Solvent Penetration Research Articles

Application of ionic liquids as co-solvent for oil extraction from desert date

The extraction of oil from Balanites seed (desert date) using ultrasound-assisted extraction was investigated using organic solvent (ethyl acetate) and ionic liquid as co-solvent. The study found that an optimum oil yield of 28.67 % was obtained using a seed to solvent ratio of 1:6, an extraction temperature of 50 °C and an extraction time of 30 min when ethyl acetate was used as the sole solvent in the extraction system. Different types of ionic liquids as co-solvents were screened in this study and an improvement of oil yield (3–6 %) was observed using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate. Additionally, the presence of ionic liquid as a co-solvent during the extraction process could achieve a similar oil yield at a lower extraction temperature. This indicates the potential breakdown of the lignocellulosic cell wall of the seed using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate. The presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate as co-solvent can enhance the penetration of the organic solvent into the Balanites seed matrix for oil extraction and can reduce the energy required for the extraction process.

Dissolution of copovidone-based amorphous solid dispersions: Influence of atomic layer coating, hydration kinetics, and formulation

Atomic layer coating (ALC) is an emerging, solvent-free technique to coat amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) particles with a nanolayer ceramic coating that has been shown to improve powder characteristics and limit drug crystallization. Herein, we evaluate the impact of aluminum oxide coatings with varying thickness and conformality on the dissolution of ritonavir/copovidone ASDs. Release performance of powders, neat tablets, and formulated tablets was studied. Confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) was used to visualize particle hydration and phase separation during immersion of the ASD in aqueous media. CFM revealed particle hydration requires defects for solvent penetration, but coatings, regardless of thickness, had minor impacts on powder dissolution provided defects were present. In tablets where less surface area is exposed to the dissolution media due to gel formation, slowed hydration kinetics resulted in phase separation of the drug from the polymer in coated samples, limiting release. Formulation with two superdisintegrants, crospovidone and croscarmellose sodium, as well as lactose achieved ∼90% release in less than 10 minutes, matching the uncoated ASD particles of the same formulation. This study highlights the importance of hydration rate, as well as the utility of confocal fluorescence microscopy to provide insight into release and phase behavior of ASDs.

Green surfactant and circulating ultrasound coupling extraction of total flavonoids from Cynanchum auriculatum leaves: Parameter optimization, extraction mechanism, and HPLC-MS analysis

This study aimed to devise an integrated green surfactant and circulating ultrasound coupling extraction (GSCUE) approach for extracting the total flavonoids from Cynanchum auriculatum leaves. Single-factor optimization combined with a Box–Behnken design was used to determine the optimal technological conditions, which included an APG0814/MES amount of 5 % (w/v), extraction temperature of 46 °C, ultrasound irradiation power of 509 W, liquid–solid ratio of 30 mL/g, mixing speed of 1000 r/min, and extraction time of 50 min. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of the total flavonoids reached 7.83 mg/g. The HPLC-MS was applied to identify the flavonoid compositions in Cynanchum auriculatum leaves extract. The results showed that flavonoid composition included Gardenin B, Luteolin, Kaempferol, Quercetin, 4′-Methoxy-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-8,3′-dihydroxyflavanone, Astragalin, Spiraeoside, Rutin, and Kaempferol 3-gentiobioside. Further, to investigate the GSCUE mechanism, plant samples before and after extraction were analyzed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle analysis. The results indicate that the functional groups, surface microstructure, and surface wettability of the plant samples all affect the yield of the target active ingredients. The hydrophilic group content on the plant sample surface after GSCUE treatment was higher compared to the case of the untreated samples. Additionally, there was evidence of surface structural collapse and shrinkage, increased surface roughness, and a decreased contact angle due to GSCUE treatment. These results highlight the greater surface wettability of the plant samples, faster solvent penetration, and an effective increase in the total flavonoid yield, indicating the synergistic effect of combining ultrasound with green surfactants for total flavonoid extraction. Overall, GSCUE technology provided a sustainable and efficient approach for extracting the total flavonoids from plant materials.

