phosphors introduced by different cations were still hexagonal crystal system although the unit cell shrinks. SEM showed particle sizes between 150∼1000 nm. The doping of Dy3+ can effectively improve the luminescence of Tb3+. The photo- and cathodo-luminescence spectra of (Gd, M)2O2S: 3.5 %Tb3+, 0.75 %Dy3+ indicated the luminescence intensity of Gd2O2S: 3.5 %Tb3+, 0.75 %Dy3+ can be effectively improved that when adding M = Lu, Y, Zn. The same energy transfer mechanism was followed. (Gd, Ti)2O2S: 3.5 %Tb3+, 0.75 %Dy3+ possessed favorable thermal stability. When the temperature rose to 425 K, the luminescence intensity was 74.6 % of that at 300 K. The charge-transfer process of Tb3++Ti4+↔ Tb4++Ti3+ provides new ideas for obtaining high thermal stability sulfur oxide phosphors.

Real-Time Salt Contamination Monitoring System and Method for Transmission Line Insulator Based on Artificial Intelligence

Insulators on overhead power lines have long been exposed to the outdoors and are susceptible to pollution and salt contamination. Due to factors such as wind and gravity, pollution in the atmosphere gradually deposits on the surface of the insulator. In humid and windy conditions, conductive pollutants begin to dissolve in the water on the surface of the insulator, increasing the leakage current and affecting insulation performance. This study mainly uses a data acquisition system to measure the leakage current of the insulator and weather parameters (including temperature, relative humidity, pressure, wind speed, and ultraviolet) around the insulator. Artificial intelligence is then applied to establish a prediction model for leakage current based on weather parameters. The established model accurately predicts insulator leakage current through weather parameters. In order to observe the real-time status of the insulator, this study establishes a monitoring platform that integrates the predicted leakage current with weather parameters. It allows users or maintenance personnel to connect to the server through the network to observe the predicted results and weather parameters. The results can establish a real-time salt contamination monitoring system for insulators on transmission lines, enabling operation and maintenance personnel to understand the actual insulation situation of the insulator in real-time. This can not only prevent power outages due to salt contamination or pollution but also reduce the workload for maintenance personnel. Moreover, the maintenance strategy is upgraded from time-base maintenance to condition-base maintenance, significantly improving the efficiency of operation and maintenance for power lines.

Study on the pathway of performance improvement and mechanism of Gd2O2S:Tb3+ green phosphor

To improve the luminescence performance of Gd2O2S:Tb3+, Gd2O2S:Tb3+, Tm3+, Gd2O2S:Tb3+, Dy3+, Tm3+ and Gd2O2S:Tb3+, Dy3+, Tm3+@SiO2 phosphors have been prepared by molten salt method. The samples are characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence and thermal stabilization tests. XRD tests and refinement results show that the crystal structure of the phosphor is still the hexagonal Gd2O2S crystalline phase and the lattice parameter decrease due to Dy3+/Tm3+ occupying the Gd3+ sites. SEM images and mapping of each element show that the particle grain and all expected elements distribute uniformly. TEM results illustrate that SiO2 coating is in an amorphous form on the surface of the powder grains. FT-IR tests indicate that SiO2 is present on the powder surface through Si-O-Gd bonding. The results of photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence show that the luminescence intensity increase 50% while adding Tm3+ into Gd2O2S:Tb3+, Gd2O2S:Tb3+, Dy3+ phosphors caused mainly by the energy transfer from Dy3+/Tm3+ to Tb3+. The core-shell structure of Gd2O2S:Tb3+, Dy3+, Tm3+@SiO2 has better photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence and the fluorescence lifetime remains unchanged while SiO2 coats phosphor. And it has good thermal stability. Its luminescence intensity at 425 K reaches 71.4% of that at room temperature, which is better than the corresponding value (46.4%) for the uncoated sample.

