Study of electron-extraction characteristics of an inductively coupled radio-frequency plasma neutralizer

Inductively coupled radio-frequency（RF） plasma neutralizer（RPN） is an insert-free device that can be employed as an electron source in electric propulsion applications.Electron-extraction characteristics of the RPN are related to the bulk plasma parameters and the device＇s geometry.Therefore,the effects of different electron-extraction apertures and operational parameters upon the electron-extraction characteristics are investigated according to the global nonambipolar flow and sheath model.Moreover,these models can also be used to explain why the electron-extraction characteristics of the RPN strongly depend upon the formation of the anode spot.During the experimental study,two types of anode spots are observed.Each of them has unique characteristics of electron extraction.Moreover,the hysteresis of an anode spot is observed by changing the xenon volume-flow rates or the bias voltages.In addition,the rapid ignited method,gas-utilization factor,electron-extraction cost and other factors that need to be considered in the design of the RPN are also discussed.

Application of the Soft X-Ray TSI Advanced Aerosol Neutralizer to Aerosol Measurements Made by a Grimm SMPS

Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) spectrometers are subject to several restrictions when a radioactive source is employed to bring the aerosol to a steady-state charge distribution. An alternative solution, commercially available, is represented by the soft X-ray neutralizer. The present study investigates the outcome of a combination of a Grimm SMPS, which employs a 241Am radioactive source, with the soft X-ray advanced aerosol neutralizer (TSI model 3087). To date, the latter device has been interfaced only with TSI’s Electrostatic Classifiers. Particle size distribution of sodium chloride aerosol was measured with both neutralizers and it was found that the particle number concentration agreed to be within 9% for the 10 - 700 nm range. This difference mainly corresponds to the bias reported by TSI, when the X-ray device is mounted on a TSI spectrometer. It was concluded that the X-ray neutralizer could be usefully employed, as a standalone device, in combination with Grimm Electrostatic Classifiers.

Carbon Emission Effects Driven by Evolution of Chinese Dietary Structure from 1987 to 2020

Exploring carbon emission effects based on the evolution of residents’ dietary structure to achieve the carbon neutrality goal and mitigate climate change is an important task.This study took China as the research object(data excluding Hong Kong,Macao and Taiwan) and used the carbon emission coefficient method to quantitatively measure the food carbon emissions from 1987–2020,then analyzed the carbon emission effects under the evolution of dietary structure.The results showed that during the study period,the Chinese dietary structure gradually changed to a high-carbon consumption pattern.The dietary structure of urban residents developed to a balanced one,while that of rural residents developed to a high-quality one.During the study period,the per capita food carbon emissions and total food consumption of Chinese showed an increasing trend.The per capita food carbon emissions of residents in urban and rural showed an overall upward trend.The total food carbon emissions in urban increased significantly,while that in rural increased first and then decreased.The influence of beef and mutton on carbon emissions is the highest in dietary structure.Compared with the balanced dietary pattern,the food carbon emissions of Chinese residents had not yet reached the peak,but were evolving to a high-carbon consumption pattern.

Enabling heterogeneous catalysis to achieve carbon neutrality: Directional catalytic conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids

The increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions has exacerbated the deterioration of the global environment,which should be controlled to achieve carbon neutrality.Central to the core goal of achieving carbon neutrality is the utilization of CO_(2) under economic and sustainable conditions.Recently,the strong need for carbon neutrality has led to a proliferation of studies on the direct conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids,which can effectively alleviate CO_(2) emissions and create high-value chemicals.The purpose of this review is to present the application prospects of carboxylic acids and the basic principles of CO_(2) conversion into carboxylic acids through photo-,electric-,and thermal catalysis.Special attention is focused on the regulation strategy of the activity of abundant catalysts at the molecular level,inspiring the preparation of high-performance catalysts.In addition,theoretical calculations,advanced technologies,and numerous typical examples are introduced to elaborate on the corresponding process and influencing factors of catalytic activity.Finally,challenges and prospects are provided for the future development of this field.It is hoped that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of the conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids and inspire more innovative breakthroughs.

