Slurry Technique Research Articles

Nanocomposites for Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes Made of Silicon and Polyaniline Doped with Phytic Acid

The properties of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) anodes fabricated from nanoscale silicon Si and polyaniline (PANI) as a binder are reported. PANI is prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of phytic acid, which serves both as dopant and as a gel‐forming agent. PANI pellets obtained by dry compression are used to investigate the morphology and to measure the resistivity of PANI and Si/PANI composites. The anodes are fabricated using the slurry technique. Their properties as a function of precursor ratio are studied in the half‐cell cells by charge–discharge characteristics, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic lifetime. It is shown that stable cycling (>350 cycles at a current of 300 mA g−1) is inherent only to thin Si/PANI layers with composite loading <0.7 mg cm−2. The discharge capacity in this case is as high as 500–800 mAh g−1.

Tribological and microstructural characteristics of Al2O3–LM6 semi-solid cast composite synthesized by dual mixed slurry process

The purpose of this work is to analyze the impact of reinforced Al2O3–LM6 aluminum composite made with dual mixed slurry for semi-solid casting with stirring, which is documented according to microstructure and wear properties. Under dry sliding pin-on-disk conditions, the composition and surface morphology of worn surfaces were carefully examined for the 10 N applied force, 1.2 m/s sliding speed, and sliding distances up to 750 m. Experimental findings indicate that Al2O3 reinforcement with semi-solid dual slurry effects give outstanding resistance against the adhesive wear. Microstructure, EDS, and XRD results from worn surface evaluation all show evidence of protective layers, which helps explain the reason for the rate of wear decreased due to processing. In this experiment, LM6 serves as the matrix material and Al2O3 as reinforcement. Al2O3–LM6 semi-solid cast composite was created via a dual mixed slurry technique with temperature control close to the solidus line for varying compositions. This work reports a substantial relationship between metallurgical and mechanical parameters. Mechanical properties and wear characteristics have been investigated.

Preparation of novel reticulated porous ceramics with textured structures enabled by in situ generated interlocking Al2O3 platelets

Al2O3 reticulated porous ceramics (ARPCs) are extensively employed in high-temperature catalytic support, molten metal filtration, and porous media combustion because of their high specific surface area and heat resistance. The high specific surface area is usually maintained by high apparent porosity, but unfortunately, the accompanying poor mechanical properties severely compromise the durability of ARPCs. To synergistically improve the mechanical properties and apparent porosity, a new strategy was proposed to prepare ARPCs with textured structures of in situ interlocking Al2O3 platelet integration using vacuum impregnation Na3AlF6–SiC–Al2O3 slurry technique. The obtained textural structure had a significant strengthening effect on ARPCs, attributed to the increased contact area among non-equiaxed grains, and the compact growth of Al2O3 platelets with high aspect ratios provided the high apparent porosity and specific surface area of ARPCs, resulting in compressive strength as high as 3.93 MPa at an apparent porosity of 85.31 %, as well as the degradation of Congo red up to 75.35 % due to the Al2O3 platelets facilitating the loading of TiO2.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate loaded proliposomal vesicles for management of traumatic brain injury: In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation

One of the primary causes of disability and mortality worldwide is traumatic brain injury (TBI). Oxidative stress is one of the main pathological cascades of TBI. Therefore, finding an effective antioxidant for TBI is a challenge. Several studies revealed that Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) had neuroprotective properties, so it might play an important role in TBI. However, it has some drawbacks including instability that may lead to reduced efficacy which could be enhanced using nanoformulation. Consequently, this study aimed to design and optimize EGCG-loaded Proliposomes (EGCG-PLs) and to investigate the antioxidant effect against TBI in rats by modulating the Sirt1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. EGCG-PLs were formulated by the slurry technique. Then, to choose the best formula, nanovesicles were assessed and optimized by the Box-Behnken Design to determine the effect of preparation factors on the formed vesicles. Following that, we used an animal model of TBI to compare the neuroprotective effects of the optimized formula to the free drug in vivo. To confirm the neuroprotective action, oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated as well as histopathological examinations of different brain tissues were performed. The optimized EGCG-loaded PLs formula had a mean size of 150.63 ± 2.65 nm while the percentage of entrapment efficiency was 89.744 ± 0.89 %. The EGCG in vitro release from the optimized PLs formula was prolonged in comparison with the free EGCG. The optimized formula showed a superior antioxidant effect compared to its free counterpart as it significantly decreased MDA and increased the endogenous antioxidants, SOD, and GSH, of brain tissues in addition to activation of the Sirt1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, amelioration of histopathological alterations induced by TBI in brain tissues was more prominent with EGCG-PLs treatment. To conclude, all outcomes point to a potential enhancement in the efficacy of EGCG when prepared in PLs in combating TBI.

