Oxygen-containing Polar Functional Groups Research Articles

Experimental investigation into coal wettability changes caused by reactions with scCO2-H2O

Geological CO2 sequestration (GCS) can help mitigate global warming and enhance methane recovery from coal beds. However, few studies have linked the effects of CO2 to surface chemistry changes controlling wetting behavior in deep coal beds. Contact angles (CAs) of CO2/N2-high volatile bituminous coal-water systems were measured under different temperatures and pressures. The surface chemistry and physical structure of coals were characterized to investigate changes in physicochemical properties and their relations with wettability after reactions. For N2 treatment, the time-dependence of static and dynamic CAs were insignificant, ranging within 4°. For gaseous CO2 treatment, the static CAs and the average advancing angles increased slightly. With supercritical (sc) CO2, both the static and dynamic CAs increased significantly, and θadv changed to intermediate-wet (92°). Reactions with minerals exposed to scCO2 resulted in greater surface roughness and heterogeneity, greater contact angle hysteresis and more surface sites occupied by scCO2 rather than H2O. Increases in hydrophobic functional groups and decreases in hydrophilicity were shown by FTIR spectra, reflecting the shedding of polar oxygen-containing functional groups, reduction of hydrogen bonds, and increasing percentage of hydrocarbons. XRD patterns obtained following scCO2-treatment showed that crystallite growth and molecular polymerization were higher toward graphite-like. The calculated structural parameters of functional groups and crystallites both showed elevated coal rank. Changes in crystallite structure, notably higher carbon content and decreased negative surface charge, are unfavorable for water-wetting. This study contributes to understanding surface chemistry changes responsible for decreased wettability during CO2-enhanced coal bed methane recovery and GCS in coal reservoirs.

Flexible atmospheric brush-like microplasma jet source with needle-shaped protrusion electrode for internal surface treatment

In this paper, a flexible plasma jet source with newly designed needle-shaped protrusion (NSP) electrode capable of producing flexible atmospheric brush-like microplasma jet (FBµPJ) was developed and its application for internal surface treatment was investigated. The generator could maintain flexibility while possessing a certain degree of rigidity. Simulation and experimental results indicate that FBµPJ with NSP electrode was more efficient in generating the brush-like microplasma jets compared to conventional wire electrodes. The electrical characteristics showed that the discharge of this novel plasma source was a typical dielectric barrier discharge, and diverse oxygen-containing reactive species favorable for material surface treatment were observed. The internal surface of the silicone tube would get rougher and grafted with polar oxygen-containing functional groups after plasma treatment, and the inner surface can be transformed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. Finally, the interfacial adhesion of the silicone tubes can be effectively enhanced by FBµPJ.

Molecular dynamic modeling of EPS and inorganic/organic flocculants during sludge dual conditioning

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are the key components determining the dewatering behavior of wastewater sludge. However, current technical optimization of sludge conditioning for dewatering is limited by the poor understanding of the conditioner-EPS interactions at molecular levels. Herein, a combination of molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, dewaterability assessment and EPS characterization was used to reveal the sludge dewatering mechanisms using dual conditioning processes (prevalent inorganic (poly aluminum chloride (PAC)) and organic (poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDDA)). Results suggested that PAC and PDDA bridged the biopolymers mainly through electrostatic interactions, promoting the agglomeration of biopolymers and reducing their contact probability with water molecules. Water molecules were tightly bound to EPS mainly through hydrogen bonding with polar oxygen-containing functional groups. The adsorption of PAC and PDDA on hydrophilic components reduced the molecular polarity of biopolymers and altered the conformation of water molecules in the hydration shell, resulting in a decreased hydration capacity of EPS and the release of bound water, and sludge dewaterability was improved. PAC was found to be more effective than PDDA in disrupting the hydrogen bonding between water molecules and EPS, especially the protein β-sheet structure inside the molecular clusters with its high charge strength and diffusivity. Sludge bound water decreased by 73.16 % after PAC conditioning. In addition, PDDA exhibited superior agglomeration ability to biopolymers and promoted the electrostatic interaction between PAC and polar groups during dual conditioning. The strength and hydrophobicity of EPS molecular clusters were thus enhanced, and the conditioning efficiency was improved. This study offers molecular-level insights into the coagulation treatment process of sludge and provides theoretical references for process optimization and new conditioner development.

