Mimicking a Superhydrophobic Insect Wing by Argon and Oxygen Ion Beam Treatment on Polytetrafluoroethylene Film

Biological tiny structures have been observed on many kinds of surfaces such as lotus leaves and insect wings,which enhance the hydrophobicity of the natural surfaces and play a role of self-cleaning.We presented the fabrication technology of a superhydrophobic surface using high energy ion beam.Artificial insect wings that mimic the morphology and the superhydrophobocity of cicada's wings were successfully fabricated using argon and oxygen ion beam treatment on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)film.The wing structures were supported by carbon/epoxy fibers as artificial flexible veins that were bonded through an autoclave process.The morphology of the fabricated surface bears a strong resemblance to the wing surface of a cicada,with contact angles greater than 160°,which could be sustained for more than two months.

Clinical Observation of Transepithelial Corneal Collagen Cross-linking by Iontophoresis of Riboflavin in Treatment of Keratoconus

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transepithelial collagen cross-linking by iontophoretic delivery of riboflavin in treatment of progressive keratoconus.Methods:.Eleven patients(15 eyes) with progressive keratoconus were enrolled. After 0.1% riboflavin-distilled water solution was deliveried via transepithelial iontophpresis for 5 min with 1 m A current, and ultraviolet radiation(370 nm,.3 m W /cm2) was performed at a 1.5 cm distance for 30 min. The follow up were 6 months in all eyes. The uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity,endothelial cell counting, corneal thickness,.intraocular pressure, corneal curvature, corneal topography,.OCT and corneal opacity before and 6-month after surgery were analyzed.Results: At 6 month postoperatively, mean uncorrected visual acuity and corrected visual acuity changed from 0.36 to 0.30 and from 0.42 to 0.57 without statistical significance..The mean value of each index of corneal curvature declined without statistical significance.Kmax value dereased from 60.91 to59.91, and the astigmatism declined from 3.86 to 3.19. Central corneal thickness decreased from 460.93 μm to 455.40μm,.and thinnest corneal thickness declined from 450.87 μm to 440.60 μm with no statistical significance..Intraocular pressure was significantly elevated from 10.85 mm Hg to 12.62 mm Hg. Endothelial cell count did not change significantly. No corneal haze occurred. Mean depth of corneal demarcation line was 288.46 μm at 1 month postoperatively..Conclusion:.Transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking by iontophoresis is effective and safe in the treatment of progressive keratoconus, and yields stable clinical outcomes during 6-month follow up..However,.long-term follow up is urgently required.

Study on Friction and Wear Characteristics and Structure of Compound Layer from Combined Treatment of Ion Nitrocarburizing-Ion Sulphurizing of CrMoCu Alloy Cast Iron

The technics of combined treatment of ion nitrocarburizing-ion sulphurizing of CrMoCu alloy cast iron has been investigated and the compound layer with nitrocarbonide and sulphide has been made on the surface of CrMoCu alloy cast iron. The compound layer is composed of sulfide surface layer and the nitrocarbonide hypo-surface layer and its diffusing layer. The size of sulfide globular grains distributing equably on the surface is in nano-rnicron-scale, and the phase structure of the compound layer is composed of FeS^ FeSi^ Fe2C and Fe3N. Under dry sliding condition, the friction-reducing of sulphurized surface is good, but its function time can’t last very long. The nitrocarbonided+sulphurized surface can greatly improve the wear-resistance and the friction-reducing of CrMoCu alloy cast iron, and its integrated friction and wear properties are better than plain and sulphurized surfaces’.

Gas treatment protection of metallic lithium anode

The effects of different coating layers on lithium metal anode formed by reacting with different controlled atmospheres（argon,CO_2–O_2（2：1）,N_2,and CO_2–O_2–N_2（2：1：3））have been investigated.The obtained XRD,second ion mass spectroscopy（SIMS）,and scanning probe microscope（SPM）results demonstrate the formation of coating layers composed of Li_2CO_3,Li_3N,and the mixture of them on lithium tablets,respectively.The Li/Li symmetrical cell and Li/S cell are assembled to prove the advantages of the protected lithium tablet on electrochemical performance.The comparison of SEM and SIMS characterizations before/after cycles clarifies that an SEI-like composition formed on the lithium tablets could modulate the interfacial stabilization between the lithium foil and the ether electrolyte.

