Presence Of Meso Research Articles

Potato-on-rod like of Z-scheme plasmon Ag2CrO4-Ag2Mo2O7 heterojunction nanophotocatalyst with high stability and accelerated photo-degradation evolution of organic contaminants

The shocking increase of resistant dye pollutants in the environment and their harmful effects has become a potential threat to the ecosystem. In the current work, the novel and highly efficient potato-on-rod-like Z-scheme plasmon Ag2CrO4–Ag2Mo2O7 heterojunction nano-photocatalyst was synthesized by precipitation method to photodegrade different organic dyes under artificial sunlight. The required analysises were carried out to characterize nanophotocatalysts. FESEM and TEM results showed the placement way of potato-like Ag2CrO4 between/on rod-like Ag2Mo2O7 which was leading to suitable structure and surface morphology. Besides, the morphology observations released the meso-/macroporous potato-on-rod like architecture self-assembled by nanoparticles. DRS analysis also confirmed two band gap energies of 2.55 and 1.72 eV in Ag2CrO4–Ag2Mo2O7 (3:1) resulting from forming a heterojunction structure and the plasmon Ag. Ag2CrO4–Ag2Mo2O7 (3:1) nanophotocatalyst exhibited the most remarkable activity in the photodegradation of 10 mg/L 2-naphthol orange (97.8%), 10 mg/L rhodamine B (99.7%), 10 mg/L crystal violet (98.9%), and 10 mg/L methyl orange (56.1%) with a catalyst dosage of 0.1 gr for about 90 min. The appropriate energy band gap, the formation of the heterostructure, the presence of meso (0.0038 cm3/g) and macro (0.0044 cm3/g) holes, and pore diameter at about 17.2 nm based on BET-BJH analysis that facilitated the penetration of pollutant molecules, increased pollutant adsorption and demonstrated stunning capability of efficient light harvesting, the reason was electron-hole pairs recombination rate reduction. Moreover, the fabricated samples showed tremendous catalyst constancy and reusability even after the fourth run. Results have shown the remarkable photocatalytic activity under visible light and provide an environment-friendly and green strategy to overcome the challenges of organic pollutants present in aqueous solutions.

Nanoporous Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 Nanoparticles for Arsenic Removal

Herein, we report a solvent-free self-templating strategy for rapid synthesis of nanoscale hierarchically porous zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (HP-ZIF-8) with micro-, meso-, and macropores. ZIF-8 crystals were produced in situ on ZnO nanoparticles via vapor deposition of 2-methylimidazole, and hierarchical nanopores were obtained after selectively etching ZnO. ZnO nanoparticles acted as both a Zn source and a meso-/macropore template for HP-ZIF-8. Systematic arsenic adsorption experiments showed that the presence of meso-/macropores can effectively enhance and accelerate arsenic removal via chemisorption. As a result, HP-ZIF-8 exhibited an As(III) adsorption capacity of 104.9 mg/g, nearly double that of traditional ZIF-8 nanoparticles, despite having remarkably more micropores. This study provides a highly adsorbable strategy to fabricate hierarchical porous metal–organic frameworks for pollutant removal.

Polymer-derived porous ceramics from novel silicon-based preceramic/sucrose systems

Porous Si/C/O/(N) ceramic bodies were developed by the direct consolidation of novel liquid silicon-based preceramic polymer/porogen (methacryloxypropyl silsesquioxane/sucrose) systems, burnout, and N2 pyrolysis (1300–1500 °C), and they were characterized via open porosity, volumetric shrinkage, and mass loss measurements. The evolution of phases as temperature increased was analyzed using XRD, TGA-mass spectrometry tests, and 29Si NMR. The free carbon phase was characterized via Raman spectroscopy, and its content was determined using a carbon analyzer. Porous microstructures were analyzed by SEM/EDS and Hg-porosimetry, and by measuring the N2 adsorption/desorption and specific surface area. The final ceramics exhibited a hierarchical porosity composed of large irregular pores that grew with temperature, together with a lower volume of meso- and micropores. β-SiC whiskers and faceted hexagonal crystals of α-Si3N4 were observed inside of cavities. The presence of meso- and micropores explained the high specific surface area achieved in the material pyrolyzed at 1500 °C.