Performance study on anti-weather aging combinations for high-content polymer modified asphalt and comparison by improved multi-scale mathematical TOPSIS method

Novel materials with anti-aging functionality play a crucial role in delaying the aging process and extending the service life of asphalt pavement. The objective of this study is to employ an improved mathematical TOPSIS method to optimize the best anti-weather aging combination for high-content polymer modified asphalt (SHCPMA). Firstly, the selection of light-absorbing materials, light-shielding materials, and antioxidants was conducted based on UV–vis spectroscopy test, resulting in eight unique anti-aging combination schemes. Then, an accelerated weather aging test was performed on SHCPMA to simulate its long-term outdoor aging process. Subsequently, a comprehensive investigation of the macro-rheological properties and micro-chemical properties of SHCPMA was carried out using rheological tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test, and gel permeation chromatography test. Finally, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using TOPSIS method to determine the optimal anti-weather aging combination. The results showed that UV531, NanoTiO2, Irganox1010 + Irgafos168 were the preferred light-absorbing, light-shielding, and antioxidant materials, respectively. These three types of anti-aging materials can effectively absorb solar radiation, shield solar radiation, and neutralize free radicals, thereby inhibiting the formation of polar oxygen-containing functional groups, and the degradation of polymer molecules during weather aging. The improved TOPSIS method indicated the combined use of three types of anti-aging materials can maximize SHCPMA's resistance to weather aging, and the synergistic effect of light-absorbing material and light-shielding material was also ideal in terms of anti-aging performance. The optimization of anti-aging materials contributes to prolonging the road service life, thereby promoting sustainable development in pavement engineering.

Biochar pyrolyzed with concentrated solar radiation for enhanced nitrate adsorption

Biochar has been recognized as an effective soil amendment for reducing nitrogen leaching in agriculture, but its large-scale implementation is impeded by the costly production process due to high energy requirements for thermal decomposition of feedstock. This study aimed to develop a novel pyrolysis system utilizing concentrated solar radiation to produce biochar and explore the potential of solar-pyrolyzed biochar for nitrate adsorption. Results showed that the solar-pyrolyzed biochar exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 35.59 mg/g for nitrate, significantly higher than two out of the three commercially available biochars in America that are selected for comparison. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis suggested a variety of oxygen-containing polar functional groups present in the solar-pyrolysis biochar, which enhances its affinity for nitrate and other hydrophilic ions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the solar pyrolysis biochar was an amorphous material with a poorly crystalline, carbon-rich phase, indicating a high degree of carbonization and recalcitrance, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) analysis. The porous structure of the solar-pyrolysis biochar suggested a larger specific surface area, which could benefit adsorption. Although further experiments are required to determine the stability and cost-effectiveness of a scaled-up solar-pyrolysis apparatus, these findings provide hope for a more sustainable and high-performing biochar production process in the future.

Variable density points pressure sensor with wide sensing range and spatial pressure mapping

Wearable flexible pressure sensors are a novel class of human activity detection device. However, the preparation of pressure sensors with high sensitivity and wide sensing range still faces great challenges. This study reveals an flexible heat-resistant variable density point pressure sensing array (PSA) with ultra-wide sensing range based on Ti3C2Tx-MXene. MXene containing polar oxygen-containing functional groups coated polyester fiber fabricated the pressure sensing layer while a stainless steel wire core is used as a flexible electrode for signal collection. The signal processing device rapidly converts the mechanical signal into electrical signal output to increase the transmission speed and range. Experimental results show that the PSA can effectively sense dynamic and static pressures with high sensitivity (0.14–0.87 kPa−1 over a pressure range of 7.2 Pa–2000 kPa), a wide sensing range (0–15000 kPa), fast response time (80 ms), 10,000 cycles (2000 kPa) stability and maintains a 81.25% current response. The noval fully woven structural flexible PSA exhibited larger area, of which the weave density is varied to control resolution and the pressure mapping is referenced to each pixel point to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze shape and pressure distribution. Variable density points pressure sensor with wide sensing range and spatial pressure mappinghas promising applications in healthcare.

