Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bangyun Xiong, Jingjing Li, Chunqing He, Jiale Lai, Xiangjia Liu, Tao Huang
Summary: In this study, tunable mesoporous silica films were characterized using positron annihilation gamma-ray energy spectroscopy, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, ellipsometric porosimetry, and heptane adsorption. The results showed that ellipsometric porosimetry combined with heptane adsorption is a highly sensitive method for calibrating mesopore size in interconnected films, while positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy is a novel complementary tool for characterizing closed and open pores.
Article
Polymer Science
Katarina Cifranicova, Ondrej Sausa, David Pavel Kralovic, Helena Svajdlenkova
Summary: This study investigated a commercial photopolymer mixture using positron annihilation spectroscopy (PALS), near infrared spectroscopy (NIR), and bulk density measurements to study microstructural free volume, which affects material properties. It was found that 0.5 mol% of photoinitiator (PI) is sufficient to achieve similar microstructures for 2 mm and 5 mm-thick samples. The thickness and amount of PI were found to have an impact on the free volume characteristics, which correlated with bulk density, monomer conversion, and H bonded interactions determined from NIR. Spatial graded microstructural study revealed more pronounced differences with increased PI amount and reduced thickness.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Pietrow, R. Zaleski, A. Wagner, P. Slomski, E. Hirschmann, R. Krause-Rehberg, M. O. Liedke, M. Butterling, D. Weinberger
Summary: This study reports the verification of emission of photons during positronium (Ps) formation in condensed matter through experiments conducted in two different solids. The results suggest that Ps formation may be accompanied by the emission of photons, but not on the surface of one particular solid. Various processes that may influence the energy of the emitted photon during Ps formation are discussed to help understand this phenomenon.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taeyong Ahn, David W. Gidley, Aaron W. Thornton, Antek G. Wong-Foy, Bradford G. Orr, Kenneth M. Kozloff, Mark M. Banaszak Holl
Summary: In this study, the nanoscale porosity of bone components was investigated using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) on hydrated bovine femur samples. Pores with diameter of 0.6 nm within the collagen molecule, water occupying specific size regions, and a structural pore size of 5-6 nm for deproteinized bone were identified. The average mineral lamella thickness was estimated to be in the range of 4-8 nm based on combined PALS and specific surface area (SSA) results.
Article
Polymer Science
Fang Wei, Junheng Zhang, Cheng Wu, Mi Luo, Bangjiao Ye, Hongjun Zhang, Junsheng Wang, Menghe Miao, Tingcheng Li, Daohong Zhang
Summary: Recyclable flame-retardant epoxy resins (FREPs) have been developed using itaconic acid-derived hyperbranched epoxy resin (IA-EHBP) and (1,3,5-hexahydro-s-triazine-1,3,5-triyl)benzyl mercaptan (HT-BM). These resins can be degraded into monomers with high yield and the IA-EHBP structure improves their mechanical properties. The incorporation of IA-EHBP also enhances the flame retardancy of the resins by promoting char residue formation and preventing the generation of combustible volatiles. This method provides a convenient and closed-loop approach for efficient chemical recycling and reuse of end-of-life flame-retardant materials.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tong Song, Peng Zhang, Chao Zhang, Liliang Gong, Xingzhong Cao, Baoyi Wang, Runsheng Yu, Wei Zhou
Summary: The pore structure of PEI/SBA-15 nanocomposites was investigated using PALS, TEM, XRD, and N2 adsorption and desorption techniques. The results showed that PALS could provide information about the micropores and mesopores in the SBA-15 matrix. The size of the micropores and mesopores obtained from theoretical models was slightly smaller than that obtained from N2 adsorption and desorption techniques due to the presence of open micropores in the channels. This study provides a unique tool for understanding the evolution of nanometer-sized pores and the relationship between the material structure and CO2 adsorption capacity.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Laura Resch, Anna Karner, Wolfgang Sprengel, Roland Wuerschum, Robert Schennach
