Mixed-Metal MOF-74 Templated Catalysts for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Capture and Methanation

The vast chemical and structural tunability of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are beginning to be harnessed as functional supports for catalytic nanoparticles spanning a range of applications. However, a lack of straightforward methods for producing nanoparticle-encapsulated MOFs as efficient heterogeneous catalysts limits their usage. Herein, a mixed-metal MOF, NiMg-MOF-74, is utilized as a template to disperse small Ni nanoclusters throughout the parent MOF. By exploiting the difference in Ni O and Mg O coordination bond strength, Ni²⁺ is selectively reduced to form highly dispersed Ni nanoclusters constrained by the parent MOF pore diameter, while Mg²⁺ remains coordinated in the framework. By varying the ratio of Ni to Mg in the parent MOF, accessible surface area and crystallinity can be tuned upon thermal treatment, influencing CO₂ adsorption capacity and hydrogenation selectivity. The resulting Ni nanoclusters prove to be an active catalyst for CO₂ methanation and are examined using extended X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. By preserving a segment of the Mg²⁺-containing MOF framework, the composite system retains a portion of its CO₂ adsorption capacity while continuing to deliver catalytic activity. The approach is thus critical for designing materials that can bridge the gap between carbon capture and CO₂ utilization.     

Size controlled synthesis of well-distributed nano-silver on hydroxyapatite using alkanolamine compounds

A well-distributed nano-silver hydroxyapatite composite has been successfully prepared by a one-pot synthesis method. Hydroxyapatite was separately synthesized by a sol-gel method, then impregnated with silver nanoparticles with the mediation of Uncaria gambir Roxb. leaf extract in the presence of three kinds of alkanolamine compound; monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) as capping agents. The effect of different capping agents on the properties of the silver nanoparticles and the nano-silver hydroxyapatite composite were studied. UV–visible spectrophotometer analysis exhibited absorbance peaks at 402–439 nm which specifically corresponds to spherical silver nanoparticles. Higher optical absorbance was observed in TEA-capped silver nanoparticles, than in DEA and MEA-capped ones. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed a highly crystalline hexagonal structure for hydroxyapatite and no detected metallic silver. However, the presence of 1.65% silver was confirmed by energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed spherical silver nanoparticles with a size range of 2–62 nm (smallest mean diameter of 2 nm) adhered to the hydroxyapatite surface. The TEA capped impregnated silver nanoparticles were the smallest, corresponding to the best capping performance, followed by those capped by DEA and MEA. Small-sized nanoparticles on hydroxyapatite are beneficial for highly antibacterial bone implants.     

Liquid phase sintering and characterization of SiC ceramics

The present study focuses on the sintering of silicon carbide-based ceramics (SiC) by liquid phase sintering (LPS) followed by characterization of the produced ceramics. AlN/Re₂O₃ mixtures were used as additives in the LPS process. In the first step, the LPS-SiC materials were produced in a graphite resistance furnace in the form of discs at different temperatures. The conditions with the best results regarding real density and relative density were taken as reference for sintering in the form of prismatic bars. In the second step, these samples were evaluated regarding fracture toughness (K_IC), by the Single Edge V Notch Beam – SEVNB – method, and flexural strength. K_IC behavior was evaluated according to the depth and curvature radius of the notches. Reliable K_IC values were presented when the ceramic displayed a small curvature radius at the notch tip. When the radius was large, it did not maintain the square root singularity of the notch tip. Tests were carried out to determine K_IC values in atmospheric air and water. K_IC results were lower in water than air, with a decrease ranging between 2.56% and 11.26%. The observations indicated a direct grain size correlation between K_IC values and fracture strength of the SiC ceramics.     

Characteristics of polycarbosilanes produced under different synthetic conditions and their influence on SiC fibers: Part I

SiC fibers can be obtained by the spinning, curing, and heat treatment of polycarbosilane (PCS); however, the properties of the PCS precursor must be considered to set the correct spinning conditions. Although many studies have focused on the synthesis conditions, the characterization (in particular, the structural characteristics) of PCS fibers, and the polymer itself has limitations. In this study, PCS was prepared in two steps, and the growth of the polymer with respect to the reaction conditions was analyzed. We found that PCS is formed and grown by the rearrangement and subsequent condensation reactions of polydimethylsilane (PDMS). Further, fiber formation was affected by the reaction temperature, time, and pressure. Three types of PCS were obtained under different synthetic conditions, and they were all characterized. Regardless of the structural similarity of the PCS fibers (based on the spectroscopic analysis), the polymers showed different thermal and rheological properties. Our findings will be important in improving the production of PCS fibers (and subsequent SiC fibers) with finely controlled properties.     

