Surface Area Volume Research Articles

Transformative impact of atmospheric cold plasma on mung bean seeds: Unveiling surface characteristics, physicochemical alterations, and enhanced germination potential

This work investigates the impact of a new geometry Atmospheric Cold-Plasma (ACP) system on mung bean (Vigna radiata) seed germination and seedling growth. Plasma is produced using a bipolar pulse power source, providing superior control of the generated species. A substantial increase in germination rates (86.67%–91.67%) and optimal seedling growth after 40 s of treatment is reported. The functional and morphological features have shown improvements. Plasma treatment significantly increases the specific surface area (7.695 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.007 cc/g) of the seeds compared to the control (2.214 m2/g and 0.001 cc/g, respectively), suggesting potential enhancements in water absorption and nutrient exchange. Radicle growth stimulation is also observed without alterations in the seed’s chemical structure. These findings highlight the potential of the ACP system for enhancing mung bean sprout germination and seedling development, which is helpful for agriculture applications.

Enhancing methyl violet 2B pollutant removal from wastewater using Al-MOF encapsulated with poly (itaconic acid) grafted crosslinked chitosan composite sponge: Synthesis, characterization, DFT calculation, adsorption optimization via Box-Behnken Design

In this research, aluminum metal-organic framework encapsulated with poly (itaconic acid) grafted crosslinked chitosan composite sponge (Al-MOF@PIC) was prepared. SEM, FTIR, XPS, XRD, and BET techniques were employed to thoroughly characterize the synthesized material and establish its structure and characteristics. The study discovered that the Al-MOF@PIC is an efficient way to remove dyes, which constitute a significant number of contaminants in industrial wastewater. Subsequently the adsorption of methyl violet 2B (MV-2B) dye, the surface area, pore size, and pore volume of the adsorbent decreased from 1860.68 m2/g, 1.62 nm, and 1.52 cc/g to 1426.45 m2/g, 1.11 nm, and 0.92 cc/g, individually. This modification suggested that a portion of the MV-2B dye had been removed by adsorption over the adsorbent's pores. The excellent adsorption capacity of the material was further confirmed by batch adsorption tests, which displayed a maximum adsorption capability of 646.76 mg/g for the elimination of MV-2B dye. The high adsorption energy of 26.8 kJ/mol designates that chemisorption is primarily responsible for MV-2B dye adsorption against the sponge adsorbent. The Al-MOF@PIC composite sponge demonstrated exceptional reusability over six cycles, demonstrating its strength and durability. The Al-MOF@PIC composite sponge successfully removes MV-2B from water by pore filling, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions, which are the key mechanisms behind the adsorption of the dye pollutant. Its potential for practical applications is further demonstrated using Box Behnken-design (BBD) to optimize the adsorption consequences.

Imaging body-mind crosstalk in young adults

ObjectiveThere is evidence that complex relationships exist between motor functions, brain structure, and cognitive functions, particularly in the aging population. However, whether such relationships observed in older adults could extend to other age groups (e.g., younger adults) remains to be elucidated. Thus, the current study addressed this gap in the literature by investigating potential associations between motor functions, brain structure, and cognitive functions in a large cohort of young adults MethodsIn the current study, data from 910 participants (22–35 yr) were retrieved from the Human Connectome Project. Interactions between motor functions (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness, gait speed, hand dexterity, and handgrip strength), brain structure (i.e., cortical thickness, surface area, and subcortical volumes), and cognitive functions were examined using linear mixed-effects models and mediation analyses. The performance of different machine-learning classifiers to discriminate young adults at three different levels (related to each motor function) was compared ResultsCardiorespiratory fitness and hand dexterity were positively associated with fluid and crystallized intelligence in young adults, whereas gait speed and handgrip strength were correlated with specific measures of fluid intelligence (e.g., inhibitory control, flexibility, sustained attention, and spatial orientation; false discovery rate [FDR] corrected, p < 0.05). The relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness and domains of cognitive function were mediated by surface area and cortical volume in regions involved in the default mode, sensorimotor, and limbic networks (FDR corrected, p < 0.05). Associations between handgrip strength and fluid intelligence were mediated by surface area and volume in regions involved in the salience and limbic networks (FDR corrected, p < 0.05). Four machine-learning classifiers with feature importance ranking were built to discriminate young adults with different levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (random forest), gait speed, hand dexterity (support vector machine with the radial kernel), and handgrip strength (artificial neural network) ConclusionsIn summary, similar to observations in older adults, the current study provides empirical evidence (i) that motor functions in young adults are positively related to specific measures of cognitive functions, and (ii) that such relationships are at least partially mediated by distinct brain structures. Furthermore, our analyses suggest that machine-learning classifier has a promising potential to be used as a classification tool and decision support for identifying populations with below-average motor and cognitive functions.

