Modification Process Research Articles

Formulasi dan Analisa Kandungan Zat Gizi pada Formulasi Puding Sedot

Product modification can be used as an intervention method to prevent nutritional problems. The addition of ingredients that have certain nutrients can be used in the modification process, thereby increasing the product's superiority and affecting the quality of the resulting product. It is necessary to analyze the nutrient content to decide whether the nutrients in the product are convenient with the specified nutritional adequacy claim. The purpose of this study was formulating suction puding made from high protein ingredients and analyzing the nutrient content. This research was a quantitative study included in the experimental design to determine the nutritional content of moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content in the formulation of suction puding. Formulation was carried out in dietetic and culinary laboratory and Analysis of nutrient content was carried out at the Laboratory of Chemistry and Microbiology of Agricultural Products, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sriwijaya University. Data analysis in this study is bivariate using ANOVA test if the data is normally distributed and Duncan's further test, while data that is not normally distributed uses Kruskall-Wallis test and Mann-Withney further test. The results was formulation samples consisted of four different recipes of suction puding formulations (A, B, C and D) then the bivariate analysis in this study showed significant differences in water, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content (p<0.05), while in ash content there was no significant difference in the various formulations (p>0.05).

Production of nanocomposite films based on low density polyethylene/surface activated nanoperlite for modified atmosphere packaging applications

The modified atmosphere packaging films based on polyethylene nanocomposites reinforced with perlite nanoparticles were prepared using a blow molding machine. The perlite particles were first reduced to nano dimensions using an abrasive mill, then the porosity of nanoperlite was increased to improve their efficiency in absorbing ethylene gas. For this purpose, 6 normal sodium hydroxide solution at 50°C temperature was used. Finally, perlite nanoparticles were modified by polymethyl hydrogen siloxane silane compound. In each of the stages of grinding and modifying the perlite surface, the necessary tests including dynamic light diffraction test, nitrogen absorption test and ethylene gas absorption test were performed using gas chromatography method. The results showed that the size of perlite particles was reduced to 500 nm by using an abrasive mill, and the surface modification process increased the specific surface area of perlite by 10 times. Based on this, the amount of ethylene gas absorption in perlite nanoparticles with modified surface increased up to 3 times compared to normal perlite. The results of the gas chromatography test showed that the nanocomposite film based on polyethylene reinforced with 6% by weight of modified perlite nanoparticles has several times the efficiency in absorbing ethylene gas compared to the potassium permanganate sachets The results of the mechanical properties tests of nanocomposite film in comparison with pure polyethylene film showed that nanocomposite film has higher properties than pure polyethylene. The results of shelf-life tests of green tomatoes packed in nanocomposite film based on polyethylene reinforced with modified nanoperlite showed that green tomatoes can be stored for two months using the prepared modified atmosphere packaging.

Genetic and selective constraints on the optimization of gene product diversity.

RNA and protein expressed from the same gene can have diverse isoforms due to various post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. For the vast majority of alternative isoforms, It is unknown whether they are adaptive or simply biological noise. As we cannot experimentally probe the function of each isoform, we can ask whether the distribution of isoforms across genes and across species is consistent with expectations from different evolutionary processes. However, there is currently no theoretical framework that can generate such predictions. To address this, we developed a mathematical model where isoform abundances are determined collectively by cis-acting loci, trans-acting factors, gene expression levels, and isoform decay rates to predict isoform abundance distributions across species and genes in the face of mutation, genetic drift, and selection. We found that factors beyond selection, such as effective population size and the number of cis-acting loci, significantly influence evolutionary outcomes. Notably, suboptimal phenotypes are more likely to evolve when the population is small and/or when the number of cis-loci is large. We also explored scenarios where modification processes have both beneficial and detrimental effects, revealing a non-monotonic relationship between effective population size and optimization, demonstrating how opposing selection pressures on cis- and trans-acting loci can constrain the optimization of gene product diversity. As a demonstration of the power of our theory, we compared the expected distribution of A-to-I RNA editing levels in coleoids and found this to be largely consistent with non-adaptive explanations.

Advances in Ubiquitination and Proteostasis in Retinal Degeneration.

