Porous Matrix Research Articles

Photocatalytic removals of imidacloprid insecticide in TiO2- and Fe2O3-immobilized porous geopolymer granules

In this study, geopolymer catalysts were synthesized by incorporating different TiO2 (0, 7, and 14 wt%) and Fe2O3 content (0, 7, 14, and 20 wt%) into porous metakaolin-based geopolymer granules. TiO2- and Fe2O3-immobilized geopolymer granules were applied for photocatalytic removals of imidacloprid under UV-C irradiation. The analysis of the surface morphology of the Fe2O3 catalyst revealed its larger surface area predominated with meso- and macro-pores thus providing a larger area for photocatalysis. Meanwhile, the TiO2 catalyst had TiO2 nanoparticles filled up those mesopores and macropores in geopolymer resulting in its denser structure therefore limiting access of imidacloprid to the reactive sites. To maximize its photocatalytic activities, Fe2O3 and TiO2 could be immobilized into porous geopolymer matrix up to 20 and 14 wt%, respectively. The developed porous geopolymer had relatively stable imidacloprid adsorption capacities regardless of the TiO2 and Fe2O3 contents in their texture. After UV irradiation, their removal efficiencies were 94.85–100% and the photocatalytic degradation increased with the increase in TiO2 content (from 0 to 14 wt%) and Fe2O3 content (from 14 to 20 wt%). Nevertheless, Fe2O3-immobilized geopolymer granules posed a significantly higher kinetic rate (1.966 h−1) compared to that of TiO2 (0.154 h−1) at the same catalyst content (14 wt%). The newly developed Fe2O3-immobilized porous geopolymer catalysts could be effectively reused over 10 successive cycles during which the imidacloprid could be completely removed.

Experimental Study on Factors Affecting Oil Recovery in Sandstone-Buried Hill Superimposed Reservoirs.

Sandstone-buried hill superimposed reservoirs, characterized by the coexistence of the sandstone matrix and the fracture pore matrix, present unique challenges in integrated development due to their connectivity and physical properties. Currently, research on the factors affecting the recovery of sandstone-buried hill superimposed reservoirs with both porous and fractured media is limited. In this study, a more realistic method for preparing fractured cores and calculating fracture permeability was proposed, and the effect of confining pressure on fracture permeability was investigated. Additionally, a three-tube experimental apparatus was designed to study the effects of connectivity, different permeability contrasts between sandstone and buried hills, and various development strategies on recovery. The results indicate that fracture permeability is significantly affected by the confining pressure. When sandstone and buried hills are not connected, the total recovery is the highest. As connectivity increases, the recovery from sandstone gradually decreases, while the recovery from the buried hill gradually increases, leading to a decrease in the overall recovery. The permeability contrast between sandstone and buried hill has a minimal impact on the overall recovery; however, a higher permeability contrast leads to increased sandstone recovery and decreased buried hill recovery. The highest overall recovery was achieved with injection solely into the sandstone, followed by general injection, with the lowest recovery from injection solely into the buried hill. This study provides new insights into the integrated development of sandstone-buried hill reservoirs.

Spray technique inspired fabrication of metal-organic framework/aerogel composite for catalytic CO2 cycloaddition

Growing metal–organic framework (MOF) on the appropriate porous matrix can effectively circumvent its poor processability and recyclability owing to its powder state by providing more exposed area and enhanced stability. A feasible and efficient spray technique was applied to prepare five kinds of MOF/aerogel composites by spraying the MOF precursor droplet sequentially onto the aerogel, including carboxylate-based MOF/aerogel composites and azolate-based MOF/aerogel composites. The sprayed precursor droplets render MOF growth concentrated on the aerogel walls with resulting continuous and homogeneous MOF film, and avoid the waste of precursor solution, which is scalable with industrial potential. MOF/aerogel composites integrates the porous nature of aerogels with excellent mass transfer property and MOF film grown on aerogel walls with more active sites, which exhibit excellent catalytic activity and stability in CO2 cycloaddition.