Precision drug delivery through methotrexate and tofacitinib citrate encapsulated mesoporous silica scaffold

Background: Advancements in drug delivery aim to enhance outcomes while reducing adverse effects. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) offer potential for targeted delivery due to their unique properties, including ordered pore structure, large surface area, and biocompatibility. Methods: MSN were synthesized using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and Pluronic F127, then amine-functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Methotrexate and tofacitinib citrate were loaded via incipient wetness impregnation. Characterization included FTIR, particle size analysis, TEM, SEM, DSC, XRD, and BET analysis. Results: FTIR confirmed surface modification. Particle size analysis showed nanoscale dimensions. TEM and SEM depicted ordered mesoporous structures. DSC indicated drug crystallinity and MSN amorphism. XRD revealed reduced drug crystallinity in MSN. BET analysis demonstrated high MSN surface area and pore volume. Drug-loading efficiency was 62.44%. Conclusion: Comprehensive synthesis and characterization of MSN for targeted drug delivery were achieved successfully, highlighting their potential in overcoming conventional therapy limitations.

Catalytic Microwave Pyrolysis of Albizia Branches Using Iraqi Bentonite Clays

Catalytic microwave-assisted pyrolysis of biomass is gaining popularity as an alternative to fossil fuels due to health, environmental, climate, and economic issues. This study conducted a catalytic pyrolysis process of the Albizia plant's branches using an Iraqi clay catalyst (bentonite) focusing on the variables including the biomass-particle size, experimental time, microwave power level, and the catalyst-to-biomass ratio. The physical and chemical properties of the resulting biofuel were analyzed presented by HHV, acidity, density, viscosity, GC-MS, FTIR for bio-oil and SEM, EDX, BET, HHV, FTIR for biochar. The study revealed that addition of bentonite as a catalyst led to enhanced production of biogas produced from 5% to 45% and decreased the power level used from 700 W to 450 W. Also, it raised the production of bio-oil generated with less power level and duration time. The addition of catalyst also affected the characteristics of bio-oil produced such as reducing the acidity by increasing its pH from 5 to 5.7, lowering the viscosity from 4.8 to 3.3 cSt, and the density from 1045 to 1039.2 kg/m3. Adding catalyst increased the percentage of aromatic and alcoholic substances in the bio-oil which led to improve the calorific value from 19.5 to 23 MJ/kg. Additionally, the biochar properties also improved, where the surface area and pore volume increased from 0.5512 to 40.384 m2/g and 0.00011 to 0.0361cm3/g respectively. The higher heating value was raised from 23.5 to 25 MJ/kg also. CH4 is also increased from 3.6 to 8.6% which is one of the essential fuel gasses.

Submerged Surface Area and Water Storage Volume of Hamrin Dam Lake Using Contour Lines

The predictions and warnings from drying up lakes and rivers are increasing nowadays, especially in Iraq, due to climatic changes and water flow reduction from neighboring countries. Consequently, this paper deals with monitoring the changes in submerged surface areas and Hamrin dam lake storage volume from December 2011 to the end of 2022. Hamrin Lake supplies Diyala province, Iraq, with irrigation water. Multitemporal satellite images were acquired from google earth pro and Earth Observation (EO) browsers. Triangular Irregular Network (TIN) layers generated contour lines through the ArcGIS environment. Volumes were calculated using the end area method. The results show that the water storage volume reached 1.8 billion cubic meters (bcm) in December 2016 and decreased to 12 million cubic meters in December 2021. Hamrin Lake lost 99% and 98% of its capacity relative to the normal water storage volume in 2021 and 2022, respectively. At normal storage, the maximum water volume of Hamrin Lake is about 3 bcm. The scarcity of irrigation water from Hamrin Lake causes decreasing agricultural areas, desertification, and people migrating to other regions.

