Biomineralization of soil with crude soybean urease using different calcium salts

Calcium salt is an important contributing factor for calcium-based biomineralization.To study the effect of calcium salt on soil biomineralization using crude soybean urease,the calcium salts,including the calcium chloride (CaCl_(2)),calcium acetate ((CH_(3)COO)_(2)Ca) and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO_(3))_(2)),were used to prepare the biotreatment solution to carry out the biomineralization tests in this paper.Two series of biomineralization tests in solution and sand column,respectively,were conducted.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to determine the microscopic characteristics of the precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO_(3)) crystals.The experimental results indicate that the biomineralization effect is the best for the CaCl2 case,followed by (CH_(3)COO)_(2)Ca,and worst for Ca(NO_(3))_(2) under the test conditions of this study (i.e.1 mol/L of calcium salt-urea).The mechanism for the effect of the calcium salt on the biomineralization of crude soybean urease mainly involves: (1) inhibition of urease activity,and (2) influence on the crystal size and morphology of CaCO_(3).Besides Ca^(2+) ,the anions in solution can inhibit the activity of crude soybean urease,and NO_(3)− has a stronger inhibitory effect on the urease activity compared with both CH_(3)COO^(−) and Cl^(−) .The co-inhibition of Ca^(2+) and NO_(3)− on the activity of urease is the key reason for the worst biomineralization of the Ca(NO_(3))_(2) case in this study.The difference in biomineralization between the CaCl_(2) and (CH_(3)COO)_(2) Ca cases is strongly correlated with the crystal morphology of the precipitated CaCO_(3).

A non-nucleophilic electrolyte based on all-inorganic salts with conditioning-free characteristic for rechargeable magnesium batteries

Conditioning-free electrolytes with high reversibility of Mg plating/stripping are of vital importance for the commercialization of the superior rechargeable magnesium batteries(RMBs).In the present work,a non-nucleophilic electrolyte(denoted as MLCH)based on all-inorganic salts of MgCl_(2),LiCl and CrCl_(3) for RMBs is prepared by a straightforward one-step reaction.As a result,the MLCH electrolyte shows the noticeable performance of high ionic conductivity(3.40 mS cm^(−1)),low overpotential(∼46 mV vs Mg/Mg^(2+)),high Coulombic efficiency(∼93%),high anodic stability(SS,∼2.56 V vs Mg/Mg^(2+))and long-term(more than 500 h)cycling stability,especially the conditioning-free characteristic.The main equilibrium species in the MLCH electrolyte are confirmed to be the tetracoordinated anions of[LiCl2(THF)2]−and solvated dimers of[Mg_(2)(μ-Cl)3(THF)6]+.The addition of LiCl can assist the dissolution of MgCl_(2) and activation of the electrode/electrolyte interface,resulting in a superior Mg plating/stripping efficiency.The synergistic effect of LiCl,CrCl_(3),a small amount of HpMS and the absence of polymerization THF enable the conditioning-free characteristic of the MLCH electrolyte.Moreover,the MLCH electrolyte exhibits decent compatibility with the cathodic materials of CuS.The Mg/CuS full cell using the MLCH electrolyte presents a discharge specific capacity of 215 mAh g^(−1)at 0.1 C and the capacity can retain∼72%after 40 cycles.Notably,the MLCH electrolyte has other superiorities such as the broad sources of materials,low-cost and easy-preparation,leading to the potential prospect of commercial application.

