3-Hydroxybenzoic acid as AISI 316L stainless steel corrosion inhibitor in a H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>–HF–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> pickling solution

3-Hydroxybenzoic acid (3-HBA) was studied for possible use as a AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) corrosion inhibitor in an environmental-friendly aqueous pickling solution of 75 g l^–1 sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), 25 g l^–1 hydrofluoric acid (HF) and 30 g l^–1 hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). 3-HBA was tested in concentrations from 5 × 10^–5 to 5 × 10^–1 M at 298 and 313 K temperature. Inhibition efficiency increased with the 3-HBA concentration. The inhibitor mechanism is discussed in terms of the properties of the isotherm equations of Frumkin, Hill-de Boer and Kastening–Holleck mainly. The shape, the trend of the slopes along the curve and the existence of inflection points, were analysed as the characteristics that differentiate one adsorption equation from another. The best fit was obtained using the Frumkin isotherm model. The projected molecular area of 3-HBA was calculated as a structural parameter to elucidate its optimal inhibition mechanism.     

DFT Studies on Interaction of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>S Gas with α-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Nanostructures

The structural stability, electronic properties and adsorption characteristics of H₂S on pristine, Ag and Pd substituted α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures are studied using density functional theory along with B3LYP/LanL2DZ basis set. The structural stability of α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures are studied in terms of formation energy. The electronic properties of pristine, Ag and Pd substituted α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures are studied with ionization potential, electron affinity and HOMO–LUMO gap. The adsorption properties of H₂S on Fe₂O₃ are analyzed and the favorable adsorption sites are reported. The key parameters such as Mulliken population analysis, energy gap, adsorbed energy and average energy gap variation are used to identify the favorable site of H₂S adsorption on Fe₂O₃. α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructure can be tailored with suitable substitution impurities to enhance the adsorption characteristics of H₂S on Fe₂O₃ nanostructures in the mixed gas environment.     

Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>-exchange kinetics and antimicrobial properties of synthetic zirconium umbite (K<Subscript>2</Subscript>ZrSi<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript>·H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)

Zirconium umbite, K₂ZrSi₃O₉·H₂O, is a microporous framework ion exchanger whose potential as a carrier for Zn²⁺ ions in antimicrobial formulations has not yet been investigated. Accordingly, batch Zn²⁺-exchange kinetics of synthetic zirconium umbite (K-UM) and the subsequent antimicrobial action of the zinc-bearing phase (Zn-UM) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are reported. Nonstoicheiometric over-exchange of Zn²⁺ for K⁺ was observed and attributed to hydrolysis and complexation reactions of Zn²⁺ within the umbite framework. The exchange process, which was described by a simple pseudo-first-order model (k ₁ = 2.69 × 10⁻⁴ min⁻¹, R ² = 0.992), did not achieve equilibrium within 120 h at 25 °C, by which time the uptake of zinc was found to be 1.04 mmol g⁻¹. The minimal bactericidal concentrations of Zn-UM for E. coli and S. aureus were found to be >10 g cm³ and <1.0 g cm³, respectively.     

Thermal investigation of ammonioborite (NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>[B<Subscript>15</Subscript>O<Subscript>20</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>8</Subscript>] · 4H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The thermal behavior of ammonioborite (NH₄)₃[B₁₅O₂₀(OH)₈] · 4H₂O is investigated using thermal X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis (DTA) in air and vacuum, and thermogravimetry. It is shown that the decomposition of the mineral (dehydration, dehydroxylation, deammoniation) proceeds in several stages, and the dehydration is accompanied by the amorphization. The thermal expansion of ammonioborite is sharply anisotropic. As in the case of other hydrous pentaborates, the thermal expansion is maximum in the direction in which pentaborate groups alternate with ammonium cations.     

Phase relationships in the Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>ZnP<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>–LiKZnP<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> system

The phase relationships in the Na₂ZnP₂O₇–LiKZnP₂O₇ system are studied. They are represented by a mixture of the starting components in the subsolidus region. The eutectic was found at a temperature of 640°C and composition of 0.5LiKZnP₂O₇. The phase formation of this system is compared with the previously studied NaKZnP₂O₇–LiKZnP₂O₇ system. It is shown that a structural factor affects the geometry of the state diagrams.     