Determination of methane sorption capacity using microstructural analysis in coal of Jharia Coalfield, India

Micrometer-scale pore and fracture structures of coal seams are the crucial parameters for the adsorption of coalbed methane (CBM) and recovery. This paper deals with the microstructure’s influence on coal methane sorption behavior obtained from the Jharia Coalfield, India. Coal samples were collected from different seams to study the variability and heterogeneity of the reservoir parameters. Proximate and ultimate analysis of coal samples were determined to predict the rank of the coal. Microstructural parameters like pore size distribution, surface morphology, and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were studied to predict the extent of gas sorption in the coal. The excess amount of methane sorption was determined using a volumetric method at 47 °C temperature and variable pressure. The identified pore volume varied from 0.2 to 3.07 m3/g. The surface morphology indicated inter- and intraparticle pores with spongy surfaces. The pore volume and surface morphology confirmed the favorable sorption of methane in coal samples. The FT-IR study showed the formation of hydrogen bond and methane sorption in coal. The maximum sorption capacity varied from 5.08 to 9.01 cc/g at 400 to 580 m depth. A strong, positive, and nonlinear correlation was observed with pore volume. The results showed that the presence of meso- and micropores and the spongy surface morphology are vital in defining its methane sorption capacity. As a whole, these coals have a higher porosity from 4.9 to 5.64% and meso- and micropores and are suitable for methane sorption.

Understanding of Adsorption and Desorption Mechanisms of Anthocyanins and Proanthocyanidins on Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Cation-Exchange Membranes.

The presence of membrane fouling is the main drawback in membrane processes, and it is related to the premature use and high cost for the replacement of membranes. Polyphenols in cranberry juice are associated with ion-exchange membrane fouling, and it results in a loss of these beneficial compounds in the juice when treated by membrane processes such as electrodialysis. In the present work, four heterogeneous or pseudohomogeneous cation-exchange membranes (CSE-fg, MK-40, CEM Type-II, and CJMC-5), different in terms of the polymer matrix (aromatic, aliphatic), exchange capacity, size, and location of meso and macropores, were studied to understand the impact of the membrane structure and physico-chemical properties on adsorption and desorption of phenolic compounds (anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins) from cranberry juice. It appeared from these results that MK-40, CEM Type-II, and CSE-fg were more prone to fouling due to their high ion-exchange capacity, their thickness, and the presence of meso and macropores in their structure. Indeed, electrostatic interactions occurred between fixed groups of membranes and polyphenolic ions. Desorption of the entire membrane and cryogenic grinding with pH adjusted to 10 allowed a better recovery of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (PACs), respectively, since hydroxide ions competed with polyphenols and membrane that induced desorption of polyphenols. In the future, this new knowledge will become the basis for a more sensible choice of membranes and for the development of protocols for extending their life cycle.

Green Nanosilicas for Monoaromatic Hydrocarbons Removal from Air

We demonstrate a novel application of green nanosilicas (GN), prepared via an environmentally friendly route, in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Herein, we aim to establish GN as viable alternatives to traditional mesoporous silicas for the removal of monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MAHC). The results show that the GN have high extraction efficiencies comparable to those previously reported for mesoporous silicas. It was demonstrated that bespoke GN can be syntheised readily with the ability to tailor their physical properties and MAHC adsorption. In order to understand the MAHC adsorption by GN, their porosity, morphology and pore structure were characterised. It was observed that the combination of broad pore size distribution and, in particular, the presence of meso- and micro-porosity in GN contributed to high MAHC extraction efficiencies and selectivity. Although from a commercial viewpoint, further optimisation of GN is desirable in order to replace traditional sorbents, this work clearly highlights a new family of “green” sorbents, which can be prepared with a substantial reduction in secondary pollution with potential applications in selective gas separation.Graphical New green nanoparticles (GN) have been developed as VOC adsorbents; GN preparation is rapid and under neutral pH and room temperature conditions, leading to a substantial reduction in secondary pollution. Their successful performance is related to their unique physical properties, which can be easily tailored.