Ekstraksi berbantu gelombang ultrasonik dan fotodegradasi senyawa antosianin pada tangkai parijoto (Medinilla speciosa Blume)

Parijoto is an endemic plant widely found on the slopes of Mount Muria, Kudus Regency, Central Java. The local community often consumes parijoto fresh fruit and processes parijoto fruit such as syrup, dodol, candy, and tea. So far, the Parijoto stalk, which weighs 18.19% of the total weight of the parijoto stalk and fruit, has not been widely used, but it has great potential as a source of anthocyanin. Anthocyanin compounds have low stability to temperature and light. For this reason, extraction with a relatively low temperature and faster than conventional methods is required, one of which is Ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Ultrasonic waves produce cavitation bubbles, facilitating solvent penetration so that cell bioactive components can be extracted more effectively. This study aimed to determine the effect of ultrasonic wave-assisted extraction time of parijoto stalk anthocyanin and examine the effect of various light exposure intensities and exposure times (photodegradation) on Parijoto stalk anthocyanin extract. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of parijoto stalk anthocyanins used a completely randomized design (CRD) with extraction time (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes) and three treatment repetitions. In photodegradation using a factorial complete randomized design with the treatment of light exposure intensity (2037 lux, 4259 lux, 6482 lux, and 9259 lux) and exposure time (6, 12, 18, and 24 hours). The results showed that the longer the extraction, up to 20 minutes, the total anthocyanin levels, redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) increased while lightness (L*) decreased. The higher the light intensity of the fluorescent lamp and the longer the light exposure, the lower the total anthocyanin content with a lower half-life. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction have proven to be quite effective for the anthocyanin extraction but need to attention with time and light exposure intensity.

Gas‐Phase Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Alkanethiolate‐Protected PtAu12 Superatoms: Charging Energy in Vacuum vs Solution

AbstractThe charging behavior of molecular Au clusters protected by alkanethiolate (SCnH2n+1=SCn) is, under electrochemical conditions, significantly affected by the penetration of solvents and electrolytes into the SCn layer. In this study, we estimated the charging energy EC(n) associated with [PtAu24(SCn)18]−+e−→[PtAu24(SCn)18]2− (n=4, 8, 12, and 16) in vacuum using mass‐selected gas‐phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy of [PtAu24(SCn)18]z (z=−1 and −2). The EC(n) values of PtAu24(SCn)18 in vacuum are significantly larger than those in solution and decrease with n in contrast to the behavior reported for Au25(SCn)18 in solution. The effective relative permittivity (ϵm*) of the SCn layer in vacuum is estimated to be 2.3–2.0 based on the double‐concentric‐capacitor model. Much smaller ϵm* values in vacuum than those in solution are explained by the absence of solvent/electrolyte penetration into the monolayer. The gradual decrease of ϵm* with n is ascribed to the appearance of an exposed surface region due to the bundle formation of long alkyl chains.

Gas-Phase Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Alkanethiolate-Protected PtAu12 Superatoms: Charging Energy in Vacuum vs Solution.

The charging behavior of molecular Au clusters protected by alkanethiolate (SCnH2n+1=SCn) is, under electrochemical conditions, significantly affected by the penetration of solvents and electrolytes into the SCn layer. In this study, we estimated the charging energy EC(n) associated with [PtAu24(SCn)18]-+e-→[PtAu24(SCn)18]2- (n=4, 8, 12, and 16) in vacuum using mass-selected gas-phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy of [PtAu24(SCn)18]z (z=-1 and -2). The EC(n) values of PtAu24(SCn)18 in vacuum are significantly larger than those in solution and decrease with n in contrast to the behavior reported for Au25(SCn)18 in solution. The effective relative permittivity (ϵm*) of the SCn layer in vacuum is estimated to be 2.3-2.0 based on the double-concentric-capacitor model. Much smaller ϵm* values in vacuum than those in solution are explained by the absence of solvent/electrolyte penetration into the monolayer. The gradual decrease of ϵm* with n is ascribed to the appearance of an exposed surface region due to the bundle formation of long alkyl chains.

