Porous Texture Research Articles

Designing of a proficient macro porous metallo-polymer of iron with anion functionality: A sustainable approach for arsenic remediation from water

In this study, a novel porous metallo-polymeric network named poly(Ferric trimethacrylate-co-4-Vinyl benzyl chloride), incorporating an iron moiety, was developed for arsenic remediation from water. The synthesis of crosslinked q(pFeVBC) was carried out via suspension polymerization and functionalizing it with hexamethylenetetramine, resulting in a porous three-dimensional structure. Characterization using FTIR, FESEM, XPS, XRD, and BET-SA analysis confirmed its properties. Various monomer ratios were tested to optimize q(pFeVBC) for arsenic removal. The q(pFeVBC) exhibited significant adsorption capacities (qe max exp) of 8.33 mg g−1 for As(V) and 7.9 mg g−1 for As (III), owe to its unique architecture (integrated iron moiety and anion functionality) and porous texture (SA: 112 m2 g−1, pore size: 1.27–2.07 µm), which is close to the capacity calculated by Langmuir model (qe max theo) 8.719 mg g−1 for As (V) and 8.463 mg g−1 for As (III). The PSO kinetic model showed excellent fitting for both arsenic forms. Thermodynamic studies indicated a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process. Additionally, a 4:10:1 ANN model accurately predicted adsorption behavior.

Distribution of Co, Te, Se in the porphyry copper systems: A case study of the Tonglvshan deposit, Eastern China

Porphyry copper systems contain porphyry Cu, skarn, carbonate-replacement and epithermal deposits, and presently supply nearly all the Te and Se, and have the potential to produce Co as by-product in the future. However, few studies have investigated the distribution of Co, Te, and Se in the specific porphyry-skarn deposit. Detailed mineralogical and geochemical analyses were conducted to investigate the distribution of Co, Te, and Se across porphyry, skarn, and carbonate-replacement ore types in the Tonglvshan porphyry-skarn Cu-Fe-Au deposit, Eastern China. The early sulfide stage in three ore types is characterized by Co-bearing pyrite (Py1a, Co up to 1.3 wt%) + droplet-like tetradymite ± hessite ± cattierite. The texture transition from coarse-grained, pore-free to porous Py1a in porphyry and skarn type ores suggests a shift from stable physico-chemical conditions to gentle fluid boiling, resulting in the precipitation of Co-and Te-bearing minerals. In contrast, fine-grained euhedral Py1a in carbonate-replacement type ores implies rapid cooling from high-temperature fluid interaction with marble.The late sulfide stage, which only occurs in skarn and carbonate-replacement type ores, is characterized by Co-rich pyrite (Py2) + carrollite + hessite + Bi-sulfosalts. In skarn type ores, tetradymite-kawazulite solid solution (TKSS) + hessite + native Te + naumannite reflects intense boiling, leading to an increase in fO2 and pH that precipitates Py2b (Co up to 19.2 wt%) and carrollite, while Te and Se may precipitate through vapor phase condensation. Conversely, the presence of fine-grained carrollite, zoned Py2a, sphalerite, and galena in carbonate-replacement type ore suggests that rapid cooling and increasing pH, resulting from fluid mixing, played a significant role in the precipitation Co and Te. Furthermore, the porous texture resulting from coupled dissolution-reprecipitation (CDR) during the late sulfide stage also provided favorable conditions for the formation of micro-nano sized critical metal particles.

Amine-impregnated cellulose aerogels prepared from old corrugated containers: Microstructure characterization and CO2 capture performance

