Enthalpy Research Articles

Pharmaceutical effluent degradation using hydrogen peroxide-supported zerovalent iron nanoparticles catalyst

Pharmaceutical effluents generated during drugs production and application are often times released into the water systems with little or no treatment, which could pose potential danger to the ecosystem. Advanced oxidation processes for organic pollutants treatment have gained wide consideration due to their effectiveness. In this work, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydrogen peroxide-supported nano zerovalent iron (H2O2@nZVIs) were deployed to study pharmaceutical effluents (PE) degradation via batch experiments, under various reaction time, (H2O2) and (H2O2@nZVIs) concentrations, pH, PE concentration, and temperature. The nZVIs was prepared from the green synthesis of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and characterized using different analytical tools such as Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD). The FT-IR results showed the presence of -C = O, -NH, -OH, -C = C and, -C-O functional groups, SEM report showed that the morphology of the nZVIs is round in shape, while GC-MS revealed the presence of several phytochemicals. When the concentration of the effluent was increased from 10 to 30 ml, the percentage decolourization decreased from 74.74 to 51.96% and from 80.36 to 54.38% for H2O2 and H2O2@nZVI respectively, whereas when the contact time was increased from 10 to 60 min, the percentage decolourization rose from 70.39 to 83.49% for H2O2 and from 85.19 to 89.73% when H2O2@nZVI was used. When the effect of pH was assessed, it was observed that on increasing the pH from 2 to 10, the percentage decolourization rose from 74.5 to 80.25% for H2O2, however, with H2O2@nZVI, the percentage decolourization decreased from 81.50 to 68%. Maximum percentage decolourization of 57.10% and 94.56% for H2O2 and H2O2@nZVI was achieved at catalyst volume of 25 ml. For all the parameters tested, the H2O2@nZVIs performed much better indicating that the nZVIs enhanced the decolourization ability of the H2O2. The kinetic results showed that the decolorization of pharmaceutical effluent by both catalysts fitted very well with the second-order model, while thermodynamic properties of enthalpy change were found to be 10.025 and 27.005 kJ/mol/K for H2O2 and H2O2@nZVIs respectively suggesting that the oxidation process is endothermic in nature. This technique employed in using hydrogen peroxide-supported zero valent iron, proved to be highly efficient not only for pharmaceutical effluent degradation but also in the elimination of lead from the effluent.

Thermodynamic Properties of Two Cinnamate Derivatives with Flavor and Fragrance Features

The standard molar enthalpies of formation in the liquid phase for ethyl (E)-cinnamate and ethyl hydrocinnamate, two cinnamate derivatives with notable flavor and fragrance characteristics, were determined experimentally using combustion calorimetry in an oxygen atmosphere. To derive the gas-phase enthalpies of formation for these derivatives, their enthalpies of vaporization were measured using a high-temperature Calvet microcalorimeter and the vacuum drop microcalorimetric technique. Additionally, a computational analysis employing the G3(MP2)//B3LYP composite method was conducted to calculate the gas-phase standard enthalpies of formation at T = 298.15 K for both compounds. These findings enabled a detailed assessment and analysis of the structural and energetic effects of the vinyl and ethane moieties between the phenyl and carboxylic groups in the studied compounds. Considering the structural features of ethyl (E)-cinnamate and ethyl hydrocinnamate, a gas-phase enthalpy of hydrogenation analysis was conducted to explore their energetic profiles more thoroughly.

Small-scale experimental study on EPS ETICS and flame-retardant coating reaction-to-fire performance

External thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) are a common and energy-efficient cladding system. Thermoplastic expanded polystyrene (EPS) is widely used as an insulation core. However, such combustible material has aggravated fire incidents in recent years, thus it is essential to improve its fire behavior. To evaluate the performance of EPS ETICS, a series of specimens with different flame-retardant (FR) coatings were tested using a small-scale bench and a mass loss calorimeter with a maximum heat flux of 40 kW/m2. When untreated EPS ETICS are exposed to heat, the EPS foam degrades, releases a large volume of combustible gases, and ignites. Applying FR agents such as FR surface paint and expandable graphite blended coating can stop flame propagation, reduce total heat release by approximately 50%, and preserve about 50% of the EPS foam during heat exposure. This enhances significantly the fire safety of EPS ETICS.

