Anodic oxidation of organic pollutants on a Ti/SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Sb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> anode

A Ti/SnO₂–Sb₂O₄ electrode was prepared by alternate Sn and Sb electrodepositions using the thermo-electrochemical method. The chemical, electrochemical, and structural characterization of the electrode was performed and it was tested in the anodic oxidation of several pollutants, phenol, ibuprofen, acid orange 7 (AO7), and diclofenac, all in aqueous 0.035 M Na₂SO₄ solutions at current densities of 10 and 20 mA cm⁻². After the 24 h assay, removal of chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon (TOC) and absorbance were very high, especially at the higher current density. TOC removals presented the lowest value. However, after 24 h at 20 mA cm⁻², TOC removals were: phenol—94%; ibuprofen—83%; AO7—88%; and diclofenac—73%. Combustion efficiency and instantaneous and mineralization current efficiencies were also determined.     

Comparison of Ti/BDD and Ti/SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Sb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> electrodes for pollutant oxidation

Anodic oxidation is a promising process for degrading toxic and biologically refractory organic pollutants present in wastewater treatment. Proper selection of electrodes is the key to reach effective and economic operation. In this study, two types of electrodes, i.e. the recently developed Ti/BDD and Ti/SnO₂–Sb₂O₅, which is generally believed to be superior to the conventional electrodes, were compared under the same conditions. It was found that the Ti/BDD electrode could mineralize both phenol and reactive dyes effectively. But the Ti/SnO₂–Sb₂O₅ electrode could only mineralize phenol. When oxidizing more refractory reactive dyes, it demonstrated very poor activity. In addition, the Ti/BDD electrode had a service life of 264 h in an accelerated life test, but the Ti/SnO₂–Sb₂O₅ was irreversibly damaged within several seconds. The direct experimental comparison in the present study indicates that the Ti/BDD electrode is much better than the Ti/SnO₂–Sb₂O₅ electrode for pollutant oxidation.     

Effects of the geometry and operating temperature on the stability of Ti/IrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Sb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> electrodes for O<Subscript>2</Subscript> evolution

Ternary IrO₂–Sb₂O₅–SnO₂ anode has shown its superiorities over IrO₂ and many other electrocatalysts for O₂ evolution, in terms of electrochemical stability, activity and cost. The performance of IrO₂–Sb₂O₅–SnO₂ anodes is affected by its electrochemical properties and operating conditions. In this paper, the electrochemical stability and activity of the Ti/IrO₂–Sb₂O₅–SnO₂ anodes prepared with three different geometries were investigated under different operating conditions. It was found that anodes with large mean curvature have high electrochemical stability. Although increasing temperature results in a decrease in the stability of Ti/IrO₂–Sb₂O₅–SnO₂, the anode with a mean curvature of 200 m⁻¹ still shows acceptable service life even at 70 °C. This tolerance of high temperature was attributed to the thermal expansion difference between the substrate and the coating layer, the redox window for Ir(V)/Ir(IV) conversion, and the redox reversibility of Sb and Sn species in the coating layer.     

Electrochemical oxidation of sulfide ion at a Ti/IrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Ta<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> anode in the presence and absence of naphthenic acids

Electrochemical oxidation of sulfide ion at a Ti/IrO₂–Ta₂O₅ anode followed partial order kinetics (between current and mass transport control) in the absence and presence of chloride ion and of naphthenic acids, at sulfide concentrations typical of sour brines. The desired outcome was to promote the 2-electron oxidation of sulfide to elemental sulfide rather than the 8-electron oxidation to sulfate. Although elemental sulfur accumulated to some extent at low conversion of sulfide, sulfate ion became the principal product as the reaction progressed. At high conversion, the overall current efficiencies were typically higher than 50%, with material balance about 90%. However, this anode material was gradually poisoned by sulfide in long term use.     

Synthesis of SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> gels in water free conditions

A series of SiO₂–SnO₂ samples with various Sn/Si molar ratios (0.05–1.0) have been synthesized by the sol–gel technique from (Tetraethylorthosilicate) TEOS and Sn(CH₃COO)₄ precursors in water free conditions. The synthesis applied allowed obtaining the final product in monolithic (nonfractured upon drying) form with no use of drying control chemical additives. All samples are characterized by thermal analysis, XRD, and FTIR. The low temperature nitrogen adsorption measurements indicate the presence of both micro and mesopores. The samples containing less than 20 wt% of SnO₂ show much higher surface area than SiO₂ gel. The appearance of new bands at 1,048 and 882 cm⁻¹ in the FTIR spectra could be related to stretching vibrations of the three dimensional Si–O–Sn network, which suggests that tin component has replaced silicon atoms in Si–O–Si structure.     

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.     

Bimetallic Pd–Cu/ZnO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Pd–Cu/ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts for methanol synthesis

Monometallic copper and bimetallic palladium-copper catalysts supported on ZnO–Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ were prepared by conventional impregnation method and tested in methanol synthesis reaction under elevated pressure (3.5 MPa) in gradientless reactor at 220°C. The physicochemical properties of prepared catalytic systems were studied using BET, X-ray, TPR-H₂, TPD-NH₃ techniques. The promotion effect of palladium on catalytic activity and selectivity of copper supported catalyst in methanol synthesis reaction was proven. The highest activity of this system is explained by the Pd–Cu alloy formation.     

