Scanning Electron Microscopy Combined With Energy Dispersive Spectrometry Research Articles

Development of CuO Nanoparticles from the Mucus of Garden Snail Cornu aspersum as New Antimicrobial Agents.

Several biologically active compounds involved in the green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles have been isolated from snail mucus and characterized. This paper presents a successful method for the application of snail mucus from Cornu aspersum as a bioreducing agent of copper sulfate and as a biostabilizer of the copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs-Muc) obtained. The synthesis at room temperature and neutral pH yielded nanoparticles with a spherical shape and an average diameter of 150 nm. The structure and properties of CuONPs-Muc were characterized using various methods and techniques, such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D-PAGE), up-conversion infrared spectroscopy Fourier transform (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Raman spectroscopy and imaging, thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC), etc. Mucus proteins with molecular weights of 30.691 kDa and 26.549 kDa were identified, which are involved in the biogenic production of CuONPs-Muc. The macromolecular shell of proteins formed around the copper ions contributes to a higher efficiency of the synthesized CuONPs-Muc in inhibiting the bacterial growth of several Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis NBIMCC2353, Bacillus spizizenii ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Listeria innocua NBIMCC8755) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC8739, Salmonella enteitidis NBIMCC8691, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ATCC 17666) bacteria compared to baseline mucus. The bioorganic synthesis of snail mucus presented here provides CuONPs-Muc with a highly pronounced antimicrobial effect. These results will expand knowledge in the field of natural nanomaterials and their role in emerging dosage forms.

Response of size-dependent chemical composition of dissolved organic and inorganic species to land use types in tropical coastal headstreams

Land-use types dramatically affect the source, composition, behavior and fate of headstream chemical species. However, the influence of land-use types on the size-dependent composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and dissolved inorganic matter (DIM) is still unclear. Here, we evaluated the size-dependent concentration, composition and relationship of chemical species from 9 coastal headstreams (i.e. forested, agricultural and wetland headstreams) using multiple spectroscopic techniques including absorbance, excitation-emission matrix, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF). Results showed that 68.57%-85.78% of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) with abundant humic/fulvic-like substances were distributed in the <1 kDa fraction in all samples, with a higher percentage in wetland samples. Agricultural land-use increased the export of aluminosilicate minerals in >1 kDa fractions and terrestrial fulvic/humic-like substances from land to stream. Forested streams showed high DOC in the 1 kDa-0.2 μm fraction, predominance of autochthonous DOM rich in amides, amines, carboxyl and O-alkyl groups, and abundance whitlockite and ferromanganese oxides. Wetland streams were characterized by abundant halite, sylvite, and microbially-transformed humic-like DOM rich in aromatic and phenolic groups. Morphology and correlation analysis implied DIM was closely combined with fluorescent DOM (FDOM) and colored DOM (CDOM), resulting in more irregular organo-inorganic complexes in forested and agricultural streams, and more halite and sylvite crystal blocks encapsulating by smooth and close organic–inorganic complexes in wetland streams. Redundancy analysis (RDA) analysis suggested that land-use types (17.20%) and molecular weight (14.29%) were the prominent factors impacting the composition and relationship of DOM and DIM. Land-use types altered the sources and transport patterns of chemical species in headstreams, influencing their size-dependent compositions and associated biogeochemical processes. Such information is imperative for monitoring and developing land-use policies in coastal regions undergoing intense anthropogenic alterations.

Characteristics, microstructures, and optimization of the geopolymer paste based on three aluminosilicate materials using a mixture design methodology

This study focuses on the application of mixture design as a novel approach to developing a geopolymer paste with optimized mechanical properties. It also aims to utilize the abundance of natural or industrial aluminosilicate precursors through their combination for synthesizing high-performance geopolymers. The synthesis factors studied are kaolin (K), metakaolin (MK), and fly ash (FA) as aluminosilicate sources. Different mixture proportions were prepared by adopting an augmented simplex-centroid design. Twelve geopolymer pastes were synthesized by activating the mixtures with an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. After 28 days of solidification under ambient conditions, the compressive strength (MPa) and bulk density (g/cm3) of the geopolymer samples were measured. The structural and microstructural properties of the raw and elaborated materials were analyzed using a range of physicochemical techniques, including X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the compressive strength and bulk density of the geopolymeric pastes ranged from 7.59 to 19.48 MPa and from 1.52 to 1.82 g/cm3, respectively. According to the validated special cubic models and optimization results, the optimum mixture of FA (75 %) and MK (25 %) was found to develop the optimized geopolymer (GPO) paste with the best performance. The optimized geopolymer matrix had a non-porous structure mainly formed by a dense amorphous sodium aluminosilicate gel, which gave excellent mechanical properties (1.82 g/cm3 and 20.80 MPa). The practical application of the results of this study includes the development of an efficient geopolymer paste with excellent mechanical properties that can be employed in construction and civil engineering applications. The significance of this work lies in its potential to reduce environmental impacts and minimize waste disposal by utilizing abundant natural resources and industrial waste in the formulation of practical and efficient products. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the development of an improved geopolymer paste through the application of a mixture design methodology, which can have a significant impact on the construction and civil engineering industries.

