Decomposition Rate Constants Research Articles

Recovery of soil microbial diversity and functions along a tropical montane forest disturbance gradient

Logging and forest conversion are occurring at alarming rates in tropical forests. These disturbances alter soil microbial community structure and functions. While direct links between changes in soil properties, such as pH and microbial community structure are well established, the indirect effects of logging and forest conversion on soil microbial community structure and functions are poorly understood. We used a space-for-time substitution to investigate the changes in soil microbial diversity and functions across a forest recovery gradient in the tropical montane forests of northern Borneo. We used surface (top 5 cm) soil to assess soil physicochemical and microbial (next-generation DNA sequencing) properties, and standardized litterbags (Tea Bag Index) to assess litter decomposition and stabilization. Our results show that bacterial and fungal diversity increases with recovery time and reaches pre-disturbance levels between 60- and 80-years post-disturbance. Litter decomposition rate constants increased linearly with increasing bacterial and fungal diversity. Litter stabilization also increased linearly with fungal diversity, but was highest at intermediate levels of bacterial diversity. Our results provide insights on the effects of forest logging and conversion on soils and highlight the tight coupling between soil microbial diversity and soil functions in tropical montane forests.

METALOXIDE COMPOSITES FOR PHOTOCATALYTIC DISINTEGRATION OF TOXICANTS

The processes of plasma-electrolytic formation of heteroxide coatings on titanium alloys for the photocatalytic disintegration of natural and technogenic toxicants are studied. Synthesis of coatings was carried out from aqueous diphosphate solutions in the galvanostatic mode. For a quantitative description of photocatalytic reactions, reaction rate constants were calculated from the linearized dependences lnCt/C0, where Ct is the current concentration of the azodye and C0 is the initial concentration of the reactant. The surface morphology of the coatings was studied by atomic force microscopy and visualized the results by reconstructing the relief in the form of 2D and 3D topographic maps. The morphological features of titanium (IV) oxide coatings and heteroxide composites containing zinc and / or copper oxides are analyzed. It has been shown that the specific surface remains an effective factor in controlling the photocatalytic activity of coatings; therefore, the establishment of the morphology of heteroxide composites, as well as methods for controlling this parameter of the target product, is an invariable component of a systematic study of such materials when establishing their functional properties. It is established that, in comparison with titanium oxide coatings, whose surface layers are characterized by toroidal mesostructures, heteroxide compositions have a more developed surface, which positively affects their functional properties. Subsequent heat treatment also has the same effect on coating properties. The rate constants of the photocatalytic decomposition of the methyl orange azodye, determined under similar conditions, were used to rank coatings of various compositions according to their functional properties. Thus, for the reaction on the surface of titanium oxide, the rate constant is 1.56∙10–3 min–1, while for the heterooxide layer TiO2·ZnO it increases to 5.8∙10–3 min–1. The coating of TiO2·ZnO is the most catalytically active, although the TiO2·ZnO·CuO system also accelerates the decomposition process with a degree of degradation of 25% for 60 minutes, further, the efficiency of the catalyst decreases.

Influence of dolomite particle size on the kinetics of its thermal decomposition process

The results of an experimental study of the thermal decomposition of natural dolomite, carried out on laboratory equipment at constant temperatures of 650 °C, 700, 750, 800 and 850 °C, are discussed. Particles of Belarusian dolomite weighing 0.58 g, 0.88, 2.3, 2.7, 7.6 and 16.3 g were used as the test samples. An integral equation describing the kinetics of thermal decomposition of natural dolomites of Belarus is presented. It is shown that the reaction rate of thermal decomposition of dolomite depends not only on the temperature regime in the reaction zone, but is also largely determined by the mass of the samples under study. It has been established that the rate constant of thermal decomposition of dolomite in the studied range of sample masses can be determined by the empirical expression identified in the course of this study. The rate constants of thermal decomposition of dolomite particles of various masses have been determined. The values of the rate constants obtained empirically and those calculated taking into account the mass of the samples are compared. It is noted that the developed model is physically justified, and the dependence proposed in the work can be incorporated into existing engineering methods for calculating generator gas purification systems using dolomite as a catalyst and sorbent.

