XRF Techniques Research Articles

Efficient extraction of metals (Fe, Zn, Pb) from hazardous jarosite using ionic liquid and waste-derived solvents.

The present study evaluated a solvo-metallurgical technique for metal extraction from industrial solid waste (jarosite) using ionic liquids (ILs) and waste-derived solvents. The jarosite contains a considerable amount of metal ions, namely iron, zinc, and lead. The jarosite was characterized by XRF, XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques. The parameters affecting metal extraction, such as stirring time, acid molarity, and temperature, have been examined. Aliquat 336 was used to extract metals from fresh and roasted jarosite after equilibration with HCl. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the parameters for the maximum metal extraction using [A336] [Cl]. Maximum extraction of iron (86.75%), zinc (51.96%), and lead (94.38%) from roasted jarosite was achieved at optimum conditions (125-min stirring time, 5M acid molarity, and 20ml/g liquid-to-solid ratio). Furthermore, the metal extraction was investigated using waste-derived solvents. The results show that waste-derived solvents, such as biomass and plastic pyrolysis oil, can effectively extract metals from fresh and roasted jarosite. Biomass pyrolysis oil achieved the highest extraction at 50°C for 90min, while plastic pyrolysis oil achieved the highest extraction at 50°C for 60min from roasted jarosite. These solvents are also cost-effective because they are made from waste plastic and biomass.

System optimization study of hybrid K-edge/XRF densitometer for uranium–plutonium solution measurement

In this paper, a comprehensive hybrid K-edge/XRF densitometer (HKED) device model is constructed using MCNP simulation. After the modeling process, a systematic simulation study is conducted to analyze the physical parameters and material selection of KED and XRF. The simulation results reveal that the optimal parameters for the X-ray tube are an X-ray source voltage of 160 kV and a 1 mm Fe filter. The sample should be placed in a vial with an inner diameter of 1.4 cm and an outer diameter of 2 cm. For the KED technique, the determined main parameters are a 1.9 cm Fe filter rod and an inner diameter of 0.08 cm for the collimator. For the XRF technique, the determined main parameters are a 0.01 cm Gd filter and an inner diameter of 0.3 cm for the collimator, with a detector angle of 150°. After selecting appropriate parameters, the average calibration factor Δμ of the KED technique was found to be 3.301 cm2 g−1, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.36%. Additionally, the comparison between the simulated and calculated values of uranium concentration revealed a minimum measurement error of 0.4%. The minimum detection concentration of KED for uranium solutions is approximately 1 g/L. For plutonium solutions ranging from 0.5 to 20 g/L, linear fitting of the Ka1 net peak area and plutonium concentration showed a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.999. The detection limit of XRF for plutonium measurement was 2.33✕10−4 g/L. The linear fitting coefficients (R2) of uranium concentration versus K-edge transmission rate and plutonium concentration versus Ka1 net peak area for the hybrid technique in measuring uranium-plutonium mixed solutions are determined as 0.999 and 0.996, respectively, demonstrating the response relationship of the HKED device to uranium and plutonium under different concentrations.

Portable x-ray fluorescence for bone lead measurement: Current approaches and future directions.

Legacy lead exposures persist as a widespread problem. Blood lead is traditionally used for lead exposure surveillance; however, bone lead proves to be a cheaper, more accessible, and more revealing tool for surveillance that can be measured using portable x-ray fluorescence techniques. We outline how this approach excels for bone lead measurements. Portable XRF offers quick, non-invasive in vivo quantification of bone lead. Compared to traditional KXRF systems, pXRF is limited to cortical bone but allows for quicker and similar results. Current methodologies of lead exposure need re-evaluation as lead-related disease burden and trends are dependent on both cumulative and acute impacts. We examined the evolution of XRF techniques for measuring bone lead, comparing current methods with previous ones. We assessed their accuracy, identified limitations, and discussed potential advances in future techniques. Legacy lead exposures call for a revitalization of lead surveillance methods, and pXRF measurement of bone lead offers such a solution.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry Characteristics of Tanjero Formation in Selected Locations, Northeast of Iraq