THE INFLUENCE OF HEAT TREATMENT ON OPTICAL PROPERTY OF ION EXCHANGE PHOTOCHROMIC GLASS

In this paper, the influence of heat treatment on transmittance and the photochromic of ion exchange photochromic glass was studied, the microstructure of glass as well as the forming of AgX crystals were discussed. It is believed that heat treatment temperature affects precipitating of AgX crystal, and the AgX crystal is a dominant factor affecting surface photochromic properties of ion exchange photochromic glass.

Cloning and Expression Patterns of a Metallothionein-like GenehtMT2 of Helianthus tuberosus

A novel cDNA sequencehtMT2, which encodes a type 2 metallothionein_like protein, was isolated from Helianthus tuberosus L. tuber cDNA library. The whole sequence is 509 bp, including an open reading frame (ORF) of 240 bp, a 5′ UTR of 62 bp and a 3′ UTR of 207 bp. Two genomic sequences covering the coding region ofhtMT2were cloned by PCR reaction. Sequence analysis revealed that the genomic sequences htMTG_1 of 986 bp and htMTG_2 of 982 bp were both composed of three exons and two introns. The deduced protein consisted of 79 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 7.8 ku (kD). Amino_terminal and carboxy_terminal domains contained 8 and 7 cysteine residues respectively, separated by a central cysteine free spacer. Sequence alignment revealed that the predicted protein ofhtMT2 was homologous to type 2 metallothioneins (MTs) of plants. Southern blotting analysis indicated that htMT2was encoded by a small multi_gene family in H. tuberosus genome. Northern blotting analysis showed that htMT2 transcripts were detected in stems, leaves and leafstalks, but no transcripts were detected in roots. The expression level in stems was the highest among the above tissues. Transcripts in stems were significantly reduced by Cu 2+ treatment. Judging from the homologies between the deduced HtMT2 and other type 2 plant metallothioneins as well as responses to metal ions, we believe thatwere cloned by PCR reaction. Sequence analysis revealed that the genomic sequences htMTG_1 of 986 bp and htMTG_2 of 982 bp were both composed of three exons and two introns. The deduced protein consisted of 79 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 7.8 ku (kD). Amino_terminal and carboxy_terminal domains contained 8 and 7 cysteine residues respectively, separated by a central cysteine free spacer. Sequence alignment revealed that the predicted protein ofhtMT2 was homologous to type 2 metallothioneins (MTs) of plants. Southern blotting analysis indicated that htMT2was encoded by a small multi_gene family in H. tuberosus genome. Northern blotting analysis showed that htMT2 transcripts were detected in stems, leaves and leafstalks, but no transcripts were detected in roots. The expression level in stems was the highest among the above tissues. Transcripts in stems were significantly reduced by Cu 2+ treatment. Judging from the homologies between the deduced HtMT2 and other type 2 plant metallothioneins as well as responses to metal ions, we believe that[ShtMT2 encodes a new type 2 metallothionein.

Highly Efficient Adsorption of Copper Ions by a PVP-Reduced Graphene Oxide Based On a New Adsorptions Mechanism

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-reduced graphene oxide was prepared by modified hummers method and was used as adsorbent for removing Cu ions from wastewater. The effects of contact time and ions concentration on adsorption capacity were examined. The maximum adsorption capacity of 1689 mg/g was observed at an initial p H value of 3.5 after agitating for 10 min. It was demonstrated that polyvinylpyrrolidone-reduced graphene oxide had a huge adsorption capacity for Cu ions, which was 10 times higher than maximal value reported in previous works. The adsorption mechanism was also discussed by density functional theory. It demonstrates that Cu ions are attracted to surface of reduced graphene oxide by C atoms in reduced graphene oxide modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone through physisorption processes, which may be responsible for the higher adsorption capacity. Our results suggest that polyvinylpyrrolidone-reduced graphene oxide is an effective adsorbent for removing Cu ions in wastewater. It also provides a new way to improve the adsorption capacity of reduced graphene oxide for dealing with the heavy metal ion in wastewater.

