Applied Research最新文献

Huge discharge of dying effluents and their high hazard impact represent a serious threat to the ecosystem. So, this article aims to eliminate the cationic dye malachite green (MG) from an aquatic medium. This study introduces a novel, green, and cost-effective ball milling approach to synthesize nanomagneto-graphene oxide (NMGO) nanocomposites with enhanced adsorption capacity for dye removal, showcasing superior performance compared to conventional methods. Characterization of NMGO nanosorbent was performed via X-ray diffractometer, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy linked to electron dispersive X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer measurements. The maximum MG dye adsorption capacity of NMGO nanosorbent was evaluated as a function of ball milling time interval, Fe₃O₄ percentage, solution pH, dye concentration, temperature, NMGO dosage, and agitation time. Several mathematical isothermal and kinetic simulations were employed to model the data obtained from experiments and evaluate the superior adsorption abilities of NMGO (in mg/g). The NMGO nanocomposite exhibited a high dye removal capacity, achieving up to 300 mg/g (60%) of MG dye at optimal conditions. Kinetic modeling revealed that the adsorption process follows a pseudo-second-order model, with high correlation coefficients (r² = 0.9999). A Langmuir isothermal monolayer was achieved. In thermodynamics expressions, the capturing of MG dye by NMGO was spontaneous (−ΔG°), exothermic (+ΔH°), and highly random at the boundary of phases (+ΔS°). In addition, NMGO sorbent exhibited excellent uptake of dye, and preparation of NMGO by ball milling route can remarkably increase he removal capacity of the NMGO towards MG dye removal from aquatic solutions.

This study aimed to develop, through a low-energy process and biocompatible materials, a novel topical microemulsion combining inorganic UV filters and selected essential oils to provide multifunctional protection, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and antioxidant activities as a sustainable alternative to conventional systems based on organic UV filters and synthetic repellents. An oil-in-water microemulsion was formulated using 8% (w/w) of an essential oil blend (citronella, lemongrass, basil, and lavender) combined with vitamin E, 30% (w/w) of a 2:1 Eco-Tween 80/ethanol mixture, and 62% (w/w) water. Lipid-coated ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticles (10% w/w), including zinc oxide coated with stearoyl glutamic acid and polyhydroxystearic acid, and titanium dioxide coated with alumina and jojoba esters, were incorporated. Physicochemical parameters, as Z, PdI and pH, among others, were determined. The formulation was evaluated for in-vitro sun protection factor (SPF), photostability in the UVA range, mosquito repellency against Culex Pipiens pipiens, antioxidant capacity via DPPH assay, and cytotoxicity in HEK293 cells. The developed system displayed a hydrodynamic diameter of 806 ± 74 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.323 ± 0.141, and a pH of 7.83 ± 0.02, indicating suitability for topical application. The formulation demonstrated an in-vitro SPF of 5.76 ± 0.89 and exhibited stability under the UVA range. Repellency assays showed a repellency index of 0.31, with significant activity sustained for up to 4 h. Moderate antioxidant activity was observed in the DPPH assay, and no cytotoxic effects were detected in HEK293 cells derived from human embryonic renal epithelium, commonly used for toxicity testing of nanomaterials and drugs.

In the global pursuit of environmentally benign and high-performance materials, barium titanate tin oxide (Ba (Ti₁₋_xSn_x) O₃ or BTS) has emerged as a prominent lead-free ferroelectric ceramic. Its remarkable dielectric, piezoelectric, and electrocaloric properties, tunable across a wide range via precise compositional modification (i.e., adjusting the Sn substitution level, x, and co-doping with rare-earth or transition-metal ions), position it as a key candidate for a new generation of energy applications. This article provides a structured scientific overview of the significant advancements in the research of BTS. The novelty of this study lies in its timely synthesis of the very latest breakthroughs—including the recent achievement of ultrahigh piezoelectricity surpassing PZT—and its systematic connection of these state-of-the-art findings to the material's fundamental properties. We focus on scalable synthesis routes, the intricate relationship between microstructure-phase-composition and functional properties, and BTS's promising role in high-density energy storage devices, efficient electrocaloric cooling systems, high-sensitivity piezoelectric sensors, and a growing range of biocompatible biomedical and photocatalytic environmental technologies.

Many conventional drugs are being found resistant against various bacterial strains. To combat major health challenges due to bacterial infections, nanomaterials are currently being used as alternatives or in conjunction with traditional drugs. The unique properties of nanomaterials make them suitable for such applications and help them to overcome the limitations of conventional drugs. The present article reports on the recent advances and emerging applications of various functional nanomaterials (i.e. metals, metal oxides, carbon-based nanomaterials and their nanocomposites, etc.) as antibacterial and antiviral agents with emphasis on their modes of action. Various challenging issues in controlling bacterial and viral infections using these functional nanomaterials have been emphasized. Furthermore, the use of such nanomaterials as delivery vehicles for antibacterial and antiviral drugs has also been discussed.

Numerical simulation serves as a pivotal method for forecasting the production behavior of hydrate reservoirs, where seepage parameters frequently govern the discrepancies observed in predictive outcomes. In this study, we investigated the influence of fundamental seepage parameters on the productivity of hydrate reservoirs. Taking the hydrate reservoir in the QDNB as a case study, a stratified reservoir model was established to represent the coexistence of free gas and hydrates. By employing the Tough + Hydrate simulator, the production characteristics of the reservoir at site W03 were systematically analyzed. Results demonstrated that n_G plays a pivotal role in influencing wellhead gas production, with an inverse relationship observed between gas production rate and n_G. Moreover, the wellhead gas production rate is positively correlated with S_irA, while the water production rate inversely correlates with S_irA. A decrease S_irG enhances hydrate decomposition and augments gas production within the reservoir. Cumulative gas production at wellhead increases exponentially as the n_G decreases, while cumulative water production escalates with a decrease in the n_A. Lower n_G and n_A facilitate more efficient hydrate decomposition within the reservoir. Sensitivity analysis underscores that the impact of seepage parameters on wellhead gas production diminishes in the sequence: n_G, S_irG, S_irA, and n_A. Conversely, for wellhead water production, n_A emerges as the predominant factor, succeeded by S_irA, with S_irG having the minimal impact.

