Highly Responsive and Selective Ethanol Gas Sensor Based on Co3O4-Modified SnO2 Nanofibers

SnO2 nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning and modified with Co3O4 via impregnation in this work. Chemical composition and morphology of the nanofibers were system- atically characterized, and their gas sensing properties were investigated. Results showed that Co3O4 modification significantly enhanced the sensing performance of SnO2 nanofibers to ethanol gas. For a sample with 1.2 mol% Co3O4, the response to 100 ppm ethanol was 38.0 at 300 ℃, about 6.7 times larger than that of SnO2 nanofibers. In addition, the response/recovery time was also greatly reduced. A power-law dependence of the sensor response on the ethanol concentration as well as excellent ethanol selectivity was observed for the Co3O4/SnO2 sensor. The enhanced ethanol sensing performance may be attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunctions between the two oxides.

Strategy and Future Prospects to Develop Room-Temperature-Recoverable NO2 Gas Sensor Based on Two-Dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide

Nitrogen dioxide(NO2),a hazardous gas with acidic nature,is continuously being liberated in the atmosphere due to human activity.The NO2 sensors based on traditional materials have limitations of high-temperature requirements,slow recovery,and performance degradation under harsh environmental conditions.These limitations of traditional materials are forcing the scientific community to discover future alternative NO2 sensitive materials.Molybdenum disulfide(MoS2)has emerged as a potential candidate for developing next-generation NO2 gas sensors.MoS2 has a large surface area for NO2 molecules adsorption with controllable morphologies,facile integration with other materials and compatibility with internet of things(IoT)devices.The aim of this review is to provide a detailed overview of the fabrication of MoS2 chemiresistance sensors in terms of devices(resistor and transistor),layer thickness,morphology control,defect tailoring,heterostructure,metal nanoparticle doping,and through light illumination.Moreover,the experimental and theoretical aspects used in designing MoS2-based NO2 sensors are also discussed extensively.Finally,the review concludes the challenges and future perspectives to further enhance the gas-sensing performance of MoS2.Understanding and addressing these issues are expected to yield the development of highly reliable and industry standard chemiresistance NO2 gas sensors for environmental monitoring.

Achieving highly-efficient H2S gas sensor by flower-like SnO_(2)–SnO/porous GaN heterojunction

A flower-like SnO_(2)–SnO/porous Ga N(FSS/PGaN) heterojunction was fabricated for the first time via a facile spraying process, and the whole process also involved hydrothermal preparation of FSS and electrochemical wet etching of GaN,and SnO_(2)–SnO composites with p–n junctions were loaded onto PGaN surface directly applied to H_(2)S sensor. Meanwhile,the excellent transport capability of heterojunction between FSS and PGaN facilitates electron transfer, that is, a response time as short as 65 s and a release time up to 27 s can be achieved merely at 150℃ under 50 ppm H_(2)S concentration, which has laid a reasonable theoretical and experimental foundation for the subsequent PGaN-based heterojunction gas sensor.The lowering working temperature and high sensitivity(23.5 at 200 ppm H2S) are attributed to the structure of PGaN itself and the heterojunction between SnO_(2)–SnO and PGaN. In addition, the as-obtained sensor showed ultra-high test stability.The simple design strategy of FSS/PGaN-based H_(2)S sensor highlights its potential in various applications.

GAS6-AS1调节miR-370-3p/SPATA2轴对卵巢癌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭、凋亡和EMT的影响

