Influence of metal-support interactions on reaction pathways over Ni/CeZrOx–Al2O3 catalysts for ethanol steam reforming

This work investigates selective Ni locations over Ni/CeZrO_x–Al₂O₃ catalysts at different Ni loading contents and their influences on reaction pathways in ethanol steam reforming (ESR). Depending on the Ni loading contents, the added Ni selectively interacts with CeZrO_x–Al₂O₃, resulting in the stepwise locations of Ni over CeZrO_x–Al₂O₃. This behavior induces a remarkable difference in hydrogen production and coke formation in ESR. The selective interaction between Ni and CeZrO_x for 10-wt.% Ni generates more oxygen vacancies in the CeZrO_x lattice. The Ni sites near the oxygen vacancies enhance reforming via steam activation, resulting in the highest hydrogen production rate of 1863.0 μmol/g_cat·min. In contrast, for 15 and 20-wt.% Ni, excessive Ni is additionally deposited on Al₂O₃ after the saturation of Ni–CeZrO_x interactions. These Ni sites on Al₂O₃ accelerate coking from the ethylene produced on the acidic sites, resulting in a high coke amount of 19.1 mg_c/g_cat·h (20Ni/CZ-Al).     

Current trends in structural development and modification strategies for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) towards photocatalytic H2 production: A review

Photocatalytic H₂ generation using semiconductor photocatalysts is considered as a cost-effective and eco-friendly technology for solar to energy conversion; however, the present photocatalysts have been recognized to depict low efficiency. Currently, porous coordination polymers known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constituting flexible and modifiable porous structure and having excess active sites are considered to be appropriate for photocatalytic H₂ production. This review highlights current progress in structural development of MOF materials along with modification strategies for enhanced photoactivity. Initially, the review discusses the photocatalytic H₂ production mechanism with the concepts of thermodynamics and mass transfer with particular focus on MOFs. Elaboration of the structural categories of MOFs into Type I, Type II, Type III and classification of MOFs for H₂ generation into transition metal based, post-transition metal based, noble-metal based and hetero-metal based has been systematically discussed. The review also critically deliberate various modification approaches of band engineering, improvement of charge separation, efficient irradiation utilization and overall efficiency of MOFs including metal modification, heterojunction formation, Z-scheme formation, by introducing electron mediator, and dye based composites. Also, the MOF synthesized derivatives for photocatalytic H₂ generation are elaborated. Finally, future perspectives of MOFs for H₂ generation and approaches for efficiency improvement have been suggested.     

Irradiation-induced large bubble formation and grain growth in super nano-grained ceramic

In this work, 0.5TRPO•0.5Gd₂Zr₂O₇ ceramic with an average grain size of only ∼15 nm was prepared by a high pressure (5 GPa/520 °C) sintering method. Phase evolutions and microstructure changes of the as-fabricated super nano and micron-grained ceramics under a high-dose displacement damage induced by 300 keV Kr²⁺ ions were investigated. The results show that the super nano-grained ceramic has low degree of amorphization, obvious grain growth (2–3 times in grain size) and big Kr bubbles (10–68 nm) formation after irradiation. The micron-grained ceramic was severely amorphized after irradiation and many microcracks were formed parallel to its surface. The formation mechanism of Kr bubbles in the super nano-grained ceramic is on account of grain boundary diffusion and migration induced by the accumulation of the injecting Kr ions and irradiation defects. Nevertheless, microcracks formed in the micron-grained sample are caused by the accumulation of Kr atoms.     

Parameter estimation for a morphochemical reaction-diffusion model of electrochemical pattern formation

The process of electrodeposition can be described in terms of a reaction-diffusion partial differential equation (PDE) system that models the dynamics of the morphology profile and the chemical composition. Here we fit such a model to the different patterns present in a range of electrodeposited and electrochemically modified alloys using PDE constrained optimization. Experiments with simulated data show how the parameter space of the model can be divided into zones corresponding to the different physical patterns by examining the structure of an appropriate cost function. We then use real data to demonstrate how numerical optimization of the cost function can allow the model to fit the rich variety of patterns arising in experiments. The computational technique developed provides a potential tool for tuning experimental parameters to produce desired patterns.     

