Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jie Zhang, Fengli Li, Haoqin Zhang, Rui Ding, Jingtao Wang, Wenpeng Li
Summary: The study successfully developed a highly efficient two-dimensional thin anion lamellar composite membrane by assembling STi3C2Tx nanosheets on a commercial N66 microfiltration membrane, improving the membrane's flux and selectivity. The new composite membrane has high Cl-/SO42- selectivity and increased Cl- flux, while also exhibiting favorable hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yaoli Guo, Chenhao Ji, Yingdan Ye, Yi Chen, Zhe Yang, Shuangmei Xue, Q. Jason Niu
Summary: In this study, an interlayered-enhanced thin film composite (i-TFC) membrane was fabricated using self-doping sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) nanofibers, which exhibited excellent separation performance. The nanofibrous SPANI formed a superior interlayer that effectively mediated the internal precipitation (IP) process and promoted the formation of nanostructured polyamide (PA) layers with superior sieving ability. An increase in the degree of sulfonation in the interlayer resulted in enhanced hydrophilicity, leading to thinner and defect-free PA layers. The highly sulfonated SPANI also contributed to a high water permeance, competitive selectivity, and good retention capacities for various ions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuqi Zheng, Yang Jin, Nan Zhang, Dong Wang, Yang Yang, Meng Zhang, Guohui Wang, Wenjuan Qu, Yuting Wu
Summary: This study investigated the preparation of cation exchange membranes (CEMs) by adding MXene to PVDF and tested the performance of these membranes. The results showed that the addition of MXene can improve the fouling resistance and reduce the membrane resistance, with the 3%wt MXene/PVDF membrane achieving the best performance.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vo Dinh Cong Tinh, Subash Chandra Bhandari, Anima Bose
Summary: In this study, we developed a successful super-oleophobic membrane that can improve reusable oil-water separation with high water flux abilities. We modified a hydrophilic-based PVDF membrane using sulfonated polydopamine via in-situ polymerization. The final PVDF-SPD24h membrane showed excellent oil/water separation performance with a water flux of 36,000 Lm-2h-1 and a separation efficiency of 99%.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irina Falina, Natalia Loza, Sergey Loza, Ekaterina Titskaya, Nazar Romanyuk
Summary: This research discusses the applicability of polyaniline-modified cation exchange membranes in electrodialysis for separating monovalent/divalent cations. A novel method of membrane modification directly in the electrodialysis unit was used to prepare permselective membranes, with complex characterization revealing the influence of membrane matrix on modification efficiency. Competitive mass transfer of singly and doubly charged cations in various current regimes was studied, showing an increase in membrane permselectivity to singly charged cations due to repulsion of Ca2+ ions from the positively charged membrane surface.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yifan Wang, Xing Zheng, Dongfei Li, Fangang Meng, Jiayu Tian, Mian Wang, Li Li, Hua Wu, Yaozhong Zhang
Summary: This study used QCM-D and AFM techniques to investigate the effect of monovalent cations on the fouling of sodium alginate on membrane surfaces. The results showed that both Na+ and K+ can enhance the adsorption capacity of SA on the membrane surface, with SA fouling being more severe in the presence of Na+ compared to K+. Additionally, GO-PVDF membranes were more susceptible to SA fouling when Na+ or K+ was present compared to PVDF membranes.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Azadeh Nazif, Ehsan Saljoughi, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Hamed Karkhanechi
Summary: Sulfonated poly (phenylene oxide) (SPPO)/MXene nanosheets cation exchange membranes (CEM) were prepared by solution casting technique. The effects of different sulfonation degrees (DS), polymer concentrations, and MXene loadings on the properties of CEMs were studied. The results showed that increasing DS, adding hydrophilic MXene nanosheets, and decreasing polymer concentration improved the hydrophilicity and conductivity of the CEMs. MXene nanosheets also increased the permselectivity and tensile strength of the membranes.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Onder Tekinalp, Pauline Zimmermann, Simon Birger Byremo Solberg, Odne Stokke Burheim, Liyuan Deng
Summary: This study develops a highly efficient monovalent selective cation exchange membrane for the recovery of silver from secondary resources enriched with copper impurities. By depositing a specifically designed polyelectrolyte, efficient Ag+/Cu2+ separation in electrodialysis is achieved. The developed membranes exhibit superior selectivity performance compared to commercial ones.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Omid Qanati, Zahra Dusti, Mir Saeed Seyed Dorraji, Arsalan Ahmadi, Mohammad Hossein Rasoulifard
Summary: A novel nanofiltration membrane was fabricated by interfacial polymerization of sulfonated PVDF (S-PVDF). The sulfonation treatment decreased the water contact angle, reduced the mean diameter of nanofibers, and improved the rejection of salt ions. This nanofiltration membrane exhibited high water flux and salt rejection, making it a promising option for liquid treatment.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmet Halil Avci, Cedric Van Goethem, Timon Rijnaarts, Sergio Santoro, Marco Aquino, Gianluca Di Profio, Ivo F. J. Vankelecom, Wiebe M. De Vos, Enrica Fontananova, Efrem Curcio
