Organic Carrier Research Articles

Extraction of diclofenac and tetracycline from simulated aqueous wastewater using ionic liquids as carriers by pseudo-emulsion hollow fiber strip dispersion

Diclofenac (DCF) and Tetracycline (TC) are used as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and antibiotics, respectively. Both these drugs, when released into the environment through various routes, cause adverse effects on aquatic life and humans. The traditional approaches employed for the removal of these drugs have various drawbacks and adverse effects on the environment. The present work gives a deeper insight into the potential application of ionic liquids as carriers in the pseudo-emulsion hollow fiber strip dispersion (PEHFSD) technique for removing these compounds from the simulated aqueous solution. The extraction of DCF and TC was performed using different organic carriers, Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA), Tributyl phosphate (TBP), Trioctyl amine (TOA), and also using ionic liquids, 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][[TFSI]), 1-Butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([BMPy][[TFSI]) and 1-Octyl-3-methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate ([OMIM][PF6]). Comparing the performance of all carriers, it was found that [OMIM][PF6] showed 100 % extraction of DCF, while for TC, the maximum extraction obtained was 91.85 %. Effective extraction of DCF and TC up to the 4th cycle indicated the stability of the membrane phase inside the micropore. Membrane phase and pseudo-emulsion are also characterized by FTIR, micrograph images and Turbiscan. A recyclability study of pseudo-emulsion showed that with the increase in the number of cycles for extraction, the stripping phase was gradually saturated by extracting feed (DCF/TC), which led to a drop in extraction efficiency.

Molecular simulations of increased thermal energy storage in metal–organic heat carriers with R1234ze(E)/R32 mixtures combined with IRMOF-1

Metal-organic heat carrier (MOHC) nanofluids offer a promising solution to enhance the efficiency of Organic Rankine Cycle systems. In this study, we developed a computational model to assess the thermal energy storage capacity of MOHC nanofluids using a base fluid mixture of R1234ze(E) and R32 refrigerants. Through Grand Canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, we examined the adsorption characteristics, desorption heat, and thermodynamic properties of MOHCs. Our findings reveal that R32 molecules are preferentially adsorbed in IRMOF-1 compared to R1234ze(E), with adsorption selectivity of R32 over R1234ze(E) increasing under higher adsorption pressures. When the temperature during the endothermic process surpasses the phase transition point of the base fluid, the latent heat of phase transition can be fully exploited to enhance energy storage. Moreover, the inclusion of IRMOF-1 nanoparticles significantly improves the energy storage properties of both R32 and R1234ze(E), as well as their mixtures. The energy storage enhancement provided by IRMOF-1 is particularly pronounced under high working pressures and low temperature differences. These insights offer valuable guidance for selecting appropriate base fluids in MOHC systems, thereby optimizing the utilization of low-grade energy sources.

Achieving gigawatt-scale green hydrogen production and seasonal storage at industrial locations across the U.S.

Onsite production of gigawatt-scale wind- and solar-sourced hydrogen (H2) at industrial locations depends on the ability to store and deliver otherwise-curtailed H2 during times of power shortages. Thousands of tonnes of H2 will require storage in regions where subsurface storage is scarce, which may only be possible using liquid organic H2 carriers. We evaluate aboveground system with a focus on providing technical insights into toluene/methylcyclohexane (TOL/MCH) storage systems in locations suitable for gigawatt-scale wind- and solar-powered electrolyzer systems in the United States. Here we show that the levelized cost of storage, at a national median of US dollar $1.84/kg-H2 is spatially heterogeneous, causing minor impact on the cost of H2 supply in the Midwest, and significant impact in Central California and the Southeast. While TOL/MCH may be the cheapest aboveground bulk storage solution evaluated, upfront capital costs, modest energy efficiency, reliance on critical materials and pre-sulfided catalysts, and greenhouse gas emissions from heating are opportunities for further development.

Advancements and Applications of Single-Atom Nanozymes in Sensing Analysis

Single-atom nanozymes, with their atomically dispersed metal active sites, distinctive atom utilization rate, and tunable electronic structure, demonstrate great promise in the field of sensing analysis. This paper reviews the latest research progress on single-atom nanozymes in sensing applications. We classify single-atom nanozymes based on both their structural characteristics, such as carbon-based carriers, frameworks and their derivatives, metal oxides, metal sulfides, and organic polymer carriers, and their unique catalytic properties, including peroxidase, oxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and multi-enzyme mimetic activities. Furthermore, we discuss the application of single-atom nanozymes in the sensitive detection of biological small molecules, antioxidants, ions, enzyme activities and their inhibitors, as well as cells and viruses. Finally, we highlight the opportunities and challenges for advancing the practical application and further research of single-atom nanozymes in the field of sensing analysis.

