Thermogravimetric Analysis Research Articles

Experimental study on the cyclic mineralization of CO2 enriched phase after absorption by a novel biphasic absorbent composed of DEEA and AEP.

The high energy consumption of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage(CCUS) promotes the research of integrated absorption and mineralization technology. A novel DEEA/AEP biphasic absorbent is used to absorb [Formula: see text]. After phase separation, only one phase enriched with the absorption product is sent into the mineralization system, then reacts with [Formula: see text] to produce [Formula: see text] at normal temperature and pressure. The effects of temperature, Ca/C and dispersion of the system were investigated, and cyclic utilization experiment was also conducted. The process was characterized and analyzed by Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). The results showed that at 50 [Formula: see text]C, Ca/C = 1, the extent of mineralization of [Formula: see text]-enriched phase mineralization was 95.73% after ultrasonic treatment for 30 min. During 6 cycles, the volume percentage of [Formula: see text]-enriched phase could be maintained at 52-55%, and the [Formula: see text] load was 11.92mol/L. The results above indicate that the [Formula: see text]-enriched phase mineralization technology after absorption by biphasic absorbent can effectively capture [Formula: see text], realize recycling, and reduce CCUS energy consumption.

Expansion in low calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete: chemical factors influenced by silica fume and NaOH concentration

Geopolymer technology offers a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive cement production, potentially reducing dependence on natural resources and mitigating environmental impact. Silica fumes (SF) are mostly used to enhance the fresh, hardened, and durable performance of geopolymers. However, their influence on geopolymerization may result in the expansion of the geopolymer mortar (GPM) due to reaction with alkaline liquid. In this study, the effect of NaOH concentration, particle size and dosage of SF, alkaline liquid-to-binder ratio, Na2SiO3-to-NaOH ratio, and sand-to-binder ratio on the expansion behavior of a low calcium fly ash (FA)-based GPM was investigated. FA-based GPMs were tested using two distinct SFs with varying particle sizes (SF1 = 9.5 µm and SF2 = 16.2 µm) and two varying dosages of SF (2.5% and 5%). Physical observations of GPMs revealed that NaOH concentration, particle size and dosage of SF are crucial factors that significantly impact the expansion which is concomitant with a reduction in compressive strength. Analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) were employed to comprehensively investigate reaction product(s) that led to the expansion of such GPMs. The chemical analysis confirmed the presence of excess analcime in the mortars fabricated by blending SF1 and FA at 12 M NaOH concentration. This study is the first to report the expansion of low calcium FA-based GPMs blended with a SF of particle size 9.5 µm. These findings emphasize the significance of selecting the appropriate SF particle size to prevent expansion and ensure optimal compressive strength in geopolymer applications.

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-ferrofluid microextraction followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the enantioselective determination of chiral agrochemicals in natural waters.

The increasing use of chiral agrochemicals sold as racemic formulations raises concern for the negative impacts that inactive enantiomers can have on aquatic life and human health. The present work just focuses on the determination of ten chiral pesticides in river water samples by applying a ferrofluid-based microextraction followed by their stereoselective liquid chromatography analysis. To develop the ferrofluid, magnetite nanoparticles were prepared and coated with oleic acid and then dispersed in a hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES), composed ofL-menthol and thymol (1:1). The stable colloidal dispersion was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The analyte microextraction from 5ml river samples was performed using 50µl of ferrofluid, while acidified acetonitrile (150µl) was used to break down the ferrofluid and solubilise the NaDES containing the analytes. All the extracts were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. For each analyte, the baseline separation of isomers was achieved on a Lux i-Amylose-3 column (amylose tris(3-chloro-5-methylphenylcarbamate) working in reversed-phase mode; the combination with mass spectrometry detection allows the overall separation of 24 isomers (ten chiral analytes among which eight containing a single (one) chiral centre, one with two chiral centres and the last one existing in four stereoisomeric forms, due to the presence of two regioisomers with a chiral carbon) within 37min. The method showed very good figures of merit in terms of recoveries (77.7-97.5%), intra-day and inter-day precision (2.7-7.7% and 6.9-14.9%, respectively), limit of detection (0.01-0.35µg/L), limit of quantitation (0.03-1.20µg/L), linear dynamic range, and intra-day and inter-day accuracy (1.2-14.8% and 1.8-15.0%, respectively). The presented method was able to detect 14 out of 24 isomers at the preventive limit established by the Italian legislation for single pesticide (that for a chiral pesticide is the sum of all its isomers) in surface waters, set at 0.1µg/l. Finally, the method was evaluated using AGREEprep and ComplexGAPI metrics, compared with other ferrofluid-based methods, and applied to the analysis of water samples from two Italian rivers (the Nera River and the Tiber River), providing to be sustainable and reliable for the application to real river matrices.