Modelling soil carbon stocks following reduced tillage intensity: A framework to estimate decomposition rate constant modifiers for RothC-26.3, demonstrated in north-west Europe

Simulating cropland soil carbon changes following a reduction in tillage intensity is necessary to determine the utility of this management practice in climate change mitigation. In instances where reduced or no tillage increases soil carbon stocks, this is typically due to reduced decomposition rates of plant residues. Although some soil carbon models contain a priori decomposition rate modifiers to account for tillage regime, these are typically not calibrated to specific climatic regions, and none are currently available for the Rothamsted Carbon Model (RothC). Here, we present a modelling framework to estimate a tillage rate modifier (TRM) for the decomposition rate constants in RothC-26.3 which determine decay between soil carbon pools. We demonstrate this for north-west Europe, using published data assembled through a recent systematic review with propagation of error from input parameters throughout the framework. The small magnitude of soil carbon change following a reduction in tillage intensity in this region is reflected in our TRM estimates for no-till of 0.95, with 95% Credible Intervals [0.91, 1.00], and reduced tillage of 0.93 [0.90, 0.97], relative to conventional high-intensity tillage with a default TRM of 1. These TRMs facilitate realistic simulation of soil carbon dynamics following a reduction of tillage intensity using RothC, and our simple, transparent, and repeatable modelling framework is suitable for application in other climatic regions using input data generalisable to the context of interest.

Revisiting low temperature oxidation chemistry of n-heptane

Benefitting from the rapid development of instrumental analysis methods, intermediate products that were difficult to probe in the past can now be measured and quantified in complex reaction systems. To understand low temperature reactions of interest for combustion applications, and reduce the deviations between model predictions and experimental measurements, constant advancement in understanding low temperature oxidation process is necessary. This work examines the oxidation of n-heptane in jet-stirred reactors at atmospheric pressure, with an initial n-heptane mole fraction of 0.005, equivalence ratio of 0.5, a residence time of 1s, and over a temperature range of 500-800 K. Reaction products were analyzed using synchrotron ultra-violet photoionization mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Ignition delay times of n-heptane/O2/CO2 mixture were measured in a rapid compression machine at 20 and 40 bar over a 600-673 K temperature range. Based on the experimental results, a comprehensive kinetic model of n-heptane low temperature oxidation was developed by considering the sub-mechanisms of keto-hydroperoxide, cyclic ether, heptene isomers, and the third O2 addition reaction, and by updating the rate constants of keto-hydroperoxide decomposition and second oxygen addition reactions. The combination of reaction mechanism development and evaluation of the rate constants of key reactions enabled the model to effectively predict the species concentrations and ignition delay times of n-heptane low temperature oxidation, providing additional insight into alkane low temperature oxidation chemistry.

Catalytic decomposition and mass transfer of aqueous ozone promoted by Fe-Mn-Cu/γ-Al2O3 in a rotating packed bed

This study investigated catalytic decomposition and mass transfer of aqueous ozone promoted by Fe-Mn-Cu/γ-Al2O3 (Cat) in a rotating packed bed (RPB) for the first time. The results showed that the value of the overall decomposition rate constant of ozone (Kc) and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KLa) are 4.28 × 10−3 s−1 and 11.60 × 10−3 s−1 respectively at an initial pH of 6, β of 40, CO3(g) of 60 mg·L−1 and QL of 85 L·h−1 in deionized water, respectively. Meanwhile, the Kc and KLa values of Fenhe water are 0.88 × 10−3 s−1 and 2.51 × 10−3 s−1 lower than deionized water, respectively. In addition, the Kc and KLa values in deionized water for the Cat/O3-RPB system are 44.86% and 47.41% higher than that for the Cat/O3-BR (bubbling reactor) system, respectively, indicating that the high gravity technology can facilitate the decomposition and mass transfer of ozone in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation and provide some insights into the industrial wastewater.

Decomposition differences between snags and logs in forests of Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Rising temperatures could increase forest ecosystem disturbance frequency and severity, transferring large amounts of live biomass to coarse woody debris (CWD) pools that emit carbon (C). The type of disturbance-created CWD influences the rate, amount, and duration of this C emission. We studied the effect of a large-scale disturbance on CWD dynamics in spruce-dominated forests of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, by determining CWD decomposition rate constants (k) using the chronosequence and decomposition-vectors methods and by modeling the hypothetical CWD dynamics occurring after a bark beetle outbreak versus a windthrow. Chronosequence-based k’s for mass ranged between 0.020 and 0.022 year−1 for logs and between 0.000 and 0.003 year−1 for snags. Decomposition-vectors-based k’s for log mass ranged between 0.022 and 0.045 year−1 among three decomposition phases and between 0.014 and 0.048 year−1 among five decay classes. Our analysis showed that snag-generating disturbances delayed C flux from CWD to the atmosphere, produced a smaller magnitude of C flux, and had the potential to store 10% to 66% more C in the system over time than disturbances generating logs. Thus, landscapes affected by disturbances creating snags (versus logs) may revert faster to C neutrality, suggesting forest management practices should reflect these differences.

