Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tatiana C. Almeida, Jessica N. Cunha, Eliane D'Elia, Oscar Rosa Mattos
Summary: This article critically evaluates the literature on the use of the Langmuir isotherm in inhibitor research. The validity of the Langmuir isotherm has been challenged, particularly by Walczak et al. (2019), leading to its rejection by some researchers. Imposing limitations on the Langmuir isotherm would affect heterogeneous kinetics, impedance interpretation, and other transient techniques. This discussion paper provides a more in-depth analysis of these aspects.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jian Feng, Li Wang, Xia Ran, Bo Xiao, Li Lei, Jinming Zhu, Rong Li, Xiaolan Xi, Guangwei Feng
Summary: This study constructed a 3/g-C3N4 heterojunction by incorporating perovskite ErFeO3 nanoparticles into mesoporous g-C3N4 nanosheets, which exhibited optimal adsorption and photocatalytic performance for the removal of low concentration antibiotic contaminants. The ultrathin and porous structure of the nanosheets increased the specific surface area and reaction active sites, while the heterojunction accelerated the separation of charge carriers and inhibited recombination. This research provides an efficient alternative for the treatment of antibiotic wastewater through the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dmitriy Berillo, Aknazar Arysbek
Summary: This study demonstrates the effective removal of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a chitosan-based cryogel, which has potential applications in agriculture, water treatment, and industrial plants. The adsorbent is economically viable, has high affinity toward metal nanoparticles, is biodegradable and biocompatible, and displays good removal efficiency of nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Sebastitian Pizarro, Michael Araya, Vivian Garcia, Alvaro Delgadillo
Summary: The Cobaloxime [Co(dpgH)2Cl(INA)] compound was synthesized and its electrochemical behavior and adsorption equilibrium on nanocrystalline titanium dioxide thin films were studied. The addition of NaBH4 resulted in the appearance of new bands in the visible spectrum, which were attributed to metal-to-ligand charge transfer. Theoretical calculations supported this explanation.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rahmi, Muhammad Iqhrammullah, Ulfa Audina, Husni Husin, Haya Fathana
Summary: A film adsorbent OC/Chi-EDTA was prepared from OPEFB-based charcoal through a simple phase inversion technique, showing advantageous properties for Cd (II) adsorptive removal. The material exhibited high tensile strength, adsorption capacity, and thermal stability, with successful adsorption mechanisms of electrostatic attraction and complexation for Cd (II) uptake.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Usman Hamid, Pradeep Vyawahare, Hla Tun, Chau-Chyun Chen
Summary: This work presents a comprehensive thermodynamic model for both pure component isotherms and mixed-gas adsorption equilibria. The model properly captures the characteristics of mixed-gas adsorption equilibria by considering competitive adsorption on the adsorbent surface and using activity coefficient calculations. The model has been validated and compared, showing higher accuracy and applicability compared to other models.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yan Yu, Lele Zhou, Juntao Tang, Peng Wu, Li Feng, Beixiao Ge, Hui Chen, Jinxing Hu, Shuang Song, Tao Zeng
Summary: The study investigated the dynamic adsorption of radionuclides Co(II) and Sr(II) onto covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) and found that the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models performed better in describing the experimental data. The adsorption equilibrium time and maximum monolayer adsorption capacity varied for Co(II) and Sr(II) on different CTFs. Thermodynamic analyses revealed that the adsorption process of Co(II) and Sr(II) onto CTF was spontaneous and endothermic, favored at higher temperature.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. Elaraby, Amr Elgendy, M. Abd-El-Raouf, M. A. Migahed, A. S. El-Tabei, Aboubakr M. Abdullah, Noora H. Al-Qahtani, Sami M. Alharbi, Samy M. Shaban, Dong-Hwan Kim, N. M. El Basiony
Summary: In this study, effective Gemini cationic surfactants (CSII, CSIV) were synthesized and characterized. The adsorptive properties of CSII and CSIV at HCl/air and C-steel/HCl interfaces were investigated using surface tension and electrochemical parameters. The results showed that CSII and CSIV have high adsorption affinity at the HCl/air interface, with aliphatic chains promoting surfactant adsorption. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization revealed that CSII and CSIV act as mixed inhibitors, significantly enhancing the charge transfer resistance of C-steel in HCl. Theoretical calculations and simulations supported the experimental findings, demonstrating the relationship between corrosion inhibition and molecular structure.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matej Suranek, Zuzana Melichova, Valeria Kurekova, Ljiljana Kljajevic, Snezana Nenadovic
Summary: This study investigated the removal of nickel from synthetically prepared solutions using natural bentonites, with experimental results showing that bentonites from JP and SK were most effective for nickel removal. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated, indicating the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. Adsorption capacities and kinetic models were also determined for the different bentonite samples.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li Xiao, Hanbin Shan, Yi Wu
Summary: Epichlorohydrin-modified chitosan-Schiff base composite (CS/24Cl/ECH) was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, DSC, and SEM. The removal efficiency of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) ions was found to be 170 mg/g. The adsorption mechanism involved chemical coordination between Pb(II) ions and the active sites on the surface of CS/24Cl/ECH composite. CS/24Cl/ECH also showed excellent recyclability and potential for adsorption of other heavy metal ions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