Extraction of anthocyanin from mangosteen rind using ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents

Abstract Anthocyanins is natural pigments found in many plants that not only impart colours but also have potential health benefits and used as natural colorant in food processing industries. Mangosteen rind, although rich in anthocyanins, is normally disposed of as waste after consuming the delicate pulp. Anthocyanins is stored within the membrane cell wall inside the mangosteen rind, and it is usually recovered from the rind using solvent. Hence, this study investigated potential alternative green solvents, e.g., ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents in extracting anthocyanins from mangosteen rind. This study is designed in conjunction with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations, particularly SDG3 where good health and well-being equalities are emphasized and SDG12 in which efficient management of natural resource is addressed. Anthocyanins yield was determined using pH-differential method and result was expressed in milligram of cyanidin-3-glucoside per gram of mangosteen rind (mg cy-3-glu/g). Results showed that mangosteen rind extracted using both ionic liquids e.g., 1-ethy-3metylimidazolium bromide (EMIM) and 1-butyl-3methylimidazolium bromide (BMIM) solutions gave higher anthocyanins yields of 0.72 mg cy-3-glu/g and 0.69 mg cy-3-glu/g, respectively, in comparison to the 50% ethanol and deep eutectic solvents. This study revealed that high viscosity of deep eutectic solvent was the main factor that hindered the penetration of the solvent into the cell membrane of mangosteen rind, as a result, lower anthocyanins yields were obtained. Hence, in bioactive compounds extraction from plant materials, deep eutectic solvent incorporated with ultrasound or microwave is recommended as it could enhance the penetration of solvent into the plant’s matrix.

Efficient PbS quantum dots tandem solar cells through compatible interconnection layer

Lead sulfide quantum dots (PbS QDs) hold unique characteristics, including bandgap tunability, solution-processability etc., which make them highly applicable in tandem solar cells (TSCs). In all QD TSCs, its efficiency lags much behind to their single junction counterparts due to the deficient interconnection layer (ICL) and defective subcells. To improve TSCs performance, we developed three kinds of ICL structures based on 1.34 and 0.96 eV PbS QDs subcells. The control, 1,2-ethanedithiol capped PbS QDs (PbS-EDT)/Au/tin dioxide (SnO2)/zinc oxide (ZnO), utilized SnO2 layer to obtain high surface compactness. However, its energy level mismatch causes incomplete recombination. Bypassing it, the second ICL (PbS-EDT/Au/ZnO) removed SnO2 and boosted the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 5.75% to 8.69%. In the third ICL (PbS-EDT/poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA)/Au/ZnO), a thin layer of PTAA can effectively fill fissures on the surface of PbS-EDT and also protect the front cells from solvent penetration. This TSC obtained a PCE of 9.49% with an open circuit voltage of 0.91 V, a short circuit current density of 15.47 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 67.7%. To the best of our knowledge, this was the highest PCE achieved by all PbS QD TSCs reported to date. These TSCs maintained stable performance for a long working time under ambient conditions.

Development of a Molecular Dynamics Model to Assess the Possibility of Type II/III Porous Liquid Formation

The study of porous liquids (PLs) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is one of the most interesting and attractive research topics. The possibility of creating permanent porosity in a solvent and increasing its adsorption capacity is very practical. The purpose of the present study is to examine how an MD model can be developed to evaluate the possibility of PL formation. Additionally, the validation of the model was conducted by simulations using two metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) including zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology-1 (HKUST-1) as porogens and water (H2O) and triethylene glycol (TEG) as solvents. The results revealed that H2O and TEG are incapable of penetrating the ZIF-8 pores due to their small size and unfavorable thermodynamics; however, both solvents easily penetrate through the large HKUST-1 pores. These observations aligned with findings from experimental literature studies, thus confirming the validity of the model. In order to expand the model’s scope, the developed model was used to assess the possibility of PL formation using ZIF-8 and HKUST-1 with different pore and window sizes and shapes, and a wide range of hydrocarbon liquids with different molecular sizes and shapes as solvents. It was found that ZIF-8 can form PLs with a more extensive range of sterically hindered solvents due to its smaller apertures and incompatible shape. In addition, only a few solvents (e.g., n-pentane, benzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5-triisopropylcyclohexane, and 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene) can partially penetrate its ZIF-8 pores without steric hindrance. These privileged solvents typically have an aspect ratio far from 1, indicating a more elongated shape, and/or more linear branches. In contrast, HKUST-1, which has larger apertures and a compatible shape, allows for complete penetration of specific solvents (e.g., benzene, iso-octane, n-pentane), thereby preventing PL formation with such combinations. In addition, cyclohexane has the ability to partially penetrate the pores of HKUST-1. Therefore, in addition to the size of the solvent molecule, one of the most important properties for penetration is the compatibility of the shape of the porogen pore window with the shape of the solvent molecule. This research provides important new information on how PLs come to be by illuminating the role that solvent molecules and porogen play in promoting penetration and, in the end, impacting the process of PL formation.

