Mesh Pore Research Articles

A gradient porous transport layer enabling a high-performance proton-exchange membrane electrolysis cell

Large-scale green hydrogen production through proton-exchange membrane electrolysis cells (PEMECs) is constrained by high costs. Operating PEMECs at high current densities while minimizing overpotentials, particularly the mass transport overpotential due to intense water-oxygen two-phase flow, is crucial. The porous transport layer (PTL) plays a key role in facilitating water-oxygen two-phase flow and affecting ohmic resistance and catalyst utilization. In this study, a gradient PTL has been developed by introducing titanium mesh with tunable pores between the titanium felt and the flow field. The woven mesh structure with large pores facilitates water transport under the ribs, while the titanium felt reduces ohmic resistance and improves catalyst utilization. Experimental results demonstrate that the gradient PTL with a single layer of titanium mesh (pore size: 0.6 mm) can reduce the mass transport overpotential from 0.478 V to 0.206 V at 5 A/cm2 and maintain low ohmic and activation overpotentials compared with the conventional PTLs. Additionally, the gradient PTL with two titanium mesh layers (pore sizes: 0.6 mm and 0.28 mm) can further facilitate water transport, reducing mass transport overpotential to 0.149 V at 5 A/cm2. Numerical simulations reveal that the developed gradient PTL increases the volume fraction of liquid water and ensures uniform water distribution in the catalyst layer. The combined results indicate that the gradient PTL design is promising for enhancing mass transport performance while maintaining low ohmic resistance and high catalyst utilization, making PEMECs more viable for large-scale hydrogen production.

A simple and cost-effective fabrication of CO2 sensor via electrospinning polyether sulfone nanofibers toward ultra-high detection sensitivity

Accurate detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) is of great significance to environmental protection. In this study, a simple, highly sensitive, and linearity CO2 sensors is successfully proposed. Furthermore, for the first time, the sensor was demonstrated by electrospinning a layer of polyether sulfone (PES) nanofiber film wrapped onto a micro-tapered long period fiber grating (MT-LPFG). Given that CO2 molecules effortlessly permeate the mesh pores of the electrospun PES films, modulations in both the refractive index (RI) and volume of PES films can be induced, consequently leading to alterations in the resonant wavelength of the grating. The experimental results demonstrate the exceptional performance of the MT-LPFG sensor utilizing PES films, showcasing a significant response within a range of (1.99 %-10 %). This sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 0.068 nm/%, linearity of 0.994, and an impressively low CO2 detection limit of 1.2 %. Moreover, the sensor exhibits exceptional recovery properties and demonstrates clear differentiation between nitrogen (N2) and CO2. This cost-effective sensor holds significant economic value and holds promise for widespread application in industrial processes and commercialization.

Study on the Structural Characteristics of Mesh Filter Cake in Drip Irrigation: Based on the Growth Stage of Filter Cake

Mesh filters are frequently employed in water-saving irrigation fields. Studies addressing the method of cake formation and the characteristics of the cake during the mesh filter’s growing phase are still missing. One-way and orthogonal experiments were carried out using mesh filters with 220 μm and 320 μm aperture sizes as the research objects, taking particle concentrations, inlet flow, and growth phases as experimental factors. According to the variation rule of seed pressure drop in the formation process of filter cake, the growth process of filter cake is divided into four stages, which are as follows: slow blockage first and second stages (M1, M2), fast blockage stage (M3), and filter cake filtration stage (M4). Moreover, the size distribution, porosity (ε), pore-to-particle ratio (KP), and median size (d50) of the filter cake were used to represent the structural characteristics. The results show that the growth of filter cake was a process that started with the filling of mesh pores by intercepted particles and progressed to the filling of large-particle skeleton pores by subsequently filtered particles. During this process, the proportion of intercepted particles gradually decreased, while the proportion of filtered particles increased incrementally, and the median size (d50) and porosity (ε) decreased. Meanwhile, the smaller the aperture size of the screen, the smaller the filter cake’s median size (d50) was, but the larger the pore-to-particle ratio (KP) was. As the flow rate increased, the porosity (ε) was augmented in the M1 and M2 stages; however, it decreased in the M3 and M4 stages. The concentration had a minor influence on the filter cake’s porosity. Lastly, the regression model for filter cake porosity under two aperture size conditions was established, based on factors such as flow rate, concentration, and growth stage. The coefficients of determination, R2, for the model were 90.33% and 80.73%, indicating a good fit.