Impeding polysulfide diffusion strategies in lithium-sulfur batteries using 3D porous carbon nanosheets integrated by cathode and functional separator

Lithium-sulfur(Li-S) batteries show high theoretical capacity and energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries(LIBs), which are one of the candidates for next-generation energy storage systems. However, rapid capacity fading caused by polysulfide shuttling effects remains critical issue for the commercial development in the Li-S batteries. Therefore, we aimed to derive 3D porous carbon nanosheets(C900) through the simple carbonization of organic salts as base materials for application as both sulfur host and functional separator. C900 had 3D vertically aligned and hierarchical carbon nanosheet structure with a high specific surface area and large pore volume, which was benefits for sulfur hosts because of the efficient electrolyte diffusion pathways and high mass loading of sulfur. Furthermore, nitrogen doped C900(NC900) can be improved chemical reactions with lithium polysulfides. Subsequently, an integrated electrode composed of a cathode with C900 and functional separator with NC900, respectively, was found to be highly efficient in restraining the shuttle effect via multimodal capturing effects. Consequently, all-integrated electrode composed of S-C900 and NC900@PP delivered a high initial specific capacity of 1453mAh·g-1 at 0.1C and achieved cycle stability with 64% capacity retention after 300cycles at 0.5C. This work suggests a potential carbon material design for bi-functional materials in a high-performance Li-S batteries.

Hierarchical porous carbon originated from the directing associated with activation as high-performance electrodes for supercapacitor and Li ion capacitor

A template-directing methodology combined with post-activation methodology is developed to synthesize hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) with a unique nanocage-like morphology and exceptional structural integrity, utilizing light MgO nanocapsules as templates and coal pitch as precursor. The specific surface area and pore volume of HPC can be precisely adjusted by varying the mass ratio between the chemical activator and PC. This optimized pore structure significantly enhances the kinetics of electrolyte ion diffusion, which is a crucial point for the high-performance supercapacitors. The superior capacitive energy-storage behavior with respect to capacitance and rate capability (168 and 160 F g−1 at 1 and 100 A g−1) can be delivered by HPC electrode as compared to commercial activated carbon and pristine PC. The great compatibility to high gravimetric and areal capacitances (173 F g−1 and 1391 mF cm−2) can still be achieved even at 8 mg cm−2 for HPC electrode. Moreover, a full hybrid Li ion capacitor fabricated using HPC, delivers outstanding rate capability, excellent Ragone performance, and exceptional cyclability, establishing the potential of this material for advanced energy storage systems. The successful integration of template-directed synthesis with activation techniques presents a scalable approach to convert coal pitch into high-performance electrode materials.

Effect of supercritical carbon dioxide on pore structure and methane adsorption of shale with different particle sizes

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) fracturing significantly enhances shale gas recovery, which is influenced by particle size. We soaked shale in SCCO2 and investigated the impact of SCCO2 on different particle sizes. Large-particle shales showed the largest percentage changes in specific surface area and total pore volume (54.11 %, 87.87 %; 58.59 %, 76.32 %) followed by small-particle size shales. This trend was also observed in other pore structure parameters. The particle-size effect is: Large-particle shale, with abundant microfractures, enhances SCCO2 flow and pore alteration. Small-particle shale's high specific surface area facilitates SCCO2 penetration. Medium-particle shale is less affected due to balanced interactions of these factors. Methane is primarily found in large and medium pores and microfractures. Methane adsorption in shale mainly involves multi-layer adsorption. Following SCCO2 treatment, pore fractures narrowed, increasing the proportion of methane molecules adsorbed as a single-layer. This study is crucial for evaluating the fracturing effects on shale gas wells.

