Synergic Behavior Research Articles

Homotopic quantum fuzzy adaptive simulated annealing [HQF ASA

The work proposes a new approach for evolutionary global optimization which, in simple terms, may be described as a fusion of quantum and simulated annealing. This becomes possible by using basic concepts from Homotopy Theory, conjugated to the already existing Fuzzy Adaptive Simulated Annealing paradigm and other components. In this fashion, it occurs a temporal and nonlinear superposition of the two types of annealing, provoking interesting effects in runtime, including the so-called quantum tunneling, when there is a sudden transition between attraction basins of different minima without “climbing” potential barriers. In addition, the proposal includes a generalization of the “deformation” of Hamiltonians used in quantum annealing by suggesting the use of general homotopies between the surface corresponding to the cost function under processing and another specific landscape, being this possible because of the ability of Fuzzy ASA of handling time-varying objective functions. The proposed paradigm shows that it is possible and beneficial to superpose the two types of annealing, displaying amazing numerical results and suggesting a kind of interlacing or synergic behavior - perhaps we could call it an “annealing entanglement”. Finally, given the fast advances in commercial quantum annealing processors, it seems sensible to expect that an implementation of the proposed approach using such devices may occur very soon. In order to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm, some significant and detailed examples are included in the text, so as to illustrate and clarify the presented ideas.

Molecular dynamics study of the effect of oxidation aging of FAMEs on biodiesel properties

The influence of oxidative aging on the structure and thermodynamic properties of biodiesel was investigated using molecular dynamics simulation at the micro-scale. The oxidative aging biodiesel models were constructed by incorporating the oxidative aging products including the primary oxidation products, decomposition products, and oligomers. The competitive effects between the decomposition reaction and the polymerization reaction were also considered. The temperature dependent behaviors of density, cohesive energy density, solubility parameter, self-diffusion coefficients, hydrogen bonds, and shear viscosity were analyzed to gain insights into the molecular dynamics after oxidative aging. The simulation results indicate that the decomposition of biodiesel molecules promotes the formation of polar groups and low molecular weight molecules, enhancing the intermolecular interactions and molecule mobility, respectively. Nevertheless, a higher concentration of decomposition products results in a decrease in both shear viscosity and activation energy. Moreover, the formation of oligomers contributes to an increase in both shear viscosity and activation energy, while causing a decrease in molecular mobility, due to the long hydrocarbon chains and molecule aggregation. The complicated changes of properties are strongly dependent on interaction energy and molecular structures deriving from the synergism behavior of the different oxidative aging products.

Cavitation erosion and corrosion-cavitation synergism behaviour of CoCrFeNiMnTi x high entropy alloy coatings prepared by laser cladding

ABSTRACT Cavitation erosion and corrosion-cavitation synergism behavior of CoCrFeNiMnTi x (x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 in atomic ratio) high entropy alloy coatings were analyzed. The sample with x = 1.0 showed the best cavitation erosion resistance due to the low weight loss and the maximum erosion rate. The protective ability of passivation film also displayed an increased first and then decreased tendency with the increase of Ti content as indicated by corrosion-cavitation synergism determined by open circuit potential method under cavitation erosion and quiescence condition. The sample with x = 1.0 displayed good re-passivation ability of passivation film according to open circuit potential behavior under cavitation erosion and quiescence condition. In general, the sample with x = 1.0 exhibited the highest cavitation erosion, the best self-repairing ability of the passivation film under the corrosion-cavitation synergism condition, which showed a great potential in the application of ocean engineering field as fluid-passing parts.

Co-stabilization mechanisms of solid particles and soluble compounds in hybrid Pickering emulsions stabilized by unrefined apple pomace powder

Vegetal by-product powders, such as apple pomace powder, represent an efficient green alternative to conventional emulsifiers to stabilize oil-in-water Pickering emulsions. The natural material being used without purification, its multiple components shall impact differently the emulsion stability and interact with each other. These effects might be either synergic, competitive, or both depending on their ratio. Herein, the co-stabilizing effects of the apple pomace compounds on Pickering emulsions were explored from microscopic to macroscopic scales. The apple pomace powder was first fragmented into several fractions which were characterized (particle sizes, shape and wettability, oil-water surface activity). Emulsions were then prepared by varying the stabilizing material composition using the different fractions obtained from the apple powder. Emulsions properties (droplet size, rheological properties) and stability were monitored over a month. The key role of solid particles in the surface activity of the apple pomace powder was shown by interfacial tension measurements. All particle-stabilized emulsions were stable against coalescence during storage despite high droplet diameters (up to 80 μm) and low surface coverage. Soluble matter and particles show a synergic behavior to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. The soluble matter drives droplet size whereas insoluble cellulosic particles are responsible for emulsion stability by both Pickering adsorption to the oil droplet and oil droplet trapping in a three-dimensional network. This study provides new insights into the understanding of natural powders stabilizing mechanisms that may lead to a better prediction of the potential of vegetal by-products as stabilizing agents from their chemical composition.