Tanjero Formation (belongs to the upper cretaceous sequences( which are exposed in the northeast part of Iraq within the high folded zone. In this study, the mineralogy and geochemistry of the formation are examined by XRD and XRF techniques. The mineralogical study reveals that Calcite is the main mineral making the carbonate rocks of the formation with subordinate minerals of quartz and a low quantity of clay minerals (Chlorite, montmorillonite, and illite). Geochemical results revealed high levels of silica and calcium, aluminum, magnesium, and iron oxides. High concentrations of some trace elements (Cr, V) reflect their origin of basic and ultrabasic igneous rocks. The high content of Mn in the carbonate rocks of the formation reflects the depositional environment which is a deep marine environment. Most trace elements in the present study have positive correlations with SiO2, Al2O3, and K2O suggesting their association with clay minerals.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BENTONITE CLAY CATALYSTS FOR TRANSESTERIFICATION OF WASTE COOKING OIL INTO BIODIESEL

The development of low-cost green catalytic materials is crucial for the conversion of non-edible vegetable oils or waste materials into biodiesel. The research focuses on the preparation and characterization of aluminium pillared clay and NaOH-doped bentonite clay catalysts for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using XRF, XRD, FTIR and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. The molecular profile and functional group assessment of the biodiesel were done using GC-MS and FTIR respectively. XRF analysis revealed the presence of oxides in all samples. The amount of SiO2 in all samples was within the range of 35.303–39.199 wt%. Al2O3 increased from 15.560 to 19.11 wt%, while the interlayer cations decreased after pillaring. FTIR revealed the appearance of peaks which are characteristic of bentonite. The pillaring and impregnation of NaOH with bentonite led to a distortion of certain peaks' intensity, as evidenced by FTIR results. The pillaring caused an increase in BET surface area and pore volume compared to bentonite from 302.1 to 366.4 m2/g, and 0.186 to 0.189 cc/g respectively, while a decrease in surface area and pore volume was observed in NaOH/bentonite due to impregnation. The XRD data have shown the increase of basal d-spacing of pillared clay from 12.65 to 16.49 Å relative to bentonite with a decrease to 12.45 in the case of NaOH/bentonite. The catalysts prepared outperformed neat bentonite with NaOH/bentonite, resulting in the highest yield of (83 ± 1.80). GC-MS, FTIR, and physicochemical analyses confirmed the production of fatty acid methyl esters.

A multi-source proxies approach to identifying local processes in lower Permian black shale impacting on the sedimentary environment of eastern Palaeo-Tethys Ocean

Foreland basin tectonics along the eastern Palaeo-Tethys Ocean produced a complex and dynamic pattern of sediment delivery to adjacent basins. Environmental processes at the local scale significantly disrupt regional ones, making the analysis of sedimentary evolution difficult. This study investigated the Lower Permian Liangshan Formation black shale formed in such geological setting, rich in cherts with exceptionally high silica and fluctuating major and trace element concentrations, detected using XRD, XRF, and ICP-MS techniques. Different types of silica, including detrital quartz, recrystallised radiolaria, microcrystalline quartz, and quartz veins, were identified using SEM and SEM-CL imaging. Geochemical characterisation and enrichment pattern analyses indicated that the structural setting was characterised by proximity to the oceanic island arc, continental island arc, and passive margin, and the major zone of sediment accumulation was a semi-restricted back-arc basin under the subduction zone. The processes controlling sediment accumulation included hydrothermal activity, upwelling, biogenic silica, and terrestrial inputs. Although upwelling interfered with the mobility and migration of hydrothermal elements, it introduced abundant nutrients, and together with hydrothermal fluids, it contributed to the subsequent boom in siliceous organisms. Terrigenous inputs induced by land uplift significantly diluted the components from other sources. This multi-source proxies approach not only enables researchers to disentangle local from regional processes but also sheds light on how these diverse environmental forces interact within intricate earth systems, which enhance our comprehension of geologic history and inform ongoing studies focused on climate change mitigation strategies.