Fabrication of a Porous Copper/Graphite/Zirconium Oxide Hybrid Anode via Screen Printing for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractRedesigning anode structures in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) has been a focus of research aimed at surpassing the energy density of conventional LIBs. Although anode‐free LIBs present a promising architecture, their low Coulombic efficiency is a major drawback. This paper introduces a novel hybrid anode that integrates the current collector (CC) and active materials into a single, cohesive porous structure, which supports both de/intercalation and de/plating reactions. The hybrid anode consists of a porous Cu matrix with embedded ZrO2 powders and graphite; the quantity of graphite is only a third of that present in a traditional graphite anode. The porous structure and additives enhance the electrochemical performance of the hybrid anode by minimizing the Li–electrolyte interactions, forming a stable solid–electrolyte interface and Li4Zr3O8 passivation layer, and reducing the nucleation overpotential. Especially, the unique surface morphology, characterized by a negative curvature between sintered Cu particles, lowers the diffusion potential, which further reduces the nucleation overpotential. Additionally, the periodic mesh‐imprinted top surface, created via screen printing, promotes uniform Li plating. The results demonstrate that the cycling performance and energy density offered by the fabricated hybrid anode are superior to those of conventional graphite anodes.

Effect of Different Shapes of Nanoparticles on Mixed Convective Nanofluid Flow in a Darcy-Forchhiemer Porous Medium

The nanofluid has diverse applications in industries, engineering, and medicine due to its greater thermal characteristics. However, various factors such as the shape and size of nanoparticles, the base fluid, the porous medium, the quadratic drag force, and the viscous dissipation have significant effects on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids. Therefore, it is crucial to study the influence of these factors. In this paper, a theoretical investigation is conducted to analyze the mechanisms of thermal conductivities of different shapes of nanoparticles, such as platelet, cylinder, brick and blade on the mixed convective nanofluid flow in a vertical channel saturated with porous medium. Consider ethylene glycol and water as base fluids for the nanoparticles, including copper, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silver, and iron oxide. A thin, movable baffle plate of negligible thickness is inserted in the channel and made into double passages. To define the porous matrix, the Darcy-Brinkaman-Forchhiemer model is used, and to define the nanofluid, the Tiwari and Das model is used. Robin boundary conditions are considered for the channel flow. The differential transform method (DTM) is applied to solve non-linear governing equations with inertia, and the perturbation method is applied to solve the problem without inertia. Velocity and temperature cantors are shown graphically using MATLAB and MATHEMATICA. The obtained values by DTM and the perturbation method are well validated and shown graphically. The Nusselt number was evaluated and tabulated for all governing parameters. The objective of this article is to investigate the effect of nonspherical shapes of nanoparticles, the base fluid, the inertial forces of the porous medium, and the buoyancy force on the thermal characteristics of flow and heat transfer of nanofluids. The main findings of this problem are that the optimum velocity and temperature cantor are found for platelet-shaped water-based silver nanofluid.

High-temperature heat treatment of hydrogen-reduced bauxite residue-calcite pellets for iron particles growth and separationTraitement thermique à haute température de boulettes de résidus de bauxite et calcite réduites à l’hydrogène pour la croissance et la séparation des particules de fer

ABSTRACT Bauxite residue characterised as a polymetallic source containing iron, alumina, titanium, calcium, silicon and rare earth elements offers an opportunity for reduced waste volume and the recovery of valuable metals. This study focuses on the agglomeration of bauxite residue with calcite, followed by hydrogen reduction at 1000°C. The resulting iron particles in the reduced pellets were initially very small distributed in a porous oxide matrix, posing challenges for physical separation methods. To address this issue, further heat treatments were conducted on the reduced pellets in an argon atmosphere, ranging from 1100°C to 1550°C. Phase analysis and microstructural examinations were performed using X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Experimental findings indicate that the size of iron particles in the reduced pellets increases with higher heat treatment temperatures. Up to 1200°C, the oxide matrix remains a solid state, transitioning to a semi-molten and molten state above this heat treatment temperature and complete separation of iron from the oxide matrix above 1500°C. An alkali-leachable phase is present in the reduced pellets, initially in the form of calcium aluminate (mayenite), while above 1400°C, this phase dissociates to form monocalcium aluminate, and complete conversion at 1500°C. As observed in the microstructural analysis, there is an increase in the particle size of iron in both the solid and semi-molten states with an increasing in temperature from 1100°C up to 1300°C. This comprehensive study sheds light on the transformative effects of varying heat treatment temperatures on the composition and microstructure of bauxite residue-based materials.

