Solid Liquid Research Articles

Early-stage recovery of lithium from spent batteries via CO2-assisted leaching optimized by response surface methodology

Recycling lithium (Li) from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the depletion of natural resources and potential toxicity is becoming a progressively favourable measure to realize green sustainability. Presently, the prevalent recycling technique relying on pyrometallurgy lacks the capability to extract lithium. Meanwhile, conventional hydrometallurgical processes frequently employ robust acidic solutions like sulfuric acid and precipitation agents such as sodium carbonate. Unfortunately, this approach tends to result in the extraction of lithium at the end of a lengthy process chain, leading to associated losses and creating challenges in managing complex waste. This study addresses a cost-effective and environmentally friendly early-stage lithium recovery from the thermally conditioned black mass. In this sense, a thermally conditioned black mass is subjected to the carbonization process in a water solution to transform the water-insoluble Li phase into soluble lithium bicarbonate (LiHCO3) and carbonate (Li2CO3) facilitating its selective separation from other elements. Response surface methodology (RSM)—a statistical tool integrated with central composite design (CCD) is employed to optimize the parameters for Li recovery. Temperature, solid–liquid (S/L) ratio, leaching time and CO2 flow rate are considered as variable factors in modelling the optimum recycling process. A quadratic regression model is developed for Li recovery and based on ANOVA analysis, (S/L) ratio, temperature and time are identified as statistically significant factors. Experimental results demonstrate a maximum leaching efficiency of lithium with optimized parameter set, achieving a recovery rate of 97.18% with a fit response of 93.54%.

A bacteriocin expression platform for targeting pathogenic bacterial species

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that are naturally produced by many bacteria. They hold great potential in the fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. Engineered live biotherapeutic products (eLBPs) that secrete bacteriocins can be created to deliver targeted bacteriocin production. Here we develop a modular bacteriocin secretion platform that can be used to express and secrete multiple bacteriocins from non-pathogenic Escherichia coli host strains. As a proof of concept we create Enterocin A (EntA) and Enterocin B (EntB) secreting strains that show strong antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in vitro, and characterise this activity in both solid culture and liquid co-culture. We then develop a Lotka-Volterra model that can be used to capture the interactions of these competitor strains. We show that simultaneous exposure to EntA and EntB can delay Enterococcus growth. Our system has the potential to be used as an eLBP to secrete additional bacteriocins for the targeted killing of pathogenic bacteria.

Experimental Study on Vapor–Liquid and Solid–Liquid Equilibria Data for the Regeneration of Biobased Solvents Guaiacol and 2,2,5,5-Tetramethyl Oxolane in Biorefinery Processes

Experimental Study on Vapor–Liquid and Solid–Liquid Equilibria Data for the Regeneration of Biobased Solvents Guaiacol and 2,2,5,5-Tetramethyl Oxolane in Biorefinery Processes

Inorganic Electrolyte Additive Promoting the Interfacial Stability for Durable Zn-Ion Batteries.

The development of Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) is always hindered by the ruleless interface reactions between the solid electrode and liquid electrolyte, and seeking appropriate electrolyte additives is considered as a valid approach to stabilize the electrode/electrolyte interphases for high-performance ZIBs. Benefiting from the unique solubility of TiOSO4 in acidic solution, the composite electrolyte of 2m ZnSO4+30mm TiOSO4 (ZSO/TSO) is configured and its positive contribution to Zn//Zn cells, Zn//Cu cells, and Zn//NH4V4O10 batteries are comprehensively investigated by electrochemical tests and theoretical calculations. Based on the theoretical calculations, the introduction of TiOSO4 contributes to facilitating the desolvation kinetics of Zn2+ ions and guarantees the stable interface reactions of both zinc anode and NH4V4O10 cathode. As expected, Zn//Zn cells keep long-term cycling behavior for 3750h under the test condition of 1mA cm-2-1 mAh cm-2, Zn//Cu cells deliver high Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% for 1000 cycles under the test condition of 5mA cm-2-1 mAh cm-2, and Zn//NH4V4O10 batteries maintain reversible specific capacity of 193.8 mAh g-1 after 1700 cycles at 5 A g-1 in ZSO/TSO electrolyte. These satisfactory results manifest that TiOSO4 additive holds great potential to improve the performances of ZIBs.

