Facile sonochemical synthesis and photocatalysis of Ag nanoparticle/ZnWO_4-nanorod nanocomposites

A facile sonochemical method was developed to synthesize metallic Ag spherical nanoparticles on the surface of ZnWO_4 nanorods by forming heterostructure Ag/ZnWO_4 nanocomposites.The Ag/ZnWO_4 nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS).The experimental results showed that fcc metallic Ag nanoparticles were supported on surface of monoclinic sanmartinite ZnWO_4 nanorods.The Ag3d_(3/2) and Ag 3 d_(5/2) peaks have well-separated binding energies of 6.00 eV,certifying the existence of metallic Ag.The Ag/ZnWO_4 nanocomposites were evaluated for photodegradation of methylene blue(MB)induced by ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis)radiation.In this research,heterostructure 10 wt% Ag nanoparticle/ZnWO_4-nanorod composites have the highest photocatalytic activity of 99%degradation of MB within 60 min.The increase in photocatalytic activity was the result of photoinduced electrons in conduction band of ZnWO_4 that effectively diffused to metallic Ag spherical nanoparticles and the inhibition of electron-hole recombination process.     

Malic acid complex method for preparation of LiNiVO4 nano-crystallites

LiNiVO₄ nano-crystallites were prepared by the polymerized complex method using Li₂CO₃, Ni(CH₃COO)₂·4H₂O and NH₄VO₃ as starting reagents and malic acid as a complexing agent. With the subsequent calcination at 450 °C, the powder analyzed by XRD, FTIR, Raman, electron diffraction, SEM and TEM techniques was found to be inverse spinel LiNiVO₄ with ∼20 nm in diameter. TGA shows continuous weight loss at 40–450 °C due to the evaporation and decomposition processes. Above 450 °C, weight percent tended to be constant. In addition, formation mechanism of the purified LiNiVO₄ was proposed to relate with the experimental results.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of ZnO nanostructure flowers

Hexagonal ZnO nanostructure flowers were successfully synthesized from a 1:15 molar ratio of Zn(CH₃COO)₂2H₂O to KOH using 180 W microwave radiation for 20 min. The product phase was detected using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). A diffraction pattern was also simulated and was found to be in accordance with those of the experiment and the JCPDS database. Raman spectrometry revealed the presence of four vibration peaks at 337.85, 381.13, 437.54 and 583.30 cm^? 1. The product, spear-shaped nanorods in flower-like clusters, was characterized using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). High resolution TEM (HRTEM) showed that growth of the spear-shaped nanorods was in the [001] direction, which was normal to the (002) planes composing a lattice fringe of the nanorods. A formation mechanism of hexagonal ZnO nanostructure flowers was also proposed.     

Characterization of Bi2S3 with different morphologies synthesized using microwave radiation

Bi₂S₃ with different morphologies (nanoparticles, nanorods and nanotubes) was synthesized using bismuth nitrate pentahydrate (Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O) and two kinds of sulfur sources (CH₃CSNH₂ and NH₂CSNH₂) in different solvents (water, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol) via a microwave radiation method at 180 W for 20 min. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that all of the products are orthorhombic Bi₂S₃ phase of nanoparticles, nanorods and nanotubes, influenced by the sulfur sources and solvents. Formation mechanisms of the products with different morphologies are also proposed.     

Characterization of AgBiS2 nanostructured flowers produced by solvothermal reaction

AgBiS₂ nanostructured flowers were produced from CH₃COOAg, Bi(NO₃)₃.5H₂O and thiosemicarbazide (NH₂CSNHNH₂) using different solvents [ethylene glycol (EG), water (H₂O), polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of 200 (PEG200), and propylene glycol (PG)] in Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclaves. The phase and purity were detected using X-ray diffraction (XRD), controlled by the solvents. The product was purified AgBiS₂ produced by the 200 °C and 24 h reaction in EG, corresponding to selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and simulation patterns. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM) revealed the formation of nanostructured flowers — enlarged by the increase in the lengths of time and temperature. Their photoluminescence (PL) emissions were detected at the same wavelength of 382 nm (3.24 eV), although they were produced under different conditions.     