Ergonomic Parameters based Assessment of the Suitability of PersonalProtective Equipment Kit for Power Sprayer Operations: A Case Study ofMango Orchard in Konkan Region, India

The comparative ergonomic evaluation of six different personal protective equipment (PPE) kits was carried out with six male subjects. The study was carried out in mango orchard with power sprayer. The mean age, body mass and stature of the subjects were 34.5 (±6.7) years, 61.0 (±8.2) kg and 1.64 (±0.05) m, respectively. The aprons of six PPE kits used were made from the different materials viz., polyester, cotton polyester, polypropylene, water proof polyester, cotton C1 level (highly absorbent having up to 40% solvent penetration) fabric and cotton C2 level (highly repellent having up to 5% solvent penetration). The result showed that the energy grade of work was ‘light’ with all PPE kits. The wearing comfort for P6 PPE kit consisting of cotton C2 level fabric apron was 7.5 indicating ‘very comfortable’. The temperature difference between inside and outside of PPE kit made from cotton C2 level was 4.9ο C. The effect of six different PPE kits was significantly (p<0.01) different for working heart rate, work pulse, energy expenditure rate, maximum oxygen consumption (% VO2max), wearing comfort rating and % rise in temperature. Considering the effect on different ergonomic parameters, P6 PPE kit consisting of apron made from C2 level cotton fabric (200 GSM) was found ergonomically suitable for pesticide spraying in mango orchard. This study provides valuable insight for selection of the appropriate PPE kit for pesticide application in the mango orchards in Konkan Region, India.

Sustainable ultra-strong polyesteramide elastomers with rapid degradation and high resilience

Degradable polymers typically require prolonged exposure to harsh conditions for degradation, but this extended duration and severe treatment often result in incomplete breakdown, leading to the formation of harmful microplastics that pose significant environmental pollution risks. In this work, degradable alternating polyamide hard segments and soft crystallizable segments were combined by amide groups to design thermoplastic bio-based polyesteramide elastomers (PEAEs) with customizable properties and rapid degradability. The hard segment of the polymer features an alternating arrangement of amide and ester bonds. This arrangement facilitates the formation of small molecule monomers when the ester bond is broken, preventing microplastic contamination that may arise from incomplete degradation of the hard segment. Additionally, the inclusion of side groups in the soft segment disrupts the crystallization, enhancing its susceptibility to solvent penetration and thereby accelerating the degradation rate. After step-cyclic tensile tests, additional physical cross-linking points were formed in PEAEs to enhance their mechanical strength and elasticity. Furthermore, PEAEs demonstrated outstanding processing capabilities, including compounding, extrusion, pelletization, and spinning. This innovative approach introduces fresh design concepts for the industrial application of bio-based degradable polymers, playing a pivotal role in advancing resource conservation and environmental protection.

