Temperature Range Research Articles

Few-layer Bi2O2Se: a promising candidate for high-performance near-room-temperature thermoelectric applications

Advancements in high-temperature thermoelectric (TE) materials have been substantial, yet identifying promising near-room-temperature candidates for efficient power generation from low-grade waste heat or TE cooling applications has become critical but proven exceedingly challenging. Bismuth oxyselenide (Bi2O2Se) emerges as an ideal candidate for near-room-temperature energy harvesting due to its low thermal conductivity, high carrier mobility and remarkable air-stability. In this study, the TE properties of few-layer Bi2O2Se over a wide temperature range (20-380 K) are investigated, where a charge transport mechanism transitioning from polar optical phonon to piezoelectric scattering at 140 K is observed. Moreover, the Seebeck coefficient (S) increases with temperature up to 280 K then stabilizes at∼-200μV K-1through 380 K. Bi2O2Se demonstrates high mobility (450 cm2V-1s-1) within the optimum power factor (PF) window, despite itsT-1.25dependence. The high mobility compensates the minor reduction in carrier densityn2Dhence contributes to maintain a robust electrical conductivity∼3 × 104S m-1. This results in a remarkable PF of 860μW m-1K-2at 280 K without the necessity for gating (Vg= 0 V), reflecting the innate performance of the as-grown material. These results underscore the considerable promise of Bi2O2Se for room temperature TE applications.

A new red phosphor for high time-resolved thermal sensitivity and plant growth.

Luminous materials with a rapid lifetime response have garnered significant interest in sensing technology. In this work, the transition element Mn doped phosphor Sr2TiO4:Mn4+ was synthesized by a traditional high temperature solid phase method. The emission peak of Sr2TiO4:0.009Mn4+ aligns closely with the absorption peak of phytochrome Pfr. The temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectra and lifetime of Sr2TiO4:0.009Mn4+ were examined within the temperature range of 273-323 K. The temperature sensing characteristics based on the lifetime were analyzed, and the maximum relative sensitivity was 14.93% K-1 at 309 K. The high sensitivity of the Sr2TiO4:0.009Mn4+ phosphor makes it a promising material for temperature sensing applications.

Reorientation of interfacial water molecules during melting of brain sphingomyelin is associated with the phase transition of its C24:1 sphingomyelin lipids.

Melting of brain sphingomyelin (bSM) manifests as a broad feature in the DSC curve that encompasses the temperature range of 25 - 45 °C, with two distinguished maxima originating from the phase transitions of two the most abundant components: C24:1 (Tm,1) and C18:0 (Tm,2). While C24:1/C18:0 sphingomyelin transforms from the gel/ripple phase to the fluid/fluid phase, the dynamics of water molecules in the interfacial layer remain completely unknown. Therefore, we carried out a calorimetric (DSC), spectroscopic (temperature-dependent UV-Vis and fluorescence) and MD simulation study of bSM in the absence/presence of Laurdan® (bSM ± L) suspended in Britton-Robinson buffer with three different pH values, 4 (BRB4), 7 (BRB7) and 9 (BRB9), and of comparable ionic strength (I = 100mM). According to DSC, T̅m, 1 (≈ 34.5 °C/≈ 32.1 °C) and T̅m, 2 (≈ 38.0 °C/≈ 37.2 °C) of bSM suspended in BRB4, BRB7, and BRB9 in the absence/presence of Laurdan® are found to be practically pH-independent. Turbidity-based data (UV-Vis) detected both qualitative and quantitative differences in the response of bSM suspended in BRB4/BRB7/BRB9 (T̅m: ∼ 35 °C/32.0 ± 0.2 °C/36.4 ± 0.4), suggesting an intricate interplay of weakening of van der Waals forces between their hydrocarbon chains and of increased hydration in the polar headgroups region during melting. The temperature-dependent response of Laurdan® reported a discontinuous, pH-dependent change in the reorientation of interfacial water molecules that coincides with the melting of C24:1 lipids (on average, T̅m (LTC/HTC): ≈ 31.8 °C/30.6 °C/30.5 °C). MD simulations elucidated the impact of Laurdan® on a change in the physicochemical properties of bSM lipids and characterized the hydrogen bond network at the interface at 20 °C and 50 °C.

