Deep eutectic solvents for separation and purification applications in critical metal metallurgy:Recent advances and perspectives

Solvent extraction,a separation and purification technology,is crucial in critical metal metallurgy.Organic solvents commonly used in solvent extraction exhibit disadvantages,such as high volatility,high toxicity,and flammability,causing a spectrum of hazards to human health and environmental safety.Neoteric solvents have been recognized as potential alternatives to these harmful organic solvents.In the past two decades,several neoteric solvents have been proposed,including ionic liquids(ILs)and deep eutectic solvents(DESs).DESs have gradually become the focus of green solvents owing to several advantages,namely,low toxicity,degradability,and low cost.In this critical review,their classification,formation mechanisms,preparation methods,characterization technologies,and special physicochemical properties based on the most recent advancements in research have been systematically described.Subsequently,the major separation and purification applications of DESs in critical metal metallurgy were comprehensively summarized.Finally,future opportunities and challenges of DESs were explored in the current research area.In conclusion,this review provides valuable insights for improving our overall understanding of DESs,and it holds important potential for expanding separation and purification applications in critical metal metallurgy.

Ferric ion-triggered surface oxidation of galena for efficient chalcopyrite-galena separation

The efficient separation of chalcopyrite(CuFeS2)and galena(PbS)is essential for optimal resource utilization.However,find-ing a selective depressant that is environmentally friendly and cost effective remains a challenge.Through various techniques,such as mi-croflotation tests,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy(SEM)observation,X-ray photoelectron spec-troscopy(XPS),and Raman spectroscopy measurements,this study explored the use of ferric ions(Fe^(3+))as a selective depressant for ga-lena.The results of flotation tests revealed the impressive selective inhibition capabilities of Fe^(3+)when used alone.Surface analysis showed that Fe^(3+)significantly reduced the adsorption of isopropyl ethyl thionocarbamate(IPETC)on the galena surface while having a minimal impact on chalcopyrite.Further analysis using SEM,XPS,and Raman spectra revealed that Fe^(3+)can oxidize lead sulfide to form compact lead sulfate nanoparticles on the galena surface,effectively depressing IPETC adsorption and increasing surface hydrophilicity.These findings provide a promising solution for the efficient and environmentally responsible separation of chalcopyrite and galena.

New process for treating boron-bearing iron ore by flash reduction coupled with magnetic separation

Boron is an important industrial raw material often sourced from minerals containing different compounds that cocrystallize,which makes it difficult to separate the mineral phases through conventional beneficiation.This study proposed a new treatment called flash reduction-melting separation(FRMS)for boron-bearing iron concentrates.In this method,the concentrates were first flash-reduced at the temperature under which the particles melt,and the slag and the reduced iron phases disengaged at the particle scale.Good reduc-tion and melting effects were achieved above 1550℃.The B_(2)O_(3) content in the separated slag was over 18wt%,and the B content in the iron was less than 0.03wt%.The proposed FRMS method was tested to investigate the effects of factors such as ore particle size and tem-perature on the reduction and melting steps with and without pre-reducing the raw concentrate.The mineral phase transformation and morphology evolution in the ore particles during FRMS were also comprehensively analyzed.

Anti-abrasion collagen fiber-based membrane functionalized by UiO-66-NH_(2)with ultra-high efficiency and stability for oil-in-water emulsions separation

Membrane separation strategies offer promising platform for the emulsion separation.However,the low mechanical strength of membrane separation layers and the trade-off between separation flux and efficiency present significant challenges.In this study,we report a CFM@UiO-66-NH_(2)membrane with high separation flux,efficiency and stability,through utilizing a robust anti-abrasion collagen fiber membrane(CFM)as the multifunctional support and UiO-66-NH_(2)by an in-situ growth as the separation layer.The high mechanical strength of the CFM compensated for the weakness of the separation layer,while the charge-breaking effect of UiO-66-NH_(2),along with the size sieving of its constituent separating layers and the capillary effect of the collagen fibers,contributed to the potential for efficient separation.Additionally,the CFM@UiO-66-NH_(2)membrane exhibited superhydrophilic properties,making it suitable for separating oil-in-water microemulsions and nanoemulsions stabilized by anionic surfactants.The membrane demonstrated remarkable separation efficiencies of up to 99.960%and a separation flux of370.05 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1).Moreover,it exhibits stability,durability,and abrasion resistance,maintaining excellent separation performance even when exposed to strong acids and alkalis without any damage to its structure and performance.After six cycles of reuse,it achieved a separation flux of 417.97 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1)and a separation efficiency of 99.747%.Furthermore,after undergoing 500 cycles of strong abrasion,the separation flux remained at 124.39 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1),with a separation efficiency of 99.992%.These properties make it suitable for the long-term use in harsh operating environments.We attribute these properties to the electrostatic effect resulting from the amino group on UiO-66-NH_(2)and its in-situ growth on the CFM,which forms a size-screening separation layer.Our work highlights the potential of the CFM@UiO-66-NH_(2)membrane as an environmentally friendly size-screening material for the efficient emulsion wastewater separation.