This study aimed to trace the sources of molds causing gingerbread spoilage. A total of 114 samples, including air, swabs, Rodac plates, ingredients, and products, were collected from a bakery during production. Molds were initially recovered from samples using OGYE and DG-18 agar media. For source tracking, gene sequence analysis was performed on 39 selected isolates. The spoilage potential of molds was assessed through their enzyme activity. All air samples, surface areas, and overhead ventilator units were mold-contaminated, with 18 to > 200 CFUs/m³ in air, 0 to 11 CFUs/25 cm² on surfaces, and > 100 CFUs/25 cm² on DG-18 agar. The cooling room samples, including swabs, ingredients, products, and nebulizers, showed high contamination levels. Air in the processing environment was gingerbread's main source of mold contaminants. A total of 151 isolates were identified at the genus level. Aspergillus spp. was the most frequently encountered mold in the 151 isolates, followed by Penicillium spp. The strains recovered from gingerbread samples were Aspergillus niger (A. niger), Penicillium chrysogenum (P. chrysogenum), and P. decumbens. Of these, only A. niger and P. chrysogenum were able to grow on gingerbread in challenge tests. A. niger exhibited amylase, protease, and lipase activity, while P. chrysogenum expressed only amylase and protease.

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) were considered important for solar applications due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, high light absorption, and unique edge properties which can facilitate efficient charge carrier separation, making them promising candidates for use in solar cells as electrodes, interfacial layers, or even active materials in certain designs. These nanoribbons can be good alternatives as carrier extraction interlayers for organic/inorganic hybrid solar cells, through varying the width and the type of edge functionalization. GNRs were synthesized from two different organic molecules and were utilized to prepare thin films of nanocomposites with ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticles to study their current-voltage properties. The designing was carried out in such a way that both aromatic organic molecules, namely, o-amino phenol and p-amino benzoic acid, when treated to cracking at very low temperatures, resulted in the production of nanoribbons like pattern. The band gap energy of GNRs obtained from both molecules was calculated, which indicated their semiconducting property suitable for photo-voltaic applications. The AFM images of the nanocomposites clearly showed the uniform distribution of the metal oxide nanoparticles on the surface of the GNRs. The current–voltage (I–V) properties of the nanocomposites were investigated and open-circuit photovoltage (V_OC), short-circuit photocurrent (I_SC), fill factor (FF) along with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the solar cell were measured. Interestingly, the nanocomposites of GNRs prepared from the organic compounds p-amino benzoic acid showed a higher PCE value (2.069%).

In order to ensure thermal comfort of petrochemical workshop lounge, airflow organization performance of it is studied based CFD. Influence of the numerical value of wind speed on indoor cleanliness is obtained by establishing two-dimensional CAD building diagram, setting working conditions with different flow rates, analyzing cloud images in Fluent software (temperature cloud, pressure cloud, velocity cloud, turbulent kinetic energy cloud), velocity vector diagram, particle concentration diagram at different times. That is, when natural ventilation only needs to consider the indoor air cleanliness, the ventilation condition of inlet wind speed of about 0.5 m/s is a more reasonable design parameter. At the same time, the concentrated location of indoor air cleanliness is obtained. In the corner away from the doors and windows, the air freshness decreases, the human body feels uncomfortable, through the reasonable arrangement of indoor furniture, is conducive to improving the thermal comfort of the human body; At the same time, the relationship between the inlet wind speed and turbulent kinetic energy is obtained, and the intensity of fluid movement can be known by analyzing the turbulent kinetic energy cloud map, and then the influence of indoor air distribution uniformity on human thermal comfort can be obtained. At the same time, by controlling the single variable method, that is, the position of the window opening, the area of the window opening and the wind direction projection Angle are unchanged, only the wind speed at the entrance is changed, and the eddy relationship between the wind speed and the building is obtained by analyzing the trace diagram at different times. Research results can provide theoretical basis for amend airflow organization.

To meet the demand for high-performance rare-earth-free permanent magnet, the Ta-added AlNiCo permanent alloy has been prepared in this study. Effects of the Ta addition and isothermal magnetic annealing time on structure, micro-morphology, and magnetic properties of AlNiCo alloy have been investigated. An appropriate amount of Ta addition improves the permanent magnetic performance of the AlNiCo alloy. The optimal content of Ta addition is 0.6 wt%. It is found that with increasing isothermal magnetic annealing time, (BH)_max, H_cj, and B_r increase first and then decrease. The sample with the isothermal magnetic annealing time of 20 min shows the optimal permanent magnetic performance with (BH)_max, H_cj, and B_r of 5.73 MGOe, 1.85 kOe, and 9.16 kGs, respectively. Ta element aggregates at the joints between adjacent α₁ phases and plays the role of separator, which reduces the magnetic interaction between adjacent α₁ phases and improves permanent magnetic performance. A modest isothermal magnetic annealing time promotes the aggregation of Ta element at the joints between adjacent α₁ phases and suppresses the formation of small α₁ phases. This is the reason for the enhancement of permanent magnetic performance.