ETEP AND TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS RELEASE IN A M5W3 INCISIONAL HERNIA

Abstract A 59-year-old female who underwent hysterectomy and exploratory laparotomy secondary to seromucinous ovarian carcinoma presents with discomfort in a partially reducible M5W3 incisional hernia. The patient is operated using a full endoscopic minimally invasive extraperitoneal approach (e-TEP + TAR). A 2 cm incision on the right subcostal region is made, exposing and opening the anterior rectal sheath (ARS), medializing the right rectus muscle. A dissection balloon is introduced to release the retromuscular space on the right side. A 10 mm trocar is placed in the right flank and a 5 mm trocar in the right iliac fossa. First, we access the medial posterior rectus sheath (PRS) of the right side, which is then incised, and the preperitoneal dissection is performed doing the crossover above the umbilicus. Once the hernia is completely reduced we connect both the retrorectus space with the preperitoneal spaces on both sides of the hernia. A modified posterior components separation (TAR) is performed on the left side, sectioning the aponeurosis of the transverse muscle (TM) and accessing the preperitoneal space laterally without sectioning the TM. The posterior and anterior defects are then closed separately using a barbed suture. A wide pore mesh, covering both retrorectus and preperitoneal spaces is placed and fixated using glue. An aspiration drainage was placed and removed 24 h after surgery. The patient was discharged the day after and no complications, where reported. In the CT scan 6 months after surgery the correction of the defects where confirmed.

Is mesh pore size in polypropylene meshes associated with the outcome in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: a registry-based analysis of 22,141 patients

IntroductionExperimental data show that large-pored meshes reduce foreign body reaction, inflammation and scar bridging and thus improve mesh integration. However, clinical data on the effect of mesh porosity on the outcome of hernioplasty are limited. This study investigated the relation of pore size in polypropylene meshes to the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty using data from the Herniamed registry.MethodsThis analysis of data from the Herniamed registry evaluated perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes in patients undergoing elective, primary, unilateral Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair using polypropylene meshes. Patients operated with a non-polypropylene mesh or a polypropylene mesh with absorbable components were excluded. Polypropylene meshes with a pore size of 1.0 × 1.0 mm or less were defined as small-pored meshes, while a pore size of more than 1.0 × 1.0 mm was considered large-pored.Unadjusted analyses and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the relation of pore size of polypropylene meshes, patient and surgical characteristics to the outcome parameters.ResultsData from 22,141 patients were analyzed, of which 6853 (31%) were operated on with a small-pore polypropylene mesh and 15,288 (69%) with a large-pore polypropylene mesh. No association of mesh pore size with intraoperative, general or postoperative complications, recurrence rate or pain requiring treatment was found at 1-year follow-up. A lower risk of complication-related reoperation tended to be associated with small-pore size (p = 0.086). Furthermore, small-pore mesh repair was associated with a lower risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionThe present study could not demonstrate an advantage of large-pore polypropylene meshes for the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty.

Droplet Morphology-Based Wettability Tuning and Design of Fog Harvesting Mesh to Minimize Mesh-Clogging.