Synthesis of Fe-Loaded Biochar Obtained from Rape Straw for Enhanced Degradation of Emerging Contaminant Antibiotic Metronidazole

In this study, magnetic (Fe)-loaded biochar was successfully prepared by a simple impregnation pyrolysis method. Meanwhile, its degradation capability and mechanism for typical antibiotic metronidazole (MNZ) were systematically investigated under different conditions. The characterization of the synthesized material showed that the specific surface area, pore diameter, and pore volume changed significantly. Also, functional groups and metal element Fe were introduced on the surface of the biochar, leading to its better capability to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The degradation experiments showed that the removal of MNZ in the Fe-BC/PMS system can reach up to 95.3% in 60 min under optimal conditions. Free-radical capture experiments showed that there were several active species of •OH, SO4•−, •O2−, and 1O2 present in the catalyst to synergistically degrade MNZ, among which SO4•− played a major role; it was also found that the material can be easily recycled and was still effective after several uses. Further, the main degradation pathways of MNZ include nitrohydroxylation, hydroxyethyl functional group deletion, carboxylation of the amino functional group of •OH, demethylation, oxidation, and carboxylation. It is obvious that the synthesized magnetic-loaded biochar, Fe-BC, generated from waste rape straw crops, shows high catalytic performance in pollutant degradation, providing an insight into the recycling potential of waste biomass in the catalytic field for pollutant removal.

Elucidating the enduring transformations in cellulose-based carbon nanofibers through prolonged isothermal treatment

This study investigates the conversion of highly acetylated sugarcane bagasse into high-modulus carbon nanofibers (CnNFs) with exceptional electrical conductivity. By electrospinning the bagasse into nanofibers with diameters ranging from 80 nm to 800 nm, a cost-effective CnNFs precursor is obtained. The study reveals the transformation of the cellulose crystalline structure into a stable antiparallel chain arrangement of cellulose II following prolonged isothermal treatment, leading to a remarkable 50 % increase in CnNFs recovery with carbon contents ranging from 80 % to 90 %. This surpasses the performance of any other reported biomass precursors. Furthermore, graphitization-induced shrinkage of CnNFs diameter results in significant growth of specific surface area and pore volume in the resulting samples. This, along with a highly ordered nanostructure and high crystallinity degree, contributes to an impressive tensile modulus of 9.592 GPa, surpassing that of most petroleum-based CnNFs documented in the literature. Additionally, the prolonged isothermal treatment influences the d002 value (measured at 0.414 nm) and CnNFs degree of crystallinity, leading to an enhancement in electrical conductivity. However, the study observes no size effect advantages on mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, possibly attributed to the potential presence of point defects in the ultrathin CnNFs. Overall, this research opens a promising and cost-effective pathway for converting sugarcane biomasses into high-modulus carbon nanofibers with outstanding electrical conductivity. These findings hold significant implications for the development of sustainable and high-performance materials for various applications, including electronics, energy storage, and composite reinforcement.

Coral-shaped AlSi anode materials for Li-ion batteries enabled by THF-based electrolyte

This research aims to implement a strategy of using a controlled acidic etching on AlSi alloy particles to partially remove Al and preserve a porous Si framework as anode materials. The etched AlSi materials with different Al/Si weight ratios have been investigated in lithium-ion batteries. Microstructural analysis shows the evolution of the AlSi material during selective wet etching, highlighting the preservation of coral-shaped Si nanostructures with an Al-rich core. Lower Al/Si ratios result in increased surface area and pore volume, which is favorable for improving lithium-ion diffusion and accommodating volume expansion during cycling. Evaluation of electrochemical performance in different electrolytes proves the importance of electrolyte selection for AlSi anodes. The tetrahydrofuran-based (THF-based) electrolyte stabilizes electrochemical reactions, resulting in superior specific capacity, cycle life, and Coulombic efficiency compared to the carbonate-based electrolyte with fluoroethylene carbonate additive. Rate performance analysis shows excellent high-rate capability with stable capacity retention at 3C, particularly in Al53Si47 and Al10Si90 materials. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements emphasize the critical role of porous structure and electrolytes in sustaining low resistance and enhancing cycle life performance. Selective aluminum etching and the THF-based electrolyte effectively mitigate the breakdown and subsequent reformation of the solid electrolyte interphase, resulting in superior efficiency and extended lifespan.