Effects of polyglycerol polyricinoleate on the antioxidant pathways of curcumin during the peroxidation of canola oil

Polyglycerol-polyricinoleate (PGPR) and curcumin were added to canola oil in order to evaluate the effects of PGPR on the interfacial performance of curcumin. A combination-model (linear-sigmoidal) was employed for measuring kinetic-indices relevant to the initiation and propagation phases during the peroxidation process. In the presence of curcumin (4.343 mM), the rate constants of formation and decomposition of hydroperoxides (ROOHs) were 2.94 × 10−5 meq.kg and 6.1 × 10−3 min−1, respectively, which significantly decreased compared to the control sample. The antioxidant activity of curcumin (1.086 mM) was 2.07, which increased in the presence of PGPR (2.72). This enhancement was due to a decrease in the participation rate of curcumin molecule (AH) in an undesirable chain-initiation reaction, i.e. AH + ROOH→A●+RO●+H2O. In addition, an analysis of rate equations showed that the electron-transfer mechanism of curcumin was modified in the presence of PGPR, so that the rate of participation was reduced to zero in the undesirable reaction, i.e. A●+RH→AH + R●.

Hydrothermal synthesis of graphene oxide/NiO and its influence on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Graphene oxide/nickel oxide (GO/NiO) nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal procedure. The GO/NiO nanocomposite is characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The influence of GO/NiO nanocomposites on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) is investigated by thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The results reveal two stages thermal decomposition of pure AP changed to a one-stage highly exothermic process at much lower temperatures in the presence of GO/NiO nanocomposites. The released heat of AP thermal decomposition is increased from 649 J g -1 for pure AP (AP0) to 1259 and 2195 J.g -1 , for AP:GO/NiO 97:3 (AP3) and 95:5 (AP5) mixtures, respectively. Furthermore, decomposition temperature of AP significantly has decreased from 419 °C (AP0) to 307 °C (AP3) and 287 °C (AP5). The kinetic parameters are calculated by Kissinger equation for thermal decomposition of AP0 and AP5. The catalytic activity of GO/NiO nanocomposite is revealed by pre-exponential factor and the calculated activation energy, also the decomposition rate constant is increased from 4.2 × 10 -3 s -1 at 419 °C (pure AP) to 1.04 × 10 -2 s -1 at 287 °C (peak temperature of AP5 sample).

Hydroxyl radical induced from hydrogen peroxide by cobalt manganese oxides for ciprofloxacin degradation

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are promising technology to remove organic pollutant in water. However, the main problem in the AOPs is the low generation of hydroxyl radical (•OH) owing to the low decomposition efficiency of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Herein, the spinel type cobalt acid manganese (MnCo2O4) with flower morphology was fabricated through a co-precipitation method. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms that the MnCo2O4 with the optimal molar ratio of Co and Mn precursors (CM3, Co:Mn = 3) has more Lewis acid sites compared with single metal oxide catalysts (Co3O4 and Mn2O3), leading to the excellent performances for H2O2 decomposition rate constant on CM3, which is about 15.03 and 4.21 times higher than those of Co3O4 and Mn2O3, respectively. As a result, the obtained CM3 shows a higher ciprofloxacin degradation ratio than that of Co3O4 and Mn2O3. Furthermore, CM3 shows an excellent stability during several cycles. This work proposes effective catalysts for ciprofloxacin decomposition and provides feasible route for treating practical environmental problems.

