Article
Construction & Building Technology
Olalekan O. Ojedokun, P. S. Mangat
Summary: This study investigates the influence of CO2 concentration and duration of exposure on the carbonation, alkali content, and pH of alkali activated concrete (AAC) and mortar. The results show that AAC exhibits significantly high pH at the carbonated zone, indicating sufficient alkalinity to prevent reinforcement corrosion. The alkalis Na+, K+, Al3+, and Mg2+ are more abundant in AAC, boosting its alkalinity relative to the control Portland cement-based specimens. The phenolphthalein test is more sensitive for detecting carbonation in the control specimens. The long-term depth of carbonation is lower in AAC than in the control specimens under ambient CO2 exposure but is greater under accelerated carbonation when unstable reactions occur. The study also reports on the physical and mechanical properties of AAC and their influence on carbonation.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Iana A. Minich, Oleg Silyukov, Sergei A. Kurnosenko, Veronika V. Gak, Vladimir D. Kalganov, Petr D. Kolonitskiy, Irina A. Zvereva
Summary: This study reports on the exfoliation and coating formation of inorganic-organic hybrids synthesized through intercalation reactions, with a focus on the influence of preliminary intercalation on exfoliation efficiency. The results were characterized using various analytical techniques, and the nanosheets obtained were coated on Si substrates for further study using atomic force and scanning electron microscopy.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen Qian Chen, Yi Heng Cheong, Xiaoxu Fu, Li Ya Ge, Andrei Veksha, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: The study proposes a method for synthesizing GCN using Fe-assisted CCVD, resulting in higher yield and better functionality, leading to a 3D hierarchically porous material with higher specific capacitance, higher capacitance retention, and lower charge transfer resistance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. R. Jaya Sheeba, Jagadeesh Kumar Alagarasan, Jeyaprakash Dharmaraja, S. Anne Kavitha, Sutha Shobana, Sundaram Arvindnarayan, Manoharan Vadivel, Moonyong Lee, Krishna Priya Retnam
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of alkali treatment on the morphology, chemical composition, tensile capabilities, structural changes, and thermal degradation of Acacia pennata stem fibers. SEM image and pXRD analyses support the improved surface roughness of the fibers after alkaline treatment. XRD analysis reveals an improved fiber crystallinity index, which is consistent with the SEM pictograms. Alkali-treated fibers exhibit a higher percentage of cellulose and ash, and a lower percentage of hemi-cellulose, lignin, pectin, wax, and moisture compared to untreated fibers. The low density and high cellulosic content of alkali-treated fibers enhance their suitability as fiber matrices. The thermal behavior of the fibers at various temperatures is demonstrated by TG-DTA analysis, and their tensile strength is also investigated.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingjun Bai, Ying Zhang, Hao Wan, Gen Chen, Xiaohe Liu, Renzhi Ma
Summary: In this study, Tb3+/Sm3+ co-doped double perovskite nanosheets were prepared, showing tunable colors and photoluminescence emissions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haifu Huang, Cong Li, Faxin Yan, Fulin Yuan, Xianqing Liang, Wenzheng Zhou, Jin Guo
Summary: Ni-Co-Mo hybrid oxide/phosphide (NiCoMoO-P) composite self-supported nanoarrays were synthesized via hydrothermal method and in-situ phosphorization process, and showed great potential as a bi-functional nanomaterial for supercapacitors and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of electrochemical water splitting. The optimized micromorphology and components of the NiCoMoO-P electrode material led to fast reaction kinetics, more reactive sites, and a positive synergistic effect on the components. As a supercapacitor electrode material, it exhibited a high specific capacity of 1439.3C g-1 at 1 A g-1, and the hybrid supercapacitor (NiCoMoO-P//N-rGO) device achieved a high specific energy of 45.3 Wh kg-1. As an OER electrode material, NiCoMoO-P displayed a low overpotential of 284 mV and a small Tafel slope of 92.5 mV dec-1 at a current density of 100 mA cm-2, indicating better OER activity.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christian F. F. Pantoja, Alain Ibanez de Opakua, Maria-Sol Cima-Omori, Markus Zweckstetter
Summary: Liquid-Liquid phase separation is a fundamental process in the formation of biomolecular condensates. However, the complex composition and dynamics of these condensates make it difficult to gain insights into their structure. In this study, an improved spatially-resolved NMR experiment is introduced to quantitatively analyze the physico-chemical composition of multi-component biomolecular condensates in equilibrium and label-free. The application of spatially-resolved NMR to condensates formed by the Alzheimer's disease-associated protein Tau reveals changes in water content, molecular crowding, and specific chemical environment, as well as a significant increase in Tau concentration inside the condensate. These findings highlight the potential of spatially-resolved NMR in understanding the composition and physical chemistry of biomolecular condensates.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Fanyu Meng, Therese Uniacke-Lowe, Anthony C. Ryan, Alan L. Kelly