Retinal degeneration (RD) is a group of chronic blinding diseases characterised by progressive retinal cell death. As the disease progresses, vision deteriorates due to retinal cell death and impaired retinal integrity, eventually leading to complete loss of vision. Therefore, the function and environmental homeostasis of the retina have an important impact on the pathogenesis and treatment of RD. Ubiquitination, as a complex post-translational modification process, plays an essential role in maintaining retinal homeostasis and normal function. It covalently combines ubiquitin with protein through a series of enzyme-mediated reactions, and participates in cell processes such as gene transcription, cell cycle process, DNA repair, apoptosis and immune response. At the same time, it plays a central role in protein degradation. There are two major protein degradation systems in eukaryotic cells: the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the autophagy-lysosomal system. The protein degradation pathway maintains retinal protein homeostasis by reducing abnormal protein accumulation in the retina through two modes of degradation. Either dysregulation of ubiquitination or disruption of protein homeostasis may lead to the development of RD. This article aims to comprehensively review recent research progress on ubiquitin-related genes, proteins and protein homeostasis in the pathogenesis of RD, and to summarize the potential targeted therapy strategies for it. The review is expected to provide valuable guidance for further development and application of ubiquitination in RD.

Analysis of the effect of boric acid and compatibilizer addition to polylactic acid/basalt fiber composites

AbstractThe objective of this study is to improve the properties of polylactic acid (PLA), a biopolymer produced from renewable resources, without compromising its environmentally friendly “natural composite” properties. The aim was to expand the application range of PLA by making it suitable for the production of high performance composites. With this in mind, it was decided to use inorganic and environmentally friendly materials such as basalt fiber (BF) and boric acid (BA) as reinforcements. Adhesive wear and tensile tests were used to investigate the tribological and mechanical performance of the composites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dimensional stability analysis (DSA) methods were used to investigate the thermal properties. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was also used to investigate the morphological properties of the samples. In addition, a matrix modification process using Joncryl®, an epoxy‐based chain extender chemical, was applied to enhance the interfacial interaction between the composite components and improve the composite properties by improving the dispersion of reinforcing materials. As a result of the characterization tests, it was observed that a significant improvement in the properties of the material type containing 10 wt% BF, 0.25 wt% BA and 2 wt% Joncryl® was achieved. A 19% increase in tensile strength of this type of material was observed compared with unreinforced PLA, while the sharp peak increase in the coefficient of friction (COF) curve was shifted from 20 m to 60 m. As a result, it has been presented that environmentally friendly and inorganic materials such as BF and BA can be used to produce composite materials that will serve sectors where the need and use of high performance materials is intense, especially in the automotive, aerospace and aviation sectors.Highlights The properties of PLA matrix composites were improved by the simultaneous use of BF and BA and the addition of Joncryl®. The structural properties of PLA, an environmentally friendly polymer, have been improved without compromising this characteristic. PLA matrix natural composites with performance that can be used in the automotive, aerospace and aviation sectors have been developed.

Multistage melt/fluid modification of lithospheric mantle beneath the circum-cratonic orogenic belt: Evidence from the Tuoyun peridotite xenoliths

The juvenile and moderate refractory mantle beneath the circum-cratonic orogenic belt is traditionally believed to be hotter and thinner than the ancient refractory cratonic mantle; it is thus more unstable and subject to modification by melts/fluids. Understanding these modification processes would help to elucidate the evolution of Earth’s continents. Peridotite xenoliths carried by the Tuoyun Cenozoic lamprophyre from the southwestern Tianshan belt show evidence of widespread multistage melt/fluid modification of the unstable circum-cratonic orogenic belt mantle. Tuoyun peridotites mainly consist of moderately refractory to fertile lherzolites (Mg# in Ol: 85.5−90.7; Cr# in Sp: 12.7−26.5) and show strong mechanical modification. They can be divided into four groups (A, B, C1, and C2) based on petrography and mineral chemistry. Group A lherzolites show relatively high basaltic components (Al2O3, CaO, TiO2, and FeO) and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and rare earth elements (REEs), which indicates melt-peridotite reaction processes at high melt/rock ratios. The high modal pyroxene content in Group A suggests that the addition of high-Si melts caused the transition from olivine to pyroxene. Group B lherzolites show high modal pyroxene but relatively depleted incompatible elements, which should be superimposed by later melt extraction. Comparatively, Group C lherzolites exhibit higher modal olivine but lower basaltic components. The clinopyroxene cores of Group C1 are characterized by high (La/Yb)N and low Ti/Eu content, negative high field strength element (HFSE) anomalies, and relatively high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (cores: 0.70331−0.70457), which suggest metasomatism by carbonatite melts originating from recycled sedimentary carbonate. The Group C1 clinopyroxene (spongy rims) and Group C2 clinopyroxene (cores and spongy rims) have positive Sr anomalies, depleted HFSEs, and spoon-shaped REE patterns, which suggest modification by evolved small-volume and volatile-rich silicate melts. In addition, the melt pockets around spinels and the reactive zones of pyroxenes near the lamprophyre reveal the recent incongruent dissolution induced by the host rock. Based on our research and previously reported geological data, we propose that the high-Si melts and carbonatite melts are the products of dehydration and partial melting of the Paleo-Asian oceanic crust, and lithospheric delamination and fracturing (e.g., the Talas-Fergana strike-slip fault) provided the opportunity for small-volume and volatile-rich silicate melts and basaltic melts to modify the peridotites. Multistage melts/fluids and the deformation process are the protagonists in the evolutionary process of the circum-cratonic lithospheric mantle, with important implications for mantle destabilization and multilayered interaction.

