Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy Analysis Research Articles

Corrosion of Steels in Liquid Bismuth–Lithium Alloy

The corrosion resistance of several types of steel (AISI 410, 321, 316L, 904L) was determined in a liquid Bi-Li (5 mol.%) alloy (BLA) medium at 650 °C combining gravimetric analysis of steel samples and chemical analysis of corrosion products’ content accumulating in the BLA phase. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry analysis were employed for characterizing steel structure and alloy composition. AISI 321, 316L and 904L nickel-containing corrosion-resistant steels underwent severe corrosion in BLA, and their corrosion rates depended on the nickel content in the material. AISI 410 steel exhibited the lowest corrosion rate of all the materials investigated, and this type of steel can be considered as a reasonable structural material for work in BLA environments. The corrosion rates of AISI 410, 321, 316L and 904L steels in BLA at 650 °C were 77, 244, 252 and 280 µm/year, respectively. It was also found that chromium was etched more intensively than iron from the surface of steel samples.

Coupling mechanism of trace elements and maceral in medium and high sulphur coal in the Jurassic terrestrial environment of Zhongyuan mine in the Hengshan mining area and adjacent areas

ABSTRACT Considering the urgency of resource utilization and environmental protection, the geochemistry of anomalous trace transition metal elements in coal formed in terrestrial environments has been studied using methods such as inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry analysis, electron probe micro-area analysis, sequential chemical extraction procedures, and correlation analysis. The results indicate that minerals in the coal samples included pyrite, kaolinite, quartz, dolomite, calcite, and celestite. Furthermore, compared with the average values of coals in China and the upper continental crust, the coal samples were rich in transition metal trace elements such as Ni, Cr, and Sr and were deficient in Be, Cd, Cu, Co, Ga, Mo, Sb, Tl, V, Zn, and Ti. We found that Ni preferentially occurred in the organic matter over minerals, while Cr primarily bonded with sulfide minerals and to a lesser extent with the iron-manganese oxide minerals. Sr had a low correlation with organic matter but adhered to clay minerals and celestite. Ni enrichment in coal samples was the result of terrigenous input, while the Cr enrichment was related to intrusion of magmatic hydrothermal fluids. Sr enrichment was caused by the presence of SO4 2- in the terrigenous debris and the influence of Sr-rich water underground.

Development of cellulose-supported Pd-nanocatalyst for the heck coupling and michael addition reactions

The development of reusable, bio-resource based nanocatalysts with high turnover numbers (TONs) is essential for increased sustainability in the chemical sector. Herein, cellulose-supported bio-resourced poly(hydroxamic acid) is employed as a ligand in the synthesis of a palladium nanocomposite (PdNc-PHA) that exhibits higher TONs that previously reported similar systems for the Mizoroki-Heck and Michael addition reactions. The PdNc-PHA catalyst was characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analyses. Results showed that the PdNc-PHA catalyst exhibits excellent durability and high catalytic activity in the Mizoroki-Heck and Michael addition reactions, leading to high yields of the desired corresponding products. The Mizoroki-Heck reaction of aryl/heteroaryl chlorides with olefins resulted in the production of cross-coupled products, while the Michael addition reaction of phenol/thiophenol and aliphatic cyclic/alicyclic amines with a variety of olefins synthesised the corresponding O-, S-, and N-alkylated products. The recycle and reusability of the catalyst were tested using 4-nitrochlorobenzene and butyl acrylate. The results demonstrated that the catalyst maintained its catalytic activity effectively for up to ten cycles without any noticeable loss in performance. This research represents a promising strategy for efficient catalysis based on bio-waste as a wealth material.