Experimental studies on the influence of smoke acceleration effect feedback to the flame behavior in the U shaped shaft of a high-rise building

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the feedback effect with smoke acceleration on flame behaviors in the U shaped shaft of a high-rise building. Heat release rate of the fire, depths and widths of the U shaped shaft are changed. The flame height, vertical maximum temperature in the open shaft and the heat flux distribution on the façade are studied. Results show that the flame height is elongated by the smoke acceleration effect in the U shaped shaft and larger than that in the open space. Correlations for the flame height are established by taking into account the geometries of the U shaped shaft. The vertical maximum temperature in the U shaped shaft first decreases rapidly then keeps room temperature, which are compared with that under stack effect in the staircase. The exponential decay law between the vertical maximum temperature and height is modified. The total heat flux is mainly affected by the width and heat release rate. Radiation heat transfer fraction is larger than 80 % in the continuous and intermittent flame regions, of which the flame emissivity is about 0.53.

A multifunctional epoxy composites based on cellulose nanofiber/carbon nanotube aerogels: Simultaneously enhancing fire-safety, thermal conductive and photothermal performance

As 5G technology develops and electronic power density increases, preparing epoxy resin (EP) composites with excellent fire-safety, thermostability, and thermal conductivity remains challenging. Herein, hexaphenoxy cyclotriphosphazene and poly(piperazine methylphosphonic acid pentaerythritol ester) were used as synergistic flame retardants (FR) for EP. The cellulose nanofiber/carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes aerogels (CCA80) were prepared and immersed into the EP and FR mixture to obtain EP/CCA80/FR composites. Compared with neat EP, the limiting oxygen index of EP/CCA80/6 wt% FR increased by 38.9 %, the total heat release and CO2 production rate decreased by 30.61 % and 39.47 %, respectively, achieving the UL-94 V-0 rating. Moreover, its thermal conductivity was 1.06 W · m−1·K−1, 457.9 % higher than neat EP, while maintaining excellent electrical insulation. Its surface temperature maintained at 94.5 °C under 1.0 kW·m−2 irradiation for 2 h, exhibiting good photothermal conversion capability and photobleaching resistance. A novel fabrication methodology of multifunctional EP composites for high-performance electronic component was proposed.

Statistical-Mechanics Analyses on Thermodynamics of Protein Folding Constructed by Privalov and Co-Workers.

Privalov and co-workers estimated the changes in hydration enthalpy and entropy upon ubiquitin unfolding and their temperature dependences denoted by ΔHhyd(T) and ΔShyd(T), respectively, from experimentally measured enthalpies and entropies of transfer of various model compounds from gaseous phase to water. We calculate ΔHhyd(T) and ΔShyd(T) for ubiquitin by our statistical-mechanics theory where molecular and atomistic models are employed for water and protein structure, respectively. ΔHhyd(T) and ΔShyd(T) calculated are in remarkably good agreement with those estimated by Privalov and co-workers. By examining relative magnitudes and signs of the changes in a variety of constituents of ΔHhyd(T) and ΔShyd(T), we confirm that the hydrophobic effect is an essential force driving a protein to fold. Detailed and comprehensive explanations are given for our claim that the prevailing views of the hydrophobic effect are not capable of elucidating its weakening at low temperatures, whereas our updated view is. We find out problematic points of the changes in enthalpy and entropy upon protein unfolding denoted by ΔH°(T) and ΔS°(T), respectively, which are measured using the differential scanning calorimetry at low pH, suggesting a theoretical method of calculating ΔH°(T) and ΔS°(T) at pH ∼ 7.