Response of Transplanted Rice to Seedling Root-dip in Phosphorus and Biofertilizer Slurry in Acid Soils of North East India- A Participatory Assessment in Farmers’ Field

Background: Rice production is mainly constrained by low P-use efficiency (PUE) and P-recovery efficiency (PRE) in acid soils of the North East hill region of India. Efficient P fertilizer management strategies for rice production is very essential to achieve higher yield per unit of P fertilizer applied. Rhizosphere-based P management in wetland rice is considered as an efficient strategy to minimize the quantity of applied P to obtain a profitable yield. Methods: Seedling root dipping in P slurry technique in farmers’ field condition was studied in comparison to the conventional methods of application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and the integrated nutrient management (INM) practices to identify a suitable cost effective method of application of phosphatic fertilizer for the acid soils of this hill region of North East India. Result: The highest plant height, maximum number of effective tillers and root biomass were recorded in SSP root dip+Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) followed by INM practices. P root dip had greater root biomass (4.36 g plant-1) which was significantly higher than RDF (3.82 g plant-1). Root dip application showed higher yields (5.80 t ha-1), compared with INM (5.53 t ha-1) and RDF (5.46 t ha-1) and control (4.25 t ha-1). The result of the present study demonstrated that P-dipping can achieve high applied P use efficiency (1193.42) in transplanted rice compared to conventional incorporation of P (625.43). Thus, P-dipping is a potential strategy to overcome low applied P use efficiency in high P-fixing soils and hence reduces the need for excess P application.

Novel Cr/Si-Slurry Diffusion Coatings for High Temperatures

Surface enrichment in Al, Si, and Cr can greatly improve high temperature oxidation resistance of many alloys. Al, Si, and Cr coatings are commonly applied via simple slurries or more complex pack cementation processes. Due to the high melting point of Cr, the deposition of Cr-based diffusion coatings by the slurry technique has proved challenging, and to date, Cr has mostly been applied by pack cementation. Here, a novel Cr-Si coating process via the slurry technique is described which has been developed and then demonstrated on two Ni-based superalloys, Rene 80 and Inconel 740H. The addition of Si to the slurry lowers the melting point via a Cr-Si eutectic and enables the formation of a liquid phase during heat treatment. Through this Cr-Si slurry coating process diffusion layers enriched by Cr and Si of about 150 µm were achieved. Oxidation behavior was studied through isothermal exposures at 900 °C for 1000 h in lab air. Uncoated Rene 80 and IN740H both showed formation of a Ti-containing Cr2O3 scale below a thin TiO2 top layer. Underneath the external scale a zone of internally oxidized Al grew over the exposure time and reduced the load-bearing cross-section progressively. In comparison, the Cr/Si-coated samples did not show internal Al oxidation, but a slow-growing Si-rich oxide film underneath the external Cr2O3 scale. This subscale represents an additional oxygen diffusion barrier. Thus, the weight gain during exposure for the coated samples was significantly lower than for the uncoated materials.

Two-body wear resistance and fatigue survival of new Y-TZP and ATZ ceramics made with a new slip-casting method