Evaluating the potential of ethyl cellulose/eudragit-based griseofulvin loaded nanosponge matrix for topical antifungal drug delivery in a sustained release pattern

Fungal infections are very alarming nowadays and are common throughout the world. Severe fungal infections may lead to a significant risk of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Sustained delivery of antifungal agents is needed to mitigate this problem. In the current study, an attempt has been made to formulate griseofulvin-loaded nanosponges using the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique. For characterization, griseofulvin loaded nanosponges were tested by different instrumental techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antifungal activity of the nanosponges was assessed against Candida albican strain using the agar well-diffusion method. Finally, the drug-loaded nanosponges' in vitro sustained release activity was evaluated. FTIR spectra showed no chemical interference between the drug and polymers. Some of the peaks of the drug are not visible in the FTIR spectrum, which suggests drug entrapment. PXRD data showed that the drug lost its high crystallinity when entrapped in the nanosponge matrix. From the morphological studies via SEM and TEM, a brief idea of the surface morphology of the nanosponges was obtained. The small pores throughout the structure proved its high porosity. The antifungal sensitivity assay was successful, and a zone of inhibition was observed in all the formulations. The in-vitro drug release study showed sustained behaviour. The sustaining effect was due to the polymer and cross-linker used, which gave rise to a porous scaffold matrix. From the results, it can be concluded that griseofulvin-loaded nanosponges can be used for antifungal drug delivery against various topical skin infections.

Low-molecular-weight gels from amino acid and peptide derivatives for controlled release and delivery.

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) gelators are a versatile class of compounds able to self-assemble and to form supramolecular materials, such as gels. The use of LMW peptides to produce these gels shows many advantages, because of their wide structure tunability, the low-cost and effective synthesis, and the in vivo biocompatibility and biodegradability, which makes them optimal candidates for release and delivery applications. In addition, in these materials, the binding of the hosts may occur through a variety of noncovalent interactions, which are also the main factors responsible for the self-assembly of the gelators, and through specific interactions with the fibers or the pores of the gel matrix. This review aims to report LMW gels based on amino acid and peptide derivatives used for the release of many different species (drugs, fragrances, dyes, proteins, and cells) with a focus on the possible strategies to incorporate the cargo in these materials, and to demonstrate how versatile these self-assembled materials are in several applications.

Enhance Ethanol Sensing Performance of Fe-Doped Tetragonal SnO2 Films on Glass Substrate with a Proposed Mathematical Model for Diffusion in Porous Media.

This research enhances ethanol sensing with Fe-doped tetragonal SnO2 films on glass, improving gas sensor reliability and sensitivity. The primary objective was to improve the sensitivity and operational efficiency of SnO2 sensors through Fe doping. The SnO2 sensors were synthesized using a flexible and adaptable method that allows for precise doping control, with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirming homogeneous Fe distribution within the SnO2 matrix. A morphological analysis showed a surface structure ideal for gas sensing. The results demonstrated significant improvement in ethanol response (1 to 20 ppm) and lower temperatures compared to undoped SnO2 sensors. The Fe-doped sensors exhibited higher sensitivity, enabling the detection of low ethanol concentrations and showing rapid response and recovery times. These findings suggest that Fe doping enhances the interaction between ethanol molecules and the sensor surface, improving performance. A mathematical model based on diffusion in porous media was employed to further analyze and optimize sensor performance. The model considers the diffusion of ethanol molecules through the porous SnO2 matrix, considering factors such as surface morphology and doping concentration. Additionally, the choice of electrode material plays a crucial role in extending the sensor's lifespan, highlighting the importance of material selection in sensor design.

Cholesterol Nanofiber Patches with Sustainable Oil Delivery Eliminate Inflammation in Atopic Skin.

Atopic skin is dry and itchy and lacks integrity. Impaired skin barrier results from altered lipid composition of the skin. A crucial skin lipid, cholesterol, provides flexibility and homeostasis of the cell membranes' lipid bilayer. Cholesterol-based creams and natural oils, especially blackcurrant seed oil, are beneficial for skin care as they hydrate the skin and improve its integrity. The major atopic symptom, skin dryness, can be overcome by the application of porous patches enhanced with cholesterol and natural oil. The base of the patches is constructed of polyimide (PI) nanofibers with cholesterol coatings and externally added blackcurrant seed oil. The presence of cholesterol in PI mats hinders the passage of oil through the patches to the skin, resulting in sustained and prolonged skin hydration. The theoretical and numerical investigations of oil dynamics in porous mats confirmed the experimental results, showing a prolonged skin hydration effect up to 6 h. Additionally, as demonstrated by in vivo tests on atopic mice, cholesterol patches lower serum immunoglobulin E levels and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the skin, thereby accelerating skin healing. Our results hold great promise for the long-term application of the patches in atopic dermatitis treatment.