Superhydrophobic melamine sponge prepared by radiation-induced grafting technology for efficient oil-water separation

This paper presents a superhydrophobic melamine(ME)sponge(ME-g-PLMA)prepared via high-energy radiation-induced in situ covalent grafting of long-alkyl-chain dodecyl methacrylate(LMA)onto an ME sponge for efficient oil–water separation.The obtained ME-g-PLMA sponge had an excellent pore structure with superhydrophobic(water contact angle of 154°)and superoleophilic properties.It can absorb various types of oils up to 66–168 times its mass.The ME-g-PLMA sponge can continuously separate oil slicks in water by connecting a pump or separating oil underwater with a gravity-driven device.In addition,it maintained its highly hydrophobic properties even after long-term immersion in different corrosive solutions and repeated oil adsorption.The modified ME-g-PLMA sponge exhibited excellent separation properties and potential for oil spill cleanup.

A novel surfactant N-hydroxy-9,10-epoxy group-octadecanamide:Part II.Its synthesis and application in flotation separation of spodumene and albite

A novel hydroxamic acid,N-hydroxy-9,10-epoxy group-octadecanamide(N-OH-9,10-O-ODA),was synthesised by modifying the structure of oleic acid.The carboxyl group of oleic acid was converted into an N-hydroxy amide group,and an epoxy group was introduced into its structure.N-OH-9,10-O-ODA was used as a novel collector in the flotation separation of spodumene from one of its associated gangue minerals,specifically albite.N-OH-9,10-O-ODA exhibits remarkable selectivity,with a stronger affinity for collecting spodumene particles compared to albite particles.Zeta potential measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis reveal that the adsorption quantity of N-OH-9,10-O-ODA on spodumene surface is comparable to that on albite surface.First-principles calculations demonstrate the diverse adsorption configurations of N-OH-9,10-O-ODA on surfaces of spodumene and albite,leading to its distinct collecting abilities for spodumene and albite particles.

Optimizing extractants selection for efficient separation of phenols and nitrogen-containing heteroaromatics using hydrogen bond interaction strategies

Focusing on the use of imidazolium ionic liquids and quaternary ammonium salts-based deep eutectic solvents for the separation of phenols and nitrogen-containing heteroaromatics,the role of heteroaromatics as specific sites for hydrogen bond-based separation has been investigated.These environmentally friendly solvents are known for their ability to form hydrogen bonds with heteroatoms,a key aspect in separation processes.We quantified the hydrogen bond interaction energy to reach the threshold energy for efficient O-and N-heteroaromatics separation.This article provides an in-depth study of the structural nuances of different hydrogen bonding sites and their affinity properties while conducting a comparative evaluation of the separation efficiency of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents from a thermodynamic perspective.Results showed that phenols with dual hydrogen bonding recognition sites were easier to separate than nitrogen-containing heteroaromatics.Imidazolium ionic liquids were more suitable for the extraction of nonbasic nitrogen-containing heteroaromatics,and quaternary ammonium salts-based deep eutectic solvents are more effective for phenols and basic nitrogen-containing heteroaromatics,which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and empirical tests.Therefore,this study provides a theoretical basis for the strategy design and selection of extractants for the efficient separation of O-and N-containing aromatic compounds.