Sonosensitized Aggregation-Induced Emission Dots with Capacities of Immunogenic Cell Death Induction and Multivalent Blocking of Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 for Amplified Antitumor Immunotherapy

Sonosensitized Aggregation-Induced Emission Dots with Capacities of Immunogenic Cell Death Induction and Multivalent Blocking of Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 for Amplified Antitumor Immunotherapy

Decomposition dynamics and driving factors of manure in reclaimed soils in coal mining area

Understanding the decomposition dynamics and driving factors of manure in the soil subjected to different reclaimed years could provide theoretical basis to rational utilization of manure and soil fertility improvement in coal mining area. Cattle manure and pig manure were mixed with soils subjected to different reclaimed years (one year, R1; 10 years, R10; and 30 years, R30) at the ratio of manure carbon to soil mass of 4 to 100, so as to examine manure decomposition characteristics using the nylon mesh bag (15 cm deep of soil buried) in the Shanxi coal mine reclamation area, with no manure addition as control (CK). Soil samples were collected at day 12, 23, 55, 218, 281, and 365 to measure the contents of soil manure residual, soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The contributions of soil properties, manure properties, and hydrothermal condition to manure decomposition were quantified. The results showed that the decomposition rates of pig manure were significantly higher than cattle manure. The humification coefficient of pig manure (average 46.3%) was lower than that of cattle manure (average 71.7%). The humification coefficient of pig manure was significantly lower in the 30-year reclaimed soil (44.5%) compared to the 1-year and 10-year reclaimed soil (average 47.2%). There was no significant difference in the humification coefficient of cattle manure among the three reclaimed soils. The proportion and decomposition rate constant of labile carbon pool of pig manure and cattle manure were significantly different, with values of 52% and 26%, and 0.00085 and 0.00074 ℃-1, respectively. The positive effect of pig manure on MBC and DOC in reclaimed soil was significantly higher than that of cattle manure over 0-218 days, but no difference over 281-365 days. The magnitude of the enhancement of MBC and DOC in those three reclaimed soils after manure amendments showed a similar trend of R1 >R10 ≈ R30. Results of variance partitioning analysis showed that manure decomposition was mainly controlled by manure properties (17.9%) when considering soil properties, manure properties, and hydrothermal condition. In conclusion, the decomposition of pig manure but not cattle manure was regulated by reclamation year. Cattle manure, with higher humification coefficient than pig manure, was recommended for reclaimed mining area to improve soil fertility.

Catalyzed H2O2 decomposition over iron oxides and oxyhydroxides: Insights from oxygen production and organic degradation

Iron minerals, such as iron oxides and iron oxyhydroxides, are the main influential soil components in catalyzed hydrogen peroxide propagation (CHP). Due to their dual effects on H2O2 activation to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and invalid consumption to produce oxygen, the intrinsic reactivity of iron minerals toward H2O2 decomposition requires comprehensive investigations. Herein, six iron minerals (hematite, magnetite, maghemite, goethite, feroxyhyte, and ferrihydrite) for H2O2 decomposition were investigated by a combination of normalized kinetic rate constants of H2O2 decomposition (NkH2O2), O2 production (NkO2), benzoic acid degradation (NkBA), and hexachloroethane degradation (NkHCA) over the surface area of each mineral. The results indicate H2O2 decomposition over iron minerals is a surface-related heterogeneous process. Hematite and goethite are the most promising minerals for environmental cleanup in terms of ROS production, because their H2O2 utilization efficiency for benzoic acid (BA) degradation (0.138 and 0.024 mol BA/mol H2O2 for hematite and goethite, respectively) are highest among the six iron minerals. Magnetite and maghemite are highly active for both H2O2 decomposition and O2 production at neutral and basic pHs. The presence of organic compounds suppresses O2 production by more than 60%, which favors H2O2 utilization. Ferrihydrite and feroxyhyte are considered as the problematic mineral for CHP due to that the two minerals acquire a high O2 production and negligible ROS generation at all pHs. The results of this study provide new insights to increase the understandings of H2O2-iron mineral systems and guide the application of iron minerals in chemical oxidation technologies.