Biosorption mechanisms of cationic and anionic dyes in a low-cost residue from brewer’s spent grain

ABSTRACT The brewer's spent grain (BSG) is a byproduct of the brewing industry produced in large quantities and with few ecological disposal options. The use of this low-cost residue was investigated for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and tartrazine yellow (TY) dyes. The BSG has been extensively characterized to obtain its physicochemical characteristics. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of biosorption parameters: initial pH, kinetics, equilibrium isotherms and adsorption thermodynamics. The characterization showed high carbon content and heterogeneous morphology with the presence of meso and macropores. The best experimental conditions were obtained as pH 11 for MB and pH 2 for TY. Kinetics resulted in an equilibrium time of 240 min for MB and 300 min for TY and was best represented by the pseudo-second order model. Different interaction mechanisms were suggested, such as electrostatic interactions, electron donors and electron acceptors, hydrogen bonds, π–π dispersion interactions and the dye molecules aggregation. Equilibrium data were better represented by Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorbed amount of MB and TY was 284.75 and 26.18 mg/g, respectively, in each better experimental condition. Through the thermodynamic analysis, it was observed that the adsorption of the dyes was spontaneous and favourable. MB is preferentially retained through chemisorption, whereas TY followed a physical process. Considering the characteristics and results found compared to the recent literature, it was verified that BSG can be used as an effective and innovative biosorbent for removal purposes of dyeing effluent.

Tailored synthesis of macroporous Pt/WO3 photocatalyst with nanoaggregates via flame assisted spray pyrolysis

High‐surface‐area macroporous WO3 particles with deposited Pt (Pt/WO3) were successfully synthesized for the first time, using flame‐assisted spray pyrolysis. Nanoparticle aggregates‐like structures (nanoaggregates) were formed, although a salt precursor was used for the synthesis. The macroporous structure was tailored by changing the mass ratio of the polystyrene template to ammonium tungstate pentahydrate. The cavities between the nanoaggregates formed mesopores, which increased the surface area. The presence of meso‐ and macro‐pores in the synthesized Pt/WO3 particles improved their photocatalytic activities in visible‐light‐induced photodegradation of rhodamine B. The combination of a high surface area and the presence of an in situ‐deposited Pt cocatalyst gave a high photodecomposition rate, approximately 9.6 times higher than that achieved with dense WO3 particles. This research provides a promising strategy for synthesizing submicron particles with high surface areas at a high production rate, and is suitable for industrial applications. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3864–3873, 2016

Enhanced adsorptive removal of naphthalene intermediates from aqueous solution by introducing reed straw into sewage sludge-based activated carbon

The disposal of sewage sludge (SS) and reed straw (RS) has becoming a critical issue due to their rapid production. In this study, the SS-based activated carbon (SSC) was produced by introducing the RS as a component material. Properties including BET surface area, pore volume, surface chemical groups, and morphologies were characterized. The adsorption of 1-diazo-2-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid (1,2,4-Acid) and 2-Naphthol (2-Nap), which differs in their physicochemical properties, on as-prepared carbons were investigated. The overall adsorption was found to be jointly controlled by external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion, and the optimal pH was found to be 5 due to their electrostatic attraction. Further study revealed that the SS- and RS-based carbons (SC and RSC, respectively) exhibited different adsorption behavior toward 1,2,4-Acid and 2-Nap. The calculated adsorption capacity from Langmuir–Freundlich model of SC and RSC for the two intermediates was 141.0, 84.6 mg g(-1) and 48.2, 110.2 mg g(-1), respectively, whereas their hybrid product (SSC) showed comparable capacity for 1,2,4-Acid (117.8 mg g(-1)), as well as higher capacity for 2-Nap (157.5 mg g-1). It was found that the presence of meso- or macropores facilitates the precipitation of mineral phases of inorganic substances during carbonization, attracting the molecules with polar functional groups, while the introduction of C-rich RS to SS enhances the adsorption of hydrophobic molecules

