Process Characterization of the Transesterification of Rapeseed Oil to Biodiesel Using Design of Experiments and Infrared Spectroscopy

For optimization of production processes and product quality,often knowledge of the factors influencing the process outcome is compulsory.Thus,process analytical technology(PAT)that allows deeper insight into the process and results in a mathematical description of the process behavior as a simple function based on the most important process factors can help to achieve higher production efficiency and quality.The present study aims at characterizing a well-known industrial process,the transesterification reaction of rapeseed oil with methanol to produce fatty acid methyl esters(FAME)for usage as biodiesel in a continuous micro reactor set-up.To this end,a design of experiment approach is applied,where the effects of two process factors,the molar ratio and the total flow rate of the reactants,are investigated.The optimized process target response is the FAME mass fraction in the purified nonpolar phase of the product as a measure of reaction yield.The quantification is performed using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares regression.The data retrieved during the conduction of the DoE experimental plan were used for statistical analysis.A non-linear model indicating a synergistic interaction between the studied factors describes the reactor behavior with a high coefficient of determination(R^(2))of 0.9608.Thus,we applied a PAT approach to generate further insight into this established industrial process.

Temperature-dependent far-infrared properties of Bi_(12)GeO_(20) single crystal

Fax-infraxed reflectivity spectra of bismuth germanium oxide （Bi12GeO20） single crystals are measured from room temperature down to 10 K. All the reflectivity spectra are fitted to a complex dielectric function ε（ω） in the factorised form. Phonon modes at low frequency are found to develop upon decreasing temperature and gain considerable spectrum weight below 150 K. The temperature-dependent static dielectric constants are obtained from the Lyddane-Sachs-Teller relation based on the obtained oscillator parameters. The dielectric constants are found to increase upon decreasing temperature, which is attributed to the charge transfer among the ions in the unit cell with the temperature varying.

Role of Bridge-bonded Formate in Formic Acid Dehydration to CO at Pt Electrode： Electrochemial in-situ Infrared Spectroscopic Study

Formic acid （HCOOH） decomposition at Pt film electrode has been studied by electrochem- ical in situ FTIR spectroscopy under attenuated-total-reflection configuration, in order to clarify whether bridge-bonded formate （HCOOD） is the reactive intermediate for COad for-mation from HCOOH molecules. When switching from HCOOH-free solution to HCOOH- containing solution at constant potential （E=0.4 V vs. RHE）, we found that immediately upon solution switch COad formation rate is the highest, while surface coverage of formate is zero, then after COad formation rate decreases, while formate coverage reaches a steady state coverage quickly within ca. 1 s. Potential step experiment from E=0.75 V to 0.35 V, reveals that formate band intensity drops immediately right after the potential step, while the COad signal develops slowly with time. Both facts indicate that formate is not the reactive intermediate for formic acid dehydration to CO.

The Study of Using Near-infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Rapid Identify Wheat Drought Resistance-Ⅱ

[Objective] The aim was to build an evaluation method rapidly identifying wheat drought tolerance with near infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. [Method] In the research, 36 wheat varieties in 2007-2009 were chosen and drought-tolerance degrees of wheat were graded and identified according to Winter-wheat Drought Tol- erance Evaluation Technical Standards （GB/T 21127-2007）, and harvest wheat grains underwent spectrum collection, with a full-spectrum analyzer, to establish a database. [Result] Based on qualitative analysis and full-spectrum correlation research, the coef- ficient of determination （RSQ） and cross-validation coefficient of determination （1-VR） were concluded at 0.697 5 and 0.600 2, showing near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is of significant differences among wheat varieties and of significant or extremely significant correlation with drought-tolerance indices. [Conclusion] The re- search indicates that to evaluate drought-tolerance of wheat with near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is a rapid and feasible way, which is simple, convenient without damages on grains, and of practical values for construction wheat drought-tol- erance evaluation index system and identification of breeding materials.

Discrimination of Transgenic Rice Based on Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy and Partial Least Squares Regression Discriminant Analysis

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy （NIRS）, a non-destructive measurement technique, was combined with partial least squares regression discrimiant analysis （PLS-DA） to discriminate the transgenic （TCTP and mi166） and wild type （Zhonghua 11） rice. Furthermore, rice lines transformed with protein gene （OsTCTP） and regulation gene （Osmi166） were also discriminated by the NIRS method. The performances of PLS-DA in spectral ranges of 4 000-8 000 cm-1 and 4 000-10 000 cm-1 were compared to obtain the optimal spectral range. As a result, the transgenic and wild type rice were distinguished from each other in the range of 4 000-10 000 cm-1, and the correct classification rate was 100.0% in the validation test. The transgenic rice TCTP and mi166 were also distinguished from each other in the range of 4 000-10 000 cm-1, and the correct classification rate was also 100.0%. In conclusion, NIRS combined with PLS-DA can be used for the discrimination of transgenic rice.