Summary: This study applied the experimental technique of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) to monitor the microstructural changes of cellulose-based materials, such as paper, during water intake. Results showed that the mean positron lifetime increased with time in humid atmosphere, with different trends depending on the type of cellulose sample. The study demonstrated that water transport in paper can be reliably followed over a long timespan using PALS, and even distinguish between different types of cellulose materials based on the observed changes in positron lifetime.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
O. Shpotyuk, A. Ingram, Y. Shpotyuk, V. Adamiv
Summary: This study investigates the vitrification and devitrification transitions in network oxide compounds using a revised positron annihilation lifetime analysis. It finds that volume-expanded vitrification and volume-contracted devitrification processes occur in SiO2-based network systems, while polymorphous transformations are unfavorable in B2O3-based systems. However, these transitions become possible in modified borates like lithium tetraborate Li2B4O7.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Consolati, Eros Mossini, Dario Nichetti, Fiorenza Quasso, Giuseppe Maria Viola, Erkin Yaynik
Summary: The study compared the free volume fraction obtained from experiments with the lattice-hole model, revealing that a cylindrical flattened geometry of the cavities provided better agreement than a spherical shape. Additionally, the best fit was found for holes that expanded preferentially in the radial direction, with a decrease in aspect ratio as temperature decreased.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu-Hsuan Chiao, Wei-Song Hung
Summary: The microstructure and properties of silk fibroin membranes can be controlled by treatment with different alcohols/water. SF membranes treated with highly polar methanol/water exhibit better hydrophilicity and separation efficiency, while SF membranes treated with low polar butanol/water show increased hydrophobicity and larger free volume.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Tran Duy Tap, Tran Hoang Long, Dinh Tran Trong Hieu, Lam Hoang Hao, Huynh Truc Phuong, Le Quang Luan, Tran Van Man
Summary: This study investigates the subnano level free-volume hole features of PSSA grafted ETFE-PEMs using PALS. The hole sizes are primarily formed during the graft-polymerization step and are not significantly altered during sulfonation. With increasing grafting degree, the annihilation lifetime of ortho-positronium (o-Ps) in larger free-volume holes of mobile amorphous layers and PSSA grafts decreases, indicating gas molecules pass through these regions dominantly. The results also show a limited hole concentration at the interfacial zones, suggesting a reduction in gas passing and moderate or higher tensile strength compared to Nafion-212.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
V. Chatzikos, K. Mergia, G. Bonny, D. Terentyev, D. Papadakis, G. E. Pavlou, S. Messoloras
Summary: In this study, the evolution of open volume defects in neutron irradiated tungsten materials was investigated using positron annihilation spectroscopy. The results showed that neutron irradiation resulted in the formation of dislocations and voids in all tungsten grades, and the density of dislocations and voids decreased with increasing irradiation temperature, while the void size increased.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hang Guo, Zhilong Hong, Dongmei Huang, Erjie Yang, Zhuangzhuang Zhu, Chenhao Zhao, Yun Dong, Bangjiao Ye, Hongjun Zhang, Liangbin Li
Summary: The structure-property relationship of the interlamellar amorphous phase in semicrystalline polymers has been a fundamental yet controversial topic in polymer physics. This study simplifies the mechanical coupling between the two phases and quantitatively characterizes the evolution of the amorphous structure and its connection to the mechanical behavior using advanced techniques.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ricardo Dominguez-Reyes, A. Rodriguez-Lopez
Summary: High purity crystalline orthorhombic Sulphur and hexagonal Selenium were studied using Positron Lifetime Spectroscopy technique. Results were compared with previous knowledge and theoretical calculations, confirming the measurements and analysis procedures. Unique positron annihilation behavior was observed in Sulphur samples that was not present in the current literature.