Pervaporation performance and characterization of hydrophilic ZSM-5 zeolite membranes for high inorganic acid and inorganic salts

The hydrophilic ZSM-5 zeolite membranes are applied to separate the inorganic acid solutions and inorganic acid/inorganic salt mixtures by pervaporation,and the membrane presents good stability,dehydration,and desalination performance.Influences of inorganic acid type(H_(2)SO_(4),H_(3)PO_(4),HNO_(3),and HCl),H_(2)SO_(4)concentration(1-6 mol·L^(-1)),test temperature(60-90℃)and inorganic acid/inorganic salt type(2 mol·L^(-1)H_(2)SO_(4)and sulfate,2 mol·L^(-1)H3PO4 and phosphate)on the pervaporation performance are investigated in this work.Either for concentrating 3%(mass)H_(2)SO_(4)solution or consecutive dehydrating 20%(mass)H_(2)SO_(4)solution,the hydrophilic ZSM-5 zeolite membrane has a good dehydration performance and stability.Even though the H_(2)SO_(4)concentration and test temperature are increased to 6 M and 90℃,only H_(2)O molecules could pass through the membrane and pH value of the permeation is kept neutral.Besides,the membrane has good dehydration and desalination performance for H_(2)SO_(4)/sulfates and H_(3)PO_(4)/phosphate mixtures,and the rejection of natrium salt,molysite,and magnesium is almost 100%.

Mixed salts for lithium iron phosphate-based batteries operated at wide temperature range

To achieve good performance for LiFePO4-based batteries operated at a wide temperature range,mixed salts of LiBF4 LiBOB（lithium bis（oxalato）borate） and LiTFSI（lithium bis（trifluoromethanesulfonyl）imide）-LiBOB were investigated as alternative lithium salts to LiPF6 in non-aqueous electrolytes.LiFePO4/Li half cells using LiPF6,LiBF4-LiBOB and LiTFSI-LiBOB slats as lithium salts were investigated by galvanostatic cycling,cyclic voltammetry,thermogravimetric analysis.The results show that LiBF4-LiBOB and LiTFSI-LiBOB mixed salts are much more thermally stable than LiPF6.Corrosion of Al foil in the LiTFSI-based electrolytes can be suppressed successfully by the addition of LiBOB as a co-salt.The electrochemical performance of LiBF4-LiBOB and LiTFSI-LiBOB mixed salts based cells are both better than that of LiPF6-based cell.LiTFSI-LiBOB mixed salt based electrolyte is considered to be a very promising electrolyte candidate for Li-ion batteries that will be used in wide-temperature applications.

Electrochemical behaviors of Mg^(2+) and B^(3+) deposition in fluoride molten salts

By using cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry,the electrochemical deposition behaviors of Mg^2＋ and B^3＋ in fluorides molten salts of KF-MgF2 and KF-KBF4 at 880℃ were investigated,respectively.The results show that the electrochemical reduction of Mg^2＋ is a one-step reaction as Mg^2＋＋2e-→Mg in KF-1%MgF2 molten salt,and the electrochemical reduction of B^3＋ is also a one-step reaction as B^3＋＋3e-→B in KF-KBF4 （1%,2% KBF4） molten salts.Both the cathodic reduction reactions of Mg^2＋ and B^3＋ are controlled by diffusion process.The diffusion coefficients of Mg^2＋ in KF-MgF2 molten salts and B^3＋ in KF-KBF4 molten salts are 6.8×10^-7 cm^2/s and 7.85×10^-7 cm^2/s,respectively.Moreover,the electrochemical synthesis of MgB2 by co-deposition of Mg and B was carried out in the KF-MgF2-KBF4 （molar ratio of 6：1：2） molten salt at 750℃.The X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that MgB2 can be deposited on graphite cathode in the KF-MgF2-KBF4 molten salt at 750℃.

Column leaching process of rare earth and aluminum from weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ore with ammonium salts

In order to better understand the leaching process of rare earth （RE） and aluminum （Al） from the weathered crust elutiondepositedRE ore, the mass transfer of RE and Al in column leaching was investigated using the chromatographic plate theory. Theresults show that a higher initial ammonium concentration in a certain range can enhance the mass transfer process. pH of leachingagent in the range of 2 to 8 almost has no effect on the mass transfer efficiency of RE, but plays a positive role in the mass transferefficiency of Al under strong acidic condition （pH〈4）. There is an optimum flow rate that makes the highest mass transfer efficiency.The optimum leaching condition of RE is the leaching agent pH of 4？8, ammonium concentration of 0.4 mol/L and flow rate of0.5 mL/min. The mass transfer efficiencies of RE and Al both follow the order： （NH4）2SO4〈NH4Cl〈NH4NO3, implying thecomplexing ability of anion.