The characteristics of V, Sc, Cr and Ni within the Cambrian terrigenous-carbonate deposits found in the Syuldyukar kimberlite field (Western Yakutia)

The investigation of the Syuldyukar kimberlite field, located within the Yakut diamond-bearing province, involved approximately 4,000 X-ray fluorescence (XFA) analyses and 150 inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP AES) analyses on the host sedimentary rocks of the Upper Cambrian Holomolokha formation in proximity to the kimberlite bodies. The results indicated a disruption in the correlation ratios when compared to background concentrations, while subclark levels of vanadium (V), scandium (Sc), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and other elements remained consistent. The elements were divided into three categories: typomorphic elements for kimberlites (Cr, Ni, Co), elements associated with carbonatites (barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), neodymium (Nd), zirconium (Zr)), and elements characteristic of basalts (V, Sc, zinc (Zn)). High positive correlation coefficients were established for the specified elements in the background concentrations. However, ICP analyses indicated significant decreases in the correlation between elements from different groups in the near-kimberlite space at the Syuldyukar site. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that in the compression areas, the correlation ratios of various elements were inconsistent when compared to the stretching areas. The analysis of the XRF and ICP data reveled that the average elemental concentrations in the background and near-tube space were nearly identical, except for some unusual hurricane values, with variations showing only slight changes. The positive correlation of several elements likely reflects background geological processes, including sedimentation in a marine basin and subsequent transformations such as hypergenesis, diagenesis, and catagenesis. The significant decrease in correlation coefficients, even with background concentrations remaining stable, is likely due to the redistribution of elements in the fluid resulting from phreatomagmatic explosions linked to the intrusion of kimberlites. Aqueous chloride fluids were observed to most actively redistribute elements in areas experiencing local tectonic compression. The identified changes in the correlation ratios of background elemental concentrations in sedimentary rocks containing kimberlite could act as a new indicator for locating hidden diamond-bearing kimberlites.

Structure-Activity Optimization of Luminescent Tb-doped LaF3 Nanoparticles.

A series of Tb-doped LaF3 nanoparticles (NPs) was prepared by systematically varying the Tb doping rate from 0 to 100%. The elemental composition was confirmed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis, and the size, morphology, and crystal structure were determined in the solid state by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry, while the size and ζ-potential of the NPs in solution were studied by dynamic light scattering, Taylor dispersion analysis, and laser Doppler electrophoresis. While the crystal structure appears to be hexagonal for a doping rate of up to 70%, an admixture of hexagonal and orthorhombic phases is observed for 80 and 90% Tb contents with a pure orthorhombic phase being obtained for TbF3. The spectroscopic properties of the NPs were studied for bare NPs and in the presence of dipicolinic acid as a surface-capping antenna ligand in solution. The coverage of the NPs by the ligand resulted in an increase in the luminescence lifetime of the emitting Tb centers, as a consequence of a better protection toward luminescence quenching from water molecules, as well as a large improvement in the brightness of the NPs. Taking into account the various parameters, a doping rate of 40% Tb was shown to be the best compromise for the development of such NPs for bioanalytical applications.

Zn complexed on hybrid manganese doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles covered by silica as a catalyst in the synthesis of 2-amino-4H-pyran and N- arylquinoline derivatives

In the present work, Zn complexed on hybrid manganese doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles covered by silica were synthesized. These MNPs were characterized using different techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Field emission‐scanning electron micro-scope (FE-SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Vibration sample magnetometer (VSM), Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP), Zeta potential and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FE-SEM Images showed uniform spherical shape with rough surfaces and an aggregation in structure of MNPs. A decrease in Ms is visible in VSM analysis due to the increase in particle diameter as a result of loading the organic coating on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles. According to TGA analysis, the synthesized MNPs have good stability up to 125 °C. The ICP analysis indicates the presence of 0.13 mmol/g zinc on the surface of loaded MNPs. The effect of these prepared MNPs as a catalyst was studied in the synthesis of 2-amino-4H-pyran and N- arylquinoline derivatives. This method provides excellent yield of products with short reaction time, simple purification and easy separation of the catalyst. Furthermore, the reusability of the catalyst during five periods was not associated with a significant decrease in its activity.

