Experimental study on the properties of CMTs-incorporated geopolymers prepared at low temperatures

Considering that copper mine tailings(CMTs)are commonly mixed with ordinary Portland cement,fly ash(FA),and kaolin to produce geopolymers,to make full use of CMTs,the properties of geopolymers manufactured under different material mass ratios and curing methods(standard curing,water bath curing,and 60℃curing)are evaluated with significantly increased dosage of CMTs.Porosity and unconfined compressive strength tests,X-ray diffraction,field emission scanning electron microscopy,and energy dispersive spectroscopy are used to determine the physical and mechanical properties,microstructure,and mineral composition of geopolymers.Finally,costs and CO 2 emissions of specimens with different material mass ratios during the preparation processes are compared.The results show that during the geopolymerization of low-calcium materials,various geopolymer gels,including calcium silicate,calcium silicoaluminate,and mainly sodium silicoaluminate gels,coexist.The solid waste,cost,and carbon dioxide emission reductions can reach 100%,166.3 yuan/t,and 73.3 kg/t,respectively.Under a curing condition of 60℃,the sample with a CMTs mass fraction of 70%and an FA mass fraction of 30%meets the requirements of porosity,compressive strength.The resource utilization of CMT and FA is realized in a more economical way.

Research progress of anionic vacancies in electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction

Renewable energy conversion as well as water electrolysis technologies are constrained by the fact that kinetics are always slow in the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction(OER).There are numerous means and strategies for the enhancement of OER activity.In this paper,we systematically review the important role of anionic vacancies in enhancing the OER activity of catalysts:increasing catalyst conductivity,improving electrical conductivity,and enhancing intermediate adsorption.In order to better detect the presence of vacancies in the samples,the principle of vacancy detection is reviewed in detail in terms of both spectroscopic and microscopic characterization,and the methods of vacancy formation as well as the factors influencing the concentration of vacancies are summarized in detail.In addition,the challenges and new directions for the study of anionic vacancies are provided.Lei Wang was awarded a Ph.D.in chemistry from Jilin University in 2006 under the supervision of Prof.Shouhua Feng.He worked as a Postdoctoral Scholar in Shandong University,the State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials from 2008 to 2010.He is currently a professor at Qingdao University of Science and Technology.His research interests mainly focus on the design and synthesis of functional organic-inorganic hybrids and porous MOFs materials,as well as their applications in photocatalysis,electrocatalysis,lithium-ion battery,etc.Jingqi Chi received her B.S.degree and Ph.D.degree from the State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing,China University of Petroleum(East China).She is currently an associate professor at Qing dao University of Science and Technology.Her research interests focus on the design and synthesis of transition metal-based nanostructures and porous MOFs materials for electrochemical applications.

Characterization of Catalytic Cracking Catalysts Regenerated by Gasifying Deposited Coke

Partially or fully regenerated catalytic cracking catalysts were prepared by gasifying the coke deposited on coked catalysts with a gaseous mixture of oxygen and steam in a fixed fluidized bed （FFB）. The resultant samples were characterized by different methods such as the nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, the X-ray diffractometry, the infrared spectroscopy, the ammonia temperature-programmed desorption （NH3-TPD） method, the X-ray fluorescence （XRF） analysis, the transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy （TEM-EDX）, the thermal-gravimetric analysis （TGA） and the differential thermal analysis （DTA）. The results showed that exposure of catalyst to steam for about 10 minutes at temperature ≥ 800 ℃ could not cause too much destruction of the catalysts, and an amount of coke equating to about 0.27 m% was enough to block approximately all acid sites in micro-pores of the zeolite catalyst. Coke didn＇t show equal reactivity during coke burning-off that could be accelerated by the catalytic action of nearby metal atoms. However, when the carbon content on the catalyst reached about 2.44 m%, the catalytic action of metals on the catalyst was not evident. The severe thermal and hydrothermal environment during exposure of the catalyst to steam at a temperature in the range of about 860--880 ℃ for 30 minutes could lead to collapse of pore structure and transformation of crystal phase and consequently decrease of the surface area and acid amount on the catalyst.