Precise quantification of the antibacterial activity of chitosan by NB medium neutralizer

In the present research,nutrient broth(NB)medium was identified to be able to neutralize the antibacterial activity of chitosan and its derivatives.Therefore,an improved test method independent of NB medium was proposed to precisely quantify the antibacterial effectiveness and efficiency of chitosan.The minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC)of chitosan was 60μg m L^(-1) against S.aureus and E.coli,and 0.01%(w/v)chitosan could kill 100%of bacteria within 3 min.From another point of view,the neutralizing efficiency of NB could be tripled by adding 25 g L^(-1) of sodium chloride.Then the neutralizing mechanism of NB medium was ascribed to flocculation between chitosan and protein.Adding extra sodium chloride could significantly reduce the size of floccules,and smaller floccules would lose the ability of binding with bacteria directly,showing higher neutralizing rate on the macro scale.

Mutual feedback between algal blooming and global warming

Global warming and algal blooms have been two of the most pressing problems faced by the world today.In recent decades,numerous studies indicated that global warming promoted the expansion of algal blooms.However,research on how algal blooms respond to global warming is scant.Global warming coupled with eutrophication promoted the rapid growth of phytoplankton,which resulted in an expansion of algal blooms.Algal blooms are affected by the combined effects of global warming,including increases in temperatures,CO_(2)concentration,and nutrient input to aquatic systems by extreme weather events.Since the growth of phytoplankton requires CO_(2),they appear to act as a carbon sink.Unfortunately,algal blooms will release CH4,CO_(2),and inorganic nitrogen when they die and decompose.As substrate nitrogen increases from decompose algal biomass,more N2O will be released by nitrification and denitrification.In comparison to CO_(2),CH4has 28-fold and N2O has 265-fold greenhouse effect.Moreover,algal blooms in the polar regions may contribute to melting glaciers and sea ice(will release greenhouse gas,which contribute to global warming)by reducing surface albedo,which consequently would accelerate global warming.Thus,algal blooms and global warming could form feedback loops which prevent human survival and development.Future researches shall examine the mechanism,trend,strength,and control strategies involved in this mutual feedback.Additionally,it will promote global projects of environmental protection combining governance greenhouse gas emissions and algal blooms,to form a geoengineering for regulating the cycles of carbon,nitrogen,and phosphorus.

Current and further trajectories in designing functional materials for solid oxide electrochemical cells:A review of other reviews

Complex oxides are an important class of materials with enormous potential for electrochemical appli-cations.Depending on their composition and structure,such complex oxides can exhibit either a single conductivity(oxygen-ionic or protonic,or n-type,or p-type electronic)or a combination thereof gener-ating distinct dual-conducting or even triple-conducting materials.These properties enable their use as diverse functional materials for solid oxide fuel cells,solid oxide electrolysis cells,permeable membranes,and gas sensors.The literature review shows that the field of solid oxide materials and related electro-chemical cells has a significant level of research engagement,with over 8,000 publications published since 2020.The manual analysis of such a large volume of material is challenging.However,by examining the review articles,it is possible to identify key patterns,recent achievements,prospects,and remaining obstacles.To perform such an analysis,the present article provides,for the first time,a comprehensive summary of previous review publications that have been published since 2020,with a special focus on solid oxide materials and electrochemical systems.Thus,this study provides an important reference for researchers specializing in the fields of solid state ionics,high-temperature electrochemistry,and energyconversiontechnologies.