On-Line pH Measurement Cation Exchange Kinetics of Y3+-Exchanged Alginic Acid for Y2O3 Nanoparticles Synthesis.

A new sol-gel method that employs cation exchange from an aqueous metal ion solution with H+ ions of granulated alginic acid was developed for synthesizing high-purity Y2O3 nanoparticles. In this study, the cation exchange kinetics of H+~Y3+ in aqueous solution were analyzed using on-line pH technology and off-line inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis. Pseudo 2nd-order models were utilized to evaluate the parameters of the kinetics, suggesting that the concentration of H+~Y3+ involved in the cation exchange reaction was 1:1.733. Further, a comprehensive understanding of the Y-ALG calcination process was developed using thermo-gravimetric analysis, along with results obtained from differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC). A detailed analysis of the XRD Rietveld refinement plots revealed that the crystallite sizes of Y2O3 nanoparticles were about 4 nm (500 °C) and 15 nm (800 °C), respectively. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed to investigate the electrochemical oxidation of catechol. The oxidation peak currents of catechol at Y2O3 (500 °C)/GCE and Y2O3 (800 °C)/GCE showed two stages linear function of concentration (2.0~20.0 × 10-6 mol/L, 20.0~60.0 × 10-6 mol/L). The results indicated that the detection limits were equal to 2.4 × 10-7 mol/L (Y2O3 (500 °C)/GCE) and 7.8 × 10-7 mol/L (Y2O3 (800 °C)/GCE). The study not only provided a method to synthesize metal oxide, but also proposed a promising on-line pH model to study cation exchange kinetics.

Influence of Ultrahigh Dilution Treatment of the Charge on the Growth and Spectroscopic Properties of Nd:MgMoO4 Potential Laser Crystal

The influence of the charge treatment by ultrahigh dilution (UHD) technology on oxide single crystals grown by the Czochralski technique was studied for monoclinic MgMoO4 crystals doped by 1 at. % of Nd3+ ions. The series of 10 Nd:MgMoO4 crystals was grown from the charges that were subjected to UHD treatment, as well as from the charges treated with two types of control or with no special treatment at all. The grown crystals were studied by X-ray powder diffraction analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, optical absorption, emission spectroscopy and luminescence kinetic analysis. We found that: (i) wetting of MgO + MoO3 mixture by a water-ethanol solution before calcining leads to some enrichment of the mixture with MoO3, whereas the wetting of the charge after the calcining leads to some enrichment of it with MgO; (ii) congruent melting composition of MgMoO4 crystal is in the field of some MoO3 excess; (iii) the solid-phase solubility of the excess MoO3 in MgMoO4 probably does not depend on temperature, whereas the solid-phase solubility of the excess MgO in MgMoO4 crystal depends on temperature. We suggest that the corresponding solidus line passes through the range of retrograde solubility; (iv) the crystals grown within this range are characterized by the enhanced Nd3+ segregation coefficient between the crystal and the melt (approximately 0.006 versus 0.004); (v) unit cell parameters of MgMoO4 crystal with the excess of MoO3 are larger than those of the crystal of the stoichiometric composition and of the crystal with the excess of MgO; (vi) the shapes of the optical absorption and luminescence spectra of Nd:MgMoO4 crystal do not depend on the charge treatment; (vii) luminescence decay kinetics are single-exponential for all the studied crystals, the luminescence decay time being different for the crystals grown from the charges that underwent different types of treatment; (viii) the luminescence intensity of Nd:MgMoO4 crystal grown from the charge that underwent UHD treatment before calcining (solid-phase synthesis) is reduced by an order of magnitude in comparison with the other studied crystals.