The influence of texture of activated carbons on their catalytic activity in the process of ethylbenzene dehydrogenation coupled with nitrobenzene hydrogenation

The coupled process of ethylbenzene dehydrogenation and nitrobenzene hydrogenation was carried out in the presence of meso- or microporous activated carbon catalysts, obtained from different precursors by physical or chemical activation. The reaction was performed at 400°C using a mixture of ethylbenzene and nitrobenzene at the molar ratio of 3:1. All the carbon samples obtained were found to catalyse this reaction leading to formation of two industrially important products: styrene and aniline. The porous character of the surface of carbon catalyst (microporous or mesoporous) was shown not to have a significant influence on the catalytic properties of the samples studied. However, the initial activity of the carbon catalyst was proved to be clearly related to its apparent specific surface area, while the catalyst resistance to deactivation was found to be correlated to the total pore volume.

Influence of Sugarcane Bagasse-derived Biochar Application on Nitrate Leaching in Calcaric Dark Red Soil

Application of biochar has been suggested to improve water- and fertilizer-retaining capacity of agricultural soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of bagasse charcoal (sugarcane [ L.] bagasse-derived biochar) on nitrate (NO) leaching from Shimajiri Maji soil, which has low water- and fertilizer-retaining capacity. The nitrate adsorption properties of bagasse charcoal formed at five pyrolysis temperatures (400-800° C) were investigated to select the most suitable bagasse charcoal for NO adsorption. Nitrate was able to adsorb onto the bagasse charcoal formed at pyrolysis temperatures of 700 to 800° C. Nitrate adsorption by bagasse charcoal (formed at 800° C) that passed through a 2-mm sieve was in a state of nonequilibrium even at 20 h after the addition of 20 mg N L KNO solution. Measurements suggested that the saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of bagasse charcoal (800° C)-amended soils are affected by changes in soil tortuosity and porosity and the presence of meso- and micropores in the bagasse charcoal, which did not contribute to soil water transfer. In NO leaching studies using bagasse charcoal (800° C)-amended soils with different charcoal contents (0-10% [w/w]), the maximum concentration of NO in effluents from bagasse charcoal-amended soil columns was approximately 5% less than that from a nonamended soil column because of NO adsorption by bagasse charcoal (800° C). We conclude that application of bagasse charcoal (800°C) to the soil will increase the residence time of NO in the root zone of crops and provide greater opportunity for crops to absorb NO.