Industrial dye absorption and elimination from aqueous solutions through bio-composite construction of an organic framework encased in food-grade algae and alginate: Adsorption isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics, and optimization by Box–Behnken design

A potential bio-adsorbent material for removing Rhodamine B (RB) from aqueous solution is Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads. The adsorption capability of the material is probably enhanced by the use of a natural substance made of food-grade algae (FGA) and calcium alginate (CA), which has been cross-linked and loaded with ruthenium metal-organic frameworks (Ru-MOF). The Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads were analyzed by XPS, PXRD, FT-IR, and SEM. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm analysis of the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads before and after the adsorption of RB revealed that had a surface area of 682 m2/g, a pore size of 2.92 nm, and a pore volume of 1.62 cc/g, that decreased after adsorption as the surface area reduced to 468.62 m2/g, while the pore volume reduced to 0.76 cc/g. indicating that the RB molecules occupied the available space within the pores of the material. The decrease in both surface area and pore volume specifies that the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads' pores were able to effectively adsorb the RB molecules. The adsorption of RB against the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads is affected by pH, adsorbent dose, starting RB concentration, and salinity. Controlling these factors can enhance the adsorption capability and effectiveness of the beads for RB removal. With an adsorption energy of 22.6 kJ/mol, the adsorption of RB onto the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads was determined to be a chemisorption process, demonstrating a strong bond among the adsorbent and the adsorbate. The pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherms were used to suit the adsorption process. Because the adsorption procedure was endothermic, it increased as the temperature increased. By using this information, the adsorption conditions may be improved, and the beads' ability to absorb RB can be increased. Up to six reuses of the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads are possible without affecting their chemical makeup and maintaining analogous PXRD and FT-IR data after each reuse. The adsorption process can be optimized through the application of the Box–Behnken design (BBD) approach and may entail H-bonding, electrostatic forces, n-π stacking, and pore filling. The exceptional stability of the beads makes them useful for creating long-lasting and efficient adsorbents that remove contaminants from water.

Adsorption and separation performance of tungsten and molybdenum on modified zirconium based metal organic frameworks UiO-66-CTAB

A modified zirconium (Zr)-based metal organic framework (UiO-66-CTAB) was synthesized by solvothermal method, and used for the adsorption and separation of molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W). Under the optimized conditions, UiO-66-CTAB with uniform pore size and containing particles with tetrahedral cage structure could be obtained. UiO-66-CTAB showed BET surface area and micropore volume of 873.848 m2·g−1 and 0.403 cm3·g−1, respectively, with the particle size range of 200–300 nm. It acquired positive charge at pH < 7, thus it could get easily connected with the negatively charged Mo species. The material shows excellent adsorption of Mo and its effective separation from W in acidic solution. It is beneficial for separation at room temperature under the optimal contact time of 3 h. The adsorption capacity for Mo (QMo) was 355 mg·g−1 and the highest separation factor (βMo/W) was 51.4. Comprehensive analysis of XRD, SEM, FT-IR spectroscopy, XPS, and thermodynamic results indicate that the adsorption mechanism involved the selectivity of the effect of pore size, stronger affinity of the metal point Zr for Mo, and coordination interaction between the N atom of CTAB and Mo element, which allowed more Mo-homopoly acid ions to enter the cage and significantly hindered the entrance of W-homopoly acid ions into the UiO-66-CTAB. The adsorbent UiO-66-CTAB can be considered as a potential candidate for new and green adsorbent materials for the separation and recovery of W and Mo in the treatment of ores, wastes, and wastewater, which is beneficial for environmental protection.