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Luca Chiari, Ayaka Nozaki, Kazuki Koizumi, Masanori Fujinami
Summary: The study found a clear dependence of hydrogen-related defects on strain rate in hydrogen-embrittled iron, with the size of vacancy clusters increasing with annealing temperature. The results indicate that vacancy clusters stabilized by hydrogen accumulate locally in hydrogen-embrittled iron, which is a critical condition for triggering hydrogen embrittlement.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiyizhe Zhang, Wen Li, Kathryn Mumford, Weiyang Fei, Geoffrey Stevens, Yundong Wang
Summary: The study investigated drop sizes in a Karr column using a population balance model with drop breakage and coalescence considered. Model parameters were calculated through a two-step optimization method. Results showed that drop sizes decreased as reciprocating intensity increased, with phase velocities having little impact. Experimental data compared to predicted sizes showed good agreement.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Seungju Kim, Daniel E. Heath, Sandra E. Kentish
Summary: Electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofibre membranes exhibit excellent performance for CO2 stripping, with improved hydrophobicity and CO2 stripping flux compared to traditional membranes. The bead-on-string membranes show superior long-term CO2 stripping flux, suggesting potential for membrane distillation applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Liang Liu, Jung Hyun Lee, Sang Hoon Han, Seong Yong Ha, George Q. Chen, Sandra E. Kentish, Jeong-Gu Yeo
Summary: This study investigates the separation performance of a commercial carbonized polyimide hollow fiber membrane module for post-combustion CO2 capture applications, showing high resilience to water and sulfur/nitrogen oxides, with high CO2 permeance and selectivity. Under mixed gas conditions, the higher permeance of SO2 and NO relative to nitrogen could lead to downstream corrosion issues, while the permeance of NO2 was low.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Moataz Ali El-Okazy, Liang Liu, Mohamed H. Abdellah, Eirini Goudeli, Sandra E. Kentish
Summary: This study investigates the sorption properties of a range of pure gases in amorphous glassy perfluoropolymers and calculates the diffusivity and activation energy using transport models. The results show that the CyclAFlor (TM) copolymer has superior performance for gas separation applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Chemical
Lourdes F. Vega, Sandra E. Kentish
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Masood S. Alivand, Omid Mazaheri, Yue Wu, Ali Zavabeti, Andrew J. Christofferson, Nastaran Meftahi, Salvy P. Russo, Geoffrey W. Stevens, Colin A. Scholes, Kathryn A. Mumford
Summary: This study presents a new approach for the synthesis of water-dispersible core-shell nanocatalysts using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). By introducing functionalized nanoclusters during the self-assembly of MOFs, missing-linker deficiencies are induced to fabricate mesoporosity. The resulting nanocatalysts significantly reduce the energy consumption of CO2 capture and achieve a 10-fold improvement in efficiency compared to conventional catalysts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Masih Karimi Alavijeh, Birgitte Zeuner, Anne S. Meyer, Sally L. Gras, Sandra E. Kentish
Summary: The use of dairy whey to produce 3'-sialyl-N-acetyllactosamine (3'-SLN), an important structural component of glycoproteins and a receptor analog for influenza viruses, represents a sustainable approach for environmental and economic development.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Moataz Ali El-Okazy, Liang Liu, Yuecheng Zhang, Sandra E. Kentish
Summary: This study investigated the performance of glassy perfluoropolymers Cytop(R) and poly(50%PBVE-co-50%PDD) for carbon dioxide capture in raw natural gas. The presence of impurities, such as water vapor and toluene, affected the sorption isotherms and permeability of the membranes to CO2 and CH4. Liquid glycol carryover had no impact on Cytop(R) membranes, but slightly decreased the CO2/CH4 separation factor of poly(50%PBVE-co-50%PDD).
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seungju Kim, Daniel E. Heath, Sandra E. Kentish
Summary: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanofiber membranes with novel crosshatched structures have been developed and applied for water desalination and CO2 separation. The crosshatched structure enables rapid gas and vapor transport due to low tortuosity and high porosity. The mass transfer in both membrane distillation (MD) and CO2 stripping is greatly improved with these novel membranes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Wu, Jessica Vovers, Hiep Thuan Lu, Wen Li, Geoffrey W. Stevens, Kathryn A. Mumford
Summary: In this study, the extraction process of morphine using Cyanex (R) 923 as an extractant was investigated. A reliable mass transfer correlation was established through regression, which can predict the extraction efficiency and morphine concentration.