Study on Natural Diatomite as an Adsorbent for Uranyl (VI) ions, Using Spectrophotometric Method

This work is based on the investigation of uranyl (VI) ion adsorption onto natural diatomite using batch sorption method under different parameters such as pH, initial ion concentration, adsorbent amount and effect of sulfate ion as a foreign ion. 8-hydroxyquinoline is used as a chromogen forming a pale-yellow complex with ions in chloroform, the absorbance was measured spectrophotometrically at λmax 460 nm, obtaining a linear calibration curve with R2=0.998, LOD=3.03 mg/L and LOQ=9.21 mg/L. Prior to the implementation of the batch experiment, the morphology and composition of diatomite was confirmed using XRF (Bruker S8 Tiger), XRD (Bruker D5005), FTIR (Bruker Vector 22), and SEM (JEOL JSM-5610 LV) techniques. From spectrophotometric analysis, the results showed that the maximum uranyl ion adsorption distribution coefficient reached at the initial concentration of 50ppm, pH 4.5, contact time 5hrs and adsorption dosage of 2 g/L. There was no significant effect of sulfate ion on the adsorption affinity. Adsorption isotherm was studied by Langmuir which was favourable model fitting with R2=0.996 and maximum adsorption capacity of 16mg/g, and separation factor RL = 0.0122. Freundlich isotherm model also applied for the same data and give a very straight line with R2= 1.00 and maximum adsorption capacity of 200 mg/g. Temkin model was less fit and gave a negative isotherm curve with R2= 0.78, KT= 0.9405 L/g, bT= 24.724 J/mol. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms gave exothermic adsorption while Temkin gave an endothermic one.

XRF calibration with low-cost samples and implementation for quantification of inorganic elements in lipsticks

In this paper, the preparation of low-cost samples, for the calibration of an energy–dispersive X-ray fluorescence system is presented. The entire procedure is proposed as an undergraduate or postgraduate student laboratory activity, which aims to familiarize students with the procedure of calibration of a spectroscopy-based analytical method through the XRF technique. Furthermore, the use of XRF for the determination of elemental concentrations in samples related to students’ interests, was attempted.

Study on harmless treatment and valuable elements recovery of neutralization residue from acid wastewater of copper mine

Recently, the common practice for treating metallurgical acidic wastewater involves neutralization with lime emulsion, resulting in residue that is typically landfilled or stockpiled. This contributes to long-term land occupation and environmental pollution. In this study, neutralization residue from a mine underwent comprehensive analysis using XRD, XRF, SEM-EDS, and other techniques. Utilizing acidic wastewater from the local mine as a leaching agent, the leaching characteristics of the residue were systematically investigated, and subsequent toxicity testing was conducted. Copper and iron, enriched in the leachate, were recovered employing the “pre-iron removal – sulfurization – pH compliance” process. Leaching experiments revealed the feasibility of mitigating toxicity by adjusting the pH of local mine wastewater (pH 1.5) with sulfuric acid and reacting with the residue at a ratio of 3:1 (mL/g), under conditions of 25 °C for 120 min. Under these optimized conditions, the recovery rates for Cu, Fe, As, Zn, and Ni reached 99.42%, 96.71%, 88.89%, 99.23%, and 98.21%, respectively. Toxicity testing classified the leaching residue as non-hazardous general solid waste for discharge. Recovery experiments demonstrated optimal conditions for the process, including pre-iron removal at pH 4, H2O2 10 mL/L 30 min, 25 °C, sulfurization with NaHS at 2 g/L, 20 min, 25 °C, and an emission process at pH 7.5, 60 min and 25 °C. The pre-iron removal residue (grade 45.54%) is conducive to entry into the iron plants for refinement processes aimed at enhancing its grade before entering the market, while the sulfide residue, with a copper grade of 57%, hold commercial potential. The remaining liquid adhere to established discharge standards. This process is characterized by a waste-to-waste and waste-to-treasure paradigm, demonstrating robust process stability.

