Article
Construction & Building Technology
Vineet Shah, Allan Scott
Summary: The study demonstrates that magnesium oxide based cements can serve as a promising alternative to Portland cement, and can be produced using calcined kaolinitic clay. The MgO binder shows comparable or better compressive strength and significantly lower porosity compared to systems containing silica fume. The presence of magnesium carbonate further enhances the physical properties of the clay mixes.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sungwon Kim, Youngsam Kim, Jaeseung Kim, Sungwook Choi, Kyuseok Yun, Dongjin Kim, Soo Yeon Lim, Sunam Kim, Sae Hwan Chun, Jaeku Park, Intae Eom, Kyung Sook Kim, Tae-Yeong Koo, Yunbo Ou, Ferhat Katmis, Haidan Wen, Anthony DiChiara, Donald A. Walko, Eric C. Landahl, Hyeonsik Cheong, Eunji Sim, Jagadeesh Moodera, Hyunjung Kim
Summary: Our study on ultrafast carrier-induced lattice contractions and interlayer modulations in Bi2Se3 thin films sheds light on the topological phase control by light-induced structural change on ultrafast time scales. The lattice contraction depends on carrier concentration and is followed by interlayer expansion, providing insights into topological phase transition modulation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kristoffer W. Bo Hunvik, Konstanse Kvalem Seljelid, Dirk Wallacher, Alexsandro Kirch, Leide P. Cavalcanti, Patrick Loch, Paul Monceyron Roren, Paulo Henrique Michels-Brito, Roosevelt Droppa Jr, Kenneth Dahl Knudsen, Caetano Rodrigues Miranda, Josef Breu, Jon Otto Fossum
Summary: In this study, the response of dried fluorohectorite clay intercalated with Li+, Na+, Cs+, Ca2+, and Ba2+ to CO2 exposure was investigated. The results from in situ powder X-ray diffraction and gravimetric adsorption experiments showed that Li-fluorohectorite swells in response to CO2, while the other intercalated clays do not. DFT calculations support the experimental findings. These results have implications for the development of capture materials for CO2 postcombustion sequestration.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuo Feng, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Yucheng Fu, Zhuo Li, Yulong Wang, Jie Bao, Zhijie Xu, Guosheng Li, Cassidy Anderson, Lili Shi, Yuehe Lin, Peter G. Khalifah, Wei Wang, Jun Liu, Jie Xiao, Dongping Lu
Summary: In this study, a simple strategy was demonstrated for constructing low-tortuosity through-pores in both vertical and planar directions of electrodes by casting large particles into single-particle-layer electrodes. Through multi-scale characterizations and simulations, correlations between material/electrode structures, electrolyte permeability, polysulfide migration, and sulfur reactions were elucidated. The high-loading and dense sulfur cathode fabricated by this method delivers a high specific capacity at a very low electrolyte/sulfur ratio.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Matthias Maier, Ricarda Sposito, Nancy Beuntner, Karl-Christian Thienel
Summary: In this study, the behavior of blended Portland limestone cement during the early hydration was monitored, and the influence of different calcined clays on mineral composition and particle properties was investigated. The results showed that the investigated SCMs influence the clinker reaction through different mechanisms and to varying extents, highlighting the importance of proper sulfation in blended cements.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bin Hu, Chunxia Zhang, Xiaoyan Zhang
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of acid digestion on different clay minerals using different HCl concentrations and temperatures. The results showed that chlorite was the most soluble clay mineral in HCl, while kaolinite was relatively difficult to dissolve. The dissolution of illite and smectite in HCl was influenced by the concentration and temperature. The results obtained with the HCl digestion method were less accurate than those obtained with the routine method for clay mineral quantification and paleoclimate proxies, indicating that the HCl pretreatment method is not suitable for clay mineral analysis in paleoclimate studies.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jessica Gilabert, Eulalia Zumaquero, Eva Maria Diaz-Canales, Maria Jesus Ventura, Maria Pilar Gomez-Tena
Summary: This study presents a specific methodology for the characterization of clayey raw materials used in the ceramic industry and correlates it with water vapor sorption properties. The results show a correlation between the montmorillonite content in clay and water vapor adsorption behavior and certain thermal events.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kazutaka Ikeda, Fumika Fujisaki, Toshiya Otomo, Hidetoshi Ohshita, Takashi Honda, Toru Kawamata, Hiroshi Arima, Kazumasa Sugiyama, Hitoshi Abe, Hyunjeong Kim, Kouji Sakaki, Yumiko Nakamura, Akihiko Machida, Toyoto Sato, Shigeyuki Takagi, Shin-ichi Orimo
Summary: The study revealed the mechanism of catalyzing Al-Ti alloy in NaAlH4 with TiCl3, indicating that Al was partially substituted by Ti during the first desorption process, leading to the formation of highly dispersed nanosized Al-Ti alloy.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Piotr Gebara
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the large magnetocaloric effect in LaFe11.35Co0.6Si1.05 alloy. X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy confirmed the coexistence of La(Fe,Si)(13)-type and alpha-Fe(Co,Si) phases. The magnetic entropy change and phase transition were analyzed using thermomagnetic Maxwell relation, Landau theory, and universal scaling curve.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Thomas Buchner, Thomas Kiefer, Wolfgang Gaggl, Luis Zelaya-Lainez, Josef Fuessl