Non-Fluorinated Cyclic Ether-Based Electrolyte with Quasi-Conjugate Effect for High-Performance Lithium Metal Batteries.

Fluorinated ether-based electrolytes are commonly employed in lithium metal batteries (LMBs) to attenuate the coordination ability of ether solvents with Li+ and induce inorganic-rich interphase, whereas fluorination inevitably introduces exorbitant production expenses and environmental anxieties. Herein, a non-fluorinated molecular design strategy has been conceptualized by incorporating methoxy as an electron-donating group to generate a quasi-conjugate effect for tuning the affinity of Li+-solvent, thereby enabling the cyclic ether solvent 2-methoxy-1,3-dioxolane with weak solvation ability and exceptional Li metal-compatibility. Accordingly, the optimized electrolyte exhibits anion-dominant solvation structure for inorganic-rich interphase and fulfills an impressive Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency of 99.6%. As-fabricated Li||LiFePO4 full cells with limited Li (N/P = 2.5) showcase a high capacity retention of 83% after 150 cycles, indicating excellent cycling stability. Moreover, the full LMBs demonstrate exceptional tolerance towards a wide temperature range from -20 oC to 60 oC, displaying a remarkable capacity retention of 90% after 110 cycles at -20 oC. Such a molecular design strategy offers a promising avenue for electrolyte engineering beyond fluorination in order to cultivate high-performance LMBs.

Moisture-Stable CsSnBr2Cl Halide Perovskite: Electrochemical Insights in Aqueous Environments.

In this investigation, moisture-stable CsSnBr2Cl nanoparticles were synthesized by incorporating Cl into CsSnBr3 halide perovskite using the hot injection method. Various analyses including XRD, XPS, UV-vis absorbance, photoluminescence, and Mott-Schottky have confirmed that the structural properties, chemical states, optical properties, and electronic band structure of CsSnBr2Cl nanoparticles remain intact even after 75 days of water immersion, thereby conclusively demonstrating their moisture stability. In a three-electrode system, the comparative electrochemical performance of pristine CsSnBr3 nanoparticles and moisture-stable Cl-incorporated CsSnBr2Cl nanoparticles was evaluated in various aqueous electrolytes, including HCl, Na2SO4, and KOH. The results indicate that the CsSnBr2Cl electrode material exhibits superior electrochemical properties, such as a larger integrated cyclic voltammetry (CV) area, a wider potential window, longer charge-discharge times, and lower impedance parameters compared to the pristine CsSnBr3 nanoparticles. The electrochemical performance of CsSnBr2Cl nanoparticles was evaluated for potential applications in batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and water splitting, with a focus on reaction kinetics, charge storage mechanisms, and impedance parameters. The electrochemical properties of the nanoparticles were assessed using a three-electrode configuration across various 0.5 M aqueous electrolytes (HCl, Na2SO4, and KOH). In HCl, the nanoparticles demonstrated impressive charge storage capability, achieving a capacitance of 474 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, affirming their suitability for energy storage devices. In Na2SO4(aq.), the nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability for supercapacitors, operating up to 1.6 V without significant oxygen evolution. Notably, in KOH, they demonstrated potential as effective water-splitting electrodes. The practical applicability of the nanoparticles was evaluated using a symmetric two-electrode configuration with HCl and Na2SO4 electrolytes. The capacitance values were 117 F g-1 in HCl and 70 F g-1 in Na2SO4 at 1 A g-1. Notably, after 5000 GCD cycles in HCl(aq.), the nanoparticles retained 93% of their capacitance and maintained 91% Coulombic efficiency. They also demonstrated stable operation across a temperature range of 3 to 60 °C, achieving an energy density of 5.83 W h kg-1 at a power density of 600 W kg-1. This study emphasizes the considerable potential of CsSnBr2Cl nanoparticles in advancing electrochemical energy storage technologies and sets a solid foundation for future research and development in metal halide perovskites.