Determination of Active Components in a Natural Herb with Near Infrared Spectroscopy Based on Artificial Neural Networks

The non-linear relationships between the contents of ginsenoside Rg 1, Rb 1, Rd and Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS) in Panax notoginseng root herb and the near infrared(NIR) diffuse reflectance spectra of the herb were established by means of artificial neural networks(ANNs). Four three-layered perception feed-forward networks were trained with an error back-propagation algorithm. The significant principal components of the NIR spectral data matrix were utilized as the input of the networks. The networks architecture and parameters were selected so as to offer less prediction errors. Relative prediction errors for Rg 1, Rb 1, Rd and PNS obtained with the optimum ANN models were 8.99%, 6.54%, 8.29%, and 5.17%, respectively, which were superior to those obtained with PLSR methods. It is verified that ANN is a suitable approach to model this complex non-linearity. The developed method is fast, non-destructive and accurate and it provides a new efficient approach for determining the active components in the complex system of natural herbs.

Supercritical water syntheses of transition metal-doped CeO_2 nano-catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO by CO:An in situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study

In the present study,we synthesized CeO2 catalysts doped with various transition metals(M=Co,Fe,or Cu)using a supercritical water hydrothermal route,which led to the incorporation of the metal ions in the CeO2 lattice,forming solid solutions.The catalysts were then used for the selective catalytic reduction(SCR)of NO by CO.The Cu‐doped catalyst exhibited the highest SCR activity;it had a T50(i.e.,50%NO conversion)of only 83°C and a T90(i.e.,90%NO conversion)of 126°C.Such an activity was also higher than in many state‐of‐the‐art catalysts.In situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the MOx‐CeO2 catalysts(M=Co and Fe)mainly followed an Eley‐Rideal reaction mechanism for CO‐SCR.In contrast,a Langmuir‐Hinshelwood SCR reaction mechanism occurred in CuO‐CeO2 owing to the presence of Cu+species,which ensured effective adsorption of CO.This explains why CuO‐CeO2 exhibited the highest activity with regard to the SCR of NO by CO.

Determination of Protein and Starch Content in Whole Maize Kernel by Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

Using 128 bulk-kernel samples of inbred lines and hybrids, a study was conducted toinvestigate the feasibility and method of measuring protein and starch contents inintact seeds of maize by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The chemometricalgorithms of partial least square (PLS) regression was used. The results indicated thatthe calibration models developed by the spectral data pretreatment of firstderivative+multivariate scattering correction within the spectral region of 10000-4000cm-1, and first derivative + straight line subtraction in 9000-4000cm-1 were thebest for protein and starch, respectively. All these models yielded coefficients ofdetermination of calibration (R2cal) above 0.97, while R2cv and R2val of cross and externalvalidation ranged from 0.92 to 0.95, respectively; however, the root of mean squareerrors of calibration, cross and external validation (RMSEE, RMSECV and RMSEP) werebelow 1(ranged 0.3-0.7),respectively. This study demonstrated that it is feasible touse NIRS as a rapid, accurate, and none-destructive technique to predict protein andstarch contents of whole kernel in the maize quality improvement program.

Improved Visible Transparency of SiO_2/ZnO:Al/CeO_2-TiO_2/SiO_2 Multilayer Films with High UV Absorption and Infrared Reflection Rate

New visible transparent, UV absorption, and high infrared reflection properties have been realized by depositing multilayer Si O2/Zn O: Al/Ce O2-Ti O2/Si O2 films onto glass substrates at low temperature by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Optimum thickness of Si O2, Zn O: Al(ZAO) and Ce O2-Ti O2(CTO) films were designed with the aid of thin film design software. The degree of antireflection can be controlled by adjusting the thickness and refractive index. The outer Si O2 film can diminish the interference coloring and increase the transparency; the inner Si O2 film improves the adhesion of the coating on the glass substrate and prevents Ca2+, Na+ in the glass substrate from entering the ZAO film. The average transmittance in the visible light range increases by nearly 18%-20%, as compared to double layer ZAO/CTO films. And the films display high infrared reflection rate of above 75% in the wavelength range of 10-25 μm and good UV absorption(> 98%) properties. These systems are easy to produce on a large scale at low cost and exhibit high mechanical and chemical durability. The triple functional films with high UV absorption, antireflective and high infrared reflection rate will adapt to application in flat panel display and architectural coating glass, automotive glass, with diminishing light pollution as well as decreasing eye fatigue and increasing comfort.

