Resistivity Research Articles

Induced polarization monitoring of in-situ chemical oxidation for quantification of contaminant consumption.

Dynamic monitoring of in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of LNAPLs in groundwater is the foundation for evaluating remediation effectiveness. In this study, spectral (SIP) and time-domain induced polarization (TDIP) measurements are conducted in laboratory columns and sandboxes to monitor the ISCO of LNAPL for characterizing oxidant transport and quantifying contaminant consumption under different injection strategies. To support the interpretation, this was combined with total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), hydrochemistry and computed tomography (CT) measurements. Experiments were performed using two media, and the monitoring results showed similar variations in key parameters. The electrical resistivity, chargeability and TPH decreased significantly during ISCO remediation, while the hydrochemical parameters showed an increasing trend. Specifically, IP variations before and after injection revealed that more oxidant remained in the source area using a multiple-injection strategy compared to a single-injection strategy. The effect of contaminant consumption under well-controlled conditions on electrical resistivity was <3% and the effect on chargeability was <8%. In conditions with oxidant migration, the effect of oxidant on the resistivity and chargeability was similar at ∼89% in the source area, whereas the oxidant had a greater effect on the resistivity (>58%) than the chargeability (<40%) outside the source area. Based on the experimental results, a conceptual model for the IP response during ISCO remediation is proposed and we delineate the pore structural characteristics of porous media based on the conceptual model. Oxidant injection develops a high conductivity environment and causes a decrease in LNAPLs content and number of interfaces, leading to the suppression of the IP response. In conclusion, IP measurement in combination with supporting information clearly enables the characterization of the ISCO remediation of LNAPLs in groundwater and facilitates the pore structure characterization of porous media based on the IP conceptual model.

Assessing water color anomalies: A hue angle approach in the Gulf of Izmit.

Understanding water color is important because it is influenced by biogeochemical constituents, directly affects human perceptions of water quality, and serves as a key water quality metric. This study evaluates the hue angle methodology for monitoring water quality dynamics, using the Gulf of Izmit in the Sea of Marmara as a case study. We employed in-situ water quality measurements, spectroradiometer data, and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from campaigns in October 2021 and 2022. Hue angles were computed for these dates, and spatial distribution maps were generated to assess water quality dynamics and detect anomalies. The accuracy of these maps was validated using hue angle values from ASD FieldSpec 4 spectroradiometer measurements, with metrics including Mean Relative Error (MRE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) demonstrating the method's feasibility (RMSE, MRE, MAE for 2021: 3.16°, 0.02%, 2.91°; for 2022: 2.36°, 0.01%, 1.65°). Correlation analyses with selected optically active constituents, such as Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and electrical conductivity (EC), as well as non-optically active constituents like Secchi Disk Depth (SDD) and silicate, revealed strong correlations, particularly improving from 2021 to 2022. The methodology's performance was further evaluated using Sentinel-2 data from April 29, 2021, in the Gulf of Gemlik, chosen for its similar environmental challenges. High correlations with in-situ measurements were observed, even without spectroradiometer validation, providing robust evidence of the method's effectiveness in detecting water quality anomalies across diverse coastal environments.

Influence of asymmetric rolling paths on the microstructure, texture, mechanical behavior, and electrical conductivity of electrolytic tough-pitch copper