Selective ion channel adsorbents facilitate efficient and low environmental impact extraction of liquid lithium resources

As lithium is the cornerstone of green energy development, it is crucial to realize a low environmental impact and efficient lithium extraction process. Ion-sieve adsorption is the most widely used method to extract liquid lithium resources, but this method is only efficient under alkaline conditions for H+ and Mg2+ competing adsorption. Conventional methods are often accompanied by the consumption of quantities of alkali, the generation of solid waste, and the acidification of liquid lithium resources. To address these issues, a selective ion-channel adsorbent was constructed. The composition comprises an ion sieve adsorbent and an organic carrier with a zwitterionic quaternary ammonium base group. This group storages OH-in situ, hinders H+ diffusion, slows down Mg2+ diffusion, and accelerates Li+ diffusion by relying on the difference in binding energies, which reduces the competing adsorption and avoids acidification and solid waste generation. The saturated adsorption capacity (21.38mg/g) and selectivity of the adsorbent are 4.7 and 24 times higher than that of conventional ion-sieve adsorbent under neutral conditions respectively. The dosage of alkali is 1/256 of the traditional method, the effluent remains neutral and no solid waste is generated. This study presents an environmental and effective adsorbent for lithium extraction.

Research on the application of distributed smart grid protection technology scheme

Abstract Distributed smart grid is an organic carrier for achieving renewable energy substitution and promoting new energy consumption. It is an important component of the construction of new power systems. To meet the current operational needs of distributed smart grid construction, a distributed smart grid protection method based on AC/DC hybrid distribution network is proposed. The distributed smart grid protection and application method proposed in this article, has good promotion and application value.

Low-emissions hydrogen from MCH dehydrogenation: Integration with LNG regasification

Methylcyclohexane (MCH) is a promising organic hydride carrier for hydrogen transport and storage. Recovering hydrogen from MCH is an energy intensive process. An innovative idea of integrating this process with liquified natural gas (LNG) regasification is proposed in this study and demonstrated via modelling and simulation to substantially reduce external energy use. The synergistic benefits are twofold. In addition to providing a cold energy source for an effective high recovery cryogenic flash separation, the organic Rankine cycle based electrical power generation potential from LNG cold energy is fully exploited to reduce/eliminate external electricity demand for hydrogen compression to the high (end use) pressure. The results is a major reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The proposed design for an integrated LNG-H2terminal can supply (1) 99.99 mol% pure hydrogen to a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant and (2) commercial-grade natural gas to a gas-grid, both at the desired pressures and temperatures. Subsequently, rigorous simulation-based optimization was performed to minimize external energy inputs.A case study with 100 tph MCH and 100 tph LNG showed that integrating regasification with dehydrogenation produced 6.2 tph of hydrogen while gasifying LNG with a net power generation of 310 kW and a hydrogen recovery cost of 0.282 $/kg H2. Up to 7.3 tonnes of hydrogen can be produced per 100 tonnes of LNG without the use of external power. On the other hand, using external power, up to 11.3 tonnes of hydrogen can be produced per 100 tonnes of LNG without any external refrigeration. Overall, the superstructure proposed in this manuscript provides a generic initial approach for future MCH hydrogen supply chain projects, when considering integrations with LNG regasification plants.

Membrane-camouflaged biomimetic nanoplatform with arsenic complex for synergistic reinforcement of liver cancer therapy.

Aim: Arsenic has excellent anti-advanced liver cancer effects through a variety of pathways, but its severe systemic toxicity forces the need for a safe and effective delivery strategy.Methods: Based on the chelating metal ion properties of polydopamine (PDA), arsenic was immobilized on an organic carrier, and a M1-like macrophage cell membrane (MM)-camouflaged manganese-arsenic complex mesoporous polydopamine (MnAsOx@MP@M) nanoplatform was successfully constructed. MnAsOx@MP@M was evaluated at the cellular level for tumor inhibition and tumor localization, and in vivo for its anti-liver cancer effect in a Hepa1-6 tumor-bearing mouse model.Results: The nanoplatform targeted the tumor site through the natural homing property of MM, completely degraded and released drugs to kill tumor cells in an acidic environment, while playing an immunomodulatory role in promoting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) repolarization.Conclusion: MnAsOx@MP@M has synergistically enhanced the targeted therapeutics against liver cancer via nanotechnology and immunotherapy, and it is expected to become a safe and multifunctional treatment platform in clinical oncology.

