Organic Silicon Research Articles

Application of organic silicon quaternary ammonium salt (QSA) to reduce carbon footprint of sewers: long-term inhibition on sulfidogenesis and methanogenesis

Application of organic silicon quaternary ammonium salt (QSA) to reduce carbon footprint of sewers: long-term inhibition on sulfidogenesis and methanogenesis

Fiber morphological characteristics of bamboo Ferrocalamus strictus culms from different geographical distribution regions

The fiber index including fiber length, width, wall thickness and lumen diameter of Ferrocalamus strictus culms (1, 2, and ≥ 3 years) from Jinping, Mojiang and Lvchun counties of Yunnan Province was determined and the elemental content of the soil was also determined to analyze the fiber characteristics. The average relative fiber index measured for F. strictus culms were fiber length (1.30 mm), width (21.57 μm), slenderness ratio (60.79 μm), wall thickness (4.21 μm), lumen diameter (7.22 μm), and runkel ratio (1.22 μm), which belonged to the range of middle and long fibers. The fiber length increased with the culm age. The proportion of long fiber increased while short fibers decreased along with culm maturing. The fiber morphology did not show a specific trend with the culm height. Fiber length reached the maximum in the bottom portions of the culms. There is a correlation between fiber morphology and soil elements, the content of organic matter, total potassium, total sulfur, total aluminum, total zinc, total iron, total boron, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen and available silicon in the soil affects fiber morphology. The content of organic matter, total boron and alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen in the soil from Mojiang County was largest. Comparatively, the culm fiber in Mojiang County had the best fiber index performance for utilization, since the greatest proportion of medium and long fibers and the optimal distribution of fiber length frequency was obtained from the culms in Mojiang County. This study can provide a theoretical basis for large-scale bamboo forest cultivation and the development and utilization of bamboo culm fiber.

Enhancement of removing OH bonds from low-temperature deposited silicon oxide films by adding water vapor into NH3 gas annealing at 130 oC

Abstract It was found that annealing with water-vapor-added NH3 gas (water-added NH3) is more effective than with dry NH3 at removing residual OH bonds in silicon oxide (SiOx) films deposited by atmospheric chemical vapor deposition with an organic silicon source. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that reduction amount of OH bonds using the water-added NH3 was ~4 or ~1.3 times larger than using the conventional dry N2 or dry NH3 mixed with N2 gas without water, respectively. This result is something strange because water can be a potential candidate of OH sources. The effect of water vapor on OH-bond removal can be explained by considering following three factors. One is that low-temperature SiOx films are constrained somewhat, the second is that strained Si-O-Si bonds are in higher or more unstable energy state than strain-free ones, and the third is that highly strained bonds are easily hydroxylated to form Si-OH bonds.

Physical-Matched Nanoplatelets Boost Heterogeneous Thrombi Targeting Through Self-Adaptive Deformation for Thrombolysis and Endothelial Repairing.

The heterogeneity of thrombi in terms of composition, structure, and blood rheology parameters presents a challenge for effective thrombus-targeting drug delivery. To address this, a self-adaptive nano-delivery system, termed D-PLT, is developed. It consists of platelet membrane-cloaked deformable mesoporous organic silicon dioxide nanocomposite, enabling it to respond to the challenge of the heterogeneity of thrombi in arteries and veins. The system exhibits progressive targeting, with the ability to target arterial and venous thrombosis and damaged blood vessels. D-PLT physically matches the pore structure of the thrombus by undergoing varied deformation, leading to advanced targeting and enrichment of arterial and venous thrombus. When co-loaded with the thrombolytic drug urokinase (UK) and the endothelium-protecting agent atorvastatin calcium (AT), the system improves rapid vascular opening of arterial and venous thrombosis in 90 min and provides up to 7 days of durable thrombolysis and recovery from endothelial dysfunction in vivo. This self-adaptive delivery system offers a promising strategy to overcome thrombus heterogeneity.