Biogenic Synthesis of Cr‐Doped NiO/Clay Composite for Improved Dye Removal and CO2 Capture Studies

AbstractThe current work was designed to eliminate reactive yellow 18 dye (RY‐18) via adsorption from water, and CO2 from the gas stream, using the tragacanth gum‐based Cr doped NiO N.P.s/Clay (GCNC) composite. The one‐pot synthesis approach was used to produce the adsorbent, and physical and chemical properties were assessed using techniques like XRD, FTIR, UV‐visible spectroscopy, SEM, DLS, Zeta Potential, and adsorption–desorption isotherm. The GCNC composite demonstrated an impressive adsorption potential and percentage removal of 398 mg/g and 91.28%, respectively. Temkin and intraparticle diffusion models with R2 values of 0.98401 and 0.99918 were the most effective at fitting the experimental adsorption model. The thermodynamics parameters, including the change in enthalpy (H), entropy (S), and Gibbs free energy (G), demonstrated the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. A positive H value indicates an endothermic process, while a negative G value indicates a spontaneous process. According to the isotherms fitting model, the capacity for adsorbing CO2 at 25 °C and 1 atm was 4.8 mmol/g. The significant correlation between the slope in the log‐linear plot of the isosteric heat of adsorption and CO2 adsorption performance indicates that the isosteric heat of adsorption can be used as a predictive tool for CO2 adsorption performance. These significant results underscore the potential of the GCNC composite to revolutionize the water treatment field and CO2 capture, offering hope for a more sustainable and cleaner future.

Thermal (TG/DTA) and mass (GC-HRMS) analysis of waste transformer oil and its blends

ABSTRACT This study investigates the potential use of waste transformer oil (WTO) and its blends as alternative fuels for CI engines. Thermal (TG/DTA) and mass (GC-HRMS) analyses were performed on neat samples of diesel, biodiesel, WTO, and four sets of samples with different volumetric ratios of WTO, diesel, and biodiesel. TG/DTA analysis showed that the blended samples WTO20BD10D70 and WTO30D70 had a lower range of rapid disintegration temperatures (150°C), while WTO30BD20D50 exhibited the lowest temperature range for enthalpy change. The weight loss and enthalpy change of WTO and its blends were similar to those of standard diesel fuel. GC-HRMS analysis revealed that the compounds present in WTO and its blends were n-alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids, esters, and cyclic compounds, similar to those found in diesel fuel. Sample WTO20BD10D70 showed a narrow range of compounds (C8 to C27) and a similar composition of hydrocarbons to that of neat diesel, indicating its potential as an alternative fuel. Blended samples with higher carbon numbers may be harder to ignite but more stable for long-term storage, and their composition is similar to diesel fuel, suggesting their potential as eco-friendly diesel alternatives.

Material and Parametric Design Optimization of Improved Heat Transfer Rate of AC Condenser

Air conditioner system is made up of a condenser that removes unwanted heat in an enclosure through the refrigerant and transfers the heat outside. Improving the heat transfer of air conditioning condenser is still a difficult task because of the broader set of materials and various parametric designs involved. Due to this high cost, the experimental set-up cost cannot be modified, instead, simulation analysis was introduced in the optimization process in order to achieve a near-optimal solution. The aim of this research is to improve the heat transfer rate for air conditioning condenser by material and parametric design optimization. The system was designed based on one basic parameter optimization: varying the condenser tube diameter. This variable was changed in order to improve the heat transfer of the condenser. Simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis and thermal analysis were carried out to have a better understanding and distinct visualization of the fluid flow and materials used, and to compare the results. The materials that were used for CFD analysis are R32 and R290, and for thermal analysis are copper (C12200) and aluminum. The analysis was done using Analysis System (ANSYS) software. Different parameters were calculated from the results that were obtained and graphs were plotted between various parameters such as heat flux, static pressure, velocity, mass flow rate and total heat transfer. From the CFD analysis, the result shows that R32 has more static pressure, velocity, mass flow rate and total heat transfer than R290 at a condenser tube diameter of 7mm. In thermal analysis, the heat flux is more for copper (C12200) material at a condenser tube diameter of 7mm than aluminum.