Electrospun Cellulose Nanofiber Membranes as Multifunctional Separators for High Energy and Stable Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Although Li–S batteries (LSB) are one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage technologies, their practical applications are limited by their rapid capacity decay and uncontrolled lithium dendrite formation. In addition to the well-known role of a separator in lithium-ion batteries, LSB separators must perform additional functions. Using a facile electrospinning method, we developed an eco-friendly separator prepared from natural cellulose with an interconnected fibrous and porous structure rich in polar oxygen-containing functional groups. These polar functional groups enhance electrolyte wettability, polysulfide adsorption, and lithiophilicity, thus boosting LSB performance. A cellulose separator with a thickness (22 μm) comparable to that of a commercial polypropylene (Celgard) separator delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1458 mAh·g−1 at 0.1C with a high sulfur utilization of 87%, including a high reversible discharge capacity of 1091 mAh·g−1 for 100 cycles, exhibiting a 1.8-times greater capacity retention than those of Celgard-containing LSBs. In addition, an excellent rate capability of 908 mAh·g−1 can be achieved at a high rate of 1C. These intriguing characteristics indicate that these separators could replace conventional synthetic polymer-based separators for commercial LSBs.

Mixed cellulose ester membrane as an ion redistributor to stabilize zinc anode in aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZBs) with high energy density, low cost and environmental characteristics, have become the promising device for energy storage. However, uncontrolled zinc dendrite growth remains an impediment to the popularization of AZBs. The unrestricted two-dimensional (2D) ions diffusion is the main cause of the above defect. In this work, mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane is proposed as the separator. A dense homogeneous pore structure can achieve a physical shunting effect on ion diffusion, which can control and homogenize the ion motion. Further, the mechanism of this physical pore effect is confirmed by comparing the behavior of Zn deposition in MCE systems with different pore sizes but the same composition. As conjectured, a membrane with a smaller pore size is more favorable. In addition, the MCE contains many polar oxygen-containing functional groups that can facilitate and modulate ion diffusion through coordination. This chemical ion guiding effect, together with the above physical pore effect, gives the separator the ability to suppress dendrite formation. Zn/Zn symmetric cells with this membrane exhibit ultralong cycle life exceeding 1250 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 1000 h at 5 mA cm−2. And the Zn//MnO2 battery presents excellent cycle stability for more than 500 cycles with a capacity retention of 90.67%. This work proposes MCE separators and reveals their coordinated regulation of physical and chemical effects on metal-based anodes. This will shed light on the development of high-performance separators and AZBs.

Wettability Alteration of a Thiolene-Based Polymer (NOA81): Surface Characterization and Fabrication Techniques

Wettability plays a significant role in controlling multiphase flow in porous media for many industrial applications, including geologic carbon dioxide sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, and fuel cells. Microfluidics is a powerful tool to study the complexities of interfacial phenomena involved in multiphase flow in well-controlled geometries. Recently, the thiolene-based polymer called NOA81 emerged as an ideal material in the fabrication of microfluidic devices, since it combines the versatility of conventional soft photolithography with a wide range of achievable wettability conditions. Specifically, the wettability of NOA81 can be continuously tuned through exposure to UV-ozone. Despite its growing popularity, the exact physical and chemical mechanisms behind the wettability alteration have not been fully characterized. Here, we apply different characterization techniques, including contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the impact of UV-ozone on the chemical and physical properties of NOA81 surfaces. We find that UV-ozone exposure increases the oxygen-containing polar functional groups, which enhances the surface energy and hydrophilicity of NOA81. Additionally, our AFM measurements show that spin-coated NOA81 surfaces have a roughness less than a nanometer, which is further reduced after UV-ozone exposure. Lastly, we extend NOA81 use cases by creating (i) 2D surface with controlled wettability gradient and (ii) a 3D column packed with monodisperse NOA81 beads of controlled size and wettability.