Efficient degradation of norfloxacin via MnCo-LDH/sepiolite activating peroxymonosulfate: Performance, mechanism and degradation pathway

In this study, MnCo layered double hydroxide/sepiolite (MnCo-LDH/sepiolite) as PMS catalyst were synthesized using a simple water bath method. The results indicated that the composite exhibited the highest norfloxacin (NF) removal efficiency (90.14 % in 40 min), and its reaction rate constant (0.2049 min-1) was 2.0 times higher than that of pure MnCo-LDH. Compared with MnCo-LDH, MnCo-LDH/sepiolite catalyst had a larger specific surface area and pore volume which can provide more abundant active sites thereby improving the NF degradation performance. In addition, EPR and quenching experiments results revealed that SO4•- and 1O2 were the main active substances. Moreover, the successive redox of Mn and Co species contributed to the main driving force to effectively activate PMS. Furthermore, the possible catalytic mechanisms and NF degradation pathways were systematically analyzed. Overall, this study provides a new strategy for developing an economical, efficient and environmentally friendly PMS catalyst for wastewater treatment.

PMMA microspheres-embedded Ti3C2Tx MXene heterophotocatalysts synergistically working for multiple dye degradation

We developed a novel MXene/polymer hybrid material for enhanced photodegradation of multiple organic dyes. Specifically, uniform-sized PMMA microspheres and multilayer Ti3C2Tx MXene were integrated through a facile solution process to form PMMA/Ti3C2Tx composites. The hybridization of the two components significantly increased the specific surface area and pore volume. An optimized composite showed high photocatalytic activity, demonstrating 93 and 98 % degradation efficiencies for orange G (OG) and rhodamine B (RhB) in 60 min of light illumination. Furthermore, the composite revealed good recyclability without a significant performance drop even after four cycles. Moreover, the composite retained its high photocatalytic activity at various conditions, including elevated temperatures, a wide range of pH levels, and in tap water. These results manifest that the PMMA/Ti3C2Tx hetero-photocatalyst is well suited for use in wastewater treatment and environmental cleanup.

Water Dynamics and Morphometric Parameters of Lake Sevan (Armenia) in the Summer–Autumn Period according to Satellite Data

Here, we explore the dynamics of the waters of eutrophicated Lake Sevan in the modern period, using MSI Sentinel-2 satellite images of different months in different years (2017–2022) and SAR Sentinel-1 images of similar dates. The main objective of the study is to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of the horizontal circulation of this lake and to establish whether the scheme of cyclonic water circulation in the deep-water part of Large Sevan, given in a number of publications, which does not imply water exchange between its littoral and deep-water zones, corresponds to the real picture of currents in the surface layer of the lake in the summer–autumn period (period of pronounced water stratification and intense phytoplankton bloom). The analysis performed convincingly showed that there is no constant cyclonic gyre on the scale of the deep-water part of Large Sevan (≈20 km) during the period under consideration. In most cases, non-stationary eddy dynamics are observed in Large Sevan, including mesoscale and submesoscale eddies, eddy dipoles (mushroom-shaped flows), and their packings. Often the entire deep-water part of Large Sevan is occupied by a two-cell (dipole) or even three-cell (cyclonic eddy with two anticyclones of similar size) water circulation. The time scale of the observed variability is several days. Such variable water circulation in different months (i.e., with different density stratification of water) of different years in a basin with a fairly homogeneous bottom and a slight indentation of the shoreline raises the assumption that the main reason for the non-stationary dynamics in Large Sevan is the variability of the wind effect on its surface layer. The cyclonic gyre in Small Sevan (8–9 km) is a permanent element of the circulation and maintains its position north of the strait between Small and Large Sevan. This gyre and attached anticyclonic eddies in the southern part of its periphery, as well as cyclonic submesoscale eddies in the northern part of Large Sevan, close to the strait, affect the water exchange between Small and Large Sevan in both directions. An additional objective of the study is a validation of the morphometric parameters of Lake Sevan (level, surface area, and water volume), contained in the near-real time HYDROWEB database, LEGOS, France (June 1995–January 2024), based on their comparison with the corresponding values of these parameters from gauging stations in Armenia. It is shown that, with a qualitative correspondence of the nature of lake level changes according to altimetric and instrumental measurements, its values in the HYDROWEB database exceed the data of gauging stations in most cases by 1–1.5 m in 1995–2012 and 0.5–0.6 m in 2013–2022, while the corresponding surface area and volume values according to HYDROWEB data turn out to be underestimated.