Here, five different amines (MEA, DETA, TEPA, PEI, and PEPA) were immobilized onto a mesoporous cellulose aerogels (CAs) support prepared from old corrugated containers (OCCs) using the impregnation method, and the thermal stabilities, pore structures, and CO2 adsorption capacities of the resulting amine loaded materials were investigated. The results showed that the thermal stabilities and pore textures of the materials decreased relative to the unmodified CAs support. Additionally, the addition of high molecular weight amines improved the thermal stability of the resulting materials, in the order of PEI>PEPA>TEPA>DETA>MEA. The adsorption capacities of the five Amine40@CAs materials tested ranged from 111.76 to 62.48 mg.g−1 and were in the order of DETA>PEI>MEA>TEPA>PEPA. Considering both thermal stability and CO2 adsorption capacity, PEI is the most suitable for physical immobilization in the CAs support. Consequently, the sample loaded with 30 % PEI exhibits a maximum CO2 capture capacity of 136.84 mg.g−1 material. However, a loading above 30 % results in pore blockage due to amine infiltration into the pore structure, leading to a decrease in the specific surface area and hence the CO2 adsorption capacity. This indicates that there is a balance to be struck between amine loading and CO2 uptake in the solid amine adsorbents using the physical impregnation method, and it is necessary to choose an appropriate method for improving the pore structure in order to maximize the amine loading and thus enhance the CO2 capture capacity.

Encapsulation of resveratrol in alginate microcapsules using internal gelation technique: Fabrication, characterization and release kinetics

Resveratrol (RES) is a proven anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective compound. However, low bioavailability, poor water solubility, and sensitivity to UV light and heat limit RES's use in food applications. In this study, we aim to protect RES by encapsulating it in sodium alginate (NaAlg) matrix using internal gelation, followed by drying the moist microencapsulates using spray and freeze-drying techniques. The spray-dried microencapsulates exhibited a smaller mean diameter (5.57 ± 2.40 μm), higher encapsulation efficiency (91.32 ± 1.98%), and higher ζ-potential (−61.9 ± 2.33 mV) compared to freeze-dried microencapsulates. SEM images revealed the smooth and spherical surface of the spray-dried microencapsulates, while the freeze-dried samples exhibited irregular shapes and porous textures. FTIR results showed polyelectrolyte interactions between NaAlg, RES, and CaCO3. XRD and DSC results confirmed the incorporation of RES in the NaAlg matrix. Spray-dried microencapsulates demonstrate the highest RES retention of 80.89 ± 0.70% and 78.59 ± 0.27% after 4 h of UV light and thermal treatments, respectively. In vitro release studies showed that spray-dried microencapsulates demonstrate a delayed gastric release compared to freeze-dried microencapsulates. The release mechanism of RES from the microencapsulates was effectively described by the Shalin-Peppas model.

Unraveling the Capacitive Behaviors in Nanoconfined Ionophilic Carbon Pores.

Intensifying the synergy between confined carbon nanopores and ionic liquids (ILs) and a deep comprehension of the ion behavior is required for enhancing the capacitive storage performance. Despite many theoretical insights on the storage mechanism, experimental verification has remained lacking due to the intricate nature of pore texture. Here, a compressed micropore-rich carbon framework (CMCF) with tailored monolayer and bilayer confinement pores is synthesized, which exhibits a compatible ionophilic interface to accommodate the IL [EMIM][BF4]. By deploying in situ Raman spectroscopy, in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, the effect of the pore textures on ions storage behaviors is elucidated. A voltage-induced ion gradient filling process in these ionophilic pores is proposed, in which ion exchange and co-ion desorption dominate the charge storage process. Moreover, it is established that the monolayer confinement of ions enhances the capacity, and bilayer confinement facilitates the charging dynamics. This work may guide the design of nanoconfinement carbon for high-energy-density supercapacitors and deepen the understanding of the charge storage mechanism in ionophilic pores.

Investigating the synergetic effect of tungsten oxide doping into the 1,3-dicarbonyl moiety grafted chitosan and phytic acid impregnated sodium alginate for efficient U(VI) adsorption