Highly stable, antiviral, antibacterial cotton textiles via molecular engineering.

Cotton textiles are ubiquitous in daily life and are also one of the primary mediums for transmitting viruses and bacteria. Conventional approaches to fabricating antiviral and antibacterial textiles generally load functional additives onto the surface of the fabric and/or their microfibres. However, such modifications are susceptible to deterioration after long-term use due to leaching of the additives. Here we show a different method to impregnate copper ions into the cellulose matrix to form a copper ion-textile (Cu-IT), in which the copper ions strongly coordinate with the oxygen-containing polar functional groups (for example, hydroxyl) of the cellulose chains. The Cu-IT displays high antiviral and antibacterial performance against tobacco mosaic virus and influenza A virus, and Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis bacteria due to the antimicrobial properties of copper. Furthermore, the strong coordination bonding of copper ions with the hydroxyl functionalities endows the Cu-IT with excellent air/water retainability and superior mechanical stability, which can meet daily use and resist repeated washing. This method to fabricate Cu-IT is cost-effective, ecofriendly and highly scalable, and this textile appears very promising for use in household products, public facilities and medical settings.

Localized Surface Hydrophilicity Tailoring of Polyimide Film for Flexible Electronics Manufacturing Using an Atmospheric Pressure Ar/H2O Microplasma Jet.

The poor hydrophilicity of polyimide (PI) films limits their applications in flexible electronics, such as in wearable and implantable bio-MEMS devices. In this paper, an atmospheric pressure Ar/H2O microplasma jet (μAPPJ) with a nozzle diameter of 100 μm was utilized to site-selectively tune the surface hydrophilicity of a PI film. The electrical and optical characteristics of the μAPPJ were firstly investigated, and the results showed that multi-spikes occurred during the plasma discharge and that diverse reactive species, such as O atoms and OH radicals, were generated in the plasma plume. The physical and chemical properties of pristine and microplasma-modified PI surfaces were characterized by the water contact angle (WCA), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The wettability of the PI surface was significantly enhanced after microplasma modification, and the WCA could be adjusted by varying the applied voltage, water vapor content, plasma treatment time and storage time. The AFM images indicated that the surface roughness increased after the plasma treatment, which partially contributed to an improvement in the surface hydrophilicity. The XPS results showed a reduction in the C content and an increase in the O content, and abundant hydrophilic polar oxygen-containing functional groups were also grafted onto the PI film surface. Finally, the interaction mechanism between the PI molecular chains and the microplasma is discussed. The breaking of C-N and C-O bonds and the grafting of OH radicals were the key pathways to dominate the reaction process.

Molecular Resolution Imaging of Adsorption of Dodecane on a Lignite Surface by Frequency Modulation AFM

The consumption of dodecane, a critical flotation collector, in the flotation of low-rank coal is particularly high; however, the adsorption mechanism of dodecane on coal still remains unclear. To shed light on this issue, the molecular-scale adsorption structure of dodecane on a lignite surface was investigated in situ by frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) for the first time. The adsorption structure of dodecane on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and mica has been detected in advance. Meanwhile, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are utilized to elucidate and illustrate the adsorption structure on HOPG, mica, and lignite. Experimental results from FM-AFM show that a layered structure of dodecane molecules is formed on HOPG, while there is no stable adsorption structure on mica. Meanwhile, a few local monolayer structures of dodecane molecules are observed on the surface of lignite, and their thickness is approximately 1 nm, which is less than the molecular chain length of dodecane. It is speculated that the dodecane molecules are adsorbed on lignite selectively, with the capacity to form a stable adsorption structure. As indicated by MD simulations, the interaction energy between dodecane and the mentioned surfaces is in the order HOPG > lignite > mica. And the MD simulation results show a desirable match with direct observation by FM-AFM. In accordance with the characterization of the lignite sample surface, large amounts of polar oxygen-containing functional groups may hinder dodecane adsorption behavior. Through in situ molecular resolution imaging of the interface structure between dodecane and a raw lignite surface, we provide a new perspective for exploring the interaction mechanism between nonpolar collectors and a lignite surface.

