Chlorophyll derivatives/MXene hybrids for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: Dependence of performance on the central coordinating metals

Development of efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with illumination of visible light is challenging. In this work, five chlorophyll derivatives (M-Chls; M = H₂/Cu/Ni/Co/Zn) with different central ions in its cyclic tetrapyrrole ring including free base, copper, nickel, cobalt, and zinc were synthesized and employed as the effective visible-light harvester for efficient HER. In addition, two-dimensional (2D) noble metal-free co-catalyst Ti₃C₂T_x MXene was used as an excellent electron capturer due to its outstanding conductivity property. These M-Chls are modified on the surface of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene with 2D accordion-like morphology by means of a simple deposition process to form noble metal-free Chl/Ti₃C₂T_x-based photocatalysts for HER. It is found that the best HER performance as high as 49 μmol/h/g_cat was achieved with the Co-Chl@Ti₃C₂T_x hybrid, which was much higher than those of other M-Chl@Ti₃C₂T_x composites. This research provides a specific way to synthesize low-cost and environmentally friendly natural Chls for developing highly efficient photocatalytic HER through molecular engineering.     

Resistance variation of low-quality aggregates

With an ever-decreasing source of aggregate, this study reports laboratory tests on geologically young material, some of which is unconsolidated, in order to determine whether they can be used as aggregates. Los Angeles abrasion and aggregate impact values were compared and correlations made between these parameters and the petrographic composition of the material, as well as some other common properties (particle shape, water absorption). The drift deposits tested consisted mainly of limestone gravels although clasts of sandstone with some deleterious chert and fine material were also present. Whilst the laboratory test results did not always conform to the requirements of the common Standards for aggregates, it was considered that, with appropriate processing, many of the materials could be used.      

Comparison between laboratory and field leachability of MSWI bottom ash as a road material

The leaching properties of bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) used as an aggregate substitute in unbound pavement layers are evaluated. The mechanical behaviour of bottom ash is acceptable for this application, but the potential environmental consequences constitute the most important limitation on the use of bottom ash as a road material. The environmental properties of bottom ash are assessed by means of the Dutch availability test NEN 7341 and the single-batch and two-stage batch European EN 12457 laboratory leaching tests. Furthermore, an experimental unbound pavement stretch is constructed to provide information on leaching behaviour under field conditions. In this high infiltration scenario, the results from predicted (based upon laboratory leaching tests) and measured releases (under field conditions) are compared, evidencing that predictions based on compliance leaching tests may be highly realistic. The depletion period of the extractable fraction of a number of elements in these field conditions is also quantified.     

Dynamic Fracture and Strain Rate Behavior of Aggregates Used in Transportation

The static and dynamic uniaxial compressive strengths of coarse aggregate materials used in portland cement concrete (PCC) were determined under dry and saturated conditions for three blast furnace slags, three limestones, four dolomites, and two mafic igneous rocks. The slag aggregates exhibited the lowest compressive strength, followed by the carbonates (limestones and dolomites), and the mafic igneous rocks. Both the dry and saturated aggregates revealed a higher compressive strength under dynamic loads compared to the static loads. Based on the experimental data, a rate sensitivity parameter was defined to describe the increase in compressive strength as a function of strain rate. This parameter is deemed to have considerable relevance in evaluating the ability of a specific aggregate to resist dynamic loads such as in aggregate interlock in PCC cracks and joints, friction in asphalt, and also in the development of microfracture during rock blasting. Comparison of the compressive strength data to density and LA abrasion values revealed that the dynamic data have a better correlation to the above properties than the static data.     

Improved Method to Calculate a Water Poverty Index at Local Scale

The Water Poverty Index (WPI) was created as an interdisciplinary indicator to assess water stress and scarcity, linking physical estimates of water availability with the socioeconomic drivers of poverty. This index has found great relevance in policy making as an effective water management tool, particularly in resources allocation and prioritization processes. Two conceptual weaknesses exist in the current index: (1) inadequate technique to combine available data and (2) poor statistical properties of the resulting composite. The purpose of this paper is to propose a suitable methodology to assess water poverty that overcomes these weaknesses. To this end, a number of combinations to create the WPI have been considered, based on indicators selection criteria, simple aggregation functions and multivariate analysis. The approach adopted has been designed for universal application at local scale. To exemplify the utilization of each alternative method, they have been piloted and implemented in the Turkana District (Kenya) as a case study. The paper concludes that the weighted multiplicative function is the most appropriate aggregation method for estimation of water poverty. It is least eclipsing and ambiguous free function, and it does not allow compensability among different variables of the index.     