In this work, the influence of asymmetric rolling paths on the microstructure, texture, mechanical behavior, and electrical conductivity of electrolytic tough-pitch copper was studied. Four different asymmetric rolling paths including unidirectional (UD), rolling (RD), transverse (TD), and normal (ND) with a thickness reduction of 90% were applied. Based on simulation results, the uniformity of strain distribution in the UD path was less than the other paths, the RD and ND paths had a better distribution of strain along the thickness, and the TD path exhibited the best strain distribution. Because of this, the TD, ND, and RD samples revealed a better distribution of copper oxide particles compared to the UD sample. The homogeneity of texture through the sheet thickness for the RD, TD, and ND paths was more than that for the UD path due to the uniform strain distribution. Unlike the other samples, the UD sample exhibited {001}〈110〉 Rotated Cube and {001}〈100〉 Cube orientations in the areas close to the surface due to the formation of severe accumulated strain. The maximum yield strength (405.5 MPa) and tensile strength (419.0 MPa) belonged to the RD sample. The TD sample showed a lower strain hardening rate as a result of easier cross-slip. The highest electrical conductivity (85.2 %IACS) belonged to the TD sample due to its lower dislocation density. The presence of θ-fiber and γ-fiber improved the electron conductivity of copper.

Evaluation of some physicochemical parameters and health risks associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural soils from the southwest region of Ethiopia

In this study, soil samples collected from Burusa and Bure agricultural sectors were analyzed for their physicochemical parameters and potentially toxic elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, B, Se, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, As, and Hg). Physicochemical parameters were analyzed according to AOAC methods. For quantification of PTEs, the soil samples were digested by using aquaregia (HCl: HNO3; 3:1) and 5 mL of H2O2 (30%) at a digestion temperature of 250°C for 3 hours prior to ICP-OES analysis. The percent recoveries (%R) and relative standard deviation (%RSD) of this method ranged from 83 to 106% and 0.39 to 9.2%, respectively. The LODs and LOQ values were in the range of 4.3 × 10-4-5.3 × 10-2 mg/L and 1.4 × 10-3-1.76 × 10-1 mg/L, respectively. The analyzed mean values of physicochemical parameter including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, moisture, organic matter and nitrogen content were found in the range of 4.85-6.47, 20.5-21.4°C, 101.6-230.7 µS/cm, 8.67-20.7%, 0.677-1.81% and 5.81-6.85%, respectively. The average amount of potentially toxic elements found in the soil samples were ranged as 57073-81279, 1185-3255, 41.0-72.2, 12.6-29.2, 18.8-50.8, 25.0-40.5, 42.2-60.8, 13.6-34.5, 41.9- 67.2, 25.0-59.4, 9.92-13.3, 0.933-1.12 and 4.97-8.63 in mg/kg for Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, B, Se, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, As and Hg, respectively. The highest concentrations of among the entire PTEs were recorded for Fe, followed by Mn, in the analyzed soil samples. All the studied elements are below the FAO/WHO permissible limit except Fe, Se, Cd, and Hg for all analyzed soil samples and Mn for the Bure soil sample. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values are <1, suggesting an insignificant non-carcinogenic risk of the heavy metals to the adults via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact exposure of agricultural soils. Likewise, the individual element incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) occurrence for all studied soil samples is below 1 × 10-4. The total ILCR of potentially toxic heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd and As) resulting from ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact exposure of agricultural soil by an adult population indicate a slightly higher potential cancer risk (> 1 × 10-4) for soil samples obtained from Bure S1, Bure S2, and Bure S3. Therefore, continuous monitoring of these harmful elements should be made by agricultural sectors and responsible government regulatory authorities are crucial to prevent PTEs related to agricultural soils in Ethiopia.

Remediation of Various Phenanthrene-contaminated Soils using Persulfate-Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7: Soil Properties, Radical Formation, and Microbial Community

