Mg0.5NixZn0.5-xFe2O4 spinel as a sustainable magnetic nano-photocatalyst with dopant driven band shifting and reduced recombination for visible and solar degradation of Reactive Blue-19

Focussing on visible light active ferrites for high performance removal of noxious pollutants, we report the synthesis of Mg_0.5Ni_xZn_0.5-xFe₂O₄ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, & 0.5) ferrite nanoparticle for degradation of reactive blue-19 (RB-19). Lattice parameters calculated using intense X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks and Nelson-Riley plots (N-R plot) are in well agreement with each other. The sample Mg_0.5Ni_0.4Zn_0.1Fe₂O₄ (M5N4) exhibits best performance with 99.5% RB-19 degradation in 90 min under visible light. Photoluminescence (PL) results confirm that recombination of charge carriers is highly reduced in the photocatalyst. Scavenging experiments suggest that O₂⁻ radicals were the dominant species responsible for photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic mechanism was explained in terms of dopant driven shifting of conduction bands and valence bands (calculated by Mott-Schottky plots). The thermodynamic probability of radical generation along with role of redox cycles of metal ions has been discussed in the mechanism. The dye degradation was ascertained by detection of intermediates via mass spectrometry analysis and a possible degradation route was also predicted. The findings in this work provide intriguing opportunities to modify the electronic band structure of spinel ferrites for visible and solar light photocatalytic activity for environmental detoxification.     

Vertical cyclic loading response of geosynthetic-encased stone column in soft clay

Dynamic responses of the geosynthetic-encased stone column (GESC) supported embankment under traffic loads have become a hot topic. This study investigates the responses of GESC improved ground under vertical cyclic loading. A series of laboratory tests in a designed model test tank have been carried out with different loading parameters (varied loading amplitudes and frequencies), different column dimensions (varied encasement lengths and column diameters). In the tests, the soil-column stress distribution, accumulated settlement of loading plate, excess pore water pressure in the surrounding soil and lateral bulging of the stone column are monitored. Experimental results indicate that the vertical stress on the stone column increases with the increment of encasement length, and decreases with the increment of column diameter, loading amplitude and loading frequency. The increasing stress on the surrounding soil leads to a greater accumulated settlement of the loading plate and excess pore water pressure, while the increasing stress on the column leads to larger lateral bulging of the column. Excess pore water pressure dissipates effectively through vertical and horizontal drainage channels provided by the stone column and the sand bed. The geosynthetic encasement prevents the clay from obstructing the drainage channel by filtration and guarantees the drainage effect.     

Dye removal by polymer derived ceramic nanobeads

Emulsion processed polymer derived ceramic (PDC) nanobeads are used for Methylene Blue dye removal from aqueous solutions. The PDC nanobeads, produced at 600 °C and 1200 °C pyrolysis, are subsequently coated with titania (anatase). Titania-coated nanobeads show less than 35%, i.e., limited dye adsorption capability in dark. Instead, enhanced total removal efficiency (∼97%) is obtained when the initial adsorption is succeeded by photodegradation under UV. Direct reusability tests show that even after the third cycle, very high regeneration efficiencies being above 92% are observed for titania-coated nanobeads.     

Pt–Ru nanoparticles anchored on poly(brilliant cresyl blue) as a new polymeric support: Application as an efficient electrocatalyst in methanol oxidation reaction

The glassy carbon electrode is modified by poly(brilliant cresyl blue) (PBCB) to be applied as a new green and efficient platform for Pt and Pt–Ru alloy nanoparticles deposition. Surface composition, morphology and catalytic activity of these modified electrodes towards methanol oxidation are assessed by applying X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the highly crystalline Pt and Pt–Ru alloy and RuO₂ nanoparticles with low crystallinity are deposited on the PBCB modified glassy carbon electrodes. The microscopic images indicate smaller size and better distribution of deposited nanoparticles on the surface of PBCB modified electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results reveal that PBCB supported Pt and Pt–Ru nanoparticles have better electrocatalytic performance and durability towards methanol oxidation rather than the unsupported nanoparticles. From the obtained results it can be concluded that the presence of PBCB not only improves the stability of nanoparticles on the surface, but also leads to the formation of smaller size and more uniform distribution of nanoparticles on the surface, which, in turn, cause the nanoparticles to provide a higher accessible surface area and more active centers for the oxidation of methanol. The results will be valuable in extending the applications of this polymer in surface modification steps and in developing promising catalyst supports to be applied in direct methanol fuel cells.     

Application of the methylene blue test to cement raw materials

Characterisation of raw materials for Portland cement manufacture by use of the methylene blue adsorption method is discussed. The method is shown to be a simple, convenient ‘rule of thumb’ procedure. It provides a guide to the quantity and type of argillaceous minerals present in a given raw material sample.     

Monoacylglycerols derived from butter oil by Penicillium roquefortii in suspension cultures

Structural isomers of monoacylglycerols (monoglycerides, MAGs) were identified and compared after degradation of butter oil by two strains of Penicillium roquefortii and a commercial lipase from P roquefortii (EC 3.1.1.3) at pH 7.0 and 10 °C. The conditions were selected as they were comparable with those used in the manufacture of blue mould‐ripened cheese. The commercial lipase was selected to compare with the fungal strains in terms of acyl migration. Results showed that the main isomers formed by lipolysis with the commercial lipase were sn‐2 MAGs (64 mol%), whilst spores and emerging mycelia of P roquefortii produced mainly sn‐1(3) MAGs (83–90 mol%). The work reported here may lead to further assessment of different MAG structural isomers as natural preservatives in foods and dairy products. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

西霞院水利枢纽工程泄洪闸振冲碎石桩基础处理

通过西霞院水利枢纽工程泄洪闸振冲碎石桩基础处理施工方法论述,给出了加砂层振冲碎石桩施工造孔水压、水量、成孔速度、填料级配、填料方法以及振密电流值、留振时间等施工控制参数。     

蓝湿皮酶软化的特性研究

以自行研制的一种复合酶为软化剂 ,研究了 p H值、反应温度、反应时间、酶用量以及铬含量对猪蓝湿皮软化效果的影响 ,其软化效果以软化液中羟脯氨酸的浓度增量来表征。研究结果表明 :通过蓝湿皮软化来改善成品革的质量是可行的 ,而且有明显的效果 ;以软化液中羟脯氨酸的浓度来表征软化效果是一个有效的方法 ;当用该复合酶软化猪蓝湿皮时 ,最适 p H值范围为 6 .0 - 6 .5 ;反应温度在 4 0 - 6 5℃之间时 ,软化效果随温度的升高而增大 ;在 5 5℃条件下 ,该酶有很好的热稳定性 ,能长时间保持活力不衰减 ;最适酶用量为 30 0 U/ g试样 ;蓝湿皮的铬含量对软化效果有影响 ,用该方法处理的蓝湿皮 ,其铬离子质量含量一般应≤ 2 .5 %。