Article
Chemistry, Applied
Gabriele D'Oria, Deniz Z. Gunes, Francois Lequeux, Christoph Hartmann, Hans Joerg Limbach, Lilia Ahrne
Summary: Fluid gels are jammed suspensions made of deformable particles obtained by applying shear during the sol-gel transition of a hydrocolloid. The rheological properties of these gels are subject to large uncertainty and change over time due to an ageing process.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Edison Florez, Odile R. Smits, Jan-Michael Mewes, Paul Jerabek, Peter Schwerdtfeger
Summary: This study analyzes the closed-shell flerovium to predict its solid-state properties, revealing that flerovium behaves differently from typical noble gas elements in many aspects, and highlighting issues with using density functional theory in the research.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dongyang Liu, Liang Zhao, Haiping He, Yibo Zhi, Yuen Bai, Yuhao Zhang, Jinsen Gao, Chunming Xu
Summary: Catalytic pyrolysis of naphtha involves complex acid-catalyzed reaction pathways that greatly affect the distribution of pyrolysis products. Thermodynamic methods were used to analyze cracking pathways of model compounds, including protolytic, dehydrogenation, and hydrogen transfer cracking pathways, to determine the optimal catalyst characteristics for enhancing light olefins. The effects of temperature and pressure on cracking pathways are also discussed. A thermodynamic equilibrium model based on independent reactions was established to analyze the effects of operating conditions on equilibrium yields, allowing for tailored production of light olefins.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aditya Savara
Summary: In this work, the authors investigate the 2D gas properties of weakly bound adsorbates on surfaces. They derive isotherms for these adsorbates by considering the connections between chemical potential, partition functions, and equations of state. The derived gvdw-PEHD isotherm provides a more realistic description of molecular properties and predicts a slower approach to saturation coverage compared to the σ-Volmer equation. The authors note the importance of using the absolute coverage form of equations for thermodynamic analyses of 2D gas isotherms.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mutlaq Alarouj, Harry Collini, Matthew D. Jackson
Summary: The zeta potential in natural sandstones is typically negative, but in this study, sandstone samples containing dolomite and siderite showed positive zeta potentials. This unexpected result was attributed to the adsorption of divalent ions onto mineral surfaces and ion exchange processes. The findings emphasize the importance of realistic experimental conditions in measuring zeta potential and highlight the impact of zeta potential on geophysical monitoring and contaminant transport in sandstone aquifers.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mikolaj Dembek, Szymon Bocian, Boguslaw Buszewski
Summary: Zeta potential is a surface characteristic formed on the solid surface and liquid interface, which can be used to describe the surface properties of materials. In this study, four homemade stationary phases containing phosphate groups were investigated based on their surface zeta potential. The majority of cases showed negative zeta potential values, but positive zeta potential was observed in some solvents. It was also found that the type of silica gel used for the stationary phase synthesis did not affect the zeta potential.
Review
Cell Biology
Philippe de Medina, Sandrine Silvente-Poirot, Marc Poirot
Summary: Ageing is a complex biological process involving various physiological and pathological mechanisms. Recent studies have found that oxysterols in the cholesterol metabolic pathway play an important role in the ageing process by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, cell survival, and other processes.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Claure N. Lunardi, Anderson J. Gomes, Fellipy S. Rocha, Jacopo De Tommaso, Gregory S. Patience
Summary: Zeta potential is a parameter expressing electrochemical equilibrium between particles and liquids, with applications in various fields. Proper characterization of nanoparticles, including information on size, surface charge, stability, and agglomeration behavior, is essential for developing therapeutic nanoformulations. Challenges in this approach include inadequate knowledge of standards, data interpretation, and laboratory practices.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Jablonska-Wawrzycka, Patrycja Rogala, Grzegorz Czerwonka, Katarzyna Galczynska, Marcin Drabik, Magdalena Danczuk
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health concern that requires urgent action. Interrupting the initial binding process of bacteria to surfaces is essential to prevent biofilm-associated problems, and ruthenium complexes with 2-pyridin-2-yl-1H-benzimidazole demonstrate synergistic anti-biofilm effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mujan N. Seif, Matthew J. Beck
Summary: The utilization of DFT and DFPT calculations in computing free energies and constructing particle configuration maps reveals the critical role of Ba in controlling the shape and surface chemistry of W particles in application-relevant conditions. These system-specific findings demonstrate the broad power of DFT+DFPT computed particle configuration maps in revealing connections between particle behavior and properties as a function of experimentally-relevant conditions.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Hanna Bandurska
Summary: Plants' resistance to stress factors is a complex trait that involves changes at the molecular, metabolic, and physiological levels. Understanding plant coping strategies and their impact on resistance is crucial for agriculture and growers.