Solid–Liquid Phase Equilibria of Potassium–Ammonium–Magnesium Chloride System at 323.2 and 348.2 K

Solid–Liquid Phase Equilibria of Potassium–Ammonium–Magnesium Chloride System at 323.2 and 348.2 K

Effects of external static electrical field on thermal and electrical conductivity in the Al-Cu, Al-Ni, and Al-Si eutectic alloys

This study aims to investigate the effects of external positive and negative static electric fields (E+ and E- respectively) on thermal conductivity (K) and electrical conductivity (σ) in Al-33 wt. % Cu, Al-6.4 wt. % Ni and Al-12 wt. % Si eutectic alloys. For this purpose, the solidifications of Al-Cu, Al-Ni, and Al-Si eutectic alloys were directionally done under E+ and E-. The directions of E were chosen to be parallel (E+) and antiparallel (E-) to the solid-liquid (S-L) growth direction and the magnitudes of E were approximately (+10) and (−10) kV cm−1 and (+16) and (-16) kV cm−1 for the Al-Cu, Al-Ni, and Al-Si eutectic alloys, respectively. The effects of E+ and E− on the K and σ were determined by the longitudinal heat flow and the four-point probe methods, respectively. While the K and σ values decreased with increasing temperature, the K and σ were increased and decreased with E+ and E−, respectively.

Preoperative fasting for elective surgery in children

This review investigated preoperative fasting in children who need elective surgical interventions. Fifty publications included in the abstract databases PubMed and elibrary for the period from 2017 to 2023 were reviewed. For the analysis, we used articles on the effect of preoperative fasting on indicators of the cardiovascular system and water and carbohydrate metabolism and assessed the course of the perioperative period depending on the duration of refusal of solid food and liquids before surgery. The article presents historical information that formed the basis for the modern paradigm of refusal of solid food and liquids in the preoperative period, especially the negative consequences of prolonged refusal of food in the preoperative period, indicating the main ones, namely, euglycemic ketosis and ketoacidosis, which are common in children. Hypoglycemia due to food refusal before surgery is rare and is not a serious problem in most patients, except in children in the first year of life. In most cases, it has been demonstrated that the time of preoperative fasting significantly exceeds the recommended intervals and amounts to more than 10 hours, and 75% of patients experience a strong feeling of hunger. Infusion of dextrose solutions has not been found to reduce feelings of hunger and thirst before surgery. An increase in preoperative fasting time is often associated with improper organization of the process (35.1%), an increase in surgical time (34.1%), and surgical plan changes (20.9%). It is noted that the optimal volume of liquid that a child can drink before surgery is 3 ml/kg. Data indicates that preoperative fasting can cause arterial hypotension after induction of anesthesia, at the stage of preparing the surgical field. It has been demonstrated that a residual gastric volume of 1.25 ml/kg is a risk factor for aspiration during the induction of anesthesia. There is currently no convincing evidence of the negative effect of preoperative fasting on treatment outcome; however, clearly, the time to abandon clear liquids before elective surgery in children should be minimal.

The “suevite” conundrum, Part 2: Re‐examining the type locality at the Ries impact structure, Germany

AbstractOne of the most common types of allochthonous impactite produced in hypervelocity impact events is impact breccia that contains melt particles. In numerous terrestrial hypervelocity impact structures such melt‐bearing breccias have been termed “suevite,” after the type locality at the Ries impact structure, Germany. Despite its widespread occurrence, the origin, emplacement, and classification of suevite remains debated. In this contribution, we re‐examine the nature and origin of suevite at the Ries impact structure. The results of new field and laboratory investigations, when combined and synthesized with results from previous studies, lead to a multi‐stage model for the origin and emplacement of allochthonous impactites during the Ries impact event. Following the creation of a transient cavity the so‐called Bunte Breccia and “megablocks” were emplaced via ballistic sedimentation and subsequent radial flow during the excavation stage to form a continuous ejecta blanket. At the end of the excavation stage, a mixture of melt and lithic fragments formed a lining to the transient cavity and it is this material that later became the crater, dike, and outer suevite (OS) units. The crater suevite represents the material from the displaced zone of the transient cavity that was transported and mixed but never left the cavity. The emplacement of dike suevite occurred during the modification stage as the crater suevite was intruded into fractures in the underlying crater floor. The OS and rare impact melt rocks overlying the ballistic (Bunte Breccia) ejecta deposits were emplaced as outwards‐directed ground‐hugging flows largely during the modification stage of crater formation. The OS flows varied both spatially and temporally in terms of the flow characteristics, from being dominated by solid particles and gas (cf. pyroclastic density currents) to a mixture of solid particles, liquid (impact melt), and minor gases (i.e., particulate impact melt‐rich flows). These particulate impact melt‐rich flows dominated by far. Minor “fallback” of material from an ejecta plume is evidenced by accretionary lapilli in the Nördlingen 1973 core. In summary, allochthonous impactites at the Ries impact structure are not unusual but are consistent with observations from other terrestrial and planetary craters, where melt‐rich impactites overly ballistic ejecta deposits both outside and inside crater rims and where melt‐rich impactites occur in crater interiors.