Summary: Novel asymmetric integral cation exchange membranes were prepared by wet phase inversion of sulfonated polysulfone solutions in this study. Characterization of different degrees of sulfonation was performed and a membrane with DS of 0.31 showed the best properties. By tuning the composition of the polymeric solution, the properties of the membranes could be adjusted.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bianca Swanckaert, Eva Loccufier, Jozefien Geltmeyer, Korneel Rabaey, Klaartje De Buysser, Luiza Bonin, Karen De Clerck
Summary: Electrochemical treatments in wastewater management have high potential, but the performance of ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) often limits their effectiveness. Sulfonated silica-based nanofiber cation-exchange membranes (CEMs) offer a solution to these limitations, thanks to their chemical resistance and self-cleaning properties. These nanofiber CEMs can be produced without the need for additional material and have excellent performance in lab-scale electrochemical tests, exhibiting resistance to strong acids and self-cleaning properties.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sandip Pal, Rakhi Mondal, Uma Chatterjee
Summary: Blending copolymers of PMMA-co-PAMPS with PVDF and S-PVDF in different weight ratios resulted in proton exchange membranes with high proton conductivity and low methanol permeability, showing promise for application in fuel cells. The blend membranes exhibited improved performance compared to Nafion (R) 117 membrane, making them a potential candidate for PEMFCs or DMFCs application.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Amit K. Thakur, Mahdi Malmali
Summary: Polymeric cation exchange membranes have attracted attention for their selective ion transport properties. Key factors for developing these membranes include permselectivity, ionic conductivity, stability, and mechanical strength. Recent research has focused on designing membranes with various chemical structures and functionalities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lin Lang, Fateme Banihashemi, Joshua B. James, Jiansong Miao, Jerry Y. S. Lin
Summary: Post-synthesis modification of ZIF membranes through membrane surface ligand exchange (MSLE) has shown significant improvements in gas separation performance, particularly in H-2/C2H6 and C3H6/C3H8 selectivity, while the impact on C3H6/C3H8 selectivity is less pronounced.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rosalin Rath, Piyush Kumar, Dayasagar Rana, Vighneshwar Mishra, Aswini Kumar, Smita Mohanty, Sanjay K. Nayak
Summary: In this study, nanocomposite membranes consisting of PVDF and GO were prepared and sulfonated to investigate their thermal and structural properties. The membranes showed improved proton conductivity and reduced methanol permeability, making them suitable for use as PEM in DMFC applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ali Poorkhalil, Hasan Farrokhzad, Amir Poorkhalil, Davood Bizari, Bart van der Bruggen
Summary: A novel extracorporeal circuit for hemodialysis is described, which improves the removal of middle- and high-molecular-weight toxins. By adding a recirculation pathway for dialysate flow in the conventional circuit, the removal of especially high-molecular toxins is enhanced. The influence of different flow rates and ultrafiltration rate (UFR) on toxin removal was investigated, and a mathematical model was used to predict and analyze the removal of toxins in the circuit.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Emine Kayahan, Ulderico Di Caprio, Annelot Van den Bogaert, Mohammed N. Khan, Metin Bulut, Leen Braeken, Tom Van Gerven, M. Enis Leblebici
Summary: This study investigates the effects of using pure MEA in a spray column on mass transfer coefficient and absorption efficiency. The results show that increasing liquid flow rate and MEA concentration can improve the mass transfer coefficient. In addition, it is found that the inlet CO2 to MEA molar ratio greatly affects the absorption efficiency.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ioanna Tzortzi, Christos Xiouras, Chrysovalantis Tserpes, Andromachi Tzani, Anastasia Detsi, Tom Van Gerven, Georgios D. Stefanidis
Summary: This study investigates the effect of microwave heating on the synthesis and pretreatment steps of HEURs. The results show that microwaves can significantly reduce processing time and energy consumption. However, PEG pretreatment/dehydration by microwaves leads to faster degradation of PEG and should be avoided.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mostafa Saeedi, Mohammad Reza Moghbeli, Omid Vahidi
Summary: In this study, chitosan was crosslinked using glycyrrhizic acid as a new crosslinking agent, and the obtained hydrogels showed biocompatibility for controlled release of gallic acid in transdermal therapy. The crosslinking of chitosan with glycyrrhizic acid formed a covalent amide linkage, resulting in the formation of a crosslinked hydrogel network structure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruben M. M. Dewes, Yanshen Zhu, Valentina Dami, Giovanni Baldi, Erin Koos, Tom Van Gerven
Summary: Ultrasound technology can significantly reduce the production time of nano-TiO2, especially when precursors with long alkoxide chains are used.
JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Cedric Devos, Elena Brozzi, Tom Van Gerven, Simon Kuhn
Summary: In this study, a proof-of-concept modular nucleation section for seeded multiphase flow crystallization of an active pharmaceutical ingredient is presented. The setup can be operated in four different modes and provides insights into design and operation of crystallization processes. The study evaluates the performance of off-line continuous seeding, the yields of seeded and unseeded crystallization, the clogging behavior of the continuous microcrystallizer, and the effect of seeds and microbubbles on crystal size distribution.
ORGANIC PROCESS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ulderico Di Caprio, Min Wu, Florence Vermeire, Tom Van Gerven, Peter Hellinckx, Steffen Waldherr, Emine Kayahan, M. Enis Leblebici
Summary: To mitigate the catastrophic impact of global warming, reducing CO2 emissions is crucial. The most advanced technology for reducing industrial CO2 emissions is the absorption of CO2 into aqueous mono-ethanolamine (MEA) solutions. While spray columns offer advantages such as reduced corrosion and enhanced mass transfer coefficients, there is currently no model available to predict these coefficients in spray columns.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Serkan Solmaz, Liesbeth Kester, Tom Van Gerven
Summary: Virtual reality is a valuable tool for engineering education and training, helping to reduce barriers to understanding difficult concepts. In this study, the Virtual Garage, a virtual reality application with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, was developed to address challenges in engineering education. The prototype was well-received by graduate students and further improvements were identified to enhance the VR experience with CFD simulations.
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mathias Jacobs, Amer Hakki, Leen C. J. Thomassen, Simon Kuhn, Tom Van Gerven, Enis Leblebici
Summary: Photo-assisted methanol reforming was used to produce hydrogen as an alternative to catalytic steam reforming. 1wt.% Au/TiO2 was used as a photocatalyst and immobilized on beads or plates. The optimized system showed significantly higher hydrogen production compared to previous studies using beads as catalyst support, and it was also more energy efficient.
APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yafei Mao, Xing Yang, Tom Van Gerven
Summary: In recent years, the hybrid technology of CO2 capture-mineral carbonation (CCMC) using alkaline streams has become popular. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the choice of amine types and sensitivity of parameters in the simultaneous CCMC process. In this study, we investigated the CCMC process using different amines and found that DEAE is the ideal choice due to its high carbonation efficiency and low sensitivity to temperature. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for future CCMC processes. This technology could contribute to carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) efforts in achieving carbon neutrality.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ioanna Tzortzi, Christos Xiouras, Chrysi Choustoulaki, Andromachi Tzani, Anastasia Detsi, Guillaume Michaud, Tom Van Gerven, Georgios D. D. Stefanidis
Summary: In this work, the synthesis processes of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethanes (HEURs) were investigated. It was found that the two-step method allows for higher molecular weight polymers with less toxic diisocyanates compared to the conventional one-step method. The addition timepoint of the end-capping agent can be tailored to achieve HEURs with a wide range of molecular weight and polydispersity index. Efficient end-capping of high molecular weight polymers remains a challenge and alternative mixing technologies should be considered.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Marziyeh Motiei Pour, Mohammad Reza Moghbeli, Bagher Larijani, Hamid Akbari Javar
Summary: Asymmetrically poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PLLA/PEO) electrospun scaffolds were incorporated with novel mesoporous TiO2-alendronate nanoparticles loaded with dexamethasone (Dex-TiO2-ALN). The incorporation of nanoparticles reduced the diameter of the electrospun fibers, but did not significantly change the surface morphology. Mechanical tests showed improved strength for the samples reinforced with TiO2-ALN and Dex-TiO2-ALN. The release profile of the scaffolds showed an initial burst release followed by a gradual increase, and introducing Dex-TiO2-ALN nanoparticles enhanced cell viability, ALP activity, and calcium deposition.
IRANIAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Philippe Chan, Tom Van Gerven, Jean-Luc Dubois, Kristel Bernaerts
Summary: Safety training is necessary in high-risk industries, and VR serious games can be used as a hands-on training tool to motivate and engage trainees. However, complicated usability and unfamiliarity with VR technology can affect trainees' autonomous motivation for safety training.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cedric Devos, Anja Vananroye, Ruth Cardinaels, Christos Xiouras, Tom Van Gerven, Simon Kuhn
Summary: Cooling crystallization of small organic molecules is important for drug product separation. This study investigates shear-induced nucleation in a parallel plate geometry and reveals the connection between nucleation and the formation of circular crystalline patterns. The results show that nucleation occurs preferentially in high shear rate zones at the outer edges of the plates. The study also proposes a new mechanism involving stick-slip motion and surface modification to control pattern formation.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Mozhan Hosseinnia, Reyhaneh Alaee, Parisa Tabarzadi, Amirali Masoumi, Hasan Farrokhzad, Ali Poorkhalil
Summary: This article explores the use of zeolite as an additive in fruit packaging films, highlighting its positive effects on visual observation, firmness, weight loss, total soluble solids, and pH of the packed fruits. The study also evaluates the impact of surface modifiers on the efficiency of zeolites in packaging films.
JOURNAL OF VINYL & ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiaodan Wu, Zihan Wang, Guansong Shao, Bingyang Qin, Ying Wang, Tao Wang, Zhiguo Liu, Yujie Fu
Summary: In this study, a new type of cellulose-based ionic imprinting adsorbent was developed for the selective removal of cobalt ions. The adsorbent exhibited excellent adsorption performance, high cycling stability, and preferential selectivity for cobalt ions. The simple preparation method and promising application prospects make it a promising candidate for water treatment.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chandirasekar Shanmugam, Vanitha Marimuthu, Nagappan Rajendiran
Summary: In this study, monodispersed gold and silver nanoparticles were synthesized using cholic acid functionalized star poly(DL-lactide) as a capping and reducing agent. The synthesized materials were found to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the reduction reaction.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Bianca-Iulia Ciubotaru, Mirela-Fernanda Zaltariov, Mihaela Dascalu, Adrian Bele, Alexandra Bargan, Maria Cazacu
Summary: Porous networks were obtained using polysiloxanes pendant functionalized with aminopropyl groups. The addition of certain substances, such as ammonium bicarbonate and acetic acid, promoted the porosity and covalent cross-linking of the polymer. The resulting materials exhibited high dielectric permittivity and significant electrical output signal when subjected to compression, making them suitable for capacitive pressure sensors.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mohamed A. Zein, Basim H. Asghar, Abdulaziz M. Almohyawi, Norah F. Alqahtani, Ahmed Alharbi, J. Alkabli, Reda F. M. Elshaarawy, Lamia A. Ismail
Summary: In this study, new amphiphilic chitosan-thyme extract-nanosilver nanocomposites were prepared, which synergistically inhibited bacterial biofilm formation and bacterial proliferation. The nanocomposites disrupted bacterial cell membranes, causing cell death, and prevented biofilm formation. In addition, the nanocomposites exhibited good biocompatibility, making them potential candidates for biomedical applications.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Norah F. Alqahtani
Summary: This review explores the potential of Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ImILs) in improving the solubility, stability, and functionality of chitosan, and provides an overview of the types and preparation methods of functionalized imidazolium ionic liquids (FImILs). Additionally, it discusses the various opportunities offered by FImIL-chitosan derivatives.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Olesya N. Zabegaeva, Alexey F. Kosolapov, Sergei L. Semjonov, Mariam G. Ezernitskaya, Egor S. Afanasyev, Ivan A. Godovikov, Alexander Chuchalov, Dmitriy A. Sapozhnikov
Summary: Polyimides are commonly used as primary protective coatings for optical fibers in high-temperature applications. However, the manufacturing process is complicated due to certain drawbacks. This study shows the potential use of polyamide-imides as highly reliable protective coatings for optical fibers.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Luis Miguel Nunez Tapia, Pascal Thebault, Laurent Bischoff, Alain Ledoux, Florian Defontaine, Olivier Lesouhaitier, Fabrice Burel
Summary: A water soluble cationic bis-cyclocarbonate was prepared through a three steps procedure, and non-isocyanate polyurethanes were prepared in acetonitrile with high yields. The resulting materials exhibited good thermal properties and hydrophilic properties. The polyurethane thermoset showed high inhibition towards bacteria, and the bis-cyclocarbonate oligomer was found to be harmless to organisms.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2024)