Chloride molten salt derived attapulgite with ground-breaking electrochemical performance

The existence of adsorbed water and structural water in the crystal structure of attapulgite (ATP) endows it with poor capability to store lithium ions. Herein, the chloride molten salt method was developed to function ATP materials based on theoretical calculations, which exhibit ground-breaking electrochemical performance. After the modification process, the metal ions in chloride molten salt occupy the vertices of the Mg-O octahedral structure from the liberation of structural water and hydroxyl groups in ATP, forming MaMgbAlcSixOy (M = Li, Na, or K). Using LiCl molten salt-modified ATP (Li-ATP) as a proof-of-concept, the detailed phase transition, physicochemical properties, and lithium storage capacity were investigated. Compared to the original ATP, Li-ATP achieves a nearly 7-fold increase in lithium storage capacity (498 mAh/g), featuring a promising low-cost polyanionic type anode material.

Stabilizing Highly Active Ru Sites by Electron Reservoir in Acidic Oxygen Evolution.

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis is hindered by the sluggish kinetics of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction. RuO2 is regarded as a promising alternative to IrO2 for the anode catalyst of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers due to its superior activity and relatively lower cost compared to IrO2. However, the dissolution of Ru induced by its overoxidation under acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions greatly hinders its durability. Herein, we developed a strategy for stabilizing RuO2 in acidic OER by the incorporation of high-valence metals with suitable ionic electronegativity. A molten salt method was employed to synthesize a series of high-valence metal-substituted RuO2 with large specific surface areas. The experimental results revealed that a high content of surface Ru4+ species promoted the OER intrinsic activity of high-valence doped RuO2. It was found that there was a linear relationship between the ratio of surface Ru4+/Ru3+ species and the ionic electronegativity of the dopant metals. By regulating the ratio of surface Ru4+/Ru3+ species, incorporating Re, with the highest ionic electronegativity, endowed Re0.1Ru0.9O2 with exceptional OER activity, exhibiting a low overpotential of 199 mV to reach 10 mA cm-2. More importantly, Re0.1Ru0.9O2 demonstrated outstanding stability at both 10 mA cm-2 (over 300 h) and 100 mA cm-2 (over 25 h). The characterization of post-stability Re0.1Ru0.9O2 revealed that Re promoted electron transfer to Ru, serving as an electron reservoir to mitigate excessive oxidation of Ru sites during the OER process and thus enhancing OER stability. We conclude that Re, with the highest ionic electronegativity, attracted a mass of electrons from Ru in the pre-catalyst and replenished electrons to Ru under the operating potential. This work spotlights an effective strategy for stabilizing cost-effective Ru-based catalysts for acidic OER.

A facile eutectic mixed molten salt method for synthesizing LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 as a kind of layered oxide, has garnered significant interest due to its low cost and facile preparation method. Nevertheless, fast discharge capacity attenuation, poor cycle stability restricts it further application. To optimize its properties, in this paper, a novel eutectic mixed molten salt method is proposed to synthesize LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2. The results demonstrate that the LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 obtained through LiOH-LiNO3 as eutectic mixed molten salt exhibited exceptional electrochemical properties. It had a reversible capacity of 151.7 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, with a capacity retention of 89.3%, the discharge capacities of 165.6, 135.8, 121.8 and 111.2 mAh·g−1 at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 C, respectively. This study highlights a convenient method for preparing LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 and demonstrates the effectiveness of the eutectic mixed molten salt approach in enhancing electrochemical properties.

Ultraviolet C as a method of disinfecting medical silicone used in facial prostheses: An in vitro study – Part 2