SOLVENT EXTRACTION AND ION EXCHANGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuecheng Zhang, Sandra Kentish, Colin A. Scholes
Summary: This study investigates the compatibility of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic piping and two elastomer materials, poly(styrene-co-butadiene) (SBR) and poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) (NBR), with ammonia and dimethyl ether (DME) as hydrogen carrier fuels. The results show that the elastomers have higher solubility and permeability for both fuels compared to HDPE, and DME has a significant impact on the intrinsic properties of HDPE and the elastomers, leading to material deterioration. Therefore, while HDPE pipelines can transport ammonia, it is not feasible for DME transportation.
Article
Polymer Science
Ming Yu, Andrew B. Foster, Colin A. Scholes, Sandra E. Kentish, Peter M. Budd
Summary: Physical aging of glassy polymers reduces permeability over time, hindering the industrial application of high free volume polymers in membrane gas separation. This study demonstrates that storing PIM-1 TFC membranes in methanol vapor effectively retards physical aging and can also be used to refresh aged membranes, with one-week storage being sufficient to recover most of the original CO2 permeance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rebecca V. McQuillan, Geoffrey W. Stevens, Kathryn A. Mumford
Summary: This study demonstrates the effective encapsulation of water-soluble fertilizers using liquid marble (LM) technology. By fabricating polymeric shells of varying compositions and thicknesses, the release properties of the marbles can be controlled and adjusted to meet different application needs. A kinetic model is implemented to accurately simulate and predict the release characteristics.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Masood S. Alivand, Geoffrey W. Stevens, Kathryn A. Mumford
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sin Sieng Gianna Sim, Qiuyue Wang, Sandra E. Kentish, George Q. Chen
Summary: This study systematically investigates the concentration-dependence of the equilibrium sorption of organic acid species in a strongly basic anion exchange membrane. The results show different forms of lactic acid and tartaric acid in the membrane phase, providing insights for the fundamental studies of organic ion transport in ion exchange membranes.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiawei Hou, Shixuan Guo, Nigel Graham, Wenzheng Yu, Kening Sun, Ting Liu
Summary: A novel 2D composite membrane based on r-HGO and MXene materials was developed, demonstrating exceptional performance for water treatment in terms of permeability, pollutant rejection, and physical stability. The optimization of preparation conditions and material proportions can result in high water flux and efficient removal of pollutants.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Retraction
Engineering, Chemical
Chang Liu, Jinghong Liu, Liang Zhu, Shanfu Tang, Huixin Xiong
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rui Gao, Caihong Liu, Andreia F. Faria, Qiang He, Chun Yang, Jun Ma
Summary: A novel copolymer architecture has been developed to address biofouling concerns in thin-film composite (TFC) membranes by integrating anti-fouling, bactericidal, and fouling-release functions. The multifunctional membrane demonstrates promising anti-adhesive properties, self-cleaning ability, and high flux recovery rate.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexander T. Bridge, Noah P. Wamble, Matthew S. Santoso, Joan F. Brennecke, Benny D. Freeman
Summary: This study demonstrates the reproducible preparation of high-flux defect-free asymmetric gas separation membranes using Cyrene(TM) as a majority dope formulation component. By adjusting the volume ratios of Cyrene(TM) and THF, as well as the concentrations of Matrimid(R) and the dry step time, optimal membrane performance is achieved.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandra Imbrogno, Han Ya Lin, Babak Minofar, Andrea Iris Schaefer
Summary: In this study, a composite nanofiber membrane containing cross-linked beta-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin was prepared and evaluated for the removal of steroid hormones. The results showed that the membrane had high adsorption capacity and the ability to form a specific inclusion complex interaction with the hormones, indicating its potential application in hormone removal.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bora Shin, Jaewon Shin, Yanuar Chandra Wirasembada, Ki Young Park, Jinwoo Cho
Summary: This study develops a mathematical model to estimate the initial flux of volatile fatty acids in the direct contact membrane distillation process. It identifies the parameters affecting the flux and their relationship with pH.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi-Jui Yeh, Jr Rong Liou, Wei Lin, Kuo-Lun Tung, Wei-Hung Chiang