A Small-Scale Pneumatic Conveying Dryer of Rough Rice

This article studies the possibility of reducing the high initial moisture content of wet rough rice using a small-scale low-cost pneumatic conveying dryer as a first stage dryer. The parameters investigated are final moisture content, surface temperature of rough rice, head rice yield, drying rate, power consumption per unit mass of evaporated water, and physical characteristics of rice. Parametric effects of the following variables are examined: velocity of drying air from 20 to 30 m/s, feed rate of rough rice from 150 to 350 kg/h, initial moisture content from 22 to 26% (wet basis), and drying air temperature from 35 to 70°C. From the experimental results, it is found that this drying method can be used for fresh rough rice with an initial moisture content of over 24% (wet basis). The drying process is able to lead to very rapid drying without any grain quality problems such as cracks in the rice kernel. The moisture content can be reduced to approximately 18% (wet basis) or about 5-6% of the initial moisture content within 3-4 s. The optimal drying air temperature is in the range of 50 to 60°C. A comparison of pneumatic conveying drying data obtained from the present study with fluidized bed drying data reported in the open literature is also discussed.     

Diffusion with micro-sorption in bentonite: evaluation by molecular dynamics and homogenization analysis

We here give a numerical analysis method of a diffusion problem including sorption chemistry for bentonite clay. Bentonite predominantly consists of the microscopic smectitic clay minerals (mainly montmorillonite and beidellite). Physico-chemical properties of smectite clays such as diffusivity of chemical species and adsorptivity on surface of clay mineral are characterized by crystalline structure of hydrated smectite minerals. To obtain the microscopic properties of the hydrated smectite, the molecular behavior is analyzed by a molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. We understand at least two types of adsorption are formed on the smectite surface; outer sphere complex and inner sphere complex. The inner sphere complex occurs on the edge sites of clay minerals. The amount of mono-layer of cations on the edge surface is considered as the adsorptivity of smectite in the microscopic level. A multiscale homogenization analysis (HA) is applied to extend the microscopic characteristics of the hydrated smectite to the macroscopic behavior. The diffusion and adsorption of a radioactive specie, cesium (Cs), is introduced by this analysis. The calculated results appear to be acceptable.     

Large-scale synthesis of CuS hexaplates in mixed solvents using a solvothermal method

Large-scale covellite CuS hexaplates were successfully synthesized by the 200 °C solvothermal reactions of CuCl₂.2H₂O and (NH₄)₂S in C₂H₅OH-H₂O mixed solvents containing HCOOH as a pH stabilizer, including different amounts and molecular weights (MWs) of polyethylene glycol (PEG). By using XRD and SAED, CuS (hcp) was detected. XRD peaks of the product, synthesized in a solution containing 5 g PEG6000 and 1.5 ml HCOOH for 5 h, are in accordance with those of the simulation and database. The (110) peak shows the preferential growth, corresponding to the hexaplates, characterized using SEM, TEM and HRTEM. CuS hexaplates with the (100) and (010) lattice planes at an angle of 120° were detected on the flat surface, and the (002) lattice plane on the edge. UV-vis absorption edge was detected at 610 nm (2.03 eV), and the PL emission at 361 nm (3.43 eV). Phase and morphology formations were also explained according to the experimental results.     

Determination of Optimum Velocity for Various Nanofluids Flowing in a Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger

Piping is one of the most important issues in the cost of process factories. It is known that 80% of bought equipment cost or 20% of overhead capital can belong to piping cost in a fluid-process factory. Pipe diameter and therefore flow velocity strongly affect the existing value of the factory regarding the consumed electric energy and fitting cost of pipes, pumps, and valves. We give a detailed cost analysis model for the pure fluids of water, motor oil, glycerin, ammonia, methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and propane and their nanofluid mixtures with Ti and TiO₂ particles in liquid phase flowing in the tube side of a double-pipe heat exchanger. Pressure drop and pumping power values increase with flow velocity but total cost values show an arc with it. The clear outcome is that there is a minimum cost value as a result of the analyses for each investigated fluids. Moreover, validation of the model is performed by plotting the calculated items in figures such as total heat transfer coefficient versus Reynolds number, pressure drop versus Reynolds number, and friction factor versus mass flow rate. Characteristics of the trend lines in these figures are seen as they should be.     

A four power-piston low-temperature differential Stirling engine using simulated solar energy as a heat source

In this paper, the performances of a four power-piston, gamma-configuration, low-temperature differential Stirling engine are presented. The engine is tested with air at atmospheric pressure by using a solar simulator with four different solar intensities as a heat source. Variations in engine torque, shaft power and brake thermal efficiency with engine speed and engine performance at various heat inputs are presented. The Beale number obtained from the testing of the engine is also investigated. The results indicate that at the maximum actual energy input of 1378 W and a heater temperature of 439 K, the engine approximately produces a maximum torque of 2.91 N m, a maximum shaft power of 6.1 W, and a maximum brake thermal efficiency of 0.44% at 20 rpm.