G. Bharath Balji, A. Surya, P. Govindaraj, G. Monisha Ponsakthi
Summary: A novel adsorbent, Brick Sand Blended Fly Ash (BSBFA), was developed for efficient removal of synthetic dyes. The adsorption performance and mechanism of BSBFA were investigated through characterization studies. The results showed that BSBFA had high adsorption capacities for both Malachite Green (MG) and Methyl Violet (MV), with MG exhibiting higher adsorption capacity than MV, indicating the sustainability of BSBFA as a dye removing agent.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
G. Bharath Balji, A. Surya, P. Govindaraj, G. Monisha Ponsakthi
Summary: This study examines the adsorption capacity of a novel adsorbent BSBFA in removing synthetic dyes from polluted water, demonstrating its effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kelei Zhuo
Summary: In this study, the relationship between Langmuir adsorption coefficients and Gibbs free energy change is derived in detail, and the applicable conditions for correct application and avoiding misuse are analyzed and discussed.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying Liu, Xinxin Guo, Baozheng Wang, Pi-Xian Gong, Yiping Liu, Hui-Jing Li, Yan-Chao Wu
Summary: This study developed Lentinan (LNT) from mushroom Lentinus edodes as a corrosion inhibitor for Q235 steel in acid solution. The research showed that LNT exhibited good inhibition nature with high efficiency correlated to its concentration.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Parineeta Das, Dhiraj Dutta, Ankita Sarkar, Rama Dubey, Amrit Puzari
Summary: This study establishes a series of acrylonitrile adducts as an effective adsorption media for the removal of ferrous ions from water. The adducts have an electron-rich property that enables effective interaction with the positively charged iron ions in water, resulting in high adsorption capacity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tiago Araujo, Andrew J. Parnell, Gabriel Bernardo, Adelio Mendes
Summary: Carbon molecular sieve membranes were prepared by carbonizing a cellulose-based polymeric pre-cursor doped with urea. The addition of urea increased the structural disorder and pore volume of the membranes. This unique preparation method effectively allows tuning of the pore size for desired separations, with urea acting as a pore-forming agent. With the addition of 2.8 wt% urea, the permeability of the prepared carbon membrane to hydrogen was doubled, while maintaining selectivity and obtaining a permeability to oxygen of 333 barrer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iris Soares, Ines Rodrigues, Paulo Martins da Costa, Luis Gales
Summary: In recent decades, multidrug-resistant pathogens have become a significant global concern, and alternative antibacterial agents are being sought. This study focuses on the antibacterial activity of four dipeptide nanotubes, revealing diverse mechanisms through which they exert their effect against bacteria. Two dipeptides, FF and LS, are identified as pore forming structures that induce membrane permeation and affect cellular hydration and integrity, with FF also showing potential in inhibiting biofilm formation due to its amyloid-like nature and hydrophobicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jeffrey Capito, Jorge Martins, Seyedali Emami, Dzmitry Ivanou, Adelio Mendes
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are a rapidly evolving indoor PV technology for providing long-term wireless power to IoT devices and wireless sensors. Encapsulating DSSCs with glass frits has proven to be the most durable method, and this study successfully achieved glass sealing of the electrolyte injection holes by structuring the glass into a capillary shape. The fully glass-sealed DSSCs demonstrated superior stability and performance compared to conventionally polymer-sealed and partially glass-sealed counterparts.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Filipe C. Correia, Joana M. Ribeiro, Armando Ferreira, J. Sebastian Reparaz, Alejandro R. Goni, Torben Boll, Adelio Mendes, Carlos J. Tavares
Summary: This study focuses on the Bi doping effect on ZnO and the microstructure changes induced by the co-doping of Bi and Al in ZnO thin films. The results show that the introduction of Bi and Al can significantly reduce the thermal conductivity of ZnO films, with Bi mainly contributing to grain boundary scattering. However, the coexistence of Bi and Al limits further reduction in thermal conductivity due to morphological changes in the film's microstructure. The findings are important for improving thermoelectric efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Catia Azenha, Cecilia Mateos-Pedrero, Tiago Lagarteira, Adelio M. Mendes
Summary: Different post-synthesis procedures were employed to enhance the performance of a Cu2O/ZnO catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. The procedures successfully controlled important physicochemical parameters, such as oxidation state, number of oxygen defects, crystallite size, and the strength of the copper-zinc interaction. It was demonstrated that the H2/CO production ratio (syngas composition) can be tuned by applying in situ potential cycling treatments before the electrochemical measurements under the reaction conditions. For an applied potential of -1.0 VRHE, the H2/CO ratio values of 2.5, 5, and 0.7 were obtained using the same catalyst subjected to different post-synthesis procedures.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Ivo S. Azenha, Mario M. Q. Simoes, Adelio Mendes, Carlos M. Silva