Calculation of the Second EXAFS Cumulant of Si Using the Anharmonic Correlated Einstein Model

The second expanded X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) cumulant of the crystalline silicon (Si) has been studied in the temperature-dependent. This is calculated in explicit forms using the anharmonic correlated Einstein (ACE) model developed from the correlated Einstein model based on the anharmonic effective potential and the quantum statistical theory. The numerical results of Si in the temperature range from 0 to 1200 K are in good agreement with those obtained by the other theoretical models and experiments at several temperatures. The analytical results show that the ACE model is suitable for analyzing the experimental EXAFS data of diamond cubics.

An emf-temperature reference function for Pt-20%Rh versus Pt thermocouples in the temperature range of 0 °C to 1100 °C

Abstract An electromotive force-temperature reference function for thermocouples made of platinum-20%rhodium versus platinum (Pt-20%Rh/Pt) was determined for the temperature range from 0 °C to 1100 °C. Three Pt-20%Rh/Pt thermocouples were constructed at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and were compared with standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs), an Au/Pt thermocouple and a Pt/Pd thermocouple, which were all calibrated at fixed points of the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90). The comparison measurements were performed in stirred liquid baths in the range from 0 °C to 545 °C, in a sodium heat pipe from 560 °C to 980 °C, and in a five-zone furnace at temperatures between 1000 °C and 1100 °C. Furthermore, the Pt-20%Rh/Pt thermocouples were calibrated at fixed points of the ITS-90. The PTB reference function based on two of the three Pt-20%Rh/Pt thermocouples has an expanded measurement uncertainty of 0.25 K in the temperature range from 0 °C to 1100 °C.

Study on the Hydrophobic Modification Mechanism of Stearic Acid on the Surface of Coal Gasification Fly Ash

In this study, the hydrophobic modification of coal gasification fly ash (FA) was investigated given the adverse effects of surface hydrophilic structures on the material field. The surface of FA was modified using stearic acid (SA), which successfully altered its hydrophilic structure. When the contact angle of S-FA increased from 23.4° to 127.2°, the activation index increased from 0 to 0.98, the oil absorption decreased from 0.564 g/g to 0.510 g/g, and the BET-specific surface area decreased from 13.973 m2/g to 3.218 m2/g. The failure temperature of SA on the surface of S-FA was 210 °C. The adsorption mechanism of FA was analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD). The adsorption of water molecules by FA involved both chemical and physical adsorption, with active adsorption sites for Al, Fe, and Si. The adsorbed water molecules on the surface of FA formed hydrogen bonds with a bond length of 1.5–2.5 Å, leading to agglomeration. In addition, the long alkyl chain in SA mainly relied on the central carbon atom in the (-CH3) structure to obtain electrons in different directions from the H atoms in space, increasing the Coulomb repulsion with the O atoms in the water molecule and thereby achieving the hydrophobic effect. In the temperature range of 298 K to 358 K, the combination of FA and SA became stronger as the temperature increased.

Ultrahigh-Temperature Long-Persistent Luminescence from B2O3-Confined Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds.

Organic molecules and polymers have recently been intensively explored for afterglow materials owing to their low cost and flexible design. However, they normally fail to generate long-persistent luminescence at elevated temperatures, mostly due to the fast deactivation of triplet excited states. Here, we report that polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) individually confined in a B2O3 crystalloid emit long-persistent luminescence at high temperatures up to 400 °C. This is facilely accomplished by dispersing a series of aromatic derivatives in an aqueous solution of boric acid, followed by drying, melting, and dehydrating. The resulting highly rigid and thermostable B2O3 crystalloid network provides a matched ultrastrong confinement effect and completely restricts the vibration and rotation of the molecularly distributed PACs even at ultrahigh temperatures and thereby prevents the nonradiative dissipation of triplet excitons and promotes the generation of ultrahigh-temperature long-persistent luminescence. The afterglow colors are responsive to both temperature and time, spanning from ultraviolet to near-infrared regions over a wide temperature range, which is substantially modulated by the subtle balance of phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence. These features favor the creation of advanced afterglow materials for visual 3D temperature probing, anticounterfeiting, and data encryption in extreme environments.