Summary: Human milk is recommended as the optimal nutrition source for babies and has been the focus of recent studies on macronutrients and physico-chemical properties. Research on factors influencing levels of nutrients and the effects of processing and preservation methods is ongoing. Physico-chemical properties such as pH, color, and physical stability may serve as indicators of milk quality.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zheng Wang, Junyong Zhu, Shuainan Xu, Yatao Zhang, Bart Van der Bruggen
Summary: A stable composite membrane was developed by utilizing Cu-TCPP nanosheets to stabilize GO membranes, resulting in significantly improved water permeance and remarkable solute retention.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Optics
Jitao Li, Qiuxiang Zhu, Guixia Zhang, Jiajia Han, Jinyang Ding, Kuili Liu, Lingling Sun
Summary: Graphene, as a unique two-dimensional material with unusual properties, was used as a substrate for growing flower-like ZnO nanosheets through a facile hydrothermal method. The resulting ZnO nanostructures exhibited improved photocatalytic property, benefiting from the high specific surface area and fast charge transfer from ZnO nanosheets to graphene.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuangxin Wang, Ying Yuan, Tong-Qi Yuan, Xiluan Wang
Summary: This study reported a simple and relatively low-temperature method to produce lignin-based graphene-like carbon materials. A lignin-based graphene-like film with micron thickness was successfully prepared by carbonization at a relatively low temperature using alkali lignin as a solid carbon source and metal Ni sheets as a catalyst. The research further explained the structural changes of alkali lignin and the growth process of the crystal nucleus through characterization studies of the obtained products at different temperatures. The process converted biomass resource into high value-added carbon material products, alleviating the current problems of energy consumption and climate pollution.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinhong Du, Bo Tong, Shuangdeng Yuan, Nian Dai, Rui Liu, Dingdong Zhang, Hui-Ming Cheng, Wencai Ren
Summary: This article reviews the recent advances and significant development of CVD-grown graphene towards flexible optoelectronics. The challenges of improving optoelectronic properties, tuning work functions, and controlling interfaces are discussed, and the importance of fabricating large-area devices on flexible substrates is emphasized.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Donya Razzaghi, Mostafa Rezaei, Amin Babaie
Summary: The study shows that the PU-GPCL electrospun nanofiber mat containing 1% of GPCL nanosheets could be selected as a potential candidate for wound dressing application, as it exhibits good mechanical properties and cell biocompatibility.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Amiya P. Goswami
Summary: The study found that the CaO/SiO2 ratio in the composition of alkali-activated fly ash/GGBS cements significantly influences their properties. Different strengths were obtained using mono-component original fine, medium, and coarse sized fly ashes. In bi-component fly ash and GGBS based alkali-activated cements, the strength decreases with increasing Al/(Na + K) ratio.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Laura Chronopoulou, Antonio Di Nitto, Massimiliano Papi, Ornella Parolini, Mirella Falconi, Gabriella Teti, Aurelio Muttini, Wanda Lattanzi, Valentina Palmieri, Gabriele Ciasca, Alessandra Del Giudice, Luciano Galantini, Robertino Zanoni, Cleofe Palocci
Summary: Hydrogels based on short peptide molecules were reinforced with graphene oxide nanosheets in this study to improve their mechanical properties. The innovative hydrogel composite formulation showed potential for biotechnological applications.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Andrei Veksha, Ke Yin, James Guo Sheng Moo, Wen-Da Oh, Ashiq Ahamed, Wen Qian Chen, Piyarat Weerachanchai, Apostolos Giannis, Grzegorz Lisak
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ashiq Ahamed, Andrei Veksha, Ke Yin, Piyarat Weerachanchai, Apostolos Giannis, Grzegorz Lisak
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Ping Chan, Sofea Al Munawarah Binte Yusoff, Andrei Veksha, Apostolos Giannis, Teik-Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dara Khairunnisa Binte Mohamed, Andrei Veksha, Teik-Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: Hydrogen bromide has a significant impact on the catalytic activity and deactivation of Ni-based tar reforming catalysts, especially at higher concentrations, but has no significant effect on catalyst coking. Developing a nanostructured catalyst with high porosity and Ni dispersion can successfully mitigate the negative impact of HBr.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen Qian Chen, Yi Heng Cheong, Xiaoxu Fu, Li Ya Ge, Andrei Veksha, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: The study proposes a method for synthesizing GCN using Fe-assisted CCVD, resulting in higher yield and better functionality, leading to a 3D hierarchically porous material with higher specific capacitance, higher capacitance retention, and lower charge transfer resistance.
