Separate Reactions Research Articles

Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Ethylene: From Advanced Catalyst Design to Industrial Applications.

The value-added chemicals, monoxide, methane, ethylene, ethanol, ethane, and so on, can be efficiently generated through the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2 RR) when equipped with suitable catalysts. Among them, ethylene is particularly important as a chemical feedstock for petrochemical manufacture. However, despite its high Faradaic efficiency achievable at relatively low current densities, the substantial enhancement of ethylene selectivity and stability at industrial current densities poses a formidable challenge. To facilitate the industrial implementation of eCO2 RR for ethylene production, it is imperative to identify key strategies and potential solutions through comprehending the recent advancements, remaining challenges, and future directions. Herein, the latest and innovative catalyst design strategies of eCO2 RR to ethylene are summarized and discussed, starting with the properties of catalysts such as morphology, crystalline, oxidation state, defect, composition, and surface engineering. The review subsequently outlines the related important state-of-the-art technologies that are essential in driving forward eCO2 RR to ethylene into practical applications, such as CO2 capture, product separation, and downstream reactions. Finally, a greenhouse model that integrates CO2 capture, conversion, storage, and utilization is proposed to present an ideal perspective direction of eCO2 RR to ethylene.

Sustainable mainstream deammonification by ion exchange and bioregeneration via partial nitritation/anammox

The partial nitritation and anammox (PN/A) process has gained popularity for the treatment of nitrogen removal in wastewater due to significant energy savings and its potentially much lower CO2 footprint. However, the treatment of mainstream municipal wastewater by PN/A has been limited mainly due to its unsuitable composition. In this research, we apply ion exchange using a zeolite column to selectively remove and concentrate ammonium from mainstream municipal wastewater. After an absorption phase, the ion exchange column is regenerated using a brine solution. The ammonium rich brine is “bioregenerated” in a PN/A reactor where ammonium is converted to nitrogen gas allowing the brine to be reused in another cycle of ion exchange regeneration. To successfully remove ammonium from the spent brine, anammox and ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were first cultivated in separate reactors under hypersaline conditions (4.0 %) and later combined in a single PN/A reactor. After continuous operation with sea water, the PN/A reactor treated recirculating brine from the ion exchange column for 48 cycles of ammonium absorption and bioregeneration with minimal blowdown. The various cations of the regenerant solution were stable except for calcium that reached very high values upwards of 3000 mg/L as Ca2+ and finally caused PN/A reactor failure due to mineral precipitation. The buildup of high concentrations of calcium in the regenerant was addressed in two ways: 1) 20 % regenerant replacement per cycle, and 2) precipitation of CaCO3 via the addition of sodium carbonate. Both methods were applied to 30 absorption and bioregeneration cycles each and shown to be effective in keeping calcium concentrations from accumulating in the regenerant allowing for stable PN/A reactor operation.

Efforts to understand the degree of carboxylate substitution in cis-[Pt(S(O)Me2)(guanidine)Cl2]: Synthetic, Structural and DFT Studies

The reaction of N,N′,N″-tris(2-anisyl)guanidine, 1 with one equiv. of PhI(OAc)2 in acetonitrile under reflux condition for 6 h afforded a rigid 2-aminobenzimidazole type guanidine, 2 in 83% yield. The separate reactions of 2 with one equiv. of cis-[PtX2(S(O)Me2)2] (X = Cl and OC(O)CF3) in toluene under reflux condition for 8 h afforded mono adducts, cis-[PtX2(κ1N-2)(S(O)Me2)] (X = Cl (3) and OC(O)CF3 (4)) in 89% and 78% yields, respectively. The reaction of 3 with two equiv. of AgOC(O)CF3 in CH2Cl2 at RT for 24 h also afforded 4 in 82% yield. The reaction of 3 with one and two equiv. of AgOC(O)Me in CH2Cl2 at RT for 24 h afforded cis-[PtCl(OC(O)Me)(κ1N-2)(S(O)Me2)] (5) in 78% and 89% yields, respectively. Compounds 2–5 were characterised by elemental analyses, IR, NMR (1H, 13C{1H} and 19F) spectroscopies while 4 and 5 were also characterised by 195Pt{1H} NMR spectroscopy. Molecular structures of 2–5 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD). Complexes 3–5 exist as cis isomer in the solid state as revealed by SCXRD but as a mixture of cis (major) and trans (minor) isomers in solution as revealed by NMR spectroscopy. The reasons for the formation of bis(trifluoroacetato) complex, 4 versus mono-acetato complex, 5 irrespective of the molar ratio of the starting materials was rationalised based on the availability of greater amount of trifluoroacetate anion than acetate anion in solution from their respective Ag+ sources as deduced from DFT calculations.