Gamma rays induced synthesis of graphene oxide/gold nanoparticle composites: structural and photothermal study

Gamma irradiation provides an alternative pathway to conventional gold nanoparticle synthesis because it is simple, fast, and economical. Here, we employed gamma irradiation at low doses (1–20 kGy) to obtain gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) anchored onto graphene oxide (GO) sheets. GO was selected as a suitable platform for the nucleation and growth of Au NPs because of its large surface area and good dispersibility in water due to the presence of polar oxygen-containing functional groups in its structure. Gamma irradiation at all the applied doses led to the reduction of chloroauric acid and the formation of evenly distributed Au NPs at the GO surface, simultaneously causing the reduction of GO and partial restoration of the graphene structure. As-prepared Au NPs have predominately spheric shapes and the smallest nanoparticles were reported for the dose of 1 kGy. The increase in the irradiation dose caused either the growth of larger particles (5 and 10 kGy) or the broad distribution of particles’ sizes (20 kGy). All samples showed a temperature increase upon exposure to 800 nm laser and photothermal efficiency was the highest for the sample prepared at 20 kGy.

Exploration for UV Aging Characteristics of Asphalt Binders based on Response Surface Methodology: Insights from the UV Aging Influencing Factors and Their Interactions

• Provide a new insight for exploring the UV aging mechanism of asphalt binders. • Explore the effects of some potential influencing factors and their interactions on the UV aging characteristics of asphalt binders with RSM method. • Characterize the micro properties of asphalt binders irradiated by UV light with different wavelengths through some microscopic experiments. To explore the UV aging characteristics of asphalt, effects of potential influencing factors as well as their interactions on asphalt’s properties were investigated with the aid of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Four influencing factors, including ultraviolet irritation wavelength, irritation intensity, asphalt film thickness, and aging temperature, were selected as the response variables of RSM. And complex shear modulus aging index G*AI , DSR function aging index DAI and fatigue factor aging index FAI were selected as the responses’ values. Then, the Central Composite Design (CCD) model of RSM was adopted to establish the statistical models to analyze the effects of different variables on asphalt’s UV aging behaviors. On this basis, aging degree of asphalt under ultraviolet irradiation with different wavelengths was analyzed emphatically with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) tests. Meanwhile, method for speeding up the efficiency of asphalt UV aging test by reducing the asphalt film was also proposed. Test results show that UV aging rate of asphalt increases gradually with the decreasing of asphalt film and the increasing of radiation intensity and aging temperature; among them, the effect of asphalt film thickness is the greatest, while that of aging temperature is the smallest. In addition, radiations with different wavelength have different effects on UV aging behaviors of asphalt, and asphalt irradiated by UV-340 to UV-360 has the highest aging degree, which can be further proved by FTIR and AFM test results. Interactions between different factors will also affect the UV aging characteristics of asphalt, and the results are related to the types of asphalt. However, interaction between UV radiation wavelength and asphalt film thickness all have the significant effects on the UV aging behaviors of base asphalt and SBS modified asphalt. Decreasing the asphalt film thickness can effectively increase the UV aging rate of asphalt. Thus, the aging time can be appropriately reduced on the basis of thinner asphalt film, so as to improve the test efficiency. And finally, it can be found that two processes may exist during the UV aging process of asphalt, namely molecular excitation process and chemical bond breaking process. Under the two actions, unstable chemical bonds in asphalt will reach the excited state or break, and combine easily with the oxygen atom and then generate some polar oxygen-containing functional groups, thus causing the decline of asphalt’s properties.