Article
Thermodynamics
Guicai Liu, Haiming Wang, Severin Deplazes, Andrei Veksha, Christian Wirz-Toendury, Apostolos Giannis, Teik Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: The study investigated the simultaneous high-temperature HCl removal and syngas combustion over barium-decorated oxygen carriers. Coating iron ore with Ba and Al compounds enhanced combustion efficiency and enabled sorbent regeneration through treatment with a mixture of CO2 and H2O. The findings demonstrate the potential of using Ba-Al-decorated iron ore as a bifunctional material in CLC processes.
COMBUSTION AND FLAME
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Haiming Wang, Guicai Liu, Andrei Veksha, Apostolos Giannis, Teik-Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: Iron ore modified with alkaline earth metal oxides, especially BaO, greatly improved chemical looping combustion performance for simulated municipal solid waste syngas, effectively reducing H2S emissions. BaO-loaded iron oxide showed superior sulfur species control and could be used for cleaner combustion processes with sulfur-containing fuels.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anna-Maria Liliou, Maria-Liliana Saru, Andrei Veksha, Grzegorz Lisak, Apostolos Giannis
Summary: This research investigated the selective leaching of scandium and yttrium from red mud through agitation leaching, thermal processing, and hydrothermal processing. The results showed that the high selectivity of REEs during hydrothermal processing was controlled by the extraction and desorption of elements from the material surface, leading to enhanced leaching selectivity.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Aumber Abbas, Yap Mei Yi, Faisal Saleem, Zhao Jin, Andrei Veksha, Qingyu Yan, Grzegorz Lisak, Tuti Mariana Lim
Summary: The study explores the feasibility of using multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) derived from flexible plastic packaging waste as electrode materials for supercapacitors, showing superior capacitive performance compared to commercial MWCNTs. The functionalized MWCNTs exhibited improved performance among all samples, with double capacitance value and higher electrochemical activity and faster charge transfer, indicating their potential as a superior alternative to commercial MWCNTs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ashiq Ahamed, Andrei Veksha, Apostolos Giannis, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: FPPW is a common waste stream that flows into the natural environment annually, with a focus on research gaps in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, assessment of technological solutions for FPPW treatment. Furthermore, holistic approaches including circularity, decarbonisation, bio-based plastics substitution, and demand reduction are discussed to mitigate environmental impacts.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrei Veksha, Muhammad Zahin Bin Mohamed Amrad, Wen Qian Chen, Dara Khairunnisa Binte Mohamed, Satya Brat Tiwari, Teik-Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: This study investigated the use of different precipitating agents in hydrothermal synthesis of Fe2O3-Al2O3 catalysts, revealing their role in tailoring catalyst properties and activity, thereby affecting the yield and outer diameters of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wen Qian Chen, Xiaoxu Fu, Andrei Veksha, Vitali Lipik, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: This study investigates the chemical recycling of shoe waste plastics to produce carbon nanotubes, with polyurethane facilitating the production of small-diameter few-walled CNTs and ethylene-vinyl acetate yielding multi-walled CNTs. Additionally, mixing different ratios of PU and EVA can tailor the size distribution of CNTs, which is crucial for designing effective CO2 reduction electrocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hang Meng Ong, Andrei Veksha, Quan Luu Manh Ha, Jijiang Huang, Zviad Tsakadze, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: This study investigated the effect of different metal promoters on the catalytic activity of Ni catalysts for the reforming of plastic pyrolysis gas. It was found that using gasification slag from municipal solid waste as a support material showed stable conversion efficiency and good thermal stability. The Ni-Mo catalyst demonstrated the highest conversion efficiency, H2 and CO yields, and lowest coke deposition, and also showed the growth of carbon nanotubes. These findings suggest that Ni catalyst promoted by Mo and loaded on a gasification support has high potential for syngas production from plastic pyrolysis gas.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Lili Liang, Andrei Veksha, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: In this study, the utilization of carbon nanomaterials derived from plastics as nanopriming agents was investigated. The results showed that these nanomaterials significantly improved seed germination, seedling growth, and salt tolerance in pea plants, suggesting their potential application in waste management and agricultural renovation.