Engineered hybrid iron‐cobalt metal oxide nanoparticles for effective adsorption of malachite green dye

AbstractBACKGROUNDHybrid iron and cobalt metal oxide nanoparticles are well known; however, are not optimized in terms of size and stability. We engineered these hybrid nanoparticles using the co‐precipitation method and characterized them by various techniques, which are then used for the effective adsorption and removal of malachite green (MG) dye.RESULTSThe ideal conditions for synthesis are determined to be 50:50 ratio of Fe2O3 and CoO, pH of 11, temperature range of 40 °C–60 °C, and reactant addition time of 20 min. These hybrid nanoadsorbents effectively eliminated MG dye from aqueous solutions. Factors such as initial MG dye concentration, pH of the medium, contact time, temperature, and nanoadsorbent dose were optimized for the MG removal to achieve a maximum removal efficiency of 96.9%. Non‐linear fitting of data indicates that both Langmuir and Freundlich models provided the best fit, suggesting the presence of both monolayer and multilayer adsorption of MG on hybrid nanoparticles. The kinetics of MG dye removal are better controlled by the intraparticle diffusion (IPD) phenomenon. The adsorption of MG onto the hybrid nanoparticles was confirmed to be endothermic, with negative ΔG and positive ΔH values. The optimized synthetic conditions also positively impacted the hybrid nanoparticles which enhanced the adsorption and exhibited ferromagnetic behavior as compared to the superparamagnetic behavior reported in the literature, making them significantly important for dye removal applications.CONCLUSIONThese findings demonstrate the potential of optimized hybrid nanoparticles as effective nanoadsorbents for dye removal applications, with implications for further applications in photocatalysis and sensing. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Numerical Simulation Study on Coupled Heat Transfer During the Heating Process of Hot Isostatic Pressing Equipment

Abstract Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) technology is currently the primary process for manufacturing high-performance advanced materials, powder metallurgy, and diffusion bonding. With the increasing demand for enhanced material performance and a wider range of materials, the HIP process now requires reaching temperatures of up to 2000 °C and pressures of 200 MPa, with a temperature range of less than ±5 °C. This presents significant challenges in equipment design. This article utilizes engineering data inversion methods to accurately determine material parameters under high temperatures and establishes a visual simulation model for the core area of HIP equipment. By comparing the calculated temperatures with actual equipment temperature uniformity during experimental processes, the study found that after 120 min of heating, the simulated temperature in the working area closely matched the actual engineering temperature of 2105.36 K, with an error of less than 5%. Under empty furnace conditions, the minimum temperature difference in the working area is 12 K, and effective temperature uniformity can be easily achieved through insulation. Simulation results indicated that the processed product may decrease temperature uniformity in the furnace, suggesting that adding bottom insulation could increase temperature uniformity in the effective heat zone by 25%. This research provides a theoretical foundation for HIP equipment design and process optimization through simulation, ultimately enhancing process quality in a cost-effective and cost-efficient manner.

A Planar-Cavity Receiver Configuration for High-Temperature Solar Thermal Processes

Next-generation concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) technologies target a wide spectrum of applications including electricity generation, thermochemical processes, and industrial process heat for broad decarbonization potential. Many of these applications require higher temperatures than those of current commercial nitrate salt systems. Particulate materials are promising candidates for next-generation high-temperature heat transfer and low-cost storage media and can facilitate operation over a wide temperature range. However these materials necessitate novel receiver configurations to accept the high incident flux concentrations that enable high solar-to-thermal receiver efficiency. One option is a novel light-trapping planar cavity receiver configuration in which small cavity-like structures are formed from opaque planar surfaces such that a high incident flux concentration at the cavity aperture is reduced to a wall-absorbed solar flux concentration that is manageable within limited wall-to-particle heat transfer rates. The paper introduces the receiver configuration and provides calculated optical performance for a preliminary 50 MWt receiver design.