노인 치매인지교구 및 교수활동안 개발연구

Objectives Due to the super-aging population, the number of elderly people and the number of elderly people with dementia are increasing rapidly, emerging as an important problem in our society. Therefore, there is a need to develop teaching aids necessary for preventing and delaying dementia. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to study teaching activities that can develop and utilize dementia cognitive teaching aids. Methods To achieve this, first, we selected the type of cognitive aids. We identified the types of aids suitable for use in nursing homes or day care centers and selected the appropriate ones. Second, we determined the purpose of the aids. We analyzed the processes of dementia in the elderly and investigated the content of classes in institutions such as nursing homes or day care centers. Third, through literature review, we examined domestically produced cognitive aids, repackaged cognitive aids, and practical cognitive aids. Fourth, we designed the aids in five different areas. Fifth, we conducted a validation and modification process with an expert group, followed by testing the usability of the aids and further modifications. Results Through preliminary research and literature review, we established the development process. As a result, we derived the domains for cognitive aids for elderly dementia patients and outlined teaching activities accordingly. Conclusions First, teaching aids were developed in five areas: language ability, numerical and spatial ability, sensory ability, memory thinking ability, and social relations ability. Second, teaching activity plans for five teaching aids were developed. This was used as a teaching aid for cognitive education for the elderly with dementia in the field, and access to the use of occupational therapists, social workers, and nursing care workers was minimized through the activity plan.

Mettl3-m6A-YTHDF1 axis promotion of mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease

BackgroundN6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification and mitochondrial function hold paramount importance in the advancement of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). AimThe aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of m6A on hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and provide a novel perspective for a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of MASLD. MethodsHigh-throughput screening methods were used to identify the underlying transcriptome and proteome changes in MASLD model mice. Western blotting, blue native gel electrophoresis (BNGE), dot blot, and Seahorse analyses were conducted to identify and validate the underlying regulatory mechanisms of m6A on mitochondria. ResultsIn vivo, abnormal m6A modification in MASLD was attributed to the upregulation of methyltransferase like 3 (Mettl3) and the downregulation of YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) induced by high-fat foods. In vitro, knockdown of Mettl3 inhibited hepatic oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC), while overexpression of Mettl3 promoted these processes. However, knockout of the reader protein YTHDF1, which plays a crucial role in the m6A modification process, counteracted the effect of Mettl3 and suppressed mitochondrial OXPHOS. ConclusionsIn MASLD, damage to the MRC may be regulated by the Mettl3-m6A-YTHDF1 axis, particularly by the role of YTHDF1. Modulation of the Mettl3-m6A-YTHDF1 axis has the potential to improve mitochondrial function, alleviate MASLD symptoms, and decrease the likelihood of disease progression.