BackgroundDental zirconium oxide restorations are milled from pre-sintered blocks or disks which are produced either with high isostatic pressure (HIP) or, simpler, a slurry technique. The objective was to perform a fatigue test and an in vitro wear simulation of two ceramics, yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP) ceramic and a hybrid zirconium oxide-aluminum oxide ceramic, (ATZ) both produced either the classical way using high isostatic pressure (HIP, control) or with a slurry technique. Materials and methodsTen discs/group were subjected to a cyclic biaxial fatigue test using a staircase approach under water at 37 °C in a dynamic universal testing machine. The 2-body wear test was performed on eight lapped 12 mm thick cylindrical samples subjected to spherical (ø 6 mm) leucite ceramic antagonists in a CS-4 chewing simulator at 49 N force and 0.7 mm lateral movement for 600 k cycles and 4167 thermal cycles (5–55 °C). Volumetric wear was calculated based on laser-scanned surfaces. Selected samples of both tests were viewed in SEM. ResultsAll the ceramic specimens produced using the HIP method survived up to 1.2 M cycles with the maximum load of the equipment (1000 N) loading the specimens up to 1527 MPa. The fatigue limit stress at 1.2 M cycles for the Slurry ATZ samples was 946 MPa. For the Slurry Y-TZP samples the fatigue limit stress at 1.2 M cycles was 658 MPa. At 600 k cycles, all zirconium oxide ceramics showed no measurable wear and had a highly polished appearance. The leucite ceramic antagonists wear developed in a linear way. There was no difference between the materials produced with the slurry and the HIP process. ATZ ceramic produced significantly more wear than 3Y- TZP ceramic. ConclusionsThe HIP method provided higher fatigue strength than the Slurry manufacturing method. All HIP ceramics surpassed the limit threshold (1527 MPa) of the testing machine. The tested ceramics did not show any measurable wear but had worn the leucite reinforced glass ceramic antagonists for a considerable amount.

Producing the Methane Conversion by Steam Methane Reforming Over SiO2-NiO Catalyst

Methane is the main compound of natural gas and is today used in various industrial processes and also as energy source in gas turbines or natural gas fuelled vehicles. Methane is considered a substantially more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. This study presents an approach for the catalyst of SiO2-NiO foam in steam methane reforming. The 35 wt.% composition of Silica (SiO2) that produced from Rice Husk Ash (RHA) was used in this study by using slurry technique to produce of SiO2-NiO foam at 950°C and 1250°C of sintering temperatures. The morphologies of SiO2 -NiO foams were observed by using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to identify the pore size as a catalyst filter. The pore size of SiO2-NiO foam were found in the range 13µm to 43µm. SiO2-NiO catalyst were characterized by temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The TPR result showed present of SiO2-NiO was successfully activated at the 320°C at 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in the temperature range of 500°C–600°C, the catalyst was shown to be particularly active and stable. The high methane conversion 42% was produced at the reaction temperature of 600°C.

Effect of Polytetrafluoroethylene Binder Content on Gravimetric Capacitance and Life Cycle Stability of Graphene Supercapacitor

One of the major elements in determining the supercapacitor performance is the development of a nano-layered structure through facilitating the surface-dependent electrochemical reaction processes. Carbon-based nanomaterials especially graphene, has attracted tremendous interest in electrical charge and power sources including supercapacitor because of their exceptional properties, which include high conductivity and large specific surface area. In this paper, the effect of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder ratio (1, 5, 10, and 15 wt. %) on the electrochemical performance of graphene supercapacitor are evaluated. In addition, the facile and scalable preparation of graphene electrodes by using low-cost slurry technique is proposed. From the conducted experimental works, it was found that the fabricated graphene electrodes exhibit superior electrochemical properties for supercapacitor applications with a specific gravimetric capacitance of up to 373 F g−1. Moreover, the graphene electrode presented excellent cyclic stability with 99 % specific capacitance retention after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles hence promising for long‐lasting supercapacitors. The outcomes from the deliberated study serve as the basis of knowledge in the development of a cost-effective graphene-based materials production for energy storage devices.

Topical Application Using Non-ionic Surfactant for Formulation and Evaluation of Flavonoid Proniosomes