Comparative analysis of process intensification technologies (PIT) for improved cell disruption and lipid recovery in Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 microalgae

SummaryThis study explores enhancing lipid recovery from the lipid‐rich marine microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1, known for its robust cell wall posing challenges, which necessitates energy‐intensive cell‐disruption for efficient intracellular lipid extraction. Despite advancements in other microalgae, there is lack of reports on efficient cell disruption for Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 which is vital to reduce the energy costs and minimising the downstream process while maximising lipid yields. Three process intensification technologies (PIT) – microwave treatment, autoclave treatment and ultrasonication were employed on wet Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 cells to improve the lipid extraction efficiency. Assessing the disruption effectiveness via lipid content, suspension turbidity and particle size distribution, alongside scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for cellular morphology changes post‐PIT treatments, this study indicates all three methods reduced particle size with prolonged treatment time, implying successful cell wall disruption and intracellular component release. Ultrasonication, especially at 50 W power for 10 min, exhibited the highest efficacy, yielding lipid content of 67.76 ± 0.03%. Microscopic analysis unveiled ultrasonication‐induced cell shrinkage and increased membrane permeability, supporting its effectiveness in enhancing solvent penetration for improved lipid recovery. This research underscores PIT techniques' potential as sustainable, energy‐efficient strategies for lipid extraction from Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 microalgae.

Optimisation of enzyme-assisted extraction of camptothecin from Nothapodytes nimmoniana and its characterisation.

Efficient extraction of camptothecin (CPT), an anticancer agent from the commercial source Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J. Graham) Mabb in India, is of paramount importance. CPT is present in the highest concentration in the stem portion, and the stem can be readily harvested without uprooting the plant. The fluorescence microscopy mapping of the bark matrix for CPT revealed its presence in a free form within both the outer (epidermal and cortical tissues) and inner (xylem and phloem tissues) sections. The bark matrix primarily consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, rendering it woody, rigid, and resistant to efficient solvent penetration for CPT extraction. We proposed a hypothesis that subjecting it to disruption through treatment with hydrolytic enzymes like cellulase and xylanase could enhance solvent diffusion, thereby enabling a swift and effective extraction of CPT. The present study was aimed at enzyme-assisted extraction, using cellulase and xylanase for hydrolytic disruption of the cells to readily access CPT from the stem of the plant N. nimmoniana (J. Graham) Mabb. The hydrolytic cell disruption of ground powder from the stem bark was studied using cellulase and xylanase enzymes. The enzymatically pretreated stem bark powder was subsequently recovered by filtration, dried, and subjected to extraction with methanol to isolate CPT. This process was optimised through a Box-Behnken design, employing a one-factor-at-a-time approach to assess parameters such as enzyme concentration (2-10% w/w), pH (3-7), incubation time (6-24 h), and solid-to-solvent ratio (1:30-1:70 g/mL). CPT was characterised using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for quantification. The cellulase and xylanase treatment resulted in the highest yields of 0.285% w/w and 0.343% w/w, with efficiencies of 67% and 81%, respectively, achieved in a significantly shorter time compared to the untreated material, which yielded 0.18% with an efficiency of only 42%. Extraction by utilising the predicted optimised process parameters, a nearly two-fold increase in the yield, was observed for xylanase, with incubation and solvent extraction times set at 16 and 2 h, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the spent material indicated perforations attributed to enzymatic action, suggesting that this could be a primary factor contributing to the enhanced extraction. Enzyme-mediated hydrolytic cell disruption could be a potential approach for efficient and rapid isolation of CPT from the bark of N. nimmoniana.

Self-Assembly of Ultrathin, Ultrastrong Layered Membranes by Protic Solvent Penetration.

Flexible membranes with ultrathin thickness and excellent mechanical properties have shown great potential for broad uses in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), on-skin electronics, etc. However, an ultrathin membrane (<5 μm) is rarely reported in the above applications due to the inherent trade-off between thickness and antifailure ability. We discover a protic solvent penetration strategy to prepare ultrathin, ultrastrong layered films through a continuous interweaving of aramid nanofibers (ANFs) with the assistance of simultaneous protonation and penetration of a protic solvent. The thickness of a pure ANF film can be controlled below 5 μm, with a tensile strength of 556.6 MPa, allowing us to produce the thinnest SPE (3.4 μm). The resultant SPEs enable Li-S batteries to cycle over a thousand times at a high rate of 1C due to the small ionic impedance conferred by the ultrathin characteristic and regulated ionic transportation. Besides, a high loading of the sulfur cathode (4 mg cm-2) with good sulfur utilization was achieved at a mild temperature (35 °C), which is difficult to realize in previously reported solid-state Li-S batteries. Through a simple laminating process at the wet state, the thicker film (tens of micrometers) obtained exhibits mechanical properties comparable to those of thin films and possesses the capability to withstand high-velocity projectile impacts, indicating that our technique features a high degree of thickness controllability. We believe that it can serve as a valuable tool to assemble nanomaterials into ultrathin, ultrastrong membranes for various applications.

