Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lourdes Hurtado, Osmin Aviles, Sharon Brewer, Kingsley K. Donkor, Rubi Romero, Rosa Maria Gomez-Espinosa, Oscar Alvarado, Reyna Natividad
Summary: This study investigated the catalytic activity of Al/Cu interlayered pillared clays for the degradation and mineralization of paracetamol. The results showed that the Al/Cu pillared clays could completely remove paracetamol without the need for acidic conditions or high catalyst concentrations, and exhibited a high mineralization rate. The study also proposed a reaction pathway for the oxidation of paracetamol molecules and assessed the stability and reusability of the catalyst.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ali Smaida, Belkacem Mekerta, Mohamed K. Gueddouda
Summary: This study focuses on the stabilization of swelling Bentonite clay from Maghnia in Algeria. The combination of lime and salt is shown to be highly effective and cost-efficient in reducing plasticity index and swelling parameters.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zenghe Li, Jing Feng, Rui Tian, Chao Lu
Summary: Understanding the mechanism of polymer degradation is crucial for the development of effective strategies for polymer management. Traditional methods for evaluating polymer degradation rely on the determination of functional groups or molecular weight, which lack kinetic information about the degradation process. In this study, the degradation of polyoxymethylene (POM) was monitored using cataluminescence (CTL) dynamic curves of the generated formaldehyde. The CTL curves revealed two peaks under different atmospheres, indicating different reaction pathways with varying reaction kinetics and activation energies for POM degradation. This study demonstrates the capability of CTL for real-time monitoring and differentiation of degradation pathways, offering possibilities for designing reliable and sustainable polymers.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wusigale, Xiaojun Fu, Xin Yin, Chuye Ji, Hao Cheng, Li Liang
Summary: Proteins, vitamins, and phenols in foods are sensitive to environmental factors and their interactions affect stability. Light can cause folic acid decomposition leading to protein oxidation, while caffeic acid can inhibit this decomposition.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Shawn M. Maguire, John Derek Demaree, Michael J. Boyle, Austin W. Keller, Connor R. Bilchak, Cherie R. Kagan, Christopher B. Murray, Kohji Ohno, Russell J. Composto
Summary: We demonstrate the segregation of polymer-grafted nanoparticles to the free surface of a film upon thermal annealing, driven by the lower surface energy of the grafted polymer. By using various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, we observe the evolution of surface excess of poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted silica nanoparticles in films as a function of annealing time. The growth of the surface excess is determined by entropic contributions, surface energy differences, and the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter. This study provides insights for designing polymer nanocomposite films with desirable surface properties and highlights the need for rigorous models to capture complex phase behaviors.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Shaowei Zhang, Dongdong Li
Summary: By studying the effect of salt-lake salt solution on the strength of expansive soil, the authors found that the addition of salt-lake solution effectively inhibited the expansibility of soil, improved soil mechanical characteristics, reduced liquid limit, plastic index, cohesion, and internal friction angle.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuai Tang, Peipei Sun, Guojuan Qu, Yue Tian, Junlai Liu, Md. Nahid Pervez, Xiuyan Li, Chengjin Cao, Yaping Zhao
Summary: The impacts of microplastics (MPs) in soil on pollutant transport were studied. It was found that biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) enhanced arsenic (As) adsorption, while non-biodegradable black polyethylene (BPE) reduced As adsorption in soil. The dominant adsorption mechanism of As was not affected by MPs. Biodegradable MPs increased the risk of soil accumulating As.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Conrad A. P. Goodwin, Sierra R. Ciccone, Samuel Bekoe, Sourav Majumdar, Brian L. Scott, Joseph W. Ziller, Andrew J. Gaunt, Filipp Furche, William J. Evans
Summary: New coordination environments for Np(III) and Pu(III) are reported based on pilot studies, with U(III) also studied in the same context. Complexes obtained through reactions showed different electron configurations for U(III), Np(III), and Pu(III).