It is the goal of this research to examine the topical use of non-ionic surfactant for the Formulation and Evaluation of Flavonoid Proniosomes developed for the transdermal delivery of Rutin. The Proniosomal topical gel was prepared using the slurry technique involved with a non-ionic surfactant, Maltodextrin, Cholestrol and Glycerin. A robust design of experiments was used to optimize the various formulation variables. The optimized PG4 formulation was evaluated for entrapment efficiency, SEM, ATR –FTIR, Viscosity, Spreadability, Drug content, in-vitro diffusion study, and stability studies. PG4 formulation showed the highest entrapment efficiency and the higher percent of drug content. Evaluated for viscosity and spreadability which indicated the ratio of span 80: cholesterol demonstrated presenting some fluctuation. The SEM exhibited spherical vesicles and the optimal particle size for proniosome. In vitro drug release was better drug release throughout the process. After 3 months of storage at refrigerator temperatures, the stability in the presence of the percentage drug content of Rutin proniosomal gel formulation 4. There are several benefits to using Span 80 as the nonionic surfactant in these Proniosomal gel formulations, including increased drug accumulation in the different skin layers and increased carrier potential for the topical administration of rutin for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Influence of Fluoroethylene Carbonate in the Composition of an Aprotic Electrolyte on the Electrochemical Characteristics of LIB’s Anodes Based on Carbonized Nanosilicon

Here, we study an effect of FEC addition to TC-E918 electrolyte on the electrochemical performance of Si/C negative electrodes. The anodes were fabricated from nanosilicon powder coated with a carbon shell by means of a standard slurry technique. The low-temperature reduction of fluorocarbon on the surface of Si nanoparticles was used to form the shell. It was shown that the presence of FEC in the electrolyte increases the cyclic stability of the electrodes and maintains a 1.5-fold higher discharge capacity during 300 cycles. Impedance measurements were used to study changes in the electrode parameters during long-term cycling with and without FEC additives.

High Specific Capacity of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Carbon Black/Chitosan- and Carbon Black/Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Coated Separators

In this research, the shuttle effect and the low sulfur activation of lithium–sulfur batteries were mitigated by coating the cathode side of Celgard 2400 separators with mixtures of carbon black/chitosan or carbon black/polyvinylidene fluoride using the simple slurry technique. Carbon nanoparticles and the polar groups of the polymers were responsible for boosting the reaction kinetics of sulfur and the chemical and physical trapping of lithium polysulfides. The adsorption of sulfur species in the coated separators was confirmed by the morphologic changes observed in the AFM and SEM images and by the new elements presented in the EDX spectra after 100 charge/discharge cycles. The high intensity of the peaks in the cyclic voltammograms and the long plateaus in the discharge profiles support the improvement in the reaction kinetics. The batteries with the carbon black/chitosan- and carbon black/polyvinylidene fluoride-coated separators reached high specific discharge capacities of 833 and 698 mAhg−1, respectively, after 100 cycles at 0.5 C. This is promising for this kind of technology, and detailed results are presented in the article.

Evaluation of Performance of Chlorinated Polyethylene Using Wireless Network and Artificial Intelligence Technology

Chemical enterprises are presently confronted with several difficult issues, including high power consumption, dangerous risk evaluation, and environmental regulation, all of which push industrial and academic institutions to develop new technologies, catalysts, and materials. Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) is a polymer made by replacing H2 molecules in high density-(C2H4)n with chloride ions. CPE elastomers are made from a high density-(C2H4) backbone, and it was chlorinated using a free radical aqueous slurry technique. However, such fundamental polymer characteristics are insufficient to explain the performance characteristics of chlorinated polyethylene elastomers. Artificial intelligence (AI) has had a massive effect on all sections of the chemical sector, with tremendous potential that has revolutionized value supply chains, enhanced efficiency, and opened up new ways to the marketplace. As a result, in this research, we offer a methodology for the performance characterization of chlorinated polyethylene based on artificial intelligence (AI) and wireless network technology. The AI tools can search through enormous databases of known compounds and their attributes, leveraging the data to generate new possibilities. The dataset is first gathered. The chemical characterization is classified using the K -nearest neighbor (KNN) technique. This program was created to examine molecule structures and forecast the outcomes of new chemical reactions. Bayesian optimization is used to improve characterization performance. The proposed method will contribute to the future usage of AI in the chemical sector.