目的:探讨长链非编码RNA GAS6反义RNA1(long non-coding RNA GAS6 antisense RNA1, lncRNA GAS6-AS1)调节miR-370-3p/精子发生相关蛋白2 (spermatogenesis-associated protein 2, SPATA2)轴对卵巢癌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭、凋亡和上皮间质转化(epithelial mesenchymal transformation, EMT)的影响。方法:qRT-PCR、Western blot分别检测癌旁组织、卵巢癌组织、人正常卵巢上皮细胞IOSE80及卵巢癌细胞系HO-8910、SKOV3、A2780中GAS6-AS1、miR-370-3p及SPATA2蛋白表达。将SKOV3细胞分为:对照组(NC组)、 si-NC组、si-GAS6-AS1组、mimic NC组、miR-370-3p mimic组、si-GAS6-AS1+inhibitor NC组、si-GAS6-AS1+miR-370-3p inhibitor组,qRT-PCR检测细胞中GAS6-AS1、miR-370-3p表达;CCK-8法检测细胞增殖;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡;划痕愈合实验检测细胞迁移;Transwell实验检测细胞侵袭;Western blot检测SPATA2、细胞周期素D1(CyclinD1)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bcl-2-associated X,Bax)、E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、波形蛋白(Vimentin)、神经钙黏蛋白(N-cadherin)表达;双荧光素酶报告基因实验检测GAS6-AS1与miR-370-3p、 miR-370-3p与SPATA2的关系。结果:在卵巢癌组织和细胞中GAS6-AS1、SPATA2蛋白高表达,miR-370-3p低表达,且在SKOV3细胞中GAS6-AS1、SPATA2蛋白表达量最高,miR-370-3p表达水平最低,因此,选择SKOV3细胞为后续研究对象。与NC组、si-NC组比较,si-GAS6-AS1组GAS6-AS1、OD450值(24 h、48 h、72 h)、划痕愈合率、侵袭细胞数、SPATA2、CyclinD1、Vimentin、N-cadherin蛋白表达降低,miR-370-3p表达、细胞凋亡率、Bax、E-cadherin蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);与NC组、mimic NC组比较,miR-370-3p mimic组OD450值(24 h、48 h、72 h)、划痕愈合率、侵袭细胞数、SPATA2、CyclinD1、Vimentin、N-cadherin蛋白表达降低,miR-370-3p表达、细胞凋亡率、Bax、E-cadherin蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);miR-370-3p inhibitor减弱了沉默GAS6-AS1对SKOV3细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭及EMT的抑制及对细胞凋亡的促进作用。GAS6-AS1与miR-370-3p、miR-370-3p与SPATA2存在靶向调控关系。结论:沉默GAS6-AS1通过上调miR-370-3p来抑制SPATA2表达,从而抑制SKOV3细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭及EMT,并促进细胞凋亡。

LncRNA GAS5通过miR-182-5p/FOXF2轴对口腔鳞状细胞癌细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移及侵袭的影响

目的探讨长链非编码RNA生长停滞特异性转录本5(LncRNA GAS5)调节微小RNA-182-5p(miR-182-5p)/叉头盒蛋白F2(FOXF2)对口腔鳞状细胞癌(OSCC)细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭及凋亡的影响。方法收集45例确诊为OSCC的癌组织以及癌旁组织,体外培养人口腔上皮细胞系HOEC及人OSCC细胞系CAL-27、HSC-3、SCC-25,qRT-PCR检测组织、细胞中LncRNA GAS5、miR-182-5p、FOXF2的表达;择细胞株CAL-27分为ctrl组、pcDNA组、pcDNA-GAS5组、pcDNA-GAS5+miR-NC组及pcDNA-GAS5+miR-182-5p mimics组,采用CCK-8试剂盒检测细胞增殖活性,Transwell实验检测细胞迁移和侵袭能力,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡水平,Western Blot检测癌细胞中FOXF2、bax、Bcl-2、cleaved caspase-3及E-cadherin蛋白表达,双萤光素酶报告实验验证miR-182-5p与LncRNA GAS5、FOXF2的关系。结果与癌旁组织相比,OSCC组织中LncRNA GAS5、FOXF2 mRNA表达降低,miR-182-5p表达升高(P<0.05);CAL-27、HSC-3、SCC-25细胞与HOEC相比,LncRNA GAS5、miR-182-5p、FOXF2表达趋势与OSCC组织内一致,且在CAL-27表达最明显,选择其作为后续实验的细胞株;与ctrl组、pcDNA组比较,pcDNA-GAS5组CAL-27细胞中GAS5、FOXF2 mRNA、细胞凋亡率及BAX、E-cadherin蛋白表达升高(P<0.05),miR-182-5p表达、细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭数及Bcl-2蛋白表达降低(P<0.05);上调miR-182-5p可减弱过表达LncRNA GAS5对CAL-27细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的抑制作用,也可抑制癌细胞凋亡;LncRNA GAS5靶向负调控miR-182-5p表达,miR-182-5p靶向负调控FOXF2表达。结论上调GAS5可能通过抑制miR-182-5p来增加FOXF2表达,进而抑制CAL-27细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭,促进CAL-27细胞的凋亡。