In this study, the complex interaction of oxidizing conditions, soil composition, microbial activity, and phenanthrene (PHE) degradation was explored in persulfate (PS)-Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7 remediation of four PHE-contaminated soils: Paddy soil (PAS), Saline soil (SS), Red soil (RS), and Cinnamon soil (CS). Batch experiments displayed the optimal PS dosage was 0.750% (w/w), except for CS (0.125%), achieving PHE degradation rates of 54.79% ~ 81.92% on the 27-day. The zeta potential of soil clay component after 0.750% PS oxidation was lower than 0.125% and 2.000% PS, resulting in a higher PHE bioavailability and biodegradation. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy analysis showed that the abundance of dominant hydroxyl radicals (·OH) in CS was 3 times higher than in PAS at 0.750% PS and PS to Fe2+ molar ratio of 2:1, indicating that a higher soil organic matter would decrease the content of ·OH thus diminishing PHE removal. Stepwise linear regression and sensitivity analysis indicated that the key influential factors in the PHE degradation rate were the residual PHE content after oxidation (60.12%) and hydrolase nitrogen content (30.97%). High-throughput sequencing results showed the bacterial diversity and richness in four soils decreased after combined remediation compared to pristine soil. Redundancy analyses revealed that the fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolase enzyme was the key factor effect of soil bacterial community development in SS; and electrical conductivity and FDA hydrolase enzyme were the key factors in RS, CS, and PAS. This study may provide technical support for optimizing chemical conditions for PS-microbial remediation.

Baseline tritium measurements in Thailand's water bodies: Supporting sustainable nuclear energy development.

Tritium, a radioactive isotope produced naturally through cosmic radiation interactions and anthropogenically through nuclear weapons testing, poses potential environmental risks, particularly within the water cycle. This study measured tritium concentrations in surface water across Thailand to establish a baseline dataset for monitoring potential contamination from nuclear activities and accidents. Surface water samples were collected from 14 large reservoirs during the wet season in October 2023 and the dry season in February 2024, providing a total of 28 samples. Tritium concentrations were analyzed using electrolytic enrichment and liquid scintillation counting techniques. The results, presented with combined uncertainty, revealed tritium levels ranging from 1.21±0.19 to 2.74±0.23 TU (0.14±0.02 to 0.32±0.03 Bq·L-1), with an average of 1.94±0.01 TU (0.23±0.00 Bq·L-1). The highest concentrations were observed in the north (2.26±0.02 TU), followed by the northeast (2.13±0.04 TU), central (1.91±0.05 TU), east (1.72±0.03 TU), and south (1.55±0.04 TU). All measured tritium levels were below the natural background threshold of 10 TU and complied with the surface water quality standards set by the Thailand's Pollution Control Department. Tritium concentrations were positively correlated with latitude, distance from the coast, and elevation, while showing an inverse relationship with pH. No significant seasonal variations or correlations were observed with ion concentrations, water temperature, electrical conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, or total dissolved solids. These baseline measurements are essential for supporting sustainable nuclear energy development and ensuring effective monitoring of environmental radioactivity. The dataset provides a critical reference for Thailand's regulatory agencies, such as the Office of Atoms for Peace, to safeguard public and environmental safety under both normal operations and potential radiological emergency scenarios.

Orange peel essential oil in rice starch encapsulating material for antimicrobial application against Escherichia coli.

This study investigated the formation of fibers and capsules using rice starch as a wall material to encapsulate orange peel essential oil (OPEO) by electrospinning for antimicrobial applications. Rice starch at a concentration of 20% (w/v) and varying OPEO concentrations (30%, 40%, and 50%, w/w) were used to produce materials. Free OPEO was analyzed for its chemical profile and antimicrobial activity. The electrospun material was characterized for morphology, size distribution, loading capacity, functional groups, thermal properties, and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. Limonene was identified as the main component of OPEO. The free OPEO was effective against E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium. When different concentrations of OPEO were incorporated into 20% rice starch solutions, a decrease in electrical conductivity was observed, leading to the formation of fibers and capsules instead of just fibers. The loading capacities of the materials were 35%, 29%, and 28% for OPEO concentrations of 30%, 40%, and 50%, respectively. Encapsulation of OPEO resulted in increased thermal stability. The material with 50% OPEO achieved a 6-log reduction in E. coli, showing strong potential for active packaging to reduce food contamination. Future research should explore its practical use in food packaging.