Photocatalytic response of plasma functionalized and sonochemically TiO2/BiOBr coated fabrics for self-cleaning application

Sonochemical synthesis of nanophotocatalysts to produce functionalized fabrics is gaining significant attention worldwide. This study deals with coating sonochemically synthesized TiO2 and TiO2/BiOBr photocatalysts on pre-coating plasma functionalized cotton fabric. The photocatalytic activity of pristine, plasma-functionalized, and photocatalyst-coated fabrics was checked by degrading methyl red, Rhodamine B, and methyl orange under sunlight irradiation. The surface morphology, optical properties, structure, and purity of the coating material were elaborated using UV-visible spectroscopy, electrical resistivity measurements, x-ray diffraction measurements, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The nanoparticle-coated fabrics significantly reduced the photoluminescence intensity compared to plasma-functionalized fabrics. The TiO2/BiOBr decorated fabric had significantly higher photocatalytic efficiency than all other fabric samples. This photocatalyst showed 84% efficiency against Rhodamine B, 58% against methyl orange, and 55% against methyl red. The-self-cleaning UV protection applications of these photocatalyst-decorated fabrics are suggested in this study.

Separation of lanthanides erbium and ytterbium on indium electrodes by modulated potential selective extraction in molten salts and a thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of the process

The main purpose of this paper is to study the extraction and separation of key fragment elements based on the electrolytic refining process of spent fuel dry reprocessing. Firstly, the electrochemical mechanisms of Er(III) and Yb(III) in LiCl-KCl molten salts were investigated on W and In film electrodes with applied cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV) and open circuit potential (OCP) at 773 K. The results indicated that the reduction behaviour of In(III) and Yb(III) ions were a two-step transfer process and Er(III) ions was a one-step transfer process. Then, the kinetic parameters in electrochemical processes were calculated on an In electrode with different temperatures. The OCP approach was used to determine the equilibrium potential of Er(III)/Er(0) in the temperature range of 773 K∼848 K, and thermodynamic parameters of the In3Er alloy were provided. Based on electrochemical behaviour results, the electrochemical extraction of Er(III) and Yb(III) from LiCl-KCl-ErCl3 molten salts and LiCl-KCl-YbCl3 molten salts at liquid In electrodes was performed by constant potential and constant current electrolysis, respectively. The electrolysis products were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), the primary intermetallic compounds generated in the alloys were In3Er and In3Yb. The average extraction rates for Er(III) and Yb(III) were 94.70% and 96.54%, respectively, according to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis. Er(III) and Yb(III) were selectively extracted and separated from LiCl-KCl-ErCl3-YbCl3 molten salts by potentiostatic control on the basis of the previously studied Lns (Er and Yb) extraction on In electrodes. The separation rate of Er(III) and Yb(III) by electrochemical selective deposition was 94.21%.

Potential and comparative studies of six non-edible seed oil feedstock’s for biodiesel production

ABSTRACT Biodiesel is a clean, renewable fuel that is the best alternative to diesel, but feedstock costs more than 70%. Biodiesel development requires cheap feedstock with high oil content. Biodiesel from non-edible plants is cheap, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. In the present work, six different sources were explored with seed oil content including Simmondsia chinensis (51%), Melia Azedarach (42.7%), Pongamia pinnata (42%), Cannabis sativa (39%), Citrus reticulate (29.5%), and Phoenix dactylifera (17%) respectively. The obtained oil contents were higher than previous studies. The quality of biodiesel was assessed by physico-chemical methods, viscosity (2.9-5.7), density (868-910), cetane number (49-58), flashpoint (137-187), and free fatty acid (0.3-1.21). Optimal conditions were implemented for transesterification, to obtain the highest biodiesel yields up to 98%. Through Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry study, 5-7 fatty acids were detected respectively. Through Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and Elemental analyzer analysis, environmental friendly biodiesel was obtained in which sulphur (0.0013-0.0091%), nitrogen (1.41-1.96%), and oxygen content was (9.33-11.43%). All plants have good physicochemical qualities that met American standard testing material D6751 and European norms 14214 standards. The growth of these plants on barren lands as a substitute energy source for the production of biodiesel is supported by our research on a sound scientific basis.