Graphene-based membranes for molecular and ionic separations in aqueous environments

Graphene-based laminar materials open up to new applications for molecular and ionic separations in aqueous environments due to the atomic thickness, mechanical strength, chemical stability and other fantastic properties.Recent advances on controlling the structure and chemical functionality of graphene-based membranes can potentially lead to new classes of tools for desalination, dehydration, toxicant rejection, specific ionic separation and so on. The recent developments of graphene-based membranes prepared by using a concept to form interlayer space between graphene sheets and creating nanoscale or sub-nanoscale pores in a graphene lattice, together with their mass-transfer mechanisms and potential applications in aqueous environments are reviewed. A summary and outlook is further provided on the opportunities and challenges in this arising field.This article is expected to address the intricate details of mass transport through two distinct graphene-based membranes in aqueous environment and to optimize the fabrication of graphene-based membranes as a fascinating separation system for a wide range of applications.

STUDIES ON ION BEAM APPLICATION TO IMPROVE AQUATIC MACROPHYTE REMEDIATION CAPACITY IN EUTROPHIC WATERS

Using ion beam biotechnology in combination with soil-less plant cultivation on artificial substratum (floating beds), the experiments were conducted with Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. Plants were attached to floating-beds which were placed on the surface of artificially nutrient-enriched tank water, in order to study the purification and remediation efficiency of ion beam-treated I. aquatica cultivars. The results show that N + ion beams with 25keV energy and dosages of 0, 2.6, 3.9, 5.2, 6.5, 7.8, 9.1×10 13N +(ions)/cm 2 affected I. aquatica dry seeds differently, with the dose of 3.9×10 13N + (ions)/cm 2 improving effectively the performance as expressed by various biological indices. After ion beam application, I. aquatica cultivars grew well in nutrient-enriched water bodies, increasing the growth of leaves and stem, number of leaves, length and area of roots, plant height, and weight more remarkably than observed in the control. The net removing rates of TN, TP were as high as 75% and 82%, respectively. Especially under the dose of 3.9×10 13N +(ions)/cm 2, the net removing rates of TN, TP were highest, for 77% and 85%, respectively. It was proved that ion beam application improves phytoremediation and may be used to purify nutrient rich water bodies.

Fabrication of Sn-Ni alloy film anode for Li-ion batteries by electrochemical deposition

Sn-Ni alloy films for Li-ion batteries were fabricated by electrochemical deposition with rough copper foils as current collectors.The influence of electrochemical-deposition temperature and heat treatment were also investigated.By galvanostatic cell cycling the film anodes can deliver a steady specific capacity.The morphological changes cause the differences in capacity retention. After farther heat treatment,the film anodes present a better cycle performance,with a specific capacity of 314 mA·h/g after 100 cycles.This high capacity retention can be due to its smooth,compact surface formed in the heat treatment process.

Heat treatment effect on electrochemical properties of spinel Li_4Ti_5O_(12)

Anode material Li4Ti5O12 was prepared at 800℃ by a solid-state reaction, followed by heat-treatment at 600℃ for different times （0, 2, 8, and 12 h）. The effects of heat-treatment time on the particle morphology, rate-capability, and electrode kinetic process of the Li4Ti5O12 electrode, and on the lithium ion diffusion coefficient inside the Li4Ti5O12 electrode were investigated. Proper heat treatment could smoothen the particle surface of Li4Ti5O12 particles and increase the rate-capability of the electrode. Overlong heat treatment might cause particle aggregation and hence result in a poor electrode kinetic process. A sample with 8 h of heat treatment showed the best rate-capability and the lowest electrode reaction resistance. Heat treatment for 2-8 h does not significantly change the lithium ion diffusion coefficient inside the Li4Ti5O12 electrode, whereas, 12-h treatment results in a lower lithium ion diffusion coefficient.