Summary: The microstructure of fired clay bricks made of five different Central European raw materials was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and Powder X-ray Diffraction. An automated process for characterizing and quantifying material phases in brick microstructures was developed based on extensive experimental data, revealing a large variety of microstructures in European brick materials. The collected data allows for a deep understanding of these materials and provides a reliable basis for the development and optimization of fired clay bricks using micromechanical models.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Asif Mahmood, Ziwen Yuan, Xiao Sui, Muhammad Adil Riaz, Zixun Yu, Chang Liu, Junsheng Chen, Cheng Wang, Shenlong Zhao, Nasir Mahmood, Zengxia Pei, Li Wei, Yuan Chen
Summary: The explosive decomposition method demonstrated in this study allows for the realization of thermally reduced graphene oxide paper with tunable interlayer spacing, providing potential for high-performance sodium-ion battery anodes.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Fengyi Zhang, Yanjie Zhang, Tao Wang, Wei Zhang, Pengfei Gong, Anmin Yin
Summary: A noncontact laser ultrasonic testing platform was built to investigate the impact of copper grain size on the laser ultrasonic backscattered signal. The influence of copper grain size on the characteristic parameters of backscattering was explored using time-frequency analysis. A prediction model of grain size was established and compared with the prediction model based on the attenuation method to verify its accuracy. The results show that laser ultrasonics can be used for online detection of grain size.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Cory Marquez, Jesus J. J. Mata, Anabel Renteria, Diego Gonzalez, Sofia Gabriela Gomez, Alexis Lopez, Annette N. N. Baca, Alan Nunez, Md Sahid Hassan, Vincent Burke, Dina Perlasca, Yifeng Wang, Yongliang Xiong, Jessica N. N. Kruichak, David Espalin, Yirong Lin
Summary: This research introduces a simple method to 3D print Cone 5 porcelain clay ceramics using direct ink-write (DIW) printing technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using DIW to extrude highly viscous ceramic materials and create complex geometrical shapes. Additionally, the research showcases the successful fabrication of a clay structure with an embedded wireless temperature and relative humidity (RH) sensor during the 3D printing process, with fully functional sensing capabilities.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Zhang, Shanxiong Chen, Kaiwen Tong, Shichang Li, Kang Huang, Zhangjun Dai, Lijiao Luo
Summary: Understanding the swelling properties of clay minerals is crucial for environmental science and engineering applications. Studies have shown that interlayer cations and layer charge location significantly impact the swelling behavior of clay minerals.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jakub Cajzl, Pavla Nekvindova, Anna Mackova, Marian Varga, Alexander Kromka
Summary: The presented overview discusses the luminescence properties of lanthanide ions in various dielectric crystalline materials for photonics and optoelectronics. Different crystals with distinct crystal structures were chosen, and the behavior of erbium ions was studied and compared. Theoretical simulations were also conducted to better understand the incorporation of erbium in these crystals.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Minghan Zhu, Yibo Yuan, Hua Yin, Zhanyu Guo, Xipeng Wei, Xin Qi, Hang Liu, Zhi Dang
Summary: PCB contamination in China shows regional disparities, with higher levels in East China and in areas with intensive industrial activities or e-waste disassembling. The unplanned UP-PCBs from industrial processes are becoming increasingly significant. There is a need for further studies on the accumulation and migration of PCBs in food webs, and for more investigations to assess human health risks accurately.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengling Shao, Hua Yin, Yingchao Li, Yuhao Cai, Caiya Yan, Yibo Yuan, Zhi Dang
Summary: In this study, a biochar supported FeMnMg layered double hydroxide composite was prepared and used for the simultaneous remediation of copper and arsenic contamination in water and soil. The results showed that the composite exhibited good adsorption performance for heavy metals and could reduce the availability of heavy metals in soil. Additionally, the addition of the composite enhanced the activity of soil microorganisms, indirectly promoting the passivation and stabilization of heavy metals.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yurong Deng, Bijie Zhang, Chengshuai Liu, Fangbai Li, Liping Fang, Zhi Dang, Chen Yang, Yu Xiong, Chunfeng He
Summary: This study reveals the transformation process and mechanism of arsenite on iron mineral surfaces in the presence of tetracycline contaminants. The results indicate that tetracycline promotes the release and oxidation of arsenic, and induces partial transformation of iron minerals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xue Bai, Weishi Ma, Qian Zhang, Lishan Zhang, Shan Zhong, Xiaohua Shu