Investigating of the anticancer activity of salen/salophen metal complexes based on graphene quantum dots: Induction of apoptosis as part of biological activity

This research work is the first report on the synthesis and stabilization of [Fe-Salophen] and [Fe-Salen] complexes by two methods of surface modification and anchoring of synthesized Schiff base ligand on the surface of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The GQDs contain oxygenated functional groups that can act as non-radiative electron-hole recombination centers. Therefore removing these oxygen functional groups may improve quantum yield by reducing or deactivating the surface. In this work, GQDs with the amine functional group were synthesized with a quantum yield of 37.48%. The physicochemical properties of GQDs were investigated by Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopies, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM). The synthesis of GQDs-[Fe-Salen] and GQDs-[Fe-Salophen] was evaluated by FT-IR, Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) analyses. Then, using MTT- assay, annexin V-FITC/PI, DAPI staining and cellular uptake assays, the biochemical activity of these complexes on the MCF7 cell line was investigated. The results shows that GQDs-[Fe-Salen] and GQDs-[Fe-Salophen] affect the survival of MCF7 cancer cells and, by nuclear fragmentation cause 35.77% and 19.41% of early apoptosis in cells, respectively. Also was found cellular uptake of GQDs-[Fe-Salen] is higher than that of GQDs-[Fe-Salophen].

Origin Traceability of Tobacco Leaves by Multi-elements Analysis Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy and Cluster Analysis

Origin Traceability of Tobacco Leaves by Multi-elements Analysis Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy and Cluster Analysis

Use of a Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer for Rapid and Accurate Determination of Iron in Vitamins and Supplements

This study describes the development of an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) method to quantify iron in vitamins and supplements. Four different products and a NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) were prepared by homogenizing 20 tablets in a mixer mill and diluting known masses of each sample into known masses of cellulose. Calibration standards were similarly prepared by diluting known masses of iron oxide into known masses of cellulose. Analyses were performed using a handheld XRF analyzer using one-minute analysis times. The method gave linear calibration curves with R2 values greater than 0.9995, and good accuracy as demonstrated by relative errors of 9% in the analysis of the NIST SRM. Experimentally determined concentrations of the samples were compared to the nominal concentration of the samples based on the mass of iron per tablet and the average tablet mass. XRF results gave relative differences of +4% and -4% for two iron supplements. XRF results gave a larger relative difference of -19% for the women’s vitamin product. Although the label on the men’s vitamin product stated it was iron-free, XRF and Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES) analyses showed it contained iron levels of 157 and 133 µg/g (ppm), respectively. This XRF method offers a simpler, faster, and less expensive alternative to conventional atomic spectrometry-based methods for this type of application.

X‐ray absorption fine structure characterization of a multicomponent spinel catalyst

AbstractDemand for high‐performing, inexpensive catalysts has motivated the development of mixed 3d transition metal architectures. Here, x‐ray spectroscopies are uniquely positioned to inform intensive searches of compositional spaces by elucidating structure–function relationships. However, thorough analyses of complex systems are often non‐trivial. In this work, one such example was pursued, a chemical series of spinel‐based emissions catalysts of the general formula Mn0.1CuxCo2.9−xO4 for 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.8. The local electronic and atomic structures of these materials were characterized by x‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended x‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analyses, respectively. EXAFS analyses required models to be constructed that captured the relevant structural changes across the chemical series. Building these models required insights from XANES, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analyses. XANES measurements at the Co K‐edge, when complemented with ab initio multiple scattering calculations, suggested that the fraction of Co atoms in the octahedral sites of the spinel increased as the concentration of substituted Cu increased. Similarly, XANES measurements at the Mn K‐edge suggested that the occupancy of the first coordination shell varied throughout the series. Finally, the XRD results revealed an impurity, a CuO phase, formed at higher copper concentrations. This is consistent with the results of the principal component analysis performed on the Cu K‐edge XANES spectra. These hypotheses were incorporated into the EXAFS fitting models and are consistent with the subsequent quantitative analyses.