Advancing Plastic Recycling: A Review on the Synthesis and Applications of Hierarchical Zeolites in Waste Plastic Hydrocracking

The extensive use of plastics has led to a significant environmental threat due to the generation of waste plastic, which has shown significant challenges during recycling. The catalytic hydrocracking route, however, is viewed as a key strategy to manage this fossil-fuel-derived waste into plastic-derived fuels with lower carbon emissions. Despite numerous efforts to identify an effective bi-functional catalyst, especially metal-loaded zeolites, the high-performing zeolite for hydrocracking plastics has yet to be synthesized. This is due to the microporous nature of zeolite, which results in the diffusional limitations of bulkier polymer molecules entering the structure and reducing the overall cracking of plastic and catalyst cycle time. These constraints can be overcome by developing hierarchical zeolites that feature shorter diffusion paths and larger pore sizes, facilitating the movement of bulky polymer molecules. However, if the hierarchical modification process of zeolites is not controlled, it can lead to the synthesis of hierarchical zeolites with compromised functionality or structural integrity, resulting in reduced conversion for the hydrocracking of plastics. Therefore, we provide an overview of various methods for synthesizing hierarchical zeolites, emphasizing significant advancements over the past two decades in developing innovative strategies to introduce additional pore systems. However, the objective of this review is to study the various synthesis approaches based on their effectiveness while developing a clear link between the optimized preparation methods and the structure-activity relationship of the resulting hierarchical zeolites used for the hydrocracking of plastics.

Effect of Acetylation on the Morphology and Thermal Properties of Maize Stalk Cellulose Nanocrystals: A Comparative Study of Green-Extracted CNC vs. Acid Hydrolysed Followed by Acetylation

This study highlights the advantages of employing acetylation to enhance the morphology and thermal properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from maize stalks. Utilizing a green synthesis approach for CNC extraction, this research presents a novel comparison between green extracted CNCs, and their acid hydrolysed, followed by their acetylated counterparts (ACCNCs). This comparison reveals significant improvements in the properties of acetylated CNCs over those produced through conventional acid hydrolysis. The study employs advanced characterization techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), to analyze untreated maize stalk extracted cellulose, green extracted CNCs, and acetylated CNCs. FTIR spectroscopy identifies changes in functional groups, underscoring the efficacy of the extraction and modification processes. XRD analysis demonstrates a beneficial transformation from cellulose I to cellulose II allomorphs post-acetylation, with increased crystallinity index values indicating effective removal of amorphous regions. SEM imaging reveals the preservation of rod-like structures in CNCs, while acetylated CNCs exhibit advantageous morphological changes, such as reduced nanocrystal length and increased branching. TGA results show superior thermal stability in green extracted CNCs and favorable thermal degradation behavior in acetylated CNCs. Overall, this study underscores the potential of acetylation to develop sustainable nanomaterials with tailored properties, offering significant advancements for various applications. Emphasizing the advantages of the prepared ACCNCs and the green synthesis method over traditional acid hydrolysis extraction, this research paves the way for innovative applications in diverse fields.

Transverse Inscription of Silicon Waveguides by Picosecond Laser Pulses

AbstractIn this work, picosecond laser inscription of segmented waveguides in crystalline silicon based on a deterministic single‐pulse modification process is demonstrated. Pulses of 43 ps duration at 1.55 wavelength are used to transversely inscribe periodic structures with a pulse‐to‐pulse pitch of ≈2 . Infrared shadowgraphy images and Raman spectroscopy measurements indicate that the modifications exhibit a spherical shape. Characterization of waveguide performance at 1.55 for various pulse energies and periods is carried out. Direct comparison with numerical simulations confirms the presence of graded index waveguides, encompassing a micrometer core size and a maximum refractive index change of . This short‐pulse inscription approach can pave the way for 3D integrated photonic devices in the bulk of silicon.

Advanced ion-selective wood membranes: Leveraging aligned cellulose nanofibers for enhanced osmotic energy conversion

Nanofluidic reverse electrodialysis (RED) is widely recognized as an exceptionally effective method for harvesting osmotic energy. Nevertheless, its progress has been impeded by the high costs and intricate fabrication processes associated with the required ion exchange membranes. The ion-selective wood membranes (ISWM) are derived directly from natural wood through a meticulously designed two-step chemical modification and densification process. The obtained ISWM with a highly charged surface effectively preserves the alignment of nanochannels from the cellulose fibers sourced in natural wood. Moreover, the laminated structure consisting of oriented nanofibers enhances ion conductivity by a factor of 4 compared to natural wood birch under low KCl concentrations. The charged and aligned nanochannels serve as nanofluidic conduits, facilitating selective ion transport. This, in turn, engenders efficient charge separation and the generation of an electrochemical potential difference. In energy harvesting systems such as ISWM-RED, the synergistic interplay between the electrochemical potential difference and ionic flux manifests in a remarkable output power density, reaching up to 658 mW m−2 to a salinity gradient of KCl at a magnitude of 50-fold. ISWM is an outstanding nanofluidic material that provides a cost-effective and easy-to-prepare solution for producing natural nanofluidic materials. Our investigation delineates a promising trajectory for developing high-performance nanofluidic RED devices tailored for efficient osmotic energy harvesting from renewable and abundant natural resources.