Smart PDOs™ and the Cartesian Technique™: A milestone in facial rejuvenation with bioactive scaffolds

Objectives: Evaluate the controlled release of silicon from smart polydioxanone suture (Smart PDOs™) and the clinical effect of the Cartesian Technique™ in face lifting. Material and Methods: This study was preclinical and clinical trials randomized, uncontrolled, and phase I carried out. Preclinical trials included instrumental analysis of silicon-enriched sutures by light microscopy, electron microscopy, and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. The clinical trial included 35 patients with primary and secondary rhytides, grade I lipomatosis, and grade I deflation. Polydioxanone (PDO) sutures are inserted following the Cartesian Technique™, a vectorial lift from the intersection of the Cartesian planes of the face. Once the cannulas were inserted with the PDO thread, 0.1 mL of organic silicon was dosed. Turgidity was examined by the pinch test of skin turgor. To measure the position of flaccid or deflated tissues, the scale used was the deflation scale. Results: The controlled release of organic silicon from the PDO sutures was verified. Its clinical application revealed that after 8 days the improvement in turgidity, wrinkle reversal, and flaccidity tightening was maintained in 100% of the sample. At 15 days, reversal of rhytides was observed, softening of deep furrows in 80%, and the initial turgor and skin tightening maintained without deflation in 90% of cases. Histopathological findings reveal that silicon synergistically potentiates the tissue effect of the PDO suture, generating greater biostimulation of fibroblasts with better quality collagen fibers, greater restructuring and redensification of the skin, and avoiding the late inflammatory response. Conclusion: The Cartesian Technique™ with Smart PDOs™ is an effective protocol for skin replenishment that enhances cell biostimulation through the release of bioactive drugs.

Mechanically durable plant-based composite surface towards enhanced antifouling properties

The biofouling adhering to underwater facilities has a negative impact on the environment, energy, and economic development. However, conventional anti-adhesion organic silicon and organic fluorine materials often have poor adhesion properties and mechanical stability when combined with substrates. This work presents a novel strategy for preparing composite antifouling coatings that low surface energy plant-based carnauba wax (CW) covering through rough substrates and chemically bond with flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oligomers or polymers. The CW coating adheres strongly to the substrate owing to the mobility of the liquated CW, which flows into the micro-nano structure of the substrate and solidifies on the solid surface. The polymerization reaction of (PDMS) oligomers compounded the coating, thereby creating a composite coating with superior lubricating and antifouling properties. This distinctive bonding process imbued the coating with exceptional characteristics, including remarkable mechanical stability in destructive tests as well as an impressive ability to repel fouling, such as protein attachment, bacterial adhesion, diatom deposition, and biofilm formation. This work systematically investigated the impact of the composition and structure of composite materials on their mechanical stability and resistance to fouling, and developed high-performance antifouling coatings in the real world.

PEO kaolinite intercalation interface accelerates lithium-ion transfer for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

The improvement of ionic conductivity and Li dendrite inhibition capability of poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs) is urgent for the development of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs). Here, intercalated composite consisted with PEO polymer chains inserted into the clay gallery of the formamide intercalated kaolinite (KM) is formed. Due to this alternating organic-inorganic layered structure, the crystallinity of PEO decreases to 26.2% and the ion conductivity of SPE with 3% KM of PEO mass added(PEO+KM-3) increased to 1.43 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 60 °C. Besides, bis (trifluoromethane) sulfonimide lithium salt (LiTFSI) interacts with formamide to form a complex, making the local solvated Li+ transports close to a quasi-solid model. PEO+KM-3 SPE exhibits a good inhibition effect on lithium dendrites due to the formation of organic silicon at lithium anode side, and Li/ PEO+KM-3/Li cell works steadily for more than 1600 h at 60 °C with 0.1 mA cm−2. The assembled Li//LiFePO4 cell provides a capacity of 118 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C at 60 °C.

