The superhydrophobic sponge decorated with Ni-Co double layered oxides with thiol modification for continuous oil/water separation

In this paper, the superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge(SS-PU) was facilely fabricated by etching with Jones reagent to bind the nanoparticles of Ni-Co double layered oxides(LDOs) on the surface, and following modification with n-dodecyl mercaptan(DDT). This method provides a new strategy to fabricate superhydrophobic PU sponge with a water contact angle of 157° for absorbing oil with low cost and in large scale. It exhibits the strong absorption capacity and highly selective characteristic for various kinds of oils which can be recycled by simple squeezing. Besides, the as-prepared sponge can deal with the floating and underwater oils, indicating its application value in handling oil spills and domestic oily wastewater. The good self-cleaning ability shows the potential to clear the pollutants due to the ultralow adhesion to water. Especially, the most important point is that the superhydrophobic sponge can continuously and effectively separate the oil/water mixture against the condition of turbulent disturbance by using our designed device system, which exhibit its good superhydrophobicity, strong stability.Furthermore, the SS-PU still maintained stable absorption performance after 150 cycle tests without losing capacity obviously, showing excellent durability in long-term operation and significant potential as an efficient absorbent in large-scale dispose of oily water.

Overwhelming low ammonia escape and low temperature denitration efficiency via MnOx-decorated two-dimensional MgAl layered double oxides

Low temperature catalysts are attracting increasing attention in the selective catalytic reduction(SCR)of NO with NH3.Mn Ox-decorated Mg Al layered double oxide(Mn/Mg Al-LDO)was synthesized via a facile fast pour assisted co-precipitation(FP-CP)process.Compared to the Mn/Mg Al-LDO obtained via slow drop assisted coprecipitation(SD-CP)method,the Mn/Mg Al-LDO(FP-CP)has excellent activity.The Mn/Mg Al-LDO(FP-CP)catalyst was shown to possess a high NO conversion rate of 76%-100%from 25 to 150℃,which is much better than the control Mn/Mg Al-LDO(SD-CP)(29.4%-75.8%).In addition,the Mn/Mg Al-LDO(FP-CP)offered an enhanced NO conversion rate of 97%and a N2selectivity of 97.3%at 100℃;the NO conversion rate was 100%and the N2selectivity was 90%at 150℃with a GHSV of 60,000 h^-1.The Mn/Mg Al-LDO(FP-CP)catalyst exhibited a smaller fragment nano-sheet structure(sheet thickness of 7.23 nm).An apparent lattice disorder was observed in the HRTEM image confirming the presence of many defects.The H2-TPR curves show that the Mn/Mg Al-LDO(FP-CP)catalyst has abundant reducing substances.Furthermore,the enhanced surface acidity makes the NH3concentration of the Mn/Mg Al-LDO(FP-CP)catalyst lower than 100 ml·m^-3after the reaction from 25 to 400℃.This can effectively reduce the ammonia escape rate in the SCR reaction.Thus,the Mn/Mg Al-LDO(FP-CP)catalyst has potential applications in stationary industrial installations for environmentally friendly ultra-low temperature SCR.

Investigation on the deactivation cause of lead-zinc double oxide for the synthesis of diphenyl carbonate by transesterification

The deactivation cause of lead-zinc double oxide for synthesis of diphenyl carbonate （DPC） by transesterification of dimethyl carbonate （DMC） with phenol has been investigated. X-ray diffraction （XRD）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, infrared spectroscopy （IR）, thermogravimetry analysis （TG）, atomic absorption spectroscopy and elementary analysis are employed for the catalyst characterization. The results show that, the formation of Pb4O（OC6H5）6 through the reaction of phenol and lead species in the catalyst leads to the crystal phase change of active component and serious leaching of lead, which is the cause of the catalyst deactivation. In addition, the composition of the leached lead is ascertained to be a mixture of Pb4O（OC6H5）6 and PbO with the weight percentage of 62.7% and 37.3%, respectively.