Electrochemical synthesis, characterization and thermal properties of niobium ethoxide

Niobium(V) ethoxide(Nb(OEt)5) was synthesized by electrochemical reaction of ethanol with niobium plate as the sacrificial anode,stainless steel as the cathode and tetraethylammonium chloride(TEAC) as the conductive additive.The condensates were isolated by vacuum distillation under 5 kPa.The product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectra,Raman spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectra.The results indicate that the product is niobium ethoxide.Thermal properties of niobium ethoxide were analysed by TG/DTG.Vapour pressure was calculated from the Langmuir equation and the enthalpy of vaporization was calculated from the vapour pressure-temperature data using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.The concentrations of impurity metallic elements in the sample were detected by ICP-MS.It is shown that the purity can reach 99.997%.The volatility and purity of the niobium ethoxide ensure that it could be a good precursor for chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition of niobium oxide layers.

Low temperature synthesis and thermal properties of Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles

Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles were synthesized by simple low temperature chemical reduction method using metal salts（acetate/sulphates） in aqueous solution with sodium borohydride as reducing agent.The chemical reduction was carried out in the presence of nitrogen gas in order to prevent the oxidation of copper during the reaction process.The alloy nanoparticles were characterized by XRD,UV-Vis,particle size analysis,EDS,TG-DTA and SEM analysis.From the XRD analysis,the crystallite sizes of the prepared samples were calculated using Scherrer formula and the values were found to be in the range of 15 nm.UV-Vis studies conform the formation of alloy nanoparticles.EDS analysis shows the presence of silver and copper in the samples.The SEM observation reveals that the samples consist of grains with average grain size up to 40 nm,and the particle size dependant melting point was studied by TG-DTA.

Preparation and Characterization of a Perovskite-type Mixed Conducting SrFe0.6Cu0.3Ti0.1O3-δ Membrane for Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas

Dense membrane with the composition of SrFe0.6Cu0.3Ti0.1O3-δ （SFCTO） was prepared by solid state reaction method. Oxygen permeation flux through this membrane was investigated at operating temperature ranging from 750℃ to 950℃ and different oxygen partial pressure. XRD measurements indicated that the compound was able to form single-phased perovskite structure in which part of Fe was replaced by Cu and Ti. The oxygen desorption and the reducibility of SFCTO powder were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and temperature programmed reduction analysis, respectively. It was found that SFCTO had good structure stability under low oxygen pressure at high temperature. The addition of Ti increased the reduction temperature of Cu and Fe. Performance tests showed that the oxygen permeation flux through a 1.5 mm thick SFCTO membrane was 0.35-0.96 ml·min ^-1·cm^-2 under air/helium oxygen partial pressure gradient with activation energy of 53.2 kJ·mol^-1. The methane conversion of 85%, CO selectivity of 90% and comparatively higher oxygen permeation flux of 5 ml·min^-1·cm^- 2 were achieved at 850℃, when a SFCTO membrane reactor loaded with Ni-Ce/Al2O3 catalyst was applied for the partial oxidation of methane to syngas.

A new multifunctional polymer:Synthesis and characterization of mPEG-b-PAA-grafted chitosan copolymer

A new multifunctional mPEG-b-PAA-grafted chitosan copolymer possessing amino and carboxyl groups,mPEG-b-PAA-g-CHI(compound 6) ,was designed for a potential application in gene/drug delivery and synthesized by the methods of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer(RAFT) polymerization of acrylic acid(AA) and grafting reaction of a biodegradable chitosan(CHI) derivative.Completion of the reactions and characterization of the resulting compounds were demonstrated by 1 H NMR,FTIR and gel permeation chtomatography(GPC) studies.The results show that the molar ratio of amino groups to carboxyl groups in the copolymer(compound 6) is 0.41-0.59.

Relationship Between Wave Function and Corresponding Wigner Function Studied in Entangled State Representation

By using the explicit form of the entangled Wigner operator and the entangled state representation we derive the relationship between wave function and corresponding Wigner function for bipartite entangled systems. The technique of integration within an ordered product （IWOP） of operators is employed in our discussions.