Summary: The mineral particles in sediment can affect the development of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) through physical and chemical interactions. Pyrite, the most abundant metal sulfide mineral in lake and river sediments, is semiconducting. The frequent water fluctuation in lakes or rivers leads to the presence of widespread sunlight, PS-MPs, and pyrite, creating a typical photoaging environment for PS-MPs. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from pyrite oxidation theoretically degrade the PS-MPs, but research on the photoaging of PS-MPs mediated by pyrite is scarce.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiaohua Shu, Wei Tian, Shiqing Xiong, Wenlong Zhang, Qian Zhang
Summary: By selecting different pyrolysis temperatures and raw materials, the passivation effect of biochar on pyrite can be enhanced.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qian Zhang, Yang Li, Hua Li, Yuhan Zhang, Lishan Zhang, Shan Zhong, Xiaohua Shu
Summary: Fe-based composites have been studied extensively for their ability to improve energy utilization efficiency in plasma-based contaminant removal. However, the slow transformation of Fe(III) to Fe(II) compromises the energy efficiency and catalytic activity. In this study, FeS2 was introduced into a glow discharge plasma reactor to enhance the removal efficiency of tylosin. The presence of FeS2 resulted in increased generation of radicals and nonradicals, which played a critical role in tylosin abatement. Additionally, the electron-donating ability of FeS2 accelerated the conversion of Fe(III) to Fe(II), further facilitating radical generation. Furthermore, FeS2 promoted acid solution self-adjustment and improved the heterogeneous Fenton reaction and adsorption of tylosin. The integration of glow discharge plasma with FeS2 offers a promising technique for organic wastewater treatment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qian Zhang, Xue Bai, Ling Ding, Xiyuan Zhang, Lishan Zhang, Xiaohua Shu, Xuetao Guo
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the aging characteristics of disposable surgical masks (SMs) and the effect of different aged layers of SMs on phenanthrene (PHE), tylosin (TYL), and sulfamethazine (SMT) under urban environmental stressors. The results showed that UV exposure caused more severe aging of the SM layers than ozone, and the middle layer made of melt-brown fabric displayed the highest degree of aging. The findings highlight the environmental effects of new microplastic sources and coexisting pollutants under the influence of COVID-19, contributing to the accurate evaluation of the biological toxicity of SMs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengcheng Lin, Hang Liu, Hua Yin, Minghan Zhu, Haoyu Luo, Zhi Dang
Summary: The combined pollution of heavy metals is a global issue. It has been found that loading Mn/Al-layered double oxide onto crab shells biochar can help remediate the combined pollution of Cd and Cu in soil and water. The research shows that LDO/BC exhibits highly efficient performance in remediating e-waste-contaminated soil and reducing the bioavailability of heavy metals.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaohua Shu, Lizhen Xu, Minghao Yang, Ziqi Qin, Qian Zhang, Lishan Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the abundance, spatial distribution, and migration of microplastics in the Yulong River, a typical karst area in Guilin, China. Microplastic pollution was found in the sediments, surface water, and especially groundwater. The dominant types of microplastics were polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The study also suggested that microplastics in groundwater may result from hydraulic exchange with surface water in karst areas, rather than soil infiltration. These findings enhance our understanding of microplastic pollution in karst rivers.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaohua Shu, Minghao Yang, Haiyang Lin, Qian Zhang, Lishan Zhang, Jie Liu, Xuehong Zhang, Fujing Pan, Lizhen Xu
Summary: Low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) in soil can affect the transport and behavior of microplastics (MPs) by interacting with mineral interfaces. This study investigated the effect of oxalic acid on mineral interfaces and its role in stabilizing MPs. The results showed that oxalic acid increased the stability of MPs on minerals and created new adsorption pathways, depending on the mineral bifunctionality induced by oxalic acid. In the presence of oxalic acid, the stability of hydrophilic and hydrophobic MPs on different minerals was significantly improved. Overall, these findings provide important insights into the environmental behavior of emerging pollutants and the role of organic acids in mediating their interactions with minerals.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qian Zhang, Yang Li, Weishi Ma, Xue Bai, Xuan Ru, Lishan Zhang, Shan Zhong, Xiaohua Shu
Summary: In this study, a three-dimensional FeS2/reduced graphene oxide aerogel (3D FeS2/rGOA) composite was synthesized to degrade the antibiotic tylosin tartrate. The composite exhibited improved removal efficiency of 92.5% due to enhanced adsorption performance and increased light absorption capacity. The reticulated structure of the composite facilitated electron transfer, extended photogenerated carrier lifetimes, and promoted the production of effective active species during the photocatalytic process. The stable chemical bonds and mechanical property of the composite ensured its easy recyclability and reuse.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)