REPROGRAMMING OF PORCINE EPIBLAST-DERIVED NEURAL PROGENITOR CELLS TO PLURIPOTENCY

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and neural progenitor cells (NPC) are envisioned to play a vital role in future cell replacement therapy. In this context, porcine iPSC and NPC would be highly useful for pre-clinical safety testing by autologous transplantation in a porcine biomedical model. The objective of this study was to establish iPSC from porcine epiblast-derived NPC by use of a tetracycline-inducible Tet-ON approach. A total of 1.5 × 105 porcine NPC at passage 6 (Rasmussen et al. 2011) were transduced O/N with 0.5 ml active virus containing the following porcine pluripotency genes: pOCT4 (pO); pOCT4 and pKLF4 (pOK); pOCT4 and pC-MYC (pOM); pOCT4, pC-MYC, and pKLF4 (pOMK) or polycistronic pOCT4, pSOX2, pC-MYC, and pKLF4 (pOSMK); all including 0.25 ml transactivator (rtTA). After 3 days, the cells were trypsinized and passaged to MEF feeder cells and cultured in iPSC medium containing DMEM/F12, 20% KSR, 1% NEAA, 10 μM β-Me, 20 ng mL–1 human bFGF and 2 μg mL–1 doxycycline. On Day 8, tightly packed colonies of cells presenting an embryonic stem cell-like morphology were visible in the pOM, pOMK, and pOSMK combinations. In contrast, colonies were not observed with the pO and pOK combination. On Day 14, several iPSC-like colonies were manually picked and sub-cultured on MEF feeder cells in iPSC medium. Two lines from the pOSMK combination were capable of prolonged clonal propagation while maintaining an ESC-like morphology. However, when doxycycline was removed from the culture medium, growth arrest and spontaneous differentiation occurred. The iPSC-like lines expressed OCT4, SOX2, C-MYC, and KLF4, as evaluated by immunocytochemistry, and expression of NANOG, SSEA-1, and SSEA-4 was also confirmed, demonstrating activation of endogenous pluripotency genes. The iPSC-like lines were capable of forming embryoid bodies (EB) without addition of doxycycline and in vitro differentiation of EB in medium containing DMEM and 15% FCS confirmed the presence of meso- (SMA) and endodermal (AFP) derivatives by immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, co-culture experiments with MS5 stromal cells in medium containing DMEM, 15% KSR, and 150 ng mL–1 human Noggin resulted in differentiation into neuroectoderm (NESTIN and SOX2), as well as more mature neurons (TUJI and GFAP). The latter resulted in establishment of new NPC lines. The system can be used to study mechanisms involved in the early transition from pluripotency to multipotency in the pig and the reversal of the process caused by reprogramming. The Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation, the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation as well as the EU projects, EU FP7 Stem Cell Project “PartnErS” (218205; 204, 523) and EU FP7 Stem Cell Project “PluriSys” (223485).

211 REPROGRAMMING OF PORCINE NEURAL PROGENITOR CELLS TO INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELL-LIKE CELLS

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are envisioned to play a vital role in future cell replacement therapy. In this context, porcine iPSC would be highly useful for pre-clinical safety testing by autologous transplantation in a porcine biomedical model. However, a major impediment is that currently, continuous expression of reprogramming factors is required to maintain the pluripotent state of porcine iPSC. In the mouse, neural progenitor cells (NPC) have proved to be highly amenable to reprogramming due to their partly stem-like epigenetic state and expression of pluripotency-related genes such as SOX2. The objective of this study was to establish iPSC from porcine epiblast-derived NPC by use of a tetracycline-inducible Tet-ON approach. A total of 1.5 × 105 porcine NPC at passage 6 (Rasmussen et al. 2011) were transduced O/N with 0.5 mL of active virus containing the following porcine pluripotency genes: pOCT4 (pO); pOCT4 and pKLF4 (pOK); pOCT4 and pC-MYC (pOM); pOCT4, pC-MYC and pKLF4 (pOMK) or polycistronic pOCT4, pSOX2, pC-MYC and pKLF4 (pOSMK); all including 0.25 mL of transactivator (rtTA). After 3 days, the cells were trypsinized and passaged to MEF feeder cells and cultured in iPSC medium containing DMEM/F12, 20% KSR, 1% NEAA, 10 μM β-Me, 20 ng mL–1 human bFGF and 2 μg mL–1 doxycycline. On Day 8, tightly packed colonies of cells presenting an embryonic stem cell-like morphology were visible in the pOM, pOMK and pOSMK combinations. In contrast, colonies were not observed with the pO and pOK combination. On Day 14, several iPSC-like colonies were manually picked and subcultured on MEF feeder cells in iPSC medium. Two lines from the pOSMK combination were capable of prolonged clonal propagation while maintaining an ESC-like morphology. However, when doxycycline was removed from the culture medium, growth arrest and spontaneous differentiation occurred. The iPSC-like lines expressed OCT4, SOX2, C-MYC and KLF4, as evaluated by immunocytochemistry and expression of NANOG, SSEA-1 and SSEA-4 was also confirmed, demonstrating activation of endogenous pluripotency genes. The iPSC-like lines were capable of forming embryoid bodies (EB) without addition of doxycycline and in vitro differentiation of EB in medium containing DMEM and 15% FCS confirmed the presence of meso- (SMA) and endodermal (AFP) derivatives by immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, co-culture experiments with MS5 stromal cells in medium containing DMEM, 15% KSR and 150 ng mL–1 human Noggin resulted in differentiation into neuroectoderm (NESTIN and SOX2), as well as more mature neurons (TUJI and GFAP). The porcine iPSC-like lines could serve as an excellent platform for optimizing culture conditions, which may sustain the pluripotency network in the pig and could be applied for autologous stem cell transplantation in a porcine model for evaluation of safety and efficacy. The Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation, the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation as well as the EU projects, EU FP7 (PartnErS, PIAP-GA-2008-218205; PluriSys, HEALTH-2007-B-223485).