Preparation, characterization and catalytic performance of single-atom catalysts

Supported and colloidal single‐atom catalysts(SACs),which possess excellent catalytic properties,are particularly important in both fundamental studies and practical applications.The progress made in the preparation methods,characterization,catalytic performances and mechanisms of SACs anchored to metal oxides,two‐dimensional materials and the surface of metal nanoclusters(NCs)are reviewed.The different techniques for SAC fabrication,including conventional solution methods based on co‐precipitation,incipient wetness co‐impregnation,and the chemical vapor deposition method,as well as the newer atom layer deposition(ALD)and galvanic replacement methods,are summarized.The main results from experimental and theoretical studies of various catalytic reactions over SACs,including oxidation reactions,hydrogenation,water gas shift,photocatalytic H2evolution and electrochemical reactions,are also discussed.Moreover,the electronic properties of the single atoms and their interactions with the supports are described to assist in understanding the origin of the high catalytic activity and selectivity of SACs.Finally,possible future research directions of SACs and their applications are proposed.

Optimization of Synthesis of Spherical Lignosulphonate Resin and Its Structure Characterization

Calcium lignosulphonate was used to synthesize a spherical lignosulphonate resin in a cheap and non-toxic disperse medium by reversed phase suspension polymerization. The process conditions were optimized by orthogonal experiments. Under .the optxmal conditxons （T=95 ℃, CHCl= 3 mol·L^-1, mHCHO： mCLS=7%, WCLS=50%）, globulation took about 20 min and the product was featured with excellent spherical shape, narrow particle size range, 61.20% of water retention capacity, 0.83 mmol·ml^- 1 of total volume exchange capacity and 3.46 mmol·g^- 1 of total exchange capacity. The results of Scanning Electron Micrograph and Scanning Probe Micrograph indicate that spherical lignosulphonate resin has a rugged surface with porous microstructure in the gel skeleton. The average pore size of dry samples was determined to be 10.46 nm. by the BET method.

Design and Synthesis of Novel Fluorine-containing Acrylates

A series of novel fluorine-containing acrylates 6a-6g were synthesized via the condensation of ethyl cyanoacetate and trifluoroacetic anhydride, followed by chloridization and the coupling reaction with amines. These new compounds exhibited some biological activity as preliminary bioassay indicated. A plausible reaction mechanism was outlined and discussed.

Synthesis and structural characterization of macroporous bioactive glass

Porous sol-gel glass of CaO-SiO2-P2O5 system with macropores larger than 100 μm was prepared by adding stearic acid as pore former when the sintering was carried out at 700 ℃ for 3h.The sol-gel porous glass shows an amorphous structure. The diameter of the pore created by pore former varies from 100 to 300 μm, and macroporous glass has a narrow and small pore size distribution in mesoporous scale. The porosity and pore size of macroporous bioactive glass can be controlled.

Solvothermal Route to Prepare the Metastable Phase 3c-Fe_7S_8 with Hexagonal Platelet Morphology

The metastable phase 3c-Fe7S8 with the hexagonal platelet morphology has been prepared by using solvothermal route. The product was characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). The experiment results show that the as-prepared Fe7S8 is a metastable phase with the hexagonal platelet morphology.

New Approach for Solving Master Equations in Quantum Optics and Quantum Statistics by Virtue of Thermo-Entangled State Representation

By introducing a fictitious mode to be a counterpart mode of the system mode under review we introduce the entangled state representation （η｜, which can arrange master equations of density operators p（t） in quantum statistics as state-vector evolution equations due to the elegant properties of （η｜. In this way many master equations （respectively describing damping oscillator, laser, phase sensitive, and phase diffusion processes with different initial density operators） can be concisely solved. Specially, for a damping process characteristic of the decay constant k we find that the matrix element of p（t） at time t in 〈η｜ representation is proportional to that of the initial po in the decayed entangled state （ηe^-kt｜ representation, accompanying with a Gaussian damping factor. Thus we have a new insight about the nature of the dissipative process. We also set up the so-called thermo-entangled state representation of density operators, ρ = f（d^2η/π）（η｜ρ〉D（η）, which is different from all the previous known representations.

A new algorithm for designing developable Bézier surfaces

A new algorithm is presented that generates developable Bézier surfaces through a Bézier curve called a directrix. The algorithm is based on differential geometry theory on necessary and sufficient conditions for a surface which is developable, and on degree evaluation formula for parameter curves and linear independence for Bernstein basis. No nonlinear characteristic equations have to be solved. Moreover the vertex for a cone and the edge of regression for a tangent surface can be obtained easily. Aumann’s algorithm for developable surfaces is a special case of this paper.