Scrutinizing the electronic structure, magnetic, mechanical, thermodynamic, optical and thermoelectric properties of lead-free hafnium based Hf2VP (P = Si, Sn) full Heusler alloys

The study of energy harvesting and thermoelectric materials has drawn more attention in the last several years. The great thermal stability of these materials is advantageous for thermoelectric devices, in addition to their structural capacity for showcasing and incorporating diverse novel concepts to augment the thermoelectric figure of merit. In the current study, we have predicted the physical properties of Hf2VP (P = Si, Sn) Heuslers using density functional theory in conjunction with the Boltzmann transport scheme. The strength and ductility of these materials are ascertained by simulating elastic characteristics The exchange correlation potential is handled via the modified Becke–Johnson potential (mBJ) and the generalized gradient approximation of Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof (GGA-PBE). Near the Fermi level, the band profiles for Hf2VSi and Hf2VSn Heuslers were found to be n-type indirect band-gap respectively. The thermodynamic stability of these materials is approved by the formation and cohesive energy. The relationships between different transport parameters are predicted using the band occupation and density of states in the post DFT treatment. Slack’s equation has identified the most significant lattice component of heat conductivity with great precision. These materials are likely to find use in the design of memory devices and future thermoelectric and energy harvesting materials due to their half-metallic nature and efficient thermoelectric parameters, such as electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, power factor, and ZT.

Potassium Sulfate Supplementation with Elevated Electrical Conductivity Was Unproductive for Hydroponic Strawberry at the Original Yamazaki Nutrient Solution Nitrogen Level

The production of strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa) in hydroponic systems has been increasing. In hydroponic systems, precise nutrient management is crucial for optimal plant growth and fruit production. Among essential elements, potassium (K) is a key nutrient that affects fruit yield and quality in fruiting crops. The objective of this study was to investigate whether increasing the K concentration in the Yamazaki strawberry nutrient solution could enhance plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality in hydroponic strawberries. Bare-root plants of strawberry ‘Monterey’ and ‘San Andreas’ were planted in a deep water culture hydroponic system and grown with initial K concentrations of 117, 194, 271, and 348 mg·L−1 under the same initial nitrogen concentration of 77 mg·L−1. As the K concentration increased from 117 to 348 mg·L−1, the nutrient solution electrical conductivity increased from 1.0 to 1.9 dS·m−1. The experiment was conducted inside an indoor vertical farm at a 23 °C air temperature with an extended photon flux density (400–750 nm) of 350 µmol·m−2·s−1 under an 18-hour photoperiod. Increasing the K concentration from 117 to 348 mg·L−1 had minimal effects on plant growth characteristics of both cultivars, although root dry mass of ‘Monterey’ increased linearly with increasing K. Increasing the K concentration from 117 to 348 mg·L−1 did not affect the total fruit number or total fruit fresh mass of ‘Monterey’, but for ‘San Andreas’, it reduced the total fruit number by 34% and total fruit fresh mass by 45%. Additionally, increasing the K concentration from 117 to 348 mg·L−1 reduced the individual fruit mass, fruit length, and fruit diameter and increased titratable acidity in both cultivars. These results indicate that increasing the K concentration in the Yamazaki strawberry nutrient solution did not benefit plant growth, fruit yield, or fruit quality of the hydroponically grown strawberries ‘Monterey’ or ‘San Andreas’.