Purification of metallurgical grade silicon by electrorefining in molten salts

Electrochemical studies on silicon deposition were performed in molten salt electrolytes. Purification of metallurgical grade silicon by electrorefining was carried out in molten Si-chloride salts at temperatures from 973 K to 1223 K. It was found that the use of a liquid alloy anode of silicon and copper was beneficial in molten CaCl2 with NaCl, CaO and dissolved Si. ICP-AES analysis results showed efficient removal of metal impurities, such as titanium, aluminum and iron, which are present in significant quantities in the feedstock. The contents of boron and phosphorus in the silicon after electrorefining were reduced from 36×10-6 and 25×10-6 to 4.6×10-6 and 2.8 ×10-6, respectively. The energy consumption of electrorefining was estimated to be about 9.3 kW?h/kg.

Electrical conductivity of NaF-AlF_3-CaF_2-Al_2O_3-ZrO_2 molten salts

The electrical conductivity of NaF-AlF3-CaF2-Al2O3-ZrO2 system was studied by a tube-type cell with fixed cell constant. The results show that the electrical conductivity of NaF-AlF3-3%Al2O3-3%CaF2-ZrO2 molten salt system decreases with increase of ZrO2 content in an interval of 0-5%. The increase of 1%ZrO2 results in a corresponding electrical conductivity decrease of 0.02 S/cm, and the equivalent conductivity increases with the increase of molar ratio of NaF to AlF3. When the temperature increases by 1 °C, the electrical conductivity increases by 0.004 S/cm. At last, the regression equations of electrical conductivity relative to temperature and ZrO2 are obtained by quadratic regression analysis.

Molten salts-modified MgO-based adsorbents for intermediate-temperature CO_2 capture: A review

Carbon dioxide（CO2） capture using magnesium oxide（MgO）-based adsorbents at intermediate temperatures has been regarded as a very prospective technology for their relatively high adsorption capacity,low cost, and wide availability. During the past few years, great effort has been devoted to the fabrication of molten salts-modified MgO-based adsorbents. The extraordinary progress achieved by coating with molten salts greatly promotes the COcapture capacity of MgO-based adsorbents. Therefore, we feel it necessary to deliver a timely review on this type of COcapturing materials, which will benefit the researchers working in both academic and industrial areas. In this work, we classified the molten saltsmodified MgO adsorbents into four categories:（1） homogenous molten salt-modified MgO adsorbents,（2） molten salt-modified double salts-based MgO adsorbents,（3） mixed molten salts-modified MgO adsorbents, and（4） molten salts-modified MgO-based mixed oxides adsorbents. This contribution critically reviews the recent developments in the synthetic method, adsorption capacity, reaction kinetics, promotion mechanism, operational conditions and regenerability of the molten salts-modified MgO COadsorbents. The challenges and prospects in this promising field of molten salts-modified MgO COadsorbents in real applications are also briefly mentioned.

Bile salts inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of culture human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells

AIM： To investigate the effect of six bile salts： glycocholate （GC）, glycochenodeoxycholate （GCDC）, glycodeoxycholate （GDC）, taurocholate （TC）, taurochenodeoxycholate （TCDC）, taurodeoxycholate （TDC）, and their mixture on cultured human normal esophageal rnucosal epithelial cells. METHODS： Human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells were cultured with serum-free keratinocyte medium. 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiaolyl]-2,5- diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay was applied to the detection of cell proliferation. Apoptotic morphology was observed by phase-contrast video microscopy and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay. Sub-G1 DNA fragmentations and early apoptotic cells were assayed by flow cytometry （FCI） with propidium iodide （PI） staining and annexin V-FITC conjugated with PI staining. Apoptotic DNA ladders on agarose gel electrophoresis were observed. RESULTS： Except for GC, GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC and their mixture could initiate growth inhibition of esophageal mucosal epithelial cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. TUNEL and FCM assays demonstrated that the bile salts at 500 μmol/L and their mixture at 1 500 μmol/L induced apoptosis except for GC. The percentage of sub-G1 detected by FCM with PI staining was 83.5% in cells treated with 500 μmol/L TC for 2 h, and 19.8%, 20.4%, 25.6%, 13.5%, and 75.8% in cells treated with 500 μmol/L GCDC, TCDC, GDC, TDC, and 1 500 μmol/L mixture for 24 h, respectively, which were higher than that of the control （1.5%）. The percentage was 1.4% in cells with 500 μmol/L GC for 24 h. DNA ladders on agarose gel electrophoresis were seen in cells treated with 500 μmol/L TC for 2 h and i 500 μmnol/L mixture for 24 h. CONCLUSION： All GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC and their mixture can inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of cultured human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells, but GC is well tolerated by the cells.

Recent Advances of Transition Metal Basic Salts for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Overall Water Electrolysis

Electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction(OER)has been recognized as the bottleneck of overall water splitting,which is a promising approach for sustainable production of H_(2).Transition metal(TM)hydroxides are the most conventional and classical non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for OER,while TM basic salts[M^(2+)(OH)_(2-x)(A_(m^(-))_(x/m),A=CO_(3)^(2−),NO_(3)^(−),F^(−),Cl^(−)]consisting of OH−and another anion have drawn extensive research interest due to its higher catalytic activity in the past decade.In this review,we summarize the recent advances of TM basic salts and their application in OER and further overall water splitting.We categorize TM basic salt-based OER pre-catalysts into four types(CO_(3)^(2−),NO_(3)^(−),F^(−),Cl^(−)according to the anion,which is a key factor for their outstanding performance towards OER.We highlight experimental and theoretical methods for understanding the structure evolution during OER and the effect of anion on catalytic performance.To develop bifunctional TM basic salts as catalyst for the practical electrolysis application,we also review the present strategies for enhancing its hydrogen evolution reaction activity and thereby improving its overall water splitting performance.Finally,we conclude this review with a summary and perspective about the remaining challenges and future opportunities of TM basic salts as catalysts for water electrolysis.

Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides or olefins and CO_2 catalyzed by metal-organic frameworks and quaternary ammonium salts

Catalytic properties of the metal-organic framework Cr-MIL-101 in solvent-free cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides to produce cyclic carbon- ates using tetrabutylammonium bromide as co-catalyst have been explored under mild reaction conditions （8 bar CO2, 25 ~C）. Styrene and propylene carbonates were formed with high yields （95% and 82%, respectively）. Catalytic performance of Cr-MIL-101 was compared with other MOFs： Fe-MIL-101, Zn-MOF-5 and HKUST-1, The catalytic properties of different quaternary ammonium bromides, Cr-MIL-101 as well as PW12/Cr-MIL-101 composite material have been assessed in oxidative carboxylation of styrene in the presence of both tert-butyl hydroperoxide and H202 as oxidants at 8-100bar CO2 and 25-80 ~C with selectivity to styrene carbonate up to 44% at 57% substrate conversion.

Application of annexation principle to the study of thermodynamic properties of ternary molten salts CaCl_2-MgC_2-NaCl

Based on the practical basis of measured activities and phase diagrams aswell as in the light of the mass action law. the model of inseparable cations and anions of moltensalts and mattes, and the annexation principle of two kinds of solutions in binary melts, thecalculating model of mass action concentrations of molten salts CaCl_2-MgCl_2-NaCl was formulated.The results of calculation not only agree with experimental values, but also obey the mass actionlaw, testifying that the model formulated can embody the structural characteristics of these ternarysalts, and that the model of inseparable cations and anions as well as the annexation principle oftwo kinds of solutions in binary melts are also applicable to these ternary salts.