Effects of Lipoproteins on Metabolic Health.

Lipids are primarily transported in the bloodstream by lipoproteins, which are macromolecules of lipids and conjugated proteins also known as apolipoproteins. The processes of lipoprotein assembly, secretion, transportation, modification, and clearance are crucial components of maintaining a healthy lipid metabolism. Disruption in any of these steps results in pathophysiological abnormalities such as dyslipidemia, obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, and cardiovascular diseases. By studying these genetic mutations, researchers can gain valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that govern the relationship between protein structure and its physiological role. These lipoproteins, including HDL, LDL, lipoprotein(a), and VLDL, mainly serve the purpose of transporting lipids between tissues and organs. However, studies have provided evidence that apo(a) also possesses protective properties against pathogens. In the future, the field of study will be significantly influenced by the integration of recombinant DNA technology and human site-specific mutagenesis for treating hereditary disorders. Several medications are available for the treatment of dyslipoproteinemia. These include statins, fibrates, ezetimibe, niacin, PCSK9 inhibitors, evinacumab, DPP 4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists GLP1RAs, GLP-1, and GIP dual receptor agonists, in addition to SGLT2 inhibitors. This current review article exhibits, for the first time, a comprehensive reflection of the available body of publications concerning the impact of lipoproteins on metabolic well-being across various pathological states.

Sulfonated modified rice straw for selective adsorption and extraction of gold ions from highly acidic solutions

In this study, a novel and cost-effective adsorbent, sulfonated modified rice straw (SRS), was developed for the selective adsorption and extraction of gold ions from acidic solutions. The SRS was synthesized through a simple and environmentally friendly sulfonation crosslinking modification process, leveraging the abundant and low-cost agricultural waste, rice straw. The surface of SRS was functionalized with sulfonic acid groups, which, under acidic conditions, exhibited positive charges that facilitated the electrostatic adsorption of negatively charged AuCl4- ions. Concurrently, the hydroxyl groups within the adsorbent structure donated electrons, reducing the adsorbed AuCl4- ions to metallic gold. SRS showed excellent adsorption selectivity and high adsorption efficiency for gold under different experimental conditions. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of SRS for gold were well-described by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively, indicating a chemisorption process predominantly governed by the electronic interactions and active sites on the SRS surface. The maximum adsorption capacity of SRS for gold was determined to be 88.81 mg/g in a 1 M HCl medium, showing its superior performance compared to other reported adsorbents under similar acidic conditions. An economic evaluation revealed that the SRS-based gold recovery process is financially viable, with a potential net profit of $71 per cubic meter of degoldized solution processed. Sulfonated modified rice straw adsorbent presents a promising and sustainable approach for the selective recovery of gold ions from complex acidic solutions, offering significant potential for application in the gold extraction industry.

Study on the Performance of Asphalt Modified with Bio-Oil, SBS and the Crumb Rubber Particle Size Ratio.

To enhance the properties of SBS and crumb rubber-modified asphalts, four different amounts (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of castor oil were added to crumb rubber-modified asphalts to mitigate the adverse effects of high levels of fine crumb rubber particles on the aging resistance of SBS and crumb rubber-modified asphalt. Initially, a conventional test was conducted to assess the preliminary effects of bio-oil on the high-temperature and anti-aging properties of SBS and crumb rubber-modified asphalt. Subsequently, dynamic shear rheometer and bending beam rheometer tests were employed to evaluate the impact of bio-oil on the high- and low-temperature and anti-fatigue properties of SBS and crumb rubber-modified asphalt. Finally, fluorescence microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to examine the micro-dispersion state of the modifier and functional groups in bio-oil, SBS and crumb rubber composite-modified asphalts. The experimental results indicated that bio-oil increased the penetration of SBS and crumb rubber-modified asphalt, decreased the softening point and viscosity, and significantly improved its aging resistance. The addition of bio-oil enhanced the anti-fatigue properties of SBS and crumb rubber-modified asphalt. The optimal amount of added bio-oil was identified. Bio-oil also positively influenced the low-temperature properties of SBS and crumb rubber-modified asphalt. Although the addition of bio-oil had some adverse effects on the asphalt's high-temperature properties, the asphalt mixture modified with bio-oil, SBS, and crumb rubber still exhibited superior high-temperature properties compared to unmodified asphalt. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results demonstrated that bio-oil can be uniformly dispersed in asphalt, forming a more uniform cross-linked structure and thereby enhancing the aging resistance of SBS and crumb rubber-modified asphalt. The modification process involved the physical blending of bio-oil, SBS, and crumb rubber within the asphalt. Comprehensive research confirmed that the addition of bio-oil has a significant and positive role in enhancing the properties of SBS and crumb rubber-modified asphalt with different composite crumb rubber particle size ratios.