Multi‐component coupling synergistic effect of resourced gold tailings on intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene

AbstractAddressing the challenge of resource utilization of gold tailings. A high performance flame‐retardant fillers (K‐GTF) were prepared from gold tailings (GTF) by coupling and condensation for application to intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene (PP). K‐GTF enhances the flame‐retardant, thermal stability, smoke suppression and mechanical properties of flame‐retardant PP through synergistic approach. The results show that K‐GTF demonstrates good flame‐retardant synergism, with PP composites containing 3% additive (PP/G3) exhibiting substantial flame‐retardant and smoke suppression characteristics. Notably, PP/G3 boasts a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 36.1%, which is substantially higher than the 33.6% LOI of the flame‐retardant PP without added K‐GTF (PP/G0). Furthermore, the peak heat release rate (PHRR), peak smoke production rate (PSPR), total heat release rate (THR), and total smoke production (TSP) of PP/G3 were decreased by 32.5%, 26.9%, 31.6%, and 21.5%, respectively, as compared to PP/G0. According to the synergistic mechanism analysis, K‐GTF exerts a multi‐component coupling synergistic effect, which promotes the production of phosphorus‐rich cross‐linking structures in flame‐retardant PP materials during the combustion, thereby promotes the formation of stable, dense and intumescent char to further enhances the flame‐retardant performance of the PP materials. In terms of mechanical effects, the introduction of K‐GTF alleviates the issue of a substantial decline in mechanical properties typically caused by flame retardants in PP materials. This indicates that K‐GTF improves the compatibility between the flame retardants and the PP matrix, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the flame‐retardant PP materials.Highlights Successfully synthesis a flame‐retardant synergist (K‐GTF). K‐GTF has good synergistic flame‐retardant effect. K‐GTF substantially enhances char formation and thermal stability of flame‐retardant PP. K‐GTF exerts a multi‐component coupling synergistic effect. K‐GTF enhances the compatibility between the PP matrix and the flame retardants.

Study on properties and simulation application scenarios of flame retarded modified konjac glucomannan organic and inorganic composite aerogel

In this paper, a new organic-inorganic biomass composite aerogel was prepared by freeze-drying method with glucomannan, hydrophilic isocyanate, water-soluble flame retardant, and water glass as raw materials. Biomass Konjac glucose mannan (KGM) was used as the main network framework, KGM was chemically cross-linked and alkali-cross-linked with hydrophilic isocyanate and Na2SiO3 solution, and flame retardant modified with water-soluble flame retardant and water glass. The microstructure showed an obvious organic-inorganic interpenetrating network structure. The compressive strength of sample K2S4P2 was 4.751 ± 0.089 MPa, and the compression modulus of sample K2S4P1B modified by boric acid hydrolysis of Na2SiO3 was 63.76 ± 1.81 × 103 m2/s2. The introduction of boron ions contributes to the thermal stability of organic components. The peak and total heat release rates of sample K2S4P1A4 decreased by 80.3 % and 50.8 %, respectively. In addition, the thermal simulation calculation of the external wall in winter and summer using ANSYS software showed that the thickness of the insulation layer with the best insulation effect is 40–60 mm. The organic-inorganic composite aerogel provides a simple and environmentally friendly method for the application of external wall insulation systems in low-energy buildings with both mechanical properties and flame retardant properties.

Study on solidification and heat transfer of billet shell in a new-structure high-speed continuous casting mold

In this work, a three-dimensional finite element model of a newly structured high-speed continuous casting mold was established to study the heat transfer and solidification process of the billet shell. A complete billet shell, from the meniscus to the secondary cooling zone, was obtained through flame cutting. Using both simulations and test verification, detailed analyses were conducted on the temperature field distribution, thickness variation law, and cooling rate law of the billet shell within the mold, revealing its solidification behavior. Additionally, the effects of casting speed, molten steel superheat, and mold taper on the solidification behavior of the billet shell were discussed. Results showed that the simulation data were basically consistent with the test verification results. Within 200 mm from the meniscus, the heat dissipation accounted for three-quarters of the mold's total heat dissipation. The cooling rate at the corners of the billet shell was slightly higher than that at the sides. Between 200 mm and 400 mm from the meniscus, air gaps caused the temperature at the corners of the billet shell to rise. Afterwards, the whole billet shell eventually reached a similar the heat dissipation rates. The thickness of the billet shell increased exponentially within 110 mm from the curved meniscus, and from 110 mm to the exit of the mold, the thickness increased linearly but slowly. The effect of molten steel superheat within a range of 10 °C on billet shell solidification was relatively minor. Increasing the casting speed reduced the billet shell thickness and raised the billet shell surface temperature. However, increasing the taper of the mold had the opposite effect. Both adjustments shifted the gap formation position backward.