Synergistic contribution of bio-based additives in wood paint: The combined effect of pigment deriving from spirulina and multifunctional filler based on carnauba wax

This work aims to reveal the synergistic behavior of two bio-based additives on the durability and protective behavior of a bio-based wood paint. The powder extract form spirulina was introduced as a natural pigment, while carnauba wax was used as a multifunctional filler. The impact of the two additives on the morphology of the coatings was investigated by scanning electron microscopy observations, while their role on the durability of the paint was assessed by exposing the samples to UV-B radiation and continuous thermal shocks. Infrared spectroscopy analysis, colorimetric inspections, adhesion test and scanning electron microscope observations were employed to investigate the impact of the synergic behavior of the bio-based additives. Furthermore, the role of the spirulina and wax powders on the barrier performance of the coatings was evaluated by liquid resistance test ad water uptake test. Finally, Buchholz hardness indentation test and the scrub test were employed to estimate the effect of the additives on the mechanical properties of hardness and abrasion resistance of the coatings. Ultimately, this work demonstrates the interesting synergy of spirulina and wax, able to provide an intense coloring and certain aesthetic features to the paint, to improve the water-repellent properties of the surface and to increase the abrasion resistance of the composite layer.

Nonlinear Regression of Rare Earth Metal Ions [Y3+ and La3+] Adsorption Upon Multifunctionalized Poly(glycidylmethacrylate)

The recovery of two rare earth metal ions (REs) [Y3+ and La3+, belonging to heavy and light REs, respectively] was studied using functionalized poly(glycidylmethacrylate) adsorbent (F-PGMA) modified with polyaminophosphonic acid moieties. By using CHNP/O, BET, SEM, pH-titration, XRD, XPS, and FTIR analysis techniques, the structure of the synthesized adsorbent was clarified. The adsorption properties toward Y3+ and La3+ were compared and the interaction behaviors were explained with XPS and FTIR analysis. The saturation adsorption capacities (in mmol.g-1) have the following order: La3+ (0.795) > Y3+ (0.744) at optimal pH0 5.0. The adsorption was endothermic with fast kinetics (180/240 min) and the adsorption half-time (t1/2) 16.2 and 29.3 min for La3+ and Y3+, respectively. Langmuir and pseudo-second-order equations (PSO) fit well experimental data. Also, the possible complexes structures were explained. According to the adsorption test in bi-system solution, KSC(La3+/Y3+) was about 1.7. Desorption and adsorbent recycling were successfully achieved using HNO3 solution (0.5 M). The F-PGMA shows high durability over six cycles with desorption efficiency >93% and >95% for La3+ and Y3+, respectively. The adsorption process was described quantitatively using novel three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear mathematical model. The advanced theoretical studies were achieved by the MATLAB software, utilizing a variety of models. The data were then fitted using a successive approximations approach with many trails. The Floatotherm included Van't Hoff parameters model was revels the endothermic and spontaneous behaviors of the adsorption process. Vermeulen model of the binary system indicates that, the adsorption process was achieved with a synergism behavior and the Y element exhibited more competition than La.

Influence of blended powders on properties of Ultra-High Strength Fibre Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete subjected to elevated temperatures