Double oxide film defects in Ni-based super-alloy castings

A new class of defects has been recently discovered, which are regarded as double oxide film defects. In this study, a number of Ni-based vacuum-cast test bars were investigated. The fractures in the broken test bars were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy （SEM）. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy （EDS）, as well as Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy （WDS） were used to characterize the chemical elements of the fracture＇s surface. Observation by SEM revealed the presence of inclusions identified as films that appeared to have initiated the growth of carbides. This study has added to the evidence that oxide film defects do exist in Ni-based super-alloy in certain vacuum casting conditions. It provides a reference for researchers＇ further study on the defects, and provides a possible direction for researchers to improve casting technology so as to remove these defects.

High-throughput computational screening of oxide double perovskites for optoelectronic and photocatalysis applications

Oxide double perovskites A2 B’B"O6 are a class of emerging materials in the fields of optoelectronics and catalysis.Due to the chemical flexibilities of perovskite structures,there are multiple elemental combinations of cations A,B’,and B",which leading to tremendous candidates.In this study,we comprehensively screened stable oxide double perovskite A2 B’B"O6 from a pool of 2,018 perovskite candidates using a high-throughput computational approach.By considering a tolerance factor(t)-octahedral factor(μ) phase diagram,138 candidates with Fm 3 m, P21/c,and R3 c phases were selected and systematically studied via first-principles calculations based on density functional theory.The screening procedure finally predicted the existence of 21 stable perovskites,and 14 among them have never been reported.Verification with existing experimental results demonstrates that the prediction accuracy for perovskite formability is approximately 90%.The predicted oxide double perovskites exhibit quasi-direct bandgaps ranging from 0 to 4.4 eV with a significantly small direct-indirect bandgap difference,balanced electron and hole effective masses,and strong optical absorptions.The newly predicted oxide double perovskites may enlarge the pool of material candidates for applications in optoelectronics and photocatalysis.This study provides a route for computational screening of novel perovskites for functional applications.

High-pressure synthesis, characterization, and equation of state of double perovskite Sr_2CoFeO_6

Double perovskite oxide Sr2 Co Fe O6（SCFO） has been obtained using a high-pressure and high-temperature（HPHT）synthesis method. Valence states of Fe and Co and their distributions in SCFO were examined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electric transport behavior of SCFO showed a semiconductor behavior that can be well described by Mott＇s law for variable-range hopping conduction. The structural stability of SCFO was investigated at pressures up to 31 GPa with no pressure-induced phase transition found. Bulk modulus B0 was determined to be 163（2） GPa by fitting the pressure–volume data to the Birch–Murnaghan equation of state.

Removal and fluorescence detection of antibiotics from wastewater by layered double oxides/metal-organic frameworks with different topological configurations

Owing to the serious potential side-effects on the environment and human health,the rapid detection and removal of antibiotics have become an important research focus.In this work,four zinc-based metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)with different functional groups,i.e.,Zn-MOF,Zn-MOF-CH_(3),Zn-MOF-NO_(2),Zn-MOF-COOH,were utilized for the construction of LDO/MOF composite materials with a nickel-iron-cobalt-based layered double oxide,NiFeCo-LDO.The results showed that the LDO/MOF composites not only had high sensitivity in detecting sulfonamide and quinolone antibiotics,but also had an appreciable ability to adsorb them from wastewater.The maximum adsorption capacities of all the four types of LDO@Zn-MOFs to all antibiotics can at least reach 150 mg/g,and the limits of detection in relation to all four antibiotics were at least as low as 100μg/L.Our work suggested the dual-function extraction performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects between the LDO and the MOFs.Moreover,the strong ferromagnetism derived from the LDO provided great convenience for the separation and regeneration of the LDO/MOF composites.