Fog harvesting relies on intercepting atmospheric or industrial fog by placing a porous obstacle, for example, a mesh and collecting the deposited water. In the face of global water scarcity, such fog harvesting has emerged as a viable alternative source of potable water. Typical fog harvesting meshes suffer from poor collection efficiency due to aerodynamic bypassing of the oncoming fog stream and poor collection of the deposited water from the mesh. One pestering challenge in this context is the frequent clogging up of mesh pores by the deposited fog water, which not only yields low drainage efficiency but also generates high aerodynamic resistance to the oncoming fog stream, thereby negatively impacting the fog collection efficiency. Minimizing the clogging is possible by rendering the mesh fibers superhydrophobic, but that entails other detrimental effects like premature dripping and flow-induced re-entrainment of water droplets into the fog stream from the mesh fiber. Herein, we improvise on traditional interweaved metal mesh designs by defining critical parameters, viz., mesh pitch, shade coefficient, and fiber wettability, and deducing their optimal values from numerically and experimentally observed morphology of collected fog water droplets under various operating scenarios. We extend our investigations over a varying range of mesh-wettability, including superhydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers, and go on to find optimal shade coefficients which would theoretically render clog-proof fog harvesting meshes. The aerodynamic, deposition, and overall collection efficiencies are characterized. Hydrophobic meshes with square pores, having fiber diameters smaller than the capillary length scale of water, and an optimal shade coefficient are found to be the most effective design of such clog-proof meshes.

Compact and water flushing resistant mesh biofilms forming at short SRT disappeared naturally under extended SRT in dynamic membrane bioreactor

Extending the solids retention time (SRT) has been demonstrated to mitigate membrane biofouling. Nevertheless, it remains an intriguing question whether the compact and water flushing resistant mesh biofilms developed at short SRT can undergo biodegradation and be removed with extended SRT. In present study, the bio-fouled mesh filter in the 10d-SRT dynamic membrane bioreactor (DMBR), with mesh surfaces and pores covered by compact and water flushing resistant biofilms exhibiting low water permeability, was reused in the 40d-SRT DMBR without any cleanings. After being reused at 40d-SRT, its flux driven by gravity occurred from the 10th day and recovered to a regular level of 36.7 L m−2·h−1 on the 27th day. Both scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analyses indicated that the compact mesh biofilms formed at10d-SRT biodegraded and were removed at 40d-SRT, with the residual biofilms becoming removable by water flushing. As a result, the hydraulic resistance of the bio-fouled mesh filter decreased from 4.36 × 108 to 6.97 × 107 m−1, and its flux fully recovered. The protein and polysaccharides densities in mesh-biofilms decreased from 24.4 to 9.7 mg/cm2 and from 10.7 to 0.10 mg/cm2, respectively, which probably have contributed to the disappearance of compact biofilms and the decrease in adhesion. Furthermore, the sludge and mesh-biofilms in the 40d-SRT reactor contained a higher relative abundance of dominant quorum quenching bacteria, such as Rhizobium (3.52% and 1.35%), compared to those in the 10d-SRT sludge (0.096%) and mesh biofilms (0.79%), which might have been linked to a decline in extracellular polymeric substances and, consequently, the biodegradation and disappearance of compact biofilms.

Optimal Mesh Pore Size Combined with Periodic Air Mass Load (AML) for Effective Operation of a Self-Forming Dynamic Membrane BioReactor (SFD MBR) for Sustainable Treatment of Municipal Wastewater

A self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactor (SFD MBR) is a cost-effective alternative to conventional MBR, in which the synthetic membrane is replaced by a “cake layer,” an accumulation of the biological suspension over a surface of inert, low-cost support originated by filtration itself. Under optimized conditions, the cake layer is easy to remove and quick to form again, resulting a “dynamic membrane.” The permeate of the SFD MBR has chemo-physical characteristics comparable to those of conventional ultrafiltration-based MBR. In this paper, two nylon meshes with pore sizes of 20 and 50 µm, respectively, were tested in a bench-scale SFD MBR in which an air mass load (AML) was periodically supplied tangentially to the filtration surface to maintain filtration effectiveness. The SFD MBR equipped with 20 µm nylon mesh coupled with 5 min of AML every 4 h showed the best performance, ensuring both a permeate with turbidity values always below 3 NTU and revealing no increases in transmembrane pressure (TMP) with manual maintenance needs. A benchmark test with the only difference of a suction break (relaxation) instead of AML was conducted under identical operating conditions for validation with an already known maintenance strategy. This latter test produced a permeate of very good quality, but it needed frequent TMP increases and consequent manual cleanings, showing that a periodic AML coupled with the use of a 20 µm mesh can be an optimal strategy for long-term operation of SFD MBR.