Bile salts inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of human esophageal cancer cell line

AIM： To explore the effect of six bile salts, including glycocholate （GC）, glycochenodeoxycholate （GCEX：）, glycodeoxycholate （GDC）, taurocholate （TC）, taurochenodeoxycholate （TCDC）, taurodeoxycholate （TDC）, and two bile acids including cholic acid （CA） and deoxycholic acid （DCA） on esophageal cancer Eca109 cell line. METHODS： Eca109 cells were exposed to six bile salts, two bile adds and the mixed bile salts at different concentrations for 24-72 h. 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay was used to detect the cell proliferation. Apoptotic morphology was observed by phase-contrast video microscopy and deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay. Sub-G1 DNA fragmentations and early apoptosis cells were assayed by flow cytometry （FCM） with propidium iodide （PI） staining and annexin V-FITC conjugated with PI staining. Apoptosis DNA ladders on agarose were observed. Activation of caspase-3 was assayed by FCM with FITC-conjugated monodonal rabbit anti-active caspase- 3 antibody and expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were examined immunocytochemically in 500μmol/L-TCinduced apoptosis cells. RESULTS： Five bile salts except for GC, and two bile acids and the mixed bile salts could initiate growth inhibition of Ecal09 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. TUNEL, FCM, and DNA ladder assays all demonstrated apoptosis induced by bile salts and bile acids at 500 μmol/L, except for GC. Early apoptosis cell percentages in Eca109 cells treated with GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC, CA at 500 μmol/L for 12 h, DCA at 500 μmol/L for 6 h, and mixed bile salts at 1 000 μmol/L for 12 h were 7.5%, 8.7%, 14.8%, 8.9%, 7.8%, 9.3%, 22.6% and 12.5%, respectively, all were significantly higher than that in control （1.9%）. About 22% of the cell population treated with TC at 500 μmol/L for 24 h had detectable active caspase-3, and were higher than that in the control （1%）. Immunocytochemical assay suggested that TC down-regulated Bcl-2 protein level and up-regulated Bax protein level. CONCLUSION： GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC, CA and DCA, except for GC, can inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of esophageal cancer Eca109 cells. Activation of caspase-3, decreased Bcl-2 protein and increased Bax protein are involved in TC-induced apoptosis of Eca109 cells.

Three Salts of Labdanic Acids from Andrographis paniculata (Acanthaceae)

Three salts of labdanic acids, named as magnesium andrographate, disodium andrographate and dipotassium andrographate 19-O-beta -D-glucoside were isolated from the hydrophilic extract of Andrographis paniculata Nees. (Acanthaceae), together with guanosine, uridine, 6-epihardpagide, procumbide, violanthin and apigenin 7-O-beta -D-glucoside. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformation.

Interactions of molten salts with cathode products in the FFC Cambridge Process

Molten salts play multiple important roles in the electrolysis of solid metal compounds,particularly oxides and sulfides,for the extraction of metals or alloys.Some of these roles are positive in assisting the extraction of metals,such as dissolving the oxide or sulfide anions,and transporting them to the anode for discharging,and offering the high temperature to lower the kinetic barrier to break the metal-oxygen or metal-sulfur bond.However,molten salts also have unfavorable effects,including electronic conductivity and significant capability of dissolving oxygen and carbon dioxide gases.In addition,although molten salts are relatively simple in terms of composition,physical properties,and decomposition reactions at inert electrodes,in comparison with aqueous electrolytes,the high temperatures of molten salts may promote unwanted electrode-electrolyte interactions.This article reviews briefly and selectively the research and development of the F ray-F arthing-Chen(FFC)Cambridge Process in the past two decades,focusing on observations,understanding,and solutions of various interactions between molten salts and cathodes at different reduction states,including perovskitization,non-wetting of molten salts on pure metals,carbon contamination of products,formation of oxychlorides and calcium intermetallic compounds,and oxygen transfer from the air to the cathode product mediated by oxide anions in the molten salt.