RoDSE Electro-Assembling of Iron Quantum Dots on Vulcan Xc-72R for ORR Toward Peroxide Generation for Space Applications

Highly dispersed iron-based quantum dots onto powdered Vulcan XC-72R substrate were successfully electrodeposited by the rotating disk slurry (RoDSE) technique. Our findings through chemical physics characterization revealed that the continuous electron pathway interaction between the interface metal-carbon is controlled. The RDE, RRDE, and PGU of in-situ H2O2 generation in fuel cell experiments revealed a high activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) via two-electron pathway. These results establish the Fe/Vulcan catalyst at a competitive level for space and terrestrial new materials carriers, specifically for the in-situ H2O2 production. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis reveals the well-dispersed Fe-based quantum dots with a particle size of 4 nm. The structural and chemical-physical characterization through ICP, TEM, STEM, HAADF-STEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, XANES, and EXAFs; reveals that, under atmospheric conditions, our quantum dots system is a Fe2+/3+/Fe3+ combination. The QDs oxidation state tunability was showed by the applied potential. The obtention of H2O2 under the compatibility conditions of the drinking water resources available in the International Space Station (ISS) enhances the applicability of this iron- and carbon-based materials for in-situ H2O2 production in future space scenarios. Terrestrial and space abundance of iron and carbon, combined with its low toxicity and high stability, consolidates this present work to be further extended for the large-scale production of Fe-based nanoparticles for several applications.

Physical Vapor Deposition of Cathode Materials for All Solid-State Li Ion Batteries: A Review

With the development of smart electronics, a wide range of techniques have been considered for efficient co-integration of micro devices and micro energy sources. Physical vapor deposition (PVD) by means of thermal evaporation, magnetron sputtering, ion-beam deposition, pulsed laser deposition, etc., is among the most promising techniques for such purposes. Layer-by-layer deposition of all solid-state thin-film batteries via PVD has led to many publications in the last two decades. In these batteries, active materials are homogeneous and usually binder free, which makes them more promising in terms of energy density than those prepared by the traditional powder slurry technique. This review provides a summary of the preparation of cathode materials by PVD for all solid-state thin-film batteries. Cathodes based on intercalation and conversion reaction, as well as properties of thin-film electrode–electrolyte interface, are discussed.

Influence of Different Polymeric Matrices on the Properties of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate


 
 
 Six different polymeric matrices were fabricated to reduce the sensitivity of PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate). The polymeric matrices used were individually based on Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) softened by plasticizer, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) softened by oil, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plasticised by dioctyl adipate (DOA), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane matrix, and Fluorel binder. A computerised plastograph mixer was utilised for producing three polymer-bonded explosives (PETN-NBR, PETN-SBR, and PETN-PDMS) based on the non-aqueous method. A cast-cured method was used to prepare PBX based on polyurethane (PETN-HTPB), while the slurry technique was used to prepare beads of PETN coated by either fluorel binder (PETN-FL) or based on PMMA forming (PETN-PMMA). The heat of combustion and sensitivities were investigated. The velocity of detonation was measured, while the characteristics of the detonation wave were deduced theoretically by the EXPLO 5 (thermodynamic code). The ballistic mortar experiment was performed to determine the explosive strength. By comparing the results, it was found that PDMS has the highest influence on decreasing the impact sensitivity of PETN, while the cast cured PETN-HTPB has the lowest friction sensitivity. On the other side, PETN-FL has the highest detonation parameters with high impact sensitivity. Several relationships were verified and the matching between the measured results with the calculated ones was confirmed.
 
 

Development of hybrid electrodeposition/slurry diffusion aluminide coatings on Ni-based superalloy with enhanced hot corrosion resistance

Ni/Co-modified aluminide coatings were prepared on Hastelloy-X superalloy by a combined process of electrodeposition and slurry aluminizing. In this regard, pure layers of Ni and Ni-50wt.%Co were initially applied via electrodeposition process and successive aluminization was carried out by a slurry technique. The microstructural and chemical composition characterization of the specimens revealed that a compact and dense aluminide coating was formed with two-layered structure containing the outer Al-rich b phase and inner interdiffusion zone. Moreover, the presence of pre-electrodeposited layers inhibited the outward diffusion flux of elements from the substrate and effectively suppressed the formation of Kirkendall pores. The hot corrosion studies of the obtained coatings indicated that the addition of a pre-electrodeposited layer could enhance the high-temperature corrosion performance of the coatings when exposed to sulfate salt.