Semi-interpenetrating network based on xanthan gum-cl-2-(N-morpholinoethyl methacrylate)/titanium oxide for the single and binary removal of cationic dyes from water

In the present study, semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) were synthesized based on xanthan gum (XG)-cl-2-(N-morpholinoethyl methacrylate) (MEMA)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the presence of N, N` methylene bisacrylamide (MBAAm), as the cross-linking agent. After that, the semi-IPN hydrogel was used to adsorb Methylene Blue (MB+) and Crystal Violet (CV+) from single and two-component adsorption systems. The optimal pH for efficient dye adsorption in aqueous solutions has been determined to be 8 for CV+ and 11 for MB+, respectively. The presence of polar oxygen-containing functional groups such as OH, CO, C-O-C, COOH, and others has been noticed to be the primary driving force in dye adsorption.Equilibrium data from a single process fitted very well to the Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich models (R2 = 0.997 and 0.99) for MB+ and CV+, respectively. In a binary system, CV+ removed more than MB+, and both dyes demonstrated synergism during the adsorption of CV+/MB+ solutions. The dye removal efficiency of the adsorbent was found to be quite good even after the fourth adsorption-desorption cycle. In the treatment of multi-component contaminated water, XG-cl-poly (MEMA)/TiO2 might be a beneficial and reusable adsorbent.

Adsorption process and mechanisms of AEO-3/dodecane mixed collector on low-rank coal surface driven by water flow: A non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation study

During coal slime flotation, the collector is adsorbed to the coal in the form of fine oil droplets in the turbulent slurry. And understanding the adsorption behavior of collector oil droplets on the coal surface is important for the development of efficient collector. In this study, the adsorption process and mechanism of triethylene glycol dodecyl ether (AEO-311triethylene glycol dodecyl ether.)/dodecane mixed collector oil droplet (MCOD22mixed collector oil droplet.) on the surface of low-rank coal driven by water flow were investigated by non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The changes of the mass center velocity of MCOD, contact area and interaction energy between MCOD and coal during the simulation were analyzed, and the adsorption process was divided into the adhesion stage, spreading stage and equilibrium stage. The kinetic reason for the adsorption of AEO-3 molecules at the interface was found. The pushing of oil droplet by the water flow caused the AEO-3 molecules to be slowly pressed into the contact interface between the oil droplet and coal, and the adsorption occurred. The presence of polar oxygen-containing functional groups on the AEO-3 molecule makes it much more strongly adsorbed on low-rank coal than dodecane. Water molecules play an important role in the adsorption process of AEO-3 with coal, and the bridging action of water molecules that enables indirect adsorption of collector with coal was proposed. The water molecule connects AEO-3 and coal molecules, which cannot form hydrogen bond due to the distance, through hydrogen bonding, and inserts between alcohol oxygen, ether oxygen and carbonyl oxygen, which are originally mutually exclusive, so that the three of them (OAEO-3, H2O and Ocoal) are connected together through hydrogen bonding (OAEO-3…H-O-H…Ocoal), and the stability of AEO-3 adsorption on coal surface is greatly enhanced. The presence of strong indirect electrostatic interactions between polar collector and coal generated by the bridging action of water molecules proves that it is the strong electrostatic interactions that are the reason for the strong flotation performance of polar collector on low-rank/oxidized coals.

Analysis of Natural Aging Behavior of Asphalt Binder in Cold and Arid Region

With extremely bad climate and poor geographical environment in cold and arid region, the deterioration and failure of road materials are serious. In order to analyze the characteristics of natural aging behavior of asphalt binder in cold and arid region, the experiments were carried out based on the exposure field test base. The multiscale characterization of virgin asphalt under different natural aging conditions was carried out by means of macromechanical analysis and microchemical composition analysis. The results showed that the effects of natural aging and laboratory simulated aging on asphalt binder properties were similar. There was little effect on the performance of asphalt binder after natural aging one year. The effect of natural aging on asphalt binder in one year was similar to that of laboratory short-term aging. However, the strong UV radiation was a great challenge for asphalt pavement in Northwest China. Wind, dust, rain, and other factors have little effect on asphalt binder aging. Affected by the natural environment, macromolecular structures such as oxygen-containing polar functional groups will form in asphalt binder. The molecular weight of asphalt binder was increased, and the internal molecules of asphalt binder were subjected to large internal friction resistance in the process of movement. The macroscopic physical properties and road performance of asphalt binder become poor.