Degradation of Minocycline by the Adsorption–Catalysis Multifunctional PVDF–PVP–TiO2 Membrane: Degradation Kinetics, Photocatalytic Efficiency, and Toxicity of Products

The photocatalytic degradation of minocycline was studied by using polyvinylidene fluoride–polyvinylpyrrolidone–TiO2 (PVDF–PVP–TiO2) fiber mats prepared by an electrospinning technology. The influences of the TiO2 dosage, minocycline concentrations, inorganic anions, pH values, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentrations on the degradation kinetics were investigated. A mass of 97% minocycline was degraded in 45 min at 5% TiO2 dosage. The corresponding decomposition rate constant was 0.069 min−1. The inorganic anions affected the minocycline decomposition in the order of HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3−, which was confirmed by the results of electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra. The lowest electrical energy per order (EEO) was 6.5 Wh/L. Over five cycles, there was no change in the photocatalytic performance of the degrading minocycline. Those investigations suggested that effective degradation of minocycline could be reached in the PVDF–PVP–TiO2 fiber mats with a low energy consumption, good separation and, good recovery. Three photocatalytic decomposition pathways of minocycline were proposed: (i) hydroxyl substitution of the acylamino group; (ii) hydroxyl substitution of the amide group, and (iii) a cleavage of the methyl groups and further oxidation of the amino group by OH. Potential risks caused by TP159 and TP99 should not be ignored, while the TP90 are nontoxic. Tests indicated that the toxicity of the photocatalytic process may be persistent if minocycline and its products were not mineralized completely.

Comparison of the Spectroscopically Measured Catalyst Transformation and Electrochemical Properties of Grubbs' First- and Second-Generation Catalysts.

According to UV–vis spectroscopy (0.10 mM, CH2Cl2 at 25 °C), the catalyst transformation (which could possibly include ligand dissociation with active catalyst formation, dimer formation, and decomposition) rate constants (kobs) of Grubbs’ first (1) and second (2) generation catalysts are 7.48 × 10–5 and 1.52 × 10–4 s–1, respectively. From 31P NMR (0.1 M, CD2Cl2, at 25 °C), the catalyst transformation was 5.1% for 1 and 16.5% for 2 after 72 h. However, due to the larger concentrations of the NMR samples compared to the UV–vis samples, the extent of transformation did not correspond. The oxidation potential of the RuII/RuIII couple of 2 (E°’ = 27.5 mV at v = 200 mV s–1) was considerably lower than that of 1 (E°’ = 167 mV at v = 200 mV s–1). In the case of 1, a second reduction peak appeared at slow scan rates. This may probably be ascribed to an electrochemically active compound that was formed from the intermediate cation 1•+ and the subsequent reduction of the latter. The oxidation/reduction of 1 proceeds according to an ErCi electrochemical mechanism (Er = electrochemically reversible step, Ci = chemically irreversible step), whereas 2 proceeds according to an ErCr electrochemical mechanism (Er = electrochemically reversible step, Ci = chemically reversible step).

Non-Boltzmann Effects in Chain Branching and Pathway Branching for Diethyl Ether Oxidation

Low-temperature (LT) engine applications have several potential benefits, including reduced emissions and increased efficiency. Attaining these benefits requires accurate kinetic modeling of LT chain branching, which depends heavily on ketohydroperoxide (KHP) decomposition. For diethyl ether (DEE), a promising biofuel, current estimates of the KHP decomposition rate constant are largely based on empirical fits to data. In this study, we investigate the most important KHP isomer in DEE LT oxidation by applying variable reaction coordinate transition state theory to the main pathway for KHP decomposition: OO bond fission to produce •OH and a keto-alkoxy radical, •OQ′O. We also use ab initio kinetics methods to investigate the decomposition of •OQ′O, where we find dominant branching to acetic acid, with the remaining flux going to CH3C(O)OCHO. Additionally, new time-resolved measurements of DEE and acetic acid concentrations during LT (450–600 K) DEE oxidation are obtained in a laser photolysis flow reactor coupled with multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometry. These new experimental data, along with jet-stirred reactor data in the literature, are compared with the predictions of a recent DEE mechanism (Tran et al. Proc. Comb. Inst. 2019, 37, 511−519) that was modified with the newly calculated ab initio rate constants for KHP and •OQ′O decomposition. The predictions of the modified mechanism are quite poor when compared to the experimental data; this is primarily due to the new KHP ⇄ •OQ′O + •OH rate constant, which is 1–2 orders of magnitude slower than empirical values employed in recent mechanisms. To reconcile the new KHP rate constant and the experimental data, we explore and quantify the possible role of non-Boltzmann (nB) reaction sequences. The nB reactions have a substantial effect on both the overall mechanism reactivity and the •OQ′O branching to acetic acid. We also provide guidance on the proper implementation of nB reactions in kinetic mechanisms.