Hydroisomerization of Benzene-Containing Gasoline Fraction on Pt/B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Pt/WO<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Catalysts

The effect of the hydroisomerization conditions of the benzene-containing fraction of catalytic reforming gasoline on the yield and composition of products is studied on Pt/B₂O₃–Al₂O₃ and Pt/WO₃–Al₂O₃ catalysts. These catalysts allow benzene to be completely removed from the raw material. At the same time, the greatest yields of liquid products are obtained with minimal losses of the octane number at 2 MPa, a mass feedstock hourly space velocity (MFHSV) of 2 h^?1, and 325°C: 96.3 and 95.4 wt % on Pt/B₂O₃–Al₂O₃ and Pt/WO₃–Al₂O₃ catalysts, respectively. The activity of the catalysts is maintained for 100 h during their operation.     

Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Red Emission from β-Ga<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/β-Ga<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> Nanowires

Ultrafast pump-probe and transient photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to investigate carrier dynamics in β-Ga₂O₃ nanowires converted to β-Ga₂O₃/Ga₂S₃ under H₂S between 400 to 600 °C. The β-Ga₂O₃ nanowires exhibited broad blue emission with a lifetime of 2.4 ns which was strongly suppressed after processing at 500–600 °C giving rise to red emission centered at 680 nm with a lifetime of 19 μs. Differential absorption spectroscopy reveals that state filling occurs in states located below the conduction band edge before sulfurization, but free carrier absorption is dominant in the β-Ga₂O₃/Ga₂S₃ nanowires processed at 500 to 600 °C for probing wavelengths >500 nm related to secondary excitation of the photo-generated carriers from the mid-gap states into the conduction band of Ga₂S₃.     

Role of CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> in Rh/α-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Catalysts for CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Reforming of Methane

Abstract  

The Rh/α-Al₂O₃ catalyst was modified by CeO₂ in order to improve the thermal stability and the carbon deposition resistance during the CO₂ reforming of methane The carbon formation was determined by TPO, TEM and Raman spectroscopy. Characterization results showed that the incorporation of Ce in the support inhibits the carbon deposition, increasing the useful life and the stability of the Rh base catalysts.     

Preparation and Improved Photocatalytic Activity of WO<Subscript>3</Subscript>·0.33H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O Nanonetworks

Abstract  

Multi-structural tungsten oxide (WO₃·0.33H₂O) samples were prepared using a hydrothermal method in the presence of different salts Na₂SO₄ and CaCl₂ respectively. The experimental results showed that pH value of the reaction solution greatly affects crystal morphology of the final products. To explore the photocatalysis originated from nanonetwork hierarchical structure, the photodegradation of methylene blue was carried out under simulated sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of the WO₃·0.33H₂O nanonetworks was compared with that of the nanoplates, and the former showed a higher photocatalytic activity owing to its novel hierarchical structure. Our investigation demonstrates that nanonetwork hierarchical structure can promote sunlight absorption due to higher specific surface area.     

Structural heterogeneity of SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> glass

It is shown that the phase heterogeneity of SiO₂–Na₂O–Al₂O₃ glass has a liquation and crystallization nature, the balance between which is determined by the conditions of their synthesis. An increase in the aluminum oxide content decreases the number of liquation and crystallization sites, and also the linear sizes of the crystalline formations without eliminating the phase separation due to the liquation. The area of metastable immiscibility in the SiO₂–Na₂O–Al₂O₃ system, which is determined by scanning electron microscopy, is probably wider than the area detected by the optical methods.     

Operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Study of Pt/γ-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> During the Total Oxidation of C<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Subscript>6</Subscript>

Operando X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) investigations were performed on Pt/γ-Al₂O₃ during the total oxidation of C₃H₆ in reducing and oxidizing atmospheres. Study of the Pt valance state and catalytic conversion behavior as a function of temperature revealed that both the creation of metallic Pt sites and the activation of adsorbed species on Pt are important for the functioning of the catalytic reaction at low temperature.     