ACS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jie Sheng, Jingshan He, Dun Ma, Yuanbo Wang, Wu Shao, Tian Ding, Ronghao Cen, Jingwen He, Zhihao Deng, Wenjun Wu
Summary: This study presents an innovative approach to improve the photovoltaic conversion characteristics and stability of perovskite solar cells through carbon electrode interface modification. By in-situ polymerization and carbonization on the surface of nano-graphite, a dendritic structure carbon electrode is formed, reducing the work function and aligning the energy levels with perovskite. This leads to improved charge and hole collection efficiency, resulting in increased photovoltaic conversion efficiency. Furthermore, the modified carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells exhibit exceptional stability, maintaining high efficiency even without encapsulation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guodong Shi, Jian Song, Xiaoxiao Tian, Tongtong Liu, Zhanjun Wu
Summary: This study demonstrates the improvement of mechanical properties and reduction of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in graphene oxide (GO)/epoxy (EP) nanocomposites by enhancing the interface between GO and EP through functionalization and incorporating rigid-flexible interphases. The results reveal that the SiO2-PEA-GO hybrid exhibits better strengthening and toughening effects, as well as lower CTE, compared to the PEA-GO hybrid due to the presence of rigid-flexible interfaces with higher bonding strength and better energy dissipation mechanisms. Additionally, the nanocomposites with longer polyetheramine (PEA) molecules in the rigid-flexible interphases demonstrate higher strength and toughness, while maintaining a lower CTE. This work provides a promising strategy for constructing adjustable flexible-rigid interfacial structures and offers potential in developing GO/EP nanocomposites with high mechanical properties and low CTE.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rafal Janus, Sebastian Jarczewski, Jacek Jagiello, Piotr Natkanski, Mariusz Wadrzyk, Marek Lewandowski, Marek Michalik, Piotr Kustrowski
Summary: In this study, a facile procedure for the synthesis of CMK-1 and CMK-2 carbon replicas was developed. The method utilizes basic laboratory equipment and a renewable carbon source, and operates under mild conditions. The resulting carbon mesostructures exhibit exquisite replication fidelity and structural homogeneity, making them suitable for applications in various fields.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anqi Wang, Connor J. MacRobbie, Alex Baranovsky, Jean-Pierre Hickey, John Z. Wen
Summary: In this study, a novel polymer-free nanothermite aerogel with a wide range of nanoparticle loading was fabricated via a new additive manufacturing process. The SEM images showed a unique porous structure formed by extra thin rGO sheets, wrapping individual nanothermite clusters. The DSC-TGA results and high-speed combustion videos confirmed the enhanced energetic performance of the printed specimen.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wanze Wu, Misheng Zhao, Shiwei Miao, Xiaoyan Li, Yongzhong Wu, Xiao Gong, Hangxiang Wang
Summary: Superhydrophobic solar-driven interfacial evaporator is an energy-efficient technology for seawater desalination, which is easily fabricated using robust photothermal superhydrophobic coating and substrate. The created bifunctional coating on the melamine sponge substrate shows stable and highly efficient photothermal and superhydrophobic performance for seawater desalination. This superhydrophobic solar-driven interfacial evaporator is expected to have wide applications in seawater desalination.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zichen Xiang, Zhi Song, Tiansheng Wang, Menghang Feng, Yijing Zhao, Qitu Zhang, Yi Hou, Lixi Wang
Summary: This study presents a co-electrospinning synthesis strategy to fabricate lightweight and porous Co@C composite nanofibres with wideband microwave attenuation capacity. The addition of MOF-derived Co additives enhances the low-frequency absorption performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
J. Snow, C. Olson, E. Torres, K. Shirley, E. Cazalas