Anglesite, Cerussite, Gypsum, Langite, Malachite, and Posnjakite: New Occurrences in the Calabria Region (Southern Italy)

This study undertook the mineralogical and chemical analysis of anglesite (PbSO4), cerussite (PbCO3), gypsum (CaSO4∙2H2O), langite (Cu4(SO4)(OH)6∙2H2O), malachite (Cu2CO3(OH)2), and posnjakite (Cu4(SO4)(OH)6·H2O) detected for the first time in the abandoned Mastricarro Barite Mine (Catanzaro, Calabria, southern Italy). Geological conditions make this one of the few well-preserved, partly accessible mines in the Calabria region. Numerous mineralogical species, some beautifully crystallized, have been discovered among the alteration products of the sulfides present within the barite veins. The newly identified crystals occur as secondary minerals in the oxidized portions of deposits originally containing lead and copper sulfides; they are widely distributed and are almost always detected as microcrystals. The anglesite, cerussite, gypsum, langite, malachite, and posnjakite crystals were identified and characterized using optical microscopy (OM), micro-Raman spectroscopy (µR), and scanning electron microscopy, combined with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS). The new mineral occurrences can be useful for scientific and didactic purposes; further, for langite, malachite, and posnjakite crystals, new Raman bands, which have not been mentioned before in the literature, were identified.

Study on ultrasonic leaching and recovery of fluoride from spent cathode carbon of aluminum electrolysis.

Under the assistance of ultrasound, the fluoride in the spent cathode carbon of aluminum electrolysis was recovered by the process of washing first and then leaching. The effects of time, temperature, liquid-solid ratio, ultrasonic power, alkali amount and acid concentration on the leaching rate of fluoride were investigated. The useful components in the leaching solution were recovered by evaporation crystallization and cryolite regeneration. The tests of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) showed that under the optimal experimental conditions (water washing: 50 s, 3 : 1, 420 W; alkaline leaching: alkali amount 1 g, 60 min, 70 °C, 7 : 1, 480 W; acid leaching: acid concentration 0.6 mol L-1, 60 min, 5 : 1, 70 °C, 480 W), the leaching rate of fluoride was 82.99%, and the fluoride contents recovered in the water washing and leaching processes are 94.67% and 95%, respectively. There is no solid waste and waste water in the whole experimental process.

Microscale insights into the influence of grinding media on spodumene micro-flotation using mixed anionic/cationic collectors

Here, the influence of grinding media with different shapes on the flotation performance of spodumene and its potential mechanism from microscale insights was investigated using a single mineral flotation experiment, X-ray diffraction (XRD) test, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The flotation data indicated that under anionic/cationic (sodium oleate (NaOL)/DDA) collectors system, the rod milled spodumene has a higher floatability than ball milled ones. XRD results confirmed that rod medium makes spodumene exposed more {110} and {100} planes, while ball medium makes spodumene exposed more {010} planes. The typical anisotropic surface of spodumene makes the surface of rod milled spodumene possess more Al sites, further confirmed by SEM-EDS and XPS results. Additionally, it was found that the rod milled spodumene presents a larger value of elongation and flatness, which are parameters closely related to bubble adhesion. AFM analysis indicated that rod milled products have a rougher surface, while ball milled products have a smoother surface. Consequently, the rod medium enhanced the adsorption of NaOL/DDA on the spodumene surfaces. This work provides theoretical guidance for optimizing the separation of spodumene from the perspective of grinding.