Study on the behavior of radionuclides in geologic samples from fault zone, Gabal Um Hamd, southwestern Sinai, Egypt

The present study concerned with the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (238U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and, 235U) in ten sedimentary rock samples collected from fault zone, Gabal Um Hamd, southwestern Sinai, Egypt. These samples were investigated to study their behavior during a part of geologic time. The activity concentrations were measured using γ-ray spectrometry (HPGe detector). The investigated samples were analyzed for major oxides using the XRF technique. The results demonstrated high average activity concentrations of 238U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and, 235U than the worldwide average values as reported by UNSCEAR 2008. Theil diagram showed that there are accumulation and leaching of uranium in some samples in the two sides of the fault zone. It is noticed that the ages of uranium depositions for the samples collected from the downthrown of the fault zone vary from 121.5 to 440.1 ky, while for the sample collected from the upthrown of the fault is 210.9 ky. The 230Th/232Th activity ratios range between 4.55 and 91.04 for downthrown samples and between 4.75 and 6.05 for upthrown samples which are smaller than 20 except for two samples, indicating a contamination of the samples by detrital 230Th. After subtraction of the detrital 230Th, the corrected ages for downthrown samples vary from 119.1 to 231.7 ky while for upthrown samples vary from 164.4 to 390 ky.

Temporal evaluation of soil chemical quality using VNIR and XRF spectroscopies

New soil sensing technologies, such as visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (VNIR) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), emerged as alternatives to low-cost, rapid, and environmental-friendly soil analyses. Studies involving the prediction of integrated soil quality indices using individual and combined soil sensing techniques have not been conducted yet on tropical soils, especially regarding the temporal stability of models' performance. This study evaluated tropical soils to give insight into the potential of using individual and combined VNIR and XRF sensors to predict the Soil Chemical Quality Index (SCQI) and its sub-functions (Nutrient Availability, Acidity/Al Toxicity, and Nutrient Storage and Cycling). Furthermore, the temporal stability of these models' performance and a spiking strategy to mitigate performance loss throughout crop seasons were assessed. We conducted this study using 924 soil samples collected over three years (2018, 2019, and 2022) in a field managed with an integrated crop-livestock system (200 ha) in a Brazilian tropical area. We determined the SCQI and its sub-functions for each sample from 15 soil quality indicators. Soil samples were scanned with VNIR (350–2500 nm) and XRF (0–35 kV) spectrometers. VNIR spectroscopy predicted the SCQI, Nutrient Availability, and Nutrient Storage and Cycling with satisfactory accuracy (models classified as good, good, and excellent, respectively), outperforming the XRF technique and the fusion approach. The prediction performance of SCQI and its sub-functions does not show temporal stability. However, the performance loss can be mitigated using the spiking strategy, i.e., using new data from subsequent seasons to recalibrate the global model.

Painting on the margins: investigating the pigments, media, and techniques of Séraphine Louis

The richly decorative and imaginative works by French artist Séraphine Louis (1864–1942) have long elicited fascination, and her working methods have often eluded art historians and conservators alike. Working in secret and outside established art circles, Séraphine employed materials such as natural resin varnishes and was said to have used household paints in addition to traditional artists' oil paints. In this study of six works in the collections of the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie, Senlis (MAA), The Museum of Modern Art, New York (MoMA), and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (MMA), attention was given to Séraphine's choice of colors and paints, in addition to identifying possible additions to or manipulations of painting media by the artist. Technical imaging was carried out using UVF to visualize the extent of Séraphine's use of natural resins. Analysis of the palette relied on XRF techniques and limited sampling for analysis by Raman and µ-FTIR spectroscopies. Overall, the following pigments were identified: lead white, zinc white, carbon-based black, red and brown ochres, umber, vermilion, alizarin lake, rhodamine B lake, Prussian blue, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, chrome green, emerald green, viridian, cadmium yellow, and lead chromates, including chrome yellow deep and light, zinc yellow, and chrome orange. THM-Py-GCMS analysis of selected samples supported the documentary evidence of Séraphine's use of household oil paints; a single instance of a cellulose nitrate enamel paint was additionally determined by µ-FTIR. The chromatographic analysis also indicated a natural plant resin in her varnishes, probably dammar in combination with pine resin. Overall, this material investigation, accompanied by the art historical record, better reveals the techniques of an experimental painter whose works have come to epitomize French outsider artists of the early twentieth century.