Photon interaction parameters for some ZnO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> glasses

Some photon interaction parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number, half value layer, mean free path and electron density for 15ZnO–(17.5–x)Al₂O₃–xFe₂O₃–67.5P₂O₅ glass system (x = 0, 7.5, 12.5, 17.5) and 15ZnO–(25–x)Al₂O₃–xFe₂O₃–60P₂O₅ glass system (x = 0, 25) have been investigated in the photon energy range of 1 keV to 100 GeV. It has been observed that all the photon interaction parameters for the selected glass systems vary with the photon energy. Among the selected glass systems, the sample 15ZnO–25Fe₂O₃–60P₂O₅ glass system shows maximum values for mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers, electron densities and minimum values for mean free path and half value layer in the entire energy grid.     

Porous ceramics based on the ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>)–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system for filtration membranes

The results of the studies of the process of fabricating ceramic filtration membranes in the system ZrO₂(Y₂O₃)–Al₂O₃ are presented. The phase compositions of the precursor powders and sintered ceramics have been investigated and their porous structures have been determined. Two stages of the implementation of the technology were demonstrated: fabrication of substrates with an open porosity ranging from 20 to 47% and pore sizes in the 100–300 nm range, as well as the deposition of nanocrystalline aluminum oxide layers on them. It has been established that the pore size distribution in the membrane layer of α-Al₂O₃ is unimodal (from 30 to 100 nm).     

Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium of Binary Components of the BrCF<Subscript>2</Subscript>COOCH<Subscript>3</Subscript>–CF<Subscript>3</Subscript>COOH–BrCF<Subscript>2</Subscript>COOH–CF<Subscript>3</Subscript>COOCH<Subscript>3</Subscript> Quaternary System

Vapor–liquid equilibria of binary components of the BrCF₂COOCH₃–CF₃COOH–BrCF₂COOH–CF₃COOCH₃ quaternary system have been studied experimentally at constant pressure. The experiments have been carried out on a modified Sventoslavskii ebulliometer. Using the Aspen Plus software package, the appropriate models have been selected and the vapor–liquid equilibria for six binary systems have been simulated.     

Mechanical,Structural and Thermal Properties of Transparent Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–ZnO–TeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Glass System

Oxide based optical glass materials has important potential material in many applications from fiber optic to sensor due to the high transparency and amourphous structures. The objective of this study is to synthesize the novel optical glass materials based on the bismuth and aluminum contents to be able to determine the physical, chemical and mechanical properties by considering the systematic experimental steps. In this study, Bi₂O₃–Al₂O₃ based tellurite optical glasses have been prepared by using conventional melt quenching method as a function of the both Bi₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ compositions. There is a strong interactions between the glass former and modifier ions that might effect on the structure and mechanical properties. During the experimental steps, thermal, structural and mechanical properties of the prepared glass materials have been determined considering the DTA/DSC, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM and Vicker’s hardness techniques, respectively. Thermal parameters, like glass transition, T_g, onset, T_x, crystallization, T_p, and melting, T_m, temperatures were obtained by using DTA scan.     

Study on flame structures and emissions of CO and NO in Various CH<Subscript>4</Subscript>/O<Subscript>2</Subscript>/N<Subscript>2</Subscript>–O<Subscript>2</Subscript>/N<Subscript>2</Subscript> counterflow premixed flames

An oxygen-diluted partially premixed/oxygen-enriched supplemental combustion (ODPP/OESC) counterflow flame is studied in this paper. Flame images are obtained through experiments and numerical simulations with the GRI-Mech 3.0 chemistry. The oxygen dilution effects are revealed by comparing the flame structures and emissions with those of a premixed flame and partially premixed flame (PPF) at the same equivalence ratio (?_Σ = 0.95 and ? _f = 1.4). The results show that both PPF and ODPP/OESC flames have distinct double flame structures; however, the location of the premixed combustion zone and the distance between premixed/nonpremixed combustion zone are significantly different for these two cases. For the ODPP/OESC flame, the temperature in the premixed combustion zone is lower and the premixed zone itself is located farther downstream from the fuel nozzle, which leads to reduction of NO and CO emissions, as compared to those of the PPF. Therefore, by adjusting the distribution of the oxygen concentration in the premixed and nonpremixed combustion zones, the ODPP/OESC can effectively balance the chemical reaction rate in the entire combustion zone and, consequently, reduce emissions.