Discontinuous phase separation, interstitial ordering and recrystallization during nitriding of FeNiCo medium entropy alloy

The sequence of phase transformations triggered as a consequence of inward diffusion of interstitial N during nitriding of FeNiCo medium entropy alloy was investigated. Recrystallized and cold rolled specimens of FeNiCo alloy were nitrided at 580 °C in a flowing ammonia gas atmosphere. Detailed microstructural characterization was carried out using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray and electron back scattered diffraction and atom probe tomography. Firstly, N supersaturation of about 2 at.% was observed to be established without any nanoscale chemical heterogeneities. Further increase in N-content triggered the occurrence of a discontinuous phase separation reaction, resulting in the formation of alternating Fe+N enriched and Co+Ni enriched phases with a characteristic lamellar morphology and cube-on-cube orientation relationship. The Fe+N enriched lamellae then undergo rapid interstitial N ordering, forming a γ′- Fe4N type nitride phase. The compositional partitioning however is only transient and is followed by a recrystallization of the lamellar microstructure into a compositionally homogeneous γ′-(FeCoNi)4N type matrix. Thermodynamic calculations show that this discontinuous phase separation reaction and subsequent composition homogenization via recrystallization results from isothermally forcing the alloy composition to first enter the metastable miscibility gap in the FeNiCo-N FCC solid solution (at N-supersaturation close to 2 at.%) and then moving out of the miscibility gap at high N contents, beyond 20 at.%. Role of volume misfits, the chemical partitioning and homogenization on the sequential occurrence of different transformations is discussed.

Nanocluster-mediated electron–hole separation for efficient CO2 photoreduction

Poor capability of charge-holes separation and slower surface CO2 reaction kinetics hinder photocatalytic performance. Here, SnS2 atomic layer with Pt3Co alloy nanoclusters have been successfully prepared. Nanoclusters could be used as highly catalytic active sites, which not only facilitates the carrier separation and transport kinetics, but enriches electrons lowered the reaction barrier. As expected, the CO evolution rate of the champion SnS2/Pt3Co catalyst was 13.6 times higher than that of the original SnS2 catalyst under white light irradiation. In-situ DRIFTS identifies key intermediate in the photoreduction process. In-situ XPS and DFT calculation further verifies the electron transport direction and charge density distribution at the SnS2/Pt3Co interface. Our work uncovers the role of nanoclusters in carrier separation and transport as well as proton transport, opening new chances for obtaining efficient photoreduction CO2 property.

Feasibility study for the adoption of multi-capsule irradiation protocol in the conduct of k0-based INAA using the GHARR-1 MNSR

The Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1) is currently a 23 cm length LEU core Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) with a 13 % U-235 enrichment having 335 fuel rods, 15 dummy rods and a central control rod for neutron regulation. It has 10 accessible irradiation channels of approximate length of 17 cm and formed part of the shim tray structure which was considered for active routine experiment in the present work. Unlike the routine characterization of the inner irradiation channel of the Ghana Research Reactor- 1 facility which involves mainly the introduction of a single irradiation capsule of length, 5 cm loaded with samples, the present study adopted a multi-capsule scheme in which three (3) capsules each of length 5 cm were introduced into the 23 cm long irradiation channel to scientifically interrogate the feasibility and hence provide a sound basis for extending and improving the accessible irradiation space by 60% during the utilization of the GHARR-1, especially for irradiation involving intermediate and long lived radionuclides. The objective is also to achieve the characterization of neutron spectrum and determine their spatial distribution for close to the full length of the irradiation channel. Validation protocols based on k0 method were developed through the analysis of some reference materials for a careful study of irradiation, decay and counting scheme which achieved optimum radionuclide selectivity. The overall approach adopted for the flux characterization involves the preparation of flux monitors, packaging of three (3) capsules each of both bare and cadmium cover samples, irradiation at bottom, middle and top spatial demarcation of the irradiation channel, with each demarcation being the region of the 5 cm length of the bottom, middle and top irradiation capsules. Sample counting was undertaken using the HPGe detector after the samples were allowed specific decay time after irradiation and prior to counting. Flux monitors were used for the flux characterization and reference materials were used for the validation protocol. Spectrum acquisition was made possible through the use of the Gamma Vision Software and spectrum parameters (thermal to epithermal neutron flux ration (f), epithermal neutron shaping factor (α), thermal, epithermal, and fast fluxes) were determined. Results obtained showed increasing f-value across the irradiation column as, 18.5 ± 1.7, 21.0 ± 2.2 and 23.0 ± 7.08 respectively from the bottom capsule to the top capsules. The corresponding epithermal neutron shaping factor (α-value) varied as, −0.096 ± 0.029, −0.18 ± 0.036 and −0.20 ± 0.06 from the bottom to the top capsule. The experimental results determined in the bottom, middle and top capsule irradiation column for thermal, epithermal and fast fluxes are 4.60 × 1011±2.5 × 1010, 2.49 × 1010±5.98 × 108, 9.24 × 1010±2.2 × 109; 4.21 × 1011±1.01 × 1010, 2.01 × 1010±4.82 × 108, 4.81 × 1010±1.15 × 109; and 3.90 × 1011±9.36 × 109, 1.65 × 1010±3.90 × 108, 4.82 × 1010±1.16 × 109 respectively. The validation protocol using standard reference materials and treating each capsule with separate reactor characterization parameters indicated respective z-score distribution within a 95% confidence interval.

Ferroelectricity enhanced photocatalysis in Bi2WO6 ultra-thin nanosheets

The fast recombination of photo-induced electrons and holes have long been an obstacle in hampering the photocatalytic reaction rate. To mediate this issue, various modulation methods have been explored, including rare metal doping, morphology control and heterojunction construction. However, these methods can only facilitate the surface charge transfer. In recent years, internal electric field modulation has been attracting more and more attention, due to its utility in promoting the bulk charge separation and transportation. Semiconductors with ferroelectricity, which can build directional internal field, is believed to possess enhanced photocatalysis efficiency. In this study, Bi2WO6 (BWO) ultra-thin nanosheets with ferroelectricity have been synthesized through hydrothermal process. The morphology and size can be controlled via surfactant addition. After corona poling, the ferroelectric field can be further enhanced, providing more efficient facilitation of carrier separation and higher reaction efficiency. The photodegradation efficiency toward Rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) are tested, and the polarized BWO-30 and BWO-40 can reach a 100 % degradation of RhB in 5 min, which is significantly faster than origin samples, and superior to most non-precious metal catalysts. This work proves the applicable of ferroelectric enhancement in BWO nanosheets, providing novel tactic for future catalysts design.

Manipulating coordination environment for a high-voltage aqueous copper-chlorine battery

Aqueous copper-based batteries have many favourable properties and have thus attracted considerable attention, but their application is limited by their low operating voltage originating from the high potential of copper negative electrode (0.34 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode). Herein, we propose a coordination strategy for reducing the intrinsic negative electrode redox potential in aqueous copper-based batteries and thus improving their operating voltage. This is achieved by establishing an appropriate coordination environment through the electrolyte tailoring via Cl− ions. When coordinated with chlorine, the intermediate Cu+ ions in aqueous electrolytes are successfully stabilized and the electrochemical process is decoupled into two separate redox reactions involving Cu2+/Cu+ and Cu+/Cu0; Cu+/Cu0 results in a redox potential approximately 0.3 V lower than that for Cu2+/Cu0. Compared to the coordination with water, the coordination with chlorine also results in higher copper utilization, more rapid redox kinetics, and superior cycle stability. An aqueous copper-chlorine battery, harnessing Cl−/Cl0 redox reaction at the positive electrode, is discovered to have a high discharge voltage of 1.3 V, and retains 77.4% of initial capacity after 10,000 cycles. This work may open up an avenue to boosting the voltage and energy of aqueous copper batteries.