Composite and Nanocomposite Thin-film Structures Based on Chitosan Succinamide

Aim: Currently, developing composite and nanocomposite materials based on natural polymers is attracting the growing attention of scientists. In particular, chitosan succinamide, a modified biopolymer, has good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and electrical conductivity, allowing it to be used as a functional material for creating various electronic devices, including sensors for use in medicine and pharmaceuticals. Composite sensors based on chitosan deriva-tives have found application for the recognition and determination of enantiomers of tryptophan, tyrosine, naproxen, and propranolol in human urine and blood plasma in tablet forms of drugs without a preliminary active substance. Methods: This article discusses the studies on composite and nanocomposite thin-film structures based on chitosan succinamide obtained using various fillers, such as graphene oxide, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and carbon adsorbents. Result: The studies used cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and atom-ic force microscopy. The results created field-effect transistors based on the films in question as the transport layer. Conclusion: The mobility of charge carriers was estimated, and the following values were ob-tained: μ(SCTS) = 0.173cm2/V·s; μ(SCTS-GO) = 0.509 cm2/V·s; μ(SCTS-CP) = 0.269 cm2/V·s; μ(SCTS-CB) = 0.351cm2/V·s; μ(SCTS-SWCNT) = 0.713 cm2/V·s.

Superior electrochemical performance and reduced heat generation in 3D printed vs. 2D tape-casted NMC622 electrodes

This study compares the charge storage mechanisms, thermodynamics behavior, ion transport, and heat generation in NMC622 electrodes fabricated using a novel 3D printing process or the conventional 2D tape casting process. First, potentiometric entropy measurements revealed that the charge storage mechanisms for both types of electrodes consisted of lithium deintercalation in a homogeneous solid solution of NMC622 followed by a transition from a hexagonal (H1) phase to another hexagonal (H2) phase through a monoclinic (M) phase. Both types of electrodes had similar thermodynamics behavior with overlapping entropic potential profiles. Furthermore, operando isothermal calorimetry at high C-rates indicated that the 3D printed electrodes featured larger specific capacity and better rate performance than the 2D tape-casted electrodes. The better performance of 3D printed electrodes was attributed to their larger electrode/electrolyte interfacial surface area and electrical conductivity as well as their faster lithium ion transport. As a result, the instantaneous heat generation rates were smaller in 3D printed electrodes than in 2D tape-casted electrodes, thus resulting in lower overall specific electrical energy and thermal energy dissipation per unit charge stored. Overall, additive manufacturing techniques offer great potential in producing electrodes with superior electrochemical performance and reduced heat generation for fast charging batteries.

Hydrogeochemical investigation and water quality assessment of the Indus River in the semiarid region of Ladakh, India.

The decline in water quality, particularly in river water, is a significant concern, especially in semi-arid areas and tourist destinations such as Ladakh. Periodic assessment of water quality could be a crucial step for ensuring its potability and serve as a foundation for formulating effective policies for sustainable water resource management. Consequently, this research aimed to analyze the periodic variations in the water quality of Indus River for domestic and agricultural use, focusing on the impact of geochemical processes within the basin. Various physicochemical parameters namely temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, total alkalinity, K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, SO42-, SiO2, HCO3-, CO32-, and NO3- for sixty-five water samples from seven key locations were assessed during three distinct periods: April-May (early melting period, EMP), July-August (peak melting period, PMP), and October-November (late melting period, LMP), 2023. The ion contents found were in the following order: Ca2+>Na+>Mg2+>K+ and HCO3->SO42->Cl->SiO2>NO3->F-, reflecting Ca-HCO3 water types. However, temporal and spatial variation in ion content and hydrochemical facies were observed when the water moved downstream and confluences with the Zanskar River to give calcium‑magnesium-sulphate facies. Water quality indices- Canadian Council of the Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCMEWQI) and Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) were employed to assess the water quality over these periods, identify long-term trends, evaluate the water quality status, and provide insights into immediate conditions. WAWQI values recorded for EMP (56.89-509.53), PMP (289.82-3419.23), and LMP (55.16-159.14) found were poor to unsuitable for drinking while using CCMEWQI, it was in the marginal range. Additionally, the Wilcox diagram and other important irrigational indices like Percent sodium, Sodium Absorption Ratio, Residual Sodium Carbonate, Magnesium hazard, Permeability Index, Kelly's ratio, Ryznar stability index indicated the suitability of the water for agricultural use in all the periods. Apart from arsenic (54μg/L), all other heavy metal ions measured were within the permissible limits according to the Heavy Metal Pollution index. Principal Component Analysis identified different principal components contributing to the hydrochemistry of the river water whereas correlational analysis was conducted to understand the correlation among different parameters and their potential source in water. Rapid carbonate mineral reactions and sulphate reduction were found to affect the alkalinity and hardness of the water. This study will serve as a scientific reference and methodological guide for researchers- to understand water chemistry; committee awareness on health and agricultural impacts; and policymakers for decision-making on water use, policy, and conservation.