High-throughput microfluidic production of carbon capture microcapsules:fundamentals,applications,and perspectives

In the last three decades,carbon dioxide(CO_(2)) emissions have shown a significant increase from various sources.To address this pressing issue,the importance of reducing CO_(2) emissions has grown,leading to increased attention toward carbon capture,utilization,and storage strategies.Among these strategies,monodisperse microcapsules,produced by using droplet microfluidics,have emerged as promising tools for carbon capture,offering a potential solution to mitigate CO_(2) emissions.However,the limited yield of microcapsules due to the inherent low flow rate in droplet microfluidics remains a challenge.In this comprehensive review,the high-throughput production of carbon capture microcapsules using droplet microfluidics is focused on.Specifically,the detailed insights into microfluidic chip fabrication technologies,the microfluidic generation of emulsion droplets,along with the associated hydrodynamic considerations,and the generation of carbon capture microcapsules through droplet microfluidics are provided.This review highlights the substantial potential of droplet microfluidics as a promising technique for large-scale carbon capture microcapsule production,which could play a significant role in achieving carbon neutralization and emission reduction goals.

Porous framework materials for energy&environment relevant applications:A systematic review

Carbon peaking and carbon neutralization trigger a technical revolution in energy&environment related fields.Development of new technologies for green energy production and storage,industrial energy saving and efficiency reinforcement,carbon capture,and pollutant gas treatment is in highly imperious demand.The emerging porous framework materials such as metal–organic frameworks(MOFs),covalent organic frameworks(COFs)and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks(HOFs),owing to the permanent porosity,tremendous specific surface area,designable structure and customizable functionality,have shown great potential in major energy-consuming industrial processes,including sustainable energy gas catalytic conversion,energy-efficient industrial gas separation and storage.Herein,this manuscript presents a systematic review of porous framework materials for global and comprehensive energy&environment related applications,from a macroscopic and application perspective.

A review on current development of thermophotovoltaic technology in heat recovery

The burning of fossil fuels in industry results in significant carbon emissions,and the heat generated is often not fully utilized.For high-temperature industries,thermophotovoltaics(TPVs)is an effective method for waste heat recovery.This review covers two aspects of high-efficiency TPV systems and industrial waste heat applications.At the system level,representative results of TPV complete the systems,while selective emitters and photovoltaic cells in the last decade are compiled.The key points of components to improve the energy conversion efficiency are further analyzed,and the related micro/nano-fabrication methods are introduced.At the application level,the feasibility of TPV applications in high-temperature industries is shown from the world waste heat utilization situation.The potential of TPV in waste heat recovery and carbon neutrality is illustrated with the steel industry as an example.

Photothermal catalytic C-C coupling to ethylene from CO_(2) with high efficiency by synergistic cooperation of oxygen vacancy and half-metallic WTe_(2)

Photothermal catalytic CO_(2) conversion provides an effective solution targeting carbon neutrality by synergistic utilization of photon and heat.However,the C-C coupling initiated by photothermal catalysis is still a big challenge.Herein,a three-dimensional(3D)hierarchical W_(18)O_(49)/WTe_(2) hollow nanosphere is constructed through in-situ embodying of oxygen vacancy and tellurium on the scaffold of WO_(3).The light absorption towards near-infrared spectral region and CO_(2) adsorption are enhanced by the formation of half-metal WTe_(2) and the unique hierarchical hollow architecture.Combining with the generation of oxygen vacancy with strengthened CO_(2) capture,the photothermal effect on the samples can be sufficiently exploited for activating the CO_(2) molecules.In particular,the close contact between W_(18)O_(49)and WTe_(2) largely promotes the photoinduced charge separation and mass transfer,and thus the~*CHO intermediate formation and fixedness are facilitated.As a result,the C-C coupling can be evoked between tungsten and tellurium atoms on WTe_(2).The ethylene production by optimized W_(18)O_(49)/WTe_(2) reaches 147.6μmol g^(-1)with the selectivity of 80%.The in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy(DRIFTS)and density functional theory(DFT)calculations are performed to unveil the presence and significance of aldehyde intermediate groups in C-C coupling.The half-metallic WTe_(2) cocatalyst proposes a new approach for efficient CO_(2) conversion with solar energy,and may especially create a new platform for the generation of multi-carbon products.