In this work, chemical modification of the chitosan with ethyl acetoacetate was performed through a base-catalyzed reaction in which epichlorohydrin facilitated the insertion as well as nucleophilic substitution reaction to graft the 1,3-dioxo moiety across the linear chains of the base biopolymer to establish specificity and selectivity for U(VI) removal. The modified chitosan (EAA-CS) was intercalated into phosphate rich alginate matrix (PASA). Later on, the WO3-doped composites with different WO3 to PASA mass ratio were prepared and characterized using FTIR, XPS, SEM-EDS, XRD, and elemental mapping analysis. WO3 significantly contributed to chemically stable inorganic-organic composites with improved porous texture. Among the prepared composites, MCPS-3 microspherical beads, having mass ratio of 30.0 % w/w, exhibited excellent sorption capacity for U(VI) at an optimal pH 4.5. The successful U(VI) sorption was validated by the existence of two U4f peaks at 392.25 and 381.36 eV due to U4f5/2 and U4f7/2 sub-peaks with an intensity ratio of 3:4, respectively. Batch mode sorption kinetics followed pseudo-second-order rate equation (R2 ≈ 0.99, qe,th ≈ 116.88 mg/g, k2 = 0.86 × 10−4 g/mg.min−1) and equilibrium sorption data aligns with Langmuir (R2 = 0.99, qm = 343.85 mg/g at 310 K and pH = 4.5, KL = 2.00 × 10−2 L/mg) and Temkin models (R2 ≈ 0.99). Thermodynamic parameters ΔHo (30.51 kJ/mol), ΔSo (0.19 kJ/mol.K) and ΔGo (−25.64, −26.89, and − 27.91 kJ/mol) at 298, 305, and 310 K, respectively, suggested that the uptake process is feasible, endothermic and spontaneous. Based on these findings, it is reasonable to conclude that MCPS-3 could be a better hydrogel-based biomaterial for appreciable uranium recovery.

Nanostructured TiO2 synthesized by different methods: Relationship between TiO2 porosity and crystalline-amorphous structure

The present manuscript focuses on important aspects regarding TiO2, which is typically used in many applications. On one hand, a thorough review of methods for synthesizing nanostructured TiO2 is presented. Using these methods, and different post-synthesis heat-treatment conditions, close to thirty TiO2 materials have been prepared, and their porous texture and crystalline and amorphous structure have been characterized. In this large number of samples, the porous texture characterization has revealed a high contribution of mesoporosity in a large number of the synthesized materials, being in many materials around 60–70 %. Moreover, different percentages of crystalline phases, anatase, brookite, rutile, and amorphous titania are developed depending on the TiO2 preparation conditions. These fractions have been determined from X-ray diffraction data using the “simple” characterization method reported by Cano-Casanova et al., inspired by Jensen et al., and Bellardita et al., also exploring its limitations. This analysis has allowed assessing a linear relationship between porosity, particularly between the surface area, and the amorphous phase content in titanium dioxide. A relationship had been previously suggested in the literature, but never correlated in such a way. In summary, the present study constitutes a tool to help other researchers select the most suitable method for synthesizing nanostructured TiO2 materials with target properties and, also, to characterize them, and have a very easy and straightforward estimation of TiO2 amorphous phase content after the determination of their surface areas.

A delignified longitudinal-cutting poplar veneer-based epoxy resin composite with excellent transmittance, haze, flexibility and wood fiber art texture

A delignified longitudinal-cutting poplar veneer-based epoxy resin composite (TLPE) with excellent transmittance, haze, flexibility and wood fiber art texture, that was prepared by delignifing longitudinal-cutting poplar veneer (LPV) and filling the delignified LPV with epoxy resin (ER). The TLPE has retained the porous structure and wood fiber art texture of LPV due to the fact that it is not completely filled with resin. The changed benzene skeleton and the ether (C-O-C) were found in the TLPE, that should be due to the chemical combination between the benzene of filled ER and the cellulose of delignified LPV, and the chemical reaction between the benzene and the cellulose yielded the C-O-C. Parts of the TLPE that are completely filled with the ER, that can reach a transmittance of approximately 90 % and a haze of approximately 90 %. Moreover, due to the combined action between the fibril of delignified LPV and the ER, the TLPE has high refractive index fluctuation in the perpendicular direction of fiber and excellent flexibility (the elongation at break: 15 %). When the TLPE is used as the building material, the TLPE can provide a comfortable lighting effect after the light passes through it, it can also accommodate various streamlined and natural artistic shapes with wood fiber art texture in buildings, and it can also achieve a balance between science and art in the building through its optical, styling, and textural advantages.