Hydrodeoxygenation of Isoeugenol-Derived Model Compound over Carbon-Supported Pt and Pt-SnS Catalysts for the Production of Sustainable Jet Fuel.

This study focuses on the sustainable production of bio-jet fuel through the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of isoeugenol (IE). Sucrose-based activated carbon supported bimetallic Platinum-Tin metal sulphides (PtO-SnS/AC) catalyst was prepared for HDO process. Physicochemical properties of catalysts with different spraying synthesis methods (in situ and ex situ metal doping) and Pt loading (0.1-1.0 %) were further investigated. The PtO-SnS/AC catalysts were characterised using various techniques such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Both HRTEM and FESEM results show the successful preparation of a spherical nanoparticles doped over activated carbon, and Pt was dispersed on the outer shell of the particles. The catalytic HDO of IE was evaluated in a batch system and showed a high yield and conversion as follows: IE conversion of 100 %, liquid-phase mass balance of 95.92 %, dihydroeugenol (DH) conversion of 99.32 %, propylcyclohexane (PCH) yield of 88.94 % and 2-methoxy-4-propylcyclohexanol (HYD) yield of 76.19 %. Moreover, the PtO-SnS/AC catalyst exhibited high reusability with low metal leaching and high coke resistance for 10 cycles. The catalyst was evaluated in a continuous flow reactor for 100 h at different reaction temperatures, and interestingly, the catalyst showed low deactivation with a high half-time.

Double‐Walled Honeycomb‐Like Metal‐Organophosphonium Framework with High H2 Gas Adsorption Capacities

AbstractThis study successfully synthesized a new Metal‐Organic Framework (MOF) named CJLU−L2, which was constructed from phosphorus‐containing ligands and Co(II) ions. The structure revealed through single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD), features a double‐walled honeycomb‐shaped structure with a one‐dimensional channel of ~6.5 Å. According to the PLATON calculation, the pore volume per unit cell of CJLU−L2 was determined to be 6825.0 Å3, constituting 57.5 % of the total crystal volume (11874.9 Å3). The Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area of CJLU−L2 was determined to be 954 m2/g by N2 adsorption measurement at 77 K. The phase purity of CJLU−L2 was verified by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), while its thermal stability was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Hydrogen adsorption experiments demonstrate that CJLU−L2 exhibits a high hydrogen adsorption capacity, indicating significant potential for gas adsorption applications.

Exploring the Potential of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate—Lignocellulose/Carbon Nanotube–Graphene Nanosheets an Efficient Extractor for Oil Spill