Conduction-Dominated Cryomesh for Organism Vitrification.

Vitrification-based cryopreservation is a promising approach to achieving long-term storage of biological systems for maintaining biodiversity, healthcare, and sustainable food production. Using the "cryomesh" system achieves rapid cooling and rewarming of biomaterials, but further improvement in cooling rates is needed to increase biosystem viability and the ability to cryopreserve new biosystems. Improved cooling rates and viability are possible by enabling conductive cooling through cryomesh. Conduction-dominated cryomesh improves cooling rates from twofold to tenfold (i.e., 0.24 to 1.2× 105 °C min-1 ) in a variety of biosystems. Higher thermal conductivity, smaller mesh wire diameter and pore size, and minimizing the nitrogen vapor barrier (e.g., vertical plunging in liquid nitrogen) are key parameters to achieving improved vitrification. Conduction-dominated cryomesh successfully vitrifies coral larvae, Drosophila embryos, and zebrafish embryos with improved outcomes. Not only a theoretical foundation for improved vitrification in µm to mm biosystems but also the capability to scale up for biorepositories and/or agricultural, aquaculture, or scientific use are demonstrated.

A biomimetic superwetting Bi2MoO6-dotted PAA/CS@CuC2O4 membrane with self-cleaning and self-healing ability to aggregate oil droplets for enhanced demulsification of O/W emulsion

Separation of thermodynamically-stable emulsions is of great significance, yet challenging due to the low efficiency and membrane fouling associated with existing methods. Inspired by the water-collection functionality of the hierarchically-structured back of desert beetles, we fabricated a novel inversely beetle-back-like copper mesh membrane, featuring superhydrophobic bumps on a superhydrophilic surface to facilitate the capture-aggregation of tiny oil droplets in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. Such membrane was composed of superhydrophobic (SH) Bi2MoO6 microparticles-dotted superhydrophilic polyacrylic acid/chitosan-coated CuC2O4 nanosheet arrays on copper mesh membranes. A cross-flow asymmetric filtration (CAF) device was constructed using the as-prepared membrane to continuously and efficiently separate O/W emulsions. The dispersed oil droplets were captured and coalesced by SH Bi2MoO6 on the superhydrophilic nanoarrays, then detached from the mesh membrane. Simultaneously, the continuous water phase could permeate freely through the mesh pores. The combination of the SH Bi2MoO6-dotted superhydrophilic membrane and CAF device ensured an excellent separation efficiency with an average water permeation flux of 2.7 kL m−2 h−1 for different surfactant-stabilized O/W emulsions and oil residual contents in the filtrate being less than 40 mg L−1. Moreover, the cross-flow of the feed solution in the CAF system strengthened the separation of the coalesced oil phase on the membrane surface, thus preventing the formation of a filter cake caused by the aggregation of emulsified oil droplets.

Evaluation of Flaw Detection Algorithm Using Simulated X-Ray Computed Tomography of Ground Truth Data

Abstract A framework to generate simulated X-ray computed tomography (XCT) data of ground truth (denoted here as “GT”) flaws was developed for the evaluation of flaw detection algorithms using image comparison metrics. The flaws mimic some of those found in additively manufactured parts. The simulated flaw structure gave a GT data set with which to quantitatively evaluate, by calculating exact errors, the results of flaw detection algorithms applied to simulated XCT images. The simulated data avoided time-consuming manual voxel labeling steps needed for many physical data sets to generate GT images. The voxelated pore meshes that exactly match GT images were used in this study as opposed to using continuum pore meshes. The voxelated pore mesh approach avoids approximation error that occurs when converting continuum pore meshes to voxelated GT images. Spherical pores of varying sizes were randomly distributed near the surface and interior of a cylindrical part. XCT simulation was carried out on the structure at three different signal-to-noise levels by changing the number of frames integrated for each projection. Two different local thresholding algorithms (a commercial code and the Bernsen method) and a global thresholding algorithm (Otsu) were used to segment images using varying sets of algorithm parameters. The segmentation results were evaluated with various image evaluation metrics, which showed different behaviors for the three algorithms regarding “closeness” to the GT data. An approach to optimize the thresholding parameters was demonstrated for the commercial flaw detection algorithm based on semantic evaluation metrics. A framework to evaluate pore sizing error and binary probability of detection was further demonstrated to compare the optimization results.