Exploiting the potential of mesoporous NiMoO4/TiS2 composite for enhanced electrochemical supercapacitor performance

The mesoporous electrode material offers a high surface area, excellent porous texture, and optimal pore-size distribution, facilitating increased active sites for ion accretion and enhanced ionic diffusion rates. NiMoO4, TiS2, and their composites such as NT-1, NT-2, NT-3, and NT-4 composites have been prepared by hydrothermal approach to enhance the capacitance of supercapacitor electrodes. Different methodologies have been employed to analyze the optical, morphological and structural characteristics of the synthesized materials. X-ray diffraction was utilized to assess the crystalline nature of both the pristine materials and composites. Scanning electron microscopy examination confirmed the formation of mesoporous and irregular nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 50 to 100 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to examine the stretching vibrations of the prepared samples. Through photoluminescence (PL) analysis, the energy band gap of the NT-1 composite was decisive to be 2.78 eV. The NT-1 composite exhibits an impressive specific capacitance of 1257.14 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1, attributed to its huge surface area, efficient charge transfer, and synergistic effect while demonstrating remarkable stability after 5000 cycles with 92% capacitance retention. Therefore, NT-1 binary metal sulfide composite unleashes high-performance supercapacitors with remarkable specific capacitance and cyclic stability.

The electrical and dielectric features of Al/YbFeO3/p-Si/Al and Al/YbFe0.90Co0.10O3/p-Si/Al structures with interfacial perovskite-oxide layer depending on bias voltage and frequency

In this investigation, thin films of YbFeO3, both in its pure form and doped with 10% Co, were fabricated on a p-Si substrate at 500 °C through the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method. Examination via Scanning Electron Microscopy demonstrated a porous texture for the pure sample, contrasting with a smooth and crack-free surface post-Co doping. Analysis via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy unveiled Yb’s 3 + oxidation state, alongside the presence of lattice oxygen, oxygen vacancies, and adsorbed oxygen evident in Gaussian fitting curves. Photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed an augmented emission intensity, likely attributed to increased defect initiation in the Co-doped specimen. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy was employed to identify vibration modes in the examined samples, demonstrating shifts in Raman peaks indicative of Co substitution and subsequent distortion in the crystal structure of YbFeO3. Electrical assessments were conducted at room temperature (300 K) under ambient conditions, employing voltage and frequency as variables. Capacitance–voltage measurements illustrated the emergence of an accumulation, with depletion and inversion regions manifesting at different frequencies based on the applied voltage, attributed to the YbFeO3 interfacial layer at the Al and p-Si interface. The conductance-voltage characteristics indicated that the structure exhibited maximum conductance in the accumulation region. Series resistance for these configurations was deduced from capacitance-conductance-voltage measurements, indicating a dependence on both bias voltage and frequency. The doping process led to a reduction in capacitance and series resistance, accompanied by an increase in conductance values. After obtaining corrected capacitance and conductance parameters, it became evident that series resistance significantly influences both parameters. Interface state density (Nss), determined through the Hill-Coleman relation demonstrated a decreasing trend with increasing frequency. The pure sample exhibited higher interface state density compared to the Co-doped sample at each frequency, highlighting that the 10% Co-doped YbFeO3 thin film enhances the quality of the metal–semiconductor interface properties compared to the pure contact.

Depositional and diagenetic processes in travertines: A comprehensive examination of Tocomar basin lithotypes, Northwest Argentina

The use of travertines in active fault studies is known as travitonics. Their geobody shape, veins, faults and fractures, are commonly used as neotectonic proxies. The surficial travertines in the pull apart Tocomar Basin (Puna Plateau, Argentina) occur in the center of the Calama – Olacapato – El Toro (COT) transcurrent fault zone and have never been substantially buried. The Tocomar area exhibits complex tectonic with N–S thrust faults and NW-SE transfer faults, crucial in shaping its travertine deposits and geothermal activity. The travertine bodies are characterized in terms of geometry as a fissure ridge type, coexisting with ash tuff, siliciclastic sandstone, and conglomerate deposits. The travertines mainly consist of crystalline crusts, with occasional occurrences of granular, arborescent, and porous textures. Mineralogical analyses by X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveal the predominance of magnesian calcite, along with trace minerals identified as dolomite, anhydrite, gypsum, halite, fluorite, bassanite, and barite. Petrographic analyses, including cathodoluminerscence (CL), indicate intense diagenesis in the travertine samples. Isotopic signatures of C and O in these samples exhibit normally a negative trend, ranging from −6.38 to +2.45 ‰ VPDB for δ13C and from −20.48 to −11.21 ‰ VPDB for δ18O. Laboratory analysis and field observations allow to classify three distinct lithotypes in the Tocomar travertine: (1) crystalline crust, further divided into three sub-lithotypes: (1.1) laminated crystalline crust (LCC), (1.2) filamentous-like crystalline crust (FlCC) and (1.3) fiber-like crystalline crust (FbCC); (2) granular travertine (GT) and (3) porous travertine (PT). These different lithotypes likely reflect variations in fluid velocity during deposition, although some of them may result from diagenetic processes. The three lithotypes give rise to four facies association (steep slope, marshy/pools, drainage, and fracture-associated facies), forming two distinct depositional systems (slope and channel), which comprises the Tocomar travertine system.