Ultra-High Strength Fibre Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete (UHSFRSCC) is in great demand for use in construction projects around the globe. Unless fillers are utilised in this concrete, its production will come at an excessive environmental cost due to the high Carbon footprint of Portland cement. A gap in the published literature was identified, where quaternary mixes, containing Portland cement with three fillers, incorporating fibres, and achieving ultra high strength, were not cited. In this study ternary and quaternary mixes were designed and produced, satisfying the European Guidelines for SCC, with compressive strengths exceeding 115 MPa. Some mixes had compressive strengths between 125 and 150 MPa, which were not previously reported in the literature. The mixes contained Silica Fume (SF), Metakaolin (MK), Limestone powder (LS) as partial Portland cement replacement and quartz powder (QP) as partial sand replacement. Basalt Fibres were added to reinforce the matrix. Compressive & tensile strength of the mixes along with UPV, sorptivity, absorption and SEM Micro-structure features were studied at ambient temperature and after the samples were exposed to either 200 or 300 °C; since the behaviour of HSC at elevated temperature is always a cause for concern. The active and inert fillers exhibited a synergic behaviour at all temperature conditions. The mix containing: 15 % SF, 5 % MK, 20 % LS and 34 % QP achieved the best performance. Compressive and splitting tensile strength improve by 10 % and 17 % while sorptivity and absorption decline by 40 % and 29 % respectively at ambient temperature. Residual compressive strength improved by 10 % and 19 % while, residual splitting tensile strength significantly increases by 21 % and 28 % after exposure to elevated temperatures 200 ℃ and 300 ℃ respectively. Meanwhile, residual sorptivity decreases by 39 % and 38 % after exposure to these elevated temperatures. Microstructure properties supported and agreed with the mechanical and permeation characteristics results. The results will contribute to the development of UHSFRSCC in hot weather countries.

Green Extracellular Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Pseudomonas alloputida, Their Growth and Biofilm-Formation Inhibitory Activities and Synergic Behavior with Three Classical Antibiotics.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is on the rise and hinders the fight against bacterial infections, which are expected to cause millions of deaths by 2050. New antibiotics are difficult to find, so alternatives are needed. One could be metal-based drugs, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In general, chemical methods for AgNPs' production are potentially toxic, and the physical ones expensive, while green approaches are not. In this paper, we present the green synthesis of AgNPs using two Pseudomonas alloputida B003 UAM culture broths, sampled from their exponential and stationary growth phases. AgNPs were physicochemically characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), showing differential characteristics depending on the synthesis method used. Antibacterial activity was tested in three assays, and we compared the growth and biofilm-formation inhibition of six test bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. We also monitored nanoparticles' synergic behavior through the growth inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus by three classical antibiotics: ampicillin, nalidixic acid, and streptomycin. The results indicate that very good AgNP activity was obtained with particularly low MICs for the three tested strains of P. aeruginosa. A good synergistic effect on streptomycin activity was observed for all the nanoparticles. For ampicillin, a synergic effect was detected only against S. aureus. ROS production was found to be related to the AgNPs' antibacterial activity.

Study of Thermal, Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Biodegradable PLA/PBAT Films with Highly Oriented MMT.

In order to improve the properties of biodegradable polylactide (PLA), mixtures with polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) were prepared. PLA is a bio-based and renewable biodegradable material, made from starch. PBAT is a biodegradable polyester for compostable film. In order to improve the composite properties, two types of additives were implemented via melt mixing, a chain extender (CE) and montmorillonite (MMT). CE was used as an interfacial modifier to enhance the adhesion between components. Montmorillonite is a widely studied clay added to polymer nanocomposites. Due to the lamellar structure, it improves the barrier properties of materials. PLA/PBAT films were oriented in the extrusion process and the amounts of filler introduced into the PLA/PBAT nanocomposites were 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0%. The improvement in the PLA barrier properties by the addition of PBAT and 5% of MMT was confirmed as the oxygen permeability decreased almost by a factor of 3. The addition of the biodegradable polymer, chain extender, montmorillonite, and the implemented orientation process resulted in a decrease in composite viscosity and an increase in the PLA crystallinity percentage (up to 25%), and the wettability tests confirmed the synergic behavior of the selected polymer blend.

Ce-MOF nanorods/aluminum hydroxide (AlTH) synergism effect on the fire-retardancy/smoke-release and thermo-mechanical properties of a novel thermoplastic acrylic intumescent composite coating

The development of novel fire/smoke-retardant agents for the intumescent polymeric-based coatings has grown expeditiously in recent researches. The use of ammonium poly-phosphate, [NH4PO3]n(OH)2, (APP), pentaerythritol, C5H12O4, (PER), and Melamine, C3H6N6, (MEL) mixture has been acknowledged as the reliable intumescent system for the coatings. However, there are a number of auxiliary materials which have been introduced for these intumescent coatings with the aim of decreasing the heat transfer, smoke production, and radical release and also increase of char strength, corrosion protection, and mechanical properties of the coatings. In this work, we synthesized cerium-based Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles as an additive for the acrylic-based intumescent system. The synthesis of MOF was proved and characterized by FE-SEM, XRD, and BET analysis. The effect of incorporation of the obtained MOFs and Aluminum hydroxide (AlTH) and also the synergistic effect of simultaneous use of these additives in the intumescent formulation on the fire retardancy, morphological and mechanical properties of char layer, and also the mechanical properties of the coating were studied in detail. The results showed that the synergism behavior of MOF and AlTH increased the heat-insulating index of the system by about 17%, and decreased the heat release rate and smoke production rate to 24.78 KJ/m2 and 31.84 m2, respectively. The synergistic effect of the additives has also improved the char forming, char strength and also hindered the detrimental effect of the intumescence system on the mechanical properties of the coating. The intumescence mechanism of the proposed coatings was discussed in detail using the results of TGA and FTIR analysis and study of decomposition kinetic.