Numerical investigation on the core thermal hydraulic behavior of pool-type sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR)

A thorough understanding of the reactor core thermal hydraulic behavior is essential for the design and safety analysis of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFR). Due to the application of hexagonal subassembly, the core thermal hydraulic behavior is significantly affected by the flow field within the subassemblies, the inter-wrapper region and the hot pool. Analysis of the core thermal hydraulic behavior requires a model coupling the three regions mentioned above, which has been identified as one of the thermal hydraulic challenges in SFR. In the present study, a 3D model that covers the three regions was developed for the core of the China Experimental Fast Reactor (CEFR) with the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) code, Fluent. The inter-wrapper region and the hot pool were modeled in detail, while the subassemblies were modeled with a special porous medium model. The core thermal hydraulics behavior under steady state was studied, more specifically, information for the flow field distribution at the core outlet, the inter-wrapper flow and the duct wall temperature distribution was obtained. Under steady state, liquid sodium in the inter-wrapper region is supplied by the inner region of the hot pool. And it enters the inter-wrapper region from the core outer region and returns back to the hot pool inner region from the core central region. The inter-wrapper flow is cooled by non-fuel subassemblies and heated up by fuel subassemblies. For non-fuel subassembly, the ratio of the total heat transfer rate between the inter-wrapper flow and the subassemblies to the heat generated within subassemblies could reaches 96%; for fuel subassemblies, the maximum ratio of the total heat transfer rate between the inter-wrapper flow and the subassemblies to the heat generated within subassemblies is 2.45%. Significant temperature gradients have been observed on the duct wall, with maximum values of 156.69 K/m in the vertical direction and 2,196.00 K/m in the circumferential direction. The largest temperature gradient appears on the duct of subassemblies adjacent to the transition region of fuel subassemblies and non-fuel subassemblies.

Protocatechualdehyde-based epoxy vitrimer with low dielectric, excellent flame retardancy, and recyclability

Conventional bisphenol A epoxy resins cannot meet the requirements of the new generation of electronic/electrical industries in terms of dielectric properties and flame retardancy and are challenging to reprocess after molding, resulting in waste of resources and environmental hazards. Therefore, a tetrafunctional active ester curing agent (TIE) was successfully synthesized by a one-pot method using biomass protocatechualdehyde as raw materials, followed by curing DGEBA to prepare an epoxy vitrimer (TIE/DGEBA). MHHPA/DGEBA was chosen for comparison since the –OH was also absent after curing. The results showed that TIE/DGEBA had good combinatorial performance, thanks to the unique structure of TIE, including active ester units, siloxane chains, and aromatic Schiff base groups. TIE/DGEBA possessed a lower dielectric constant (2.9 vs. 4.0) compared to MHHPA/DGEBA, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of the less-polar siloxane chain segments, bulky benzene structure, and lower cross-linking density (1971 vs. 733 mol/cm3) of TIE/DGEBA. The aromatic Schiff base not only imparted good thermal stability (T30% = 418.0 vs. 422.2 °C) to TIE/DGEBA but ensured that it allowed for recycling and reprocessing. After solvent recycling, the resin can be remolded without significant change in tensile strength (53.0 vs. 46.3 MPa). TIE/DGEBA displayed better flame retardancy with higher residual weight (28.2 % vs. 5.5 %), lower total heat release (29.6 vs. 43.5 kJ/g), and good resistance to thermal oxidization. The structural and performance characteristics of TIE/DGEBA offer a strategy for designing multifunctional epoxy-based materials in electrical/electronic applications.

Effect of functionalized halloysite nanotubes on fire resistance and water tolerance of intumescent fire-retardant coatings for steel structures