Effects of acid-rock reaction on physical properties during CO_(2)-rich industrial waste gas(CO_(2)-rich IWG)injection in shale reservoirs

"Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality"is an essential national strategy,and the geological storage and utilization of CO_(2)is a hot issue today.However,due to the scarcity of pure CO_(2)gas sources in China and the high cost of CO_(2)capture,CO_(2)-rich industrial waste gas(CO_(2)-rich IWG)is gradually emerging into the public's gaze.CO_(2)has good adsorption properties on shale surfaces,but acidic gases can react with shale,so the mechanism of the CO_(2)-rich IWG-water-shale reaction and the change in reservoir properties will determine the stability of geological storage.Therefore,based on the mineral composition of the Longmaxi Formation shale,this study constructs a thermodynamic equilibrium model of water-rock reactions and simulates the regularity of reactions between CO_(2)-rich IWG and shale minerals.The results indicate that CO_(2)consumed 12%after reaction,and impurity gases in the CO_(2)-rich IWG can be dissolved entirely,thus demonstrating the feasibility of treating IWG through water-rock reactions.Since IWG inhibits the dissolution of CO_(2),the optimal composition of CO_(2)-rich IWG is 95%CO_(2)and 5%IWG when CO_(2)geological storage is the main goal.In contrast,when the main goal is the geological storage of total CO_(2)-rich IWG or impurity gas,the optimal CO_(2)-rich IWG composition is 50%CO_(2)and 50%IWG.In the CO_(2)-rich IWG-water-shale reaction,temperature has less influence on the water-rock reaction,while pressure is the most important parameter.SO2 has the greatest impact on water-rock reaction in gas.For minerals,clay minerals such as illite and montmorillonite had a significant effect on water-rock reaction.The overall reaction is dominated by precipitation and the volume of the rock skeleton has increased by 0.74 cm3,resulting in a decrease in shale porosity,which enhances the stability of CO_(2)geological storage to some extent.During the reaction between CO_(2)-rich IWG-water-shale at simulated temperatures and pressures,precipitation is the main reaction,and shale porosity decreases.However,as the reservoir water content increases,the reaction will first dissolve and then precipitate before dissolving again.When the water content is less than 0.0005 kg or greater than 0.4 kg,it will lead to an increase in reservoir porosity,which ultimately reduces the long-term geological storage stability of CO_(2)-rich IWG.

Numerical Simulation of Asphaltene Precipitation and Deposition during Natural Gas and CO_(2) Injection

Asphaltene deposition is a significant problem during gas injection processes,as it can block the porous medium,the wellbore,and the involved facilities,significantly impacting reservoir productivity and ultimate oil recovery.Only a few studies have investigated the numerical modeling of this potential effect in porous media.This study focuses on asphaltene deposition due to natural gas and CO_(2) injection.Predictions of the effect of gas injection on asphaltene deposition behavior have been made using a 3D numerical simulation model.The results indicate that the injection of natural gas exacerbates asphaltene deposition,leading to a significant reduction in permeability near the injection well and throughout the reservoir.This reduction in permeability strongly affects the ability of gas toflow through the reservoir,resulting in an improvement of the displacement front.The displacement effi-ciency of the injection gas process increases by up to 1.40%when gas is injected at 5500 psi,compared to the scenario where the asphaltene model is not considered.CO_(2) injection leads to a miscible process with crude oil,extracting light and intermediate components,which intensifies asphaltene precipitation and increases the viscosity of the remaining crude oil,ultimately reducing the recovery rate.