Physical information-enhanced graph neural network for predicting phase separation

Although phase separation is a ubiquitous phenomenon, the interactions between multiple components make it difficult to accurately model and predict. In recent years, machine learning has been widely used in physics simulations. Here,we present a physical information-enhanced graph neural network(PIENet) to simulate and predict the evolution of phase separation. The accuracy of our model in predicting particle positions is improved by 40.3% and 51.77% compared with CNN and SVM respectively. Moreover, we design an order parameter based on local density to measure the evolution of phase separation and analyze the systematic changes with different repulsion coefficients and different Schmidt numbers.The results demonstrate that our model can achieve long-term accurate predictions of order parameters without requiring complex handcrafted features. These results prove that graph neural networks can become new tools and methods for predicting the structure and properties of complex physical systems.

TIR domain protein-mediated phase separation activates plant immunity

We spotlight recent findings from a Nature paper unveiling captivating insights into how substrates such as NADþand ATP stimulate the condensation of TIR domain proteins.This process culminates in the formation of a quaternary structural pattern akin to the catalytic arrangement observed in conventional TNL proteins.Consequently,this mechanism enables the production of pivotal signaling molecules crucial for fortifying plant immunity.Expanding on these revelations,we propose the prospect of creating modulatory compounds capable of initiating the phase separation of TIR domain proteins as an innovative approach to enhance plant immunity against pathogenic challenges.

Effect of Na_2CO_3 on reduction and melting separation of ludwigite/coal composite pellet and property of boron-rich slag

The effects of Na_2CO_3 on the reduction and melting separation behavior of ludwigite/coal composite pellet, the desulfurization ratio and the property of the separated boron-rich slag were investigated at laboratory scale in the present work. Na_2CO_3 could improve the reduction rate of the composite pellet to some extent. The melting separation of the composite pellet became increasingly difficult with the increase of Na_2CO_3 in the pellet due to the sharply increasing of the melting point of slag. The sulfur content of the iron nugget gradually decreased from 0.27% to 0.084%（mass fraction） with the Na_2CO_3 content in the pellet increasing from 0 to 6%. The efficiency of extraction of boron（EEB） of the slow cooled boron-rich slag decreased from 86.46% to 59.52% synchronously. Na_2CO_3 had obviously negative effect on melting separation of the composite pellet and boron extraction of the boron-rich slag.

Separation and Characterization of Nitrogen-Rich Components in Coker Gas Oils from Athabasca Bitumen

It is well known that gas oils from oilsands bitumen are difficult to hydrotreat. In order to develop the most appropriate flow sheet and operating conditions, a thorough knowledge of the molecular structure and behaviour of bitumen and its gas oil products is needed. In this work, the gas oil samples are fractionated in an attempt to isolate and identify the problematic molecular species for hydrotreating. It is found that the major nitrogen sources in coker gas oils are associated with relatively small pentane insoluble species and an even smaller, highly polar, hexane insoluble species. Structural information obtained for these fractions indicates that they are formed during the cracking of resin molecules. Nitrogen speciation shows that the pyrroles are the primary nitrogen type, with pyridines also being an important species. Both nitrogen species are undesirable in the hydrotreating process. Pyrroles in particular are subject to polymerisation, producing gums and sediments that foul filters and other equipment while pyridines can directly deactivate the hydrotreating catalyst.

Role of tannin pretreatment in flotation separation of magnesite and dolomite

Flotation separation of magnesite and its calcium-containing carbonate minerals is a difficult problem.Recently,new regulat-ors have been proposed for magnesite flotation decalcification,although traditional regulators such as tannin,water glass,sodium carbon-ate,and sodium hexametaphosphate are more widely used in industry.However,they are rarely used as the main regulators in research because they perform poorly in magnesite and dolomite single-mineral flotation tests.Inspired by the limonite presedimentation method and the addition of a regulator to magnesite slurry mixing,we used a tannin pretreatment method for separating magnesite and dolomite.Microflotation experiments confirmed that the tannin pretreatment method selectively and largely reduces the flotation recovery rate of dolomite without affecting the flotation recovery rate of magnesite.Moreover,the contact angles of the tannin-pretreated magnesite and dolomite increased and decreased,respectively,in the presence of NaOl.Zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared analyses showed that the tannin pretreatment method efficiently hinders NaOl adsorption on the dolomite surface but does not affect NaOl adsorption on the magnesite surface.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations confirmed that tannin interacts more strongly with dolomite than with magnesite.