Pd nanoparticles supported over agar-agar functionalized Fe3O4 as a biodegradable composite nanomedicine for the in-vitro anti-human oral cancer application

In recent years, magnetic bio-nanocomposites have been evolved as potential new generation materials. Consequently, we demonstrate herein a novel Pd NPs adorned agar-agar modified magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a novel anticancer agent (Fe3O4@agar-agar/Pd). The post-synthetically modified material was meticulously characterized through several analytical techniques, such as Fourier Transformed Infra Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis. The as synthesized Fe3O4@agar-agar/Pd bio-nanocomposite was investigated for antioxidant and human anti-oral cancer assays. In such studies a number of cell lines, viz., HSC-3, HSC-2, and Ca9-22 were used in determining the cytotoxicity. Notably, Fe3O4@agar-agar/Pd bio-nanocomposite exhibit significant anti-oral cancer properties against HSC-3, HSC-2, and Ca9-22 cancer cell lines following time and dose-dependent manner. The corresponding IC50 values were determined as 195, 187, and 239 μg/mL respectively. DPPH radical scavenging method was used to determine the antioxidant activity of Fe3O4@agar-agar/Pd bio-nanocomposite. The significant IC50 value suggested the material having very good antioxidant potential. The anti-human oral cancer effect of our material is believed to be due to its antioxidant effects.

White tea extract modified green synthesis of magnetite supported Ag nanoparticles: Evaluation of its catalytic activity, antioxidant and anti-colon cancer effects

In this study, an eco-friendly and low-cost procedure for the synthesis of White tea plant extract modified magnetic nanocomposite (Fe 3 O 4 @ W.tea ) has been demonstrated. Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were further decorated in situ over the designed Fe 3 O 4 @ W.tea nanocomposite exploiting the plant derived phytochemicals as bio-reductant and stabilizer. The resulting Fe 3 O 4 @ W.tea /Ag nanocomposite was characterized by various analytical methods like Fourier Transformed Infra Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis. The as-synthesized bio-nanomaterial was used as an excellent heterogeneous and magnetically retrievable catalyst in the three-component condensation of 4-hydroxycoumarin, malononitrile and various aldehydes in refluxing aqueous media. A broad range of aromatic aldehydes underwent the reaction to produce diverse pyrano[3,2- c ]chromene derivatives in very good yields irrespective of the nature of bearing functional groups or their respective geometrical positions. Due to superparamagnetic character, the material was easily magnetically decanted out and recycled for 8 successive times with preservation of its catalytic activity. After the chemical applications we also explored the material biologically in the resistance of human colon cancer and thereby studied the cytotoxicity over two standard cell lines, HT-29 and Caco-2. The conventional MTT assay was carried out over them which revealed an increase in % cell viability dose dependently. The IC 50 values observed in the two cell lines were 384.2 μg/ml and 254.6 μg/ml respectively. In addition, DPPH radical scavenging test was performed for studying anti-oxidant activity. The results validate the administration of Fe 3 O 4 @ W.tea /Agnanocomposite as a competent colon protective drug in the clinical trial studies over human.

(PEFC&E 2022 Student Poster Award Winner - 3rd Place) PEFC Electrocatalysts Using Sn-Based Materials Dispersed on Mesoporous Carbon