Article
Agronomy
R. Zydelis, M. Herbst, L. Weihermueller, R. Ruzgas, J. Volungevicius, K. Barcauskaite, V. Tilvikiene
Summary: This study investigates the growth of hemp in cool climate and simulates it using the AgroC model. The model provides adequate results and shows that water stress is the main factor affecting hemp yield.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kai-Hung Yang, Pratik Joshi, Keith B. Rodenhausen, Anirudha V. Sumant, Shelby A. Skoog, Roger J. Narayan
Summary: The surface chemistry of nitrogen incorporated ultrananocrystalline diamond (N-UNCD) films was altered by plasma treatment utilizing oxygen and fluorine plasma chemistries. Contact angle and zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the modified N-UNCD surfaces, providing a more complete understanding of the interactions between solid surface and aqueous solution. The bonding character, surface composition, and morphology of the N-UNCD films were monitored before and after surface treatment using various techniques to ensure the grafting of functional groups, with results primarily influenced by surface termination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Moreno Ascani, Gabriele Sadowski, Christoph Held
Summary: In this study, an algorithm was implemented in the PC-SAFT framework to predict the thermodynamic equilibrium behavior of two multicomponent esterification systems. The results showed that PC-SAFT could accurately predict the chemical equilibrium composition and liquid-liquid phase behavior of the systems. This study highlights the potential of a physical sound model for thermodynamic-based modeling of chemical reacting systems undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Rodrigo C. Weber, Enrique Romero, Antonio Lloret
Summary: The paper investigates the hydromechanical behavior of a slightly compacted mixture of sand and dayey silt under a generalized stress state. Experimental study focused on analyzing yielding response and shear strength behavior at different stress states and initial total suctions. Different models were proposed for isotropic and anisotropic yield surfaces, which showed reasonably good fitting with experimental results.
CANADIAN GEOTECHNICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jie Zeng, Jishan Liu, Wai Li, Yee-Kwong Leong, Derek Elsworth, Jianchun Guo
Summary: This study establishes an analytical method for evaluating gas production in stimulated shale reservoirs, addressing the transfer of gas between kerogen and inorganic matter and the complex gas flow mechanisms. Results show that inorganic matrices serve as a major gas source, with kerogen providing limited contributions, and the properties of kerogen and inorganic matter influence different flow regimes.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jianwei Tian, Jishan Liu, Derek Elsworth, Yee-Kwong Leong, Wai Li, Jie Zeng
Summary: Researchers characterized the structural heterogeneity of hydrofractured shale reservoirs at different hierarchical levels, including nanopore structure, micro-structure, natural fracture networks, and hydraulic fractures. The study demonstrated significant impacts of these heterogeneities on gas production.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yifan Huang, Jishan Liu, Derek Elsworth, Yee-Kwong Leong
Summary: Conventional dual porosity/permeability models for coal cannot accurately capture the transient nature of matrix-fracture mechanical interactions. In this study, a new model is proposed that includes the transient process in the matrix system through the embedment of a local representative elementary volume (REV) structure. The model is verified against experimental observations of coal permeability under constant confining pressure and constant effective stress conditions, and the results show that conventional equilibrium models underestimate the role of coal matrix or matrix-fracture mechanical interactions.