Fatigue crack growth in SiC particulates reinforced Al matrix graded composite

The SiC/Al graded composite was fabricated by powder metallurgy processing and its fatigue crack growth behavior was studied. The volume percentage of SiC particulates was distributed from 5 to 30% layer by layer on the cross section. Since the aluminium was dissolved together, there was no evident interface between the two layers with different volume fraction of SiC particulates. Fatigue crack growth was in direction of from 5 to 30% SiC layers under sinusoidal wave-form. The retardation of fatigue crack growth was found when crack propagated from low volume fraction of SiC to high volume fraction of SiC. The crack deflection and branching between two layers were observed, which decreased crack growth rates. In view of crack tip driving force, the plasticity mismatch between the layers shielded crack tip driving force, i.e. decreased the effective J-integral at the tip of the crack as the plastic zone of the crack tip spread from the weaker material into the stronger material.     

晶须取向对SiCw/6061Al复合材料热压缩变形行为的影响

采用SEM 和 Magiscan-2A 图像分析系统研究了晶须取向对SiCw/6061Al复合材料在300℃压缩变形行为的影响.结果表明:晶须取向影响着晶须折断程度和转动角度; 随着晶须取向角的增加,晶须转动和折断行为所导致的软化效果下降.同时晶须取向也影响复合材料的热压缩应力-应变曲线的形状.在热压缩变形过程中,晶须取向角为0°和30°的复合材料表现出明显应变软化现象, 晶须取向角为45°的复合材料无明显软化现象.晶须取向角为90℃的复合材料表现出应变硬化现象.     

Wear and Creep Characteristics of a Carbon‐Derived Si3N4/SiC Micro/Nanocomposite

In the presented work some properties of a recently developed Si₃N₄/SiC micro/nanocomposite have been investigated. The material was tested using a pin on disc configuration. Under unlubricated sliding conditions using Si₃N₄ pin at 50 % humidity, the friction coefficient was in the range of 0,6 ‐ 0,7. The reduction of humidity resulted in a lower coefficient of friction, in vacuum the coefficient of friction had a value of about 0,6. The wear resistance in vacuum was significantly lower then that in air. The wear patterns on the Si₃N₄+SiC disc revealed that mechanical fracture was the wear controlling mechanism. Creep tests were realized in four point bending configuration in the temperature interval 1200‐1400 °C at stresses 50,100 and 150 MPa and the minimal creep deformation rate was established for each stress level. The activation energy, established from the minimal creep deformation had a value of about 360 kJ/mol and the stress exponent values were in the range of 0.8‐1.28. From the achieved stress exponents it can be assumed that under the studied load/temperature conditions the diffusion creep was the most probable creep controlling mechanism.     

Processing and microstructure of non-oxide ceramic fibres

Research and development efforts on high-temperature, oxidation-resistant fibres have increased over the past decade due to the demand for light-weight, stiff and strong composite materials in aerospace applications. Varieties of ‘high-performance’, continuous, non-oxide fibres with low-density, high tensile strength and tensile modulus have been developed either from organic precursors or via chemical vapour deposition for fabrication of ceramic matrix composites. Fibres derived from polymer precursors (e.g. Nicalon, Tyranno, HPZ) are small in diameter (compared to CVD monofilaments) and are ideally suited for ceramic composites. Processing, microstructural stability and mechanical properties of these newly developed SiC and Si₃N₄ base fibres are briefly reviewed in this paper.     

SiC／Al合金层状复合材料的机械性能及损伤行为

在室温条件下测定了Ａｌ合金以连续层状形式存在于ＳｉＣ陶瓷层间并渗透入ＳｉＣ陶瓷层内、Ａｌ合金浓度呈层状变化高低相间，以及Ａｌ合金和ＳｉＣ陶瓷均匀分布相互渗透三种ＳｉＣ含量相同而结构形式不同的ＳｉＣ／Ａｌ合金复合材料的机械性能；用ＳＥＭ和光学显微镜观察分析了复合材料的断口形貌及裂纹扩展过程。结果表明，在ＳｉＣ陶瓷层间以连续层状形式存在的Ａｌ合金在应力作用下发生较大程度的塑性变形，在裂纹尾部被拉伸和形成桥接，引起能量耗散，减缓裂纹扩展速度，防止裂纹张开，使复合材料的韧性得到明显改善；ＳｉＣ／Ａｌ合金陶瓷─金属层状复合材料的损伤形式主要是ＳｉＣ陶瓷层开裂、金属层桥接和裂纹偏转。     

激光熔覆Ni基SiC合金涂层组织与性能的研究

利用5kWCO2连续波激光器在16Mn钢基材表面对含20%(体积比)SiC陶瓷粉末的镍基自熔性合金粉末进行激光熔覆得到Ni基SiC合金涂层(NiSiC)。研究了合金涂层的组织形貌及相结构,并用单纯的镍基合金涂层(Ni60)进行了显微硬度及滑动磨损性能的对比试验。结果表明,NiSiC合金涂层由γ枝晶及其间的共晶组织组成,主要组成相为γ-Ni,γ-(Ni,Fe)固溶体和(Cr,Fe)7C3,Cr23C6及(Cr,Si)3Ni3Si等化合物。添加SiC的镍基合金涂层NiSiC比单纯的镍基合金涂层Ni60具有较高的硬度和耐磨性。