Enhanced recovery of high-purity Fe powder from iron-rich electrolytic manganese residue by slurry electrolysis

Iron-rich electrolytic manganese residue(IREMR)is an industrial waste produced during the processing of electrolytic metal manganese,and it contains certain amounts of Fe and Mn resources and other heavy metals.In this study,the slurry electrolysis technique was used to recover high-purity Fe powder from IREMR.The effects of IREMR and H2SO4 mass ratio,current density,reaction temper-ature,and electrolytic time on the leaching and current efficiencies of Fe were studied.According to the results,high-purity Fe powder can be recovered from the cathode plate,and the slurry electrolyte can be recycled.The leaching efficiency,current efficiency,and purity of Fe reached 92.58%,80.65%,and 98.72wt%,respectively,at a 1:2.5 mass ratio of H2SO4 and IREMR,reaction temperature of 60℃,electric current density of 30 mA/cm^(2),and reaction time of 8 h.In addition,vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM)analysis showed that the coercivity of electrolytic iron powder was 54.5 A/m,which reached the advanced magnetic grade of electrical pure-iron powder(DT4A coercivity standard).The slurry electrolytic method provides fundamental support for the industrial application of Fe resource recovery in IRMER.

Artificial neural network-based method for discriminating Compton scattering events in high-purity germaniumγ-ray spectrometer

To detect radioactive substances with low activity levels,an anticoincidence detector and a high-purity germanium(HPGe)detector are typically used simultaneously to suppress Compton scattering background,thereby resulting in an extremely low detection limit and improving the measurement accuracy.However,the complex and expensive hardware required does not facilitate the application or promotion of this method.Thus,a method is proposed in this study to discriminate the digital waveform of pulse signals output using an HPGe detector,whereby Compton scattering background is suppressed and a low minimum detectable activity(MDA)is achieved without using an expensive and complex anticoincidence detector and device.The electric-field-strength and energy-deposition distributions of the detector are simulated to determine the relationship between pulse shape and energy-deposition location,as well as the characteristics of energy-deposition distributions for fulland partial-energy deposition events.This relationship is used to develop a pulse-shape-discrimination algorithm based on an artificial neural network for pulse-feature identification.To accurately determine the relationship between the deposited energy of gamma(γ)rays in the detector and the deposition location,we extract four shape parameters from the pulse signals output by the detector.Machine learning is used to input the four shape parameters into the detector.Subsequently,the pulse signals are identified and classified to discriminate between partial-and full-energy deposition events.Some partial-energy deposition events are removed to suppress Compton scattering.The proposed method effectively decreases the MDA of an HPGeγ-energy dispersive spectrometer.Test results show that the Compton suppression factors for energy spectra obtained from measurements on ^(152)Eu,^(137)Cs,and ^(60)Co radioactive sources are 1.13(344 keV),1.11(662 keV),and 1.08(1332 keV),respectively,and that the corresponding MDAs are 1.4%,5.3%,and 21.6%lower,respectively.

Synthesis of high-purity silver nanorods with tunable plasmonic properties and sensor behavior

Through anisotropic Ag overgrowth on the surface of Au nanobipyramids(Au NBPs), high-purity and sizecontrolled Ag nanorods(Au/Ag NRs) are obtained by a simplified purification process. The diameters of the Au/Ag NRs are determined by the size of the as-prepared Au NBPs, and the lengths of the Au/Ag NRs are tunable using different amounts of Ag precursor in the growth solution. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS) studies using Rhodamine-6G(R6G) as a test molecule indicate that the Au/Ag NRs have excellent sensing potential. The tunable optical properties and strong electromagnetic effect of the Au/Ag NRs, along with their superior SERS signal enhancement, show that Au/Ag NRs are promising for further applications in plasmon sensing and biomolecular detection.