GEOMECHANICS AND GEOPHYSICS FOR GEO-ENERGY AND GEO-RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wai Li, Jishan Liu, Jie Zeng, Yee-Kwong Leong, Derek Elsworth, Jianwei Tian
Summary: This study developed a multidomain and multiphysics model to improve the simulation accuracy and obtain insights into coalbed methane (CBM) extraction. The model successfully coupled different physical processes and stimulation patterns to better understand CBM extraction. The findings suggest that the properties of different domains and the thermal effects can significantly influence CBM production, and increasing fracture complexity and improving stimulation techniques can enhance CBM recovery.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jianwei Tian, Jishan Liu, Derek Elsworth, Yee-Kwong Leong, Wai Li
Summary: The fractal nature of coal pore sizes affects both coal absolute and relative permeabilities. This study employs the fractal theory to derive new relative permeability models and conducts sensitivity studies to understand the impact of fractal dimensions on gas production.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Qi Gao, Jishan Liu, Yifan Huang, Wai Li, Rui Shi, Yee-Kwong Leong, Derek Elsworth
Summary: The evolution of coal permeability is complex and has led to the development of numerous models. Despite efforts to evaluate these models, the reasons for discrepancies between observations and predictions have not been identified. This study examines the models and concludes that they can be categorized into equilibrium and non-equilibrium models based on the internal structure of coal, boundary conditions, and equilibrium state. It is found that the exclusion of equilibration process is the root cause of discrepancies and suggests future research should integrate rock structure, boundary conditions, and equilibration process in coal permeability models.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wai Li, Jishan Liu, Jie Zeng, Yee-Kwong Leong, Derek Elsworth, Jianwei Tian
Summary: This study proposes the concept of kerogen threshold differential pressure (KTP) to describe the influence of water on gas liberation from kerogen. A fully coupled, multidomain, and multiphysics model is developed to simulate gas extraction from stimulated shale reservoirs, and a sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the effects of important factors.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yee-Kwong Leong, Pengfei Liu, Jishan Liu, Peta Clode, Weian Huang
Summary: Composite NaMnt (SWy-2)-kaolin (KGa-2) gels with more than 10 wt% solids and a NaMnt fraction of 20% exhibit an open cellular microstructure. The flexible nanosized NaMnt platelets form a continuous structure with dispersed kaolin particles, resulting in various unique particle interaction configurations. The study also reveals the thixotropic and rheopectic behaviors of a 15.5 wt% gel with a 1:2 mass ratio of NaMnt to kaolin. Evaluation of the gel's structural development kinetics and aging behavior further provide insights into the formation process of continuous structures. Rating: 8/10.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jianwei Tian, Jishan Liu, Derek Elsworth, Yee-Kwong Leong, Wai Li
Summary: In this study, a dual-fractal permeability model was proposed to investigate the impacts of coal internal structure on permeability. The model considers the effects of pore-fracture size distribution and effective stress, and incorporates multiple flow mechanisms.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
E-Jen Teh, Yee-Kwong Leong
Summary: This study explains the cause of unusual behaviour in colloidal suspension and provides a new method to alleviate biofouling and scaling problems. The yield stress-pH behaviour of silica suspensions differs depending on the direction of pH change. Precipitate bridging is responsible for the yield stress, with composite precipitates formed by soluble silica and organic acid anions. The presence of fumarate and high pH enhances the yield stress, and avoiding a high pH operating environment can mitigate biofouling and scaling.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Qi Gao, Jishan Liu, Yee-Kwong Leong, Derek Elsworth
Summary: The significant effects of gas sorption induced swelling on shale permeability have been studied through laboratory measurements and explained using permeability models. However, there are lab observations that cannot be explained by these models, leading to a knowledge gap. In this review, the authors aim to resolve this gap by assessing the role of swelling on shale permeability through data collection, model classification, and correlation assessments. The findings suggest that discrepancies between model predictions and lab measurements depend on various factors, including the relationship between bulk and pore swelling strains, pore size scales, and consistency of strain treatments. The authors propose that future research should focus on characterizing the transformation between bulk and pore swelling strains, considering shale multiscale pore structural characteristics, and incorporating the time-dependent nature of swelling strain and permeability evolution.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Huiyuan Liu, Mohamed Elchalakani, Sherif Yehia, Yee-Kwong Leong, Peng Du