Characterization of 4H-SiC substrates and epilayers by Fourier transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy

The infrared reflectance spectra of both 4H SiC substrates and epilayers are measured in a wave number range from 400 cm 1 to 4000 cm-1 using a Fourier-transform spectrometer. The thicknesses of the 4H-SiC epilayers and the electrical properties, including the free-carrier concentrations and the mobilities of both the 4H SiC substrates and the epilayers, are characterized through full line-shape fitting analyses. The correlations of the theoretical spectral profiles with the 4H-SiC electrical properties in the 30 cm-1-4000 cm 1 and 400 cm-1-4000 cm-1 spectral regions are established by introducing a parameter defined as error quadratic sum. It is indicated that their correlations become stronger at a higher carrier concentration and in a wider spectral region （30 cm-1-4000 cm-1）. These results suggest that the infrared reflectance technique can be used to accurately determine the thicknesses of the epilayers and the carrier concentrations, and the mobilities of both lightly and heavily doped 4H-SiC wafers.

Possible Relevance of the Allende Meteorite Conditions in Prebiotic Chemistry: An Insight into the Chondrules and Organic Compounds

The study of the mineral and organic content of the Allende meteorite is important for our understanding of the molecular evolution of the universe as well as the ancient Earth. Previous studies have characterized the magnetic minerals present in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites, providing information on the evolution of magnetic fields. The interaction of organic compounds with magnetic minerals is a possible source of chemical diversity, which is crucial for molecular evolution. Carbon compounds in meteorites are of great scientific interest for a variety of reasons, such as their relevance to the origins of chirality in living organisms. This study presents the characterization of organic and mineral compounds in the Allende meteorite. The structural and physicochemical characterization of the Allende meteorite was accomplished through light microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction with complementary Rietveld refinement, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy using magnetic signal methods to determine the complex structure and the interaction of organic compounds with magnetic Ni-Fe minerals. The presence of Liesegang-like patterns of chondrules in fragments of the Allende structure may also be relevant to understanding how the meteorite was formed. Other observations include the presence of magnetic materials and nanorod-like solids with relatively similar sizes as well as the heterogeneous distribution of carbon in chondrules. Signals observed in the Raman and infrared spectra resemble organic compounds such as carbon nanotubes and peptide-like molecules that have been previously reported in other meteorites, making the Mexican Allende meteorite a feasible sample for the study of the early Earth and exoplanetary bodies.

Resistance to SO_2 poisoning of V_2O_5/TiO_2-PILC catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH_3

A titania pillared interlayered clay（Ti-PILC） supported vanadia catalyst（V2O5/TiO2-PILC） was prepared by wet impregnation for the selective catalytic reduction（SCR） of NO with ammonia. Compared to the traditional V2O5/TiO2 and V2O5-MoO3/TiO2 catalysts, the V2O5/TiO2-PILC catalyst exhibited a higher activity and better SO2 and H2O resistance in the NH3-SCR reaction. Characterization using TPD, in situ DRIFT and XPS showed that surface sulfate and/or sulfite species and ionic SO4^（2-）species were formed on the catalyst in the presence of SO2. The ionic SO4^（2-） species on the catalyst surface was one reason for deactivation of the catalyst in SCR. The formation of the ionic SO4^（2-） species was correlated with the amount of surface adsorbed oxygen species. Less adsorbed oxygen species gave less ionic SO4^（2-） species on the catalyst.

Enhanced plasmonic photocatalysis by SiO_2@Bi microspheres with hot-electron transportation channels via Bi–O–Si linkages

The semimetal Bi has received increasing interest as an alternative to noble metals for use in plasmonic photocatalysis. To enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of metallic Bi, Bi microspheres modified by SiO2 nanoparticles were fabricated by a facile method. Bi-O-Si bonds were formed between Bi and SiO2, and acted as a transportation channel for hot electrons. The SiO2@Bi microspheres exhibited an enhanced plasmon-mediated photocatalytic activity for the removal of NO in air under 280 nm light irradiation, as a result of the enlarged specific surface areas and the promotion of electron transfer via the Bi-O-Si bonds. The reaction mechanism of photocatalytic oxidation of NO by SiO2@Bi was revealed with electron spin resonance and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy experiments, and involved the chain reaction NO -> NO2 -> NO3- with center dot OH and center dot O-2(-) radicals as the main reactive species. The present work could provide new insights into the in-depth mechanistic understanding of Bi plasmonic photocatalysis and the design of high-performance Bi-based photocatalysts. (C) 2017, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Activation Atmospheres on Structure and Activity of Mo-based Catalyst for Synthesis of Higher Alcohols