Formation and characterization of organic silicon and fluoropolymers film on epoxy base for corrosion protection of carbon steel

Formation and characterization of organic silicon and fluoropolymers film on epoxy base for corrosion protection of carbon steel

Simulation analysis of cryogenic mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced silicon-containing epoxy resin composite

The use of carbon fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites instead of metals to manufacture cryogenic propellant tanks for spacecrafts is a development trend in the world aerospace industry. Cryogenic mechanical properties of the composites should be investigated in detail due to that the ultra-low temperature environment may cause micro cracks in the composites, leading to propellant leakage. In the present study, cryogenic tensile properties of a carbon fiber reinforced silicon-containing epoxy resin aomposite are investigated using experimental and numerical simulation methods. A silicon-containing epoxy resin with excellent cryogenic mechanical properties is developed by introducing a synthesized organic silicon polymer epoxidized polysiloxane and Nano-SiO2 into bisphenol F type epoxy resin. The tensile strength and modulus of the silicon-containing epoxy resin at −180 °C are 202.63 MPa and 7.81 GPa, which are 16.71% and 3.03% higher than those of bisphenol F type epoxy resin. The tensile strength of the silicon-containing epoxy resin at −180 °C is increased by 107.7% compared to that at room temperature, and the modulus at −180 °C is nearly twice that at room temperature. The carbon fiber reinforced silicon-containing epoxy resin composite is prepared by vacuum injection molding. The finite element model for the representative volume element of the composite unidirectional plate is established. The random sequence expansion method is used to randomly distribute the carbon fibers and simulate the thermal residual stress, the elastic performance, and the damage of the composite at cryogenic environments. Through comparison, it is found that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The simulation reliability for cryogenic mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composites is verified. It is expected to provide a reference for the analysis and evaluation of cryogenic mechanical properties of composite tanks.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Organic Silicon on the Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Digestive Enzymes, Morphohistology, Intestinal Microbiota and Stress Resistance in Juvenile Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus).

In recent decades, interest has been aroused worldwide in the use of silicon in nutrition; however, information on its effect on nutrition and metabolism of fish is limited. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with organic silicon on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, digestive enzymes, morphohistology and intestinal microbiota and stress resistance in hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus). Methodologically, six levels of organic silicon (DOS) [control (0), 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg·kg-1] were used to feed juvenile fish (initial weight 7.51 ± 0.25 g) grown for eight weeks in 18 aquariums (15 fish/aquarium). The results indicated that growth performance showed differences (p < 0.05) for specific growth rate, feed conversion and survival. Triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose, transaminases and digestive enzymes were significantly influenced by DOS levels. The histological study confirmed that the administered diets did not cause damage and induced significant morphological changes in the proximal intestine. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of the gut microbiota showed a high diversity and richness of OTU/Chao-1, with Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria predominating in the DOS treatments compared to the control (p < 0.05). Induction of hypoxia stress after the feeding period showed a significant relative survival rate of 83.33% in fish fed 50 mg·kg-1. It is concluded that the DOS treatments performed better than the control treatment in most of the variables analysed. DOS had no negative effects on the fish. The results showed that up to 50 mg·kg-1 DOS improved digestive, metabolic and growth performance in hybrid Tilapia.

Micromechanical piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer array package enhancement with integrated frontliners

In order to improve the susceptibility of ultrasonic transducers to damage and the mismatch in acoustic impedance with test specimens, an impedance-matching layer is introduced between the transducer and the specimen. The impact of the matching layer on acoustic propagation of transducer was analyzed through acoustic field simulation. The performance of the improved transducer was experimentally evaluated by using a dedicated echo testing system for transducers. The matching layer was optimized by considering different materials. The results show that for non-metallic materials, only a layer of acoustic matching layer (organic silicone gel) can be added to achieve acoustic impedance matching and avoid wear. For metal materials, two acoustic matching layers (organic silicone gel and epoxy resin) need to be added to achieve acoustic impedance matching. The propagation efficiency of sound waves is increased by 30% as a result of this process.

The Recycling Characteristics of Different Silicon Forms and Biogenic Silicon in the Surface Sediments of Dianchi Lake, Southwest China