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaohua Zhang, Shusong Liu, Yiying Sun, Shihao Li, Jiafu Shi, Zhongyi Jiang
Summary: Efficient chemical transformation is essential for modern society's sustainable development. Enzyme-photo-coupled catalytic systems (EPCS) show promise in solar-driven 'molecular editing', but the design of efficient and stable EPCS is challenged by the involvement of multiple components and catalytic processes. Identifying connectivity and compatibility between biocatalytic and photocatalytic ensembles as crucial factors governing EPCS performance, solutions for undesirable connectivity and low compatibility are discussed to propose designing principles for EPCS and provide a future perspective.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Daniel R. S. Pitombeira, Maria J. S. Costa, Renato A. Antunes, Raphael O. Ferreira, Rejane M. P. Silva, Reginaldo S. Santos
Summary: S-doped TiO2 films were prepared by oxidation annealing of amorphous titanium oxysulfide (TiOxSy) at different temperatures. The films calcined at temperatures of 300-600 degrees C showed only anatase phase, while the uncalcined sample was amorphous. The chemical composition of synthesized TiOxSy was estimated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). High-resolution S 2p spectra showed S-2 bonds at 163.47 eV for the amorphous sample. The intensity of this signal decreased after heat treatment. Raman spectroscopy indicated an organization of the material structure with heat treatment. Furthermore, optical characterization revealed that sulfur as a dopant shifted light absorption from ultraviolet to the visible region in the anatase TiO2 structure. Photoelectrochemical studies conducted under polychromatic irradiation showed superior photocurrents for samples calcined at 600 degrees C, exhibiting n-type behavior suitable for photo-oxidation reactions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Md. Nahid Pervez, Dandan Fu, Xiangyang Wang, Qitong Bao, Tao Yu, Vincenzo Naddeo, Haoting Tian, Chengjin Cao, Yaping Zhao
Summary: A novel 3D bifunctional nanocomposite was prepared for arsenic removal, showing remarkable arsenic adsorption capacity and oxidation potential for efficient removal of arsenic pollutants in water systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jayachandrabal Balachandramohan, Randeep Singh, Thirugnanasambandam Sivasankar, Sivakumar Manickam
Summary: In this study, a cubical Ag3PO4-guar gum nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and characterized, showing high photocatalytic oxidation activity for converting cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde. The nanocomposite exhibited compact structure, controllable size, and minimal loss of activity after regeneration.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mona Kohantorabi, Gholamreza Moussavi, Paula Oulego, Stefanos Giannakis
Summary: This study reports a facile synthesis route for the fabrication of an alpha-Fe2O3@g-C3N4 photocatalyst derived from a hematite-rich soil. The FeCN-0.5 catalyst shows the best catalytic performance in Acetaminophen degradation under visible light irradiation, thanks to the Z-scheme structure formation between alpha-Fe2O3 and g-C3N4 that enhances light absorption and charge carrier generation. The study provides new insights into the fabrication of novel materials derived from natural sources for use in advanced oxidation processes.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Fei Zhou, Fan Yu, Tangdai Xia, Bingqi Yu, Yingtao Hu
Summary: This paper introduces the lightweight embankment replacement technology for reducing the occurrence of bridgehead jump and deduces the method of determining the replacement time in practical engineering.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shimaa Elbakry, Mohamed E. A. Ali, Moustafa Abouelfadl, Nagwa A. Badway, Karima M. M. Salam
Summary: In this study, a novel stable and environmentally acceptable polyamide/graphitic carbon nitride/silver nanoparticles thin film was successfully coated onto the surface of a cellulose acetate membrane. The thin film showed high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of dye molecules in water.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abigail M. Diaz-Guerrero, Claudia A. Castillo-Miranda, Hernan Peraza-Vazquez, Ana B. Morales-Cepeda, Adrian F. Pena-Delgado, Jose L. Rivera-Armenta, Carlos F. Castro-Guerrero
Summary: A composite of HEC and PAAm was synthesized for transdermal drug delivery system evaluation. The drug release behavior was modeled using mathematical optimization and genetic programming algorithms, demonstrating reliable drug release kinetics prediction beyond experimental runtime. This study suggests the potential application of HEC/PAAm composite as a transdermal DDS for acetaminophen delivery.
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Eder U. Pulido-Barragan, Ana B. Morales-Cepeda, Carlos F. Castro-Guerrero, Andreas Koschella, Thomas Heinze
Summary: This study investigates the utilization of Euphorbia Antisyphilitica bagasse as a source for cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) production using acid hydrolysis and TEMPO mediated oxidation. The CNC samples have a diameter of 17 nm, length between 220 and 310 nm, crystallinity above 70%, and different thermal behavior depending on the isolation method.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Luis Alejandro Macclesh del Pino Perez, Ana Beatriz Morales Cepeda, Carlos Fernando Castro-Guerrero, Ulises Leon Silva
Summary: The study found that an increase in silver content in Cellulose Nanofibers Films (CNFs) led to a corresponding increase in crystalline species of Ag/AgCl, resulting in higher arrangement of fibers. Additionally, higher silver concentration in the films showed lower electrical resistance values, indicating electrical conduction and energy storage capabilities.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
David Victoria-Valenzuela, Ana Beatriz Morales-Cepeda, Jose Luis Rivera-Armenta, Miguel Angel Del Angel-Hernandez
Summary: This study investigates the release of chlorine during the esterification process of TPA and EG in the presence of PVC as an impurity, and analyzes the dehydrochlorination process during the synthesis of BHET. The experimental results show incomplete dehydrochlorination leading to the presence of Cl in the final product, while the model predicts the temperature at which Cl can be completely released to ensure purity.
MACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING
(2021)
Correction
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Adrian F. Pena-Delgado, Hernan Peraza-Vazquez, Juan H. Almazan-Covarrubias, Nicolas Torres-Cruz, Pedro Martin Garcia-Vite, Ana Beatriz Morales-Cepeda, Juan M. Ramirez-Arredondo
MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS IN ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatriz Adriana Salazar-Cruz, Maria Yolanda Chavez-Cinco, Ana Beatriz Morales-Cepeda, Claudia Esmeralda Ramos-Galvan, Jose Luis Rivera-Armenta
Summary: The purpose of this study was to prepare polypropylene matrix composites filled with chemically treated pistachio shell particles and evaluate their thermal properties. The results showed that the treatment of pistachio shell particles improved the thermal stability of the composites and increased their crystallinity when added in appropriate concentrations.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ana Beatriz Morales-Cepeda, Luis Alejandro Macclesh del Pino-Perez, Mireya Marmolejo, Jose Luis Rivera-Armenta, Hernan Peraza-Vazquez
Summary: This study introduces a method for producing ocotillol/ocotillone in Northern Mexico, which involves isolation and extraction using a batch reactor, demonstrating the potential for sustainable production.
PREPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Mathematics
Hernan Peraza-Vazquez, Adrian Pena-Delgado, Prakash Ranjan, Chetan Barde, Arvind Choubey, Ana Beatriz Morales-Cepeda
Summary: This paper proposes a new meta-heuristic algorithm called JSOA, which mimics the hunting behavior of jumping spiders and solves global optimization problems with a fine balance between exploitation and exploration.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Gonzalez-Hernandez, Ana Beatriz Morales-Cepeda, J. C. Caicedo, C. Amaya, Sion F. Olive-Mendez
Summary: Carbide- and nitride-based coatings exhibit excellent mechanical and tribological properties due to the combination of covalent and metallic bonds. Ti-W-N and Ti-W-C single layers, as well as (Ti-W-N/Ti-W-C)(n) multilayers, were deposited on different substrates using RF-magnetron sputtering. The multilayer system with n = 40 demonstrated enhanced wear performance compared to single layers and bilayers.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jorge Albite-Ortega, Saul Sanchez-Valdes, Eduardo Ramirez-Vargas, Francisco Javier Medellin-Rodriguez, Luis Francisco Ramos DeValle, Oliverio Santiago Rodriguez-Fernandez, Jorge Enrique Rivera-Salinas, Juan Guillermo Martinez-Colunga, Luciano Da-Silva, Ana Beatriz Morales-Cepeda, Zalma Vanesa Sanchez-Martinez, Jose David Zuluaga-Parra
Summary: In this study, the combination of keratin fibers from poultry feathers and chitosan was used to enhance the flame-retardant properties of polypropylene composites. The effect of different additives, as well as the use of functionalized polypropylene with ammonium polyphosphate as a compatibilizer, was analyzed. The results showed that the combination of these additives significantly improved the flame-retardant characteristics and mechanical properties of the composites, while also increasing thermal stability.
FIRE AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Homero Salas-Papayanopolos, Ana B. Morales-Cepeda, Paula Wood-Adams, Saul Sanchez, Pierre G. Lafleur, Hernan Peraza-Vazquez
Summary: This study investigates the crystallization effect of blends of poly(L-lactic acid)/nanoparticle silver and GTA (plasticizer). The results show that the addition of nanoparticle silver and plasticizer can enhance the isothermal crystallization rate and toughness of poly(L-lactic acid), and form films with high oxygen permeability.
Article
Polymer Science
David Victoria-Valenzuela, Ana Beatriz Morales-Cepeda
Summary: The study investigates the impact of n-pentane addition on the kinetic behavior of styrene polymerization, aiming to improve the understanding of the phenomena during this reaction. Through simulation and prediction of experimental data, the model reveals the diffusive effects and theoretical description of the repetitive units involved in the termination stage. The presence of n-pentane affects the theoretical transition region, which is crucial for the polymerization rate and the auto-acceleration effect.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
David Victoria-Valenzuela, Ana Beatriz Morales-Cepeda, Eder Israel Cardenas-Rangel
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate the evolution of monomer conversion during suspension free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) at 80 degrees C in the presence and absence of nanocellulose obtained via TEMPO oxidation. The focus is on the kinetic aspects of MMA polymerization and the diffusive step of the termination reaction. Experimental conversion evolutions are tracked using gravimetry. A mathematical model is used to describe the effects of nanocellulose during polymerization, which explains the impact of nanocellulose on the termination stage, hindering successful termination collision between short and long polymeric radicals and decreasing the segmental mobility of long radicals.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Carlos F. Castro-Guerrero, Andrea Gonzalez-Benitez, Abisai Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Filemon Delgado-Arroyo, Ulises Leon-Silva, Ana B. Morales-Cepeda, Francisco A. Lopez-Gonzalez, Arturo Rodas-Grapain, Mario R. Diaz-Guillen
Summary: This study tested the reaction conditions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and their application as binders for electrodes. The CNCs were characterized using various techniques and the best reaction conditions were determined. The CNCs were found to stabilize the electrodes and showed capacitor behavior, indicating their potential for energy storage applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ana Beatriz Morales Cepeda, Luis A. Macclesh del Pino, Claudia Esmeralda Ramos Galvan, Eric Joaquin Gonzalez Pedraza, Luciano Aguilera Vazquez
Summary: The synthesis of glycerol carbonate (GC) using a batch reactor and CaCO3 was successfully implemented in this study. Analysis showed that the obtained product contained GC, with signals of carbonyl groups in FTIR and the presence of cyclic carbonate structure in addition to linear carbonates confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis also demonstrated that the thermal stability of the product is highly similar to GC.
DESIGNED MONOMERS AND POLYMERS
(2022)