Analysing the glaze of a medieval ceramic fragment from the Durres Amphitheater in Albania

The paper analyses the glaze of a ceramic sherd found in the southern sector of the Durres amphitheatre. Specifically, the sherd was found in a layer datable to the late 12th to early 13th century, which can be interpreted as a dismissal layer of a pottery kiln in use between the early and second half of the 12th century. The glaze was analysed using SEM–EDS and Total XRF techniques. The green-ocean glaze with a blue-sky decoration of the fragment has As-Co and Pb–Sn-Si compounds as pigments and phosphorous as a modifying agent and a flux. The glaze composition is SiO2 47.6 wt.%, TiO2 0.22 wt.%, Al2O3 4.08 wt.%, FeOtotal 0.22 wt.%, MnO 0.08 wt.%, MgO 0.23 wt.%, CaO 2.51 wt.%, Na2O 1.55 wt.%, K2O 5.16 wt.%, P2O5 3.01 wt.%, SnO2 4.13 wt.%, As2O5 4.13 wt.%, PbO 25.4 wt%. Fe is expressed as FeOtotal. The trace elements composition (ppm) is Co 3684, Ni 1023, Cu 819, Zn 3070, Bi 3172, and Sr 205. We introduced a robust glaze classification scheme based on chemistry. This scheme categories the glaze as alkaline-lead SnO2-opacified. We examined uncommon compounds formed in various textural contexts to establish the production origin and technique peculiarity. The glaze glasses form three different compositional domains: one represents the parental high-temperature initial glass composition, and two are related to immiscible segregations forming at lower temperatures. Five phases of the apatite supergroup were identified, along with other phases distributed throughout the glaze. The compounds present, such as Pb and Sn silicates, leucite, and k-feldspar and their balances, constrain the firing temperature to 720 ℃ and 900 ℃, respectively.

DEVELOPMENT OF A REFERENCE SAMPLE FOR RAPID ANALYSIS OF AN ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF MEDICINAL PLANT RAW MATERIALS

Objective: Development and validation of a technique for preparation of a reference sample for elemental microanalysis using the XRF technique in terms of repeatability, reproducibility, and optimization of the technique for rapid determination of the elemental composition of medicinal plants based on X-ray fluorescence analysis. Methods: Samples: fresh shoots of Kalanchoe daigremontiana, ready reference sample "Birch Leaf" LB-1 (A. P. Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia), and IAEA reference sample SRM 2976 (IAEA, MEL, Monaco). The dispersed fraction was analyzed using a Master Sizer 2000 instrument (Malvern Panalytical, Worcestershire, UK). Elemental analysis using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer EDX-7000 Shimadzu (Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan), GZ-AAS using an Agilent instrument, model 240Z AA instrument (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, USA) with electrothermal atomization and Zeeman background correction, and ICP-MS using an Agilent 7500 CE instrument (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, USA). Results: By the LALLS method, they were separated by the maximum distribution, which was 63 microns, and a minor fraction of 39 microns. This indicates sufficient homogeneity in the sample. Further, homogeneity was proved by the XRF method by measuring six independent samples obtained by the quartering method. Also, the elemental composition of the reference samples was determined: completely dried, homogenized before sifting, and homogenized after sifting. Further, the obtained reference sample of K. daigremontiana was compared with reference samples: IAEA SRM 2976 and "birch leaf methods: ICP-MS, GZ-AAS, XRF. Conclusion: The reference sample will allow for rapid analysis of medicinal plant raw materials. Standardization of medicinal plants by the content of microelements will allow observing species differences as well as adjusting the concentrations of microelements for therapeutic purposes using medicinal plants.

Preparation and Thermoluminescence Properties of Polycrystalline Na2SO4/SiO2 composite

A sodium sulphate/silica (Na2SO4/SiO2) composite was prepared by a sol-gel procedure using a geode as the silica source. The prepared sample was characterized by XRD, XRF and IR techniques. The Na2SO4/SiO2 has an orthorhombic phase, and an average crystalline size is about 51 nm. Thermoluminescence characteristics of Na2SO4/SiO2 were studied at different parameters. The glow curve resulting from Na2SO4/SiO2 showed one clear peak between 150 oC to 200 oC, depending on the energy. The general peak structure of the TL glow curve remains unchanged as a result of repeated cycles of irradiation at various X–ray energies, and exhibits good linearity over the used exposure. There were no significant changes in the TL reading after ten times of reuse, and the fading was observed at 56% after 15 days of irradiation and after one month about 82.3% of the TL signal was lost, and the value of Zeff of Na2SO4/SiO2 was found to be 13.56.

