Preparation and characterisation of TiO2 nanoparticle and titanate nanotube obtained from Ti-salt flocculated sludge with drinking water and seawater

This study aimed to prepare and characterise titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and titanate nanotubes produced from Ti-sat flocculated sludge with drinking water (DW) and seawater (SW). The Ti-salt flocculated sludge from DW and SW was incinerated at 600 degrees C to produce TiO2 nanoparticles. XRD results showed that the anatase TiO2 structure was predominant for TiO2 from DW (TiO2-DW) and TiO2 from SW (TiO2-SW), which were mainly doped with carbon atoms. Titanate nanotubes (tiNT) were obtained when TiO2-DW and TiO2-SW were hydrothermally treated with NaOH solution. Structure phase, shape, crystallisation and photocatalytic activity of tiNT were affected by the incineration temperature and the amount of sodium present in different tiNT. The tiNT doped with thiourea incinerated at 600 degrees C presented anatase phase, showing a high increase of the degree of crystallisation with nanotube-like structures. The photocatalytic activity of these photocatalysts was evaluated using photooxidation of gaseous acetaldehyde. Thiourea doped tiNT-DW and tiNT-SW showed similar photocatalytic activity compared to commercially available TiO2-P25 under UV light and indicated a photocatalytic activity under visible light.     

Effects of Al2O3 on the properties and densification of 8YSZ after pulsed current activated sintering

Dense 8YSZ was subjected to pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) within 1 min of 8YSZ nanopowder preparation using a co-precipitation method. Sintering was accomplished by combining a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 8YSZ with a relative density of up to 99% was produced under simultaneous application of a pressure of 80 MPa and the pulsed current. The effects of the addition of Al₂O₃ on the sintering behavior, mechanical properties, and ionic conductivities of 8YSZ were investigated.     

Fabrication and characterization of a Ni-YSZ anode support using high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS)

Ni-YSZ cermet anode supports solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were fabricated by high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS) under 60 MPa pressure with powders synthesized by the glycine nitrate process (GNP) as well as mechanically mixed commercial powders. The HFIHS method created a uniformly porous microstructure without abnormal grain growth compared to the conventional sintering method. Samples sintered by HFIHS show higher strength and electrical conductivity than conventionally sintered samples, even though they have similar porosity.     

Electrochemical performance of Ni1−xFex–Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 cermet anodes for solid oxide fuel cells using hydrocarbon fuel

Ni_1?xFe_x bimetallic-based cermet anodes were investigated for hydrocarbon-fueled solid oxide fuel cells. Ni_1?xFe_x–Ce_0.8Gd_0.2O_1.9 cermet anodes were synthesized using a glycine nitrate process, and their electrical conductivity and the amount of carbon deposits were found to decrease with increasing Fe content. The anode polarization resistance for the CH₄ fuel was significantly reduced by Fe alloying, which was strongly related to the carbon deposition behavior. The maximum power density of the single cell with Ni_0.85Fe_0.15–Ce_0.8Gd_0.2O_1.9 in CH₄ at 800 °C was 0.27 W/cm². Fe alloying significantly improved the electrochemical performance of solid oxide fuel cells in CH₄ fuel by suppressing carbon deposition.     

Pulsed current activated combustion synthesis and consolidation of ultrafine NbSi2 from mechanically activated powders

Dense ultrafine NbSi₂ was synthesized using the pulsed current activated combustion synthesis (PCACS) method within 2 min and in one step from mechanically activated powders of Nb and 2Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense NbSi₂ with a relative density of up to 98 % was produced under simultaneous application of a 60 MPa pressure and a pulsed current. The average grain size and mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness) of the compound were investigated.     

The relationships between interfacial friction and the conformational order of organic thin films

This report describes studies of the relationships between the structures of organic monolayers and their molecular-scale frictional properties. Several distinct self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were formed by the adsorption of a series of spiroalkanedithiols and a single structurally related normal alkanethiol. Measurements of hexadecane wettability, infrared vibrational spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the films possessed a wide range of interfacial structures and conformational orders. Atomic force microscopy was used to measure the frictional properties of the well-characterized SAMs on the molecular scale. Comparison of the frictional data with structural information derived from complementary analytical techniques revealed a high correlation between the conformational order of the films and the observed frictional response.     

Biomimetic micropatterning of silica by surface-initiated polymerization and microcontact printing

Micropatterns of silica on a gold substrate were generated by a biomimetic approach, namely, the biosilicification of silicic acids. The procedure consists of three simple steps: pattern generation of a polymerization initiator, (BrC(CH(3))(2)COO(CH(2))(11)S)(2), by microcontact printing; surface-initiated, atom-transfer radical polymerization of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) from the patterned area; and polycondensation of silicic acids. The tertiary amine-containing polymer, pDMAEMA, aided in the spatially controlled polycondensation of silicic acids on surfaces in the presence of phosphate ions, and micropatterns of silica on a gold substrate were successfully generated in combination with the technique of microcontact printing. The procedure could be extended to the controlled fabrication of silica patterns with any size, shape, or thickness.     

High-temperature corrosion characteristics of yttria-stabilized zirconia material in molten salts of LiCl-Li2O and LiCl-Li2O-Li

The isothermal and cyclic corrosion behavior of yttria (Y₂O₃)-stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) in a LiCl-Li₂O molten salt were investigated at 650 °C in an argon atmosphere. During isothermal and cyclic corrosion tests in the molten salt of LiCl-Li₂O for 168 h and 7 thermal cycles, the corrosion rate was very low, whereas under the molten salt of LiCl-Li₂O-Li for 168 h, the corrosion rate was almost 10 times higher than that in the molten salt of LiCl-Li₂O. No corrosion product was detected until 168 h for the isothermal corrosion test, however, after 7 thermal cycles, a very-low-intensity Li₂ZrO₃ peak was detected at the beginning stage of the chemical reaction between ZrO₂ and Li₂O. Additionally, in the molten salt of LiCl-Li₂O-Li for 168 h, a large amount of Li₂ZrO₃ was formed, with evidence of marked cracks, pores, and spallations on the corroded surface. The introduction of Y₂O₃-stabilized ZrO₂ was beneficial in increasing the hot corrosion resistance of the structural materials used to handle molten salts containing Li₂O at elevated temperature without forming a lithium at the cathode during the electrolytic reduction process.     

Texas Medication Algorithm Project: definitions, rationale, and methods to develop medication algorithms

BACKGROUND: The Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP), a public-academic collaborative effort, is a 3-phase project to develop, implement, and evaluate medication treatment algorithms for public sector patients with schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, or bipolar disorders. DISCUSSION: This paper, the first in a series describing the activities of the TMAP, focuses on the various definitions and reasons why guidelines have gained popularity. Also discussed are their strengths, the limitations of the various methods used to develop them, and potential barriers to their implementation.     

The thermal environment in an earth-sheltered home in Korea

A number of Korea's climatological, geographical and social features make earth-sheltered construction an attractive option. This paper compares the thermal performance of an earth-sheltered house (specially designed to accommodate the conditions in Korea) with the thermal performance of a conventional residence. The researchers conclude that, except for the high humidity levels in the earth-sheltered house, the thermal environment of the earth-sheltered house is superior to that of the conventional residence. In light of these findings, the authors recommend that research be aimed at improving waterproofing and condensation control measures in earth-sheltered houses.