Silver-modified polydopamine-coated silica core-shell nanospheres as functional additives for lubricants and shear thickening fluids

The limited effectiveness of conventional nano-additives in carrier liquids has prompted research into multi-capable, sustainable, and intelligent application systems. Herein, multifunctional SiO2-PDA@Ag nanoparticles were synthesized by dotting silver (Ag) nanoparticles on polydopamine (PDA)-coated SiO2 nanospheres (SiO2-PDA). The base oil (PAO) containing these synthetic nanoparticles showed excellent lubricity under high contact pressure, and the mechanism was analyzed. The addition of SiO2-PDA@Ag modified with Ag nanoparticles showed better tribological performances compared to PAO and base oils with starting nanomaterials. A concentration of 3 wt% SiO2-PDA@Ag provided the most effective performance. Furthermore, multi-phase STFs were developed by incorporating SiO2-PDA@Ag particles into SiO2-based STFs, significantly enhancing the shear thickening effect. Compared to the pure SiO2-based STF, the peak viscosity of the multi-phase STF increased by about 89.36 %. Notably, the multi-phase STF exhibited higher stress under squeeze, which facilitates the development of high-performance STF devices in extrusion mode. This enhancement is attributed to the nanocore-shell structure of SiO2-PDA@Ag, which effectively prevents the agglomeration of dispersed phase particles in organic carrier medium. The results of this work provide a promising additive nanoparticle in the field of smart materials and lubricants.

Process simulation and optimization of methanol production and utilization for electricity generation

The utilisation of liquid organic carriers for hydrogen storage has demonstrated to be a highly effective method for storing hydrogen under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. Methanol has a hydrogen (H2) content of 12.6% by weight and can be synthesised by the process of carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation. The main goal of the study is to demonstrate methanol’s role as a hydrogen carrier and its application in a direct methanol fuel cell for energy generation. The suggested system synthesises methanol by utilizing green hydrogen with CO2 recovered from industrial sources. The Aspen Plus simulation of the DMFC showed a 58% methanol conversion and a 61% energy efficiency (Methanol-to-power).

Nanoflower Microreactor Based Versatile Enhancer for Recognition Cofactor-Dependent Enzyme Biocatalysis toward Saxitoxin Detection.

Investigating organic carriers' utilization efficiency and bioactivity within organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers is critical to constructing sensitive immunosensors. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of immunosensors is interactively regulated by different classes of biomolecules such as antibodies and enzymes. In this work, we introduced a new alkaline phosphatase-antibody-CaHPO4 hybrid nanoflowers (AAHNFs) microreactor based colorimetric immunoprobe. This system integrates a biometric unit (antibody) with a signal amplification element (enzyme) through the biomineralization process. Specifically, the critical factors affecting antibody recognition activity in the formation mechanism of AAHNFs are investigated. The designed AAHNFs retain antibody recognition ability with enhanced protection for encapsulated proteins against high temperature, organic solvents, and long-term storage, facilitating the selective construction of lock structures against antigens. Additionally, a colorimetric immunosensor based on AAHNFs was developed. After ascorbic acid 2-phosphate hydrolysis by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the generated ascorbic acid decomposes I2 to I-, inducing the localized surface plasmon resonance in the silver nanoplate, which is effectively tuned through shape conversion to develop the sensor. Further, a 3D-printed portable device is fabricated, integrated with a smartphone sensing platform, and applied to the data of collection and analysis. Notably, the immunosensor exhibits improved analytical performance with a 0.1-6.25 ng·mL-1 detection range and a 0.06 ng·mL-1 detection limit for quantitative saxitoxin (STX) analysis. The average recoveries of STX in real samples ranged from 85.9% to 105.9%. This study presents a more in-depth investigation of the recognition element performance, providing insights for improved antibody performance in practical applications.

Nanostructure engineering in organic semiconductor devices toward interface matching

The performance of organic semiconductor devices with heterojunctions between the organic semiconductors and electrodes can be improved by reducing the contact resistance. In this study, we have developed nanopatterned electrodes that gradually change the impedance at the interface between the metal and organic semiconductor in organic devices, which were fabricated in periodic patterns using nanoimprint lithography. The imprint pattern spacing was changed to control the interface between the metal and organic semiconductor to ensure smooth carrier injection. We analyzed the carrier injection based on the pattern spacing of the electrode interface using electrical current–voltage and capacitance–frequency measurements in the diode. Subsequently, we analyzed the improved current mechanism through numerical simulation. Therefore, this study suggests the possibility of designing the interface of an organic device using the nanostructure between the organic semiconductor and carrier injection electrode.