Dynamic mechanical behaviors of foamed concrete using modified viscoelastic SHPB

This study aims to investigate the dynamic mechanical behaviors of foamed concrete (FC) utilizing a modified viscoelastic split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (VE-SHPB). The VE-SHPB proposed in this study enables impedance matching between bars and FC, enhancing measurement precision. Dynamic mechanical behaviors of FC with different densities (400, 700, 1000, 1300 kg/m3) under various incident pressure (0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1.1 MPa) are examined using the VE-SHPB. The failure modes of FC are categorized into Spalling (Mode I), Disintegration (Mode II), and Comminution (Mode III) based on fracture states of post-impact. The mechanism of strain rate and density on failure mode, dynamic strength, dynamic increase factor (DIF), and energy consumption density are discussed. The results show that FC's dynamic mechanical properties increase with increasing strain rate, but present different strain rate sensitivities at different densities. The dynamic mechanical properties of FC are determined by both the pore structure and matrix properties. Notably, Mode II shows better ability of energy consumption, specifically FC with a density around 700 kg/m³ demonstrates higher energy absorption density.

On languaging a simulation engine: Rapid modeling of nanoporous media sorption by hierarchical language model

Language model intelligence is revolutionizing the way we program materials simulations. However, the diversity of simulation scenarios renders it challenging to precisely transform human language into a tailored simulator. Here, using three types of expert language model, we propose a language-to-simulation (Lang2Sim) framework that enables interactive navigation on languaging a simulation engine, by taking a scenario instance of water sorption in porous matrices. Unlike line-by-line coding of a target simulator, the language models interpret each simulator as an assembly of invariant tool function and its variant input–output pair. Lang2Sim enables the precise transform of textual description by functionalizing and sequentializing the language models of, respectively, rationalizing the tool categorization, customizing its input–output combinations, and distilling the simulator input into executable format. Importantly, depending on its expert type, each language model features a distinct processing of chat history to best balance its memory limit and information completeness, thus leveraging the model intelligence to unstructured nature of human request. Overall, this work establishes language model as an intelligent platform to unlock the era of languaging a simulation engine.

Heat transfer augmentation in a heating surface covered by variable-shape or double-layer porous media subjected to water jet impingement

In this study, a cooling scheme for high-power and highly-integrated electronic devices is proposed in which the heating wall is covered with a variable-shape or double-layer porous medium. The porous media impacted by water jet impinging is covered over the heating surface, wherein heat from bottom wall to porous matrix is transmitted by thermal conduction and dissipated by convection generated by water jet impinging in porous layer. A combination of Brinkman–Darcy–Forchheimer model with energy equations in local thermal equilibrium is employed to describe the hydrothermal transport details in porous matrix, and the k-ε model is used to interpret water jet impinging. The impacts of porous shapes, porosity distributions, and thickness ratios among lower and upper layers with various porosities in gradient variation configuration on heat dissipation capacity are investigated numerically. The numerical calculations are well verified by published experiments. Results show that rectangular porous media covered heating surface is more sensitive to changes in jet velocity, while the mode with triangular porous media results in lower surface temperature and higher heat transfer coefficient at stagnation point. Besides, the rise ratio of heat transfer coefficient of porous configuration with gradient increase in porosity from 0.6 to 0.8 is 11.84% higher than that with gradient decrease in porosity from 0.9 to 0.6. Finally, the optimized shape, porosity arrangement and thickness ratio, jointly affect the heat transport. The results obtained can be used to generalize and apply the coupling of jet impingement with porous media above the heating surface to augment heat transfer.

Synthesis of bare and modified zerovalent iron nanoparticles and their use in porous polylactic acid composites for methyl orange removal

The main objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of two types of immobilised zerovalent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) incorporated into a porous biopolymer matrix of polylactic acid (PLA) as a novel multifunctional composite system for potential use in dye wastewater treatment. The study involved the preparation of unmodified and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) modified nZVI material using liquid phase reduction method. Zeta potential measurement and UV-Vis spectrophotometry revealed that the ligand-modified nZVI particles exhibited better dispersion stability in aqueous media than bare particles. SEM-EDS analysis showed a higher oxidation state of the ligand-modified nZVI particles and good dispersion and adhesion of nZVI particles in the mesoporous structure of PLA matrix. The removal efficiency of methyl orange was determined spectrophotometrically where a high efficiency (above 90 %) for high concentration of bare nZVI was detected. Its composites also showed an efficiency of 75 – 100 %. However, modified nZVI showed much lower efficiency, especially after embedding in the PLA matrix.