Conductive polyacrylamide/pullulan/ammonium sulfate hydrogels with high toughness, low-hysteresis and tissue-like modulus as flexible strain sensors.

Conductive hydrogels have great potential for applications in flexible wearable sensors due to the combination of biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity. However, constructing conductive hydrogels with high toughness, low hysteresis and skin-like modulus simultaneously remains challenging. In the present study, we prepared a tough and conductive polyacrylamide/pullulan/ammonium sulfate hydrogel with a semi-interpenetrating network. Ammonium sulfate promoted the formation of low-energy-dissipating motifs between polymer chains, reinforcing the gel matrix and resulting in excellent mechanical properties, including a high stretchability of 2063 %, a high strength of 890 kPa, and a high toughness of 4268 kJ/m3. The hydrogen bonds formed within the network endowed the gels with low-hysteresis under deformation. The unique semi-interpenetrating network structure provided the gels with a tissue-like low modulus. Additionally, the resulting hydrogels exhibited a high conductivity of 2.39 S/m and excellent anti-freezing properties, making them suitable for flexible strain sensors. These sensors demonstrated high sensitivity over a broad strain window of 0.1-1500 %, enabling the detection of various human motions and the recognition of different languages. These findings emphasize the potential of the composite hydrogels as wearable strain sensors for flexible devices.

Effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of citalopram in freshwater mesocosms.

Increased pharmaceutical usage has led to their widespread presence in aquatic environments, resulting in concerns regarding their potential environmental impacts. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram, are frequently detected in European surface waters. Acute laboratory studies have demonstrated that citalopram can inhibit algal growth, immobilise Daphnia magna, and may result in foot detachment (i.e. the inability to adhere to a substrate) in snails. However, research on long-term citalopram exposure is scarce, and our understanding of its effects on aquatic community- and ecosystem-level is limited. Therefore, we investigated the impact of 13-week exposure to 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100μg/L citalopram in outdoor freshwater mesocosms, focusing on water quality variables (i.e. pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, temperature, algal chlorophyll-a, turbidity) and the structure of aquatic communities, with a special focus on mollusc foot detachment (Lymnaea stagnalis, Planorbis sp. and the total snail population). We found that environmentally relevant citalopram concentrations did not affect water quality variables, bacterial composition, zooplankton and macroinvertebrate communities. In contrast to expectations based on literature, snail foot detachment was not observed while the tested concentrations overlapped with the reported effect concentrations. This is in line with the absence of indirect adverse effects of foot detachment, such as population changes that could be the result of an increased vulnerability to predation or the inability to feed or reproduce. Reported sublethal effects in the literature, as found in laboratory studies, do not appear to lead to population- or community-level impacts in a semi-field experiment within the concentration range tested in this study. The experimental outcomes suggest that environmentally relevant concentrations of citalopram might not pose a threat to water quality variables, bacterial composition, zooplankton and macroinvertebrate communities, and snail foot detachment.

