Low-Loss Optical Waveguides for the Near Ultra-Violet and Visible Spectral Regions with Al(2)O(3) Thin Films from Atomic Layer Deposition

In this work, we report low-loss single-mode integrated optical waveguides in the near ultra-violet and visible spectral regions with aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) films using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. Alumina films were deposited on glass and fused silica substrates by the ALD process at substrate/chamber temperatures of 200 °C and 300 °C. Transmission spectra and waveguide measurements were performed in our alumina films with thicknesses in the range of 210-380 nm for the optical characterization. Those measurements allowed us to determine the optical constants (n_w and k_w), propagation loss, and thickness of the alumina films. The experimental results from the applied techniques show good agreement and demonstrate a low-loss optical waveguide. Our alumina thin-film waveguides are well transparent in the whole visible spectral region and also in an important region of the UV; the measured propagation loss is below 4 dB/cm down to a wavelength as short as 250 nm. The low propagation loss of these alumina guiding films, in particular in the near ultra-violet region which lacks materials with high optical performance, is extremely useful for several integrated optic applications.     

Quantitative analysis of phases formed in the aluminothermic reduction of Ta2O5 by plasma

A novel technique of aluminothermic reduction of tantalum oxide is developed to produce tantalum in form of powder. In this technique, hydrogen plasma is used to trigger the reaction in a plasma reactor. The reacted powders were analyzed by XRD and SEM. Rietveld method was used to quantify the phases present in the product of reaction. The results showed that a tantalum rich phase with a dendritic structure, typical of molten phases is formed. This phase occurred in significant amounts onto the surface and in bulk of the reacted grains.     

Innovative low-energy evaporative cooling system for buildings: study of the porous evaporator wall

To face the current increase of building cooling demand and the concerns related to climate changes, an energy-efficient evaporative cooling system using porous material has been developed. This article presents the innovative cooling system and a detailed hygrothermal analysis of its main element: the porous evaporator. A mathematical model and an experimental set-up are presented, which enable to determine the suitable material properties for the evaporator and its impact on the overall cooling system performance, focusing on the optimal use of both energy and water. A good agreement is observed between numerical and experimental results, and the evaporative cooling power is estimated from 12 to 72?W/m² of evaporator wall, depending on the evaporator characteristics. A parametric analysis is conducted to select the best material for the evaporative cooling system. An intrinsic permeability of the material of 4?×?10^?17?m² is recommended for this new cooling system.     

Dealcoholizing wine by membrane separation processes

The present work studies the use of membrane separation processes for producing wine with low alcohol content. Several membranes of reverse osmosis (CA995PE from Alfa Laval) and nanofiltration (NF99 HF, NF99, NF97 from Alfa Laval and YMHLSP1905 from Osmonics) were used for removing ethanol from a 12 vol.% red wine, in diafiltration mode, whereas pervaporation membranes of polyoctylmethylsiloxane supported in polyetherimide (POMS/PEI) from GKSS were used to recover the aroma compounds before the dealcoholization step, and adding them back to the dealcoholized wine. YMHLSP1905, NF99 and NF99 HF nanofiltration membranes showed higher effectiveness in alcohol removal from wine, due to their good permeability to ethanol and high aroma compounds' rejection, resulting in dealcoholized wine samples with promising organoleptic properties. The addition of pervaporated aroma compounds to the dealcoholized wine samples increased the flavour sensations during the wine tasting, making this combined process the one that originates the best dealcoholized wine samples.

Industrial relevance

The alcohol removal from wines has a great importance in the beverages industry due to the increasing demand on the non-alcoholic drinks market and also due to the increase of ethanol content of wine. This fact results namely from global warming or oenological practices and some winemakers have to pay taxes if ethanol content overcomes 14.5 vol.%. Membrane processes can be used for removing the ethanol from a regular wine. The results of this study indicate that nanofiltration and pervaporation are effective for dealcoholizing wine and preserving its original characteristics.     

Microwave‐assisted extraction in goji berries: effect on composition and bioactivity,evaluated through conventional and nonconventional methodologies

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) parameters on the composition and bioactivity of goji (Lycium barbarum) extracts. Extracts were obtained under a central composite design combination of experimental conditions, and characterised through HPLC‐DAD; their bioactive capacity was ascertained for antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity, the later by spectrophotometric [2,2‐azinobis (3‐ ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt‐radical scavenging activity assay – 413–748 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/100 g DW and oxygen radical absorbance capacity – 1901–2292 mg trolox equivalents/100 g DW] and electrochemical (DNA‐based sensor – 3571–6602 mg ascorbic acid/100 g DW) methods. The quantitative profile of phenolic compounds was strongly dependent on MAE conditions. Significant correlations were found between the presence of several flavonoids and solvent composition, as well as between phenolic acids with methoxy group and the response to DNA‐based sensor. Results may improve targeted extractions for specific compounds, leading to the achievement of extracts richer in antioxidant capacity, as well as in the tailoring of the biosensor response sensitivity to the composition of the extracts under analysis.     

Enhancing the production of hydrogen via water–gas shift reaction using Pd-based membrane reactors

In this work, it is described an experimental study regarding the performance of a Pd–Ag membrane reactor recently proposed and suitable for the production of ultra-pure hydrogen. A dense metallic permeator tube was assembled by an innovative annealing and diffusion welding technique from a commercial flat sheet membrane of Pd–Ag. A “finger-like” configuration of the self-supported membrane has been designed and used as a packed-bed membrane reactor (MR) for producing ultra-pure hydrogen via water–gas shift reaction (WGS).     

Grape juice obtained using steam extraction and other small‐scale extraction methods: phenolic content,antioxidant capacity and stability during storage

Grape juices made using small‐scale production techniques are widely consumed. The extraction procedures employed to produce them, however, can affect bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in the final product. In this study, juices prepared using four extraction methods (steam, extractor, juicer and blender) were evaluated for soluble and hydrolysable polyphenol content, total anthocyanin content, antioxidant capacity, physicochemical characteristics and colour. Acceptance of steam‐extracted juices and their stability during storage were also evaluated. Steam extraction resulted in a higher soluble phenolic (1073 ± 58 mg gallic acid L^?1) and anthocyanin content (138 ± 22 mg cyanidin L^?1), as well as a higher antioxidant capacity when compared to juices prepared using other methods. Although steam‐extracted juice remained microbiologically stable during 24 months of storage, changes in phytochemical compounds and antioxidant capacity did occur. Our results indicate that steam‐extracted grape juices have high commercial potential.