Activated carbon supported Mo-based catalysts were prepared and reduced under different activation atmospheres, including pure H2, syngas （H2/CO=2/1）, and pure CO. The cat- alysts structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction , X-ray absorption fine structure, and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. The catalytic per- formance for the higher alcohol synthesis from syngas was tested. The pure H2 treatment showed a high reduction capacity. The presence of a large amount of metallic CoO and low valence state Mo^φ＋ （0〈φ〈2） on the surface suggested a super activity for the CO dissoci- ation and hydrogenation, which promoted hydrocarbons formation and reduced the alcohol selectivity. In contrast, the pure CO-reduced catalyst had a low reduction degree. The Mo and Co species at the catalyst mainly existed in the form of Mo^4＋ and Co^2＋. The syngas- reduced catalyst showed the highest activity and selectivity for the higher alcohols synthesis. We suggest that the syngas treatment had an appropriate reduction capacity that is between those of pure H2 and pure CO and led to the coexistence of multivalent Co species as well as the enrichment of Mo~＋ on the catalyst＇s surface. The synergistic effects between these active species provided a better cooperativity and equilibrium between the CO dissociation, hydrogenation and CO insertion and thus contributed beneficially to the formation of higher alcohols.

Visible light-enhanced photothermal CO2 hydrogenation over Pt/Al2O3 catalyst

Light illumination has been widely used to promote activity and selectivity of traditional thermal catalysts. Nevertheless, the role of light irradiation during catalytic reactions is not well understood. In this work, Pt/Al2 O3 prepared by wet impregnation was used for photothermal CO2 hydrogenation, and it showed a photothermal effect. Hence, operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations were conducted on Pt/Al2 O3 to gain insights into the reaction mechanism. The results indicated that CO desorption from Pt sites including step sites(Ptstep) or/and terrace site(Ptterrace) is an important step during CO2 hydrogenation to free the active Pt sites. Notably, visible light illumination and temperature affected the CO desorption in different ways. The calculated adsorption energy of CO on Ptstep and Ptterrace sites was-1.24 and-1.43 e V, respectively. Hence, CO is more strongly bound to the Ptstep sites. During heating in the dark, CO preferentially desorbs from the Ptterrace site. However, the additional light irradiation facilitates transfer of CO from the Ptstep to Ptterrace sites and its subsequent desorption from the Ptterrace sites, thus promoting the CO2 hydrogenation.

Improving visible-light-driven photocatalytic NO oxidation over BiOBr nanoplates through tunable oxygen vacancies

In this work,a series of BiOBr nanoplates with oxygen vacancies(OVs)were synthesized by a solvothermal method using a water/ethylene glycol solution.The number of OVs and facets of BiOBr were tuned by changing the water/ethylene glycol ratio.Although the role of OVs in photocatalysis has been investigated,the underlying mechanisms of charge transfer and reactant activation remain unknown.To unravel the effect of OVs on the reactant activation and photocatalytic NO oxidation process,in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy,so‐called DRIFTS,and theoretical calculations were performed and their results combined.The photocatalytic efficiency of the as‐prepared BiOBr was significantly increased by increasing the amount of OVs.The oxygen vacancies had several effects on the photocatalysts,including the introduction of intermediate energy levels that enhanced light absorption,promoted electron transfer,acted as active sites for catalytic reaction and the activation of oxygen molecules,and facilitated the conversion of the intermediate products to the final product,thus increasing the overall visible light photocatalysis efficiency.The present work provides new insights into the understanding of the role of OVs in photocatalysts and the mechanism of photocatalytic NO oxidation.

Catalytic performance of highly dispersed WO_3 loaded on CeO_2 in the selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH_3

The influence of tungsten trioxide(WO3)loading on the selective catalytic reduction(SCR)of nitric oxide(NO)by ammonia(NH3)over WO3/cerium dioxide(CeO2)was investigated.The NO conversion first rose and then declined with increasing WO3loading.It was found that the crystalline WO3in the1.6WO3/CeO2sample could be removed in25wt%ammonium hydroxide at70°C,which improved the catalytic activity of the sample.The obtained samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction,Raman spectroscopy,X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy,hydrogen(H2)temperature programmed reduction,NH3temperature programmed desorption,and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy.The results revealed that the dispersed WO3promoted the catalytic activity of WO3/CeO2while the crystalline WO3inhibited catalytic activity.The oxygen activation of CeO2was inhibited by the coverage of WO3,which weakened NO oxidation and adsorption of nitrate species over WO3/CeO2.In addition,the NH3adsorption performance on CeO2was improved by modification with WO3.NH3was the most stable adsorbed species under NH3SCR reaction conditions.In situ DRIFT spectra suggested that the NH3SCR reaction proceeded via the Eley‐Rideal mechanism over WO3/CeO2.Thus,when the loading of WO3was close to the dispersion capacity,the effects of NH3adsorption and activation were maximized to promote the reaction via the Eley‐Rideal route.