The global challenge of oil spill treatment has been addressed using nanocomposite-based natural fibers. These materials offer great potential in oil spill cleanup and are considered due to their environmental friendliness, high efficiency, and low cost. Thus, the current study reports a novel composite fabricated from date palm fiber (DPF) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) with a proper combination of a mixture of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets (GNSs) for oil removal. The established nanocomposite (DPF-rPET/CNT/GNS) was fabricated via physical mixing of various quantities (0.9, 0.8, and 0.7 g) of PET, along with varying loads of DPF at different proportions of CNT:GNS. The prepared nanocomposite (DPF-rPET/CNT/GNS) was fully characterized using scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. In static experiments and under the optimal parameters of pH, sorbent doze, shaking time, and quantity of diesel oil), the established sorbent (DPF-rPET/CNT-GNS nanocomposite) displayed excellent adsorption capacity (98 mg/g). This study also expands the utility of the sorbent for the reusability of the oil adsorption, maintaining performance after five cycles. The adsorption data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99 and maximum adsorption capacity of 99.7 mg/g, indicating monolayer adsorption. Additionally, the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, with an R2 near unity and an adsorption capacity of 99.09 mg/g. This study highlights the promising potential of the DPF-rPET/CNT-GNS composite as an effective adsorbent for treating oily water.

Potential of copper tailings as supplementary siliceous materials in the preparation of autoclaved aerated concrete

The storage of copper tailings (CT) not only consumes considerable land resources but also tends to cause a series of ecological and environmental issues. To achieve the circular economy and green industry development, CT is utilized as a supplementary siliceous material of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) in this study. The effects of substitution rate of CT for quartz sand are evaluated though the flow and gas-foaming properties of fresh slurry, and the physical and mechanical properties of AAC products. Meanwhile, the relationship between the macroscopic properties and hydration products is analyzed by multiple microscopic tests, including the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The experimental results shows that the bulk density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of AAC incorporating CT show a trend of first decreasing and then increasing as the substitution rate of CT for quartz sand increases from 0 to 50 wt%, while the specific strength continues to decrease. When the substitution rate of CT for quartz sand is less than 40 wt%, the performances of AAC can meet the specifications of B05 A2.5 level according to Chinese national standards. These findings are closely related to the characteristics of air pore structure and the ordering, quantity and morphology of hydration products. With increasing the substitution rate of CT for quartz sand, the ordering of tobermorite gradually decreases, and its morphology transforms from plate-like to grass-like and then to needle-like, which can reduce the mechanical properties of AAC.

A Novel Mesoporous SBA‐15 Supported Bifunctional Heterogeneous Catalyst for Base‐Free Transfer Hydrogenation Reaction of Ketones

ABSTRACTAmong the problems encountered in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions of ketones, the base sensitivity of ketones and the corrosive effects of the bases used in the reaction have an important place especially in industrial terms. Although there are various approaches to overcome this problem, solutions based on the intrinsic properties of the catalyst used seem more suitable. Within the scope of this study, a novel heterogeneous catalyst was prepared for the transfer hydrogenation reaction of ketones, which can operate in base‐free environment. To prepare the heterogeneous catalyst, 1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diamine was first tosylated and then the silyl derivative was synthesized and grafted onto mesoporous silica SBA‐15. Characterizations of the obtained heterogeneous catalyst and SBA‐15 were carried out by X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), N2 sorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis. The results obtained showed that the functionalized 1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diamine compound was successfully immobilized into the SBA‐15 structure. Determination of the catalytic activity of the heterogeneous catalyst was carried out in transfer hydrogenation reactions of various aromatic ketones. After determining the optimum reaction conditions with acetophenone, a conversion rate of (70%) was observed in the acetophenone to 1‐phenylethanol reaction that took place without a base. Under same conditions a higher conversion rate of (73%) was observed in the 4′‐chloroacetophenone to 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)ethanol reaction. In the reactions performed to determine recyclability, after a 70% conversion rate, 61% and 65% conversion rates, respectively, were observed in the reaction from acetophenone to 1‐phenylethanol under the same conditions.