Investigating biodiesel production from Chicken fat oil using bi-functional catalysts and microbubble mediated mass transfer

Biodiesel production has been limited by slow kinetics of acid catalyzed esterification, downstream product separation before transesterification and expensive feedstock. Bi-functional catalysts can carry out esterification and transesterification simultaneously. However, an energy efficient method is still required to enhance the kinetics of esterification. Similarly, the thermodynamic equilibrium hindering the overall conversion of the esterification needs to be manipulated to increase the overall conversion of the process. The manuscript proposes a new bi-functional catalyst, 7 % Sr/ZrO2, along with microbubble mediated injection of alcohol. The conversion of free fatty acids (FFA) and Triglycerides by bi-functional catalysts was compared with three naturally occurring bi-functional catalysts- Zwitterions. Chicken fat oil was chosen as the feedstock. Preliminary experiments were conducted to select alcohol. Experiments were designed using Response Surface Methodology. The current study shows that the use of heterogeneous catalysts and CFO as a feedstock has lucrative potentials. The rate of reaction and conversion of the process are further increased by overcoming the thermodynamic equilibrium using microbubble mediated mass transfer increasing process feasibility. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to design the experiments. 7 % Sr/ZrO2 was found to give significantly higher conversion of triglycerides as compared with the Zwitterions. However, conversion of FFA using Aspartic acid was almost similar to 7 % Sr/ZrO2. For triglycerides and FFA, the conversion of CFO at optimize conditions using (Molar ratio = 1: 14, temperature 70 °C, and catalyst loading 1 %) was 75 % and 57 %, as compared with aspartic acid (61 % and 63 %), arginine (58 % and 73 %), and isoleucine (54 % and 39 %) respectively. Detailed comparison between other reported bi-functional catalysts showed that 7 %Sr/ZrO2 yielded a high conversion in significantly less time. The higher performance can be attributed to the use of microbubble mediated mass transfer. The results indicate that integration of microbubble mediated mass transfer and a bi-functional catalyst can accelerate the industrial reactive separations comprising biodiesel production.

Temporal dynamics of attitude decisions: A test of the iterative reprocessing model using event-related potentials

Although evaluative judgments are a central component of everyday decision making little is known about the temporal dynamics of the processes used to make them. The present study used the high temporal resolution of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to test Cunningham and Zelazo's (2007) posited differences in the timing of attitude tag retrieval relative to stimulus categorization for ‘attitudes’ and ‘evaluations,’ as well as tenets of their Iterative Reprocessing (IR) loop model. Participants made agree/disagree decisions about their attitudes and You/Not You decisions about their autobiographical memories in separate reaction time (RT) tasks while brain activity was recorded from 32 scalp sites. A median-split analysis on RT was used to separate fast and slow decisions. Decisions about autobiographical stimuli produced the typical results in which retrieval and stimulus categorization occurred together just before the response regardless of decision difficulty. By contrast, the relative timing of tag retrieval and categorization differed with difficulty for attitude decisions as predicted by the model. Fast attitude decisions were processed similarly to fast You decisions with retrieval and categorization timing coupled to the response. Slow attitude decisions, however, differed because, while tag retrieval timing was the same as for fast attitude decisions, post-retrieval processing delayed stimulus categorization and a response by 450 msec. ERP activity over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the pre-response interval was asymmetrical, with greater activity for attitude and autobiographical decisions over left and right hemispheres, respectively, while amplitude and duration increased with decision difficulty for both. Slow attitude decisions alone elicited a reduced pre-response positivity, a correlate of goal-directed response selection. The results provide empirical support for key aspects of Cunningham and Zelazo's (2007) attitude-evaluation dichotomy and the timing of the posited component processes in their IR model as well as novel information about the roles of stored tags and reflective processes in different attitude decisions.

Development of photocatalysis‐membrane separation reactor systems for aqueous pollutant removal

AbstractBackgroundIn our rapidly expanding society, the demand for clean water has steadily emerged as one of the most critical issues, promoting the development of numerous water treatment strategies.AimsCoupling photocatalysis and membrane separation technology provides an energy saving and environment‐friendly as well as sustainable method for aqueous pollutants removal due to the synergetic enhanced pollutant removal efficiency and improved anti‐fouling performance. It is of great scientific and technical significance to construct multifunctional photocatalysis‐membrane separation reactor systems (PMRs) with both the high photocatalytic activity and the strong stability.DiscussionHerein, in order to introduce the recent advances of this field, we present a critical review on developments of PMRs for aqueous pollutant removal, which includes photocatalysts and membranes, advanced methods for designing PMRs. Meanwhile, the recent applications of PMRs in aqueous pollutant removal, antifouling strategies, and mechanisms have also been summarized, including the latest development of PMRs coupling with other treatment methods. Furthermore, future perspective of PMRs is outlooked and predicted.ConclusionPMRs, designed for the removal of aqueous pollutants, offer a more promising solution for the sustainable development of our society in the future.