Facile synthesis of Bi_(12)O_(17)Br_2 and Bi_4O_5Br_2 nanosheets:In situ DRIFTS investigation of photocatalytic NO oxidation conversion pathway

Bi12O17Br2and Bi4O5Br2visible‐light driven photocatalysts,were respectively fabricated by hydrothermal and room‐temperature deposition methods with the use of BiBr3and NaOH as precursors.Both Bi12O17Br2and Bi4O5Br2were composed of irregular nanosheets.The Bi4O5Br2nanosheets exhibited high and stable visible‐light photocatalytic efficiency for ppb‐level NO removal.The performance of Bi4O5Br2was markedly higher than that of the Bi12O17Br2nanosheets.The hydroxyl radical(?OH)was determined to be the main reactive oxygen species for the photo‐degradation processes of both Bi12O17Br2and Bi4O5Br2.However,in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy analysis revealed that Bi12O17Br2and Bi4O5Br2featured different conversion pathways for visible light driven photocatalytic NO oxidation.The excellent photocatalytic activity of Bi4O5Br2resulted from a high surface area and large pore volumes,which facilitated the transport of reactants and intermediate products,and provided more active sites for photochemical reaction.Furthermore,the Bi4O5Br2nanosheets produced more?OH and presented stronger valence band holeoxidation.In addition,the oxygen atoms of NO could insert into oxygen‐vacancies of Bi4O5Br2,whichprovided more active sites for the reaction.This work gives insight into the photocatalytic pollutant‐degradation mechanism of bismuth oxyhalide.

Adsorption of NO and NH_3 over CuO/γ-Al_2O_3 catalyst

The selective catalytic reduction reaction belongs to the gas-solid multiphase reaction, and the adsorption of NH3 and NO on CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts plays an important role in the reaction. Performance of the CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts was explored in a fixed bed adsorption system. The catalysts maintain nearly 100% NO conversion efficiency at 350℃. Comprehensive tests were carried out to study the adsorption behavior of NH3 and NO over the catalysts. The desorption experiments prove that NH3 and NO are adsorbed on CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts. The adsorption behaviors of NH3 and NO were also studied with the in-situ diffusion reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy methods. The results show that NH3 could be strongly adsorbed on the catalysts, resulting in coordinated NH3 and NH4＋. NO adsorption leads to the formation of bridging bidentate nitrate, chelating bidentate nitrate, and chelating nitro. The interaction of NH3 and NO molecules with the Cu2＋ present on the CAl2O3 （100） surface was investigated by using a periodic density functional theory. The results show that the adsorption of all the molecules on the Cu2＋ site is energetically favorable, whereas NO bound is stronger than that of NH3 with the adsorption site, and key information about the structural and energetic properties was also addressed.

In situ studies on ceria promoted cobalt oxide for CO oxidation

In situ studies of catalysts play valuable roles in observing phase transformation, understanding the corresponding surface chemistry and the mechanism of the reaction. In this paper, ceria promoted cobalt oxide was prepared by the calcination method and investigated for the CO oxidation. The microstructure and morphology of CeO2-Co3O4 were investigated by the Scanning Electron Microscope, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization. The effect of CeO2 doping on Co3O4 for CO oxidation was characterized by in situ X-ray Diffraction (in situ XRD) and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS). In situ XRD was carried out under H2 atmosphere to evaluate the redox property of catalysts. The results indicated that the ceria doping can enhance the reducibility of Co2+ and promote the Co3+-Co2+-Co3+ cycle, owing to the oxygen replenish property of CeO2. Furthermore, adsorbed carbonate species on the surface of CeO2-Co3O4 were investigated by in situ-DRIFTS experiment. It was turned out that carbonate species on ceria promoted cobalt oxide catalysts showed different IR peaks compared with pure cobalt oxide. The carbonate species on ceria promoted catalyst are more active, and similar to free state carbonate species with weak bonding to catalyst surface, which can effectively inhibit catalyst inactivation. This study revealed the mechanism of ceria promoting CO oxidation over cobalt oxide, which will provide theoretical support for the design of efficient CO oxidation catalysts.