Facile Synthesis and Thermal Stability Enhancement of Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile for Thermal Battery Cathodes

Although sulfide-polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is considered a promising cathode material for various battery applications, their application in thermal batteries has not yet been explored. Herein we synthesized carbonized SPAN (c-SPAN) to enhance the thermal stability of SPAN and evaluated its application as a cathode for thermal batteries. The efficiency of c-SPAN materials was demonstrated by comprehensive structural analysis and thermal stability evaluation, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The c-SPAN exhibited significantly improved thermal stability compared to conventional PAN, which was attributed to the stable structure resulting from the chemical bonding of sulfur to the PAN-derived turbostratic carbon matrix. In addition, the bond dissociation energy of the C–S bond (272 kJ/mol) was higher than that of the S–S bond (251 kJ/mol), further contributing to the enhanced thermal stability. The thermal stability of c-SPAN was considerably affected by the mixing method and thermal treatments conditions, and maintained stability up to 500°C under optimal conditions. Additionally, a thermal battery incorporating c-SPAN was successfully operated, indicating that the c-SPAN material developed in this study is a viable candidate for thermal battery applications. These results suggest it is one of the promising cathode materials for various thermal battery applications.

Synthesis of Fe3O4 Derived from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Sludge and Catalytic Degradation of Tetracycline.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) sludge is waste generated in the process of acid mine wastewater treatment, and the use of AMD sludge to prepare Fe3O4 to activate H2O2 degradation pollutants is an effective means of resource utilization. In this study, the heterogeneous catalyst Fe3O4-based composites were synthesized by a one-step method using AMD sludge as a raw material, and the Fe3O4-based materials before and after catalysis were characterized by powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of several key factors (pH values, H2O2 content, TC concentration, and Fe3O4 content) of tetracycline (TC) degradation were evaluated. The results revealed that the TC removal rate reached up to 95% within 120 min under optimal conditions (pH 3; H2O2, 5 mmol/L; TC concentration, 25 mg/L; Fe3O4 content, 1g/L). Moreover, •OH and •O2- radicals were generated during the Fenton-like degradation process, and the plausible degradation mechanism was discussed. Besides, the Fe3O4 catalyst exhibited fantastic stability after five cycles. In conclusion, this study is expected to promote the resource utilization of industrial sludge and provide a new material for the treatment of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Polyacrylate Nanocomposites Embedded With Metal Oxides as Enhanced Multipurpose Nanocarriers for Long‐Term Anti‐Inflammatory and Amazing Antimicrobial Properties

ABSTRACTThe design of super‐antimicrobially active multipurpose nanocarriers as polymeric nanocomposites embedded with metal oxides with sustained drug release is beneficial in medical treatment for controlling inflammation and targeting a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. Brilliant metal oxide nanoparticles (MOx) involving selenium dioxide, titanium dioxide, and vanadium pentoxide were well prepared in good yields, and their morphologies and structures were specified. Then they were embedded in copolymeric nanocomposites through in situ microemulsion polymerization of (E)‐2‐cyano‐N‐cyclohexyl‐3‐(dimethylamino)acrylamide (CHAA) with methyl methacrylate (MMA), dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), and acrylic acid (AA). In addition, ibuprofen was then loaded into the synthesized polymers and their nanocomposites to achieve high drug entrapment efficiency EE%, and its release behavior was studied in various simulated fluids. The produced drug‐loaded polymers and their nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Well‐defined nanospheres of polymeric‐metal oxide nanocomposites were generated in a size range of 50 nm, with ibuprofen loaded at a high encapsulation efficiency of approximately 97%. In vitro drug release was inspected for the polymer and its nanocomposites revealing that the presence of metal oxide nanoparticles resulted in prolonged and sustained release behavior for wound dressing. The antimicrobial study based on the zone of inhibition against various pathogenic microorganisms showed excellent activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, and Candida albicans. These findings validate the potential of these nanocomposites to serve as a viable upcoming antimicrobial agent for the treatment of human ailments.