Development and characterization of formulation of dust-suppressant used for stope road in open-pit mines

The components of dust-suppressant were determined based on the analysis on characteristics and mechanisms of road dust raising in open-pit mines. The components were initially selected from moisture agent, coagulation agent and surfactant. The optimal formulation was determined based on orthogonal test and using the water loss rate as the evaluation index. The performances of moisture releasing and adsorption, wind resistance of optimal formulation in the natural environment were tested. The results show that the formula obtained in experiments provide a good performance of moisture absorption and water retention, and it also had a good dust preventing and controlling performance due to its high surface strength and consolidation under dry conditions. It has good application prospects considering the wide variety of sources for materials and the simple preparation process.

Nanocomposite sodalite/ceramic membrane for pre-combustion CO2 capture： synthesis and morphological characterization

Carbon capture and storage （CCS） is amongst the possible options to reduce CO2 emission. In the application of CCS, CO2 capture techniques such as adsorption and membrane system have been proposed due to less energy requirement and environmental benign than the absorption process. However, membrane system has drawbacks such as poor membrane reproducibility, scale-up difficulty and high cost of the membrane supports. In this study synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite sodalite （HS）/ceramic membrane via ＂pore-plugging＂ hydrothermal synthesis （PPH） protocol for pre- combustion CO2 capture is reported. The morphology and crystallinity of the as-prepared membranes were checked with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Surface chemistry of the membrane was examined with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. In nanocomposite architecture membranes, zeolite crystals are embedded within the pores of the supports instead of forming thin-film layers of the zeolite crystals on the surface of the supports. Compared to the conventional in situ direct hydrothermal synthesis, membranes obtained from PPH possess higher mechanical strength and thermal stability. In addition, defect control with nanocomposite architecture membranes is possible because the zeolite crystals are embedded within the pores of the support, thereby limiting the maximum defect size to the pore size of the support. Furthermore, the nanocomposite architecture nature of the membranes safeguards the membrane from shocks or abrasion that could promote formation of defects. The aforementioned advantages of the nanocomposite architecture membranes could be beneficial in developing high performance and cost-effective membrane materials for pre-combustion CO2 capture.

E. A. Poe＇s The Masque of the Red Death： Symbol vs. Allegory？

The paper is concerned with E. A. Poe＇s unique symbolic method as manifested in his tale The Masque of the Red Death. It offers a picture of the general state of critical treatment of the supposed opposition between allegory and symbol. I present a historical overview of how the distinction between the literary terms arose, tracing the roots of the issue to the end of the 18th century and showing its development over the next two centuries. The second section of the paper is devoted to the analysis of The Masque in the light of the theoretical background provided in the opening section. The Masque is interpreted in terms of Poe＇s modulation of＂closed＂ and ＂open＂ symbolism by focusing on aspects of the story that relate to the use of numbers, colors, and time.

Characterization of a New Methodology Based on the Intensity of Skin Staining of Ornamental Fish with Applications in Nutrition

The colors presented in ornamental fish determine their acceptability in the market, which is one of the main factors which determine their price. Selecting the fish by only looking at them makes the result analysis based in statistics difficult. Thus, it has become necessary to develop a method of quantification for practical use, which will apply minimal stress to the fish while being economically feasible. The proposed method uses a technique which converts the colors of interest to numerical indexes usable in statistical methods of higher precision. The results increase the abilities of fish nutrition researchers aiming to intensify the color characteristics of fish through selective breeding and genetic engineering with the intent of reliably achieving the desired visual characteristics for commercialization.

Preparation and characterization of poly(amic acid)-stabilized silver nanoparticles

Stable and monodispersed silver nanoparticles were produced through a mild,convenient,one-pot method based on the reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of poly(amic acid) (PAA) as a stabilizer.The surface plasma band transition was monitored along with time in the reaction mixture for three sets of experiments by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy.Analysis of the data with the Avrami equation yielded n exponent with values between 0.5 and 1.5,demonstrating three-dimensional heterogeneous nucleation and diffusion-controlled growth,accompanied by soft impingement effect.XRD and TEM analyses show a softly agglomerated polycrystalline state and a nearly spherical morphology (<50 nm) of nanoparticles.The FT-IR result indicates that the PAA molecular structure could be hardly influenced by the formation of nanoparticles.