Grafted sepiolite as smart nanocontainer for Daphne Gnidium plant extract: PH-dependent controlled release and effective green anti-corrosion coating

This study focuses on advancing the development of environmentally sustainable and efficient active anti-corrosion coatings for metal substrates in various engineering applications. A novel smart anti-corrosive container was developed using fibrous sepiolite clay (Sep). Sep was first subjected to grafting with 3-Aminopropyl-diethoxy-methylsilane (APDEMS). Subsequently, the grafted-Sep (Sep-G) was used to load a Daphne Gnidium plant extract (DGE) as a natural corrosion inhibitor. The modification process of Sep was carefully monitored and characterized through Zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV/visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results highlighted the successful clay modification with a silane loading of 7.68 % and a DGE adsorbed amount of approximately 58 mg/g. The DGE release behavior of the elaborated nanocomposite (Sep-G@DGE) was studied at different pH values and showed distinct pH-dependent release profiles. The rates were in the following order: acidic > alkaline > neutral. Electrochemical properties of Sep-G@DGE were investigated on a bare mild steel electrode in 0.1 M NaCl solution, demonstrating a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 90 % for a 24-hour immersion time at a concentration of 1 g/L. Moreover, the beforehand prepared nanocontainer, Sep-G@DGE, was incorporated into an alkyd resin to formulate a smart anti-corrosion coating. This coating exhibited enhanced anti-corrosion properties and sustained inhibitory effects over time compared to that of a pure alkyd coating. The coating's efficiency is attributable to the high dispersion of the layered clay mineral structure, which allowed an on-demand release of the DGE inhibitor. In addition, the presence of free APDEMS NH3+ group leads to the formation of electrostatic interactions with the adsorbed chloride ions on the metal surface, acting thus as a barrier against corrosive agents and inhibit rust formation in paint cracks.

Speciation distribution and leaching behavior of heavy metals in coal gasification fine ash: Influence of particle size, carbon content and mineral composition

In this study, the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals in coal gasification fine ash (CGFA) with different particle sizes were investigated to ensure safer disposal and utilization strategies for CGFA. These measures are critical to sustainable industrial practices. This study investigates the distribution and leachability of heavy metals in CGFA, analyzing how these factors vary with particle size, carbon content, and mineral composition. The results demonstrated that larger CGFA particles (>1 mm) encapsulated up to 70 % more heavy metals than smaller particles (<0.1 mm). Cr and Zn were present in higher concentrations in larger CGFA particles, whereas volatile elements such as Zn, Hg, Se, and Pb were found in relatively higher contents in finer CGFA particles. At least 70 % of Hg in CGFA was present in an acid-soluble form of speciation, whereas Cd, Zn, and Pb were mostly present in a reducible form of speciation, which could be attributed to the presence of franklinite. More than 40 % of Cd and Zn in fine CGFA particles exist in an acid-soluble form. With the exception of CGFA_1.18, Se in CGFA mainly existed in an oxidizable form at a ratio of 60 %–80 %. This could be attributed to the presence of bassanite particles as well as the higher affinity of Se for S. In contrast, Cr, Cu, and As were mostly present in residual speciation forms owing to their parasitism in quartz, sillimanite, and amorphous Fe solid solution in CGFA. Additionally, the study revealed that there was no significant relationship between heavy metal content, leaching behavior, and carbon content in CGFA. Based on combined analyses using toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) leaching concentrations and risk assessment code (RAC) results, it is recommended to focus on the environmental risks posed by Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Hg in CGFA during their modification and utilization processes.