Synergic behavior of graphene-based filler and thermochromic pigments in cataphoretic coatings

This study aims to assess the synergic effect of graphene-based filler and thermochromic pigments on the protective and aesthetical performances of cataphoretic acrylic coatings. The nature of the thermochromic pigments was investigated by electron microscopy observations and infrared spectroscopy analysis. The aesthetical features of the coatings were evaluated by colorimetric measurements, estimating the colour change with temperature due to the filler addition. The corrosion protection properties were assessed by means of salt spray chamber exposure and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, which evidenced a negative contribution of the combined presence of functionalized graphene oxide flakes and thermochromic pigments. Otherwise, the incorporation of both the two fillers improved the abrasion resistance of the cataphoretic coating, as observed thanks to scrub test, as well as its aesthetical performances after chemical degradation due to UV-B exposure. Thus, this work highlighted both the positive and the negative effects caused by the synergy of reinforcing graphene-based fillers and functional pigments on the properties of cataphoretic coatings.

Using Optical Tracking System Data to Measure Team Synergic Behavior: Synchronization of Player-Ball-Goal Angles in a Football Match.

The ecological dynamics approach to interpersonal relationships provides theoretical support to the use of kinematic data, obtained with sensor-based systems, in which players of a team are linked mainly by information from the performance environment. Our goal was to capture the properties of synergic behavior in football, using spatiotemporal data from one match of the 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA, to explore the application of player-ball-goal angles in cluster phase analysis. Linear mixed effects models were used to test the statistical significance of different effects, such as: team, half(-time), role and pitch zones. Results showed that the cluster phase values (synchronization) for the home team, had a increase with respect to the away team () and that changing the role from with ball to without ball increased synchronization by (). The interaction between effects was also significant. The player-team relative phase, the player-ball-goal angles relative frequency and the team configurations, showed that variations of synchronization might indicate critical performance changes (ball possession changes, goals scored, etc.). This study captured the ongoing player-environment link and the properties of team synergic behavior, supporting the use of sensor-based data computations in the development of relevant indicators for tactical analysis in sports.

Incorporation of flame retardancy in bio‐resourced mannitol based curing agent for clear pressure‐sensitive adhesive

Recently, the flame retardancy of the pressure‐sensitive adhesive acquired a large amount of research interest because of their ability to cease the effect of fire on products, which are widely used for high‐temperature applications. The current study comprises the addition of the phosphorus modified mannitol (PMM) in a clear acrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesive (CPSAs). Mannitol indulges the replacement of the petroleum‐based crosslinking agent used for CPSAs, and phosphorus modification imparts the inherent flame retardancy. The process includes two parts, the first part comprises the conversion of D‐mannitol into 2,4:3,5‐di‐O‐methyl‐D‐mannitol followed by the modification through phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) and the second part includes the addition of the PMM in CPSAs. The qualitative analysis of the formed compound was done with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). To understand the dependency of the PMM dose on adhesive performance, glass transition temperature (Tg) was measured through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The performance of adhesive was evaluated by determining optical and adhesion properties such as refractive index, impact resistance, peel strength, the probe tack, and the shear adhesion failure temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to understand the thermal degradation of the adhesive. Successively, it was observed that the Tg and other properties are the functions of PMM concentration. Adhesive shows the excellent flame retardancy with maximum limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 48 and a self‐extinguishing behavior, as confirmed by the UL‐94 test. The extinguishing of the fire occurs with the formation of the 0.9 to 6 mm char with a closed cell‐like structure confirmed through SEM.Highlights Research involves the preparation of phosphorus modified curing agents of bio‐based resources and understand in the application in the clear pressure‐sensitive adhesive. A bio‐based curing agent has synergic behavior of flame retardancy. The use of a bio‐based curing agent imparts thermal stability in the adhesive. The presence of phosphorus in the structure allows the formation of intumescent char.