Part 1─Impact of Pyrolysis Temperature and Wood Particle Length on Vapor Cracking and Char Porous Texture in Relation to the Tailoring of Char Properties

Part 1─Impact of Pyrolysis Temperature and Wood Particle Length on Vapor Cracking and Char Porous Texture in Relation to the Tailoring of Char Properties

Efficiently reconstructing high-quality details of 3D digital rocks with super-resolution Transformer

Accurate pore-scale modeling demands high-quality digital rock images, which should possess a broad imaging field of view (FOV) and high resolution to characterize multi-scale rock components. However, achieving both conditions simultaneously is challenging due to hardware constraints. Super-resolution techniques can mitigate this issue by reconstructing high-resolution details from low-resolution images captured with a wide FOV. To reconstruct high-quality 3D digital rocks, we propose a novel Efficient Attention Super-Resolution Transformer (EAST) model. It integrates self-attention and channel attention mechanisms and undergoes structural optimization. Evaluation demonstrates that EAST achieves superior reconstruction quality with a 1.85 × speedup while reducing parameters by 78 % over the advanced model. Additionally, to tailor to the characteristics of digital rocks and the constrained dataset, we employ a hybrid loss function along with two data augmentation techniques. Visualizations reveal that EAST can resist noise and blur interference, highlighting valuable features such as pore edges and textures. Ultimately, we introduce an approach based on self-supervised fine-tuning to enhance the model robustness. Direct flow simulation verifies that the reconstructed results closely align with high-resolution images in terms of physical accuracy. EAST reduces the relative error of the absolute permeability by 18.5 % and 33 % over the Tricubic method on two external samples.

The determination of heterogeneous catalytic performance of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) in the production of biodiesel via transesterification of Jatropha oil

The high energy demand with the negative environmental impacts of using fossil fuel for energy generations raised question on over dependability on it for sustainable economic growth. Biodiesel tend to be one of the renewable alternative solutions towards the above problems. Biodiesel can be produced through various methods such as transesterification, micro emulsion and pyrolysis The heterogeneous catalytic performance of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) in the production of biodiesel via transesterification of jatropha oil was investigated. The morphological and chemical properties of POFA were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Fluoroscopy (XRF) respectively. The crude Jatropha oil was transesterified and 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.4wt% and 0.5wt% of POFA were used as heterogeneous catalyst. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) has been used to determine the functional group of the samples. SEM indicates the presence porous structure, texture and irregular shape on POFA while XRF shows that it comprises mainly of SiO2 (79.45 %). The maximum percentage of biodiesel yield was 92.30% at the application of 0.2wt% POFA. This shows that POFA can be used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the production of biodiesel.

Exploring the role of surface and porosity in CO2 capture by CaO-based adsorbents through response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN)