<i>In-Vitro</i>Fermentation by Human Fecal Bacteria and Bile Salts Binding Capacity of Physical Modified Defatted Rice Bran Dietary Fiber

Defatted rice bran dietary fiber (DRBDF) was modified by micronization, ultrasound, microwave and extrusion cooking. We investigated the impacts of these physical treatments on the fermentation ability and bile salts binding capacity of DRBDF. In-vitro fermentation by human fecal bacteria of modified fibers showed that the major fermentation products were propionic, acetate and butyrate acid. Fermentation of extruded fiber gave the highest amounts of propionic and acetic acid 135.76 and 25.45 mmol/L respectively, while, the fermented product with microwaved fiber had the highest butyric acid content (10.75 mmol/L). The amount of short-chain fatty acid increased from 12 h to 24 h and propionic acid was the predominant. On the other hand,in-vitrobile salts binding showed that extruded fiber had higher affinity with sodium deoxycholate and sodium chenodeoxycholate (66.14% and 30.25% respectively) while microwaved fiber exhibited the highest affinity with sodium taurocholate (14.38%). In the light of obtained results we can affirmed that these physical treatments significantly improved the fermentation products and bile salts binding capacity of DRBDF. Extrusion compared to the other physical treatment methods used in this study has greatly and positively influenced the fermentation and bile binding capacity of DRBDF.

Alkali salts of heteropoly tungstates: Efficient catalysts for the synthesis of biodiesel from edible and non-edible oils

Alkali salts of tungsten based heteropoly acids with different central atom such as P, Si and Co were prepared and evaluated for transes- terification of both edible and non-edible oils to their corresponding fatty acid methyl esters. The catalyst of sodium salt of tungstic acid with Co as central atom （Na5CoW12O40） showed optimum activity towards transesterification compared with other heteropoly tungstates. The catalysts activities were correlated with the observed physico-chemical characteristics derived from FT-infrared （FT-IR）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia （NH3-TPD） and carbon dioxide （CO2-TPD）. The Na5CoW12O40 catalyst exhibiting high activity even at 65 ℃ is due to the presence of strong acidic as well as basic sites. The disclosed catalyst is tolerable towards water and free fatty acids present in the oils. The influence of catalyst loading, reaction time and reaction temperature is studied to optimize the reaction parameters.

Separation of mixed salts(Cl-/SO42-) by ED based on monovalent anion selective membranes

The industrial products or wastewater rich in the mixed salts(Cl-/SO4^2-) not only causes the environmental damage, but also induces waste of resource. In this study, an ED stack with monovalent selective AEMs and conventional CEMs was employed to separate the Cl-and SO42-from simulated wastewater. The effect of current density and mass fraction percentage was investigated in order to optimize the experimental conditions during ED process. It was found that at a concentration ratio between NaCl and Na2SO4 of 95/5(wt%/wt%) and a current density of40 m A·cm^-2, a current efficiency of 72%, an energy consumption of 1.6 k W·h·kg^-1 Na Cl and a Cl-/SO4^2-concentration(67.5/3.5 g·L^-1) were obtained. Hence, it is appropriate and effective to separate Cl-and SO42-by ED using the monovalent selective AEMs.

Photopromoted Carbonylation of Alkyl Bromides Catalyzed by Copper Salts under Ambient Conditions

Photopromoted carbonylation of alkyl bromides with carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide catalyzed by copper salts can be carried out under ambient conditions （atmospheric pressure and room temperature） and the corresponding ester was produced. The yield and the selectivity of the ester can be improved greatly by addition of sodium phosphate.