Viscous flow through a bed of settled aggregates: Evolution of tubes void of particles

Observations show that, when a viscous fluid flows vertically through a bed of settled flocculated aggregates, particles are emerged from locations on the upper surface of the bed, as a volcano process, and hollow tubes are created in the bed though the latter remains basically stable. A theoretical model is presented to explain this odd phenomenon from the onset of particle motion to the development of the tubular cavities and the particles' deposits around them. Analytical and numerical calculations are performed to show fluid streamlines and particle trajectories.     

Avoiding trap states in poly(n-vinylcarbazole) thin films

Optical properties of poly(n-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) thin films are revisited. Steady-state emission spectra put in evidence a strong red band whose intensity increases with decreasing temperature when the solid state PVK film is excited by a continuous 375 nm laser line. This red band is assigned to the emission from PVK aggregate states which act as trap states for the monomeric PVK triplet high energy (blue) excitons. At the same low temperatures, these trap states can be avoided when the excitation of the PVK film is made by a 355 nm pulsed laser line with 10 Hz repetition rate. The red band was also observed to compete with the emission of guest poly(3-octadecylthiophene) (PODT) molecules in a PVK/PODT sequential bilayer structure. Different optical geometries enabled us to show that the exciton energy transfer effect from PVK donor to PODT acceptor states dominates the scenario in the bilayer structure, suppressing almost completely the trap state emissions.     

Testing of Strength of Recycled Waste Concrete and Its Applicability

This paper gives results of studies undertaken to assess suitability of construction demolition as coarse aggregate in new concrete production. Three sets of concrete materials considered are fresh concrete (FCM), waste concrete (WCM), and waste concrete strengthened with admixtures (SWCM). Various mixes were prepared for carrying out the research by varying the proportions of cement, sand, and aggregates. All mixes were designed for characteristic strength (fck) of M20. The compressive strength of concretes was tested in laboratory after 3, 7, and 28 days. The specimens used for testing include cubes, cylinders, and flexural beams. The influence of admixtures on the strength of waste concrete was examined. The compressive strengths of FCM, WCM, and SWCM are compared and the results show that there is not much difference in the strengths of FCM and SWCM after 28 days. For this reason, this study recommends the recycling of waste concrete as an aggregate material in the production of new concrete.     

Optimizing aerosolization efficiency of dry-powder aggregates of thermally-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles produced by spray-freeze-drying

Dry powder inhaler (DPI) delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles requires the nanoparticles to be transformed into inhalable micro-scale aggregate structures (i.e. nano-aggregates). The present work details the spray-freeze-drying (SFD) production of dry-powder aggregates of thermally-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles. Specifically, the aim is to optimize the aerosolization efficiency of the nano-aggregates, while keeping the morphology, production yield, flowability, and aqueous reconstitution in the desirable range. For this purpose, the effects of SFD process parameters (i.e. atomization rate, feed concentration, and feed rate) and freeze-drying adjuvant formulation on the nano-aggregate characteristics are examined. Low melting-point poly (caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles are used as the model nanoparticles. Mannitol and leucine are used as the hydrophilic and hydrophobic adjuvants, respectively. Large spherical porous nano-aggregates, where PCL nanoparticles are physically dispersed in the porous adjuvant matrix, have been produced. The presence of mannitol is crucial in ensuring that the nano-aggregates readily reconstitute into individual nanoparticles upon exposure to an aqueous environment, so that they can perform their intended therapeutic functions. The presence of leucine, on the other hand, is mandatory to obtain high aerosolization efficiency as its presence reduces the nano-aggregate tendency to agglomerate. At the optimal condition, nano-aggregates exhibiting ED (Emitted Dose) ≈ 95%, FPF (Fine Particle Fraction) ≈ 30%, and MMAD (Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter) ≈ 5.3 μm, which are comparable to the values obtained in commercial DPI, have been produced. The results signify the potential of SFD to be employed in the production of inhalable dosage form of thermally-sensitive therapeutic nanoparticles.     

EFFECT OF VARIABLE ACOUSTIC FIELD AND FREQUENCY ON GAS-SOLID SUSPENSION OF FINE POWDER: A REVIEW

Suspensions of fine particles in either Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluids are often encountered in the physical, engineering, and biological sciences. For example, the manufacture of particle-laden products such as reinforced composites, paints, paper, slurries, and cements involves the processing of particle suspensions. Fine particles become difficult to suspend due to interparticle attraction forces like ver der Waals, capillary, and cohesive forces, which are responsible for converting fine particles into aggregates. These aggregates prevent the particles from being suspended uniformly, hence external forces are essential to break these aggregates. External forces include magnetic fields, electrical fields, acoustic fields, and mechanical vibration, which are useful to break aggregates and suspend particle uniformly. This process is termed homogeneous fluidization. This article presents a comprehensive review of sound-assisted fluidized beds for group C, A, and B and binary materials. Furthermore, this review covers the effect of acoustic field intensity and frequency on minimum fluidization velocity and on bubbling.