Geochemistry of Bled El Hadba phosphorites (NE Algeria): Glauconitization process versus REE-enrichment

Rare earth element (REE) enrichment in Algerian phosphorites has been evoked recently by a number of authors and are considered among the richest Paleocene-Eocene phosphorites worldwide. The Bled El Hadba deposit belongs to the giant Djebel Onk phosphorite complex in northeast Algeria. The deposit was subject to many geological studies that were focused on P2O5 contents for commercial purposes. The upper Thanetian phosphorite layer is about 30 m thick, and subdivided into three sub-layers (lower, main and upper sub-layer), based on P2O5 contents, where the main sub-layer is considered to be the richest. Despite this, few detailed geochemical investigations were carried out on this deposit thus far. In this work, major, trace and REE analyses were conducted on phosphate particles (pellets, coprolites and glauconites) using ‘in situ’ LA-ICP MS, and on whole-rock samples using XRF technique. The results show that the main sub-layer displays the highest whole-rock P2O5 contents, varying between 19.65 and 21.32 wt% compared to the lower (10.47–16.87 wt%) and upper (9.43–13.87 wt%) sub-layers. Among the phosphate particles, glauconites display the lowest P2O5 contents in the three sub-layers (17.45–19.35 wt%) compared to pellets (21.14–24.33 wt%) and coprolites (21.75–24.12 wt%), and largely the highest Al2O3, SiO2, MgO and Fe2O3(t). Glauconites also show higher ΣREE contents (764–2050 ppm) compared to pellets (221–910 ppm) and coprolites (214–909 ppm). Within the glauconite particles, the ΣREE, along with Al2O3, SiO2, MgO, and Fe2O3(t) contents, increase from core to the rim, whereas P2O5 contents decrease, which suggests that glauconitization postdates phosphatization processes. Also, the glauconitization process increase from the lower to the upper sub-layer; this is shown by the positive correlations between Al2O3 contents and those of MgO and SiO2 in one hand, and negative correlations between Al2O3 and P2O5 on the other hand. Ce, Eu, Y anomalies, along with La/Nd ratios and Nd contents, all point towards phosphatization under oxic conditions as a result of warm water upwelling, whereas glauconitization started under more reduced (sub-oxic) conditions; i.e., during early diagenesis, the peak of REE uptake from porewater, and under slow sedimentation rates.Despite their relatively low P2O5 concentrations, the ΣREE contents of the Bled El Hadba phosphate particles record the highest concentrations in all Algerian and north African phosphorites. The main sub-layer is considered to be the most glauconite-rich phosphorite in Algeria. Therefore, more extensive REE analyses are recommended to better evaluate its economic potential in terms of critical raw materials.

Comprehensive study of nanostructured Bi2Te3 thermoelectric materials - insights from synchrotron radiation XRD, XAFS, and XRF techniques.

In this contribution, a comprehensive study of nanostructured Bi2Te3 (BT) thermoelectric material was performed using a combination of synchrotron radiation-based techniques such as XAFS, and XRF, along with some other laboratory techniques such as XRD, XPS, FESEM, and HRTEM. This study aims to track the change in morphological, compositional, average and local/electronic structures of Bi2Te3 of two different phases; nanostructure (thin film) and nanopowders (NPs). Bi2Te3 nanomaterial was fabricated as pellets using zone melting process in a one step process, while Bi2Te3 thin film was deposited on sodalime glass substrate using a vacuum thermal evaporation technique. Synchrotron radiation-based Bi LIII-edge fluorescence-mode X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) technique was performed to probe locally the electronic and fine structures of BT thin film around the Bi atom, while transmission-mode XAFS was used for BT NPs distributed in the PVP matrix. The structural features of the collected Bi LIII XANES spectra of thin film and powder samples of BT are compared with the simulated XANES spectrum of BT calculated using FDMNES code at 5 Å cluster size. Combining different off-line structural characterization techniques (XRD, FESEM, XPS, and HRTEM), along with those of synchrotron radiation-based techniques (XAFS and XRF) is necessary for complementary and supported average crystal, chemical, morphological and local electronic structural analyses for unveiling the variation between Bi2Te3 in the nanostructure/thin film and nanopowder morphology, and then connecting between the structural features and functions of BT in two different morphologies. After that, we measured the Seebeck coefficient and the power factor values for both the BT nanopowder and thin film.