Statement of problemDisinfection is an important factor in preserving facial prostheses and maintaining tissue health. However, whether disinfection with ultraviolet C is an effective disinfection method is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effectiveness of irradiation with different exposure durations of an ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode in the disinfection of the silicone (A-588–1; Factor II) used in facial prostheses. Material and methodsA total of 216 specimens were prepared, contaminated by multispecies biofilm, and divided into 9 groups (n=24) for different treatments: chlorhexidine 0.12% (G CHG), ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode for 5 minutes (G UVC5), ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode for 10 minutes (G UVC10), ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode for 20 minutes (G UVC20), their respective untreated controls (Gcontrol CHG, Gcontrol UVC5, Gcontrol UVC10, Gcontrol UVC20), and dimethyl sulfoxide (G DMSO) as the negative control. Cell viability was measured by using the methyl tetrazolium salt (MTT) method. Two statistical analyses were performed. First, a 2×3 ANOVA was carried out to compare the control groups (Gcontrol UVC5, Gcontrol UVC10, and Gcontrol UVC20) and the experimental groups of UV-C LED light with different exposure durations (G UVC5, G UVC10, and G UVC20). The second analysis was performed using generalized linear models to compare the optical density of the groups (G UVC5, G UVC10, G UVC20, G CHG, and G DMSO). ResultsCell viability results demonstrated a microbial reduction after exposure to the ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode for 20 minutes (G UVC20) compared with untreated controls (P<.05). The 5- and 10-minute exposures were statistically similar to their respective control groups (P>.05). The 20 minutes exposure had the lowest average optical density value, being statistically different from the 5-minute exposure (P<.05). A 20-minute exposure to the ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode (G UVC20) was similarly effective when compared with the standard disinfection treatment (G CHG) and dimethyl sulfoxide (G DMSO) (P>.05). ConclusionsIrradiation with an ultraviolet-C light-emitting diode for 20 minutes decreased the in vitro microbial cell viability on the medical silicone used in facial prostheses.

Synthesis and Preliminary Biological Activity of Selenium Polysaccharides from Tussilago farfara L.

Tussilago farfara L. selenium polysaccharides (STFPs, similarly hereinafter) were prepared by Selenous acid salt method from Tussilago farfara L. polysaccharide (TFP, similarly hereinafter). Taking the selenium content of STFPs as an indicator, the synthesis process of STFPs was optimized using response surface methodology based on single factor experiments. The optimal synthesis process conditions obtained are: 90 °C, 12 hours, selenide reagent ratio of 1.2: 1, HNO3 volume fraction of 0.7%, and the average selenium content of STFPs measured under these conditions is 2.338 mg/g. Characterization was carried out by measuring the selenium content, molecular weight, infrared spectroscopy. The results of antioxidant experiments showed that the maximum clearance rate of DPPH· by the selenium polysaccharide from Tussilago farfara L. was 73.16%, which were higher than from Tussilago farfara L. polysaccharides.

Improving the Edible and Nutritional Quality of Roasted Duck Breasts through Variable Pressure Salting: Implications for Protein Anabolism and Digestion in Rats

Variable pressure salting (VPS) is considered a novel salting approach to improve meat quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of roasted duck’s edible and nutritional quality after VPS through serum biochemical indicators and in vivo digestion properties in rats. The results show that roasted duck after VPS led to an increase in the total protein content (57.24 g/L) and blood glucose levels (6.87 mmol/L), as well as a decrease in the blood urea nitrogen content (11.81 mmol/L), in rats. Compared to rats fed base diets and roasted duck after static wet salting (SWS), those ingesting roasted duck after VPS exhibited higher values of apparent protein digestibility (51.24%), pepsin activity (2.40 U/mg), and trypsin activity (389.80 U/mg). Furthermore, VPS treatment improved the textural properties and microstructure of duck breasts shown by a higher immobilized water relaxation area and more ordered protein structures (α-helixes and β-sheets). These improvements enhanced the protein anabolism capacity and in vivo digestion properties in rats. Therefore, VPS represents a beneficial salting method for promoting effective digestion and absorption in rats.

Molecular dynamics study on structures and adsorption capacity of activated carbon prepared from corn straw and sewage sludge by molten salt method

Molecular dynamics study on structures and adsorption capacity of activated carbon prepared from corn straw and sewage sludge by molten salt method

Facile synthesis of TiNb2O7 anode material by KOH sub-molten salt method for lithium-ion batteries

This work presents a facile and scalable method for the synthesis of TiNb2O7 as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries, in which titanium oxide and niobium oxide were converted into soluble salts in KOH sub-molten salt medium, followed by the addition of acid to obtain uniform and finely sized precursor particles. Finally prepared nanostructured TiNb2O7 delivers remarkable electrochemical properties. It possesses a capacity of 287 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C, with capacity retention of 120 mA h g−1 after 300 cycles at a current rate of 5 C, highlighting the potential of this method for commercial synthesis of TiNb2O7.