Effects of grinding media on the flotation behavior of spodumene in mixed anionic/cationic collectors system

Grinding, an essential pretreatment procedure before flotation, has particularly significance in spodumene flotation. The effects of grinding media on the flotation behavior of spodumene were investigated through zeta potential measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) test, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The particle size of spodumene ground by a corundum ball is concentrated around −74 + 38 µm, and the flotation recovery of spodumene upon grinding with a corundum ball was higher than that with an agate ball when DDA/NaOL are used as mixed collectors with a dosage of 0.4 mM (molar ratio = 1:6). Spodumene ground with corundum balls had a more exposed {110} cleavage plane and more Al active sites, while a more exposed {010} surface and less Al active sites were found in particles ground by agate balls. It also proved that spodumene milled by corundum balls has a higher adsorption density under the anion and cation mixed collector system. Given these results, it can be inferred that spodumene milled by corundum balls enhanced the adsorption of collectors on the surfaces.

Evaluation of Sulfide Inclusions before and after Deformation of Steel by Using the Electrolytic Extraction Method

The characteristics of elongated MnS have a critical effect on fatigue anisotropy and all mechanical anisotropies. A comparative investigation of nonmetallic inclusions in both stainless steels and tool steels has been carried out in this study. The inclusion characteristics were investigated using electrolytic extraction (EE) followed by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Overall, three types of MnS inclusions (type I (regular), type II (irregular) and type III (Rod)) were found in tool steels in as-cast samples, which had not been heat-treated. Furthermore, three types of MnS inclusions (Rod-like sulfide (RS), Plate-like sulfide (PS) and Oxysulfide (OS)) were found in samples taken after rolling. Based on the breakability of the elongated MnS, three types of inclusions, Type UU, UB and BB, where U represents the undamaged or unbroken edge of an inclusion and B represents the fragment or broken edge of an inclusion, were studied in both stainless steels and tool steels both before and after additional heat treatment. The effect of heat treatment and dissolving the metal layer during the EE process is also discussed. The results show that both processes have a limited effect on the breakability of inclusions in steels with carbon contents &lt;0.42 mass%.

Phase Structure and Properties of Ternary Polylactide/Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Polysilsesquioxane Blends.

Ternary blends of polylactide (PLA, 90 wt.%) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, 10 wt.%) with functionalized polysilsesquioxanes (LPSQ-R) were obtained by solution blending. R groups in LPSQ containing hydroxyethyl (LPSQ-OH), methylglycolic (LPSQ-COOMe) and pentafluorophenyl (LPSQ-F5) moieties of different chemical properties were designed to modify PLA blends with PMMA. The effect of the type of LPSQ-R and their content, 1–3 wt.%, on the structure of the blends was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and Raman spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile tests also showed various effects of LPSQ-R on the thermal and mechanical properties of the blends. Depth-sensing indentation was used to resolve spatially the micro- and nano-scale mechanical properties (hardness and elastic behaviour) of the blends. The results showed clearly that LPSQ-R modulate the structure and properties of the blends.

Natural occurrence of asbestos in serpentinite quarries from Southern Spain.

The nevado-filábride complex (NFC) (southern Spain) is well known for its widespread mining and quarrying activities. Serpentinite and metabasite rocks are extracted, processed and traded as building and ornamental stones. Due to the possible presence of natural occurrence of asbestos (NOA) in these rocks, the aim of this paper is to conduct an in-depth characterisation of fibrous minerals. To this aim, seven serpentinite rock samples were collected in four quarries located in the Sierra Nevada and Sierra de los Filabres (South-eastern Spain), which were then analysed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and X-ray synchrotron microtomography (SR-µCT). It is essential to investigate asbestos minerals from both scientific and legal perspective, especially for public health officials that implement occupational health and safety policies, in order to safeguard the health of workers (e.g. quarry excavations, road yards, civil constructions, building stones).

The effective removal of chloramphenicol by the reduced graphene oxide anchored nZVI/aluminum hybrid under neutral conditions

In this study, a reduced graphene oxide anchored nZVI/Al hybrid (rGO@nZVI/Al) was synthesized for effective degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) at neutral pH just through the activation of dissolved oxygen (DO). The morphology and physicochemical features of rGO@nZVI/Al were characterized with the field emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area analysis (BET) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The CAP removal by rGO@nZVI/Al was conducted at neutral pH, and the performance of rGO@nZVI/Al for DO activation was also estimated in view of the effect of various systems. The reusability of rGO@nZVI/Al was investigated through the cycle tests and the variation of UV spectrum for further application.