Thermophysical Profile of Industrial Graphene Water-Based Nanofluids

The exceptional properties of high-grade graphene make it an ideal candidate for thermal dissipation and heat exchange in energy applications and nanofluid development. Here, we present a comprehensive study of few-layer graphene (FLG) nanofluids prepared in an industrial context. FLG nanofluids were synthesized through an ultrasound-assisted mechanical exfoliation process of graphite in water with a green solvent. This method produces FLG of high structural quality and stable nanofluids, as demonstrated by electron microscope, dynamic light scattering and ζeta potential analyses. Thermal conductivity measurements of FLG-based nanofluids were conducted in the temperature range of 283.15 K to 313.15 K, with FLG concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 0.200% in wt. The thermal conductivity of FLG nanofluids is up to 20% higher than water. The modeling of nanofluid thermal conductivity reveals that this enhancement is supported by the influence of the thermal resistance at the FLG interface, and the content, average dimensions and flatness of FLG sheets; this latter varying with the FLG concentration in the nanofluid. Additionally, the density and heat capacity of FLG suspensions were measured and compared with theoretical models, and the rheological behavior of FLG nanofluids was evaluated. This behavior is mainly Newtonian, with a weak 5% viscosity increase.

Nano‐Enhanced Water Purification: Uncovering the Dye Adsorption Efficiency of Ni‐Zn‐S@Cyclodextrine Nanomaterial

AbstractThis research investigates the synthesis of a hybrid nanomaterial, denoted as Ni‐Zn−S@Cyclodextrine, through a cost‐effective and easy co‐precipitation method. The resulting nanomaterial has been thoroughly characterized and applied for the adsorptive removal of Crystal violet and Congo red dyes from their solutions. The study delves into the thermodynamics and kinetics of the sorption process, as well as helps to propose adsorption mechanism for both the dyes onto the Ni‐Zn−S@Cyclodextrine surface. A comprehensive analysis, encompassing techniques, such as XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDX, TEM, TGA, Zeta potential, and XPS, have been conducted to explore the structural and morphological attributes of the prepared nanomaterial. Furthermore, key sorption parameters, including adsorbent's dosage, temperature, contact time, and solution pH, have been systematically optimized to achieve maximum efficiency. The TEM images of prepared nanomaterial indicated the particle size ranging between 60–80 nm. Moreover, it exhibited a strong affinity for both the dyes, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 138.20 mgg−1 for Congo red and 129.95 mgg−1 for Crystal violet dyes at 303 K. The thermodynamics of the adsorption process indicated an endothermic and spontaneous nature. Isotherm studies revealed that the data best aligned with the Freundlich isotherm, while the kinetics of the reaction adhered to a pseudo‐second order within the investigated temperature range.

Thermodynamics of gaseous strontium and calcium cerates studied by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry and estimation of relative electron ionization cross-section for CeO2(g).

Ceria-based systems are of great interest because of their unique properties. Such systems may be used as anode materials for SOFCs or in oxygen sensors. Theexploitation of these materials often requires high temperatures. In such conditions, the partial or complete evaporation of materials is possible. Therefore, knowledge of the values of partial pressures and thermodynamic properties is essential to predict and/or prevent possible consequences and accidents. Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry was used to determine partial pressures of vapor species over the SrO-CeO2 and CaO-CeO2 systems. Measurements of partial pressures were performed with a MS-1301 mass spectrometer. Vaporization was carried out using molybdenum or tungsten effusion cells. A theoretical study of gaseous strontium and calcium cerates was performed by several quantum chemical methods: density functional theory (DFT) M06, DFT PBE0, and MP2. The minimum value of relative electron ionization cross-section for CeO2 was estimated. In the temperature range of 2218-2249 K above the SrO-CeO2 system and of 2128-2208 K above the CaO-CeO2 system, gaseous M, MO, MO, CeO2, O, O2 and MCeO3 (M = Sr, Ca) were found. Energetically favorable structures of gaseous SrCeO3 and CaCeO3 were found, and vibrational frequencies were evaluated in the "rigid rotor-harmonic oscillator" approximation. On the basis of the equilibrium constants of gaseous reaction MO + CeO2 = MCeO3, the standard formation enthalpy of gaseous SrCeO3 (-913 ± 26 kJ/mol) and of gaseous CaCeO3 (-917 ± 26 kJ/mol) at 298 K were determined. The estimated value of relative electron ionization cross-section for CeO2 is in agreement with the general rule applicable for dioxides. The stability of SrCeO3 and CaCeO3 gaseous species was confirmed by KEMS. Gas-phase reactions involving gaseous SrO (CaO) and CeO2 with gaseous SrCeO3(CaCeO3) were studied. Enthalpy of formation reaction of gaseous SrCeO3(CaCeO3) from gaseous SrO (CaO) were evaluated theoretically, and the obtained value is in agreement with the experimental one.