Direct capture and separation of CO_(2) from air

Direct air capture(DAC)has attracted increasing interest and investment over the past few years.There are a fast-growing number of companies that entered the field and demonstrated DAC carbon removal setups and potential.However,current DAC methods are still based on solid absorbents or alkali solutions approaches which have low capture efficiency and low energy efficiency.This highlight proposed a promising CO_(2) capture technology,an electric energy driven closed-loop system for the direct removal of CO_(2) from ambient air which are based on two individual technologies:Polyam-N-Cu hybrid system promoted CO_(2) capture with ocean as anthropogenic CO_(2) sink and a chloride-mediated electrochemical pH swing system to remove CO_(2) from oceanwater.

Phase separation and transcriptional regulation in cancer development

Liquid-liquid phase separation,a novel biochemical phenomenon,has been increasingly studied for its medical applications.It underlies the formation of membrane-less organelles and is involved in many cellular and biological processes.During transcriptional regulation,dynamic condensates are formed through interactions between transcriptional elements,such as transcription factors,coactivators,and mediators.Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation,but the precise mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis often remain to be elucidated.Emerging evidence has linked abnormal transcriptional condensates to several diseases,especially cancer,implying that phase separation plays an important role in tumorigenesis.Condensates formed by phase separation may have an effect on gene transcription in tumors.In the present review,we focus on the correlation between phase separation and transcriptional regulation,as well as how this phenomenon contributes to cancer development.

分析慢性阻塞性肺病急性加重期患者预后结局不良的影响因素及系统免疫炎症指数、N-末端脑钠肽前体的预测价值

目的探讨慢性阻塞性肺病急性加重期(AECOPD)患者预后结局不良的影响因素及系统免疫炎症指数(SII)、N-末端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)对AECOPD患者预后结局的预测价值。方法选取2021年7月至2024年6月河池市人民医院收治的100例AECOPD患者的临床资料,进行回顾性分析。按照预后结局分为预后良好组(65例)和预后不良组(35例)。比较两组患者临床资料,采用多因素Logistic回归分析影响AECOPD患者预后结局不良的独立危险因素,通过绘制受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线分析SII和NT-proBNP水平对AECOPD患者预后不良的预测效能。结果预后不良组患者年龄大于预后良好组,中性粒细胞计数/淋巴细胞计数(NLR)、SII及NT-proBNP水平均高于预后良好组(均P<0.05);两组患者性别、BMI、慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)病程、合并基础疾病、血小板计数(PLT)、降钙原素(PCT)、C-反应蛋白(CRP)、心肌肌钙蛋白T(cTnT)、动脉血氧分压(PaO_(2))、动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO_(2))、左心室射血分数(LVEF)、第1秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比(FEV_(1)%)、第1秒用力呼气容积与用力肺活量比值(FEV_(1)/FVC)比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示:SII高、NT-proBNP水平高均为影响AECOPD患者预后结局不良的独立危险因素(均P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示:SII、NT-proBNP预测AECOPD患者预后不良的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.787、0.699,特异度分别为98.46%、75.38%,敏感度分别为60.00%、62.86%(均P<0.05)。结论SII高、NT-proBNP水平高均为影响AECOPD患者预后结局不良的独立危险因素,且SII、NT-proBNP水平对AECOPD患者预后结局的预测价值较高,值得临床参考。

Advances in depressants for flotation separation of Cu–Fe sulfide minerals at low alkalinity:A critical review

The flotation separation of Cu–Fe sulfide minerals at low alkalinity can be achieved using selective depressants.In the flotation system of Cu–Fe sulfide minerals,depressants usually preferentially interact with the pyrite surface to render the mineral surface hydrophilic and hinder the adsorption of the collector.This review summarizes the advances in depressants for the flotation separation of Cu–Fe sulfide minerals at low alkalinity.These advances include use of inorganic depressants (oxidants and sulfur–oxygen compounds),natural polysaccharides (starch,dextrin,konjac glucomannan,and galactomannan),modified polymers (carboxymethyl cellulose,polyacrylamide,lignosulfonate,and tricarboxylate sodium starch),organic acids (polyglutamic acid,sodium humate,tannic acid,pyrogallic acid,salicylic acid,and lactic acid),sodium dimethyl dithiocarbamate,and diethylenetriamine.The potential application of specific inorganic and organic depressants in the flotation separation of Cu–Fe sulfide minerals at low alkalinity is reviewed.The advances in the use of organic depressants with respect to the flotation separation of Cu–Fe sulfide minerals are comprehensively detailed.Additionally,the depression performances and mechanisms of different types of organic depressants on mineral surfaces are summarized.Finally,several perspectives on depressants vis-à-vis flotation separation of Cu–Fe sulfide minerals at low alkalinity are proposed.