Highlighting of the impact of periodic operations on the performance of methanol steam reforming process for pure hydrogen generation

In this paper, we focus to highlighting the positive role of periodic operation which can be played for performance improvement of a hydrogen separator reactor integrating a palladium membrane. For this subject, a mathematical approach describing the pure hydrogen production and its pumping during methanol steam reforming process is developed to simulate the effect of the reactor inlet feed and of sweeping gas on reactor performance. The main findings show that the reactor responses exhibit a periodic phenomenon. So, in order to achieve a yield improvement higher than that obtained under the steady state conditions, it is necessary to intensify the process by using a periodic operation. Therefore, when the reactor is simultaneously forced by running the feed composition in the reaction side and by the sweeping gas in the permeate side using a symmetric square function, the magnitude of improvement of methanol conversion and pure hydrogen recovery are higher than that achieved at steady state operation. This is due to the dual effect synergistic, which is could be brought by the potential periodic mode of the inputs coupling.

Design, synthesis and neuroprotective evaluation of nitrogen heterocyclic and triazole derivatives of sarracinic acid

Novel sarracinic acid derivatives bearing triazole or N-heterocyclic moiety were prepared via two separate reaction schemes. The triazoles and the N-heterocyclic derivatives were synthesised using standard click chemistry approach and amination of 2-bromoethyl ester of sarracinic acid respectively. All the synthesised derivatives were screened for in vitro neuroprotective activity against corticosterone induced impairment in neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Two analogs SA-2 and SA-12 exhibited strong neuroprotective activity. The cell viability, after high dose corticosterone induced cell death, increased remarkably with the pre treatment of SA-2 and SA-12. The in vitro biological activity of SA-2 and SA-12 was verified through docking studies. The docking studies were in good agreement with the biological results. SA-2 and SA-12 showed strong binding affinities with the target protein having ΔGb = −8.88 and −7.52; inhibition constant (ki) = 3.08 nM and 30.9 nM respectively.

Amide Covalent Bonding Engineering in Heterojunction for Efficient Solar-Driven CO2 Reduction.

Inefficient charge separation and slow interfacial reaction dynamics significantly hamper the efficiency of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Herein, a facile EDC/NHS-assisted linking strategy was developed to enhance charge separation in heterojunction photocatalysts. Using this approach, we successfully synthesized amide-bonded carbon quantum dot-g-C3N4 (CQD-CN) heterojunction photocatalysts. The formation of amide covalent bonds between CN and CQDs in the CN-CQD facilitates efficient carrier migration, CO2 adsorption, and activation. Exploiting these advantages, the CN-CQD photocatalysts exhibit high selectivity with CO and CH4 evolution rates of 79.2 and 2.7 μmol g-1 h-1, respectively. These rates are about 1.7 and 3.6 times higher than those of CN@CQD and bulk CN, respectively. Importantly, the CN-CQD photocatalysts demonstrate exceptional stability, even after 12 h of continuous testing. The presence of the COOH* signal is identified as a crucial intermediate species in the conversion of CO2 to CO. This study presents a covalent bonding engineering strategy for developing high-performance heterojunction photocatalysts for efficient solar-driven reduction of CO2.