Encapsulation of Imidazole into Ce-Modified Mesoporous KIT-6 for High Anhydrous Proton Conductivity.

Imidazole molecules entrapped in porous materials can exhibit high and stable proton conductivity suitable for elevated temperature (>373 K) fuel cell applications. In this study, new anhydrous proton conductors based on imidazole and mesoporous KIT-6 were prepared. To explore the impact of the acidic nature of the porous matrix on proton conduction, a series of KIT-6 materials with varying Si/Al ratios and pure silica materials were synthesized. These materials were additionally modified with cerium atoms to enhance their Brønsted acidity. TPD-NH3 and esterification model reaction confirmed that incorporating aluminum into the silica framework and subsequent modification with cerium atoms generated additional acidic sites. UV-Vis and XPS identified the presence of Ce3+ and Ce4+ in the KIT-6 materials, indicating that high-temperature treatment after cerium introduction may lead to partial cerium incorporation into the framework. EIS studies demonstrated that dispersing imidazole within the KIT-6 matrices resulted in composites showing high proton conductivity over a wide temperature range (300-393 K). The presence of weak acidic centers, particularly Brønsted sites, was found to be beneficial for achieving high conductivity. Cerium-modified composites exhibited conductivity surpassing that of molten imidazole, with the highest conductivity (1.13 × 10-3 S/cm at 393 K) recorded under anhydrous conditions for Ce-KIT-6. Furthermore, all tested composites maintained high stability over multiple heating and cooling cycles.

Analytical and numerical examinations on the stability investigation of Casson nanofluid flow in a permeable layer controlled by vertical throughflow

Purpose The purpose of the study is to analytically as well as numerically investigate the weight of throughflow on the onset of Casson nanofluid layer in a permeable matrix. This study examines both the marginal and over stable kind of convective movement in the system. Design/methodology/approach A double-phase model is used for Casson nanofluid, which integrates the impacts of thermophoresis and Brownian wave, whereas for flow in the porous matrix the altered Darcy model is occupied under the statement that nanoparticle flux is disappear on the boundaries. The resultant eigenvalue problem is resolved analytically as well as numerically with the help of Galerkin process with the Casson nanofluid Rayleigh–Darcy number as the eigenvalue. Findings The findings revealed that the throughflow factor postpones the arrival of convective flow and reduces the extent of convective cells, whereas the Casson factor, the Casson nanoparticle Rayleigh–Darcy number and the reformed diffusivity ratio promote convective motion and also decrease the extent of convective cells. Originality/value Controlling the convective movement in heat transfer systems that generate high heat flux is a real mechanical challenge. The proposed framework proved that the use of throughflow is one of the most important ways to control the convective movement in Casson nanofluid. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no inspection has been established in the literature that studies the outcome of throughflow on the Casson nanofluid convective flow in a porous medium layer. However, the convective flow of Casson nanofluid finds many applications in improving heat transmission and energy efficiency in a range of thermal systems, such as the cooling of heat-generating elements in electronic devices, heat exchangers, pharmaceutical practices and hybrid-powered engines, where throughflow can play a significant role in controlling the convective motion.

A Gel Polymer Electrolyte with High Uniform Na+ Flux and its Constructed Hybrid Interface Synergistically to Facilitate High-Performance Sodium Batteries.