In this study, synthetic CaCO3 materials were utilized as precursors for CaO-based CO2 sorbents. The investigation examined how various operating parameters—such as synthesis temperature (ST), stirring rate (SR), and surfactant percentage (SP)—impact the properties of the adsorbents. Samples were firstly characterized by X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which revealed that the prevalence of calcite or aragonite crystal phases in the synthetic CaCO3 precursors can be tuned by adequately choosing the dose of surfactant (Triton-X100®), so that it can be used as a crystal habit and growth modifier. The calcination process applied to the CaCO3 precursors leads to the formation of partially sinterized cubic crystals of CaO, accompanied by minor quantities (< 5 %) of additional compounds like Ca(OH)2 or CaSO4. Specific surface area (SBET) and porosity were determined by measuring the N2 adsorption isotherms. A CaCO3 sample with an unprecedented value of SBET as large as 116 m2/g was prepared operating under optimal conditions. SBET and pore volumes were successfully correlated with the CO2 uptake capacity of the samples. SBET is more influential for experiments carried out under diluted CO2 atmosphere. When pure CO2 is used, the influence of meso- and micropore volumes (Vme and Vmi) is clearly predominant, which suggests that in this latter case diffusion through the porous texture of the samples plays a more remarkable role. A double-way approach through Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) has been used to analyze the CO2 uptake capacity of the samples. Within the operational interval, excellent results were obtained for pure and diluted CO2 flow, and RSM and ANNs have demonstrated to be a very efficient tool to correlate the behavior of the CaO-based materials as CO2 sorbents with the surface area and pore volumes of the samples. Valuable information on (i) the importance of the different factors under study; (ii) their influence on the surface and porosity of the CaO-derived sorbents; and (iii) the subsequent CO2 capture performance of the sorbents has been obtained. The results suggest that four parameters have a statistically significant influence on CO2 uptake. These parameters are SR, the square of SR, its interaction with SP, and the square of SP. Additionally, the study assessed the stability of the CaO-based sorbents over 11 consecutive calcination-carbonation cycles. By adequately choosing the synthesis strategy and conditions, an almost negligible shrinkage effect can be achieved, resulting in a more sustained uptake capacity throughout the cycles.

Structural, soil-water, and dynamic characteristics of clay with different moisture and temperature histories

Variations in the hydro-mechanical properties of pavement subgrade soils are complex under long-term, repeated, and interlaced moisture and temperature (M-T) effects, such as wetting-drying (WD) and freeze-thaw (FT) processes. This study compares the soil structure, soil-water characteristic curves, and accumulated plastic strain (ɛ p) of compacted Heilongjiang clay with three different M-T histories. Experimental results demonstrated that (i) after M-T actions, structural pores develop while textural pores shrink, leading to a reduction in the water retention capacity and an increase in the desaturation rate. Following the stabilization of the M-T effects, the soil structure and soil-water characteristics of specimens with different M-T histories become similar; (ii) at high moisture content (w), ɛ p is more sensitive to moisture changes (including w and suction, s). Following the FT cycles, ε p and ε pa (the difference between the ε p at 5000th and 3000th cyclic loading) become more sensitive to moisture changes; (iii) after M-T effects, the ε pa-w relationship is nonlinear while the ε pa-logs relationship is linear. Different M-T histories generated differences in only the ε p at the beginning of the FT processes while such differences disappear after M-T effects have stabilized. The experimental data presented in this paper could prove valuable in understanding the behaviors of pavement soils under complex environmental conditions.

Synergetic enhancement of ultimate strength and damping properties by pore structure in novel porous Cu-Al-Mn shape memory alloy

To meet the higher device vibration reduction requirements, novel porous Cu71Al18Mn11 shape memory alloys (SMAs) with controllable porosity were prepared using Cu, Al, and Mn elemental powders as raw materials. To further enhance the strength and damping performance of SMAs, a low-temperature reactive synthesis combined with spark plasma sintering (LTRS+SPS) process was used. In this paper, the effects of LTRS+SPS process on pore structure and texture, compressive strength, and damping properties of porous Cu71Al18Mn11 alloy were studied. The outcomes indicated that LTRS+SPS process can effectively improve both compressive strength and damping properties. The associated closed pore structure caused by this process and the second phase γ2 phase formed by element diffusion result in a variety in compressive strength from 324.6 MPa to 617.9 MPa, which were 3.9 times that of the comparable porosity alloy with alloy powder as raw material by vacuum sintering. Meanwhile, the damping value changed from 0.27 to 0.10, which was 4.5 times that of the homogeneous dense alloy. The increase in damping property is caused by the increase of motionable interfaces in the matrix for the introduction of pores, which leads to the increase of energy dissipation. Besides. the interaction between the second phase γ2 and dislocation contributes to the improvement of damping, as well as the compressive strength. These findings in this paper provide new insights and references for the structural design and microstructure design of high-performance Cu-based alloys.