Highly Porous SnO2/TiO2 Heterojunction Thin-Film Photocatalyst Using Gas-Flow Thermal Evaporation and Atomic Layer Deposition

Highly porous heterojunction films of SnO2/TiO2 were prepared using gas-flow thermal evaporation followed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Highly porous SnO2 was fabricated by introducing an inert gas, Ar, during thermal evaporation. To build heterogeneous structures, the TiO2 layers were conformally deposited on porous SnO2 with a range of 10 to 100 cycles by means of ALD. The photocatalytic properties for different TiO2 thicknesses on the porous SnO2 were compared using the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation. The comparisons showed that the SnO2/TiO2-50 heterostructures had the highest photocatalytic efficiency. It removed 99% of the MB concentration, and the decomposition rate constant (K) was 0.013 min−1, which was approximately ten times that of the porous SnO2. On the other hand, SnO2/TiO2-100 exhibited a lower photocatalytic efficiency despite having a TiO2 layer thicker than SnO2/TiO2-50. After 100 cycles of TiO2 ALD deposition, the structure was transferred from the heterojunction to the core–sell structure covered with TiO2 on the porous SnO2, which was confirmed by TEM analysis. Since the electrons photogenerated by light irradiation were separated into SnO2 and produced reactive oxygen, O2−, the heterojunction structure, in which SnO2 was exposed to the surface, contributed to the high performance of the photocatalyst.

용액 내 플라즈마 반응을 이용한 아세틸살리실산 분해 연구

In this work, the plasma reaction in solution was applied to decompose acetylsalicylic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs detected in water and soil environment. In particular, the effects of electrical energy supply conditions and oxidation additives as hydrogen peroxide on the decomposition reaction rate of acetylsalicylic acid were evaluated. The amount of active species such as hydroxyl radicals and oxygen radicals generated by plasma reaction was determined by the electrical operating parameters. By increasing the electrical operation parameter, the decomposition rate constants of acetylsalicylic acid were proportionally increasing. The addition of hydrogen peroxide into solution showed the positive effect in decomposing the acetylsalicylic acid because the hydrogen peroxide promoted the generation of hydroxyl radical. On the other hands, the excess of hydrogen peroxide could occur the scavenger effect that formed the recombination of hydroxyl radical so that the decomposition rate of acetylsalicylic acid was decreased.

Thermal Stability and Decomposition Mechanism of PLA Nanocomposites with Kraft Lignin and Tannin.

Packaging applications cover approximately 40% of the total plastics production, whereas food packaging possesses a high proportion within this context. Due to several environmental concerns, petroleum-based polymers have been shifted to their biobased counterparts. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been proved the most dynamic biobased candidate as a substitute of the conventional polymers. Despite its numerous merits, PLA exhibits some limitations, and thus reinforcing agents are commonly investigated as fillers to ameliorate several characteristics. In the present study, two series of PLA-based nanocomposites filled with biobased kraft-lignin (KL) and tannin (T) in different contents were prepared. A melt–extrusion method was pursued for nanocomposites preparation. The thermal stability of the prepared nanocomposites was examined by Thermogravimetric Analysis, while thermal degradation kinetics was applied to deepen this process. Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry was employed to provide more details of the degradation process of PLA filled with the two polyphenolic fillers. It was found that the PLA/lignin nanocomposites show better thermostability than neat PLA, while tannin filler has a small catalytic effect that can reduce the thermal stability of PLA. The calculated Eα value of PLA-T nanocomposite was lower than that of PLA-KL resulting in a substantially higher decomposition rate constant, which accelerate the thermal degradation.

Solubility and stability of ozone in acetonitrile

The solubility and stability of ozone in acetonitrile (CH3CN) in the temperature range 233–295 K was studied, and optimum conditions were found in order to use this liquid as an ozonation medium. The molar absorption coefficients of ozone in CH3CN are ε259 = 2900 ± 150 mol L–1 cm−1 (Hartley region) and ε588 = 5.1 ± 0.1 mol L–1 cm−1 (Chappuis region). The rate constant of the O3 decomposition at 295 K is 3.3 × 10–5 s−1. The O3 decomposition rate increases with the increasing amount of water in CH3CN. The O3 solubility coefficients and its limiting solubility at 233–295 K were calculated. The heat of O3 dissolution in acetonitrile is 10.2 ± 0.2 kJ mol−1.