Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yang Yao, Tao Zhou, Raphael Farber, Ulrike Grossner, George Floudas, Raffaele Mezzenga
Summary: Cryo-enzymology allows for enzymatic reactions in subzero liquid water, but the scarcity of systems providing liquid water at extremely low temperatures hinders the field's progress. By performing cryo-enzymatic reactions in lipid mesophases, superior results can be achieved compared to reactions at standard temperatures.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Meiling Guo, Jiao Yan, Xi Yang, Jingjuan Lai, Peng An, Yuanpeng Wu, Zhenyu Li, Weiwei Lei, Andrew T. Smith, Luyi Sun
Summary: The study demonstrates a glycerol-hydrogel with outstanding programmable shape memory capabilities, showing excellent transparency and anti-freezing performance at subzero temperatures. This provides a new direction for designing more advanced hydrogel-based devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Miaomiao Shi, Xue Lou, Xiaolong Ji, Yizhe Yan, Yanqi Liu
Summary: This study investigated the crystal structure, short-range ordered structure, and thermal properties of microcrystalline starch-glycerol monostearate complexes treated with different NaCl and sucrose concentrations. The results showed that low concentrations of NaCl and sucrose were beneficial for the formation of starch complexes and retained their specific crystal structures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated an increase in short-range ordered structure with increasing NaCl and sucrose concentrations. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicated that the complexes treated with NaCl and sucrose had higher enthalpy values.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Huimin Liu, Yajin Li, Lan Ma, Jiaxiong Liu, Dehua He
Summary: A photo-thermal catalytic system was established to convert CO2 and biomass-based glycerol into glycerol carbonate. Low-cost xCo3O4-ZnO p-n heterojunction catalysts were prepared and it was found that 20%Co3O4-ZnO had the best performance. The study showed that both light and heat played important roles in the catalytic system, and the activity enhancement was influenced by the properties of the catalysts under different conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Mingkun Chen, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: The research conducted a two stage method of transesterification/esterification and polycondensation to synthesize three biobased poly(hexamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate-co-adipate) copolyesters with low hexamethylene adipate (HA) units. The copolyesters exhibited good thermal stability, with thermal properties decreasing as the content of HA units increased. Increased HA units resulted in higher elongation at break and a relatively high melting point temperature for the copolyesters.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Ying Wang, Yehong Chen
Summary: A novel flexible zinc-ion battery has been developed with an optimized concentrated hydrogel electrolyte, showing enhanced performance at subzero temperatures. The hydrogel electrolytes, synthesized by mixing xanthan gum and aqueous ZnCl2 solution, can be tuned and optimized for maximized battery performance through various characterizations. This battery exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, mechanical durability, flexibility, and anti-freezing property, showing high potential for powering wearable electronics in cold environments or where safety is crucial.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
R. B. Sonher, M. Nasui, M. S. Gabor, T. Petrisor, L. Ciontea, T. Petrisor
Summary: This study investigated the decomposition behavior of nickel acetylacetonato-propionate with and without additive using various analytical techniques. The addition of glycerol was found to lower the decomposition temperature significantly. The study also proposed a thermal decomposition mechanism for the precursors based on the observed changes in intermediate and final decomposition products.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Na Yang, Huchen Yao, Fanqi Bu, Mengyue Gu, Xuewen Zhao, Lei Huang, Chonghan Zhao, Yonghong Cheng, Jinying Zhang
Summary: Hydrolysis of LiAlH4 is a promising way to produce hydrogen at low temperatures, and an anti-icing aqueous solution is necessary. In this study, an optimized solution containing 27.1% KOH and 30.0% ethylene glycol was found to achieve full and controllable hydrolysis kinetics of LiAlH4 at -40 to 0 degrees C. The effects of compactness, mass, and temperature on the hydrolysis were investigated, and it was observed that the reaction followed the shrinking core model controlled by liquid film diffusion.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qiaoyun Hu, Pei Ma, Yulong Wang, Dong Huang, Junyi Hong, Yadi Tan, Zhengjun Yu
Summary: The study demonstrated that a practical technology using disinfectant-antifreeze thermal fog could effectively kill enveloped viruses and bacteria or bacterial spores in subzero temperatures, making it suitable for cold-chain disinfection.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Runze Jin, Zihan Zhou, Jia Liu, Baolu Shi, Ning Zhou, Xinqiao Wang, Xinlei Jia, Donghui Guo, Baosheng Xu
Summary: With the development of the aerospace industry, the requirements for thermal protection materials for aerospace vehicles have increased. Aerogel, as a nano porous material with ultra-low thermal conductivity, has gained more attention in aerospace thermal insulation applications. This paper summarizes the research status and hot issues of various types of aerogels used in thermal protection, and provides suggestions for their future development.
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Xiangyang Liu, Peng Zhang, Yang Lu, Guanghua Liu, Jian Sun, Wei Liu, Wei Pan, Chunlei Wan
Summary: In this study, a LaYbZr2O7 coating with exceptional thermal and mechanical properties was successfully fabricated. Compared to traditional YSZ coatings, the LaYbZr2O7 coating exhibited extremely low thermal conductivity and excellent sintering resistance. These characteristics make it a promising advanced thermal barrier material for high-performance gas turbines.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liang Tan, Renzong Hu, Hanyin Zhang, Xuexia Lan, Jun Liu, Hui Wang, Bin Yuan, Min Zhu
Summary: The study shows that the SnO2 anode exhibits high capacity and stability at subzero temperatures, enabling long-term operation in low-temperature environments. Subzero temperatures suppress Sn coarsening in the anode, ensuring stable capacities and high reversibility for alloying and conversion reactions.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nan Chen, Qing Wang, Mu-Xuan Wang, Ning-yang Li, Annabelle Briones, L. Cassani, M. A. Prieto, Maricar B. Carandang, Chao Liu, Chun-Mei Gu, Jin-Yue Sun
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical, thermal, and rheological properties of cashew nut starch (CNS) and compare them with potato and corn starches. The results showed that CNS had higher gelatinization temperatures and peak viscosity, lower shear resistance compared to high amylose corn starch, but higher than potato starch. Furthermore, CNS had higher storage and loss modulus values, indicating predominantly elastic properties. These findings provide insights into the properties of cashew nut starch and its potential application in food processing.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chatsachee Chatpapamon, Dudsadee Uttapap, Yuree Wandee, Chureerat Puttanlek, Vilai Rungsardthong
Summary: The study found that the effects of glycerol on different types of starch during heat-moisture treatment varied, with B-type potato and canna starches being more susceptible compared to A-type rice and cassava starches. The type of plasticizer as well as the environment surrounding the crystalline region also play a role in altering the starch during HMT.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Mingyi Zhang, Zhongrui Yan, Wansheng Pei, Yuanming Lai, Yinghong Qin, Fan Yu
Summary: This study experimentally investigated the temperature differences and thermal resistances of a two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT) sequentially installed at different inclination angles. The results showed irregular variations in the internal startup temperature difference with inclination angle. The thermal resistances varied in the evaporator, adiabatic, and condenser sections. The TPCT exhibited the minimum total thermal resistance at an inclination angle of approximately 20 degrees, providing valuable insights for optimal TPCT application in permafrost engineering.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Biology
Charles A. Elder, Jensen S. Smith, Mustafa Almosawi, Ethan Mills, Brett R. Janis, Jonathan A. Kopechek, Willem F. Wolkers, Michael A. Menze
Summary: By using a biomimetics approach and trehalose as a cryoprotective agent, red blood cells can be successfully preserved for long-term storage without the need for time-consuming washing steps.