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) can be developed on a large scale to achieve low-cost and high-capacity energy storage systems. Gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) can relieve volatilization of liquid electrolyte, adapt to volume changes in electrodes, and better satisfy the requirements of long-term SMBs. Herein, a dense polyurethane-based GPE modified with polyacrylonitrile is synthesized by rapidly swelling two-component polyurethane/polyacrylonitrile electrospun fiber film. Compared to traditional porous GPEs obtained by swelling porous matrixes, the fiber film provides uniform high Na+ flux inside GPE due to its partial solubility property and ability to dissociate salts. Therefore, it can reduce the polarization effect and induce uniform metal deposition under high current in conjunction with its constructed hybrid N/F-containing solid electrolyte interface (SEI) that possesses low ionic diffusion barrier. The study demonstrates that GPE has an ionic conductivity of 1.816 mS cm-1 at 20 °C and an ion transference number of 0.53. The full battery (NVP/GPE/Na) assembled with this GPE and Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) cathode shows 90.8% capacity retention rate after 1000 cycles at 10 C. Considering the convenient preparation and outstanding electrochemical performances of the obtained GPE, it can also be matched with other electrodes in the future to expand the application of sodium-based batteries.

Assessment of subcutaneously administered insulins using in vitro release cartridge: Medium composition and albumin binding

Biotherapeutics is the fastest growing class of drugs administered by subcutaneous injection. In vitro release testing mimicking physiological conditions at the injection site may guide formulation development and improve biopredictive capabilities. Here, anin vitrorelease cartridge (IVR cartridge) comprising a porous agarose matrix emulating subcutaneous tissue was explored. The objective was to assess effects of medium composition and incorporation of human serum albumin into the matrix. Drug disappearance was assessed for solution, suspension and in situ precipitating insulin products (Actrapid, Levemir, Tresiba, Mixtard 30, Insulatard, Lantus) using the flow-based cartridge. UV–Vis imaging and light microscopy visualized dissolution, precipitation and albumin binding phenomena at the injection site. Divalent cations present in the release medium resulted in slower insulin disappearance for suspension-based and in situ precipitating insulins. Albumin-binding acylated insulin analogs exhibited rapid disappearance from the cartridge; however, sustained retention was achieved by coupling albumin to the matrix. An in vitro-in vivorelation was established for the non-albumin-binding insulins.The IVR cartridge is flexible with potential in formulation development as shown by the ability to accommodate solutions, suspensions, and in situ forming formulations while tailoring of the system to probe in vivo relevant medium effects and tissue constituent interactions.

Electronic modulation on allotropic Co2P/CoP heterojunctions with N, P co-doped porous carbon matrix through metal-injection toward high-efficiency water splitting

The interfacial electron modulation of electrocatalysts is a useful technique for promoting catalyst performance for the water-related dissociation reactions. Herein, a high-efficient Fe-doped allotropic Co2P/CoP heterojunction nanoparticles embedded in N, P co-doped carbon matrix was constructed. The intense electrical interfacial contacts between the allotropic heterojunction optimized the reaction kinetics by boosting efficient charged active centers, regulating the intermediate adsorption/desorption. The incorporation of Fe atoms further enhancing the heterointerface contact between CoP and Co2P by providing favorable electronic properties and special coordination environment, causing the interfacial coupling enhancement. Therefore, Fe-Co2P/CoP possesses outstanding performance in both hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, with small overpotentials of 174 mV and 286 mV at 10 mA·cm−2 in alkaline medium, respectively. And only 1.71 V battery voltage is needed for the Fe-Co2P/CoP (+, −) cell device with satisfactory durability. This finding provides valuable insights into the engineering of electronic structures of well-designed metal phosphides for water electrolysis.

Water-holding properties and electrochemical characterization of the soil under the Grand Deliverance Hall of the Chongshan Temple, Taiyuan City, China: providing the basis for preventing groundwater erosion in historic buildings

Many historic buildings are at serious risk of deterioration due to changes in the moisture content of the soil under the buildings. Based on the typical deterioration problems of the Grand Deliverance Hall and the cultural relics in the hall, this study analyzes and concludes that the main factor affecting the generation and development of deterioration is groundwater erosion through environmental monitoring and geotechnical engineering investigation. The impact of changes in moisture content on the water-holding properties and pore distribution of the soil under the cultural-relics buildings was further assessed. Then, combined with the soil property, our study provides a novel and effective way to monitor and reflect the water-holding properties of the soil using electrochemical detection. The connected pore resistance and matrix suction decrease with the increase in the moisture content, both showing a power function law. Changes in moisture content cause changes in the thickness of the double electric layer, which in turn affects the connected pore resistance and matrix suction of soil. The greater the connected pore resistance, the greater the matrix suction and the water holding capacity. Finally, based on the research of this study and the conservation ideology of cultural relics that respects the original and minimizes intervention, protection recommendations to prevent groundwater erosion are proposed in order to provide guidance for future research.Graphical