Silicon (Si) is one of the main biogenic elements in the aquatic ecosystem of lakes, significantly affecting the primary productivity of lakes. Lake sediment is an important sink of Si, which exists in different Si forms and will be released and participate in the recycling of Si when the sediment environment changes. Compared to carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), the understanding of different Si forms in sediments and their biogeochemical cycling is currently insufficient. Dianchi Lake, a typical eutrophic lake in southwest China, was selected as an example, and the contents of different Si forms and biogenic silicon (BSi), as well as their correlations with total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and chlorophyll a in the surface sediments, were systematically investigated to explore Si’s recycling characteristics. The results showed that the coupling relationship of the four different Si forms in the surface sediments of Dianchi Lake was poor (p &gt; 0.05), indicating that their sources were relatively independent. Moreover, their formation may be greatly influenced by the adsorption, fixation and redistribution of dissolved silicon by different lake substances. The contents of different Si forms in the surface sediments of Dianchi Lake were ranked as iron-manganese-oxide-bonded silicon (IMOF-Si) &gt; organic sulfide-bonded silicon (OSF-Si) &gt; ion-exchangeable silicon (IEF-Si) &gt; carbonate-bound silicon (CF-Si). In particular, the contents of IMOF-Si and OSF-Si reached 2983.7~3434.7 mg/kg and 1067.6~1324.3 mg/kg, respectively, suggesting that the release and recycling of Si in surface sediments may be more sensitive to changes in redox conditions at the sediment–water interface, which become the main pathway for Si recycling, and the slow degradation of organic matter rich in OSF-Si may lead to long-term and continuous endogenous Si recycling. The low proportion (0.3~0.6%) and spatial differences of biogenic silicon (BSi) in the surface sediments of Dianchi Lake, as well as the poor correlation between BSi and TOC, TN, and chlorophyll a, indicated that the primary productivity of Dianchi Lake was still dominated by cyanobacteria and other algal blooms, while the relative abundance of siliceous organisms such as diatoms was low and closer to the central area of Dianchi Lake. Additionally, BSi may have a faster release capability relative to TOC and may participate in Si recycling.

Assessment of Foliar Application of Biostimulants and Silicon on Yield and Yield Attributing Characters of Mango (Mangifera indica l.) CV. Kesar

The present investigation was carried out at Fruit Research Station, Sakkarbaug, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with Factorial concept consisting two factors with three replications. The treatment comprised with biostimulants viz., without biostimulant, humic acid (1.5 %), panchagavya (3 %), seaweed extract (0.2 %), novel organic liquid fertilizer (2 %) and silicon i.e., without silicon, potassium silicate (0.2 %) and orthosilicic acid (0.2 %). The results of the study indicated that among the different biostimulants application of humic acid 1.5 % and among the different silicon application of potassium silicate 0.2 % was recorded with minimum number of nubbins per 100 fruits at pea (20.42 and 22.52) and marble stage (10.67 and 12.80) and maximum fruits retention at harvesting (2.03 and 1.85 %), number of fruits per tree (213.71 and 195.52), fruit yield (50.78 and 45.14 kg/tree), fruit length (10.60 and 10.39 cm), fruit breadth (6.67 and 6.55 cm), fruit weight (234.58 and 226.24 g), pulp weight (175.87 and 168.79 g) and pulp: stone ratio (5.16 and 5.07) during pooled analysis, respectively. In the present investigation some of the interaction effects were also found significant. The combined application of humic acid 1.5 % with potassium silicate 0.2 % recorded maximum number of fruits per tree (235.57), fruit yield (60.42 kg/tree), fruit length (11.06 cm), fruit breadth (96.86 cm), fruit weight (254.71 g) and pulp weight (192.61 g) during pooled analysis. It can be concluded that for improved yield and yield attributing characters with foliar application of humic acid 1.5 % along with potassium silicate 0.2 % at initiation of flowering, pea and marble stage.

Comparison of perfluoroalkyl substance adsorption performance by inorganic and organic silicon modified activated carbon