Reduction of Environmental Pollution by Use of Ions

Various methods are used to reduce the environmental pollution.In this paper the methods of air/water/soil pollution mitigation/reduction using electromagnetic fields is discussed.Air/water/soil contains ions and the energy transfer for living organisms take place by ion exchange processes.Ions are affected by electric/magnetic fields.Many investigators are working on improving environment by applying electromagnetic fields,which affect

17α-Ethinylestradiol removal from water by magnetic ion exchange resin

Magnetic ion exchange(MIEX) resins have received considerable attention in drinking water treatment due to their fast and efficient removal of dissolved organic carbon(DOC). Two types of mechanisms, i.e., ion exchange,reversible and irreversible adsorption, may occur during pollutants removal by MIEX. This work examined the removal mechanism of 17α-Ethinylestradiol(EE2) by MIEX. As one of typical estrogen micro-pollutants,EE2 existed as neutral molecule in natural water, and its charge density was close to zero [(0.00000219 ±0.00000015) meq·(μg EE2)^(-1)] based on the potentiometric titration method. However, the removal of EE2 by MIEX was much higher than that of other micro-pollutants previously reported. Multi-cycle adsorptionregeneration experiments and ion exchange stoichiometry analysis were conducted to elucidate the removal mechanism of EE2 by MIEX resin. The results suggested that the main removal mechanism of EE2 by MIEX was ion exchange instead of reversible micro-pore adsorption. The experimental analysis based on Donnan theory indicated that the internal micro-environment of resin beads was alkaline, in the alkaline environment EE2 would be ionized into negatively charged groups. As a result, ion exchange reaction occurred inside the pore of MIEX resin, and the removal process of EE2 by MIEX was dominated by the ion exchange reaction.

Production of radioactive ~9C ion beam and its optimization

To explore the medical use of a radioactive 9C-ion beam in tumor treatment, which is a double radiation source coming from the external beam itself and the delayed particles emitted internally, some physical experiments are performed at the Secondary Beam Line (SBL) of Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator, Chiba (HIMAC) in Japan be- fore radiobiological research for exhibiting therapeutic value of the 9C beam. Intention of the experiments is for pro- ducing a radioactive 9C-ion beam with higher production rate and purity by means of optimizing the beam line pa- rameters. Finally, a produced 9C beam with the production rate of 9.07×10-6 and purity of 82.88% at full momentum acceptance has been obtained under the optimal conditions of 40 mm-thick beryllium target and 10 mm-thick alumi- num degrader. Both momentum distribution and contaminations for the produced 9C beam under the optimal condi- tions are measured. In order to execute further biological experiments of the 9C beam project, a uniform irradiation field is made with the wobbling magnets and its homogeneity is up to 93.8% inside central area of 20mm in diameter.

Effect of nitriding-sulfurizing composite treatment on the tribological behavior of titanium alloys

A composite layer was prepared on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy by nitriding-sulfurizing composite treatment,and its microstructure and phase structure were examined by scanning electron microscopy（SEM） and X-ray diffraction（XRD）,respectively.The tribological performance was measured to investigate its dependence on the nitriding-sulfurizing composite treatment process.The results indicated that the composite layer was mainly comprised of Ti2N,TiN,and TiS2.It was found that the composite layer exhibited superior tribological properties under dry friction and absolute sliding conditions due to the formation of sulfides with self-lubricating function.

Behavior of leaching and precipitation of weathering crust ion-absorbed type by magnetic field

With weathering crust Ion-Absorbed Type Rare Earth （IATRE） ores in southern Jiangxi as an example, rare earth percolation leaching and leaching solution precipitation process research were carried out under conditions of magnetic field. The effect on the rare earth leaching process such as magnetic field strength, magnetization time, magnetization manner, and other factors were discussed. The effect on the mother rare earth liquor sedimentation rate, purity, and crystallization behavior such as magnetic field strength, magnetization time, and magnetization manner were investigated. Leaching and precipitation mechanism of magnetization on IATRE were analyzed. The results showed that the magnetic treatment can improve leaching rate of weathering crust IATRE and the sedimentation rate, and reduce consumption of reagents.