INVESTIGATING ABSORPTION EFFECTS ON OIL DROPLETS IN ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY: A FORCE ANALYSIS APPROACH

This research aims to analyze the forces that affect oil droplets to illustrate that augmenting the mass of an oil droplet fosters favorable conditions for interaction between displaced and displacing fluids. This, in turn, impedes the bypassing of the displacing fluid around the oil droplets. In this investigation, the concept of augmenting the mass of an oil droplet is realized through absorption phenomena, employing coated spinel oxide (cobalt ferrite oxide) nanoparticles (CFO NPs). The synthesis of CFO NPs was successfully carried out in the laboratory using a sol-gel technique, followed by coating with a surfactant and lauric acid. The coated spinel oxide NPs underwent characterization using IR, XRD, and XRF techniques. The procedures started with the calculation of capillary force restrictions for small and large oil droplets. Furthermore, practical experiments involving oil droplets on glass plates at a 30° angle were conducted for different scenarios: without water injection, with water injection, and during the “absorption effect” of CFO NPs. The findings revealed that a large oil droplet exhibits lower capillary pressure restrictions compared to a small oil droplet, with a disparity of 0.02 m/s2 . Consequently, it is comparatively easier for large oil droplets to become free than small ones. Moreover, a large oil droplet exhibits faster movement than small oil droplets due to gravitational effects in the absence of any injections. During the water injection scenario, the water droplets were unable to displace the oil droplet; instead, they passed through the passage beside and above the oil droplet consistently with an increase in the amount of water droplets. However, in the coated CFO NPs scenario, absorption of the coated CFO NPs onto the oil droplet was observed. This resulted in the aggregation of oil molecules, augmenting the gravity of the oil droplet and creating favourable conditions for its displacement. Notably, no water bypass beside the oil droplet was observed in this scenario, unlike the water scenario. Additionally, the aggregation of oil molecules induced corner flow, providing conducive conditions for microemulsion formation, altering wettability, modifying residual oil saturation, and enhancing injection performance. Euler’s equation was employed to analyse corner flow, indicating that the level of oil deformation increases with the rising rotation velocity, potentially leading to an increased recovery factor.

Enhancing multi-type coal quality prediction accuracy with fusion spectra and classification models using NIRS and XRF techniques

The various analytical indices of coal are important criteria for evaluating the quality of commercial coal.

Application of Silica from Beach Sand in the Synthesis of Calcium-Alginate-Silica as Adsorbent of Na+ and Cl- Ions

The calcium-alginate-silica demonstrates the potential application of a membrane for clean water supply through the absorption of Cl- and Na+ ions. Calcium originated from coral skeletons, while silica was extracted from the beach sands of The Gulf of Prigi. The produced membrane was characterized using XRF, FTIR, and SEM techniques, followed by NaCl solution adsorption studies. The results show that the coral skeletons as source of Ca consist mainly of calcium oxide based on XRF analysis, ranging from 90.86% to 93.41%. Similarly, Si in the beach sands primarily consist of SiO2, ranging from 16.2% to 89.5%. FTIR analysis indicates the presence of functional groups (-OH, C=O, C-O, Si-O, and Si-OH) that facilitate the NaCl adsorption process. Additionally, SEM analysis was conducted using ImageJ, showing a particle size diameter of 16192.78 nm, which was characterized by a porous and relatively coarse structural morphology. The calcium-alginate-silica membrane showed the Na+ and Cl- ion adsorptions of 55.4% and 49.4% at the optimal contact time of 20 and 40 minutes, respectively.