Impact of T_(i)/T_(e )ratio on ion transport based on EAST H-mode plasmas

At the EAST tokamak, the ion temperature(T_(i)) is observed to be clamped around 1.25 keV in electron cyclotron resonance(ECR)-heated plasmas, even at core electron temperatures up to 10 keV(depending on the ECR heating power and the plasma density). This clamping results from the lack of direct ion heating and high levels of turbulence-driven transport. Turbulent transport analysis shows that trapped electron mode and electron temperature gradient-driven modes are the most unstable modes in the core of ECR-heated H-mode plasmas. Nevertheless, recently it was found that the T_(i)/T_(e)ratio can increase further with the fraction of the neutral beam injection(NBI) power, which leads to a higher core ion temperature(Ti0). In NBI heating-dominant H-mode plasmas, the ion temperature gradient-driven modes become the most unstable modes.Furthermore, a strong and broad internal transport barrier(ITB) can form at the plasma core in high-power NBI-heated H-mode plasmas when the T_(i)/T_(e)ratio approaches ~1, which results in steep core Teand Tiprofiles, as well as a peaked neprofile. Power balance analysis shows a weaker Teprofile stiffness after the formation of ITBs in the core plasma region, where Ticlamping is broken,and the core Tican increase further above 2 keV, which is 80% higher than the value of Ticlamping in ECR-heated plasmas. This finding proposes a possible solution to the problem of Ticlamping on EAST and demonstrates an advanced operational regime with the formation of a strong and broad ITB for future fusion plasmas dominated by electron heating.

Recent advances in nickel-based catalysts in eCO_(2)RR for carbon neutrality

The excessive use of nonrenewable energy has brought about serious greenhouse effect.Converting CO_(2) into high-value-added chemicals is undoubtedly the best choice to solve energy problems.Due to the excellent cost-effectiveness and dramatic catalytic performance,nickel-based catalysts have been considered as the most promising candidates for the electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(eCO_(2)RR).In this work,the electrocatalytic reduction mechanism of CO_(2) over Ni-based materials is reviewed.The strategies to improve the eCO_(2)RR performance are emphasized.Moreover,the research on Ni-based materials for syngas generation is briefly summarized.Finally,the prospects of nickel-based materials in the eCO_(2)RR are provided with the hope of improving transition-metal-based electrocatalysts for eCO_(2)RR in the future.

Current optimization-based control of dual three-phase PMSM for low-frequency temperature swing reduction

In this paper,a control scheme based on current optimization is proposed for dual three-phase permanent-magnet synchronous motor(DTP-PMSM)drive to reduce the low-frequency temperature swing.The reduction of temperature swing can be equivalent to reducing maximum instantaneous phase copper loss in this paper.First,a two-level optimization aiming at minimizing maximum instantaneous phase copper loss at each electrical angle is proposed.Then,the optimization is transformed to a singlelevel optimization by introducing the auxiliary variable for easy solving.Considering that singleobjective optimization trades a great total copper loss for a small reduction of maximum phase copper loss,the optimization considering both instantaneous total copper loss and maximum phase copper loss is proposed,which has the same performance of temperature swing reduction but with lower total loss.In this way,the proposed control scheme can reduce maximum junction temperature by 11%.Both simulation and experimental results are presented to prove the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control scheme for low-frequency temperature swing reduction.

A Unifi ed View of Carbon Neutrality:Solar-Driven Selective Upcycling of Waste Plastics

With the rapid development of plastic production and consumption globally,the amount of post-consumer plastic waste has reached levels that have posed environmental threats.Considering the substantial CO_(2)emissions throughout the plastic lifecycle from material production to its disposal,photocatalysis is considered a promising strategy for eff ective plastic recycling and upcycling.It can upgrade plastics into value-added products under mild conditions using solar energy,realizing zero carbon emissions.In this paper,we explain the basics of photocatalytic plastic reformation and underscores plastic feedstock reformation pathways into high-value-added products,including both degradation into CO_(2)followed by reformation and direct reformation into high-value-added products.Finally,the current applications of transforming plastic waste into fuels,chemicals,and carbon materials and the outlook on upcycling plastic waste by photocatalysis are presented,facilitating the realization of carbon neutrality and zero plastic waste.