Owing to the persistence and increasingly stringent regulations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), it is necessary to improve their adsorption capacities using activated carbon (AC). However, their adsorption capacities are suppressed by dissolved organic matter (DOM). In this study, two ACs modified with organic silicon (C-OS) and inorganic silicon (C-IS) were synthesized and used for the adsorption of PFAS in raw water (RW). The results showed that the PFAS adsorption capacity of C-IS was much less influenced by DOM than that of the original AC (C-virgin). In RW, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) adsorption capacities on C-IS were 15.08 and 3.65 times higher than those on C-virgin, respectively. DOM had less influence on the PFOA and PFOS adsorption kinetics of C-IS than C-OS and C-virgin. Under multi-PFAS condition, C-IS also exhibited slower desorption of short-chain PFAS and breakthrough in batch and column tests, respectively. Characterization of the ACs before and after adsorption and independent gradient modelling indicated that hydrogen bond interactions between the O-Si of C-IS and the –COOH or –CSO3H groups of PFAS contributed to PFAS adsorption. Density functional theory calculations demonstrated that the adsorption energy of C-IS was much lower than that of C-OS and C-virgin. The arrangement of PFAS molecules on C-OS was chaotic owing to the hydrophobic siloxane chain, whereas the arrangement of PFAS on C-IS was orderly in multi-layer or semi-micelle status and more favorable to PFAS adsorption. This study provides a new strategy for avoiding adverse effects of DOM on PFAS adsorption.

Experimental Study on Foam Properties of Mixtures of Organic Silicon and Hydrocarbon Surfactants Regulated by Nano-SiO2 Particles

Experimental Study on Foam Properties of Mixtures of Organic Silicon and Hydrocarbon Surfactants Regulated by Nano-SiO2 Particles

Preparation of Silicone Coating and Its Anti-Ice and Anti-Corrosion Properties

To enhance protection against corrosion and ice on iron metal material in frigid zones, an organic silicone resin coating was prepared using four monomers. Its structure and performance was analyzed via infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and thermal analysis (TG). Corrosion resistance of coating was tested by saltwater resistance and salt spray resistance and assessed using an electrochemical workstation, alongside anti-icing tests. The results showed that the organic silicone resin was successfully synthesized. The coatings could delay freezing onset by one-third compared to controls in low temperatures, with a detachment time also reduced by one-third, indicating excellent corrosion and ice resistance. The methylphenyl silicone resin had good anti-corrosion and anti-ice properties, with a low corrosion current density (icorr) of 0.8793 μA/cm2 and a high charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 24,930 Ω·cm2 in saline.

Comparison of chemical contaminant measurements using CLAM, POCIS, and silicone band samplers in estuarine mesocosms.

Discrete water samples represent a snapshot of conditions at a particular moment in time and may not represent a true chemical exposure caused by changes in chemical input, tide, flow, and precipitation. Sampling technologies have been engineered to better estimate time-weighted concentrations. In this study, we consider the utility of three integrative sampling platforms: polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS), silicone bands (SBs), and continuous, low-level aquatic monitoring (CLAM). This experiment used simulated southeastern salt marsh mesocosm systems to evaluate the response of passive (POCIS, SBs) and active sampling (CLAM) devices along with discrete sampling methodologies. Three systems were assigned to each passive sampler technology. Initially, all tanks were dosed at nominal (low) bifenthrin, pyrene, and triclosan concentrations of 0.02, 2.2, and 100 µg/L, respectively. After 28 days, the same treatment systems were dosed a second time (high) with bifenthrin, pyrene, and triclosan at 0.08, 8.8, and 200 µg/L, respectively. For passive samplers, estimated water concentrations were calculated using published or laboratory-derived sampling rate constants. Chemical residues measured from SBs resulted in high/low ratios of approximately 2x, approximately 3x, and 1x for bifenthrin, pyrene, and triclosan. A similar pattern was calculated using data from POCIS samples (~4x, ~3x, ~1x). Results from this study will help users of CLAM, POCIS, and SB data to better evaluate water concentrations from sampling events that are integrated across time. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1384-1395. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Synergistic effects of modified biochar and selenium on reducing heavy metal uptake and improving pakchoi growth in Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn–contaminated soil