Non-destructive characterization of Egyptian Blue cakes and wall painting fragments from the east of Lake Van, Turkey.

A total of five Urartian blue cakes and two wall painting fragments, from excavations in different regions of the east of Lake Van, were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-XRF), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). All the studies were performed non-destructively considering the great archaeological importance of the samples. The results indicate the presence of Egyptian Blue, which is the first synthetic pigment, consists of crystals of calcium-copper tetrasilicate (cuprorivaite, CaCuSi4Ol0) along with unreacted quartz (SiO2) and in some cases. Comparison of the elemental compositions of the samples from Egypt and Mesopotamia suggests that EB cakes may be local products due to the presence of zinc. The absence of Sn on the other hand, indicates that the source of the copper may be a copper ore not bronze scrap.

Identification of the key host phases of Cr in fresh chromite ore processing residue (COPR)

Chromite ore processing residue (COPR) poses a serious Cr(VI) pollution to the environment, and ascertaining the Cr speciation in COPR is significant for guiding remediation. In this study, a systematic investigation on the Cr speciation in fresh COPR was carried out by multiple quantification methods as follows: i) via X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), it was determined that 35% of the total Cr is Cr(VI); ii) the host phases of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) were identified and their Cr content were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and leaching tests; iii) the weight percent of each Cr host phase was determined by EDS-assisted quantitative phase analysis; iv) the Cr occupancy percentage of each Cr host phase was determined by integrative calculation based on the above analysis. Results indicate that brownmillerite, hydrogarnet and amorphous phase are the key host phases of Cr(VI), which hold 24.2%, 19.6% and nearly 50% of the total Cr(VI), respectively; spinel and amorphous phase are the key host phases of Cr(III), which hold 25.4% and 71.9% of the total Cr(III), respectively. This study has improved the understanding of Cr speciation in COPR, which is significant for developing effective and practical remediation technology. The quantification methods employed in this study can be extended to research on the speciation of Cr or other metals in other solid wastes.

Assessment of Naturally Occurring Asbestos in the Area of Episcopia (Lucania, Southern Italy)

Over the last few years, the risk to human health related to asbestos fiber exposure has been widely demonstrated by many studies. Serpentinites are the main rocks associated with naturally occurring asbestos (NOA). In order to investigate the presence of NOA, a mineralogical study was conducted on eleven serpentinite samples collected nearby the village of Episcopia (Lucania, Southern Italy). Various analytical techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) were used to determine the occurrence of asbestos minerals and to make morphological observations. Results pointed out that all of the samples contain asbestos minerals (e.g., tremolite, actinolite and chrysotile). Moreover, it was observed that both natural processes and human activity may disturb NOA-bearing outcrops and provoke the formation of potentially inhalable airborne dust causing the release of asbestos fibers into the environment, thereby increasing the risk to human health. For this reason, our study aims to highlight the requirement of a natural asbestos survey and periodic update in the area.

Stratigraphic EM-EDS, XRF, Raman and FT-IR analysis of multilayer paintings from the Main Altar of the St. James Church in Levoča (Slovakia)

Abstract A total of 25 inorganic (painting pigment and substrate) and organic components (binding and glaze) have been identified in the Main Altar of the St. James Church – the highest Gothic altar of the World. Micro-sampling of the first wood panel depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the third one depicting Christ Crowned with Thorns and the fourth one named Ecce Homo was performed to reveal the stratigraphy of the color paintings. Chalk, cinnabar, lead-tin yellow, cerussite (lead white), malachite, azurite, an iron oxide, and fluorite have been identified using optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Green pigment consists of hydrous copper sulfates (probably posnjakite mixed with woodwardite) and carbonates represented by fragmental and spherulitic malachite. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the linseed oil mixed with egg albumen as the main binding constituent of color paintings, whereas animal glue was used in ground layers. The red glazing consisted of krapplak dissolved in oil, whereas the green glaze was composed by Verdigris (copper acetate) dissolved in the Venetian turpentine. Some samples contained remnants of shellac. The composition of inorganic pigments, including the exotic deep-purple fluorite unknown in the central European realm, points to combined local and remote pigment sources, thus indicating flourishing trade connections within medieval Europe after cessation of Turkish invasions in the early 16th Century.