Exploration of graphitic carbon from crude oil vacuum residue

Preparation of graphitic carbon from low value refinery waste has captivated immense interest in past years owing to its low cost and abundant nature. Successful utilization of petroleum vacuum residue is a major challenge in the petroleum industry. In this study pyrolysis of vacuum residue fractions has been carried out for the preparation of graphitic carbon like material. The vacuum residue fractions were obtained from three different crude oils originated from Middle East, Canada and South America. The purity of the Aromatic, Resin and Asphaltene (ARA) fractions were confirmed using TLC-FID which denoted complete separation. The chemical composition were determined using elemental analysis and it revealed ARA fractions to be carbon rich regardless of its origin. Further, sulphur content was found to be high in ARA fractions from Heavy Crude oil (HCO). The degree of polymerization and molecular weight measured using GPC specify that asphaltene has high accumulation with high molecular weight compared with aromatic and resins. ARA derived carbon and heat-treated materials were analysed by TGA, XRD and Raman spectroscopy to study microstructural changes in formation of graphite like material. Thermogravimetric analysis of all ARA samples revealed the different decomposition stages for pyrolyzed, calcined and graphitized samples. The results of XRD demonstrated that the distance between the planes (d-spacing) is above 3.35 Å for all high temperature treated ARA derived carbon materials irrespective of its origin, indicating formation of graphite like structure. In Raman analysis, the nature and intensity of G and D bands evolution during each step of pyrolysis is supporting XRD results for formation of highly ordered graphitic carbon material. Furthermore, understanding feed quality has direct influence on high efficiency, low costs and sustainability, the major issues for oil refinery business.

Hydronium-Crosslinked Inorganic Hydrogel Comprised of 1D Lepidocrocite Titanate Nanofilaments.

When a few drops of acid (hydrochloric, acrylic, propionic, acetic, or formic) are added to a colloid comprised of 1D lepidocrocite titanate nanofilaments (1DLs)-2 × 2 TiO6 octahedra in cross-section-a hydrogel forms, in many cases, within seconds. The 1DL synthesis process requires the reaction between titanium diboride with tetramethylammonium (TMA+), hydroxide. Using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the mass percent of TMA+ after synthesis is determined to be ≈ 13.1±0.1%. The TMA+ is completely removed from the gels after 2 water soak cycles, resulting in the first completely inorganic, TiO2-based hydrogels. Ion exchanging the TMA+ with hydronium results in gels with relatively strong hydrogen bonds. The hydrogels' compression strengths increased linearly with 1DL colloid concentration. At a 1DL concentration of 45gL-1, the compressive strength, at 80% deformation when acrylic acid is used, is ≈325kPa. The strengths are ≈ 50% greater after the TMA+ is removed. The removal of all residual organic components in the hydrogels, including TMA+, is confirmed by qNMR, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and TGA/DSC. The 1DL phase is retained after gelation, TMA+ removal, and 80% compression.

Hydrothermally synthesized hierarchical Pom-Pom-like gadolinium modified tungsten oxide reinforced with rGO for annihilation of acetylsalicylic acid and crystal violet

Herein, novel hierarchical Gd@WO3 pom-pom-like microstructures have been prepared through the hydrothermal method and combined with RGO sheets (denoted as RGO/Gd@WO3). The synthesized materials, along with their analogs, were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Mott-Schottky, current-voltage (I-V), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and optical analyses. The unique morphology of pom-pom-like microstructures allowed better interaction with pollutant molecules. Rare earth element (Gd3+) ions act as trapping species for photo-generated electrons and prolong the life span of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The high conductivity and flexible nature of RGO sheets provided fast transport of active species and provided stability to the photocatalytic material. To test the photocatalytic efficiency of RGO/Gd@WO3, crystal violet (CV) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) were used as model pollutants. Under a mimetic light source, RGO/Gd@WO3 exhibited maximum photodegradation of 98.8 % and 84 % for CV and ASA within 120 min of irradiation, respectively. Photocurrent, Mott-Schottky, and EIS experiments proved the production, effective separation, and transmission of photo-active species in the presence of RGO/Gd@WO3 as compared to Gd@WO3 and WO3. Given the electrochemical testing and optical analysis, the photocatalytic mechanism is anticipated for the high photocatalytic activity of RGO/Gd@WO3. The novel RGO/Gd@WO3 photocatalyst proved to be a superior photocatalytic material for the photodegradation of organic pollutants.