Development and evaluation of a pH-responsive Mimosa pudica seed mucilage/β- cyclodextrin-co-poly(methacrylate) hydrogel for controlled drug delivery: In vitro and in vivo assessment

In this comprehensive investigation, a novel pH-responsive hydrogel system comprising mimosa seed mucilage (MSM), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and methacrylic acid (MAA) was developed via free radical polymerization technique to promote controlled drug delivery. The hydrogel synthesis involved strategic variations in polymer, monomer, and crosslinker content in fine-tuning its drug-release properties. The resultant hydrogel exhibited remarkable pH sensitivity, selectively liberating the model drug (Capecitabine = CAP) under basic conditions while significantly reducing release in an acidic environment. Morphological, thermal, and structural analyses proved that CAP has a porous texture, high stability, and an amorphous nature. In vitro drug release experiments showcased a sustained and controlled release profile. Optimum release (85.33 %) results were recorded over 24 h at pH 7.4 in the case of MMB9. Pharmacokinetic evaluation in healthy male rabbits confirmed bioavailability enhancement and sustained release capabilities. Furthermore, rigorous toxicity evaluations and histopathological analyses ensured the safety and biocompatibility of the hydrogel. This pH-triggered drug delivery system can be a promising carrier system for drugs involving frequent administrations.

Synthesis of Ce-La-Pr/Mn-O Ternary Oxide Composites via Co-Precipitation and Synergistic Photocatalytic Degradation of Cr(VI)

This study utilized a straightforward co-precipitation method to successfully synthesize Ce-La-X(Mn/Pr)-O composite materials for treating simulated hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) wastewater with distinctively porous and fluffy textures, along with tubular morphologies. Notably, Ce-La-Mn-O demonstrated a remarkable specific surface area of 96.2698 m2/g, mesoporous architecture with a pore diameter of 6.9511 nm, and an impressive adsorption capacity of 88.79 mg/g. Under optimized conditions, specifically an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 20 mg/L, a Ce-La-Mn-O dosage of 0.8 g/L, a reaction temperature of 40 °C, an initial pH of 6, and with the application of simulated daylight, the removal rate of Cr(VI) exceeded 98% within 15 min. Even after three cycles, the removal rate was maintained at above 80%. Based on a comprehensive suite of morphological, structural, and performance characterizations, the introduction of Mn/Pr was found to modify the structure of Ce-La-O and enhance the synergistic interactions among the metals within the Ce-La-O framework. In addition, Ce-La-Mn-O exhibited superior visible light absorption properties and dual functionality for catalytic reduction and adsorption. All three materials were found to form -OH polar bond functional groups, converting it to Cr(III) and subsequently forming Cr(OH)3. The Ce-La-X(Mn/Pr)-O composite materials provide a robust theoretical foundation for exploring the dual functional synergistic effects in the efficient removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous systems, indicating their vast potential for practical applications.

Design and Fabrication of Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Porous Metallo-Polymeric Microsphere for Water Disinfection.

An expedient and efficient approach is used to synthesize a new class of metallo-polymeric microspheres (MPMs) as antimicrobials to succumb the wide range of bacteria from water. Three types of MPMs, that is, poly[Silver (I)-methacrylate-co-methylmethacrylate] (pAgMA), poly[Copper (II)-methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate] (pCuMA), and poly[Nickel (II)-methacrylate-co-methylmethacrylate] (pNiMA), are prepared via radical suspension polymerization technique in 3D shape with porous texture. The structural and morphological characterization of the prepared microspheres are examined by analytical techniques. The antimicrobial potentialities of prepared MPMs are investigated at the laboratory scale study, revealing that the MPMs exhibit strong antibacterial activity (≈99.9% killing) against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria [Enterobacter hormaechei (EH), Bacillus megatarium (BM), and Bacillus bataviensis (BB)]. The MacConkey agar medium test reveals that MPMs have substantial biocidal efficacy against broad-spectrum Gram-negative bacteria present in tap water. The MPMs exhibit significant antimicrobial efficacy via contact killing owe to the presence of integrated biocidal metal moiety, which represents that the MPMs are safe for water disinfection.