Remediation performance and mechanisms of Cu and Cd contaminated water and soil using Mn/Al-layered double oxide-loaded biochar

The combined pollution of heavy metals is ubiquitous worldwide.Mn/Al-layered double oxide-loaded crab shells biochar (LDO/BC) was prepared,so as to remediate the combined pollution of Cd and Cu in soil and water.The pristine and used LDO/BC were characterized and the results revealed that the layered double oxide was successfully loaded on crab shells biochar (BC) and metal element Ca in crab shells was beneficial to the formation of more regular layered and flake structure.The maximal adsorption capacity (Qm) of LDO/BC for aqueous Cu^(2+)and Cd^(2+)was 66.23 and 73.47 mg/g,respectively.LDO/BC and BC were used to remediate e-waste-contaminated soil for the first time and exhibited highly efficient performance.The extraction amount of Cu and Cd in the contaminated soil by diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) after treating with 5% LDO/BC was significantly reduced from 819.84 to 205.95 mg/kg (with passivation rate 74.8%) and 8.46 to 4.16 mg/kg(with passivation rate 50.8%),respectively,inferring that the bioavailability of heavy metals declined remarkably.The experimental result also suggested that after remediation by LDO/BC the exchangeable and weak acid soluble Cu and Cd in soil translated to reducible,residual and oxidizable fraction which are more stable state.Precipitation,complexation and ion exchange were proposed as the possible mechanisms for Cd and Cu removal.In general,these experiment results indicate that LDO/BC can be a potentially effective reagent for remediation of heavy metal contaminated water and soil.

Recent progress in the development of RE_(2)TMTM’O_(6)double perovskite oxides for cryogenic magnetic refrigeration

The magnetic functional materials play a particularly important role in our modern society and daily life.The magnetocaloric effect(MCE)is at the basis of a solid state magnetic refrigeration(MR)technology which may enhance the efficiency of cooling systems,both for room temperature and cryogenic appli-cations.Despite numerous experimental and theoretical MCE studies,commercial MR systems are still at developing stage.Designing magnetic solids with outstanding magnetocaloric performances remains therefore a most urgent task.Herein,recent progresses on characterizing the crystal structure,magnetic properties and cryogenic MCE of rare earths(RE)-based RE_(2)TMTM’O_(6)double perovskite(DP)oxides,where TM and TM’are different 3d transition metals,are summarized.Some Gd-based DP oxides are found to exhibit promising cryogenic magnetocaloric performances which make them attractive for active MR ap-plications.

Development of Mg-Al LDH and LDO as novel protective materials for deacidification of paper-based relics

Acidification of paper-based relics is a common problem,leading to their degradation and eventual loss.Paper deacidification is highly dependent on a limited variety of alkaline materials,and the development of new materials that are safe,efficient and easy-to-prepare is highly demanded to ensure a high level of safety and effective protection of paper-based relic.This study proposes the introduction of layered double hydroxide(LDH)and its calcined product,mixed metal oxide(layered double oxide(LDO)),as innovative protective materials for the deacidification of paper with varying levels of acidity.The results demonstrate that treatment with Mg-Al LDH/LDO can effectively modify the p H of acidic paper(e.g.,pH~4.0–6.4)to a neutral or weakly basic state,maintaining this desirable p H range even under long-term accelerated aging condition.Remarkably,LDH proves to be well-suited for the protection of slightly acidified paper(e.g.,pH>5.5),while LDO serves as an especially option for the deacidification of severely acidified paper(e.g.,pH≤5.5).During aqueous deacidification,due to the memory effect of the LDH-based materials,LDO is converted to rehydrated LDH,which creates a mild and appropriate alkaline retention in the paper,avoiding damage caused by strong alkalinity such as cellulose degradation and pigment fading during subsequent long-term natural preservation of the paper.Furthermore,Mg-Al LDH/LDO materials also exhibit flame-retardant and bacteriostatic properties.This opens up opportunities for the safe,efficient and multifunctional protection of acidified paper-based relics.