B-389 Validation of One-step In-house RT-qPCR Method for Detecting MLL::AF4 Fusion

Abstract Background Rearrangements of mixed lineage leukemia gene (MLL) with 1 of >130 alternative partner genes is a recurrent cytogenetic finding in both acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is generally associated with a poor prognosis. Among the most common MLL rearrangement is t(4;11)(q21;q23), forming the MLL::AF4 (also known as KMT2A::AFF1) fusion gene. Unique among MLL rearrangements, MLL::AF4 is almost exclusively associated with pro-B cell ALL and is prototypical of infant ALL, where it carries a very poor prognosis. At least 10 different MLL-AF4 fusion transcripts have been found, due to break-points in different introns, some transcripts being more frequent in either adult or infant ALL. Fast and reliable diagnostic tests represent an important tool in clinical laboratories to detect these rearrangements and . In this context, this work aimed to validate a qualitative method to detect the main MLL::AF4 fusion isoforms. Methods We evaluated the performance of the Hs03043614_ft (e10e4, e9e4 and e9e5) and Hs03024412_ft (e11e4) inventoried TaqMan assays (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Total mRNA from negative and positive samples for each fusion was extracted by the TRIzol reagent according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All assays were performed using TaqMan RNA-to-Ct 1-Step kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The inventoried ABL1 assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific) was used as endogenous control. Using positive samples, negative samples and controls of each fusion were performed: sequence verification tests, standardization of RNA input, evaluation of reaction efficiency and determination of the detection limit (LOD). The performance of the assays was evaluated with ABL1 control separately from the fusions. Results Our results showed that both assays worked well for the detection of specific fusions. The best RNA input for the reactions was 200 ng. The efficiencies reactions were: a) with ABL1 in separate reactions: 92.6% and 110.0% for Hs03043614_ft and Hs03024412_ft assays, respectively; The literature recommends the limit of efficiency was between 90% and 110%. The LODs with ABL1 in separate reactions were 10−3 for both assays, respectively. There was no unspecific amplification in negative samples. Conclusion The TaqMan assays with RT one-step protocol evaluated are highly sensitive, fast, and reliable tools for detecting the most frequent MLL::AF4 fusion transcripts.

Breaking azeotropes by reactive adsorption: A case for sorption-enhanced dimethyl carbonate synthesis

This work investigates the direct production of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 by sorption-enhanced DMC (SEDMC) synthesis, employing modelling techniques. SEDMC synthesis is shown to be an exemplary case for reactive separation, as it enhances the reaction and simplifies downstream processing through in-situ separation. By incorporating in-situ water adsorption, SEDMC achieves significantly higher methanol conversions compared to other direct synthesis routes. Simultaneously, the formation of two azeotropes can be avoided, leading to a drastic simplification of downstream separation, requiring only one-step conventional distillation. By increasing the methanol conversion to 45%, the formation of a DMC-methanol azeotrope is prevented, and the in-situ water adsorption effectively avoids the DMC-water azeotrope. Based on these findings, further research should focus on identifying suitable materials and (reactive) adsorbents, while also incorporating a more detailed process layout and cycle design. These efforts will unlock the full potential of SEDMC synthesis in the production of renewable materials.

Construction of 2D/1D Cu7S4 nanosheets/Mn0.3Cd0.7S nanorods heterojunction for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Developing cost-effective cocatalyst-modified photocatalytic systems with boosted carrier separation and rapid surface catalytic reaction is an ideal strategy for effectively converting solar energy into desired fuels. Herein, a series of Cu7S4/Mn0.3Cd0.7S hierarchical heterostructures are designed and fabricated to achieve efficient and robust photocatalytic H2 evolution by coupling one-dimensional (1D) Mn0.3Cd0.7S nanorods with two-dimensional (2D) Cu7S4 nanosheets through a facile sonochemical strategy. Benefiting from dimensionality and cocatalyst effects, the constructed 2D/1D Cu7S4/Mn0.3Cd0.7S heterojunction photocatalyst containing 1.5 wt% Cu7S4 displays excellent photostability and superior photocatalytic H2 evolution rate up to 914.3 μmol h−1, which is 4.43 and 2.22-folds increment relative to bare Mn0.3Cd0.7S and the 3 wt% Pt/Mn0.3Cd0.7S, respectively. The various characterization results reveal that the utilization of semimetallic Cu7S4 nanosheets as the cocatalyst to form a Schottky heterojunction can promote the light-harvesting capability, suppress charge carrier recombination, and provide sufficient reaction sites for hydrogen generation, thereby resulting in the dramatically improved photocatalytic performance. This work clarifies the role of Cu7S4 nanosheets as the robust and cost-effective cocatalyst in the photocatalytic reaction and opens a new horizon for designing other Cu7S4-based cocatalyst/semiconductor Schottky heterostructures for efficient solar-to-fuel conversion.