Use of various MgO resources for high-purity Mg metal production through molten salt electrolysis and vacuum distillation

A green and effective electrolytic process was developed to produce high-purity Mg metal using primary and secondary resources containing Mg O as a feedstock. The electrolysis of various Mg O resources was conducted using a Cu cathode in MgF2– LiF – KCl molten salt at 1043 K by applying an average current of 1.44 A for 12.5 h. The electrolysis of calcined North Korean magnesite and seawater Mg O clinker yielded Mg alloys of MgCu2and(Cu) phases with current efficiencies of 89.6–92.4%. The electrolysis of oxidized Mg O-C refractory brick, aged ferronickel slag, and ferronickel slag yielded Mg alloys of MgCu2and(Cu) phases with current efficiencies of 59.3–92.3%. The vacuum distillation of Mg alloys obtained was conducted at 1300 K for 10 h to produce high-purity Mg metal. After vacuum distillation, Mg metal with a purity of above 99.994% was obtained. Therefore, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the production of high-purity Mg metal from various Mg O resources using a novel electrolytic process with a Cu cathode, followed by vacuum distillation.

Minimizing pest aluminum in magnesium for the production of high-purity titanium

It is practically difficult to find titanium sponges with low and stable aluminum impurities on the market even though it is the precondition to prepare high-purity titanium. Analysis indicates that almost all the aluminum impurities in the titanium sponge are inherited from the magnesium used to reduce titanium tetrachloride. However, it remains elusive for decades why magnesium produced through the silicothermic reduction method contains a high content of aluminum impurities with large fluctuations. By recourse to thermodynamic calculations and comparative experiments, we demonstrate that fluorite, a material used as a catalyst in the silicothermic reduction method to produce magnesium, is the chief culprit for the pest aluminum and propose a mechanism to rationalize the observed phenomena. Our findings indicate that one practical way to produce qualified magnesium for the production of high-purity titanium is to abandon fluorite during the production of magnesium with the silicothermic reduction method.

Production of high-purity Mg metal from dolomite through novel molten salt electrolysis and vacuum distillation

In this study,a novel Mg production process for producing high-purity Mg metal from dolomite was developed.When the electrolysis of calcined dolomite was conducted using Cu cathode and C anode in MgF_(2)–LiF molten salt at 1083–1173 K by applying an average current of 1.42–1.46 A for 9.50–21.0 h,the current efficiency of 66.4–88.6%was obtained.The produced Mg alloys consisted of MgCu_(2)and Cu(Mg)or MgCu_(2)and CuMg_(2)phases,depending on the Mg concentration in the Mg alloy.When the electrolysis of calcined dolomite was conducted in MgF_(2)–LiF–CaF_(2)molten salt at 1083 K,the current efficiency was 40.9–71.4%,owing to undesired reactions such as electroreduction of Ca^(2+)or/and CO_(3)^(2−)ions.Meanwhile,the current efficiency increased from 40.9%to 63.2%by utilizing a Pt anode,because the occurrence of CO_(3)^(2−)ions in the molten salt was prevented.After vacuum distillation of the obtained Mg alloys at 1300 K for 10 h,Mg metal with a purity of 99.9996–99.9998%was produced.Therefore,the feasibility of this novel process for the production of high-purity Mg metal from dolomite was demonstrated.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Orange and Lemon Peel Extract and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Properties