Experimental Investigation on Condensate Revaporization During Gas Injection Development in Fractured Gas Condensate Reservoirs

The gas field in the Bohai Bay Basin is a fractured metamorphic buried-hill reservoir with dual-media characteristics. The retrograde vaporization mechanism observed in this type of gas condensate reservoir differs significantly from that observed in sand gas condensate reservoirs. However, studies on improving the recovery of fractured gas condensate reservoirs are limited;thus, the impact of retrograde vaporization on condensate within fractured metamorphic buried-hill reservoirs remains unclear. To address this gap, a series of gas injection experiments are conducted in pressure-volume-temperature(PVT) cells and long-cores to investigate the retrograde vaporization effect of condensate using different gas injection media in fractured gas condensate reservoirs. We analyze the variation in condensate volume, gas-to-oil ratio, and condensate recovery during gas injection and examine the influence of various gas injection media(CO_(2), N_(2), and dry gas) under different reservoir properties and varying gas injection times. The results demonstrate that the exchange of components between injected gas and condensate significantly influences condensate retrograde vaporization in the formation. Compared with dry gas injection and N_(2) injection,CO_(2) injection exhibits a superior retrograde vaporization effect. At a CO_(2) injection volume of 1 PV, the percentage shrinkage volume of condensate is 13.82%. Additionally, at the maximum retrograde condensation pressure, CO_(2) injection can increase the recovery of condensate by 22.4%. However, the condensate recovery is notably lower in fractured gas condensate reservoirs than in homogeneous reservoirs, owing to the creation of dominant gas channeling by fractures, which leads to decreased condensate recovery. Regarding gas injection timing, the effect of gas injection at reservoir pressure on improving condensate recovery is superior to that of gas injection at the maximum retrograde condensation pressure. This research provides valuable guidance for designing gas injection development plans and dynamic tracking adjustments for fractured gas condensate reservoirs.

Fine quantitative characterization of high-H2S gas reservoirs under the influence of liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption

In order to clarify the influence of liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption to high-H2S gas reservoirs,three types of natural cores with typical carbonate pore structures were selected for high-temperature and high-pressure core displacement experiments.Fine quantitative characterization of the cores in three steady states(original,after sulfur injection,and after gas flooding)was carried out using the nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)transverse relaxation time spectrum and imaging,X-ray computer tomography(CT)of full-diameter cores,basic physical property testing,and field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging.The loss of pore volume caused by sulfur deposition and adsorption mainly comes from the medium and large pores with sizes bigger than 1000μm.Liquid sulfur has a stronger adsorption and deposition ability in smaller pore spaces,and causes greater damage to reservoirs with poor original pore structures.The pore structure of the three types of carbonate reservoirs shows multiple fractal characteristics.The worse the pore structure,the greater the change of internal pore distribution caused by liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption,and the stronger the heterogeneity.Liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption change the pore size distribution,pore connectivity,and heterogeneity of the rock,which further changes the physical properties of the reservoir.After sulfur injection and gas flooding,the permeability of TypeⅠreservoirs with good physical properties decreased by 16%,and that of TypesⅡandⅢreservoirs with poor physical properties decreased by 90%or more,suggesting an extremely high damage.This indicates that the worse the initial physical properties,the greater the damage of liquid sulfur deposition and adsorption.Liquid sulfur is adsorbed and deposited in different types of pore space in the forms of flocculence,cobweb,or retinitis,causing different changes in the pore structure and physical property of the reservoir.