Hydrogen from industrial aluminium scraps: Hydrolysis under various conditions, modelling of pH behaviour and analysis of reaction by-product

The study explores the feasibility of utilizing aluminium scrap waste from the construction industry for hydrogen production via hydrolysis. Specifically, the study involves a primary analysis of aluminium scrap waste and the impact of various reaction parameters, such as NaOH molarity, reaction temperature, amount of Al scrap, solvent quantity, and the reaction vessel insulation, and their effects on the reaction rate, H2 yield, and by-product formation. The pH of the reaction solution was continuously monitored to determine the reaction mechanism, while the structure of the by-product was analysed at two stages: after removal and drying, and after removal and washing. Our findings indicate that increasing the reaction temperature has the most significant influence on the reaction kinetics. Insulating the reaction vessel ensured self-promoted hydrogen production due to the heat generated from the exothermic reaction inside the vessel, resulting in an approximate temperature increase of 5 °C for all tested reaction solution molarities compared to non-insulated conditions. The pH measurements were conducted in two different ways. The first one involved immersing a pH probe directly into an open reaction container. The second approach utilized a closed reaction container under isothermal conditions, where both the pH and H2 yield were measured simultaneously. In addition, the obtained data was compared between the measured pH values and the predictions generated by models utilizing the measured H2 evolution in order to forecast the pH behaviour. The modelling results recognize and suggest the existence of separate reaction phases or zones, each characterized by distinct influences on the pH level.

Study on the structure of energy‐saving bend pipes in a decanter centrifuge

AbstractDecanter centrifuges are widely used in solid–liquid separation, and saving their energy consumption is very important. In this paper, a bend pipe installed at the end of the decanter centrifuge was designed to save energy, and the effect of different structural parameters of the energy‐saving bend pipes on the outlet velocity and the reaction torque was investigated. The results revealed that the outlet velocity and the reaction torque were reduced with the increase in the number of pipes, outlet area, and pipe length. Increasing the radial position had little effect on the outlet velocity, but increased the reaction torque. Decreasing the outlet area and increasing the radial position both weaken the separation performance of the decanter centrifuge. The best separation performance and reaction torque effect were achieved in a suitable structure. Furthermore, the turbulent intensity was reduced from 143% to 135% in the new machine installed with bend pipes. The energy‐saving efficiency dropped with the increase of the rotational speed and the value was 13.1% under 2500 rpm. The separation performance of the new machine was similar to that of the original machine, and the dewatering speed was increased with the increase of the axial position.

Development of a duplex qPCR assay for the detection of coinfection in eels by Japanese eel endothelial cell-infecting virus and Anguillid herpesvirus-1

Japanese eel endothelial cell-infecting virus (JEECV) and Anguillid herpesvirus 1 (AngHV-1) are virulent pathogens in eel aquaculture farms in the Republic of Korea and coexist in the same host. To date, no diagnostic method has been developed that detects them simultaneously. We developed a duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (duplex qPCR) assay to detect both JEECV and AngHV-1 simultaneously in a single reaction. Two sets of specific primers and TaqMan probes were designed to target the large T-antigen gene of JEECV and the DNA polymerase catalytic subunit gene of AngHV-1. The assay was optimized by changing the primer and probe concentrations and the annealing temperature of the reaction. The duplex qPCR could specifically amplify the specific genes of the two viruses with high efficiency and coefficient of determination. The assay could detect both viruses at a limit of detection of 8 fg/μL. The diagnostic performance of the developed assay was determined by analyzing 82 clinical samples (72 infected and 10 healthy) and comparing the results with those of conventional PCR and SYBR Green-based qPCR; the results correlated well with each other. The duplex qPCR showed 100% and 98.6% diagnostic sensitivity for JEECV and AngHV-1, respectively. The diagnostic specificity of this assay was validated using two potential viral strains, red sea bream iridovirus and Ostreid herpesvirus-1 microvariant, reported in the aquaculture industry. In contrast, the methods already developed including conventional PCR and qPCR cannot detect both JEECV and AngHV-1 at the same time as they should perform in separate reactions. Thus, the duplex qPCR developed herein is a sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for the simultaneous detection of JEECV and AngHV-1 and has subsequent applications in the health management of eels.