Geological conditions,genetic mechanisms and accumulation patterns of helium resources

Based on the methodology for petroleum systems and through the anatomy and geochemical study of typical helium-rich gas fields,the geological conditions,genesis mechanisms,and accumulation patterns of helium resources in natural gas are investigated.Helium differs greatly from other natural gas resources in generation,migration,and accumulation.Helium is generated due to the slow alpha decay of basement U-/Th-rich elements or released from the deep crust and mantle,and then migrates along the composite transport system to natural gas reservoirs,where it accumulates with a suitable carrier gas.Helium migration and transport are controlled by the transport system consisting of lithospheric faults,basement faults,sedimentary layer faults,and effective transport layers.Based on the analysis of the helium-gas-water phase equilibrium in underground fluids and the phase-potential coupling,three occurrence states,i.e.water-soluble phase,gas-soluble phase and free phase,in the process of helium migration and accumulation,and three migration modes of helium,i.e.mass flow,seepage,and diffusion,are proposed.The formation and enrichment of helium-rich gas reservoirs are controlled by three major factors,i.e.high-quality helium source,high-efficiency transport and suitable carrier,and conform to three accumulation mechanisms,i.e.exsolution and convergence,buoyancy-driven,and differential pressure displacement.The helium-rich gas reservoirs discovered follow the distribution rule and accumulation pattern of near helium source,adjacent to fault,low potential area,and high position".To explore and evaluate helium-rich areas,it is necessary to conduct concurrent/parallel exploration of natural gas.The comprehensive evaluation and selection of profitable helium-rich areas with the characteristics of"source-trap connected,low fluid potential and high position,and proper natural gas volume matched with helium’s"should focus on the coupling and matching of the helium"source,migration,and accumulation elements"with the natural gas"source,reservoir and caprock conditions",and favorable carrier gas trap areas in local low fluid potential and high positions.

Deep decalcification of factory-provided freezing acidolysis solution to achieveα-high-strength gypsum

The freezing acidolysis solution of the nitric acid-phosphate fertilizer process has a high calcium content,which makes it difficult to produce fine phosphate and high water-soluble phosphate fertilizer products.Here,based on the potential crystallization principle of calcium sulfate in NH_(4)NO_(3)-H_(3)PO_(4)-H_(2)O,the deep decalcification(i.e.calcium removal)technology to achieveα-high-strength gypsum originated from freezing acidolysis-solutions has been firstly proposed and investigated.Typically,calcium can be removed from the factory-provided freezing acidolysis-solution by neutralizing it with ammonia,followed by the addition of ammonium sulfate solution.As a result,the formation of calcium sulfate in the reaction system undergoes the nucleation and growth of CaSO_(4)·2H_(2)O(DH),as well as its dissolution and crystallization into short columnarα-CaSO_(4)·0.5H_(2)O(α-HH).Remarkably,with the molar ratio of SO_(4)^(2-)/Ca^(2+)at 1.8,the degree of neutralization(NH_(3)/HNO_(3) molar ratio)at 1.7,the reaction temperature of 94℃,and the reaction time of 300 min,the decalcification rate can reach 86.89%,of which the high-strengthα-CaSO_(4)·0.5H_(2)O(α-HH)will be obtained.Noteworthy,the deep decalcification product meets the standards for the production of fine phosphates and highly water-soluble phosphate fertilizers.Consequently,the 2 h flexural strength ofα-HH is 5.3 MPa and the dry compressive strength is 36.8 MPa,which is up to the standard of commercialα-HH.