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of orange and lemon peels, as a reducing agent, and silver nitrate salts as a source of silver ions is a promising field of research due to the versatility of biomedical applications of metal nanoparticles. In this paper, AgNPs were synthetized at different reaction parameters such as the type and concentration of the extracts, metal salt concentration, temperature, speed stirring, and pH. The antibacterial properties of the obtained silver nanoparticles against E. coli, as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of the synthesized silver nanoparticles, were investigated. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of AgNPs. In addition to green biogenic synthesis, chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles was also carried out. The optimal temperature for extraction was 65˚C, while for the synthesis of AgNPs was 35˚C. The synthesis is carried out in an acidic environment (pH = 4.7 orange and pH = 3.8 lemon), neutral (pH = 7) and alkaline (pH = 10), then for different concentrations of silver nitrate solution (0.5 mM - 1 mM), optimal time duration of the reaction was 60 min and optimal stirring speed rotation was 250 rpm on the magnetic stirrer. The physical properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (conductivity, density and refractive index) were also studied, and the passage of laser light through the obtained solution and distilled water was compared. Positive inhibitory effect on the growth of new Escherichia coli colonies have shown AgNPs synthesized at a basic pH value and at a 0.1 mM AgNO3 using orange or lemon peel extract, while for a 0.5 mM AgNO3 using lemon peel extract.

The Influence of Tartaric Acid in the Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis Using Response Surface Methodology

Silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)synthesized using tartaric acid as a capping agent have a great impact on the reaction kinetics and contribute significantly to the stability of AgNPs.The protective layer formed by tartaric acid is an important factor that protects the silver surface and reduces potential cytotoxicity problems.These attributes are critical for assessing the compatibility of AgNPs with biological systems and making them suitable for drug delivery applications.The aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive study of the effect of tartaric acid concentration,sonication time and temperature on the formation of silver nanoparticles.Using Response Surface Methodology(RSM)with Face-Centered Central Composite Design(FCCD),the optimization process identifies the most favorable synthesis conditions.UV-Vis spectrum regression analysis shows that AgNPs stabilized with tartaric acid are more stable than AgNPs without tartaric acid.This highlights the increased stability that tartaric acid provides in AgNP ssssynthesis.Particle size distribution analysis showed a multimodal distribution for AgNPs with tartaric acid and showed the smallest size peak with an average size of 20.53 nm.The second peak with increasing intensity shows a dominant average size of 108.8 nm accompanied by one standard deviation of 4.225 nm and a zeta potential of−11.08 mV.In contrast,AgNPs synthesized with polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP)showed a unimodal particle distribution with an average particle size of 81.62 nm and a zeta potential of−2.96 mV.The more negative zeta potential of AgNP-tartaric acid indicates its increased stability.Evaluation of antibacterial activity showed that AgNPs stabilized with tartaric acid showed better performance against E.coli and B.subtilis bacteria compared with AgNPs-PVP.In summary,this study highlights the potential of tartaric acid in AgNP synthesis and suggests an avenue for the development of stable AgNPs with versatile applications.

The Silver Economy:New Opportunities for China’s Aging Population

Developing the silver economy is not only a requirement for enhancing services for the elderly,but also an important part of achieving China's high-quality development.CHINA’s latest Central Economic Work Conference held in December 2023 emphasized the need to accelerate the improvement of a childbearing supportive policy system and develop the silver economy.As a result of the rapidly aging population in China,the silver economy has risen to an unprecedented height in China’s development strategy.From concept to action,the silver economy has become a significant part of China’s active response to such national issues as population aging,boosting domestic demands,and achieving high-quality development.

Golden Opportunities in The Silver Economy

The government work report delivered at the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress(NPC)in Beijing on March 5 stated that“a further push will be made to develop the silver economy.”Before this,on January 15,the State Council issued Opinions on Developing the Silver Economy to Enhance the Well-being of the Elderly.The first in China dedicated to supporting the“silver economy,”the document outlines goals and measures for the development of the sector.So what can be done to seize the new opportunities emerging alongside the growing aging population to advance high-quality economic development?