Influence of Different Porosities of Titanium Meshes on Bone Neoformation: Pre-Clinical Animal Study with Microtomographic and Histomorphometric Evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different types of porosity of titanium meshes on the bone neoformation process in critical defects surgically created in rat calvaria, by means of microtomographic and histomorphometric analyses. Defects of 5 mm in diameter were created in the calvaria of 36 rats, and the animals were randomly treated and divided into the following groups (6 animals per group): NCOG (negative control, only blood clot), TEMG (Polytetrafluoroethylene-PTFE-membrane), SPTMG (small pore titanium mesh), SPMMG (small pore mesh + PTFE), LPTMG (large pore titanium mesh), and LPMMG (large pore mesh + PTFE). After 60 days, the animals were sacrificed, and the bone tissue formed was evaluated with micro-CT and histomorphometry. The data were compared using an ANOVA followed by the Tukey post-test (p ≤ 0.05). The microtomographic results showed that the SPTMG group presented the highest numerical value for bone volume/total volume (22.24 ± 8.97), with statistically significant differences for all the other groups except LPTMG. Considering the histomorphometric evaluation, groups with only porous titanium meshes showed higher values compared to the groups that used the PTFE membrane and the negative control. The SPTMG group presented higher values in the parameters of area (0.44 mm2 ± 0.06), extension (1.19 mm2 ± 0.12), and percentage (7.56 ± 1.45%) of neoformed bone. It was concluded that titanium mesh with smaller pores showed better results and that the association of PTFE membranes with titanium meshes did not improve the outcomes, suggesting a correlation between mesh porosity and underlying bone repair.

A novel solid-state submerged fermenter (3SF) for acidogenic fermentation of food waste at high volumetric loading: Effect of inoculum to substrate ratio, design optimization, and inoculum enrichment

This study reports the development and operation of a solid-state submerged fermenter (3SF) to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from food waste at high volumetric loading of 55 gVS/Lreactor. To maximize food waste degradation and SCFA production in the 3SF, three factors were optimized: inoculum to substrate ratio (16%, 9%, 6%, and 4%), mesh pore size of the food waste holding chamber (4.5 mm, 2 mm, and 1 mm), and enrichment of the inoculum. The 3SF operation at higher inoculum-to-substrate ratio (ISR) of 16% resulted in 13–20% higher hydrolysis (600 ± 6.6 gCOD/kgVSadded) and SCFA yields (480 ± 8.7 gCODSCFA/kgVSadded) than those obtained at lower ISRs of 4–6%. Optimization of the mesh pore size (2 mm) further improved hydrolysis and SCFA yield to 628 ± 6.1 gCOD/kgVSadded and 517 ± 7.3 gCODSCFA/kgVSadded, respectively. Enrichment of the inoculum increased the hydrolysis and acidification rates resulting in significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) hydrolysis and SCFA yields than the non-enriched reactor in just 8 days, implying a 43% reduction in the fermentation time. SCFA composition comprised of acetate, propionate, and butyrate for all reactors. However, an increase in ISR and the use of enriched inoculum resulted in a gradual increase in butyrate composition within the SCFA mix with a maximum butyrate composition of 46% on day 8. Microbial composition showed a high relative abundance of Enterococcus, Clostridium Sensu Stricto 1, and Bacteroides.