Effects of culture media and three metal ions on the accumulation of lanosterol and ergosterol in cultured mycelia of Inonotus obliquus

Lanosterol and ergosterol are the active principles with potential pharmacological activities in Inonotus obliquus. However, the two sterols are less accumulated in cultured mycelia of the fungus. In this study, different carbon and nitrogen sources and pH levels together with three metal ions were assayed for their effects on accumulation of the two sterols in the fungus. Among the tested media the growth medium consisting of glucose (1.5%), rice powder (0.5%), yeast extract (0.4%), wheat bran (0.1%), KH2PO4 (0.01%) and MgSO4·7H2O (0.05%) with pH level at 6.5 yielded a maximum production of the two sterols, which can further be increased following the treatment of Ag+, Cu2+ and Ca2+. Supplementing Ag+ at concentrations of 0.28 and 0.35μmol partially inhibited ergosterol biosynthesis, leading to an enhanced accumulation of lanosterol, the presence of intermediates of ergosterol biosynthetic pathway and a reduced accumulation of ergosterol in cultured mycelia of I.

Effect of annealing treatment on electrochemical property of LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_4 spinel

LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 was prepared under different cooling conditions. The electrochemical properties of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 prepared under different cooling conditions were investigated. The results show that LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 synthesized with or without annealing treatment has similar X-ray diffraction patterns that can be indexed to cubic spinel structure. The mass loss occurring above 650 ℃ during the heating process can be mostly gained during the cooling process. LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 synthesized with an annealing treatment exhibits almost one voltage plateau at around 4.7 V and higher capacity with a quick fading upon cycling, whereas LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 synthesized without annealing treatment shows two voltage plateaus at around 4.1 and 4.7 V and superior capacity retention upon cycling both at rates of 1/7C and 1C, though the capacity is not high.

Frication Property of Mo-Cr-Infiltrated Steel Layer by Plasma Surface Metallurgy

Introduced in this article is the technique to acquire a high performance strengthened layer on carbon steel samples, namely, plasma alloying on the surface of Q235 steel and heat treatment technology. With this technique the alloying elements of Mo, Cr, and C can be obtained on the surface of Q235 steel samples. The content of the constituent elements is approximately up to high speed steels （HSS）. The surface property required for the HSS after hardening and low tempering is attained. In the test, the alloying elements Mo and Cr were penetrated into the Q235 steel samples by glow discharge sputtering so that the content of the alloyed layer on the surface of the Q235 steel samples was about 20% Mo and 10% Cr. Two kinds of experiments were conducted. One was to carry out ultra-saturated carburization. The alloyed layer＇s composition was similar to molybdenum HSS with surface carburizing of more than 2.0%. The carbides of the alloyed layer were compact, uniform and disperse without a coarse eutectic ledeburite structure, The another was ion nitriding after the alloying elements of Mo and Cr were penetrated. The first process included hardening with low tempering and hardening with cryogenic treatment for 2 hr and low tempering. The second one was ion nitriding only. It was found that the surface hardness after cryogenic treatment is up to 1600HV, much higher thanthat without cryogenic treatment. The abrasion test results indicate that, without the penetrated alloy elements Mo and Cr and without cryogenic treatment and ion nitriding, the friction coefficient is lower by one order of magnitude. The change in relative resistance is similar to the change in the friction coefficient, but without a proportional relationship,

Synthesis and Characteristics of A Novel Heavy Metal Ions Chelator

Polyacrylamide-urea-sulfanilamide（PUS） was prepared as a novel heavy metal ions chelator and successfully used to simultaneously remove heavy metals from wastewater effluents.The effects of reaction parameters（sodium hydroxide,material ratio,temprature and contact time） were monitored to specify the best synthesis conditions.PUS was chemically characterized by means of infrared spectroscopy（FTIR） and ultraviolet-visible（UV-Vis）.The simultaneous chelation performance of PUS towards selected heavy metals ions,Ni2＋,Cu2＋,Pb2＋,Zn2＋,Cd2＋ was discussed,showing that Ni2＋,Cu2＋,Pb2＋,Zn2＋ could be better chelated.It is indicated that the synthesized PUS is a potential remediation material when used for the treatment of wastewater containing metal ions.