Assessing the swelling behavior of oil paint in fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).

Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs) have gained attention as low-impact solvents, offering low toxicity and versatility in applications ranging from biofuels to chemical feedstocks. This study investigates the swelling behavior of naturally-aged zinc white oil paint fragments when exposed to FAMEs with varying chain lengths. Swelling was monitored using a microscopy-based image analysis technique over a 15 minutes period, demonstrating that FAMEs induce low to moderate swelling in oil paints, consistent with prior findings on solvent-paint interactions. The degree of swelling is influenced by the molecular properties of the solvents, such as polarity, chain length, and rate of diffusion. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of considering the competing processes of swelling and leaching, where solvent penetration can lead to the extraction of low-molecular-weight components from the paint matrix. This research underscores the need for careful solvent selection in conservation practices to minimize the risk of swelling-induced damage and leaching. Further studies are required to fully understand the long-term effects of FAMEs on oil paint stability and integrity.

Jet milling improves the polyphenol dissolution profile and biological activities of the hemp seed shell

The study aimed to investigate the impact of jet milling on the dissolution characteristics of hemp seed phenolic compounds. Three HSSP were prepared through grinding and sieving, while a superfine powder was obtained via jet milling. The superfine powder exhibited improved physicochemical properties, including a higher specific surface area, better dispersion, and wettability. These properties facilitated the penetration of solvents into the powder's structure, resulting in an optimal polyphenol dissolution profile and enhanced antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the polyphenol extract demonstrated significant protective effects against oxidative stress-induced damage in HUVEC cells, suggesting potential applications in the food and medicine industries. Overall, the study highlights the promising use of jet milling for producing powders with improved physicochemical and biological properties.

Enhanced Removal of Photoresist Films through Swelling and Dewetting Using Pluronic Surfactants.

Organic photoresist coatings, primarily composed of resins, are commonly used in the electronics industry to protect inorganic underlayers. Conventional photoresist strippers, such as amine-type agents, have shown high removal performance but led to environmental impact and substrate corrosiveness. Therefore, this trade-off must be addressed. In this study, we characterized the removal mechanism of a photoresist film using a nonionic triblock Pluronic surfactant [poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide)] in a ternary mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), and water. In particular, the removal dynamics determined by using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring was compared with those determined by performing confocal laser scanning microscopy and visual observation to analyze the morphology, adsorption mass, and viscoelasticity of the photoresist film. In the absence of the Pluronic surfactant, the photoresist film in the ternary solvent exhibited a three-step process: (i) film swelling caused by the penetration of a good solvent (EC and PC), (ii) formation of photoresist particles through dewetting, and (iii) particle aggregation on the substrate. This result was correlated to the Hansen solubility parameters. The addition of the Pluronic surfactant not only prevented photoresist aggregation in the third step but also promoted desorption from the substrate. This effect was dependent on the concentration of the Pluronic surfactant, which influenced diffusion to the interface between the photoresist and the bulk solution. Finally, we proposed a novel photoresist stripping mechanism based on the synergy between dewetting driven by an EC/PC-to-water mixture and adsorption by the Pluronic surfactant.