An investigation into instantaneously tuning the EMI shielding characteristics of CNT-based nanocomposite biofoams in the X-band range by strain loading

The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of CNT-based nanocomposite biofoams is capable of being tailored instantaneously by mechanical loading. In contrast to tuning the EMI shielding via nanofillers or by decoration process, the strain-activated EMI tailoring characteristics possess enormous potential that still await to be explored. To reveal this tailoring mechanism, a multi-scale electro-magneto-mechanically coupled homogenization model is developed to tailor the EMI characteristics of CNT-based nanocomposite biofoams in the X-band range (8.2–12.4 GHz). In this development, the elastic moduli, complex conductivity, and complex permeability are all selected as the homogenization variables. Four categories of interface effects are considered, including imperfect interface bonding, electron tunneling, Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars polarization, and electron hopping. The predicted EMI tailoring characteristics are validated by the experiment of CNT/wheat flour nanocomposite biofoam over a wide range of stain loading. The effective EMI shielding behavior decreases with the compressive loading, but it increases with the tensile loading. It is found that a CNT content higher than the percolation threshold is necessary to tailor the EMI shielding behavior of this nanocomposite foam via strain loading. This study can provide innovative insights to tune the EMI shielding characteristics of CNT-based nanocomposite biofoams in X-band instantaneously.

Enhanced pyroelectric catalysis of self-doped bismuth tungstate via modulation of electrical and thermal conductivities

Enhanced pyroelectric catalysis of self-doped bismuth tungstate via modulation of electrical and thermal conductivities

Iron phosphides nanocrystals encapsulated with hierarchical nitrogen doped carbon networks as high-performance anodes for sodium ion batteries

Exploiting a facile and effective approach to alleviate huge volume expansion and improve the slow dynamics of conversion-based transition metal phosphides (TMPs) anodes for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) is of great significance but challenging. Herein, a protective etching strategy is developed to construct the iron phosphides nanocrystals encapsulated with hierarchical nitrogen doped carbon networks (FexP@NC). This strategy utilizes phytic acid (PA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as the etchant and protectant for pretreating the Fe-based metal-organic frameworks. Under the unique synergetic protective etching process, the obtained FexP@NC sample shows optimized nano-sized iron phosphides heterostructures, flexible and rigid nitrogen doped carbon protective networks with high electrical conductivity and high surface area, which are conducive to enhancing the structural stability and sodium ion storage dynamics. As expected, when employed the FexP@NC sample as an anode for SIBs, it delivers remarkable electrochemical performances, including a high discharge capacity of 468.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, rapid rate capability of 272.1 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1, and long cycling stability. This strategy opens up a new approach for designed high-performance TMPs based anodes for SIBs.

Divalent ion doping in CaFe₂O₄: A strategy for enhancing electrical conductivity in energy storage materials

Divalent ion doping in CaFe₂O₄: A strategy for enhancing electrical conductivity in energy storage materials

Experimental measurements of effective electrical conductivities and electrical contact resistances in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Experimental measurements of effective electrical conductivities and electrical contact resistances in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Highly efficient visible-light-driven S-scheme graphene bridged MoS2/Co3O4 nanohybrid for the photocatalytic performance of hazardous dye and antibacterial activity.

A novel graphene-bridged MoS2/Co3O4 (MCG) nanohybrid was well fabricated by a hydrothermal route. The purpose of valuable and economical S-scheme systems with vigorous interface interactions is pressing to photocatalytic efficiency and efficient utilization. While mighty progress has been created with respect to charge carrier bridges, the charge transferring ability of the facility charge carrier bridges is far from capable owing to lower electrical conductivity. The photocatalytic antibacterial tests were performed with visible light activity, and the results exhibited that the as-prepared MCG nanohybrid with powerful interfacial coupling presented excellent photodegradation performance in comparison with bare MoS2 and Co3O4 samples for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and E-coli with visible light irradiation. In addition, a better photocatalytic MB capability and antibacterial activity of 99.5 % and 100 % are approached through MCG-4 nanohybrid, which is 2.76 and 8.32 folds higher than that of the pristine MoS2 sample. The PL measurements and EIS analysis also illustrated that MCG-4 nanohybrid possesses a great separation efficiency of photoinduced charge carriers. This work provides a new objective for high-potential S-scheme photocatalysts and their utilization in the field of environmental remediation.