Study of the reaction mechanism for preparing powdered activated coke with SO_(2)adsorption capability via one-step rapid activation method under flue gas atmosphere

In this study,the impact of different reaction times on the preparation of powdered activated carbon(PAC)using a one-step rapid activation method under flue gas atmosphere is investigated,and the underlying reaction mechanism is summarized.Results indicate that the reaction process of this method can be divided into three stages:stage I is the rapid release of volatiles and the rapid consumption of O_(2),primarily occurring within a reaction time range of 0-0.5 s;stage II is mainly the continuous release and diffusion of volatiles,which is the carbonization and activation coupling reaction stage,and the carbonization process is the main in this stage.This stage mainly occurs at the reaction time range of 0.5 -2.0 s when SL-coal is used as material,and that is 0.5-3.0 s when JJ-coal is used as material;stage III is mainly the activation stage,during which activated components diffuse to both the surface and interior of particles.This stage mainly involves the reaction stage of CO_(2)and H2O(g)activation,and it mainly occurs at the reaction time range of 2.0-4.0 s when SL-coal is used as material,and that is 3.0-4.0 s when JJ-coal is used as material.Besides,the main function of the first two stages is to provide more diffusion channels and contact surfaces/activation sites for the diffusion and activation of the activated components in the third stage.Mastering the reaction mechanism would serve as a crucial reference and foundation for designing the structure,size of the reactor,and optimal positioning of the activator nozzle in PAC preparation.

3D and 2D topographic correction to estimated geothermal gradient from the base of gas hydrate stability zone in the Andaman Forearc Basin

Methane gas hydrate related bottom-simulating reflectors(BSRs)are imaged based on the in-line and cross-line multi-channel seismic(MCS)data from the Andaman Forearc Basin.The depth of the BSR depends on pressure and temperature and pore water salinity.With these assumptions,the BSR depth can be used to estimate the geothermal gradient(GTG)based on the availability of in-situ temperature measurements.This calculation is done assuming a 1D conductive model based on available in-situ temperature measurement at site NGHP-01-17 in the study area.However,in the presence of seafloor topography,the conductive temperature field in the subsurface is affected by lateral refraction of heat,which focuses heat in topographic lows and away from topographic highs.The 1D estimate of GTG in the Andaman Forearc Basin has been validated by drilling results from the NGHP-01 expedition.2D analytic modeling to estimate the effects of topography is performed earlier along selected seismic profiles in the study area.The study extended to estimate the effect of topography in 3D using a numerical model.The corrected GTG data allow us to determine GTG values free of topographic effect.The difference between the estimated GTG and values corrected for the 3D topographic effect varies up to~5℃/km.These conclude that the topographic correction is relatively small compared to other uncertainties in the 1D model and that apparent GTG determined with the 1D model captures the major features,although the correction is needed prior to interpreting subtle features of the derived GTG maps.

Drought Tolerance and Recovery of the Sedge Carex planostachys (Cyperaceae) from Central Texas Woodlands

Carex planostachys Kunze (Cyperaceae, Cedar sedge) is an herbaceous species in a genus commonly inhabiting mesic or hydric habitats. Carex planostachys is found in arid and semi-arid Juniperus woodlands. Arid conditions impose survival challenges to plants in dry areas. Some plants have plasticity responses to soil water content and continued normal though reduced functions through droughts, but most herbaceous plants do not survive. Limited previous studies have suggested C. planostachys is tolerant of drought. Physiological responses of C. planostachys from Juniperus woodlands was examined is this study to determine how long plants could survive without water and if they are capable of recovery from very negative water potentials beyond what is considered the permanent wilting point for most herbaceous plants. Plants were placed in pots in partial shade in this experiment. Water loss from the soil with plants was an inverse 2nd order polynomial function with soil water decreasing from 32% to 8% by day 28 of the study. Leaf water potential was also an inverse 2nd order polynomial function but did not decline significantly until 14 days without watering. Leaf water potential was −10.0 MPa after 35 days without watering. Non-watered plants Anet, (photosynthetic rate) was significantly lower compared to the water treatment by day 21 as was stomatal conductance and transpiration. When non-watered plants were watered after 21, 28 or 35 days, full recovery of physiological responses occurred within 7 days. The length of time that C. planostachys was able to withstand drought was greater than the annual trends in lack of precipitation during springtime in this area. Carex planostachys can photosynthesize at water stress between −8 and −10 MPa. Carex planostachys drought and shade tolerance enables it to occupy an understory niche devoid of other herbaceous plants.