Highly enhanced chloramphenicol adsorption performance of MIL-53-NH2(Al)-derived porous carbons modified with tannic acid

The worldwide demand for antibiotics has experienced a notable surge, propelled by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in the global healthcare sector. A prominent challenge confronting humanity is the unregulated release of antibiotic-laden wastewater into the environment, posing significant threats to public health. The adoption of affordable carbon-based adsorbents emerges as a promising strategy for mitigating the contamination of antibiotic wastewater. Here, we report the synthesis of novel porous carbons (MPC) through a direct pyrolysis of MIL-53-NH2(Al) and tannic acid (TANA) under N2 atmosphere at 800 °C for 4 h. The effect of TANA amount ratios (0%–20%, wt wt−1) on porous carbon structure and adsorption performance was investigated. Results showed that TANA modification resulted in decreased surface area (1,600 m2 g−1–949 m2 g−1) and pore volume (2.3 cm3 g−1–1.7 cm3 g−1), but supplied hydroxyl functional groups. Adsorption kinetic, intraparticle diffusion, and isotherm were examined, indicating the best fit of Elovich and Langmuir models. 10%-TANA-MPC obtained an ultrahigh adsorption capacity of 564.4 mg g−1, which was approximately 2.1 times higher than that of unmodified porous carbon. 10%-TANA-MPC could be easily recycled up to 5 times, and after reuse, this adsorbent still remained highly stable in morphology and surface area. The contribution of H bonding, pore-filling, electrostatic and π–π interactions to chloramphenicol adsorption was clarified. It is recommended that TANA-modified MIL-53-NH2(Al)-derived porous carbons act as a potential adsorbent for removal of pollutants effectively.

Enhanced hydrogen storage and CO2 capture capacities on carbon aerogels from Ni-N co-doping

Carbon aerogels (CAs) has been a promising candidate for gas adsorption due to their unique attributes, but the poor surface properties and temperature reliance limit the application range. Investigations have proven that surface modification can enhance the adsorption performance. Thus, nickel and nitrogen co-doped cellulose-based carbon aerogels were synthesized by introducing nanoparticles. The outcomes demonstrate the excellent adsorption capacity and reversible adsorption/desorption features. Nickel particles improved the dissociation of hydrogen by “hydrogen spillover” effect, and interacted electrostatically with CO2 enhanced the capture performance. Nitrogen particles enhanced the unsaturation of Ni active sites and the surface basicity, resulting a stronger interaction force with adsorbed gases. Ultimately, despite a slightly decrease in specific surface area and micropore volume, the sample exhibit the hydrogen storage capacity of 0.79 wt.% (298 K) and 7.4 wt.% (77 K), and the CO2 capture of 17.1 mmol/g (298 K). Unique design strategy of co-doping reduced the reliance on surface area and temperature changes, and is expected to be a regular means of industrial modification of carbon materials.

The influence of the synthesis route and microwave activation on the CuFe2O4 spinel mixed oxide catalysts activity in N2O decomposition

In this study a comprehensive analysis of the influence of synthesis route of CuFe2O4 spinel mixed oxides on their catalytic performance in the N2O decomposition was carried out. A co-precipitation technique allowed one to obtain the CuFe2O4 spinel with a higher specific surface area and pore volume compared to the synthesis with the application of organic additives. This resulted in better catalytic performance of the CuFe2O4 samples prepared by co-precipitation. The microwave activation step with the duration of 1 min during the co-precipitation synthesis led to the formation of the CuFe2O4 spinel with a higher content of oxygen vacancies per 1 m2 in comparison with the sample obtained without the microwave activation. This fact caused a significantly higher specific activity of the CuFe2O4 spinel synthesized with the application of 1 min microwave activation. The increase of the microwave treatment time led to the fast growth of the contents of the CuO and α-Fe2O3 phases, which are less active in the N2O decomposition, resulting in the activity drop.