Recent progress in ternary mixed matrix membranes for CO_(2) separation

Mixed matrix membranes(MMMs)could combine the advantages of both polymeric membranes and porousfillers,making them an effective alternative to conventional polymer membranes.However,interfacial incompatibility issues,such as the presence of interfacial voids,hardening of polymer chains,and blockage of micropores by polymers between common MMMsfillers and the polymer matrix,currently limit the gas sep-aration performance of MMMs.Ternary phase MMMs(consisting of afiller,an additive,and a matrix)made by adding a third compound,usually functionalized additives,can overcome the structural problems of binary phase MMMs and positively impact membrane separation performance.This review introduces the structure and fabrication processes for ternary MMMs,categorizes various nanofillers and the third component,and summarizes and analyzes in detail the CO_(2) separation performance of newly developed ternary MMMs based on both rubbery and glassy polymers.Based on this separation data,the challenges of ternary MMMs are also discussed.Finally,future directions for ternary MMMs are proposed.

Study on the separation process of non-metallic inclusions at the steel-slag interface using water modeling

The separation process of non-metallic inclusions at the steel–slag interface was simulated by physical modeling. Three different kinds of particles (octahedral, plate-like, and spherical) and three different oils (kerosene, bean oil, and pump oil) were used to model inclusions and slags, respectively. The effects of inclusion geometry (shape and size) and slag properties (viscosity and interfacial tension) on the separation process were investigated. The results revealed that the variation of surface free energy and the viscosity of the slag are two significant factors affecting the separation process of inclusions at the steel–slag interface. The variation of surface free energy helped inclusions enter the slag phase, whereas the decrease of slag viscosity shortened the separation time. The deformation of the steel–slag interface could give rise to the resistance force, which would resist inclusions passing through the interface. A liquid film formed on the inclusion as it passed through the steel–slag interface, which might be related to the inclusion’s shape. © 2017, University of Science and Technology Beijing and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

RATE MODEL FOR PHASE SEPARATION OF WATER-IN-OIL EMULSION IN LIQUID SURFACTANT MEMBRANE PROCESS AT HIGH A.C.VOLTAGE

A new mechanism of electric demulsification was proposed and the coalescence behavior of fine waterdrops in oil under electric field was discussed in detail On this basis,a mathematical description for phaseseparation of emulsion in electric field has been derived and proved to be in good agreement with experimentaldata.Conditions influenced the electric coalescence was examined in a batch pulsed A.C.electric demulsifier.

Forward modeling of ocean-bottom cable data and wave-mode separation in fluid–solid elastic media with irregular seabed

In marine seismic exploration, ocean-bottom cable techniques accurately record the multicomponent seismic wavefield; however, the seismic wave propagation in fluid–solid media cannot be simulated by a single wave equation. In addition, when the seabed interface is irregular, traditional finite-difference schemes cannot simulate the seismic wave propagation across the irregular seabed interface. Therefore, an acoustic–elastic forward modeling and vector-based P-and S-wave separation method is proposed. In this method, we divide the fluid–solid elastic media with irregular interface into orthogonal grids and map the irregular interface in the Cartesian coordinates system into a horizontal interface in the curvilinear coordinates system of the computational domain using coordinates transformation. The acoustic and elastic wave equations in the curvilinear coordinates system are applied to the fluid and solid medium, respectively. At the irregular interface, the two equations are combined into an acoustic–elastic equation in the curvilinear coordinates system. We next introduce a full staggered-grid scheme to improve the stability of the numerical simulation. Thus, separate P-and S-wave equations in the curvilinear coordinates system are derived to realize the P-and S-wave separation method.