Oxadiazole derivatives as stable anolytes for >3 V non-aqueous redox flow battery

Effective utilization of energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar requires the development of long duration energy storage (LDES) systems that can accommodate intermittent energy accrual. One option under investigation is the use of a redox flow battery (RFB). A significant amount of work has explored aqueous RFB systems with a variety of inorganic and organic carriers. However, moving to a nonaqueous solvent such as acetonitrile (MeCN) for RFB provides a much larger electrochemical window, which could lead to increased energy density if properly utilized. In this work, we investigate a series of 2,5-diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (DiPhenOx) derivatives as anolytes for a redox flow battery. DiPhenOx has a low voltage redox event that, while reversible by cyclic voltammetry, was determined to be irreversible during bulk electrolysis. To improve cycling performance, we introduced various ester and cyano groups to the phenyl rings of DiPhenOx using molecular engineering. We characterized these derivatives spectroscopically and electrochemically to assess their feasibility for flow battery applications. The ester derivatives with the best cycling performance were tested in a flow cell vs. ferrocene, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)benzene (DBBB) and thianthrene, which resulted in ∼2 V, ∼3 V and ∼3 V redox flow batteries, respectively.

Nanoporous Silica Lattice Coated with LiCl@PHEA for Continuous Water Harvesting from Atmospheric Humidity

AbstractRecently, atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) based on hygroscopic salt on an inorganic or organic carrier has attracted great attention because of its significant potential applications in the environment. The major technical challenges for practical applications are how to prevent the leakage of hygroscopic salt while achieving a high capacity for sorption of atmospheric water and a high sorption rate. Additionally, techniques for converting sorbed water (in the form of a lithium chloride (LiCl) solution) into clean water need to be developed. Here, a novel method for continuous atmospheric water harvesting, leveraging LiCl@PHEA hydrogels is introduced. Synthesized via one‐step UV polymerization in saturated LiCl solutions, these hydrogels exhibit remarkable air distension ability (>60 times), achieving high water sorption efficiency (11.18 gg−1 at 90% relative humidity in 30 min) with over 90 wt.% salt content and no leakage. This water collection system integrates a porous evaporator and a 3D‐printed silica substrate, ensuring an extraordinarily high evaporation rate (>11 kgm−2 h−1 under sunlight) and efficient water transmission. A prototype based on this achieves a record‐breaking collection rate of over 5 kgm−2 h−1, enabling large‐scale efficient atmospheric water harvesting. Additionally, continuous hydrogen production through electrolysis using the collected water (< 5 ppm of salts) is demonstrated.

Status and distribution of selenium in selenium-enriched peanut sprouts

Selenium is one of the essential trace elements in human body, however, due to the limitation of geographic factors, the intake of selenium is seriously insufficient in most regions. In this study, selenium-enriched peanut sprouts with high selenium content were prepared by soaking peanut seeds in sodium selenite. The content and distribution of selenium in germinated peanuts were investigated. The results showed that 200 μmol/L sodium selenite and germination for 6 days resulted in the highest total selenium, organic selenium content, and organic selenium conversion in peanut sprouts. Selenium exists in peanut sprouts mainly in organic selenium form, of which selenoproteins are the most critical organic selenium carriers. ABTS free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power assays showed that alkali-soluble protein had the highest antioxidant activity among the four soluble proteins, attributed to its high selenium binding level. Radicle and cotyledons of peanut seedlings were significantly enriched with selenium compared to hypocotyl. Amino acid analysis and SDS-PAGE results showed that selenium increases significantly after peanut germination and selenium enrichment. This study provides a simple, environmentally friendly, and effective way of selenium enrichment and offers a theoretical basis for applying selenium-enriched foods in food and medicine.