Cellulose nanofiber separator for suppressing shuttle effect and Li dendrite formation in lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur battery (LSB) has high energy density but is limited by the polysulfides shuttle and dendrite growth during cycling. Herein, a free-standing cellulose nanofiber (CNF) separator is designed and fabricated in isopropanol/water suspension through vacuum filtration progress. CNFs with abundant polar oxygen-containing functional groups can chemically immobilize the polysulfides, and suppress the formation of the dendrites by controlling the surface morphology of the SEI on lithium metal in LSB. The isopropanol content in a suspension can fine-tune the pore structure of the membrane to achieve optimal electrochemical performance. The prepared separator displays integrated advantages of an ultrathin thickness (19 μm), lightweight (0.87 mg cm−2), extremely high porosity (98.05%), and decent electrolyte affinity. As a result, the discharge capacity of the LSB with CNF separator at the first and 100th cycle is 1.4 and 1.3 times that of PP separator, respectively. Our research provides an environmental-friendly and facile strategy for the preparation of multifunctional separators for LSBs.

New insight into the adsorption mechanism of PCP by humic substances with different degrees of humification in the presence of Cr(VI)

Humic substances (HSs) have great retention effects on pentachlorophenol (PCP) migration in subsurface environment, but the adsorption mechanism of PCP by HSs with various aromatic/aliphatic moieties and acidic functional groups in the presence of Cr(VI) is still unclear. In this study, the adsorption mechanism of PCP by undissolved humic acid (HA) and humin (HM) extracted from peat, black soil, lignite and coal was investigated under the presence of Cr(VI). According to the results, HA samples had much lower adsorption capacity for hydrophobic PCP than HM samples due to their higher contents of hydrophilic polar oxygen-containing functional groups. In respect to PCP adsorption mechanism, the molecular unsaturation of HSs associated with humification degree was found to be the determinant instead of polarity. Notably, after reacting with Cr(VI), significant decreasing of PCP adsorption quantities occurred on HSs extracted from lignite and coal with higher degrees of unsaturation (H/C < 0.64), while HSs extracted from peat and black soil with lower degrees of unsaturation (H/C > 0.83) kept almost unchanged, which can be attributed to the much higher reactivity of aromatic domains of HSs for Cr(VI) reduction compared with aliphatic moieties. This indicated that the adsorption mechanism of PCP by HSs with higher and lower degrees of unsaturation might be respectively driven by π-π interaction and hydrophobic interaction. This study highlighted the diverse adsorption mechanisms of PCP on HSs with different degrees of humification, and emphasized the coexisting Cr(VI) only have significant effect on PCP adsorption by HSs with higher humification degrees instead of the lower ones.

Preparation and characterisation of graphene oxide-enhanced poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) ultrafiltration membrane with excellent alkali resistance

Membrane fouling is a challenge for the development of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes. Synergistic alkaline cleaning and membrane material modification is a promising membrane fouling control method. Poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA)/graphene oxide (GO) UF blend membranes with different GO contents were prepared via non-solvent–induced phase separation. The structure, filtration properties, and alkali resistance performance of the PMIA/GO membranes were different from those of PMIA membranes because GO contains several polar oxygen-containing functional groups. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the prepared PMIA/GO membranes presented large and tunnel-like microvoids which conferred excellent water permeability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that GO was successfully incorporated in the membranes and remained in the membranes after cleaning. The dynamic contact angle (DCA) analysis results demonstrated that the PMIA/GO membranes possessed remarkable hydrophilicity. Moreover, the separation performance of all membranes for bovine serum albumin (BSA) exceeded 93.50%, and the PMIA/GO-2 membrane with a GO content of 0.1 wt% presented the best reversible and irreversible anti-fouling capability of all prepared membranes. The as-prepared UF membranes can be used for protein contamination treatment, particularly for ovalbumin (OVA) separation, and can be used under alkaline conditions. Moreover, the membranes could be reused. The alkali resistance of the membranes was systematically evaluated and its mechanism was analysed in detail, and PMIA was confirmed as a promising UF membrane material.