Role of Double Oxide Film Defects in the Formation of Gas Porosity in Commercial Purity and Sr-containing Al Alloys

The role of double oxide film （bifilm） defects in the formation of gas porosity in commercial purity and Srcontaining AI alloys was investigated by means of a reduced pressure test （RPT） technique. The liquid metal was poured from a height into a crucible to introduce oxide defects into the melt. The melt was then subjected to different ＂hydrogen addition＂ and ＂holding in liquid state＂ regimes before RPT samples were taken. The RPT samples were then characterized by determining their porosity parameters and examining the internal surfaces of the pores formed in them by scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated oxide defects as the initiation sites for the growth of gas porosity, both in commercial purity and Sr-containing AI alloys. The results also rejected reduction of the surface tension of the melt, increase in the volumetric shrinkage and reduction in interdendritic feeding as the possible causes of an increase in the porosity content of the AI castings modified with strontium. The change in the composition of the oxide layers of double oxide film defects was suggested to be responsible for this behaviour.

Double perovskite anti-supported rare earth oxide catalyst CeO_(2)/La_(2)CoFeO_(6)for efficient ventilation air methane combustion

Ventilation air methane is one of available resources with a massive reserve.However,most of ventilation air methane is discharged into the air and pollutes the environment.Catalysts with high temperature resistance(>800℃)for ventilation air methane are very essential for utilization of the ventilation air methane.We mainly prepared catalysts CeO_(2)/La_(2)CoFeO_(6)and La_(2)CoFeO_(6)/CeO_(2)and comparative samples CeO_(2)and La_(2)CoFeO_(6)by the simple sol-gel method and calcined them under 9000C,and tested the catalytic performance of ventilation air methane combustion under the condition of 5 vol%H_(2)O.The experimental results show that the light-off temperature(T_(1O))and complete combustion temperature(T_(90))of the ventilation air methane combustion reaction of CeO_(2)/La_(2)CoFeO_(6)catalyst are 417.4 and 587.7℃,respectively.T_(1O)and Tgo of La_(2)CoFeO_(6)/CeO_(2)only reach 425.5 and 615.8℃.The T_(10)and T_(9O)of CeO_(2)/La_(2)CoFeO_(6)are 417.4 and 587.7℃,which are lower than those of La_(2)CoFeO_(6)[T_(10)=452.4℃and T_(90)=673.0℃)and La_(2)CoFeO_(6)/CeO_(2)(T_(10)=425.5℃and T_(90)=615.8℃).Therefore,the catalytic performance of the anti-supported rare earth oxide catalyst CeO_(2)/La_(2)CoFeO_(6)is better than that of La_(2)CoFeO_(6)and supported catalyst La_(2)CoFeO_(6)/CeO_(2).

Effect of Double Oxide Film Defects on Mechanical Properties of As-Cast C95800 Alloy

The morphology of double oxide film defects and their influence on the tensile mechanical properties of a commercial Cu-Al （C95800） alloy were investigated in this study. Plane castings were produced with two types of pouting systems, and their tensile properties were measured and then analyzed by means of Weibull statistics method. The fracture surfaces of the tensile specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. A large amount of double oxide film defects were observed on the tensile fractured specimens of the topfilled plane castings, and their chemical composition is identified to be Al2O3. Weibull statistics analyses showed that the double oxide film defects significantly reduce mechanical properties of the castings investigated. Furthermore, the ultimate tensile strength is more obviously deteriorated by double oxide film defects than elongation.