Rice husk ash as an adsorbent for purifying biodiesel from waste frying oil

The goal of this work is to study the purification of biodiesel from waste frying oil (WFO) using rice husk ash (RHA) at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% (w/w) and compare it with two other different purification methods, the traditional acid solution (1% aqueous H3PO4) and with the commercial adsorbent Magnesol® 1% (w/w). The structure and composition of the RHA were studied to better understand its properties as an adsorbent. In a concentration of 4%, the RHA showed excellent results for removal impurities from biodiesel. The high concentration of silica in its composition and the presence of meso and macropores can explain its high capacity of adsorption. Thus, the RHA, that is a byproduct of the rice processing, can appear as an alternative material for biodiesel purification.

ChemInform Abstract: Hf(OTf)4‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Addition Reactions of Indole to Enone in the Presence of meso‐ and Chiral Pyridine‐Diamine Ligands.

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.

Water intrusion in mesoporous silicalite-1: An increase of the stored energy

In silicalite-1 (pure silica MFI-type zeolite), the water adsorption is extremely weak when the pressure is lower than the water saturation vapor pressure. The water condensation (intrusion) is obtained by applying a high hydraulic pressure, approximately of 100 MPa. Extrusion of water occurring at the similar pressure, the “water–silicalite-1” system constitutes thus a real molecular spring, which can store and restore mechanical energy. In order to increase the stored energy in this system, the porous volume of this zeolite was increased by the creation of additional micro-, meso- and macropores using carbon black or surfactant [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]hexadecyldimethylammonium chloride, as porogen and templating agents, respectively. The presence of meso- and macropores modifies the water condensation behavior in silicalite-1. Indeed, the water intrusion takes place in two stages. The first one, from 3 to 7 MPa, corresponds to the filling of meso- and macropores but the amount of stored energy is very low. The second one, at 100 MPa, corresponds to the filling of micropores. The increase of the microporous volume leads to an increase of the intruded water volume at high hydraulic pressure. Consequently, the stored energy is greater than for a conventional silicalite-1 zeolite.

Hf(OTf)4-Catalyzed 1,4-Addition Reactions of Indole to Enone in the Presence of Meso and Chiral Pyridinediamine Ligands

Hf(OTf) 4 -catalyzed 1,4-addition reactions of indole to enones in the presence of pyridinediamine are described. Although a dimer and a trimer of indole were produced under the Hf(OTf) 4 catalyzed reaction conditions of indole, the addition of pyridinediamines (La-f) inhibited such oligomerization reactions. A 1:1 mixture of Hf(OTf) 4 and a pyridinediamine ligand formed a Hf(OTf) 4 -pyridinediamine complex, which catalyzed the 1,4-addition reaction very efficiently without the formation of dimer and trimer of indole. The stereochemistry of the pyridinediamine ligands was found to play an important role in the relative rate of the reactions.

Multiporosity in Dried Poly(vinylidene fluoride)−Camphor Systems: Effect of Drying Method on Porosity

Extraction of camphor from poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF2)−camphor systems prepared at two different compositions (10% and 40% w/w) indicates multiporosity. Two methods were applied for the extraction process : (i) by applying vacuum (10-3 mmHg) (VD) and (ii) by replacement of the host matrix by cyclohexane followed by drying (CD). The morphology, porosity, structure, and thermal properties of these samples were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), nitrogen adsorption porosimetry (BET adsorption isotherm), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). High-pressure (20−34 000 psi) MIP histograms for all the samples indicate the presence of meso- and macropores, and low-pressure (0.5−50 psi) MIP histograms indicate the presence of large macropores in the samples. Analysis of pore size distribution from nitrogen adsorption studies by the Horvath−Kawazoe (HK) and Barett−Joyner−H...