Block Polymer-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for the Solid–Liquid Interfacial Extraction of Industrial Dyes: Sustainable Methodology Based on Molecular Interactions

Block Polymer-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for the Solid–Liquid Interfacial Extraction of Industrial Dyes: Sustainable Methodology Based on Molecular Interactions

Photoisomerization Induced Solid–Liquid Transition Polymers Enabling Light Regulated Intelligent Lubrication Behavior

Photoisomerization Induced Solid–Liquid Transition Polymers Enabling Light Regulated Intelligent Lubrication Behavior

Growth Kinetics and Development of the Solid–Liquid Interface in Low-Carbon and High-Alloy Steel Castings Enabled by Confocal Microscopy

Growth Kinetics and Development of the Solid–Liquid Interface in Low-Carbon and High-Alloy Steel Castings Enabled by Confocal Microscopy

Preparation and characterization of a nanostructured lipid carrier for phenylethyl resorcinol

Phenylethyl resorcinol (PR) demonstrates inhibitory effects on multiple targets in the melanin synthesis pathway, resulting in a strong whitening effect. However, challenges such as limited solubility in water and susceptibility to oxidation and discoloration restrict its practical application in the cosmetics industry. In order to enhance stability and performance characteristics, a whitening nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was synthesized through high-pressure homogenization. This method entailed the incorporation of solid lipids, a liquid lipid, and a compound emulsifier, with deionized water fulfilling the roles of solid phase, liquid phase, and water phase, respectively. The NLC's particle size, Zeta potential, stability, encapsulation efficiency, and other parameters were assessed using techniques such as particle sizer, stability analyzer, and HPLC. The results showed that the NLC for phenylethyl resorcinol prepared by using the optimal formula (7.50 % solid lipids, 3.00 % ethylhexyl palmitate, and 2.00 % Tween 80 and soybean lecithin) has an encapsulation efficiency of 87.11 %, a particle size of 157.2 ± 0.70 nm, a kinetic instability of less than 1.2, and a greatly improved stability, thereby successfully solving the problems of unstable storage and poor solubility of phenylethyl resorcinol.

Recent Studies on Solid–Liquid Contact Electrification

Recent Studies on Solid–Liquid Contact Electrification

Selected challenges in solidification processing of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced aluminum alloys composites

Solidification processing of aluminum graphene composite is an attractive option for synthesis of metal matrix composites. Graphene reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites (GAMMCs) are of interest due to the low density and ultrahigh physical and mechanical properties of Graphene which can improve the properties of Al-Graphene composites. However, solidification processing of aluminum graphene composites has served challenges, including agglomeration of reinforcement and porosity resulting in decrease in properties above 0.five to three wt% graphene. Also, the graphene surface can react with molten aluminum alloys to form aluminum carbide. Challenges with particle distribution and porosity are frequently caused by the poor wetting of reinforcement by melt, requiring additions of selected wetting agents. The other problems include movement of reinforcement within the melt due to density differences and convection leading to nonuniform distribution of reinforcements. The graphene reinforcements can be pushed by solidifying interfaces under certain conditions during solidification leading to segregation of reinforcements in the interdendritic regions. The paper critically analyzes the above problems related to solidification processing of Aluminum- Graphene composites which has not been done in previous publications aluminum-graphene composites. The objective of this paper is to examine the challenges, and suggest possible solutions including addition of elements like silicon and magnesium to aluminum melt, coating graphene with metals like nickel and copper, controlling rate of advancement and nature of advancing solid liquid interface in a manner that they engulf graphene with dendrites or grains.

Primary and Secondary Nucleation Threshold of Succinic Acid: From the Perspective of Dimensionless Solid–Liquid Interfacial Tension

Primary and Secondary Nucleation Threshold of Succinic Acid: From the Perspective of Dimensionless Solid–Liquid Interfacial Tension

Peran Kemitraan Masyarakat dan Perusahaan Kelapa Sawit dalam Pengelolaan Limbah serta Implikasinya pada Kesehatan Lingkungan: Sebuah Telaah Pustaka

The development of the Indonesian palm oil industry has direct implications for the increasingly widespread cultivation of oil palm, both managed by small-scale companies and those managed by large-scale companies. This condition is directly proportional to the increase in the amount of solid waste and liquid waste produced from industrial activities. Solid waste and liquid waste can pollute the environment and endanger public health if not managed properly. This literature review aims to examine the role of partnerships between communities and the palm oil industry in managing palm oil waste and its implications for environmental health. Partnerships involve active community participation in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating waste management programs. The results of the literature review show that the partnership has had a positive impact, such as improving water and air quality and reducing the prevalence of environmentally related diseases. Apart from that, community empowerment programs in processing waste into economically valuable products also provide economic benefits. However, there are inhibiting factors such as low public awareness, limited human resources, and lack of other supporting facilities and infrastructure.