Cellulose-based halochromic sensor for real-time surveillance of spoilage of packed fish

The development of a biopolymer-based color-changing visual sensor for monitoring the spoilage of fishery products is described in this study. At first, a cellulose-based composite film containing mixed-indicator dyes was fabricated. The film was characterized using UV–visible and FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, lab, and RGB measurements. The halochromic properties of the film were evaluated through ammonia test and colorimetry. The developed film sensor is tested for monitoring the spoilage of packed seer fish fillets at room temperature for up to 48 h and at 4 °C for up to 10 days. The sensor displayed distinct color changes correlating with the spoilage of the packed fish. Analysis of total volatile basic nitrogen and pH levels of the samples revealed a correlation between the halochromism of the sensor and the spoilage of the fish. The color-changing pattern of the sensor was consistent with the results of microbial analysis. The present study reveals a promising material combination for fabricating simple visual sensors from biomaterials, which can be used to monitor the real-time deterioration of packaged fishery products.

Research on the Influence of Fault Structure on Physical and Chemical Structure of Coking Coal During Spontaneous Combustion

ABSTRACT The spontaneous combustion tendency and oxidation combustion properties of coking coal in fault fracture zone and primary coking coal are different. Accordingly, this study uses Thermogravimetric analysis, in-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscope, low-temperature N2 adsorption and Electron spin resonance techniques were used to study the difference of macroscopic and microscopic structural characteristics between coking coal and primary coking coal in fault fracture zone. The results show that: The oxygen absorption capacity of coking coal in fault fracture zone is enhanced and the thermogravimetric characteristic temperature is advanced, and the ignition point temperature is advanced by 5.36°C; the maximum weight loss temperature of coking coal in fault fracture zone is 3.32°C lower than that of primary coking coal. The apparent activation energy of coking coal in oxidation stage and pyrolytic combustion stage decreased by 4.88 and 5.03 kJ/mol, respectively. Compared with primary coking coal, the pore structure of coking coal in fault fracture zone is more complex, which increases the roughness of coal surface and is conducive to oxygen adsorption. In addition, fault tectonics promotes the separation and cracking of oxygen-containing functional groups into small molecules, and the polycondensation of aliphatic hydrocarbon structure promotes the formation of active free radicals, thus promoting spontaneous combustion. This study provides an important reference and theoretical support for further understanding of the structural evolution and oxidation kinetics of highly metamorphic coking coal induced by fault tectonics, which is helpful for fire prevention and control in fault structure-developed mining areas and safe production of coal industry.

Glycation of sunnhemp protein with dextran via dry heating: Thermal, micro-structural characterization, and amino acid profiling.

This study aims to obtain sunnhemp protein isolate (SHPI) and dextran conjugates by dry heating method of Maillard conjugation. The effects of different incubation time (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days) on the molecular flexibility, available lysine content, antioxidant properties, molecular structure, and thermal and micro-structural properties of conjugates were compared with SHPI (no conjugation) at 60°C and 79% relative humidity. The results indicated the formation of SHPI-dextran conjugates as confirmed by the change in molecular flexibility, lysine content, antioxidant activities, color, and water activity values. The molecular structure revealed the confirmation of covalent bonding between SHPI and dextran. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermo-gravimetric analysis results exhibited improvement in the thermal stability of SHPI when conjugated with dextran. The microstructural characterization showed that Maillard conjugation changed the surface structure of SHPI. The analysis of amino acid composition displayed that lysine, arginine, and phenylalanine were the dominant Maillard reaction sites of SHPI and dextran. Among all the conjugated samples, 5 days of incubation time was selected as an optimum condition for the development of SHPI-dextran conjugates on the basis of the aforementioned characterization. Overall, it was concluded that Maillard conjugation of sunnhemp protein with dextran via dry-heating technique could modify and improve its various attributes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The conjugation of plant proteins with polysaccharide through the Maillard reaction under dry heating conditions represents a natural and green technique for improving the techno-functional properties of proteins. The study has the potential to establish framework for the utilization of Sunnhemp protein isolate-dextran conjugates. This approach offers the potential for cost-effective production of emulsifiers and development of effective encapsulating matrices. The investigation expands on an underutilized plant protein source facilitating an alternative to animal-based proteins and contributing to the development of a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Small-Molecule Ammonium as a Shale Hydration Inhibitor