Study on the Concentration Inversion of NO &NO2 Gas from the Vehicle Exhaust Based on Weighted PLS

It becomes a key technology to measure the concentration of the vehicle exhaust components with the absorption spectra. But because of the overlap of gas absorption bands, how to separate the absorption information of each component gas from the mixed absorption spectra has become the key point to restrict the precision of the optical detection method. In this paper, the ex-perimental platform for the absorption spectrum of vehicle exhaust components has been established. Based on the ultraviolet absorption spectra measured with the platform of exhaust gas NO & NO2, the concentration regression model for the two components has been established with weighted partial least squares regression (WPLS). Finally the each spectral characteristic information of NO & NO2 gas has been separated and the concentration of each corresponding component has been reversed successfully.

Synthesis,characterization and gas-sensing properties of Pd-doped SnO_2 nano particles

SnO2 nano particles with various Pd-doping concentrations were prepared using a template-free hydrothermal method.The effects of Pd doping on the crystal structure,morphology,microstructure,thermal stability and surface chemistry of these nano particles were characterized by transmission electron microscope,X-ray diffractometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope respectively.It was observed that Pd-doping had little effect on the grain sizes of the obtained SnO2 nano particles during the hydrothermal route.During thermal annealing,Pd-doping could restrain the growth of grain sizes below 500℃ while the grain growth was promoted when the temperature increased to above 700℃.XPS results revealed that Pd existed in three chemical states in the as-synthesized sample as Pd^0,Pd^2＋ and Pd^4＋,respectively.Pd^4＋ was the main state which was responsible for improving the gas-sensing property.The optimal Pd-doping concentration for better gas-sensing property and thermal stability was 2.0%-2.5% （mole fraction）.

SnO_2-based gas(hydrogen) anodes for aluminum electrolysis

A novel SnO2-based gas anode was developed for aluminum electrolysis in molten cryolite at 850 ＆#176;C to reduce energy consumption and decrease CO2 emissions. Hydrogen was introduced into the anode, participating in the anode reaction. Carbon and aluminum were used as the cathode and reference electrodes, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry was applied in the cell to investigate the electrochemical behavior of oxygen ion on platinum and SnO2-based materials. The potential for oxygen evolution on these electrode materials was determined. Then, galvanostatic electrolysis was performed on the gas anode, showing a significant depolarization effect （a decrease of ~0.8 V of the anode potential） after the introduction of hydrogen, compared with no gas introduction or the introduction of argon. The results indicate the involvement of hydrogen in the anode reaction （three-phase-boundary reaction including gas, electrolyte and electrode） and give the possibility for the utilization of reducing gas anodes for aluminum electrolysis.

Economic Comparison of Three Gas Separation Technologies for CO2 Capture from Power Plant Flue Gas

Three gas separation technologies,chemical absorption,membrane separation and pressure swing adsorption,are usually applied for CO2 capture from flue gas in coal-fired power plants.In this work,the costs of the three technologies are analyzed and compared.The cost for chemical absorption is mainly from $30 to $60 per ton(based on CO2 avoided),while the minimum value is $10 per ton(based on CO2 avoided).As for membrane separation and pressure swing adsorption,the costs are $50 to $78 and $40 to $63 per ton(based on CO2 avoided),respectively.Measures are proposed to reduce the cost of the three technologies.For CO2 capture and storage process,the CO2 recovery and purity should be greater than 90%.Based on the cost,recovery,and purity,it seems that chemical absorption is currently the most cost-effective technology for CO2 capture from flue gas from power plants.However,membrane gas separation is the most promising alternative approach in the future,provided that membrane performance is further improved.