Bioinspired antifouling mesh with liquid-adaptive wettability for on-demand separation of oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions

Separation materials integrating robust fouling resistance and switchable wettability have been considered as promising candidates for oily sewage treatment, but there is still great challenge. Inspired by goose feathers, a unique antifouling mesh with liquid-adaptive wettability was prepared by in situ electrochemical growth of feather-like copper arrays on stainless steel mesh. The hierarchical feather-like copper arrays not only reduced the mesh pore sizes to improve its separation efficiency (98.9%), but also captured oil or water by simple pre-infusion to form a robust liquid cushion to tune the mesh wettability. The formed robust liquid cushion also endowed the mesh with outstanding antifouling abilities. Thus, the mesh exhibited excellent on-demand separation performance for various oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions. Besides, the mesh exhibited durable liquid-adaptive wettability in harsh environment, promising application in separating dual emulsions.

A Novel Bio-Adhesive Mesh System for Medical Implant Applications: In Vivo Assessment in a Rabbit Model.

Injectable surgical sealants and adhesives, such as biologically derived fibrin gels and synthetic hydrogels, are widely used in medical products. While such products adequately adhere to blood proteins and tissue amines, they have poor adhesion with polymer biomaterials used in medical implants. To address these shortcomings, we developed a novel bio-adhesive mesh system utilizing the combined application of two patented technologies: a bifunctional poloxamine hydrogel adhesive and a surface modification technique that provides a poly-glycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) layer grafted with human serum albumin (HSA) to form a highly adhesive protein surface on polymer biomaterials. Our initial in vitro tests confirmed significantly improved adhesive strength for PGMA/HSA grafted polypropylene mesh fixed with the hydrogel adhesive compared to unmodified mesh. Toward the development of our bio-adhesive mesh system for abdominal hernia repair, we evaluated its surgical utility and in vivo performance in a rabbit model with retromuscular repair mimicking the totally extra-peritoneal surgical technique used in humans. We assessed mesh slippage/contraction using gross assessment and imaging, mesh fixation using tensile mechanical testing, and biocompatibility using histology. Compared to polypropylene mesh fixed with fibrin sealant, our bio-adhesive mesh system exhibited superior fixation without the gross bunching or distortion that was observed in the majority (80%) of the fibrin-fixed polypropylene mesh. This was evidenced by tissue integration within the bio-adhesive mesh pores after 42 days of implantation and adhesive strength sufficient to withstand the physiological forces expected in hernia repair applications. These results support the combined use of PGMA/HSA grafted polypropylene and bifunctional poloxamine hydrogel adhesive for medical implant applications.

Definition of Mesh Weight and Pore Size in Groin Hernia Repair: A Systematic Scoping Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Groin hernia literature often uses the terms light- and heavyweight and small or large pores to describe meshes. There is no universal definition of these terms, and the aim of this scoping review was to assess how mesh weight and pore sizes are defined in the groin hernia literature. Methods: In this systematic scoping review, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL. We included randomised controlled trials with adults undergoing groin hernia repair with the Lichtenstein or laparoscopic techniques using a flat permanent polypropylene or polyester mesh. Studies had to use the terms lightweight, mediumweight, or heavyweight to be included, and the outcome was to report how researchers defined these terms as well as pore sizes. Results: We included 48 studies with unique populations. The weight of lightweight meshes ranged from 28 to 60g/m2 with a median of 39g/m2, and the pore size ranged from 1.0 to 4.0mm with a median of 1.6mm. The weight of heavyweight meshes ranged from 72 to 116g/m2 with a median of 88g/m2, and the pore size ranged from 0.08 to 1.8mm with a median of 1.0mm. Only one mediumweight mesh was used weighing 55g/m2 with a pore size of 0.75mm. Conclusion: There seems to be a consensus that meshes weighing less than 60g/m2 are defined as lightweight and meshes weighing more than 70g/m2 are defined as heavyweight. The weight terms were used independently of pore sizes, which slightly overlapped between lightweight and heavyweight meshes.