Summary: This study demonstrates an effective plasma engineering method to create nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot (NGQD)-inorganic nanocomposites for tunable molecular separation. The composite materials show high separation efficiency and controllable nanopore structures, making them potentially valuable for various applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Horacio Lopez-Marques, Kristofer L. Gleason, Manuel Aguilar-Vega, Rita Sulub-Sulub, J. Ehren Eichler, Hyeonji Oh, C. Buddie Mullins, Benny D. Freeman, Manish Kumar
Summary: In this study, water transport properties in Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) membranes were investigated. It was found that membranes synthesized at different pyrolysis temperatures exhibited varying water permeabilities. Compared to other polymeric materials, CMS membranes showed high water permeability, indicating potential for dehydration applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dmitry A. Alentiev, Roman Yu. Nikiforov, Marina A. Rudakova, Danil P. Zarezin, Maxim A. Topchiy, Andrey F. Asachenko, Nikolay A. Belov, Maxim Bermeshev
Summary: A series of new norbornene-type monomers containing linear and branched substituents were synthesized, and robust thin membranes were prepared by vinyl-addition polymerization. Gas separation performance for the synthesized polymers was evaluated, and the structure of substituent side chains was found to significantly affect gas permeability and CO2 facilitated transport.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lei Yan, Qi Zhang, Ze Zhang, Gui-Jie Li, Yi Jin, Xin-Lin Zhang, Yan-Yun Sun
Summary: In this study, a continuous, stable and fast ion transport channel was established through in-situ guided cross-linking of zinc alginate hydrogels on a porous membrane, overcoming the negative pore effect and effectively inhibiting the dendrite growth of zinc anodes and interfacial side reactions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuqing Zhang, Ailing Zhang, Huiyang He, Yuting Fan, Yongjiang Li, Song Wang, Sanxi Li
Summary: The Langmuir-Blodgett self-assembly process is used to create an ordered SPEEK membrane, which enhances the proton conductivity by three times compared to conventional solution casting method.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hasan Ismaeel, David Gibson, Eleonora Ricci, Maria Grazia De Angelis
Summary: In this study, a machine learning-based group contribution method (ML-GC) was developed to predict pure polymer parameters and successfully applied to predict gas solubility and gas solubility isotherms in glassy polymeric membranes. The model showed satisfactory performance on a small dataset, but has the potential to provide more accurate predictions for a wider range of polymers as more data becomes available.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Ji, Yu Sun, Huilin Li, Qiang Fu, Yan Zhang
Summary: Previous studies have shown that vibration- or rotation-based techniques can effectively mitigate fouling during membrane filtration. However, it is difficult to incorporate these techniques with spiral wound modules (SWMs) widely used in water and wastewater treatment. This study developed a prototype membrane system to accommodate angular vibrations with a modified SWM, and experimental results showed that applying angular vibrations can effectively control algal fouling in an SWM with lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lakshmeesha Upadhayaya, Abaynesh Yihdego Gebreyohannes, Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, Usman T. Syed, Sandra L. Aristizabal, Radoslaw Gorecki, Suzana P. Nunes
Summary: Increasing temperatures worldwide pose a significant health risk, exacerbated by high humidity. Conventional air conditioners contribute heavily to carbon dioxide emissions, with dehumidification being a major factor. Membrane-based dehumidification system offers energy efficiency and non-toxic water vapor removal. This study demonstrates a membrane dehumidification system with polymeric hollow fibers coated with a green polyphenol coating, showing remarkable water vapor transport rate and selectivity. Long-term testing reveals minimal decline in vapor transport and a 4-5 times higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to conventional dehumidifiers, making it a highly competitive, energy-saving device with reduced emissions and a smaller footprint.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengzhong Zhou, Xue Zhu, Yi Yuan, Shaoqiang Wang, Xiaoshan Meng, Taoli Huhe, Qian Wang
Summary: In this study, lignin, a biomass material, was chemically modified and utilized in the interfacial polymerization process to improve the performance of nanofiltration membranes. The modified membranes showed enhanced hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties, and the optimization of membrane pore size increased permeability. The study also demonstrated the potential application of the membranes in biogas slurry valorization.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)