In this paper, small-molecule quaternary ammonium salts were synthesized by N-alkylation to inhibit hydration swelling and hydration dispersion. The prepared small-molecule quaternary ammonium salt was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size analysis and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and its performance as an inhibitor in clay was evaluated by an anti-swelling test and a linear swelling test. The results show that small-molecule quaternary ammonium salt (TEE-2) synthesized by triethanolamine and epichlorohydrin in ethanol with a molar ratio of 1:1.5 can successfully inhibit the hydration swelling and dispersion of clay. The anti-swelling rate of TEE-2 was 84.94%, the linear swelling rate was 36.42%, and the linear swelling rate of 0.5% TEE-2 was only 29.34%. The hydration swelling of clay in 0.5% TEE-2 solution was significantly inhibited. The hydration inhibition mechanism of the small-molecule quaternary ammonium salt inhibitor 0.5% TEE-2 was analyzed by FTIR, SEM and TGA. It was considered that 0.5% TEE-2 has strong hydration inhibition, which was realized by infiltration and adsorption on the clay surface. Small-molecule quaternary ammonium salts were beneficial for maintaining wellbore stability and reducing the risk of wellbore instability.

Supported phenylalanine on core-shell mesoporous microsphere as a catalyst for the synthesis of triazolo[1,2-a] indazole-triones and spiro triazolo[1,2-a] indazole-tetraones

In recent years, mesoporous silica materials have gained attention due to their unique properties, such as high surface area, pore volume, size, and chemical stability. These characteristics make them effective in various fields, particularly efficient supports in heterogeneous catalytic reactions. The present study developed a novel type of core-shell mesoporous microsphere material by anchoring phenylalanine on a core-shell SiO2@NiO@MS support. The catalyst support (SiO2@NiO@MS) was synthesized through homogeneous precipitation and sol-gel methods, with NiO encapsulated within the porous silica. The catalyst was characterized using various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Elemental mapping analysis, N2 adsorption-desorption, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was then employed for the synthesis of triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-trione and spiro triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-tetraones compounds from 4-phenyl urazole, dimedone, and aromatic aldehydes or isatin derivatives. This synthetic approach offers multiple advantages, including high yields, faster reaction times, low catalyst requirements, and environmentally sustainable conditions.

Treating waste with waste: Treatment of textile wastewater using upcycled food waste as a pore-forming agent in the fabrication of ceramic membranes employing DOE/FFD design

This study investigates a novel method for food waste management by using it as a sustainable replacement for conventional pore-forming agents in ceramic membrane production. The membranes were analyzed using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and a universal testing machine. The morphologies of the membranes were observed using scan electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of particle size (45–125 μm), pore-forming agent (5–20 wt%), and sintering temperature (900–1150 °C) on the porosity and mechanical strength of the membranes were investigated using the Design of Experiments (DoE) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimized membrane was evaluated for its performance in filtering industrial textile wastewater. It achieved impressive results, with approximately 98.4 % removal of turbidity and 71.3 % removal of chemical oxygen demand. This research paves the way for optimizing ceramic membrane fabrication using upcycled food waste, promoting sustainability and offering potential solutions for both food waste management and industrial wastewater treatment challenges.