Application of the Reconstructed Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence by Machine Learning in Agricultural Drought Monitoring of Henan Province, China from 2010 to 2022

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) serves as a proxy indicator for vegetation photosynthesis and can directly reflect the growth status of vegetation. Using SIF for drought monitoring offers greater potential compared to traditional vegetation indices. This study aims to develop and validate a novel approach, the improved Temperature Fluorescence Dryness Index (iTFDI), for more accurate drought monitoring in Henan Province, China. However, the low spatial resolution, data dispersion, and short temporal sequence of SIF data hinder its direct application in drought studies. To overcome these challenges, this study constructs a random forest SIF downscaling model based on the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument SIF (TROPOSIF) and the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. Assuming an unchanging spatial scale relationship, an improved SIF (iSIF) product with a temporal resolution of 500 m over the period March to September, 2010–2022 was obtained for Henan Province. Subsequently, using the retrieved iSIF and the surface temperature difference data, the iTFDI was proposed, based on the assumption that under the same vegetation cover conditions, lower soil moisture and a greater diurnal temperature range of the surface indicate more severe drought. Results showed that: (1) The accuracy of the TROPOSIF downscaling model achieved coefficient of determination (R²), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.847, 0.073 mW m−2 nm−1 sr−1, and 0.096 mW m−2 nm−1 sr−1, respectively. (2) The 2022 iTFDI drought monitoring results indicated favorable soil moisture in Henan Province during March, April, July, and August, while extensive droughts occurred in May, June, and September, accounting for 70.27%, 71.49%, and 43.61%, respectively. The monitored results were consistent with the regional water conditions measured at ground stations. (3) The correlation between the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and iTFDI at five stations was significantly stronger than the correlation with the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI), with the values −0.631, −0.565, −0.612, −0.653, and −0.453, respectively. (4) The annual Sen’s slope and Mann–Kendall significance test revealed a significant decreasing trend in drought severity in the southern and western regions of Henan Province (6.74% of the total area), while the eastern region showed a significant increasing trend (4.69% of the total area). These results demonstrate that the iTFDI offers a significant advantage over traditional indices, providing a more accurate reflection of regional drought conditions. This enhances the ability to identify drought trends and supports the development of targeted drought management strategies. In conclusion, the iTFDI constructed using the downscaled iSIF data and surface temperature differential data shows great potential for drought monitoring.

Diurnal Temperature Range Trends Differ Below and Above the Melting Point

AbstractThe globally averaged diurnal temperature range (DTR) has shrunk since the mid‐20th century, and climate models project further shrinking. Observations indicate a slowdown or reversal of this trend in recent decades. Here, we show that DTR has a minimum for average temperatures close to 0°C. Observed DTR shrinks strongly at colder temperature, where warming shifts the average temperature toward the DTR minimum, and expands at warmer temperature, where warming shifts the average temperature away from the DTR minimum. Most, but not all climate models reproduce the minimum DTR close to average temperatures of 0°C and a stronger DTR shrinking at colder temperature. In models that reproduce the DTR minimum, DTR shrinking slows down significantly in recent decades. Models project that the global‐mean DTR will shrink over the 21st century, and models with a DTR minimum close to 0°C project slower shrinking than other models.