Branched polymer grafted graphene oxide (GO) as a 2D template for calcium phosphate growth

HypothesisGraphene Oxide (GO)-templated deposition of inorganic materials through synthesis on dispersed single sheets of GO is often complicated by the loss of the desired 2D morphology owing to the coagulation of GO sheets at high salt concentrations and non-templated homogenous nucleation. Modifying GO with anionic polymer is expected to solve both problems by i) enhancing electrostatic(steric) stabilization upon exposure to high concentrations of the ionic precursors, and ii) offering additional nucleation sites at the grafted anionic moieties to avoid homogeneous secondary nucleation. ExperimentsGO was grafted with branched copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA 500) and diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DEGDMA) and ω-vinyl terminated methacrylic acid macromonomer (P(MAA)), the latter serving as an addition-fragmentation chain transfer agent. The colloidal stability of GO dispersions in water toward salt was evaluated before and after modification. Precipitation of calcium phosphate (CaP) was performed by incubating modified GO in the precursor solutions. The conditions were optimized to maximize the nucleation selectively onto GO without homogeneous CaP nucleation and coagulation of the GO-sheets. FindingsThe copolymer grafted GO-sheets shows superior colloidal stability when dispersed in water. No aggregation occurs in the incubating ionic CaP precursor solutions. The optimum templated deposition of CaP onto the GO sheets by precipitation is to add a second shot of precursors after the nucleation stage to obtain GO sheets fully decorated with calcium phosphate nanorods without self-nucleation. Via the careful design on the GO modification and incubation process, the growth of calcium phosphate nanorods were confined in the desired 2D order exclusively, hereby achieving the goal of an efficient GO-templated synthesis.

Phosphate Removal from Polluted Water via Lanthanum-Modified Sludge Biochar

Biochar has attracted attention for its capability to remove phosphorus (P) from wastewater. However, the poor dispersion and limited adsorption capacity of unmodified biochar prevent its wide usage in water remediation. Herein, sludge biochar was modified using lanthanum nitrate to improve the removal of P from aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to elucidate the modification and adsorption mechanisms of biochar. Furthermore, the adsorption performance of the modified biochar was determined through adsorption kinetics and isotherm model fitting. The results showed that the modification process successfully introduced lanthanum-containing functional groups into biochar and considerably improved the complexation performance and ion-exchange capacity. The maximum experimental adsorption capacity for phosphate was 140.237 mg/g at pH 3.0. The adsorption processes of the modified biochar accorded with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model, which indicates the successful adsorption of phosphate onto the modified biochar via multilayer adsorption. The adsorption mechanism was dominated by chemisorption, which mainly involved inner-sphere complexation, precipitation, and electrostatic attraction. Meanwhile, the adsorption and desorption experiments demonstrated the satisfying recycling performance of the modified biochar and the 72.3% adsorption capacity retention after the sixth desorption cycle. The dynamic adsorption study revealed that the modified biochar had long sustainable treatment durations of 7.58 and 9.08 h at adsorbent dosages of 1 and 2 g, respectively, which proves the feasibility of using biochar as a cost-effective and efficient adsorbent for phosphate-polluted water.

A solid-state surface-to-bulk modification with a multifunctional modified layer for 4.6 V LiCoO2

With the attempts of more than 30 years, the current commercial LiCoO2 (LCO) offers a reversible capacity of 185 mAh g−1 with a cut-off voltage of 4.5 V vs. Li+/Li. Further increasing the cut-off voltage, more lithium-ions can extract, deeply enhancing the capacity and energy density. However, it results in numerous side reactions and a significant decay in battery cycle performance. To address these issues, Nano-LiNbO3 as a coating agency is introduced by a solid-state surface-to-bulk modification process. To avoid the agglomeration and achieve uneven coating of Nano-LiNbO3 in the solid-state reaction, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is introduced as a dispersant, which effectively ensures the uniform and smooth coating along with the carbonization process. The modified LCO sample presents a specific reversible capacity of 215.5 mAh g−1 in the initial cycle and a capacity retention rate of 90 % after 100 cycles at 3–4.6 V and 0.5 C. Further analysis demonstrate that the LiNbO3 surface coating layer and the element gradient doping layer provide LCO a stable structure and an inert surface, which improves the surface stability, suppresses the oxygen release and ensures the enhanced electrochemical performance.