Impact Analysis of Microscopic Defect Types on the Macroscopic Crack Propagation in Sintered Silver Nanoparticles

Sintered silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)arewidely used in high-power electronics due to their exceptional properties.However,the material reliability is significantly affected by various microscopic defects.In this work,the three primary micro-defect types at potential stress concentrations in sintered AgNPs are identified,categorized,and quantified.Molecular dynamics(MD)simulations are employed to observe the failure evolution of different microscopic defects.The dominant mechanisms responsible for this evolution are dislocation nucleation and dislocation motion.At the same time,this paper clarifies the quantitative relationship between the tensile strain amount and the failure mechanism transitions of the three defect types by defining key strain points.The impact of defect types on the failure process is also discussed.Furthermore,traction-separation curves extracted from microscopic defect evolutions serve as a bridge to connect the macro-scale model.The validity of the crack propagation model is confirmed through tensile tests.Finally,we thoroughly analyze how micro-defect types influence macro-crack propagation and attempt to find supporting evidence from the MD model.Our findings provide a multi-perspective reference for the reliability analysis of sintered AgNPs.

Diversified Elderly Care Services to Promote the Silver Economy

China is striving to build an elderly-friendly society,with comfortable living facilities,convenient transportation,and accessible leisure services.THE Chinese path to modernization entails the modernization of a huge population.Part of this,as was declared at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China(CPC),means China will pursue a proactive national strategy in response to population aging,and develop elderly care programs and services.To actively respond to population aging,there is more to care than just the physical health of the elderly.Their needs are multi-level and diverse.To some extent,it’s fair to say that a society’s happiness is largely dependent on whether or not the elderly are happy.The silver economy,which meets the needs of the elderly for a better life,therefore has enormous development potentials.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Clerodendron phlomoides Leave Extract:Particle Morphology,Antimicrobial Potential and Application

Silver nanoparticles are versatile nanomaterials that have found numerous applications in various fields.The use of plant extract for the synthesis of silver is a green and sustainable approach.Clerodendron phlomoides leaves extract has been found to contain various phytochemicals,such as phenols,flavonoids,tannins,and alkaloids,which possess reducing and stabilizing properties that can aid the production of silver particles.In this paper,morphological and topographical analyses were performed on silver nanoparticles.The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial potential against wound pathogens.SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the particles were sphere and nanosized,which makes them suitable for various biomedical applications.

Timing of granite pegmatite-type high-purity quartz deposit in the Eastern Qinling,China:constraints from in-situ LA-ICP-MS trace analyses of quartz and monazite U–Pb dating

Eastern Qinling,China is one of the important rare metal metallogenic provinces with extensively distributed granite pegmatite dikes.The No.5 granite pegmatite intruded into the granitic gneiss of the Qinling Group,and the major minerals are quartz(39.8%),K-feldspar(18.8%),albite(36.3%),muscovite(3.4%),and garnet(1.1%).Monazite U–Pb isotopic dating indicates that the No.5 pegmatite from the Eastern Qinling was emplaced at ca.420.2±2.2 Ma,which confirms that highpurity quartz mineralization probably formed during the Early Devonian.In-situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of quartz show that quartz samples from Eastern Qinling have total trace element concentrations(Al,Ti,Sc,Li,B,Cr,Mn,and Fe)ranging from 23.2 to 52.8 ppm,slightly higher than the quartz(impurity element content from 13.4 to 25.9 ppm)of the Spruce Pine high-purity quartz deposit in western North Carolina.The No.5 pegmatite of Eastern Qinling could be defined as one high-purity quartz deposit of China.

Preparing high-purity iron by direct reduction?smelting separation of ultra-high-grade iron concentrate

A new process for preparing high-purity iron(HPI)was proposed,and it was investigated by laboratory experiments and pilot tests.The results show that under conditions of a reduced temperature of 1075°C,reduced time of 5 h,and CaO content of 2.5wt%,a DRI with a metallization rate of 96.5%was obtained through coal-based direct reduction of ultra-high-grade iron concentrate.Then,an HPI with a Fe purity of 99.95%and C,Si,Mn,and P contents as low as 0.0008wt%,0.0006wt%,0.0014wt%,and 0.0015wt%,respectively,was prepared by smelting separation of the DRI using a smelting temperature of 1625°C,smelting time of 45 min,and CaO content of 9.3wt%.The product of the pilot test with a scale of 0.01 Mt/a had a lower impurity content than the Chinese industry standard.An HPI with a Fe purity of 99.98wt%can be produced through the direct reduction?smelting separation of ultra-high-grade iron concentrate at relatively low cost.The proposed process shows a promising prospect for application in the future.