Summary: This review critically discusses the separation of three relevant triterpenic acids (betulinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids) by liquid and supercritical fluid chromatography. These acids, commonly found in biomass residues, have attracted significant research attention due to their therapeutic properties. The review compiles, analyzes, and thoroughly discusses various aspects including solubilities, stationary phases, adsorbents, mobile phases, pre-column derivatization strategies, and temperature effects. The achievements and gaps in this research area are highlighted, and a final comparison of chromatographic systems is provided.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tiago Lagarteira, Sofia Delgado, Gema P. Garcia, Alfredo Ortiz, Adelio Mendes
Summary: Graphene has been proposed as a potential support or co-support for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel cells (PEMFCs) electrocatalysts due to its excellent properties. However, long-term stability studies on graphene-supported Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) catalysts are still limited. This study aims to compare the stability of graphene and carbon black as supports for Pt/G catalysts and assess their electrochemical performance and degradation mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fatima P. Machado, Ines C. Rodrigues, Aikaterini Georgopolou, Luis Gales, Jose A. Pereira, Paulo M. Costa, Sharad Mistry, Salar Hafez Ghoran, Artur M. S. Silva, Tida Dethoup, Emilia Sousa, Anake Kijjoa
Summary: An undescribed hybrid phenalenone dimer, an unreported azaphilone, an unreported phthalide dimer, and an undescribed dihydroxy-ergosta-4,6,8(14)-tetraen-3-one were isolated from a marine sponge-derived fungus. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by various spectral analysis methods. Two of the isolated compounds showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus, as well as inhibited biofilm formation.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Rotchana Klaram, Tida Dethoup, Fatima P. Machado, Luis Gales, Decha Kumla, Salar Hafez Ghoran, Emilia Sousa, Sharad Mistry, Artur M. S. Silva, Anake Kijjoa
Summary: Five undescribed pentaketide derivatives and a p-hydroxyphenyl-2-pyridone derivative were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of a marine sponge-derived fungus, and their structures were determined using NMR and mass spectral analyses. The growth inhibitory activity of these compounds against various plant pathogenic fungi was also evaluated.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leonardo Rodrigues, Joao M. P. Q. Delgado, Adelio Mendes, Antonio G. B. Lima, Ana S. Guimaraes
Summary: The building sector has a significant environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, and it is important to develop tools to guide stakeholders in making buildings more sustainable. Early sustainability certification rating systems, such as LEED and BREEAM, have been developed for quantitative sustainability assessment of different building types. Subsequent efforts have focused on producing more user-friendly and accurate sustainability assessment systems using indicators and weights. This work provides a comprehensive review of sustainability indicators proposed by different authors and certification systems.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose P. Leite, Flavio Figueira, Ricardo F. Mendes, Filipe A. Almeida Paz, Luis Gales
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have versatile applications in biosensors for amyloid diseases. They have great potential in biospecimen protection and probing capabilities for receptors. This Review summarizes the fabrication methodologies and performance data of MOF-based sensors, showing their potential to outperform current technologies in detecting amyloid biomarkers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria J. Ferreira, Tony A. Rodrigues, Ana G. Pedrosa, Luis Gales, Armindo Salvador, Tania Francisco, Jorge E. Azevedo
Summary: Despite high levels of H2O2 in mammalian peroxisomes, cysteine residues in intraperoxisomal proteins remain reduced. The permeability of the peroxisomal membrane to glutathione and the presence of a thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase in the organelle matrix are still unknown. Using an in vitro system, we found that the peroxisomal membrane is permeable to both reduced and oxidized glutathione, and no evidence of a robust thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase was found. Simulations suggest that glutathione plays a crucial role in protecting cysteine residues from oxidation by H2O2.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Teixeira, Rosinda Fuentes-Pineda, Luisa Andrade, Adelio Mendes, David Forgacs
Summary: The fast progress of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in terms of their photovoltaic performance, stability, and upscaling demonstrates their potential for industrial-scale application. An optimized experimental procedure for fabricating flexible and low-cost PSCs using solution-based deposition techniques has been developed. The use of a 2D perovskite capping layer has been shown to improve the power conversion efficiency.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose P. Leite, Frederico Lourenco, Rute Oliveira, Sergio F. Sousa, Marta Mendes, Luis Gales
Summary: Transcription of specific genes in bacteria under environmental stress is initiated by extracytoplasmic function (ECF) α factors. The crystal structures of Streptomyces tsukubaensis SigG1 and anti-sigma RsfG were determined, revealing their compact conformations and metal binding motifs. These structures provide insights into the involvement of the ECF56 SigG1-RsfG system in metal-ion homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guillermo Diaz-Sainz, Kevin Fernandez-Caso, Tiago Lagarteira, Sofia Delgado, Manuel Alvarez-Guerra, Adelio Mendes, Angel Irabien
Summary: CO2 electroreduction to formic acid and formate has attracted significant research attention. This study focuses on finding low-cost and stable materials that can compete with traditional Pt-based electrodes. The use of hand-made NiO-based anodes in the continuous CO2 electroreduction process has shown excellent performance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)