Structural analyses of RuO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Ti and IrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–RuO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Ti anodes used in industrial chlor-alkali membrane processes

The morphology and composition of RuO₂–TiO₂/Ti and IrO₂–RuO₂–TiO₂/Ti anodes, which have been used for the production of chlorine for more than 10 years, were analyzed by various methods; such as high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution Auger electron spectroscopy, electron probe X-ray emission microanalysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. Drastic changes in the surface morphology, including partial exfoliation of a small amount of the oxide layer and a reduction in the content of ruthenium species through dissolution, were observed for the RuO₂–TiO₂/Ti anode. For the IrO₂–RuO₂–TiO₂/Ti anode, on the other hand, there were moderate changes in the surface morphology and moderate dissolution of iridium and ruthenium species.     

Morphological and electrochemical investigation of RuO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Ta<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> oxide films prepared by the Pechini–Adams method

Preparation methods can profoundly affect the structural and electrochemical properties of electrocatalytic coatings. In this investigation, RuO₂–Ta₂O₅ thin films containing between 10 and 90 at.% Ru were prepared by the Pechini–Adams method. These coatings were electrochemically and physically characterized by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The composition and morphology of the oxide were investigated before and after accelerated life tests (ALT) by EDX and SEM. SEM results indicate typical mud-flat-cracking morphology for the majority of the films. High resolution SEMs reveal that pure oxide phases exhibit nanoporosity while binary compositions display a very compact structure. EDX analyses reveal considerable amounts of Ru in the coating even after total deactivation. XRD indicated a rutile-type structure for RuO₂ and orthorhombic structure for Ta₂O₅. XPS data demonstrate that the binding energy of Ta is affected by Ru addition in the thin films, but the binding energy of Ru is not likewise influenced by Ta. The stability of the electrodes was evaluated by ALT performed at 750 mA cm⁻² in 80 °C 0.5 mol dm⁻³ H₂SO₄. The performance of electrodes prepared by the Pechini–Adams method is 100% better than that of electrodes prepared by standard thermal decomposition.     

Synthesis and properties of binary spinels in a NiO–CuO–Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

The conditions for the formation of a spinel structure from a NiO–CuO–Fe₂O₃–Cr₂O₃ oxide mixture using several technological approaches have been examined. Addition of KCl is accompanied with the formation of two spinel-like phases, whereas in the absence of KCl just one solid solution of nickel–copper ferrite–chromite with the structure of a cubic spinel is formed. At the temperature of thermal treatment of 900°C, the presence of an admixture phase of the delafossite (CuCrO₂) type was established. The conditions for the fabrication of samples containing two spinel phases (cubic and tetragonal) characterized with the most developed surface and manifesting = increased catalytic activity in the reaction of the decomposition of an organic substance by hydrogen peroxide have been formulated. The studied features of spinel synthesis can be of interest for developing materials with an active surface promising for application as adsorbents of catalysts and sensors.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Physical–chemical properties and conductivity of Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glass systems

The effect of tin(IV) oxide on the conductivity and chemical stability of sodium–silicate glass has been studied for five different glass compositions. Dilatometry and DSC were used to investigate the thermal behavior of the glass. The research into transport characteristics of the glass has shown that its conductivity is in the range of 2 × 10^–8–5 × 10^–7 S/cm at 25°C and 10^–3 S/cm at 300°C.     

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.     

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.     

Influence of Calcination Temperature on Activity and Selectivity of Ni–CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and Ni–Ce<Subscript>0.8</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> Catalysts for CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Methanation

Herein, we studied the influence of calcination temperature (500–800 °C) of Ni/CeO₂ and Ni/Ce_0.8Zr_0.2O₂ catalysts on the specific surface area, pore volume, crystalline size, lattice parameter, chemical bonding and oxidation states, nickel dispersion and CH₄/CO production rate in CO₂ methanation. In general, the catalytic performance revealed that Zr doping catalysts could increase the CH₄ production rate. Combined with the production rate and the characterizations results, we found that the combination of nickel dispersion, peak area of CO₂–TPD and O_II/(O_II + O_I)) play the critical role in increasing the CH₄ production rate. It is well to be mentioned that the CO production rate is strongly influenced by the nickel dispersion. Furthermore, the in-situ DRIFTS confirmed that the CO originates from the decomposition of H-assisted formate species.     

Study of the influence of extra-framework cations and organic templates on zeolite crystallization in SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>O–K<Subscript>2</Subscript>О (R<Subscript>2</Subscript>O,RO) systems

Crystallization of zeolites from the gels of the (3–x)К₂О–xR₂O(RO)–0.05Na₂O–Al₂O₃–5SiO₂–100H₂O composition where x was varied from 0 to 3 and R = Li, Na, Rb, Cs, Ba, tetraethylammonium, tetrapropylammonium, and tetrabutylammonium, has been performed by hydrothermal synthesis. The influence of various cationic ratios on the final product of crystallization depending on the synthesis temperature has been studied at constant SiO₂: A₂lO₃ and H₂O: SiО₂ ratios. The correlation between the cationic composition of the initial gels, their structure, and the structure of the crystallizing zeolites has been estimated.