Synthesis and hydraulic activity of novel Sr2+-doped Ca7ZrAl6O18 cement at 50 °C

This paper describes the design, synthesis and hydraulic activity of novel Sr2+-doped Ca7ZrAl6O18 cement in respect of potential applications as: matrix used in nuclear waste immobilisation, components of X-rays and gamma radiation shielding concretes or utilized in refractories technology. The obtained material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS) and heat flow calorimetry techniques. It was well established that the addition of Sr2+ cations to form solid solution with Ca7ZrAl6O18 can alter the hydraulic behaviour of this phase. A microcalorimetric study (heat flow calorimetry technique) of Sr2+-doped Ca7ZrAl6O18 cement hardening was combined with the phase characterisation by XRD and SEM/EDS. The thermal stability and mechanism dehydration formed hydrates were assessed by simultaneous thermal analysis i.e. thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) at different hydration times. The detailed scheme of thermal decomposition of the hydrated Sr2+-doped Ca7ZrAl6O18 cement has been clarified based on evolved-gas-analysis data with a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS). Two hydrated phases C4AH19 and C2AH8 persisted at the early stage of hydration, whilst recrystallisation to Ca-rich C3AH6 was inhibited. Hydration of Sr2+-doped Ca7ZrAl6O18 resulted in the formation of two hydrogarnet phases, one Sr-rich and the other Ca-rich.

Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in rock and soil and relation with human activities: the monitoring example of selected sites in Calabria (southern Italy)

The major aim of our research is to assess the occurrence, within the serpentinites and serpentinite-derived soils located in the area of Sila Piccola (northern Calabria), of asbestiform minerals that could be potentially harmful for human health. At this purpose, nine serpentinite rock samples and three agricultural soils have been collected nearby two inhabited centres (Gimigliano and Conflenti towns) and characterized in detail by means of Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), X-Ray Powder Diffractometry (XRPD), Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM/EDS). Further characterization by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric (TG) and by μ-Raman spectroscopy (μ-R) have allowed the discrimination among the three serpentine polytypes. Serpentinites from Gimigliano mainly consist of lizardite, antigorite while chrysotile is the dominant asbestos phase in the samples from Conflenti. Moreover in both investigated sample groups asbestos tremolite- actinolite was also detected. Furthermore, high amounts of chrysotile and asbestos tremolite-actinolite were found in agricultural soils, suggesting that human activities can disturb and provoke the release of inhalable asbestos in the atmosphere, triggering thus mechanisms of hazardous exposition for population.

Structural, mechanical and electrical properties of alloys in ternary Ag-Bi-Zn system

Structural, mechanical and electrical properties of selected alloys in ternary Ag-Bi-Zn system are presented in this paper. Chosen alloys were investigated using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), light optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS), as well as by electrical conductivity and Brinell hardness measurements. Isolines of electrical conductivity and hardness for the entire Ag-Bi-Zn system were calculated using regression models.

Characterization and Distribution of Pyrogenic Carbon in a Fraction of Archaeological Black Earth from Caxiuanã

This study aims to determine the atomic ratio of O/C in an archaeological black earth (ABE) profile of the Ilha de Terra site, a region of Caxiuana in the Para State, Brazil, to determine the types of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) particles and to infer the source of biomass and burning temperature necessary to produce the PyC. The O/C ratios were monitored using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The results indicated atomic ratios for clay, silt and fine sand fractions that were between those registered for the PyC particles types: condensed combustion (CC) (0.09, 0.1, 0.13), charcoal (0.32, 0.31, 0.34) and char (0.43, 0.45, 0.52). CC is the predominant type of particle found because of the high firing temperature (> 350 °C), which is consistent with the probable biomass sources of wood, cellulose and lignin.

Comparing calcined and un-treated olivine as bed materials for tar reduction in fluidized bed gasification

Calcined olivine is a cheap, active material that can be employed as an in-situ catalyst to reduce the tar content of fuel gas produced during air-blown gasification of biomass in a fluidized bed. In the present work, a series of tests were conducted with olivine pre-treated at 1200°C as a bed material. Pre-treatment improved gas quality compared to non-active bed experiments: hydrogen production increased due to hydrocarbon and tar reforming. In order to determine the physicochemical properties of calcined olivine in terms of tar reforming, temperature programmed reduction (TPR) tests were performed. The material was also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) before and after its utilization into biomass gasification. Gasification tests involved two biomass species (sunflower and willow) and were conducted in a 100kWth air-blown, atmospheric pressure, circulating fluidized bed at two different temperatures (750°C and 800°C) with three bed materials (silica sand, olivine and calcined olivine).