Heavy metal stress poses a significant threat to both crop production and human health. The application of biochar and selenium (Se) to remediate soil Cd pollution and alleviate plant Cd toxicity has been extensively investigated. However, under Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn stress, the synergistic mechanisms of key components in lignin–based modified biochar (BC) and foliar selenium fertilizer promoting plant growth and development still need further investigation. The results indicated that, compared to the control, the simultaneous application of BC and foliar selenium fertilizer significantly increased the soil dissolved organic carbon, available silicon, and exchangeable magnesium, while reducing the bioavailability of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn by 27.35 %, 42.50 %, 14.50 %, and 11.79 %, respectively. The synergistic interaction between silicon silicate minerals in BC and selenium plays a crucial role in enhancing chlorophyll content, improving photosynthesis, and boosting both enzymatic antioxidant systems (CAT and SOD) and non–enzymatic antioxidant systems (GSH). Interestingly, the combined application of BC and Se shows a more pronounced effect, reducing the absorption of Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu by pakchoi by 56.04 %, 53.21 %, 32.54 %, and 18.22 %, respectively. This study provides an effective and practical approach to alleviate the composite toxicity of plants to multiple metals such as Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn. The synergistic effects of BC and Se in reducing heavy metal uptake by pakchoi have significant implications for sustainable agriculture and environmental remediation.

Self-Healing Properties of Water Tree with Microcapsule/Cross-Linked Polyethylene Composite Material Based on Three-Layer Core-Shell Structure.

To overcome the degradation of insulating properties caused by the water tree aging of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), a self-repairing material for XLPE based on a microcapsule system is proposed. Three-layer shell nucleus microcapsules/XLPE composites with different microcapsule doping content are prepared. The water tree aging experiments are carried out using the water-needle electrode method to analyze the ability of microcapsules to repair the damaged areas of water trees. The results show that, compared with the XLPE material without microcapsules, the electrical properties of composites decline significantly when the doping concentration of three-layer shell nucleus microcapsules is large. When the doping concentration is 1.0 wt%, the microcapsule/XLPE composite breakdown strength has no noticeable change, and the dielectric loss factor does not change significantly, the space charge density decreases, and the space charge properties have been improved considerably. When the water tree branch develops to the position where the microcapsules are located, the microcapsules will rupture and release their internal repair materials and catalysts and react with water to produce an organic silicone resin to fill the water tree cavity, which can achieve an excellent self-healing effect. In addition, the nano-SiO2 on the surface microcapsules can make the microcapsules and matrix better integrated, which avoids the microcapsule accumulation that tends to occur when incorporating microcapsules, thus improving the repair rate.

Enrichment mechanism of organic matter and silicon in lower Cambrian shale of the Yangtze Platform

Early Cambrian time witnessed accumulation of high-quality organic-rich siliceous shale deposits that comprise an especially promising shale gas exploration target, especially in China. The present study of the Cambrian Niutitang Formation of the shelf area of the Upper Yangtze Platform utilizes mineralogical and elemental geochemical data to aide in the paleoenvironment reconstruction of these organic-rich deposits. We are especially interested in elucidating organic carbon and silicon enrichment mechanisms of the Niutitang Formation that will benefit shale gas exploration and development of these deposits. The Niutitang Formation can be subdivided into three intervals based on lithology, gamma ray (GR) signature, and TOC abundance. Enriched TOC (average = 6.7%) and nano-size authigenic microcrystalline quartz (Qn) contents of Interval I deposits likely reflect deposition in an environment that experienced persistent euxinic and elevated organic matter delivery associated with enhanced paleoproductivity driven by hydrothermal activity. Interval II shale is interpreted to have accumulated under euxinic-ferruginous conditions that experienced the effects of robust paleoproductivity and diminished terrigenous input related to persistently warm, humid climatic conditions. Enriched TOC (average = 4.9%) and moderate microcrystalline quartz content of these deposits were likely the result of redox conditions and elevated paleoproductivity. Interval III strata appears to have accumulated under oxygenated bottom conditions that experienced moderate paleoproductivity, brackish water and elevated terrigenous detritus input driven by the establishment of cold, dry climatic conditions. The combined results of these conditions are diminished TOC content (average = 0.7%) and enrichment of the sediment in terrestrial quartz. The elevated content of authigenic quartz appears to have diminished the reservoir capacity of Niutitang Formation shale. Interval II organic-rich siliceous shale deposits of Upper Yangtze Platform shelf areas, which have the comparable authigenic microcrystalline quartz content, reservoir performance, and greater organic matter abundance as the rift trough, appear to comprise the stratigraphic horizon with the greatest exploration and development potential. Results of the present study offer theoretical guidance for future shale gas exploration and development efforts in geologically similar regions.