Determination of quinolone antibiotics in surface water by MnFe2O4@TiO2 magnetic solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography

The magnetic solid phase extraction material (MnFe2O4@TiO2) was prepared by coating TiO2 on MnFe2O4 through an in-situ formation method. The structure and properties of MnFe2O4@TiO2 were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption experiment, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The conditions for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of quinolone antibiotics were optimized, and an MSPE-HPLC method was established to determine quinolone antibiotics in water samples. The optimal conditions for MSPE are MnFe2O4@TiO2 amount of 15 mg, extraction time of 15 min, 5 mL of methanol solution with 20 % ammonia as eluent, and elution time of 1 min. Under the optimal conditions, 50 mL 0.1 mg/L mixed standard solutions of fleroxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin have achieved enrichment multiples of 67.8, 72.1, 59.6, 55.8, and 60.7, respectively. The linear range of five antibiotics determined by MSPE-HPLC is 0.004–1 mg/L with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.1 %–4.9 % and the limits of detection (LODs) of 0.0006–0.0020 mg/L. The method is applied to the determination of the five antibiotics in rice paddy water and fish pond water; the recoveries range from 78.9 to 105.8 %, and the RSDs (n = 5) are 3.6 %–8.7 %.

Solid–liquid–gas-like phase transition in electric field driven dense granular media

The polarization induced by an external electric field significantly influences the contact charge of particles. It can easily cause solid–liquid–gas-like phase transitions in dense granular media, which are the key factors leading to environmental and safety disasters such as sandstorms, volcanic eruptions, and spacecraft emergencies. In this letter, our investigation focused on a densely packed granular system with different thicknesses subjected to bottom excitation and an external electric field. Using the discrete element method (DEM), we proposed conditions for the first- and second-order phase transitions and revealed the mechanism of electrical signal transformation. We presented the physical characteristics of charge and polarization diffusion coefficients for charged particles, and introduced a theoretical Turing model to predict critical phase transitions. Additionally, this phase transition model was extended to the application of electrostatic dust removal, quantitatively predicting the relationship between dust removal efficiency, particle layer thickness, and electric field intensity.

Design and synthesis of Mg-HKUST-1/solid ionic liquid composites for CO2 capture with improved water stability

The water sensitivity HKUST-1, is a critical concern for realizing practical CO2 capture. Water stability and high CO2 adsorption are difficult to achieve simultaneously. Mg and piperazinium-based solid ionic liquids (SoILs) were incorporated into HKUST-1 to enhance its water stability and selective CO2 capture performance, respectively. The eco-friendly route was utilized for the synthesis of bimetallic Mg(x)-HKUST-1, employing water as the sole solvent with stirring and microwave treatment. The SoILs were incorporated into the pore structure of Mg(15)-HKUST-1 by wet impregnation. Among the different ratios of Mg used for the synthesis, 15 % Mg exhibited the highest improvement in CO2 capacity (5.32 mmol/g) and CO2/N2 selectivity (27) compared to the parent HKUST-1 (CO2 capacity, 4.2 mmol/g; CO2/N2 selectivity, 17). Once Mg(15)-HKUST-1 was impregnated with 10 % SoIL, the CO2 capture performance was further improved. In the stability study, 10 % SoIL/Mg(15)-HKUST-1 and Mg(15)-HKUST-1 preserved respectively 92.4 % and 85.3 % CO2 adsorption capacity after 20 days of exposure to a humid environment (60 % RH) at 298±5 K, an improvement compared to the HKUST-1 (26 %). The CO2 and N2 adsorption capacities of HKUST-1, Mg-HKUST-1, and SoIL/Mg-HKUST-1 composite were measured using a volumetric method and characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Flexible phase change film with motion sensing and tactile recognition for wearable thermal management

Phase change materials (PCMs) have gained significant interest in personal thermal management technologies owing to high latent heat capacity and isothermal phase transitions. However, achieving simultaneous thermal and wearing comfort remains a formidable challenge due to their solid rigidity and liquid leakage. In this work, a polyetheramine-based conductive phase change film was developed by introducing ion transport network and tetradecanol as phase change components encapsulated within the skeleton network. The film possesses adjustable heat storage density (79.5–163.4 J/g) and exceptional flexibility at room temperature. On the basis of desirable thermal regulation ability and ideal wearability, the film was successfully applied in the personal thermal management field and effectively regulated the human body temperature. Moreover, the film realized human motion sensing and object tactile recognition in real time with construction of the inner ion transport channels. This successful exploration provides a promising and scalable route towards intelligent wearable thermal management.