To improve the comprehensive performance of intumescent fire-retardant coatings, the functionalized halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-D, HNTs@Fe3O4, and HNTs-D@Fe3O4) were synthesized as synergistic flame retardants and incorporated into intumescent fire-retardant coatings (IFRC) for steel structures, demonstrating significant flame retardant properties. Among these modified halloysite nanosheets, HNTs-D@Fe3O4 showed the best flame retardancy and water resistance. Adding the optimal addition amount (3 wt%) of HNTs-D@Fe3O4 can increase the residual weight of coating from 28.10 % to 38.40 % and reduce the backside temperature of the coated steel plate from 288 °C to 177 °C, indicating that HNTs-D@Fe3O4 can effectively improve the thermal stability and insulation performances of intumescent fire-retardant coatings. Cone calorimetric analysis showed HNTs-D@Fe3O4 can effectively suppress the heat and smoke release of the intumescent fire-retardant coatings. Compared with the unmodified coating sample, the total heat release (THR) and total smoke release (TSR) of the HNTs-D@Fe3O4-containing coating sample were reduced by 66.04 % and 11.36 %. HNTs-D@Fe3O4 facilitates the formation of dense char layers confirmed by the micro morphology characterization. Further mechanism analysis shows that HNTs-D@Fe3O4 has obvious catalytic carbonization effect and is helpful to construct the dense expanded char layer with higher graphitization degree. The uniformly dispersed HNTs-D@Fe3O4 improved the water resistance of intumescent fire-retardant coatings, which is mainly due to the hydrophobicity and barrier effect, thus effectively preventing the loss of water-soluble components.

Numerical study on Prandtl number dependence of thermal convection in an internally heated pool

Large-eddy simulations have been conducted to study natural convection in a corium pool. The study focuses on a hemispherical pool with uniform volumetric heat generation, complemented by isothermal cooling on all exterior surfaces. The internal Rayleigh number (Rai), correlated with the internal heat generation, is fixed at 1015. The Prandtl numbers (Pr) examined vary from 0.32 to 10. While previous experimental studies have explored internally heated pool convection primarily in the Pr≥3 range using liquids, the present research extends the investigation to the Pr<3 range, including the value for corium of about 0.5. The simulation results indicate that the overall Nusselt number (Nu), defined as the volume averaged pool temperature relative to the total heat flux adheres to power laws of Nu∼Pr0.073 for 0.32≤Pr≤1 and Nu∼Pr0.021 for 3.2≤Pr≤10. Consequently, the Nu at the Pr of 0.32 is observed to be 17% lower than that at the Pr of 10. A correlation for Nu is proposed as Nu=1+0.0636Rai0.231+1.39Pr−1.18−0.0847 using a generalized logistic function that combines theoretical scaling laws of Nu∼Pr0.1 for Pr≪1 and Nu∼Pr0 for Pr≫1. This study also includes theoretical analyses, elucidating dependencies of Pr on various parameters, such as the Nusselt number, Reynolds number, the proportion of the heat flux at the upper cooling wall relative to the total generated heat, and the height of the stratified zone.

Sctudies on adsorption of Brilliant Green from aqueous solution onto nutraceutical industrial pepper seed spent

The study proposed the removal of Brilliant Green, a cationic dye, by adsorption process from wastewater solution utilizing a low-cost adsorbent such as Nutraceutical Industrial Pepper Seed Spent (NIPSS). The study comprises an investigation of the parametric influence on the adsorption process. The parameters identified are pH, dye concentration, process temperature, quantity of the adsorbent, and particle size. The study of statistics found from experiments was carried out by incorporating Freundlich, Brouers-Sotolongo, Langmuir, Toth, Sips, Jovanovic, and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models. The adsorption kinetics were determined by implementing pseudo-first-order and second-order models, diffusion film models, and Dumwald-Wagner and Weber-Morris models. The experimental adsorption capacity qe was found to be about 130 mg/g. This value was closest to the maximum adsorption of 144.6mg/g predicted by the Brouers-Sotolongo isotherm which had a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.998. The adsorption kinetics data was confirmed to be a pseudo-second-order model. The change in free energy, enthalpy change, and entropy change were vital thermodynamic factors in concluding that adsorption is almost spontaneous and endothermic process. Change in enthalpy (ΔH°) reduced value indicates the physical nature of the process. The adsorption of BG dye on the adsorbent surface was authenticated by FTIR spectroscopy and SEM imaging. A Central Composite Design (CCD) Quadratic model under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was implemented for statistical optimization of adsorption capacity for the five parameters studied, namely, time, temperature, concentration of the dye, weight of the adsorbent, and pH. Software Design Expert 7.0 was used to evaluate 3D contour plots. The process of optimization yielded a value of 350 mg/g. Thus, incrementing the adsorption process by 84.2 %. The study provides insights on various dye and adsorbent interaction possibilities and derives that NIPSS is an efficient adsorbent to extract BG dye from wastewater solutions.