Summary: This paper presents an experimental investigation on developing high-performance carbon nanotube (CNT) and fibre-reinforced ultra-lightweight cementitious composites (ULCC) using ordinary Portland cement (OPC), metakaolin (MK), polyethylene (PE) fibres, and ceno-spheres. The effects of CNT dosage, binder type, and PE fibres were investigated and discussed, and the resulting ULCC displayed impressive strength and density properties. The synergic effect of CNT was found to be better than the combination of CNT and PE fibres. The study also highlighted the cost implications of adding CNT to the mix.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Jianwei Tian, Jishan Liu, Derek Elsworth, Yee-Kwong Leong
Summary: In this study, a 3D discrete fracture model (DFM) was proposed to represent the distribution of natural fractures (NFs). Gas flow in shale matrix was represented by a dual-fractal permeability model (DFPM). A hybrid DFPM-DFM model was proposed to couple gas flow and geomechanics and solved using finite element method. The model was verified with field data and used to investigate the impacts of fractally-distributed pore size and fracture attributes on permeability evolution and gas production.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qi Gao, Jishan Liu, Yaoyao Zhao, Mingyao Wei, Yee-Kwong Leong, Derek Elsworth
Summary: Approximately 20% of global natural gas resources may be microbial in origin, leading to significant interest in extracting biogenic gas from coal seams. Previous studies have shown that this can be achieved through injecting nutrients solution into a coal reservoir, stimulating microbial growth and enhancing biodegradation of organic components into methane gas. In this study, a modeling tool is developed to validate this concept under laboratory and reservoir conditions, coupling various physical and biological processes. The model is verified against experimental data and applied to simulate practical operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of coal-to-methane bioconversion and extraction.
GEOENERGY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Gang Han, Bo Tan, Fei Cheng, Binhua Wang, Yee-Kwong Leong, Xiaozhi Hu
Summary: This study demonstrated a simple technique for enhancing adhesive bond strength between Al substrate and CFRP using pre-coating resin with CNTs. The interfacial shear bond strength was effectively increased by 30%-100% depending on the Al substrate surface profiles.
NANO MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nadine J. Kanik, Artur Kuligiewicz, Jeffrey T. Cullen
Summary: This study examined the effects of different pre-treatments on the structural H-isotope composition of clay minerals. The results showed that different pre-treatments had varied impacts on different clay minerals, and the choice of pre-treatment should be based on the specific properties and mineralogy of the samples.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Stefana Milioto, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: This study proposes Pickering emulsions based on wax and halloysite clay nanotubes for coating silk sutures to increase their loading capacity towards eosin. The presence of halloysite/wax microspheres on the surface of silk sutures has also been explored for controlled release of hydrophobic drugs. The influence of the coating on the thermal and mechanical properties of the sutures has been studied using various techniques. In conclusion, the wax/halloysite Pickering emulsions can successfully generate hydrophobic microdomains on the surface of silk sutures, leading to enhanced flexibility and improved loading capacity towards eosin.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bruna F. Alves, Rita C. P. Nunes, Luiz C. Bertolino, Elizabete F. Lucas
Summary: Operational problems in the oil industry caused by the precipitation of paraffins can be prevented by using polymeric additives. This article evaluates the use of polymeric nanocomposites as pour point reducers in different types of crude oil and finds that they are more efficient than pure poly(ethylene-covinyl acetate) (EVA) in reducing the pour point. The nanocomposites also modify the wax crystals and reduce the viscosity of the oil samples.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
K. A. Daniels, C. C. Graham, A. C. Wiseall, J. F. Harrington, P. Sellin