Enhanced dissolution of nanosize CuO in the presence of meso- and micro-pores

Dissolution of nanosize CuO in the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) waste water in the presence of micropores (0.74 nm) of Y and mesopores (4 nm) of MCM-41 has been studied by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy in the present work. Since pore openings of Y and MCM-41 are much less than the size of nano-CuO (about 13 nm) in the CMP waste water, CuO is not able to be incorporated directly into the pore systems. At least two reaction paths might be involved in the incorporation process: (1) dissolution of CuO and (2) incorporation of Cu 2+ into Y and MCM-41. Experimentally, during the incorporation process, Y might possess equivalent electric fields of 20–50 V/cm for dissolution of nanosize CuO. Interestingly we found that dissolution of nanosize CuO in the CMP waste water was enhanced, for instance, about 65% and 87% of nanosize CuO were incorporated (as Cu 2+) and incorporated into Y and MCM-41, respectively.

Physical and biological characteristics of the pelagic system across Fram Strait to Kongsfjorden

The Fram Strait is very important with regard to heat and mass exchange in the Arctic Ocean, and the large quantities of heat carried north by the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC) influence the climate in the Arctic region as a whole. A large volume of water and ice is transported through Fram Strait, with net water transport of 1.7–3.2 Sv southward in the East Greenland Current and a volume ice flux in the range of 0.06–0.11 Sv. The mean annual ice flux is about 866,000 km 2 yr −1. The Kongsfjorden–Krossfjorden fjord system on the coast of Spitsbergen, or at the eastern extreme of Fram Strait, is mainly affected by the northbound transport of water in the WSC. Mixing processes on the shelf result in Transformed Atlantic Water in the fjords, and the advection of Atlantic water also carries boreal fauna into the fjords. The phytoplankton production is about 80 g C m −2 yr −1 in Fram Strait, and has been estimated both below and above this for Kongsfjorden. The zooplankton fauna is diverse, but dominated in terms of biomass by calanoid copepods, particularly Calanus glacialis and C. finmarchicus. Other important copepods include C. hyperboreus, Metridia longa and the smaller, more numerous Pseudocalanus ( P. minutus and P. acuspes), Microcalanus ( M. pusillus and M. pygmaeus) and Oithona similis. The most important species of other taxa appear to be the amphipods Themisto libellula and T. abyssorum, the euphausiids Thysanoessa inermis and T. longicaudata and the chaetognaths Sagitta elegans and Eukrohnia hamata. A comparison between the open ocean of Fram Strait and the restricted fjord system of Kongsfjorden–Krossfjorden can be made within limitations. The same species tend to dominate, but the Fram Strait zooplankton fauna differs by the presence of meso- and bathypelagic copepods. The seasonal and inter-annual variation in zooplankton is described for Kongsfjorden based on the record during July 1996–2002. The ice macrofauna is much less diverse, consisting of a handful of amphipod species and the polar cod. The ice-associated biomass transport of ice-amphipods was calculated, based on the ice area transport, at about 3.55 × 10 6 ton wet weight per year or about 4.2 × 10 5 t C yr −1. This represents a large energy input to the Greenland Sea, but also a drain on the core population residing in the multi-year pack ice (MYI) in the Arctic Ocean. A continuous habitat loss of MYI due to climate warming will likely reduce dramatically the sympagic food source. The pelagic and sympagic food web structures were revealed by stable isotopes. The carbon sources of particulate organic matter (POM), being Ice-POM and Pelagic-POM, revealed different isotopic signals in the organisms of the food web, and also provided information about the sympagic–pelagic and pelagic–benthic couplings. The marine food web and energy pathways were further determined by fatty acid trophic markers, which to a large extent supported the stable isotope picture of the marine food web, although some discrepancies were noted, particularly with regard to predator–prey relationships of ctenophores and pteropods.