Simultaneous removal of NO and SO_2 from dry gas stream using non-thermal plasma

In order to investigate the feasibility of sequential removal NO and SO2 using non-thermal plasma and adsorbent simultaneously, the removal of NO and SO2 from dry gas stream （NO/SO2/N2/O2） with very little O2 using non-thermal plasma was investigated using a coaxial dielectric barrier discharge. Comparative experiments were carried out in the dry gas stream with and without Ar respectively at O2 concentration of 0.1%. The results showed that NO could be removed remarkably and it would be enhanced in the presence of Ar in the dry gas stream. It seems that SO2 could not be removed unless there is Ar in the dry gas stream. The mechanism of removal of NO and SO2 in the dry gas stream was discussed.

Conventional processes and membrane technology for carbon dioxide removal from natural gas:A review

Membrane technology is becoming more important for CO,_ separation from natural gas in the new era due to its process simplicity, relative ease of operation and control, compact, and easy to scale up as compared with conventional processes. Conventional processes such as absorption and adsorption for CO2 separation from natural gas are generally more energy demanding and costly for both operation and maintenance. Polymeric membranes are the current commercial membranes used for CO2 separation from natural gas. However, polymeric membranes possess drawbacks such as low permeability and selectivity, plasticization at high temperatures, as well as insufficient thermal and chemical stability. The shortcomings of commercial polymeric membranes have motivated researchers to opt for other alternatives, especially inorganic membranes due to their higher thermal stability, good chemical resistance to solvents, high mechanical strength and long lifetime. Surface modifications can be utilized in inorganic membranes to further enhance the selectivity, permeability or catalytic activities of the membrane. This paper is to provide a comprehensive review on gas separation, comparing membrane technology with other conventional methods of recovering CO2 from natural gas, challenges of current commercial polymeric membranes and inorganic membranes for CO2 removal and membrane surface modification for improved selectivity.

Current research into the use of supercritical CO2 technology in shale gas exploitation

The use of supercritical CO2 for shale gas extraction is a promising new technology.This paper explores current research into this process,looking at analysis of the mechanism of CH4 displacement in nanoporous shale,the positive and negative effects accompanying its use for sequestration as well as organic extraction,the migration of elements and the swelling process,and the macro and micro control mechanisms involved in permeability enhancement in reservoirs.Fruitful directions for future research are also considered through comparison with hydraulic fracturing.The research findings indicate that ScCO2 fluid replacement can be used to increase gas production and seal up greenhouse gases as an effective,clean and safe method of shale gas exploitation.It is particularly effective for promoting the desorption of CH4 in shale reservoirs that have developed fine neck-wide body pores,and the subtle structural changes effected by ScCO2 fluid in sensitive minerals in reservoirs with a high brittle mineral content also have a positive effect on permeability and storage capacity.The adsorption process has been characterized as consisting of three stages:short-term shrinkage,slow swelling,and stability;an expansion equation has been proposed for CO2/CH4 that incorporates competitive adsorption,collision desorption,and impingement re-adsorption.ScCO2 fracturing has been found to be more effective than hydraulic fracturing for dense reservoirs and more effective at linking up pore-micro-fissure-fracture systems.

Distribution and treatment of harmful gas from heavy oil production in the Liaohe Oilfield, Northeast China

The distribution and treatment of harmful gas （H2S） in the Liaohe Oilfield, Northeast China, were investigated in this study. It was found that abundant toxic gas （H2S） is generated in thermal recovery of heavy oil. The H2S gas is mainly formed during thermochemical sulfate reduction （TSR） occurring in oil reservoirs or the thermal decomposition of sulfocompounds （TDS） in crude oil. H2S generation is controlled by thermal recovery time, temperature and the injected chemical compounds. The quantity of SO4^2- in the injected compounds is the most influencing factor for the rate of TSR reaction. Therefore, for prevention of H2S formation, periodic and effective monitoring should be undertaken and adequate H2S absorbent should also be provided during thermal recovery of heavy oil. The result suggests that great efforts should be made to reduce the SO4^2- source in heavy oil recovery, so as to restrain H2S generation in reservoirs. In situ burning or desulfurizer adsorption are suggested to reduce H2S levels. Prediction and prevention of H2S are important in heavy oil production. This will minimize environmental and human health risks, as well as equipment corrosion.