The Status Quo and Development Trend of High-purity Gold Sputtering Targets

This article gives a brief introduction to manufacturers and markets of sputtering targets as well as the manufacturing technology thereof. Then, it analyzes the application of high-purity gold sputtering targets in the fields of integrated circuit, information storage, flat panel display, etc. Based on the above, the article analyzes the processing development trend for the high-purity gold sputtering targets in aspects of ultra-high purity, manufacturing technology, analysis and testing technologies.

改良Silver联合跖骨截骨治疗拇外翻畸形

目的分析采用改良Silver精准外侧软组织松解及内侧关节囊紧缩联合跖骨截骨术治疗拇外翻,探索改良Silver精准外侧软组织松解及内侧关节囊紧缩联合跖骨截骨对纠正拇外翻畸形的效果。方法回顾分析2019-10-2021-12收治的20例拇外翻患者,均应用改良Silver联合跖骨截骨术治疗,并采用拇外翻角、跖骨间角评估,比较术前与术后即刻、术后3个月、术后6个月的差异,以及术前及末次随访时第一跖趾关节的AOFAS量表评分。结果手术后即刻、术后3个月和6个月的HAA、IMA,以及末次随访时的AOFAS评分均较术前显著改善,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。但术后即刻、术后3个月和6个月的HAA、IMA的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论拇外翻采用精准外侧软组织松解及内侧关节囊紧缩的改良Silver联合跖骨截骨术,拇外翻外形明显改善,功能恢复良好,无复发,疗效满意。

Antibacterial Chitosan-Gelatin Microcapsules Modified with Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Food Packaging

Silver nanoparticles(Ag NPs)are an effective antibacterial agent,but their application in food packaging is limited due to their easy agglomeration and oxidation.In this study,antibacterial microcapsules were fabricated using Ginkgo biloba essential oil(GBEO)as core material and chitosan and type B gelatin biopolymer as capsule mate-rials.These antibacterial microcapsules were then modified with green-synthesized Ag NPs,blended into the bio-polymer polylactic acid(PLA),and finally formed as films.Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli(E.coli)and Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)were evaluated.Results showed that the prepared antibacterial PLA films exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens.Its TVC exceeded the limit value of 7 log CFU/g at 7 days compared with the 5 days of pure PLA films.Therefore,these films can extend the shelf life of grass carp fillets by 2–3 days under refrigeration.

Atomic Emission Spectrographic Analysis of High-purity Gallium with Prior Partial Dissolution of Matrix

An improved method has been developed for enriching and determining trace In,Pt,Sn,Co,Hg,Pb,Ni, Bi,Pd,Cu and Ag in high-purity gallium.Sample was treated by PDM(partial dissolution of matrix)with HCl(11mol/L)-HNO_3(0.5mol/L)to a small residue of which Ga was then removed by extraction with 1 ml isopropyl ether.The concentrated impurities were determined by AES procedure.The recoveries for the ele- ments at the range of 0.02～0.2 μg are 95～103％;the relative standard deviations for determined impurities overa rangeofn.10^(-7)～n·10^(-8)％ are 4.3～12％;the detection limit of most elements can reach n·10^(-7)～ n·10^(-8)％ level with the exception of Hg and Pt.This method has been successfully used to analyze many sam- ples sent by factories and institutes.

Present Situation and Prospects of High-purity Elements in China

1.IntroductionHigh-purity elements are the basic materials in electronics,communication,aerospace,atomicenergy and semiconductor material industries.Its development is a decisive factor for high-tech in-dustries.The high-purification of non-ferrous metals is of great significance.It conduces to determining