Porous microtubes of nickel-cobalt double oxides as non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide sensors

Non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors for the determination of hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))have attracted more and more concerns.A series of nickel and cobalt double oxides(Ni_(x)Co_(y)-DO)with the different ratios of Ni/Co have been prepared by a polyol-mediated solvothermal method for H_(2)O_(2)detection.The obtained products exhibit honeycomb-like open porous microtubes constituted with the low-dimensional nanostructured Ni_(x)Co_(y)-DO blocks after the calcination treatment.Compared with nickel oxides,the introduced Co ions in Ni_(x)Co_(y)-DO can induce the production of surficial oxygen vacancies,and further enhance the electrode surface activity.In particular,the NiCo-DO sample(with an atomic ratio of Ni/Co=4:3)shows the richest surficial oxygen vacancies and presents the highest H_(2)O_(2)detection activity among all the as-prepared samples,demonstrating an excellent sensitivity of698.60μAL mmol^(-1)cm^(-2)(0~0.4 mmol/L),low detection limit(0.28μmol/L,S/N=3),as well as long stability,high selectivity and good reproducibility.This work lends a new impetus to the potential application of double metal oxides for the next generation of non-enzymatic sensors.

Effect of rare earth on the performance of Ru/MgAl-LDO catalysts for ammonia synthesis

A series of MgAl-layered double oxides（LDO） doped with different rare-earth elements（Y, La, and Ce）were synthesized by the calcination of Mg-Al layered double hydroxides, and Ru, which were used to prepare ammonia synthesis catalysts. The as-obtained oxides and catalysts were characterized by XRD,TEM, TPD, TPR and XPS to understand their catalytic performances in ammonia synthesis. The H_2-TPR and HRTEM studies reveal that Ru/Y-LDO catalyst possesses more active Ru metal and small particle size.The XPS demonstrates that the electronic interaction between Y and Ru metals is stronger, which can be tentatively explained by most of Y inserted into the hydrotalcites structure. CO_2-TPD demonstrates that Ru/Y-LDO catalyst shows stronger basic site densities than catalysts doped with Ce and La. Higher activity of the Ru/Y-LDO catalyst can be attributed to smaller particle size, more active metal（Ru） and strong Ru-support interaction.

Oxide perovskite Ba_(2)AgIO_(6)wafers for X-ray detection

X-ray detection is of great significance in biomedical,nondestructive,and scientific research.Lead halide perovskites have recently emerged as one of the most promising materials for direct X-ray detection.However,the lead toxicity remains a worrisome concern for further commercial application.Great efforts have been made to search for lead-free perovskites with similar optoelectronic properties.Here,we present a lead-free oxide double perovskite material Ba2AgIO6 for X-ray detection.The lead-free,all-inorganic nature,as well as the high density of Ba2AgIO6,promises excellent prospects in X-ray applications.By employing the hydrothermal method,we successfully synthesized highly crystalline Ba2AgIO6 powder with pure phase.Furthermore,we prepared Ba2AgIO6 wafers through isostatic pressure and built X-ray detectors with Au/Ba2AgIO6 wafer/Au photoconductive structure.The as-prepared X-ray detectors showed a sensitivity of 18.9μC/(Gyair$cm2)at 5 V/mm,similar to commercialα-Se detectors showcasing their advantages for X-ray detection.

Preparation of highly dispersed supported Ni-Based catalysts and their catalytic performance in low temperature for CO methanation

The use of non-noble nickel-based catalysts for low temperature CO methanation has been a challenge in recent years.Herein,MgAl layered double oxides sample with high dispersion synthesized by a facile N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid assisted wetness impregnation approach,demonstrates much superior catalytic activity and exceptional stability for CO methanation in comparison with the classical Ni/MgAl-LDO catalyst prepared by the ordinary wetness impregnation method.HRTEM results showed that N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid played a positive role in the dispersion of Ni,as well as Ni-support interaction.Well-dispersed Ni particles with a size of about 5 nm were formed in the presence of N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid.Compared to the Ni/MgAl-LDO prepared by conventional impregnation method,the NH-Ni/MgAl-LDO exhibited superior catalytic performance,especially excellent thermal stability.The NH-Ni30/MgAl-LDO catalyst was found to keep a 70%CO conversion even at 160◦C which demonstrates its good low temperature performance.From the in situ FTIR observations,this good performance at low temperatures may be linked to the delocalization of electrons around CO caused by surface hydroxyl groups.