Summary: This study investigates the use of a perovskite-based graphene field effect transistor (P-GFET) device for X-ray detection. The sensitivity and responsivity of the device were found to be influenced by factors such as X-ray tube voltage, current, and source-drain voltage. Simulation experiments were conducted to determine the dose rate and energy incident on the device during irradiation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zuzana Jankovska, Lenka Matejova, Jonas Tokarsky, Pavlina Peikertova, Milan Dopita, Karolina Gorzolkova, Dominika Habermannova, Michal Vastyl, Jakub Belik
Summary: This study provides new insights into microwave-assisted pyrolysis of scrap tyres, demonstrating that it can produce microporous carbon black with potential application in xylene adsorption. Compared to conventional pyrolysis, microwave pyrolysis requires less time and energy while maintaining similar adsorption capacity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Max Bommert, Bruno Schuler, Carlo A. Pignedoli, Roland Widmer, Oliver Groning
Summary: A detailed understanding of the interaction between molecules and two-dimensional materials is crucial for incorporating functional molecular films into next-generation 2D material-organic hybrid devices. This study compares the energy level alignment of different-sized fullerenes on a Moire superstructure and finds that C-84 fullerenes can be either neutral or negatively charged depending on slight variations of the electrostatic potential. This discovery suggests a new path to achieve ambipolar charge transfer without overcoming the electronic gap of fullerenes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuanjing Cheng, Xianxian Sun, Ye Yuan, Shuang Yang, Yuanhao Ning, Dan Wang, Weilong Yin, Yibin Li
Summary: The dual-structure aerogel (GS) consisting of flexible silica fibers and graphene honeycomb structures exhibits excellent resilience, flexibility, and reliability. It also shows remarkable wave absorbing performance, making it an ideal candidate for microwave absorption applications such as flexible electronics and aerospace.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shuyu Fan, Yinong Chen, Shu Xiao, Kejun Shi, Xinyu Meng, Songsheng Lin, Fenghua Su, Yifan Su, Paul K. Chu
Summary: Graphene coatings are promising solid lubrication materials due to their mechanical properties. This study presents a new method for in situ deposition of high-quality graphene coatings on hard substrates using NiCo solid solution and competitive reaction strategies. The graphene coating deposited on substrates with deep NiCo solid solution demonstrates superior low-friction and durability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mengdi Wang, Sanyin Qu, Yanling Chen, Qin Yao, Lidong Chen
Summary: The improved thermoelectric properties of conducting polymers are achieved by selectively capturing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in a conducting polymer film, leading to increased carrier mobility and reduced thermal conductivity. The resulting composite film exhibits significantly higher electrical conductivity and lower thermal conductivity compared to films with a mixture of SWNTs. This work provides a convenient and efficient method to enhance the thermoelectric properties of conducting polymers.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Heng Wei, Weihua Li, Kareem Bachagha
Summary: This article reviews the research progress of carbon nanotube-based microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) in recent years, covering the fundamental theory, design strategies, synthesis methods, and future development directions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chenguang Shi, Junlong Huang, Zongheng Cen, Tan Yi, Shaohong Liu, Ruowen Fu
Summary: This study developed a high-performance Li metal host material, which achieved dendrite-free Li deposition with a low nucleation overpotential and high Coulombic efficiencies through the combination of Ti3C2-g-PV4P sheets and Ag nanoparticles. The full cells assembled with the Li@host anode and LiFePO4 cathode exhibited high discharge capacity and excellent cycling stability, demonstrating a perspective design for future energy storage devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tomotaro Mae, Kentaro Kaneko, Hiroki Sakurai, Suguru Noda
Summary: A new partial prelithiation method for SiO/C-CNT electrodes was developed, which showed reduced irreversible capacity and achieved high energy densities with good reversibility. The method allows for precise control of the degree of prelithiation and is applicable to various chemistries.