Surface damage caused by the interaction of particles and a spark-generated bubble near a solid wall

Machine components operating in a fluid under conditions of cavitation and hard particle erosion can be severely affected by wear, which may reduce the lifespans of the components. To understand this synergic behaviour, in this work, experimental and numerical approximations of the damage caused by a particle interacting with a spark-generated bubble were developed. The effects of particle size, particle material, bubble position, surface material and bubble size on the damage of a surface impacted by a particle propelled by the spark-generated bubble were evaluated. The experimental results show that under the tested conditions, the heaviest particles and larger bubbles caused more considerable damage, while the initial position of the bubble did not exert a significant influence. It was found that the relationship between the increase in the bubble size and the increase in damage was quadratic. Numerical simulations involving computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and explicit finite element analysis (FEA) of a particle interacting with bubble of several sizes were conducted. The findings exhibited good correlation with the experimental data which validated the proposed numerical models. Additionally, the simulation indicated that the damage on the surface was linearly related to the kinetic energy of a particle. Furthermore, it was identified that particles closer to the bubble nucleation point had higher velocities and could thus lead to more considerable damage to the surface; however, when the pressure inside the initial bubble was high (which produced larger bubbles), the bubble interface moved faster than the particle, and the particle was trapped by the bubble, which decelerated the particle and reduced the velocity of impact on the surface. The obtained results could help to explain the mechanism of interaction between the particle and the bubble and its correlation with solid surface damage.

Boosting Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation of Hematite in Acidic Electrolytes by Surface State Modification

AbstractState‐of‐the‐art water‐oxidation catalysts (WOCs) in acidic electrolytes usually contain expensive noble metals such as ruthenium and iridium. However, they too expensive to be implemented broadly in semiconductor photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting devices. Here, an Earth‐abundant CoFe Prussian blue analogue (CoFe‐PBA) is incorporated with core–shell Fe2O3/Fe2TiO5 type II heterojunction nanowires as composite photoanodes for PEC water splitting. Those deliver a high photocurrent of 1.25 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible reference electrode in acidic electrolytes (pH = 1). The enhancement arises from the synergic behavior between the successive decoration of the hematite surface with nanolayers of Fe2TiO5 and then, CoFe‐PBA. The underlying physical mechanism of performance enhancement through formation of the Fe2O3/Fe2TiO5/CoFe‐PBA heterostructure reveals that the surface states’ electronic levels of hematite are modified such that an interfacial charge transfer becomes kinetically favorable. These findings open new pathways for the future design of cheap and efficient hematite‐based photoanodes in acidic electrolytes.

Synergism and Aggregation in Multi-Extractant Solvent Extraction Systems

ABSTRACT Several combinations of lipophilic extractants have been studied with the objective of investigating the synergistic behavior of metal ion extraction and its relation to reverse micelle formation. Combinations of acidic and neutral extracting reagents that have displayed synergic behavior in other studies were tested. While most of these either showed limited synergy or no correlation with water uptake under the conditions used here, two of the systems showed extraction synergy. These two extraction systems: 2-bromodecanoic acid with 2,2ʹ:6ʹ,2ʺ-terpyridine; and tributyl phosphine oxide with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone were modeled based on two different theoretical approaches: microemulsion-assisted extraction; or the formation of mixed complexes in the organic phase. Comparisons between the two models showed that in the case of bromodecanoic acid and terpyridine the approach of mixed complexes provided a somewhat better fit while the second system was not modeled well with either approach. Further work on the species present in the organic phase is needed to determine the role, if any, of aggregates in synergistic solvent extraction systems.

In situ synthesis of Au-decorated BiOCl/BiVO4 hybrid ternary system with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic behavior

BiOCl/BiVO4 photocatalysts with different ratios of gold particles were synthesized by a facile method at room temperature. The gold was in situ incorporated on the BiOCl/BiVO4 powders through the chemical reduction of HAuCl4 using ascorbic acid as reducing agent. X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were conducted to perform the textural, structural and composition characterizations of the materials; while their photoactivities were evaluated using the methyl orange degradation under visible-light irradiation. The detailed morphology and microstructure of the 1.50Au-(BiOCl/BiVO4) catalyst reveals nanometer and micrometer sized particles in a range from 20 to 500 nm with sphere and elongated-like shapes. Polycrystalline features are observed with preferred (121) surface orientation and interplanar distance values corresponding to (112), (004) and (022) planes of monoclinic BiVO4, while (011), (110), (102) planes can be related to tetragonal BiOCl with the direction (111). The surface chemical analysis showed that the most active Au-(BiOCl/BiVO4) catalyst presents the highest V4+/V5+ ratio (0.85), a 43 at.% BiOCl content and a percentage of Au-decoration of about 1 at.%. A synergic behavior between these chemical compositions enhances the MO photocatalytic degradation. It was found that photodegradation rates strongly relied on the gold content, and the Au-(BiOCl/BiVO4) photocatalyst was highly stable after six reuses and easy to be recovered by centrifugation. A possible electronic transfer mechanism in the different as-synthesized photocatalysts upon visible illumination is proposed, thus elucidating the roles of Au, BiOCl and BiVO4 components. Presumably, the synergistic interaction arising between semiconducting and metallic nanoparticles induces the charge separation responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic behavior.