Low Energy (

Benzonitrile (BZN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) are versatile solvents used as a precursor for the synthesis of many products. As multi-usage molecules, these compounds may be involved in sustainable chemistry processes such as the cold plasma techniques for which the generated electrons are known to be responsible for reactions. Therefore, it is desirable to explore the interaction of low energy electrons with the co-compounds in the gas phase. The production of chlorine and cyanine anions, initiated by the electron collision with CCl4 and BZN, respectively, undergo nucleophilic substitution SN2 reaction with the precursors molecules for the synthesis of chlorobenzene and tricholoacetonitrile. The mechanism of fragmentation of benzonitrile and the synthesis reactions are rationalized by DFT calculations. The yield of the cyanine anion produced from the ion reaction increases with the temperature of the admixture gas, probed in the 25-100 °C temperature range. The present work may contribute to a potential process for the production of chlorobenzene for instance via (cold) plasma techniques.

Thermofluidic behavior of a 2-m nitrogen-charged cryogenic capillary pumped loop during its supercritical startup

A cryogenic capillary pumped loop (CCPL) is a highly efficient two-phase capillary-force-driven heat transport device that operates at cryogenic temperatures. CCPL satisfies the demands for space applications in cryogenic regions as it can transport heat over long distances without mechanical moving parts. In this study, the transient internal flow during the supercritical startup of CCPL was predicted, and various temperature relationships were used to determine whether CCPL starts up or not. The utilized CCPL comprised a wick (pore radius = 1.0 μm), exhibited a heat transport distance of 2 m, and was filled with nitrogen as the working fluid. The supercritical startup experiments were performed at a temperature range of 77–300 K; the startup procedure was initiated when the maximum temperature of CCPL decreased to ∼150 K. Three different liquid supply cycles were tested during the supercritical startup, and the startup time was reduced (a maximum and minimum of 4.1 and 1.9 h, respectively). CCPL started when the evaporator temperature was below the cold reservoir temperature. Thus, the temperature relationship between the cold reservoir and evaporator at the time of applying the heat load to the evaporator could be used to determine the possibility of starting CCPL. The startup was considered successful when the cold reservoir temperature was higher than the evaporator temperature, as the cold reservoir, which exhibited a two-phase state, supplied sufficient liquid to the evaporator, filling the inside of the evaporator with liquid.

Unraveling the ecological niche signals of Verticillium dahliae: Insights from Mediterranean landscapes.

Verticillium wilt (VW), caused by the soil-borne plant pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae, is a major disease impacting olive crops globally. In view of the lack of effective post-infection treatments, exclusion and avoidance strategies are essential in disease management. Assessing the risks posed by this pathogen is essential to prevent the spread and to ensure selection of suitable sites for new plantations. This study aimed to elucidate the environmental factors driving V. dahliae establishment in the Andalusia region, in southern Spain, an emblematic Mediterranean landscape for olive cultivation. To this end, we explored ecological niche signals for this fungal pathogen by analyzing 62 environmental variables across 1.6 million hectares dedicated to olive and cotton cultivation, using a 15-yr survey data on VW incidence on presence-absence from both olive and cotton fields. To ensure robust identification of ecological niche signals, we employed randomization-based, non-parametric univariate tests to compare presence records with the broader sampling universe (including absence records). Our findings identified key environmental variables that are associated significantly with V. dahliae presence, including temperature range seasonality (including mean diurnal and annual ranges), summer temperature (maximum of the warmest month, mean of the warmest quarter), and moisture and water availability (near-surface humidity, potential evapotranspiration, vapor pressure) as core niche variables for V. dahliae. Our results replicated the pathogen's known distribution, identifying the Guadalquivir Valley as a particularly high-risk area in view of its mild winters and distinct rainy seasons, providing new insights into the specific environmental conditions that facilitate the pathogen's survival and spread. Furthermore, this study introduces a novel approach to niche modeling that prioritizes variables with consistent effects and significant impact on the presence and distribution of V. dahliae and identifies potential data artifacts. This approach enhances our understanding of ecological requirements in V. dahliae and informs targeted management strategies.