Development,challenges and strategies of natural gas industry under carbon neutral target in China

In the mid-21st century,natural gas will enter its golden age,and the era of natural gas is arriving.This paper reviews the development stages of global natural gas industry and the enlightenment of American shale gas revolution,summarizes the development history and achievements of the natural gas industry in China,analyzes the status and challenges of natural gas in the green and low-carbon energy transition,and puts forward the natural gas industry development strategies under carbon neutral target in China.The natural gas industry in China has experienced three periods:start,growth,and leap forward.At present,China has become the fourth largest natural gas producer and third largest natural gas consumer in the world,and has made great achievements in natural gas exploration and development theory and technology,providing important support for the growth of production and reserves.China has set its goal of carbon neutrality to promote green and sustainable development,which brings opportunities and challenges for natural gas industry.Natural gas has significant low-carbon advantages,and gas-electric peak shaving boosts new energy development;the difficulty and cost of development are more prominent.For the national energy security and harmonious development between economy and ecology under the carbon neutral goal,based on the principle of"comprehensive planning,technological innovation,multi-energy complementarity,diversified integration,flexibility and efficiency,optimization and upgrading",the construction of the production-supplystorage-marketing system has to be improved so as to boost the development of the natural gas industry.First,it is necessary to strengthen efforts in the exploration and development of natural gas,making projects and arrangement in key exploration and development areas,meanwhile,it is urgent to make breakthroughs in key science theories and technologies,so as to increase reserve and production.Second,it should promote green and innovative development of the natural gas by developing new techniques,expanding new fields and integrating with new energy.Third,there is a demand to realize transformation and upgrading of the supply and demand structure of natural gas by strengthening the layout of pipeline gas,liquefied natural gas and the construction of underground gas storage,establishing reserve system for improving abilities of emergency response and adjustment,raising the proportion of natural gas in the primary energy consumption and contributing to the transformation of energy consumption structure,realizing low-carbon resources utilization and clean energy consumption.

A NOTE ON THE GENERAL STABILIZATION OF DISCRETE FEEDBACK CONTROL FOR NON-AUTONOMOUS HYBRID NEUTRAL STOCHASTIC SYSTEMS WITH A DELAY

Discrete feedback control was designed to stabilize an unstable hybrid neutral stochastic differential delay system(HNSDDS) under a highly nonlinear constraint in the H_∞ and exponential forms.Nevertheless,the existing work just adapted to autonomous cases,and the obtained results were mainly on exponential stabilization.In comparison with autonomous cases,non-autonomous systems are of great interest and represent an important challenge.Accordingly,discrete feedback control has here been adjusted with a time factor to stabilize an unstable non-autonomous HNSDDS,in which new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals and some novel technologies are adopted.It should be noted,in particular,that the stabilization can be achieved not only in the routine H_∞ and exponential forms,but also the polynomial form and even a general form.

Acidic/hypoxia dual-alleviated nanoregulators for enhanced treatment of tumor chemo-immunotherapy

Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment as it not only directly kills cancer cells but also induces immunogenic cell death. However, the chemotherapeutic efficacy was strongly restricted by the acidic and hypoxic tumor environment. Herein, we have successfully formulated PLGA-based nanoparticles concurrently loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), hemoglobin (Hb) and CaCO3 by a CaCO3-assisted emulsion method, aiming at the effective treatment of TNBC. We found that the obtained nanomedicine (DHCaNPs) exhibited effective drug encapsulation and pH-responsive drug release behavior. Moreover, DHCaNPs demonstrated robust capabilities in neutralizing protons and oxygen transport. Consequently, DHCaNPs could not only serve as oxygen nanoshuttles to attenuate tumor hypoxia but also neutralize the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) by depleting lactic acid, thereby effectively overcoming the resistance to chemotherapy. Furthermore, DHCaNPs demonstrated a notable ability to enhance antitumor immune responses by increasing the frequency of tumor-infiltrating effector lymphocytes and reducing the frequency of various immune-suppressive cells, therefore exhibiting a superior efficacy in suppressing tumor growth and metastasis when combined with anti-PD-L1 (αPD-L1) immunotherapy. In summary, this study highlights that DHCaNPs could effectively attenuate the acidic and hypoxic TME, offering a promising strategy to figure out an enhanced chemo-immunotherapy to benefit TNBC patients.