Summary: Geological storage with clay buffer is widely preferred for removing hazardous radioactive waste. The impact of fluid salinity and void space on the swelling behavior of barrier bentonites was examined through experiments. The findings suggest that clay swelling is suppressed at higher salinities, which affects the void-filling process.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
N. Werling, A. Kuligiewicz, A. Steudel, R. Schuhmann, F. Dehn, K. Emmerich
Summary: Thermal treatment of clay minerals can be used to produce building materials and environmentally friendly binders. This process involves dehydration, dehydroxylation, breakdown of structure, and recrystallization of high temperature phases. Rehydration and rehydroxylation are important factors to consider for geopolymers and SCM.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuan Wang, Hao Ding, Zhuoqun Xu, Jianmeng Zhang, Yanbin Yao
Summary: Rutile nano-TiO2 was loaded onto the surface of sericite to prepare sericite-rutile composite particles, which were then modified with HDTMS and sprayed onto the substrates to form sericite-rutile/HDTMS composite coatings with UV shielding and superhydrophobic self-cleaning properties. The coating exhibited good UV shielding rate and remained superhydrophobic after UV irradiation. The hierarchical structure of the sericite-rutile composite and the low surface energy of HDTMS contributed to the superhydrophobicity and UV shielding effect of the coating.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kailang Sun, Taojun Zhang, Jie Zhou, Yonghong Liu, Minfeng Zeng, Zhen Yang, Ruokun Feng, Xiaorong Ren, Peng Zhang, Baoyi Wang, Xingzhong Cao
Summary: Chitosan-Pd0 nano particles encapsulated in Al, Co-pillared montmorillonite nanocomposites were successfully synthesized using a facile one-pot heat treatment method. The Al, Co pillaring effectively expanded the surface area and generated numerous mesopores in the interlayer space of the MMt. The resultant nanocomposite exhibited similar high comprehensive catalytic performances as the one prepared by the regular divided-multistep method. The encapsulation of CS chains and doping of Co in the Al pillaring also contributed to the improved catalytic performance.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nathalie Fagel, Isabel Israde-Alcantara, Reza Safaierad, Marttiina Rantala, Sabine Schmidt, Gilles Lepoint, Pierre Pellenard, Nadine Mattielli, Sarah Metcalfe
Summary: Environmental conditions significantly influence clay minerals, and studying clay sediments in tropical lakes can provide valuable insights into past environmental conditions. In this study, multiproxy records from sediment cores of three crater lakes in central Mexico were analyzed. The results showed that disordered kaolinite, formed through hydrolysis and hydrothermal alteration, was the predominant mineral in the sediments. The abundance of kaolinite varied in relation to organic carbon and organic matter-related elements, and showed opposite trends with lithogenic elements. Geochemical data suggested that the increase in kaolinite abundance is linked to the formation of organo-mineral aggregates and lake level changes in closed basins.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. J. Martin-Alfonso, A. Mejia, F. J. Martinez-Boza, P. Partal
Summary: The drilling industry is facing new challenges to develop eco-friendlier drilling fluids. Organic modified sepiolite dispersed in oil can be an excellent additive with suitable rheological properties. This study investigated the effect of alkyl ammonium modifiers on the microstructure and rheological properties of sepiolite-vegetable oil dispersions under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weiquan Zhan, Siyuan Yang, Shenxu Bao, Liuyi Ren, Cheng Liu
Summary: The interaction between talc and the depressor CMC was investigated through molecular dynamics simulation and density functional theory calculation. It was found that CMC showed stronger adsorption on the edge plane of talc due to enhanced interactions with polar groups and water molecules. The study also revealed specific interactions between H atoms in CMC and O atoms in the edge plane, as well as between O atoms in CMC and Si, Mg atoms in the edge plane. Hydration shells on the basal and edge planes of talc were examined to explain the phenomenon.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pierre Dramou, Yiyang Sun, Xu Ni, Fangqi Wang, Hua He
Summary: In this study, a magnetic nanocomposite was prepared and used for the separation of rutin from real samples through magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE). The nanocomposite exhibited high specific surface area, chemical and thermal stability, water solubility, and easy separation in aqueous solution. Characterization and experiments confirmed the successful synthesis and efficient enrichment ability of the nanocomposite.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