Improving the multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithm for hydropower reservoir operations in the California Oroville–Thermalito complex

This study demonstrates the application of an improved Evolutionary optimization Algorithm (EA), titled Multi-Objective Complex Evolution Global Optimization Method with Principal Component Analysis and Crowding Distance Operator (MOSPD), for the hydropower reservoir operation of the Oroville–Thermalito Complex (OTC) – a crucial head-water resource for the California State Water Project (SWP). In the OTC's water-hydropower joint management study, the nonlinearity of hydropower generation and the reservoir's water elevation–storage relationship are explicitly formulated by polynomial function in order to closely match realistic situations and reduce linearization approximation errors. Comparison among different curve-fitting methods is conducted to understand the impact of the simplification of reservoir topography. In the optimization algorithm development, techniques of crowding distance and principal component analysis are implemented to improve the diversity and convergence of the optimal solutions towards and along the Pareto optimal set in the objective space. A comparative evaluation among the new algorithm MOSPD, the original Multi-Objective Complex Evolution Global Optimization Method (MOCOM), the Multi-Objective Differential Evolution method (MODE), the Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA), the Multi-Objective Simulated Annealing approach (MOSA), and the Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization scheme (MOPSO) is conducted using the benchmark functions. The results show that best the MOSPD algorithm demonstrated the best and most consistent performance when compared with other algorithms on the test problems. The newly developed algorithm (MOSPD) is further applied to the OTC reservoir releasing problem during the snow melting season in 1998 (wet year), 2000 (normal year) and 2001 (dry year), in which the more spreading and converged non-dominated solutions of MOSPD provide decision makers with better operational alternatives for effectively and efficiently managing the OTC reservoirs in response to the different climates, especially drought, which has become more and more severe and frequent in California.     

Internet use and developmental tasks: Adolescents’ point of view

This study explored adolescents’ opinions about how Internet use supports the achievement of their developmental tasks. Qualitative data were collected in focus groups interviews with 127 Italian Internet users (11–20) attending middle and high schools. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. Results showed that the Internet plays important functions in identity formation, personal autonomy, and relationships outside the family. It allows teens to develop their own interests, to identify with others and, at the same time, differentiate from others. The Internet is also an arena in which adolescents develop and practice autonomy. The Internet can be a source of conflict with parents, because of parents’ concerns about Internet use. However, the Internet can also be a meeting ground with parents. Finally, participants indicated the Internet is used to form close relationships with peers. Gender and age differences are discussed. Although the study is cross-sectional and relies only on adolescent report, findings illustrate how the conceptual framework of developmental goals may be helpful for understanding how the Internet can affect adolescents’ lives.     

Formation and wear mechanism of nickel titanium intermetallics during heat treatment of nickel coating on Ti-6Al-4V substrate

In the present work, inter-diffusion of nickel and titanium and formation of Ni-Ti intermetallic compounds on Ti-6Al-4V substrate have been studied. Initially, nickel was electrodeposited on the alloy using a modified Watts bath solution at a current density of 2 A dm^?2 for 1?h. The coated specimens were then heat treated for different durations at 750, 800 and 850 °C under argon atmosphere. The effects of temperature and time on the characteristics, hardness and wear resistance of intermetallic phases were investigated. The results showed that a multilayer structure was formed after heat treatment, an outer layer of residual nickel, an area of intermetallic layers with different compositions followed by a solid solution of Ni-Ti. It was also observed that an increase in time or temperature at first led to the formation of thicker intermetallic layers; however, after passing a critical point, the intermetallic layers seem to dissolve into the substrate. Furthermore, the wear rates of the diffusion treated samples were four times lower compared to Ti-6Al-4V alloy when sliding against AISI 52100 hardened steel.     

Linear friction welding of Ti6Al4V: experiments and modelling

Linear friction welding of the Ti6Al4V alloy is studied. A new definition of the energy input rate is proposed, based on an integration over time of the in-plane force and velocity; a strong correlation with the upset rate is then found. The effective friction coefficient is estimated to be 0·5±0·1 for varying frequencies and amplitudes, with only a weak dependence on the processing conditions displayed. A model is proposed that accounts for both the conditioning and equilibrium stages of the process, which is shown to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The model is used to study the mechanism by which the flash is formed. A criterion is proposed by which the rippled nature of its morphology can be predicted.     

Role of Metabolism in Bone Development and Homeostasis

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are the underlying energy sources for animals and are catabolized through specific biochemical cascades involving numerous enzymes. The catabolites and metabolites in these metabolic pathways are crucial for many cellular functions; therefore, an imbalance and/or dysregulation of these pathways causes cellular dysfunction, resulting in various metabolic diseases. Bone, a highly mineralized organ that serves as a skeleton of the body, undergoes continuous active turnover, which is required for the maintenance of healthy bony components through the deposition and resorption of bone matrix and minerals. This highly coordinated event is regulated throughout life by bone cells such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes, and requires synchronized activities from different metabolic pathways. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the cellular metabolism involved in bone development and homeostasis, as revealed by mouse genetic studies.