Introduction Cathode catalysts of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are subjected to a severe environment of strong acidity and high potential, leading to catalyst degradation[1]. In particular, catalyst degradation in fuel cell vehicles is often caused by oxidative corrosion of their carbon support during start-stop cycles, and by dissolution and re-deposition of platinum particles during load cycles[2]. Our research group has been studying nanocomposite catalysts (Pt-oxide) combining Pt with metal oxides (TiO2, SnO2) of a few nm in size, suppressing the aggregation and degradation of Pt catalysts during load cycles and also during start-stop cycles[3]. Here in this study, we prepare nanocomposite catalysts using SnO2 as a metal oxide, evaluate their electrochemical performance, and control support framework and heat treatment conditions to consider design guidelines for higher performance and durability of PEFC electrocatalysts. Experimental Pt-SnO2 nanocomposite electrocatalysts were prepared by the acetylacetonate (acac) method[4], in which Pt and Sn are loaded simultaneously to form nanocomposite of Pt and SnO2. This study used mesoporous carbon (MC) with 10 nm diameter mesopores as a support framework to impregnate the nanocomposite within the mesopores. The loading of Pt-SnO2 was 42 wt.%, and the volume ratio of Pt:SnO2 was 1:2. Loadings of Pt and SnO2 in the prepared Pt-SnO2/MC were confirmed by Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and TG analysis. Microstructure was observed by STEM. The initial activity and durability of the electrocatalysts were evaluated by half-cell measurements. Results and discussion ICP-AES and TG analysis of the prepared Pt-SnO2/MC confirmed that Pt-SnO2 nanocomposite was loaded at a volume ratio of Pt:SnO2=1:2, which was close to the designated ratio. EDS elemental analysis confirmed the presence of Sn between the Pt particles, suggesting the formation of a nanocomposite structure. STEM microstructural observation confirmed that catalyst particles were loaded inside the mesopores besides on MC (agglomerate) surfaces. The ratio of internal particles was 55 %. The obtained catalyst was subjected to load cycle tests (100,000 cycles), and was found to be more durable in catalytic activity. In this presentation, electrochemical properties using related materials will be presented. Acknowledgment This research was partly supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Influence of Thermal Treatment of Moroccan Red Clay on its Physicochemical and Mechanical Behavior

AbstractRed clay is considered to be of significant value to the economy in Morocco, particularly in the Safi region, because of its abundance. This raw material has long been known for its quality in the manufacture of clay materials, but its use was limited to traditional ceramics. The red clay raw material was the subject of the current study with the objective of opening new industrial applications that will give added value to the Safi red clay. The physicochemical, mineralogical, and thermal properties of the Moroccan red clay were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), oriented aggregate, and particle-size analyses, powder density by helium pycnometry, carbonate content using the Bernard method, differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA), and the BET surface area. The compacted dry powder particles were calcined at three sintering temperatures: 900, 1000, and 1100°C for 2 h. The effect of sintering temperature on ceramic properties, such as apparent porosity, water adsorption, bulk density, and mechanical strength, was examined. Dense ceramics with lower porosity and greater mechanical resistance (~300%) were produced by increasing the sintering temperature from 900 to 1100°C. The conclusion was that the evolution of physicochemical and thermal properties is related to mineralogical changes, which show that anorthite is the major phase at higher temperatures.

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of starch-capped Cu2O NPs towards the degradation of dye and its anti-lung carcinoma properties

A unique starch encapsulated Cu 2 O nanoparticles were synthesized through a simple and ‘green’ route using ultrasonic irradiation. The polar functional groups on the starch (OH) facilitate the NP capping and stabilization. Structural features of the material were assessed over several advanced techniques like fourier transformed infra-red (FT-IR), UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis. It was catalytically explored in reducing an organic dye (Methylene blue - MB) in the presence of NaBH 4 at ambient conditions, being monitored in a UV–vis spectrophotometer. The nanocatalyst was recycled 11 times keeping consistency in its reactivity. Biologically, the nanocomposite exhibited excellent cytotoxicity against lung adenocarcinoma (PC-14, LC-2/ad and HLC-1) cell lines without affecting the normal (HUVEC) cell line. IC 50 values of the nanocomposite were found at 618, 56 and 379 against HLC-1, LC-2/ad, and PC-14 cell lines respectively and accordingly, PC-14 afforded the best adenocarcinoma activity.