Evaluation of light weight large pore mesh versus heavy weight small pore mesh in total extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia: A prospective randomized study

Evaluation of light weight large pore mesh versus heavy weight small pore mesh in total extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia: A prospective randomized study

Theoretical prediction on net boroxene as a promising Li/Na-ion batteries anode.

Novel two-dimensional (2D) electrode materials have become a new frontier for mining electrode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and Na-ion batteries (NIBs). Herein, based on first-principles calculations, we present a systematic study on the Li and Na storage behaviors in Calypso-predicted completely flat 2D boron oxide (l-B2O) with large mesh pores. We start our calculations from geometrical optimization, followed by a performance evaluation of Li/Na adsorption and migration processes. Finally, the specific capacity and average open-circuit voltage are evaluated. Our study reveals that l-B2O has good electrical conductivity before and after Li/Na adsorption and the Li/Na diffusion barrier height and average open-circuit voltage are both low, which is beneficial to the rate performance and full-cell operation voltage, respectively. Furthermore, it suffers a small lattice change (<1.7%), ensuring good cycling performance. In particular, we find that the Li and Na theoretical specific capacities of l-B2O can reach up to 1068.5 mA h g-1 and 712.3 mA h g-1, respectively, which are almost 2-3 times higher than graphite (372 mA h g-1). All the above outcomes indicate that 2D l-B2O is a promising anode material for LIBs and NIBs.

PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF METHYLENE BLUE FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING BASE MODIFIED TERMITE SOIL UNDER UV LIGHT IRRADIATION

Photocatalysis is an effective treatment method for removal of toxic pollutants from industrial wastewaters. Sodium hydroxide was used to modified termite mound soil obtained from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The soil was washed with deionized water and placed in an oven set at 60oC for 6 hrs before crushing with an aggregate impact crusher, sieved with 0.075 m mesh pore size. The sieved soil sample was tagged as unmodified-TMS (termite mound soil). The soil sample was modified using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at different concentrations (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % W/V). The modified and unmodified-TMS catalysts were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Electron diffractive X-ray (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), and Selected area electron diffraction (SAED), The photocatalytic activity of the unmodified-TMS, 5 % NaOH, 10 % TMS-NaOH, 15 % TMS-NaOH, and 20 % TMS-NaOH, were assessed by testing the degradation rate of Methylene Blue under ultraviolet light irradiation. The results indicated that the samples exhibited the best photocatalytic activity at optimum parameters of catalyst dosage 2.5 g /L. pH 9 and 125 mg/L concentration of MB this is evidenced by the highest methylene degradation rate of (74 %). The photocatalytic degradation of the Methylene blue dye was found to obey first-order kinetics.&#x0D;

MODIFICATION OF TERMITE MOUND SOIL USING PHOSPHORIC ACID FOR PHOTODEGRADATION OF METHYLENE BLUE DYE UNDER UV LIGHT IRRADIATION

Termite mound was mined from the termite nest spotted at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria. It was washed with deionized water and placed in an oven set at 60oC for 6 hrs before crushing with an aggregate impact crusher and sieved into 0.075 m mesh pore size. The sieved soil sample was tagged as unmodified-TMS (termite mound soil). The soil sample was modified using orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4) at different (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 %) concentrations. The modified and unmodified-TMS were characterized by the methods of scanning electronic microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Electron diffractive X-ray (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), and Selected area electron diffraction (SAED), The photocatalytic activity of the unmodified-TMS, 5 % TMS-H3PO4, 10 % TMS-H3PO4 , 15 % TMS-H3PO4 , and 20 % TMS-H3PO4, were assessed by testing the degradation rate of Methylene Blue under ultraviolet light irradiation using optimum parameters (1.5 g/L, pH 11 &amp; 75 mg/L). The results indicated that the samples exhibited the best photocatalytic activity at optimum parameters of catalyst dosage 1.5 g /L. pH 11 and 75 mg/L concentration of MB as evidenced by the highest methylene degradation rate of (88 %). The photocatalytic degradation of Methylene blue dye was found to obey first-order kinetics.&#x0D;