Low-field NMR spectroscopic study of e-cigarettes: Is determination of only nicotine and organic carrier solvents possible?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become popular worldwide with the market growing exponentially in some countries. The absence of product standards and safety regulations requires urgent development of analytical methodologies for the holistic control of the growing diversity of such products. An approach based on low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) at 80 MHz is presented for the simultaneous determination of key parameters: carrier solvents (vegetable glycerine (VG), propylene glycol (PG) and water), total nicotine as well as free-base nicotine fraction. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative determination of fourteen weak organic acids deliberately added to enhance sensory characteristics of e-cigarettes was possible. In most cases these parameters can be rapidly and conveniently determined without using any sample manipulation such as dilution, extraction or derivatization steps. The method was applied for 37 authentic e-cigarettes samples. In particular, eight different organic acids with the content up to 56 mg/mL were detected. Due to its simplicity, the method can be used in routine regulatory control as well as to study release behaviour of nicotine and other e-cigarettes constituents in different products.

Construction and Activity Evaluation of Novel Bifunctional Inhibitors and a COF Carrier Based on a Fungal Infection Microenvironment.

Faced with increasingly serious fungal infections and drug resistance issues, three different series of novel dual-target (programmed death ligand 1/14 α-demethylase) compounds were constructed through the fragment combination pathway in the study. Their chemical structures were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated. Among them, preferred compounds 10c-1, 17b-1, and 18b-2 could efficiently exert their antifungal and antidrug-resistant fungal ability through blocking ergosterol biosynthesis, inducing the upregulation of reactive oxygen species level, and triggering apoptosis. Especially, compound 18b-2 exhibited the synergistic function of fungal inhibition and immune activation. Moreover, the covalent organic framework carrier was also generated based on the acidic microenvironment of fungal infection to improve the bioavailability and targeting of preferred compounds; this finally accelerated the body's recovery rate.

The product of hydrogenation of a model mixture of alkyl-substituted C7—C12 benzene compounds as a new liquid organic carrier of hydrogen

The product of hydrogenation of a model mixture of alkyl-substituted C7—C12 benzene compounds as a new liquid organic carrier of hydrogen

Hydrophilicity regulation of carbon nanotubes as phase-change materials for thermal energy storage

Solid-liquid phase-change materials (PCMs) offer exciting prospects for thermal energy conservation, whose performance is greatly affected by the carrier materials. Using expanded vermiculite (EV) as frameworks, carbon nanotube arrays (CNTs) were grown between EV layers by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Then, the paraffin (PA) was loaded on the EV@CNTs composite by vacuum impregnation to prepare composite PCMs (PA/EV@CNTs), where the PA is organic carrier and the EV@CNTs acts as porous supports with high structural strength. The loading capacity of PA is further regulated by the hydrotropism of CNTs which effectively prevents the leakage of molten PA. The in-situ grown CNTs significantly improves the thermal conductivity of PCMs, improving the efficiency of energy conversion. With maximum PA loading capacity of 95 wt%, the thermal conductivity of PA/EV@CNTs-95% reaching 0.7176 W/mK, which was 1.73 and 2.96 times higher than that of pristine EV and PA. The phase change latent heat of PA/EV@CNTs-95% was measured to be 168.54 J/g, which is 1.48 times higher than that of PA/EV. After 100 cycles, the PA/EV@CNTs still maintains excellent thermal stability, and the enthalpy retention rate is 98.73%. The incorporation of high thermal conductivity amphipathicity CNTs in these PCMs makes them promising candidate for various applications such as energy-efficient buildings, thermal management in electronic devices, and self-cleaning materials.

Supervised Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Hydrogen Storage Classes Utilizing Dibenzyltoluene as an Organic Carrier.

Dibenzyltoluene (H0-DBT), a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC), presents an attractive solution for hydrogen storage due to its enhanced safety and ability to store hydrogen in a concentrated liquid form. The utilization of machine learning proves essential for accurately predicting hydrogen storage classes in H0-DBT across diverse experimental conditions. This study focuses on the classification of hydrogen storage data into three classes, low-class, medium-class and high-class, based on the hydrogen storage capacity values. We introduce Hydrogen Storage Prediction with the Support Vector Machine (HSP-SVM) model to predict the hydrogen storage classes accurately. The performance of the proposed HSP-SVM model was investigated using various techniques, which included 5-Fold Cross Validation (5-FCV), Resubstitution Validation (RV), and Holdout Validation (HV). The accuracy of the HV approach for the low, medium, and high class was 98.5%, 97%, and 98.5%, respectively. The overall accuracy of HV approach reached 97% with a miss clarification rate of 3%, whereas 5-FCV and RV possessed an overall accuracy of 93.9% with a miss clarification rate of 6.1%. The results reveal that the HV approach is optimal for predicting the hydrogen storage classes accurately.