Enhanced adsorption-photodegradation of tetracycline using Ce-N-co-doped AC/TiO2 photocatalyst: isotherms, kinetics, mechanism, and thermodynamic insight.

Excessive use of tetracycline (TC) is alarming owing to its increased detection in water systems. In this study, a photocatalyst was developed to degrade TC using a Ce-N-co-doped AC/TiO2 photocatalyst, denoted as Ce/N-AC/TiO2, prepared using the sol-gel method assisted by microwave radiation, speeding up the synthesis process. Ce/N-AC/TiO2 achieved maximum TC degradation of 93.1% under UV light with optimum sorption system conditions of an initial concentration of 10 mg L-1, pH 7, and 30 ℃, under 120 min. Scavenger experiments revealed that holes and superoxide radicals were the active species influencing the photodegradation process.The TC degradation was appropriately fitted with Langmuir isotherms and a pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model. The change in enthalpy (ΔH) (2.43kJmol-1), entropy (ΔS) (0.024kJmol-1), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) (- 4.941 to - 5.802kJmol-1) suggested that the adsorption process was spontaneous, favourable, and endothermic. Electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, pore-filling, cationic-π, n-π, and π-π interaction were among the interactions involved between TC and Ce/N-AC/TiO2. Furthermore, Ce/N-AC/TiO2 stability was confirmed through 80% removal efficiency even after the fifth reuse cycle. Notably, this work provides new insight into the production of efficient, reusable, and enhanced photocatalysts using a rapid and cost-effective microwave-assisted synthesis process for pollutant remediation.

Estimation of Rheological Coefficients of Acacia nilotica Gum: A Versatile Biopolymer for Biomedical and Food Industries

Introduction: Polysaccharides are widely used in the biomedical and food industries as thickening, gelling, emulsifying, hydrating, and suspending agents. Polysaccharides have adequate viscoelastic properties and flow characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine various rheological parameters of Acacia nilotica (Babool) gum. Methods: Understanding the influence of temperature on rheological properties is quite important for polymeric materials to be considered as pharmaceutical excipients. Thus, a polymeric solution of purified Babool gum was prepared, and the influence of temperature on its rheological behaviour (viscosity and surface tension) was investigated to develop a better understanding of the structural organization of the gum. Furthermore, viscosity, surface tension, temperature coefficient, activation energy, Gibbs free energy, Reynolds number, and entropy of fusion were calculated using the Arrhenius, Gibbs–Helmholtz, Frenkel–Eyring, and Eotvos equations, respectively. Results: The activation energy of the gum was 3.81 ± 0.18 kJ/mol. Changes in entropy and enthalpy were 0.56 ± 0.23 and 4.27 ± 0.81 kJ/mol, respectively. The calculated amount of entropy of fusion was found to be 0.014 ± 0.01 kJ mol−1 K−1. Conclusion: The study outcomes showed that the viscosity and surface tension increased as the temperature decreased. The good rheological properties of Babool gum make it a suitable excipient for its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Optimization study of Methylene blue dye adsorption on Chamaerops Humilis fibers biosorption using a central composite design

This research explores the effectiveness of Chamaerops humilis (CH) fibers as a biosorbent for the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions. The fibers were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To optimize the dye removal process, a Design of Experiments methodology, specifically Central Composite Design (CCD), was applied. Factors such as solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and temperature were varied. The CCD analysis identified the optimal conditions for maximum removal efficiency (99.87%) of a 10mg/L MB solution, which were: 1.06g/L of CH fiber dosage, pH 9.6, and a contact time of 60minutes. The adsorption process aligned well with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the maximum adsorption capacity of CH fibers was determined to be 9.422mg/g. Thermodynamic parameters, including Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), and entropy (ΔS°) changes, were calculated, confirming that the adsorption is spontaneous and endothermic. The study highlights the potential of Chamaerops humilis fibers as an efficient and eco-friendly adsorbent for MB dye removal, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment, particularly in industrial effluent management.