Hybrid heterostructures of graphene and molybdenum disulfide: The structural characterization and its supercapacitive performance in 6M KOH electrolyte

In this article, heterostructures from graphene (G) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) were used as electrode materials in a hybrid supercapacitor. A general and facile method for the preparation of a G/MoS 2 hybrid supercapacitor has been developed. Using a slurry technique, the G/MoS 2 hybrid supercapacitor electrode was fabricated and its electrochemical performances in aqueous solution were investigated. The electrocapacitive behaviors of the hybrids were systematically evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements. It was found that the maximum specific gravimetric capacitance of the obtained G/MoS 2 hybrid with composition 60:40 is 48.58 F g −1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte. The results indicated that the G/MoS 2 hybrid offers a good supercapacitive performance due to the synergistic effects of both graphene and MoS 2 , suggesting its potential in energy storage applications. • The graphene-based materials are promising for supercapacitor applications. • A simple and facile preparation of graphene/MoS 2 hybrid electrode is explained. • The optimized composition of G/MoS 2 hybrid is investigated. • A new design for hybrid electrode may improve the supercapacitor performance.

Comparison of lime treatment techniques for deep stabilization of expansive soils

ABSTRACT In-situ deep Figure 14stabilization of expansive soil deposits is commonly carried out using lime piles and lime slurry injection. Recent research demonstrated the stabilization of expansive soils using lime column technique, and more recently the lime precipitation technique has emerged as the viable choice for stabilization of expansive soils. Comparison of these techniques in stabilizing the expansive soils provides a better understanding of the stabilization mechanisms and their advantages and limitations. Therefore, this paper brings out the relative efficacy of different lime treatment techniques in stabilizing the expansive soils. To achieve this objective, the laboratory model tests were carried out in expansive soil using lime pile and lime precipitation techniques in a compacted state, and lime slurry technique in a desiccated state from a central hole of diameter, d. The lime precipitation was achieved by sequential permeation of 46.2% calcium chloride and 33.3% sodium hydroxide solutions through a central hole in the compacted expansive soil. After 30 days of curing in the test moulds, the undisturbed soil specimens were collected for evaluation of the changes in physico-chemical, index and engineering properties. The experimental results reveal that the treatment is effective in stabilizing the expansive soil up to a radial distance of 0.8d from the central hole in case of lime pile treatment, whereas the lime slurry treatment up to a radial distance of 1.5d and lime precipitation treatment up to a radial distance of 2.5d. The experimental findings were supported with scanning electron microscopic images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis.

Phosphate Sorption onto Structured Soil

Soil–phosphorus interactions are frequently studied employing the slurry technique, in which soil samples are intensively mixed with phosphate solutions of various concentrations. The result of such experiments is a “phosphate sorption potential” because the thorough mixing of soil and phosphate solution as obtained by overhead or horizontal shaking of the slurry would probably not occur under natural conditions, especially if the soil is structured. Here, we wanted to test the impact of soil structure on phosphorus (P) removal from aqueous solution. Soil aggregates of a defined size class were prepared by carefully sieving the soil. The soil aggregates were individually wrapped in an inert fabric and placed on a sieve, which was lowered into a basin containing a phosphate solution of a given concentration. The decrease of the phosphate solution concentration with time was registered at fixed intervals, and adsorbed amounts were quantified by differences between initial concentrations and concentrations at the time of sampling. Pre-tests on fine earth revealed that sorption was more pronounced in the classical slurry batch experiment than in the approach used in this study. Differences between methods were more pronounced at lower initial phosphate concentrations. The increase in P sorption in the classical batch experiment continued over 24 h to 140 mg kg−1, while the adsorbed P amount remained constant (64 mg kg−1) after 6 h in the diffusion experiment. Interestingly, it was observed that the sorption onto soil aggregates was elevated as compared to unstructured fine earth. The sorption capacity of aggregates was approximately one third higher than that of the fine earth samples according to optimized Freundlich adsorption coefficients. This was unexpected since it was assumed that the soil surface area available for sorption processes is greater or at least far more accessible if the unstructured fine earth is exposed to the phosphate solution. We conclude that if the inner pore space of soil aggregates is readily accessible and diffusion is not hindered, the overall retention capacity of intact aggregates might be higher than that of the disturbed soil because the intra-aggregate pore space can accommodate a certain fraction of phosphate in addition to the adsorbed amount at particle surfaces. The presented experimental approach allows for studying sorption processes in well-structured and fine earth in conditions that perform better compared to the natural situation. Additional testing of the method for different soil types is advisable.