Boosting Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation of Hematite by Surface States Modification

State-of-the-art water-oxidation catalysts in acidic electrolyte usually contain expensive noble metals such as ruthenium and iridium. However, they are exceedingly expensive to be implemented broadly in semiconductor photoanodes for affordable photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting devices. Here, an Earth-abundant CoFe Prussian blue analogue (CoFe-PBA) is incorporated with core-shell Fe2O3Fe2TiO5 type II heterojunction nanowires as composite photoanodes for PEC water splitting. Those deliver a stable photocurrent of 1.25 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V vs. reversible reference electrode in acidic electrolyte (pH=1). The enhancement arises from the synergic behavior between the successive decoration of the hematite surface with nanolayers of Fe2TiO5 and then, CoFe-PBA. The underlying physical mechanism of performance enhancement through formation of the Fe2O3Fe2TiO5 CoFe-PBA heterostructure reveals that the surface states electronic levels of hematite were modified such that an interfacial charge transfer becomes kinetically favorable. These findings open new pathways for the future design of cheap and efficient hematite-based photoanodes.

Influence of various electrolytes on the interaction of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide with tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide at different temperatures and compositions: Experimental and theoretical investigation

Mixed micelle plays an imperative role in the solution chemistry and surface chemical applications. Conductivity measurement technique has been employed for studying the association properties of the mixed systems of two important cationic surfactants (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB)) in absence/attendance of different electrolytes at varying temperatures. The physicochemical characteristics were examined in H2O and electrolytes solution (NaCl, Na2CO3 and Na3PO4) having identical ionic strength (I=10mmolkg−1) for pure TTAB and CTAB together with their mixture. In occurrence of electrolytes solution, the quantitative values of critical micelle concentration (cmc) are observed below the values obtained from the aqueous medium for pure along with mixed amphiphiles. The anions effectiveness in lowering the cmc value followed the order: PO43−>CO32−>Cl−. The cmcid values are found higher than the experimentally determined cmc values which suggest the subsistence of attractive interaction amid both amphiphiles. CTAB micellar mole fraction was assessed via applying specific recommended models such as Rubingh (X1Rub), Motomura (X1M), Rodenas (X1Rod) and their results suggest that the more contribution of CTAB in mixed micelles, and their values increase by enhance of concentration of CTAB. The activity coefficients (f1 and f2) values were observed to be beneath unity along with the negative β values for the entire cases viewing synergism (attractive) behavior. The negative Gibbs free energy (ΔG°m) values indicated the spontaneous association phenomena.

Characteristics of Modified Carioca Bean Starch upon Single and Dual Annealing, Heat‐Moisture‐Treatment, and Sonication

Carioca bean starch is isolated and modified by annealing (ANN), heat‐moisture‐treatment (HMT), and sonication (SNT), as well as combined dual modifications (ANN‐HMT, ANN‐SNT, HMT‐ANN, HMT‐SNT, SNT‐ANN, SNT‐HMT). Single and dual modifications did not cause molecular damage in starch fractions. Starch B‐type fraction in native Carioca bean increases after the ANN treatment. Dual ANN‐SNT modification (ANN‐SNT or SNT‐ANN) promotes a synergic behavior on crystallite collapse, causing a decrease in relative crystallinity. The ANN as the second treatment results in irregular surface morphologies and granule disintegration. The ANN‐SNT and SNT‐ANN modifications increase the pasting viscosity synergistically in contrast to individual SNT or ANN treatments. The HMT process promotes the disruption of crystallites upon the subsequent ANN treatment, confirmed by an increase in enthalpy (ΔH). The starch modification techniques reported here can provide new opportunities to utilize damaged and hard‐to‐cook Carioca beans in the food industry.