Thin film nanocomposite polyamide membrane doped with amino-functionalized graphene quantum dots for organic solvent nanofiltration

Thin film nanocomposite (TFN) organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membrane with improved separation performance was fabricated via interfacial polymerization reaction between amine-functionalized graphene quantum dots (af-GQDs) doped aqueous monomer solution of m-phenylenediamine (MPD) and n-hexane solution containing trimesoyl chloride (TMC) monomer. We emphasize the employment of extra-low content for both af-GQDs and MPD, so that we could maximize the function of these nanomaterials and eliminate their aggregation at the same time. The af-GQDs nanomaterials could regulate the interfacial polymerization process and could be strongly anchored in the polyamide film via covalent bonding, hence could prevent their loss while providing more channels for faster solvent penetration. As a result, the optimized OSN membrane, TFN-50, shows a super-smooth surface, with a surface roughness as low as 4.3 ± 0.2 nm, and excellent pure solvent permeances which reach 135.8, 112.7, and 69.8 L m−2 h−1 MPa−1 for methanol, DMF and ethanol, respectively, as well as a very high Rhodamine B (RDB, 479 Da) rejection of up to 99.2%, and an ethanol permeance of 61.4 L m−2 h−1 MPa−1. Furthermore, the TFN-50 OSN membrane still shows excellent filtration performance after being submerged in DMF for 336 h or continuous crossflow filtration with Rose bengal (RB, 1017 Da)/DMF solution for 136 h, demonstrating its excellent solvent resistance.

Atomic Layer Deposition-Free Monolithic Perovskite/Perovskite/Silicon Triple-Junction Solar Cells

Perovskite/perovskite/silicon (PVSK/PVSK/Si) triple-junction (3J) tandem solar cells may exhibit higher efficiencies than their PVSK/Si double-junction (2J) counterparts; however, their best efficiency is still significantly lower due to the chemical degradation of the PVSK middle cell by solvents and the poor performance of the PVSK top cell. This paper reports the use of a highly volatile solvent mixture to prevent solvent penetration across the recombination layer between two PVSK subcells and to demonstrate efficient PVSK/PVSK tandems even without atomic layer deposition protection layers. The photovoltaic performance of the PVSK top cell, with a bandgap energy of 1.96 eV, can be improved from 6.4% to 13.9% by adding urea, mainly due to the enhanced crystallinity and light-absorbing capability. With the aid of the new volatile solvent and the urea additive, the final monolithic PVSK/PVSK/Si 3J tandems exhibited a record-high conversion efficiency of 22.23%.

Development of a Microbial-Assisted Process for Enhanced Astaxanthin Recovery from Crab Exoskeleton Waste

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid possessing impressive nutraceutical, antioxidant, and bioactive merits. Traditionally, astaxanthin is extracted from crustacean wastes via solvent extraction methods. However, the rigid structure of shells that comprise complex proteins and chitin challenges the extraction process. This investigation addressed an efficient microbial-assisted method to facilitate astaxanthin recovery from crab exoskeleton waste utilizing chitinolytic and proteolytic microorganisms. Herein, we evaluated the effect of pretreatment of the exoskeleton waste with a newly isolated probiotic strain, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CPFD8, showing remarkable protease and chitinase activity and a proteolytic Saccharomyces cerevisiae 006-001 before solvent extraction, using acetone/hexane, on astaxanthin recovery. Furthermore, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the recovered astaxanthin were inspected. Results revealed that both strains boosted the astaxanthin yield from the crab (Callinectes sapidus) exoskeleton compared with solvent extraction using acetone/hexane. Under optimum conditions, astaxanthin yield was 217 and 91 µg/g crab exoskeleton in samples treated with B. amyloliquefaciens CPFD8 and S. cerevisiae 006-001, respectively. Interestingly, pretreatment of crab exoskeleton waste with B. amyloliquefaciens CPFD8 yielded more than 6-fold astaxanthin compared with the solvent extraction method that yielded just 35 µg/g. This increase could be attributed to the proteolytic activity of B. amyloliquefaciens CPFD8 that rendered deproteinized shell chitin accessible to chitinase, facilitating the penetration of solvents and the recovery of astaxanthin. The recovered astaxanthin exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in scavenging DPPH or ABTS free radicals with IC50 values of 50.93 and 17.56 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the recovered astaxanthin showed a remarkable anti-inflammatory impact on LPS-induced murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells and significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6 compared with the untreated control. These findings suggest the potential use of the developed microbial-assisted method utilizing chitinolytic and proteolytic B. amyloliquefaciens CPFD8 to maximize the recovery of bioactive astaxanthin from crab (C. sapidus) exoskeleton waste.